• 6 e 6
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 AND 
 
 LETTERS, 
 
 ADDRESSED TO 
 
 WILLIAM CARSTARES, 
 
 Confidential SECRETARY to K. WILLIAM during the whole of 
 his Reign ; afterwards Principal of the Univerfity of Edinburgh. 
 
 Relating to Public Affairs in Great-Britain, but more particularly in 
 Scotland, during the Reigns of K. William and Q^ Anne. 
 
 TO WHICH IS PREFIXED 
 
 The LIFE of Mr CARSTARES. 
 
 Published from the Originals, By 
 
 JOSEPH M'COR MICK, D. D. Minifter at Preftonpans. 
 
 EDINBURGH: 
 
 Printed for W. S T R A H A N and T. C A D E L L, Undw: 
 
 and JOHN BALFOUR, Edinburgh. 
 
 M,DCC,LXXIV.
 
 R E F A C E. 
 
 THE utility of State-Papers is univerfally underftoodand acknow- 
 ledged. It is from the evidence which thefefurnifh, thathiftory 
 derives its full degree of authenticity. Every perfon engaged in 
 great tranfadions is influenced by a particular fyftem of opinions, and 
 is biaffed by affection to thofe with whom he ads, or antipathy to thofe 
 whom he oppofes. If he undertakes to inform pofterity with refped 
 to what he has known or done, his fyftem and paffions mingle imper- 
 ceptibly with his narrative, and tinge with their own colour the fads 
 which he relates. Contemporary hiftorians are often, for this reafon, 
 not the moil authentic; and adors in confiderable fcenes do not defcribe 
 them with the greateft impartiality. A difcerning reader perufes them 
 with diftruft, and with-holds his affent until their teftimony be con- 
 firmed by the more unfufpicious evidence of original papers. 
 
 With refped to periods which are remote and unintereitmg, we 
 may reft fatisfied with the information of contemporary authors, leaving 
 3 it to the induftrious curiofity of antiquaries to glean what farther in- 
 telligence they can pick up from imperfed records : But, where tranf- 
 J adions are recent, and of great importance, when they belong to times 
 g in which a nation is divided into political fadions of repugnant prin- 
 ciples, and purfuing different objeds, there is no fource of hiftorical 
 <5 knowledge fo genuine and pure as that of State-Papers. By exami- 
 Y- ning and comparing thefe, we difcover the real views, not only of indi- 
 2 viduals, but of parties; we can trace the means which they employed in 
 |! order to attain their ends ; we penetrate into fecrets which were often 
 ^ concealed from fuch as aded a confiderable part in the condud of af- 
 fairs ; and, in the unreferved freedom of private correfpondence, fee 
 ftriking and peculiar features of charaders break out, which, in public, 
 were ftudioufly difguifed. 
 
 Obvious as the benefit derived from the ufe of original papers may 
 appear, it is furprifing that authors were fo long in having reeourfe to 
 
 " 2 this 
 
 1 1
 
 •IV 
 
 R E F A C E. 
 
 this mode of authenticating their hiftories. Camden is the firil of our 
 hiftorians who feerhs to have confidered the diligent infpection of re- 
 cords and ftate-papers as a neceflary preparation for writing the hiftory 
 of an interefting sera. His example, fuccefsfully imitated by Lord 
 Herbert, taught his countrymen the difference between a hiftory reft- 
 ing upon evidence, and the meagre annals of monks, or the partial me- 
 moirs of courtiers. The attention of ingenious men, folicitous to dis- 
 cover truth, or eager to defend the tenets and conduct of their favou- 
 rite faction, were turned towards a new object ; public archives were 
 fearched, and the repofitories of private men ranfacked, in order to il- 
 luftrate the interefting periods of Englifh hiftory. 
 
 The reign of Queen Elizabeth, fertile in great events, which have 
 been no lefs the fubject of controverfy than of admiration, became 
 the firft object of hiftorical inquiry. The collection of papers amafled 
 by Cecil, and augmented by Sir Robert Cotton, furnifhed ample mate- 
 rials for illuftrating that period. Nor has this vaft magazine been en- 
 tirely exhaufted by the induftry of a long fucceffion of compilers, from 
 the publifher of the Cabala down to Murdin. 
 
 The reigns of James I. and of his unfortunate fon, in which every 
 tranfaction has been the object of doubt, or of difpute, next engaged 
 the attention of curious inquirers. There too the ftore of ftate-papers 
 is vaft. The collections of Rufhworth, Nalfon, Thurloe, &c. elucidate 
 every material tranfaction in that bufy period ; and it is from them, 
 not from the narrations of Clarendon and Ludlcw, though both confi- 
 derable actors in the fcene, though both men of integrity, and the for- 
 mer of fuperior talents, that we derive an accurate knowledge of the 
 remote, as well as immediate caufes which firft overturned and then 
 re-eftablifhed the monarchy. 
 
 The light thrown upon two fuch important periods by the publica- 
 tion of original papers, afforded fuch evidence of their utility as fug- 
 gefted an idea more extenfive. Queen Anne, with a munificence tru- 
 ly royal, enabled Rymer to collect and to publifh his Foedra^ compre- 
 hending the moft important papers in the national archives, relative to 
 the public affairs of England from the beginning of the twelfth cen- 
 tury
 
 PREFACE. v 
 
 tuiy to the reign of James I. From this noble collection, the Englifh 
 hiftory derives its authenticity. Many tranfactions, which had efcaped 
 the attention of the antient annalifts, are refcued from oblivion, and 
 more are placed in a light very different from that wherein they are 
 reprefented by them. To this fame collection, the hiftory of Scotland 
 may be faid to owe its exiftence ; as, previous to the publication of that 
 valuable work, it was a confufed chaos, without any certain light to 
 guide to the knowledge of facts, or any proper documents to authenti- 
 cate them. 
 
 But, while the antient hiftory of Great Britain, and that of the two 
 great periods preceeding the reftoration, received fuch illustration from 
 collections of ftate-papers, our hiftory, fubfequent to that aera, cannot 
 pretend to the fame advantages. Some light has indeed been thrown 
 upon the reign of Charles II. by the letters of Temple, Arlington, and 
 of Danby ; but it is only of late that any papers of moment relating 
 to the reigns of James II. and William III. have been publifhed ; and none 
 of any confequence have yet appeared concerning the reign of Queen 
 Anne. The public curiofity, fatiated, in a great meafure, with refpeft to 
 the two former periods which have been mentioned, is ftill eager and 
 unabated with regard to the latter. This is manifeft from the extraordi- 
 nary attention paid to the interefting collection publifhed by Sir John 
 Dalrymple. 
 
 There is, indeed, an obvious reafon for the fcantinefs of hiflorica! 
 materials during the reigns of thefe three princes. A certain period of 
 time muft elapfe before the tranfactions of any age, efpecially of a tur- 
 bulent and factious one, become a proper fubject for hiftorv. Not on- 
 ly the capital actors themfelves, but their immediate dependents, muft 
 go off the ftage, before we can expect that their cabinets wilj be open- 
 ed, and the papers which they contain be expofed to the public eye. 
 There are in the repositories of feveral great families in both kingdoms, 
 large collections of papers concerning public affairs under each of thefe 
 princes. The maturity of time is now arrived, when they may be 
 made public without impropriety. It will afford the publisher real fa- 
 tisfaction, if his example, and the inftruction or amufement received 
 
 from
 
 VI 
 
 R E F A C E. 
 
 from the papers which he communicates, mall excite others to open 
 their ftores, and no longer with-hold from the public information 
 which it is not now neceflary to conceal. 
 
 What degree of merit the following colledion may poffefs, it be- 
 comes not the publimer to fay. He has confined himfelf to his own 
 humble province, without prefuming to encroach upon that of the hi- 
 ftorian ; and, as much as poflible, has avoided entering into any hifto- 
 rical or critical detail concerning the fads to which the collection re- 
 fers. Satisfied with his own patient induftry in laying in the materi- 
 als, he leaves it to the genius of the hiftorian, by arranging them in pro- 
 per order, to raife the ftructure. 
 
 Even with regard to the firft intention of publifhing this collection, 
 he can claim but little merit. He has fuffered himfelf to be guided 
 entirely by the opinion of far better judges of its importance than he 
 is himfelf ; judges, to whofe opinion, in matters of this nature, he 
 knows that the public is difpofed to pay the greateft deference * 
 
 To the papers is prefixed a life of Mr Carftares. This he thought 
 neceflary, not only in order to do juftice to the character and talents of 
 a refpectable man, but to explain the peculiar circumftances in his fi- 
 tuation which gave rife to his extenfive correfpondence concerning pu- 
 blic affairs. There are fome yet alive who remember Mr Carftares in 
 thofe ftations, which he filled with fo much honour to himfelf and to 
 his country, in the latter period of his life. But, during the reign of 
 King William, when he was the confidential minifter of that great 
 prince in all Scottiili bulinefs, as he held no public office, and 
 was a man of much difcretion, as well as of real modefty, he was ib 
 far from thrufting himfelf forward, or making a difplay of the credit 
 which he poffeffed, that his influence and operations were frequently 
 unobferved, and he is feldom mentioned by the memoir-writers of the 
 times. It is in the following papers, and in thofe prefer ved in the fa- 
 milies of the great officers of ftate in both kingdoms, during the reign 
 
 of 
 * Sir David Dalrymple will forgive the editor for taking this opportunity of inform- 
 ing the public, that, if this colle&ion has any merit, it is to him the world is indebted 
 for the firft fuggeftion of its being made public, and the editor for his advice and af- 
 fiftance in the publication.
 
 PREFACE vii 
 
 of King William, that we difcover his influence in public tranfadions, 
 from the acceffion of that monarch to his death. 
 
 But, though few particulars concerning Mr Carftares are to be 
 learned from the imperfed hiftories of King William's reign which 
 have hitherto appeared, feveral circumftances determined the publifher 
 to attempt giving an account of his life. As thefe circumftances ferve 
 to eftablifh the authenticity of the papers now made public, he confi- 
 ders it as his duty to mention them. 
 
 Thefe papers came into the hands of Mr Charles Macky, late Profef- 
 for of civil hiftory and antiquities in the univerfity of Edinburgh, as exe- 
 cutor to Mrs Carftares. That gentleman preferved them with a religious 
 care. Several years before his death, he informed the publifher that 
 he intended to leave them to him, on account of his near relation to Mr 
 Carftares. At the fame time, he fignified his defire, that, if ever they 
 were made public, fome account of the life of Mr Carftares fhould ac- 
 company them into the world. 
 
 With this view, Mr Macky was at considerable pains to furnifh him 
 with fuch materials as might enable him to comply with his inclina- 
 tion. He had lived much in Mr Carftares's family in the early part 
 of his life, and, by that means, had accefs to be acquainted with many 
 circumftances in his private deportment and character, unknown to the 
 world. 
 
 Thefe, together with the original papers now publifhed, he com- 
 municated from time to time to the publifher, and from them the ac- 
 count of the life of Mr Carftares was taken. 
 
 He mentions this circumftance the rather, becaufe Mr Macky's well 
 known charader, in point of candour and integrity, as well as accuracy 
 in hiftorical refearches, gives the publifher an entire confidence in the 
 truth of fuch particulars, in the following account, as have no other 
 vouchers. 
 
 But, whatever reception this part of the publication may meet with 
 from the world, it affords fome fatisfadion to the publifher, that, in at- 
 tempting to do fome juftice to the memory of one departed friend, he 
 has fulfilled the obligation he lies under to another. 
 
 ADVER-
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 AS the editor has pledged himfelf to the public for the whole of 
 Mr Carftares's correfpondence relative to affairs of ftate, he has 
 not only thought it incumbent upon him to publifh the letters in 
 cyphers to which, after no fmall labour, he difcovered a key ; but 
 does not think himfelf at liberty to with-hold a few letters which he 
 has attempted to decypher in vain ; becaufe it is poffible thefe may 
 fall into the hands of fome more verfant in matters of this kind, who 
 may prove more fuccefsful in the attempt. 
 
 The letters in this publication are printed according to the ortho- 
 graphy of the originals. Any want of uniformity in this particular, 
 in letters from the fame correfpondents, is entirely owing to this cir- 
 cumftance, that fome of the letters which are figned by the principals, 
 were written by their fecretaries. 
 
 To the life of Mr Carftares are annexed fome fhort memoirs of the 
 ftatefmen whofe letters are contained in this collection. Thefe are ex- 
 cerpted from a manufcript in the poffemon of the Earl of Hyndford, 
 which the editor found to be more compleat, and lefs partial, than the 
 copy from which an anonymous writer published, in 1732, The Cha~ 
 racier s of the Court of Great Britain.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 LIFE of Mr Carftares, page I— 91. Memoirs of correfpondents, 92—102. 
 Earl of Argyle's correfpondence with Monmouth, Ruflel, and the exclufionifts, 
 decyphered, p. 106 124. 
 
 Secret intelligence concerning the tranfaftions of King James and his friends in 
 France and Scotland ; — and the negociations of Breadalbine with the Highland cha- 
 in the year 1691, p. 126. 
 
 Debates in the privy-council concerning a militia in Scotland, p. 143. 
 
 Proceedings in the parliament of Scotland in 1693, in a feries of letters from Secre- 
 tary John (ton. — His method of managing a Scottifh parliament, p. 157. 
 
 Aflaflination-plot. The means ufed to difcover one j but without fuccefs. Fid. 
 
 Alexander Johnfton's letters pajjim. 
 
 Lord Tarbat follicits a pardon, and demits his office of regifter. Proceedings in 
 
 parliament, and fecret committee in the affair of Glenco. Mutual complaints of 
 
 the leading-men in the oppofite factions upon that fubjeft, p. 229. 
 
 Of a bond of afTociation, — and contefts about it. The Africanc ompany Vio- 
 lent complaints of Tullibardine's adminiftration. State of the kingdom Choice 
 
 of a prefident to the Court of Seflion, &c. p. 279. 
 
 Lord Portland's embafly to France. Tranfa&ions in Scotland in the year 1 ex- 
 change of the miniftry. Violent oppofition in Parliament by Tullibardine and his 
 
 friends.— —His profecution of tH<? Francis -, who are fupported by Argyle African 
 
 company's addrels. Free characters of the leading men in the oppofition, p. 372. 
 
 More changes neceflary. Violent conteft betwixt Argyle and Teviot. The 
 
 Earl of Portland's refignation. — Bitter complaints by Argyle of Seafield's treachery. 
 
 Full detail of the proceedings in the African company and parliament relative to the 
 
 Darien expedition, Lord Bafil Hamilton fent up with an addrefs> The ferment 
 
 over the whole kingdom -The rabble at Edinburgh. The deplorable condition 
 
 of the country, p. 441. 
 
 The cowardice and timidity of mod of the King's fervants in Scotland. The 
 
 King's perfonal prefence required, to fave the nation from ruin, p. 543. Captain 
 
 Pinkerton and his company feized and condemned, as pyrates, by the Spaniards. 
 
 A parliament. Annandale fufpefted, though penfioned Duke of Hamilton, and 
 
 Marquis of Tullibardine, at the head of oppofition, carry all before them Various 
 
 plans of accommodation propofed to the King. Titles, penfions, and places, necef- 
 
 fary, and to whom, p. 558. 
 
 Duke of Glocefler's death. Sentence of the rabblers, and its execution. More 
 
 money and penfions requifite, p. 594. The King refufes to aflert the right of the Scots 
 
 to Caledonia. But makes certain conceffions, which have a good effect. Of the 
 
 vacancies in the court of fefTion, 
 
 b Prepa-
 
 X 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Preparations for King William's coming to Scotland. Meafures for fecuring a 
 
 majority in next feflion of parliament. More money demanded. How to be 
 
 i emitted, and in what manner difpofed of. — Balcarras. — Paterfon's fcheme of trade. 
 
 Argyje and Seafield's fuccefs in gaining profelytes. King William's letter and in- 
 
 ftructions. Repeated entreaties that he would be prefent during the fitting of the* 
 
 parliament. Of his lodgings in the abbey. And the way of his difpenfing with 
 
 his coronation, p. 601. 
 
 Parliament meets, debates and proceedings, p. 669. Of trade with France. 
 
 jcaloufies and differences among the King's fervants. Of the African company's ad- 
 
 Jrefs. Titles, penfions, and offices, p. 694. Proceedings in the parliament, 
 
 which met upon the Queen's acceffion, p. 714. Of fettling the fucceffion to the 
 
 crown of Scotland. And the averfion of the Scots to the fame fucceflbr with Eng- 
 land, p. 717. 
 
 Of the union of the two kingdoms, p. 737. 
 
 Of the invafion in 1708, p. 764. The privy-council in Scotland, reafons for and 
 
 againft taking it away. Of the Englifh liturgy. The oath of abjuration, and pa- 
 tronages, p. 766. 
 
 Appendix. Act of parliament in favour of Mr Carftares, p. 193. 
 
 Overture for fettling church-government in Scotland, p. 794. 
 
 Aft for fettling the peace of the church, p. 795. 
 
 Petition of Mr Carftares, and others, concerning the bill for reftoring patronages, 
 p. 796. 
 
 Remarks on the reprefentatlon made by the kirk of Scotland concerning patronages, 
 r , 798. - 
 
 A L P K A* 
 
 x
 
 ALPHABETICAL INDEX of the LETTERS. 
 
 A. 
 
 A Nnandale, page 649, 670, 675, 789 
 
 Argyle, Earl of, 107, 109, 113 
 Argyle, Earl, afterwards Duke of, 232, 272, 274, 277, 2 19i 285, 289, 316, 327, 370, 
 
 388, 389, 392, 393, 411, 421, 431, 442, 447> 449> 4S7» 46~4> 465, 468,469, 472, 
 
 475, 480, 494, 565, 588* 598, 636, 647, 665, 697 
 Argyle John, Duke of, 735 
 
 r 
 
 B. 
 
 Boyle of Kelburn, afterwards Earl of Glafgow, 394, 408, 723 
 
 Buchan, Earl of, 460 
 
 Blantyre Lord, 377, 508 
 
 Blair David, 254, 264, 364, 365 
 
 C. 
 Crawfurd, Earl of, 125, 143, 553 
 Cunninghame Hugh, 438, 463 
 
 Alexander, 360, 109, 710 
 
 Cockburn of Ormifton, Lord Juftice-clerk and Treafurer-depute, 256, 287, 365, ->C6 
 
 367, 37 8 > 444> 47 6 » 506,507,509,510,512,525,551,554,576,592,608,657, 
 704, 709, 929 
 
 Carmichael Lord, 265, 487, 489, 524, 546, 560, 568, 600, 701 
 
 D. 
 Dalrymple, Sir Hew, Lord Prefident, 380, ^ 9i 652, 660 
 
 F. 
 Frazer of Beaufort, alias Lord Lovat, 434, 6<)t; 
 Forbes, Mafter of, 265 
 
 H. 
 Harley Robert, afterwards Earl of Oxford, Lord High-treafurer of Great Britain, 718 
 
 719,721,724, 727, 756, 774 
 Hay, Earl of, 779, 781, 786, 789, 791 
 
 J. 
 
 Johnfton James, Secretary of State, 153, 154, 155, i 5/j I5 8, l$9i l6lj l66> ^ 
 
 178, 181, 183, 184. 
 . Alexander, his brother, 185, 187, 188, 192, 196, 197, 198, 201, 203, 
 
 204,206^209,211, 213, 216, 218, 222, 224,225, 239 
 
 K. 
 Kennedy, Sir Andrew, 271, 359. 
 
 L. 
 
 Loudon, Earl of, 739, 770 
 Leven, Earl of, 479, 7*7>75 I >753 
 
 M. Mair
 
 xii INDEX of LETTERS. 
 
 M. 
 Marr, Earl of, 618, 733, 743, 746, 752, 762,787 
 Marchmont, Earl of, 299, 385, 404, 407, 409, 419, 4*j?»474» 4"> 573> 6o5 » 6 94> 6 99? 
 
 7*3* 7*4- 
 
 Melvill, Earl of, 399, 514, 543, 549, 578. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh, 381, 518, 529, 539, 54** SS 6 * 6ol > 6 59> 68 4> ^9°> 7*4 
 
 M'Kay John, 128, 130, 131, 133 135, 191 
 
 Maxwell, Sir John, 376 
 
 N. 
 
 Nairne Sir David, 740,761,769 
 
 Napier Lord, 523 
 
 O. 
 
 Ogilvy Sir James, afterwards Earl of Seafield, 257,-263, 260, 270, 295, 299, 302, 306, 
 3°7> 3°9> 301,314,313,319, 326, 335>341>344j347>349>3S i >3?2, 355> 35 6 > 36~r, 
 379, 384, 386, 390, 391, 365, 397, 4°3> 4°S> 4°9> 4i4» 425, 426, 427, 429, 437, 
 441, 445, 482, 484* 492> 493> 49 8 > SS°> 577> 5 8l > 5 8 3> 59°> 6l6 > 628, 632, 
 650, 663, 669, 671, 699, 702, 705, 708, 725, 731, 731, 932, 733> 735) 737> 745> 
 764, 766, 780, 792 
 
 P. 
 
 Portland, Earl of, 505, 648, 717, 742, 749, 762, 765 
 
 Pringle Robert, 368, 772, 777, 778, 784 
 
 Queenfberry, Duke of, 291, 292, 312, 333, 400, 420, 452, 574, 483, 535, 548, 561, 
 57i> 594> 602, 625, 630, 637, 661, 667, 706 
 
 S. 
 
 Stairs, Earl of, 750 
 
 Sunderland, Earl of, 776, 785 
 
 Stewart Sir James, Lord-advocate, 200, 262, 282, 283, 290, 298, 330, 338, 343, 354, 
 
 454, 471 , 490, 495, 533., 547, 553, 554, 574> S 8 °"> 607, 620, 624, 767 
 Stewart John, 570, 611, 621, 626, 633, 645, 6$5 
 Sutherland, Earl of, 296 
 
 T. 
 TarbatLord, afterwards Earl of Cromarty, 229, 231, 233 
 Tullibardine, Marquis of, afterwards Duke of Athole, 284, 293, 305,^3 15,32a, 324, 
 
 346°
 
 *********4*******************+****************************** 
 
 T H E 
 
 LIFE 
 
 O F 
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 
 
 +%.% *********** ******* ********* *** *************** ************
 
 THE 
 
 E 
 
 O F 
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 
 
 MR WILLIAM CARSTARES was born upon the His birth 
 nth day of February 1649, at Cathcart, in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Glafgow. 
 
 His father, Mr John Carftares, a clergyman, was a younger 
 branch of a very ancient family of thai name, in the count/ of 
 Fife. His mother was a daughter of Muir of Glanderfton, a reipec- 
 table family in the county of Renfrew. 
 
 As William gave early indications of an uncommon genius, his His educate 
 father determined to give him the beft education this country could 
 afford. With this view, he fent him, when very young, to Ormif- 
 ton, a village in Eaft-Lothian, and put him under the tuition of 
 Mr Sinclair, an indulged Prefbyterian clergyman, and a particular 
 friend of his own, who kept an academy, where many young gen- 
 tlemen of the chief families in Scotland were educated. 
 
 It was at this early period that Mr Carftares formed thofe con- 
 nections which fubfifted betwixt him and fome of the greateft men in 
 the nation during the whole of his future life. It was here too, that he 
 firft acquired that tafte for the learned languages for which he was 
 afterwards diftinguiihed, It was the cuftom in all the public fchoo'ls 
 
 A 2 in
 
 4 THELIFEOF 
 
 in Scotland, in thofe days, to teach the very elements of the Latin 
 in that language, and to fpeak nothing but Latin in fchool. Mr 
 Sinclair carried this point ftill farther ; for he would fuffer no other 
 language to be fpoken in his family. To this circumftance, along 
 with another which we mall have occafion to mention afterwards, 
 he was wont to afcribe the eafe with which he could write and 
 fpeak in that tongue. 
 
 Upon his leaving this academy, his father fent him to the uni- 
 verfity of Edinburgh, under the particular infpeclion of Mr Paterfon, 
 then one of the regents of the college, afterwards Sir William Pater- 
 fon, and clerk to the privy-council of Scotland. Under this gentle- 
 man's care he made great proficiency in the feveral branches of the 
 fchool-philofophy then in vogue, and afterwards devoted himfelf 
 particularly to the ftudy of divinity, the profeflion to which he was 
 naturally inclined, and for which his father intended him. 
 
 But the unhappy fituation of his country, at that period, greatly 
 damped the ardour of his literary purfuits, and drew his attention to- 
 wards obje&s of a very different nature, but no lefs fuited to thofe talents 
 of which he was poffeflcd. Naturally of an active, bold, and enterpri- 
 zingfpirit, connected by blood with fome, and by habits of friendlhip 
 with others, whofe families had fmarted mod feverely under the rod 
 of perfecution, he was ready to lend a willing ear to the complaints 
 they uttered, and gave early fymptoms of his difpofition to concur 
 with them in obtaining redrefs of thofe grievances under which 
 they groaned, and in defence of the civil and religious liberties of 
 
 his country. 
 Hisfatherre- His father, apprehending that the natural warmth of his fon's 
 hiiTabroad. temper, joined to the impetuofity of youth, and his avowed detefta- 
 tion of the court-meafures, might hurry him too far, under pretence 
 of affording him the beft opportunity of finifhing his iludies in di- 
 vinity, fent him to the univerlity of Utrecht. 
 
 When he fet out from Scotland, his father gave him a letter to a 
 phyfician at London, a particular friend of his, recommending him 
 
 to
 
 Mr WILLIAM CAR ST ARES. 5 
 
 to his kindeft offices, and beft advice. This letter, Mr CarPcares ufed 
 to obferve, laid the foundation of his future fortunes in life. 
 
 At this time England had begun to take the alarm about the State of af- 
 popifh fucceffion. The thoughtlefs and profligate Charles was too ^a « thac 
 diffipated to give that attention to affairs of ftate which their nature P enod - 
 and importance required. And the Duke of York, though a man 
 of bufinefs and application, was too great a bigot in his principles, 
 not to betray the ftrongert attachment to the church of Rome, at 
 the very time when every motive of intereft and found policy would 
 have led any other perfon, in his delicate fituation, to have conceal- 
 ed it. 
 
 Such a conduct could not fail to awake the fufpicions of a nation 
 which had hardly got time to breathe, after the calamities it had al- 
 ready fuffered from the tyrannical maxims of government which, 
 that fuperftition adopts. 
 
 Charles having no lawful children of his own body, the fucceffion 
 to the crown devolved upon the Duke of York ; and, fuch as were 
 difpofed to fpeculate upon fubjects of this nature, when they beheld 
 the effects of his bigotry Jn his brother's reign, could not refrain 
 from foreboding, that it would certainly be attended with ftill great- 
 er evils in his own. 
 
 Happily for thefe kingdoms, the two daughters of the Duke of 
 York had been educated in the principles of the proteftant religion ; 
 and there was at this time a treaty of marriage on foot, betwixt the 
 Princefs Mary the eldeft, and William Prince of Orange, nephew 
 to Charles and James, whom Providence raifed up at this period to 
 be the bulwark of the proteftant intereft, and the zealous afferter of 
 the liberties of Europe. 
 
 Being thus doubly allied to the royal family of Great Britain, 
 and hufband to the heirefs-apparent of the crown, it was natural for 
 William to keep a watchful eye over its interefts. And it was no 
 leis natural for Rich as were mot apprehenfive of the fatal confe- 
 quences which might enfue from the rigorous meafures of lames, 
 to turn their eyes towards a Prince, who was the avowed enemy of 
 
 tyranny
 
 6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 tyranny and oppreftion, and to folace themfelves in the profpect, 
 though diftant, of one day obtaining redrefs from that quarter. 
 
 Hence, many who were difaffected to the prefent meafures, 
 entered into a correfpondence with feveral who were about the 
 Prince's court ; particularly with Mr Fagel Penfionary of Holland ; 
 who failed not to pay a particular attention to the Mate of 
 affairs in Great Britain, and to watch every motion of the feveral 
 parties that appeared prejudicial to the interefts of the Prince of O- 
 
 irangfc, 
 
 ^imongft thofe who kept a correfpondence with Holland, was 
 the phyfician to whom Mr Carftares was recommended by his fa- 
 ther. 
 Hisintroduc- This gentleman, finding that Mr Carftares was perfectly well ac- 
 fionary Fa- quainted with the ftate of affairs in Scotland, and thereby qualified 
 ge1, to give the fulleft information to the Prince of Orange, put a letter 
 
 into his hands, directed to the Prince's phyfician, and told him that 
 it would be of ufe to him. Mr Carftares did not fail to deliver it 
 foon after he arrived in Holland. The phyfician had no fooner 
 read it, than he offered to introduce him to Penfionary Fagel, and 
 appointed next day for that purpofe. 
 
 That able minifter, after fome acquaintance with Mr Carftares, 
 discovered, that one, fo thoroughly inftructed in every thing relative 
 to the tranfaetions and ftate of parties in Great Eritain, might poflibly 
 prove of confiderable fervice to his mafter. 
 and to the And, as he knew that nothing could tend more to attach him to 
 his intereft than a private interview with the Prince, he propofed 
 it one day to Mr Carftares. 
 
 This propcfal was too flattering to be rejected by a young 
 man of fpirit, prepoflefled with the higheft veneration for the 
 
 Prince. 
 
 William, though phlegmatic and referved to fuch a degree, that it 
 w T as not eafy to difcover his own character, was abundantly pene- 
 trating into the characters of other men. Mr Carftares was natu- 
 rally of an eafy and polite addiefs, which prepoflefled the Prince in 
 
 his 
 
 Prince of O 
 range
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. J 
 
 his favour from the firft moment he faw him. At the fame time, 
 the fagacity and penetration which he fhewed in the intelligence he 
 communicated concerning the affairs of Great Britain, and the fen- 
 timents he difcovered relative to the ftate of parties at that time, laid 
 the foundation of his favour with the Prince, and of that entire 
 confidence he placed in him till the day of his death. 
 
 During his refidence at the univerfity, whilft he applied himfelf 
 to his literary purfuits, Mr Carftares failed not to improve the op- 
 portunities which his fituation afforded him, of waiting frequently 
 upon the Prince ; and, before he returned, he had fo far. ingratiated 
 himfelf into his favour, that nothing of confequence was tran faded 
 at his court, with refped to Great Britain, with which he was not 
 
 intruded. So that, by the time he returned to his native country, He returns t» 
 
 ,,- n,/- r i n • r s^. Scotland. 
 
 he had, as Dr Burnet obferves, all the fecrets of the Prince ot O- 
 range in his bread. 
 
 His principles, both in religion and politics, were mightily con- 
 firmed by his refidence in that country, and by his perfonal attach- 
 ment to a Prince who was the avowed patron of all the friends of 
 liberty. 
 
 The wretched condition of his native country, at this period, ^ h ^£°" 
 made a deep impreffion upon his mind. As he abhorred, more dom. 
 than ever, every fpecies of arbitrary power, he beheld with regret 
 the encroachments which it was daily making upon the rights and 
 privileges of his fellow citizens. 
 
 Prefbytery, for fome time before the reftoration of Charles II. 
 had been the eftablifhed form of church-government in Scot- 
 land ; and experience hath, at laft, evinced, that it is certainly beft 
 fuited to the fpirit and genius of that people. Upon the reftoration, 
 however, partly owing to the intrigues of Lauderdale, partly to the 
 treachery of Sharp, epifcopacy had been introduced, with every 
 circumftance which could contribute to render it odious, and dif- 
 gufting to the nation. 
 
 That haughty prelate, without principles to controul his ambi- Character oT 
 
 6 7 r ' . Archbiiliop 
 
 tion, and without prudence to moderate the violence of his paf- sharp. 
 
 fions,
 
 •g THELIFEOF 
 
 fions, failed not to p;ofiitute every talent he was matter of to the 
 
 fervice of a court, from whom he had purchafed his prefern: 
 
 the expence of his honour, his integrity, and the truil :om 
 
 to him. Immediately upon his advancement, he 
 
 hand with a defpotic miniiier, in fubverting, by ever; .which 
 
 fraud could fuggeft, or violence perpetrate, the ver) 
 
 not long before undertaken to aflert and def he 
 
 fell a vi&im to his own ambition, and the lawlefs vengeance of" an 
 
 incenfed people. 
 
 The perfecution which followed upon this ever aus 
 
 execution of fevere penal ftatutes, had totally alien ,ns 
 
 of fome of the moil confiderable families in Scotland from aumini- 
 
 ftration. 
 
 Mr Carftares Mr Carftares, though far from being narrow in his religious fezi- 
 
 fets , ou . ta ?"timents, was not only by education, but by principle, a prefby- 
 
 cond tune for • J J . . * , ,-, , '. 
 
 Holland. terian; and, upon finifhing his ftudies m theology, he palled his 
 trials according to the forms of the prelbyterian church, and ob- 
 tained a licence to preach the gofpel : Bat, finding all his hopes 
 of ufefulnefs in that character, in his own country, Dialled by the fe- 
 verities then praftifed againft the prefbyterians, he had taken the 
 refolution of returning again to Holland, that he might enjoy, un- 
 der a more indulgent and aufpicious government, that liberty he 
 was denied at home. 
 Bhaftfburfs Mean while, feveral of the exclufionifts in England, dilgufled 
 Plot ' with the baneful influence of the Duke of York over the royal 
 
 councils, irritated with his avowed profeffion of the catholic, re- 
 ligion; and, above all, alarmed with the profpedt of his fucceffion 
 to the crown, began to concert meafures for preventing an event, 
 which they fcrehiw would be attended with fiich fatal confe- 
 quenccs to themfelves and to their country, and for w. irom 
 
 Charles, by the terrors of an infurredion, thofe concefiions which 
 they had in vain attempted to obtain by conftitutional methods. 
 They were at ftrft irrigated to this project, by the refuels and vin- 
 dictive fpiritof Shaftfbury ; and they were encouraged to periiit in 
 it, by the prefent ferment in the city, occafioned by the late compe- 
 tition
 
 Mr WILLI AM CAR ST ARES. 9 
 
 tition of fherifFs, and the refumption of the city-charter. Such ar- 
 bitrary proceedings afforded ample topics of declamation among 
 the inferior members of the confpiracy, and filled them with the 
 moll fanguine hopes of fuccefs. 
 
 It was natural for men, when once engaged in fo perilous an en- 
 terprize, to call in aid from every quarter. For this purpofe, whilft 
 Shaftfbury, by himfelf and his retainers Fergufon and Rumfay, 
 undertook to manage the correfpondence with the city-malecon- 
 tents, his afibciates, Monmouth and EfTex, Gray, RufTel, and Syd- 
 ney, had their departments alotted them in the feveral counties 
 where their chief influence lay. Whilft thefe things were in agita- The Engliffc 
 lion, it was fuggefted by fome of them, that, in the prefent temper i^te^the" 
 
 of the prefbyterian party in Scotland, it would not be difficult to S^stojoia 
 
 . . . with them. 
 
 prevail with t'.em to attempt an infurrection in Scotland, at the 
 
 fame time with the one propofed to be raifed in England. A fa- 
 vourable opportunity foon prefented itfelf for opening a correfpon- 
 dence betwixt the difafTected in both kingdoms. 
 
 Several gentlemen of diftinction in Scotland had been projecting 
 a purchafe of certain lands in the province of Carolina, for a fettle- 
 ment to fuch of their countrymen as choie rather to abandon their 
 native country, than fubmit any longer to thofe grievous oppreffions, 
 from which they fawno other profpect of relief. " Any condition," 
 fays an eminent hiftorian, " feemed preferable to the living in their 
 native country, which, by the prevalence of perfecution and vio- 
 lence, was become as infecure as a den of thieves. It were endlefs 
 and Shocking to enumerate all the inftances of abfurd tyranny which 
 at that time prevailed in Scotland *." 
 
 The Englifh confpirators juftly inferred, that men who were 
 willing to enact their own banifhment, were prepared for the mofl 
 defperate enterprize ; and therefore, under pretext of the Ameri- 
 can purchafe, inftantly fet on foot a negociation with the Scots,. 
 As Mr Carftares was then about to fet out for London, in his way 
 
 B to 
 
 * Mr Hume's hiftory of England.
 
 1C5 
 
 THE LIFE O E 
 
 Mr Car- 
 ftares's nego- 
 tiations with 
 the confpira- 
 tors in both 
 kingdoms. 
 
 Argyle and 
 the Scotifh 
 refugees pro- 
 pofe to join 
 with them. 
 
 An interview 
 with Fergu- 
 fon. 
 
 to Holland, and was perfonally known to many of the confpirators, 
 both Englifh and Scots, he was employed by them in carrying 
 on this tranfaction. 
 
 About the time that Mr Carftares arrived at London, which 
 was in the month of November 1682, Argyle, and the other refu- 
 gees in Holland, had got intelligence of what was in agitation in 
 Britain, and impowered James Stewart younger of Cultnefs, after- 
 wards Lord Advocate for Scotland, to write to Mr Carftares in their 
 name, acquainting him, that, if he could, by his intereft with the 
 Englifh confpirators, procure a certain fum of money for purchafmg 
 arms and ammunition in Holland, they were ready to co-operate 
 with them by an invafion upon the weft of Scotland. 
 
 Mr Caritares communicated the contents of this letter to Lord 
 Ruflel and Mr Sydney: He reprefented to them the advantages 
 which would accrue to the common caufe by placing Argyle at the 
 head of the infurrettion in Scotland, whofe numerous vaffals and 
 extenfive jurifdietions gave him great influence, as his paft fuf- 
 ferings gave him great merit with the party. 
 
 In the courfe of this negociation betwixt the confpirators 
 and Argyle, Mr Carftares had feveral interviews with Robert 
 Fergufon, commonly called the Plotter, who was very forward 
 in giving his aftiftance to procure the money for Argyle. At 
 one of thefe interviews, he took an opportunity of founding Mr 
 Carftares upon another point, which he feemed to have more 
 at heart than the infurrettion, pretending to bewail the lofs of 
 fo much innocent blood as would probably be Tpilt in an o- 
 pen rebellion. He hinted, that there was a much fpeedier and 
 more certain way of coming at the point which they had all in 
 view ; and that, by the death of one, or two at moft, the lives of 
 thoufands might be faved. Mr Carftares could not ftifle the indig- 
 nation he felt at the propofal, and the perfon who had the affurance 
 to make it. He told him, That, when he engaged in the tranfac- 
 tion, he thought he had to do with men of honour and public fpi- 
 rit: That, fo far as thofe concerned with him confined their views 
 to the obtaining of a free parliament, for redrefs of public grie- 
 vances,
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. u 
 
 vances, and the exclufion of the Duke of York, whom he confider- 
 ed as the chief, if not the only caufe of them ; he thought they 
 were juftified in demanding, even with arms in their hands, thofe 
 conftitutional remedies which had fo often been denied to their 
 complaints and remonftrances : But that it was beneath him, both 
 as a man and a chriftian, to harbour a thought prejudicial to the 
 life of the King or his brother: That, if this was any part of .his 
 fcheme, he muft confult with fome of his countrymen in the wilds 
 of Scotland, not with him. From that time forward Fergufon ne- 
 ver mentioned the aflaflination in his prefence; nor did Mr Carftares 
 ever difcover, amidft all his dealings with the leaders of the confpi- 
 racy, that any one of them gave the leaft encouragement to luch 
 a defign. 
 
 Although, in a defperate enterprize, they were obliged to have 
 recourfe to fome defperate men ; yet Monmouth and Ruflel, EfTex 
 and Sydney, would have fhuddered at the very thought of crimes 
 which a Fergufon. and a Rumfay had not only the heart to devife, 
 but the hand to perpetrate. 
 
 Although Mr Carftares treated Fergufon 's propofai with that in- 
 dignation which it deferved ; yet, having good reafon to think that 
 it was entirely a fuggeftion of his own, he did not give over his 
 negotiations with the other confpirators, but continued to urge their 
 compliance with Argyle's demands. At laft, however, he difcover- 
 ed that his follicitations were rendered fruitlefs by the oppofition of Sydney op« 
 Sydney. And Shepherd, an eminent wine-merchant in the city, connexion 
 whofe houfe was a place of rendezvous for the confpirators, told Mr with Ar S) r1 ^ 
 Carftares, that he had heard Sydney declare, that he would have 
 nothing to do with Argyle; that, whatever that nobleman's prefent 
 fituation might prompt him to undertake, he knew him to be too 
 flrongly attached to the reigning family, and to the prefent govern- 
 ment, both in church and ftate, to unite cordially with them in all 
 their meafures. 
 
 At the fame time, he learned* both from Fergufon and Shep- 
 herd, that the reft of the party were jealous 01 Sydney, as driving 
 fome fecret defigns of his own. 
 
 B2 Mr
 
 12 
 
 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Mr Carftares Mr Carftares, finding matters in this fituation, determined to fet 
 Holland, 01 out for Holland ; and was fo difgufted with their proceedings, that 
 he refufed to carry any meilage to Argyle, unlefs it bore a compli- 
 ance with his demands. 
 
 But, foon after his arrival there, an event happened which ren- 
 dered it neceffary for the confpirators to renew their correfpondence 
 with Argyle by means of Mr Carftares. 
 
 Lord Shaftfbury, whofe haughty and impetuous temper could net 
 
 brook the flow and languifhing proceedings of his aflbciates, after 
 
 Shaftfburf s many fruitlefs efforts to rouze them to a fudden execution, began to 
 
 fll§ht " dread the treachery of his friends, no lefs than the vengeance of his 
 
 enemies, and, in a fit of fpleen, fled to Holland. 
 Correfpon- This incident, though it greatly difconcerted the remaining con- 
 ttba the" fpirators, did not put a ftop to their machinations. But as, by the 
 confpirators unexpected defertion of Shaftsfbury, their connection with the city 
 
 and Argyle . . :, , ' , * * . . ^ 
 
 renewed. was in a great mealure broken, they round it the more neceilary to 
 unite with the Scots, and particularly with Argyle and the refugees 
 abroad. Sydney dropt his objections, and letters were immediately 
 wrote to Carftares, defiring him to come over ; and an exprefs was 
 fent down to call up his friends from Scotland, in order to concert 
 every particular relative to the infurrection and invafion. 
 
 Mr Carftares, in confequence of the intelligence which he had recei- 
 ved, had feveral confultations with Argyle, Lord Stairs, Lord Loudon, 
 and Mr Stewart, concerning the fuccours which they ought to de- 
 mand, and the method of conducting their future operations. Argyle 
 infilled, that the confpirators fliould immediately advance L. 30,000 
 of money, and raife 1000 horfe, to be ready to join him upon the 
 weftern coaft the moment he fet foot in Scotland. Stewart was for 
 accepting lefs money, if the whole could not be obtained ; but all a- 
 greed upon the neceffity of a body of horfe being immediately levied. 
 Lord Stairs was rather more fliy with refpect to the whole project than 
 the reft: but, when Mr Carftares took notice of this circumftance to 
 Argyle, he told him, that, fo foon as the preliminaries were fettled, 
 he would find him abundantly zealous. After Argyle and the other 
 
 refugees
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 13 
 
 refugees had fpecified their demands, Mr Carftares confented, at their Mr Carftares 
 earned requeft, to return to England, having firft fettled a mode of England 
 correfpondence by cyphers, which proved the fource of all his future falffrof 01 ^" 
 
 troubles. refugees, 
 
 Upon his arrival in London, he was not a little mortified 
 to find, that the difficulty of raifing the money rendered it as im- 
 practicable to comply with his demands now, as Sydney's oppofition 
 had done formerly. Lord Ruilel fairly acknowledged to him, that 
 it was impoflible, among the whole party, to command that fum; 
 and therefore begged of him to prevail with Argyle to -accept of 
 L. 1 0,000 at firft, allcdging, that, when people were once embark- 
 ed, they would be difpofed to give more liberally afterwards, from 
 the fear of lofing what they had already advanced. However, even 
 this fum, fmall as it was proportioned to the nature of the underta- 
 king, was never paid in to Shepherd, the cafhier of the confpiracy ; which were 
 nor were any fteps taken for levying the troops upon the borders. "9^ complied 
 
 Mr Carftares having fpent feveral weeks at London in fruitlefs 
 ncgociation with the Englifh confpirators, thought it his duty to 
 intimate to his countrymen his fufpicions with refpedt to the fuc- 
 cefs of the whole affair. 
 
 At a meeting, where Lord Melvil, Baillie of Jervifwood, Sir John Confultati- 
 Cochran, and the two Campbells of CeiTnoc were prefent, he told theScottiih 
 them, that, as fir as he was able to form any judgement of the ca- confpirator* 
 bal, it appeared to him to be a body compounded of fuch hetero- 
 geneous principles, that it would foon fall to pieces of itfelf : That 
 they did not pofTefs fpirit or decifion fuited to the undertaking : 
 That, as they could not agree in the fame end, it was impoffible 
 they could concur in the fame meafures ; of courfe, all their fchemes 
 were crude and undigefted : That, whilft they fpent their time in 
 chimerical project, and idle debate, they loft fight of the only thing 
 which could prove of fervice to their country, which was inftantly 
 to have recourfe to arms, and to demand a free parliament. In this 
 languid and irrefolute ftate of the Englifh confpirators, he thought 
 that the Scots ought to attend to their own fafety ; and, inflead of 
 
 pre-
 
 H 
 
 THE LIFE OF 
 
 precipitating their countrymen into meaiures which would proba- 
 bly prove fatal to them, put an immediate flop to farther prepara- 
 tions for an infurrection in Scotland, until the Englifh were more 
 forward to join them. 
 
 Baillie, whofe zeal in the enterprize faw no difficulties in 
 the execution, reflected bitterly upon the extreme caution, cr 
 rather timidity, of the Englifh confpirators. He exclaimed, " That 
 they had been too long the dupes of a fet of men who could do 
 nothing but talk: That this, however, was no reafon why the Scots 
 mould defift : That, although there was but a fmall fpark of the 
 fpirit of liberty remaining in their country, it was poffible ftill to 
 blow it into a flame. 
 
 If it was more difficult, it was Hkewife more honourable, to act, 
 independent of the Englifh ; and, if they were luccefsful, it would 
 not be the firft time that England owed its liberty to the interposi- 
 tion of the Scots. ,, 
 
 At length, they unanimoufly refolved to intimate to the Englifh 
 confpirators, that, unlefs they were determined to act with more vi- 
 gour, the Scots would no longer act in concert with them ; and, in 
 the mean while, they wrote to their friends in Scotland, to prevent 
 any further fteps being taken towards an infurrection, until they 
 received more particular directions from them. 
 The confpi- Before they received an anfwer from the cabal, the confpiracy 
 racy is diico- difcovered ; moft of the Englifh leaders were feized, and the 
 
 vered, " 
 
 Scots found it neceflary to difperie. 
 
 Government foon got intelligence of the intrigues betwixt Ar- 
 
 gyle and the confpirators ; in confequence of which, Major Holmes, 
 
 the perfon to whom all Argyle's letters were directed, was taken 
 
 into cuftody. A few days before this, a letter had come from Ar- 
 
 gyle to Monmouth ; as MrCarftares was then in pofleffion of the 
 
 cypher and key, Monmouth had fent to him for them ; when he had 
 
 done, he returned them to Holmes ; and they were found upon 
 
 him when he was ieized, together with feveral of Argyle's letters 
 
 in cypher. As this cypher is perhaps one of the moft curious that 
 
 ever 
 
 and Major 
 Holmes iei 
 zed.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 15 
 
 ever was invented, and baffled all the (kill of the moft ingenious 
 decypherers in England, I have, for the fake of the curious in mat- 
 ters of this kind, fubjoined the vocabulary, the triple alphabet, and 
 two letters from Argyle, decyphered by Spence, fecretary to that no- 
 bleman, after enduring the torture for feveral days and nights run- 
 ning *. Lord Melfort no fooner faw the cypher, than he difcovered 
 part of it to be the hand-writing of MrCarftares ; and orders were im- J? rders ,f ; 
 
 . . . , fued out for 
 
 mediately iflued out for apprehending him as art and part "fin the ailal- appreh< 
 filiation. MrCarftares was confcious of his deteftation of the crime jj*^ l 
 with which he was charged, yet was he fenfible, that he had gone fuch 
 lengths with the confpirators in the affair of the infurredion, as muft 
 neceflarily expofe both himfelf and them to the greateft danger, mould 
 he fall into the hands of adminiftration. On this account, he aflu- 
 med a fictitious name, and fkulked about among fome friends he had 
 in Kent. This gave occafion to fome perfons in the neighbour- 
 hood to fufpecl: him to be Fergufon, of all the confpirators, the moft 
 obnoxious to government. Accordingly, information being lodged 
 againft him, he was feized at the houfe of Mr Cartcufe in Fenterden, Ts tak ?* ??• 
 
 der a fiditi- 
 
 and thrown into the jail of that place the Monday after tne execution us name. 
 of LordRuffel. Here he continued for the fpace of a fortnight, when 
 orders came for his being brought up directly to London, where, 
 upon his arrival, he was committed, for fome days, to a meffenger at 
 arms. 
 
 During this interval, Sir Andrew Forrefter brought him a mef- Meflage to 
 fage from King Charles, informing him, that, although his Ma- ^J° m C 
 jefty was not difpcfed to believe that he had any direct hand in 
 'plotting his own death, or that of the Duke of York; yet, as he 
 had carried on a correfpondence with Ruflel and Argyle, he was 
 convinced that he knew' many particulars relative to the Rye-houfe 
 plot, which if he would difcover, together with what he knew of 
 any other machinations againft government, he was ready not on- 
 
 - ly 
 
 * The originals are in the records of the privy council of Scotland. 
 - A ttrm in the Scotifh law.
 
 l6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 ly to grant him an ample pardon for what was pad, but to mew 
 him all manner of favour in time to come. But, if he rejeded this 
 offer, he muft Hand to the confequences, which might probably 
 prove fatal to him. This proceeding of the King's Mr Carftares 
 afterwards complained of, as exprefsly contrary to a public decla- 
 ration figned by the King and his brother, bearing, that no offers 
 had been made to any perfon whatfoever to induce them to give 
 evidence in that matter. 
 
 He returned fuch an anfwer to his Majefty, by Sir Andrew, as 
 was proper in his circumftances, though far from being fatisfadtory 
 Is committed to the King. He was thereupon committed to clofe cuftody in 
 to the Gate- ^ Q ate _houfe, where he continued upwards of eleven weeks. 
 During this time, he was often brought before the privy council. 
 To them he always protefted his utter abhorrence of any defigns 
 againft the life of the King or the Duke of York. But could 
 never be prevailed upon to reveal any particular which could 
 affea any one of thofe who had been concerned in the fcheme 
 for preventing the popifh fuccemon : For, however juflifiablc 
 the defign might be in his eftimation, he well knew that it 
 would no lefs expofe them to the refentment of thofe in ad- 
 miniftration than a plot formed diredly againft the life of the 
 
 King. 
 
 At laft, finding he had nothing to expect in the way of favour 
 
 from the King, but upon terms with which he was incapable of 
 
 complying, he gave in a petition to the court of King's Bench, 
 
 and ordered for his habeas corpus. Inftead of this, he received intimation to 
 
 to be fent „ rpnare f or beine fent down to Scotland within four and twenty 
 
 down to F R r a "- w o > _ . . . . ' 
 
 bcotiand. hours, and to take his trial in that kingdom. He complained loud- 
 ly of this ftep, as not only a direcl: violation of the law, juft now 
 mentioned, but as wholly unprecedented, feeing the crimes w T ith 
 which he was charged were alledged to have been committed in 
 England, and therefore ought to have been tried by the laws of that 
 
 kingdom* 
 
 Not-
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 17 
 
 Notwithstanding: all his remonftrances, he was fent down to Scot- Fe 1S fent 
 
 . . down to 
 
 land next day, and configned over into the hands of the privy-coun- Scotland. 
 cil, or rather, the political inquifition of that kingdom; where the 
 inhuman practice of extracting evidence by torture flill fubfifled in 
 all its rigour, though banifhed from the courts of England, as re- 
 pugnant to the genius and conftitution of a free people. 
 
 Upon his landing in Scotland, to prevent any attempts upon the 
 part of his friends to refcue him, he was brought up from Leith to 
 Edinburgh late at night, under a ftrong guard, along with feveral 
 of his countrymen, who had come down aboard of the fame (hip, 
 and were to be tried fcr the fame crime. 
 
 Amongft that number was one Spence, a fervant of the Earl of Spencc'stor- 
 Argyle ; who, upon being brought before the privy-council, put to 
 the torture, and kept from deep feveral days and nights running, 
 at laft, out of abfolute defpair, agreed to decypher fome of the Earl's 
 letters which were produced. In one of thefe it happened that Mr 
 Carftares was mentioned by a cypher, which, although Spence 
 eould not interpret himfelf, the Earl of Melford knew to be his de- 
 fignation, by the papers which had paffed through.his hands at Lon- 
 don. 
 
 Upon this, Mr Carftares was immediately ordered to be put in Mr Carftares 
 . - ls P ut ia 
 
 irons, and continued in them fome weeks; Melfort vihting him fre- irons. 
 
 quently all that time, and urging him, in the moil earneft manner, 
 to reveal what he knew, with promifes of ftill obtaining a full par- 
 don, in fo far as he himfelf was concerned, if he would comply. 
 How r ever tempting this offer might appear to one in his fituation, 
 who had nothing now before his eyes, in cafe of rejecting it, but 
 perpetual imprifonment, and reiterated torture, he, without hefita- 
 tion, told his Lordfhip, that he was now firmly refolved to put his 
 fortitude and fidelity fairly to the trial. 
 
 " That if, in violation of the rights of humanity, and of the regard He rejetfs 
 due to his facred character, they were determined to carry matters Jfdfort'a oim 
 to the laft extremity, and thereby inflict upon one, w T hom they 
 ought to prefume innocent, a punifhment more fevere than would 
 
 C be
 
 x8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 be due to the moft heinous crime, one confolation -remained to him, 
 that, in the prefent ftate of his constitution, greatly enfeebled by fo 
 long an impriibnment, he hoped the feverity of the torture would 
 put an end to a life new deprived of every comfort, and of every 
 profpect which could render it Supportable." 
 Is brought Accordingly, when he was brought before the Lords of 
 
 before the .,-»,'.. e , • n. c . 
 
 privy-coun- council, he beheld, with great compolure, the mitruments or tor- 
 Cl1, ture prefented to his view. And, with a firmneife that aftoniftied 
 
 them, when afked by the Earl of Perth chancellor, Whether he 
 would anfwer, upon oath, fuch queftiohs as they would put to him? 
 lie anfwered, That, in matters criminal, he never would: That, if 
 they would produce his accufers, he was ready to vindicate himfelf 
 from any crime they could lay to his charge. The council then 
 allured him, that, if he would only anfwer a few queftions they 
 were to put to him concerning others, nothing he faid mould ever mi* 
 litate againft himfelf : Nor mould they ever inquire, whether it was 
 true or falfe. He told them, that fuch a practice was fo bad a pre- 
 cedent in criminal matters, that he was determined they mould not 
 begin it with him. 
 
 Upon which, being interrogated, If he had any thing to object: a- 
 gainft his being put to the torture? he replied, He had great ob- 
 jections to a practice that was a reproach to human nature, and, as 
 fuch, banifhed from the criminal courts of every free country. He 
 likewise repeated the remonftrances he had gives in to the council 
 at London, and told them, he muft confider his trial in Scotland as 
 a breach of the habeas cotpus act. 
 
 Upon this the chancellor told him, that, whatever was in this, 
 now he was in Scotland, and muft be tried for crimes againft the 
 ftate by the laws of this country, had they been committed in Con- 
 ftantinople. In anfwer to this, Mr Carftares bepged leave to ob- 
 ferve, that there was this manireft difference betwixt the cafe his 
 Lordihip now put and his- own, that, in Conftantinci le, there 
 were no laws for the fecurity of his Majefty's perfon and govern- 
 ment; but, in England, there were many fuch laws, and they could 
 
 nct B
 
 Mr WILLIAM CAR ST ARES. 19 
 
 not, he thought, in equity, proceed to greater feverity than was eon- 
 fiftent with the laws of that country where the crimes alledged a- 
 gainft him were committed. 
 
 All his objections and remonftrances being over-ruled by the ma- and put to 
 jority of the privy-council, the public executioner was called upon the torturc * 
 to perform his inhuman office. A thumb-fcrew * had been prepared 
 on purpofe, of a particular conftru&ion ; upon its being applied, Mr 
 Carftares maintained fuch a command of himielf, that, whilft the 
 fweat ftreamed over his brow, and down his cheeks, with the agony 
 he endured, he never betrayed the fmalleft inclination to depart 
 from his firft refolutionf. The Earl of Queenfbsrry was fo affetled, 
 that, after telling the chancellor that he faw the poor man would ra- 
 ther die than confefs,hefteppedontof the council, along with the Duke 
 of Hamilton, into another room, both of them being unable longer 
 to witneis the fcene ; whilft the inhuman Perth fat to the very laft, 
 without difcovering the leaft fymptom of compaffion for the fufFerer. 
 On the contrary, when the executioner, by his exprefs order, was 
 turning the fcrew with fuch violence, that Mr Carftares, in the ex- 
 tremity of his pain, cried out, that now he had fqueezed the bones 
 in pieces, the chancellor, in great indignation, told him, that> 
 if he continued longer obftinate, he hoped to fee every bone of his 
 body fqueezed to pieces. At laft, finding all their efforts, by means 
 of this machinery, fruitlefs, after he had continued no lefs than an 
 hour and an half under this painful operation, they found it necef- 
 fary to have recourfe to a ftill more intimidating fpecies of torture. 
 The executioner was ordered to produce the iron boots, and apply 
 them to his legs ; but, happily for Mr Carftares, whofe ftrength was 
 now almoft exhaufted, the fellow, who was only admitted of late 
 to his office, and a novice in his trade, after having attempted in 
 
 C 2 vain ■ 
 
 * After the Revolution, the privy-council of Scotland made Mr Carftares a 
 prefent of this inftrument. 
 
 fSir George Mackenzie, Lord Advocate, in the courfe of his pleadings in Jer- 
 vifwood's trial, obferves, that, upon this occafion, all admired Mr Carftares's for- 
 titude and generofity, who flood more in awe of his love to his friends, than cf 
 the fear of torture, ana hazarded rather to die for jerv ifwood, than that Jervif- • 
 wood fhould die by him. State-Trials, Vol. IV.
 
 ao THE LIFE E 
 
 vain to fatten them properly 1 , was obliged to give it over; and the 
 
 council adjourned for fome weeks. 
 Newpropo- Having now found, by experience, that all attempts to bring Mr 
 him by Lord Carfiares to a confeffion by violence would probably prove ineffec- 
 Melforr, in tua i ^ empowered Lord Melfort, one of the fecretaries of hate, 
 
 name or the ' J r 
 
 privy-coim- to treat with him upon milder terms. They fpecffied certain que- 
 
 cil, • . 
 
 ftions to be put to him; and, upon condition he would anrwer them, 
 they authorized the fecretary to promife him an ample pa r don 
 to himfelf, and that he mould never be produced as a witnefs in 
 any trial. Not only fo, but, if Mr Carftares mailed upon it, 
 they further engaged, that none of his anfwens to the interro- 
 gatories they w^re to put to him mould ever be produced in evi- 
 dence, either directly or indirectly, againftany peribn, or before any 
 judicatory whatfoever. 
 with which Upon thefe terms being propofed to him, as he knew they had al- 
 ecomp es. rca( jy difcovered from Major Holmes and ivir Spence all tae parti- 
 culars of which he could inform them, as they exprefsly promiied 
 to diipenfe with his being produced as evidence again!* any one of 
 his friends, the apprehenfion of when was the chiei caule ot his li- 
 lence hitherto, and as he could not figure to himilL, tnat a privy- 
 council, compofed ofperfons of the higheitrank in the nation, could 
 be capable of a breach of the moft folemn engagements tranfmitted 
 to him by a fecretary of ftate, he agreed Co aniwer {o many of the 
 interrogatories that were fpecified, having firft llipulated that their 
 promife to him fhould be ratified by a dtcd of court, and recoided 
 in their books. He told them, that the reaion why he inimeu upon 
 this was, not that he had any thing to reveal which could, in ihe eye 
 of the law, prove hurtful to his friends, but that he was determi- 
 ned rather to die an hundred deaths than fubmir to the dilhonour of 
 having his teftimony produced in court againit any one of thole who 
 were at that time under prosecution behre the criminal couru. 
 
 The interrogatories which were put to him Hand upon record in 
 the re^iueis of privy-council. And there are two blank pages 
 Which feem to have been left for inferring his anlvvers. But, why 
 they have nqvei teen filled up, whether in confequence of their pre- 
 vious
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 21 
 
 vious agreement with him, or rathe*, beca 11 r e he qualified his re- 
 plies in iuch a manner, that they could not anfwer the puroofe 
 they meant to ferve by them, dies not appear. That the fir ft of thefe 
 confederations had very little weight with them, is evident from 
 their caufing a paper to b° printed irnraedi&elv aft^f his appearance 
 before the council, entitled, Mr Carftarefs ConfelJhm. This piper The privy- 
 contained a molt lame, falfe, and ir.perfet account of the whole Jroa-Sof 
 transaction; yet it was publicly hawked about the ftreets of E- fiuth to Jum. 
 -dinburgh. Nor was this the^only breach of faith to him of 
 which the privy-council was guilty; for, in direct Violation of 
 the only condition upon which he would confent to anfwer 
 the queries propofed to him, they fuffered his evidence, as they 
 falfely termed it, to be produced in open court againit one of his 
 moil intimate friends, Mr Baillie of Jerviiwood. His natural forti- 
 tude could fupport him under perional fufferings, but itaimo ■ iunk 
 under the injurious imputation of his being 111 tne lmaileit degree 
 acceffory to the fufferings of a friend. However, before they v\eut 
 this length, they fent tor him to the council, and endeavoured to 
 prevail with him judicially to acknowledge his aniwers to their in- 
 terrogatories before the juiticiary court. 
 
 He told them, he had fpirit enough left to reject their propofal with 
 difdain, and to endure any feverities they could inflict, rather tjian 
 comply with a demand which he confidered as no lefs difhonour- 
 able to themfelves than to him, it being a violation of the terms 
 to which the fecretary, in their name, and by their authority, had 
 agreed. 
 
 Even the chancellor was fo convinced of the iniquity of their 
 /procedure in this particular, as to declare, that they could not, in 
 honour, infut upon it. Notwithstanding, the advocate, in fypport TheaJvo- 
 of his charge againft Jerviiwood before the c uirt of justiciary, pro- [£/ articles 
 duced a copy of Mr Carllares's anfwers to the interrogatories of the ofagreemeat 
 pnvy-council, as an adminicle * 01 proor, without taking any no- wood's trial, 
 tice of the qualifications with which they were cl-.thed, the allevi- 
 ating circumliances with which the faJ.s to which they related 
 
 were 
 
 * A term in the Scottifh law.
 
 22 
 
 THE LIFE OF 
 
 were accompanied, or the conditions upon which he delivered them> 
 Upon being queftioned by Mr Carftares for it, as dishonourable to 
 the privy-council, whole faith had been pledged to the contrary, the 
 only excufe he could plead was, that, as he was not prefent in the 
 privy-council on the day that tranfadtion was carried on, he did not 
 confider himfelf as bound to adhere to tnTarticles of agreement. To 
 fuch fubterfuges did they ftoop, in order to bring one, whofe public 
 fpirit merited a better fate, to an ignominious death ; a death whicrr 
 he underwent with the courage of an antient hero, and the resigna- 
 tion of a primitive martyr. 
 He is relie- So far, however, the privy council was true to its engagements,, 
 
 confinement as to releafe Mr Carftares from his confinement to a dungeon in 
 in the cafde. fa c ca ftl e) whether they had tranfported him, from the tolbooth of 
 the city, a few weeks after he arrived in Scotland. In this gloomy 
 fituation, he had, by this time, continued for fome months, cut off 
 from all communication with his friends, and ftruggling under the 
 infirmities of a mattered conftitution. 
 
 But, even in thefe difagreeable circumftances, he fell upon an 
 expedient for employing himfelf in fuch a manner as contributed 
 greatly to his amufement in the mean time, and to his advantage af- 
 terwards. 
 
 Having, by fome means or other, procured a copy of Thuanus,. 
 who was his favourite author, both as an hiftorian and a Latin claf- 
 fic, he fpent mod of his time in the perufal of his hiftoiy. As he had 
 no variety, he read that voluminous work no Ids than three times 
 over. The effecl: of which was, that it became as familiar to him 
 to think and to fpeak in Latin as in Englifh. 
 
 Another anecdote relative to his imprifonment ought not to be 
 omitted, as he ufed to take great pleaiure in relating it himfelf. 
 One day, not long after his commitment, a boy, about twelve years 
 of age, fon to Erfkine of Cambo lieutenant-governor of the caftle, 
 in the courfe of his rambles through the court, came to the grate of 
 his apartment. As he always loved to amufe himfelf with young 
 people, he went towards the grate, and began a converfation with 
 him. The boy was captivated with the gentle and engaging man- 
 ner
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES, 2j 
 
 «er in which he accofted him ; and, mightily pleafcd with his firft 
 interview, he refolved to cultivate his new acquaintance. In a day 
 or two after, he returned at the fame hour to the grate ; and, in 
 the courfe of a few periodical vifits of this kind, he conceived the 
 
 ftrongeft attachment to the prifoner would fit by him for hours, 
 
 lamenting his unhappy fituation, and telling a thoufand ftories to 
 divert him. He would fometimes load his pockets with provisions 
 of different forts, and oblige him to partake with him. At other 
 times, he would purchafe for him pen, ink, and paper; and, when 
 he had wrote his letters, he would come at night and carry them 
 to the poft-office himfelf. He was quite unhappy, if Mr Car- 
 {tares had no errand to fend him, or no favour to aik. This inti- 
 macy fubfifted between them fo long as Mr Carftares continued in 
 cuftody; and, when their intercourfe was broken off by his releafe, 
 the reparation was attended with tears on both fides. It was not 
 many years before Mr Carftares had an opportunity of teftifying 
 his gratitude. One of the firft private favours he afked of King 
 William, was, that he would beftow the office of Lord Lyon upon 
 his young friend, to whole humanity and kind offices he had ow- 
 ed his chief coniblation in his deepeft diftrefs ; and he obtained his 
 requelf, with this additional compliment, that it mould be heredi- 
 tary in the family. He did not, however, live long to enjoy it in 
 liis own perfon ; and his eldeft fon forfeited the fucceflion, by en- 
 gaging in the rebellion 1 7 1 5. 
 
 After his releafe, Mr Carftares was permitted to leave Scotland, He is per- 
 upon condition that he mould wait upon the fecretaries at London, J*"* 1 ** 1 „ to 
 
 . leave Scot' 
 
 fo foon as he arrived there in his way to Holland. He went to land. 
 my Lord Melfort, who was then at court, and demanded a pafs. 
 Melfort told him, he had no difficulty in giving him a pafs ; but 
 the King was defirous to fee him before he went abroad, and, he 
 thought, he ought to wait upon his Majefty to receive his com- 
 mands. But, upon Mr Carftares reprefenting to his Lordfhip, that, 
 if he were to have any converfation with his Majefty relative to 
 what had paffed in Scotland lince he went down, he would be un- 
 der a neceflity of faying ieveral things which would refled little 
 
 honour
 
 2 4 THE LIFE OF 
 
 honour upon fome of his Majefty's fervants in that kingdom ; his 
 Lordfhip thought it more advifable to difpenfe with that ceremony, 
 and directly made out a pafs for him to Holland. There he arri- 
 ved in the end of the year 1684, or beginning of the 1685, not 
 many months before the death of Charles II. and the acceffion of 
 James to the throne of Great Britain. 
 
 This is all the account we can give of Mr Carftares's tranfac- 
 tions in Britain till the revolution ; and it muft be acknowledged 
 to be very imperfect, as he has left no private papers which can 
 ferve to throw any -further light upon the matters we have been 
 treating of: Nor is it difficult to account for this, feeing his own- 
 prudence would fuggeft to him the neceffity of deftroying all let- 
 ters and fecret intelligence whereof he was pofieifed when govern- 
 ment took the alarm. For the fame reafon, we are left in the dark 
 with refpect to another particular, which is of no fmall confequence 
 in the hiftory of the revolution ; I mean, how far fome of thofe, who 
 were fo eager about this time for the exclufionof the Duke of York 
 from the fucceflion, were countenanced in fecret by the Prince of 
 Orange. For, although it was a maxim with that Prince to maintain 
 the utmoft referve in public with refpect to the affairs of Great Bri- 
 tain ; yet certain it is, there were a few to whom he was more expli- 
 cit in revealing his fentiments upon thofe fubjects, and by whofe 
 means he received conftant intelligence. 
 
 It is certain, in particular, that, from the time Mr Carftares firft 
 left Holland, until he was apprehended in England, he maintained 
 a correfpondence with Penfionary Fagel, and Mr Bentinck, after- 
 wards Earl of Portland* ; but he tookfuch effectual methods to con- 
 ceal this correfpondence, that, during the whole time of his impri- 
 fonment, government feems to have had no fufpicion of his having 
 any connection with Holland. 
 
 It was his profound fecrecy upon this article, when under pro- 
 fecution both in England and Scotland) and when he had it in his 
 
 power 
 
 * After the revolution, Mr Carftares acknowledged to fome of his moft inti- 
 mates friends that what gave him the greateft anxiety when under the torture, 
 •was his apprehenfion, that government had got intelligence of this correfpond- 
 ence : But he never would mention the particulars.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. £j 
 
 power to have made the moft favourable terms for himfelf by the 
 difcovery, which procured him fo gracious a reception from the 
 Prince of Orange upon his return to Holland. The Prince recei- He is gra- _ 
 
 • cioufly rccci - 
 
 ved him into his family, appointed him one of his own chaplains, vedby the 
 
 and procured him to be elected minifter of the Englifh Proteftant Prmceof0 ' 
 
 r ° range. 
 
 congregation at Leyden. 
 
 He was now better qualified than ever, and had better opportu^ 
 nity,for being ferviceable to his illuftrious patron. As he had full 
 exercife for his talents in judging of men and meafures during his 
 ftay in Britain, fo he carried over with him an exact delineation of 
 the principal characters concerned in the adminiftration of public 
 affairs, and of the meafures they purfued. 
 
 He had felt himfelf, and had witneffed in others, the feverities of 
 an adminiftration directed by popifli councils ; and he was fully a- 
 ble to prognosticate the ftill greater calamities to which thefe king- 
 doms would be expofed under a popifh adminiftration. He knew 
 the univerfal alienation of all ranks from the fyftem of govern- 
 ment then adopted, and perceived, that the very methods which 
 were taken to fupprefs the clamours of the people, far from allay- 
 ing, encreafed the ferment the more. He had penetrated into all 
 the narrow politiques of the Duke of York. He knew the fchemes 
 he had projected for enflaving the nation ; and he faw that the tools 
 with which he worked could eafily be turned into inftruments for 
 overturning the fabric he had raifed. Of all thefe interefting par- 
 ticulars he was admitted to give his fentiments freely to the Prince 
 of Orange, who now openly avowed his averfion to certain mea- 
 fures of James in favour of his darling fuperftition. 
 
 This encouraged numbers, who were difgufted with thefe mea- 
 fures in Britain, to take fhelter under his protection, from the dan- 
 gers which they faw impending over them ; and as, in this fitua- 
 tion, he frequently had recourfe to Mr Carftares for information 
 with refpect to the characters of thofe who reforted thither, fo he was 
 Wont to obferve, that he never, in one inftance, had occafion to. 
 
 D charge
 
 2 6 THE LIFE Or 
 
 charge him with attempting to miflead him in that article, the moft 
 delicate in which a courtier can be engaged. 
 Carries on As his connection with the Prince was well known to all the 
 
 f^nde^c"* Britifh malecontents, fo it appears from fome of his papers, that he 
 betwixt the V vas one of the channels through which they conveyed their pri- 
 Britifhmale- vate intelligence : Of this we (hall give one inftance, from an ano- 
 contents. nymous letter directed to him, which feems to have been written 
 fome time before the revolution. Whether James was ever ferious 
 in entertaining any fuch intentions as are attributed to him by the 
 author of this letter, is not eafy to determine. It is more than pro- 
 bable, if he was not, that it was owing to the difficulties he would 
 have found in carrying them into execution, rather than to want of 
 inclination. Be this as it will, his enemies found it their intereft 
 to imprefs the Prince of Orange with the notion, that there was 
 fuch a defign, and were fo far fuccefsful, that, if he did not, he, at 
 leaft, affected to believe it. This accounts for feveral particulars in 
 his conduct, which occafioned much conjecture and fpeculation to 
 the politicians of that period. 
 This letter is addrefled, 
 
 A Monfieiu\ Monfieur Carjlares, in die Nieiv Street, by die 
 Peeler's Kirk, LET DEN. 
 
 And is as follows : 
 
 A letter ctm- 
 
 "SIR, 
 NOTHING could have been more to my refreihment and 
 taking an fatisfaction, than the vifit you beftowed upon me, for which I re- 
 King James's turn you many and hearty thanks, as well as for the open and undif- 
 projefts ior ^ f r j enc jfhip wherewith you treated me. And as for the fa- 
 
 excladmg ° r j 
 
 tho Princefs vOurable thoughts, and merciful inclinations, which fome perfons 
 
 fromt&efiic- nave l ^ e g°°dnefs anQl condefcenfion to entertain for me, I fhall 
 
 ceflioQ to the end.avour always to maintain that humble and grateful fenfe of fo 
 
 undeferved a favour, which may be expected from a thankful and 
 
 an honeit man, whofe highcit ambition {hall be, to ferve them with 
 
 all the vigour, zeal, and fincerity that I am capable of testifying. 
 
 And 
 
 crown.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 27 
 
 And I am happy to fee matters fo fituated, that my doing fo will 
 be the only, as well as the beft way of performing my duty to God 
 and to my country. 
 
 " The intelligence that I have lately received from different parts 
 doth both abundantly confirm me in the opinion, wherein I have 
 been long fixed, concerning the defigns of the court of England, 
 and alio enlighten me in relation to the meafures they are now pur- 
 fuing to accomplifn them. 
 
 "The guilt the Papifts have contracted by invading and viola- 
 ting the laws of the kingdom, and the confpiracy wherein they are 
 imbarked, in conjunction with others, for fubverting the reformed 
 religion in Europe, caufe them, above all things, to dread the fuc- 
 ceftion of their HighneiTes the Prince and Princefles of Orange to 
 the crowns of Great Britain. For it is natural to fuppofe, that their 
 HighneiTes being fincere and ftedfaft Proteftants, and having had 
 caufes of difguft adminiftered to them by thofe of the Roman com- 
 munion, both in Britain and elfewhere, will not only account it 
 their honour, duty, and intereft, to give a defeat to all the projects 
 which thofe of that religion have been travelling with for many 
 years ; but will be obliged, by the importunities of their people, 
 though not inclined by choice, to deliver that body up to the refent- 
 ments of three injured nations ; at leaft, to the juftice of thofe very 
 laws which they have defpifed and trampled upon. So that, who- 
 foever imagines that the Papifts are not refolved to do all they can 
 for debarring a*id excluding their HighneiTes from the imperial 
 crowns of Great Britain, doth either proclaim the weaknefs of his 
 own judgement, or that he judgeth them to be very foolifh and im- 
 provident. 
 
 " And, although I cannot tell, and do fancy they know not yet 
 themfelves, whom they had beft endeavour to fet up, in oppofition 
 to the right and title of their HighnefTes ; yet I am confident, fo far 
 as demonftration, both from reafon and matter of fact, can render 
 me, that all the induftry, trick, and violence ihey are now ufing, 
 in order to pack a parliament, and for getting fuch returned mnr- 
 
 D 2 bers
 
 ^S T H E L I F E O F 
 
 bers whom the King nominates and recommends^ is in fub ferven- 
 cy to, this defign. The obtaining the repeal of the penal and 
 teft acts, is far from being the ultimate end for which thofe fini- 
 ftrous and illegal practices are intended, for as much as they muft: 
 needs fee, that this would be of no long advantage, and that their 
 attempting it will turn to their ruin afterwards, unlefs they are 
 able to compafs the other. As for all the noife of the King's zeal 
 for refcindi ng thofe laws in favour to his diffenting fubjects, it is 
 only meant to delude a weak and eafy people to become his tools 
 in helping him to fuch a parliament as will make his pleafure the 
 meafure of all their proceedings. Nor is it to be doubted, that, if 
 once he can procure fuch an aflembly as he aims at, that the next 
 thing will be, to fettle the fucceffion by a prefent act upon the per- 
 fon he pleafeth to name, or to obtain a power of difpofing the 
 crown, by way of teftament, on whom he fhall think fit. And, 
 as fuch methods are now propofed, fo there are not wanting about 
 him to alledge precedents for both. 
 
 " For, as Henry VIII. had a legative power granted him by act of 
 parliament, by virtue of which he might bequeath the crown to 
 whomfoever he pleafed ; fothe ftatute of the 13th Elizabeth, cap. 1. 
 makes it treafon, in her reign, and forfeiture of goods and chat- 
 tels ever after, to hold or affirm, that an acl: of parliament is not of 
 fufficient force and validity to limit and bind the crown, and the 
 defcent, inheritance, and government thereof. 
 
 " Now, as it is obvious to every man that can penetrate into af- 
 fairs, or who is of a profpect to fee an inch before his nofe, that 
 this is what they think their prefent conduct makes needful, as 
 well as the point to which their prefent conduct tends ; fo it is the 
 duty of every fincere proteftant, and of all who regard the glory of 
 God, and the welfare and profperity of the Britifh nations, to em- 
 ploy their knowledge, power, and intereft, for preventing it. 
 
 " In order to which, I think there are two things indifpenfably 
 neceflary to be done j in the feafonabk and effectual management 
 
 where-
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. *$ 
 
 xvhereof, we fliall be able either to difcourage them from the at- 
 tempt, or obftrutl: its fuccefs. 
 
 " The firft is, to lay open and detect their defigns ; and, by this 
 means, render both them and the world fenfible, that we are ac- 
 quainted with what they are now driving at. By this means, we 
 will not only ftartle, but alienate all thofe from them, whom the 
 defire of being relieved from oppreffion, by reafon of their con- 
 fciences, in the matters of the worfhip of God, hath fo far entan- 
 gled, as to become inftrumentaJ, unawares, of promoting what has a 
 tendency to be iubfervient to fo mifchievous a villany as the exclu- 
 fion of their Royal Highneffes from the fucceffion. 
 
 " The fecond is, not only to expofe thebafenefs, and difcover the 
 injuftice of interrupting the line of fucceffion in reference to pro- 
 teftant princes, after they had taken fuch pains to eftablifh both the 
 divine and legal right of it, with relation to a dangerous and dif- 
 ferent religion from the generality of the people, but alfo, to de- 
 monftrate the inconfiftency of fuch an attempt with the fundamen- 
 tal rules of the conftitution, and with the intereft and fafety of every 
 cordial proteftant and true Englishman. For though, where a per- 
 fon hath uncapacitated himfelf by a previous hatred of the politic 
 fociety, and an habitual departure in the former courfe of his life 
 from all the reftrictions by which he is to be limited, who is admit- 
 ted to the fovereignty, it may, in that cafe, be in the power of a 
 parliament, purfuant to the fundamentals of the conftitution, to de- 
 clare fuch an one incapable of the fucceffion, as unworthy of, and 
 unqualified for the throne : Yet a parliament never had, and never 
 pretended to have, a power of excluding thofe from the fucceffion, 
 who have all thofe qualifications which are either required or im- 
 plied in original and fundamental contracts adapting them for the 
 exercife of the fovereignty. Now, as I conceive that a fhort paper 
 publifhed to the foregoing purpofe might be of fome fignificancy 
 at this conjuncture, if not to divert them from all thoughts of a 
 parliament, yet to hinder them from obtaining a corrupt one, and 
 deter them from the purfuit of their villainous attempts, which 
 
 would
 
 |d THE LIFE OF 
 
 would be attended with bloody confequences to the innocent, as 
 well as to the guilty : So I have digefted feveral thoughts upon 
 this fubjed, and do humbly conceive myfelf in fome meafure ca- 
 pable to perform fomething of this kind, if thofe whom you have 
 opportunity of add'effing fhall judge it either reafonable or condu- 
 cive to their intereft, and to that of the public. 
 
 « POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 " TH ER E is another affair wherein my credit may come to fuffer, 
 in which I muft entreat you to do me right : It is already divulged 
 in the Courant, as if I were to be pardoned, which, as people will 
 be ready to think me acceflbry to the procuring of, fo they may 
 very juftly thereupon imagine me to be a villain ; and therefore* 
 though I do not believe that there is any intention of including me 
 in an amnefty ; yet, it being in their power to do it without afking. 
 my leave, if they be fo inclined, and judge it for their intereit: I 
 do not only folemnly declare, that I never demanded it, or contri- 
 buted in the fmalleft degree to the obtaining of it ; but I do hereby 
 fend you a full and true account of the manner how I refented it, 
 when I was told that fome bufy people were officioufly concern- 
 ing themfelves about me ; and, as I do allure you that the inclofed 
 paper contains an exact relation of what paffed betwixt me and my 
 wife in reference to that matter ;. fo I not only give you liberiry^ 
 but earneftly defire you, to communicate it to whomlbever you ihall 
 judge it convenient : And, as I am fure that, mould any iuch thing 
 be, it is merely defigned for a fnare; fo I am firmly reiblved never to 
 truft them upon it, nor to venture, during this man's life, into any of 
 his dominions, unlefs it be in conjunction with others, and that in 
 order to vindicate the liberty of England, and to refcue religion and 
 laws from under his talons. Pardon this trouble I have put you up- 
 on, and believe that I am, with the greateft iincerity, dear Sir, your 
 moil affectionate friend,
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 3* 
 
 It appears from this letter, that, fuppofing the Prince of Orange 
 bad not been difpofed of himfelf to interfere in the affairs of Great 
 Britain, there were not wanting fome who were ready to furnifh 
 him with motives fufficient to juftify his doing fo. But, fo long as 
 the Princefs was the next in fucceffiOn to the crown, however he 
 might fecretly favour and encourage fuch as were diiarfetted to 
 James's perfon and government, his good fenfe and found policy, 
 his intereft, and even his ambition, dictated to him, nut to rifk the 
 certain profpecl: of a kingdom, in the event of James's death, upon 
 the precarious fuccefs of an attempt to obtain the immediate poi- 
 fefTion, by wrefting it out of his hands. 
 
 In this fituation matters might pombly have continued for fome The Prince 
 time longer, had not an event happened, which, whilft it tended to S^ 5 '' 
 precipitate James into meafures ftill more fatal to the religion and 
 liberty of his fubje&s, determined them to^/M redrejs from a quar- 
 ter from which there was now lefs probability of their finding it 
 in the courfe of nature; I mean the birth of a young prince, who 
 was at once the object of all his father's wilhes, and the lburce of all 
 his woes; born to inherit his misfortunes, not his crown, and to 
 tranfmit this important leifon to princes, That the monarch who, by 
 violating the rights, has loft the affe&ion of his fubjects, runs the rifk 
 of entailing upon his own family the ruin he prepares for his people. 
 
 As this event ftimulated the malecontents in Great Britain to be William 
 more urgent in their follicitations to the Prince of Orange, it not more °P enl 7 
 only afforded a more plauhbie pretext for his interpofing in their verfion to 
 behalf, but, at the fame time, fet him free from thofe reftraints which / u a ™ c ess raea " 
 had formerly kept him upon the referve. Before this period, what- 
 ever motives we may afcribe to his enterprize, whether the glory of 
 delivering oppreifed nations, the defire of humbling the French 
 monarch, and of being the head of the Protectant League, or even 
 the ambition of wearing a crown, he had the profpecl: of one day 
 accomplishing thofe ends, by means lefs violent in their nature, and 
 lefs precarious in their fuccefs. Then he had every thing to 
 lofe, and little or nothing to gain. Now he had but little to lofe, 
 
 compared
 
 *& 
 
 THE LIFE 
 
 O F 
 
 and counte- 
 nances the 
 Britifh refu- 
 gees, 
 
 Prepares for 
 
 invading 
 
 England, 
 
 and requires 
 Mr Car- 
 ilares's atten- 
 dance upon 
 him in the 
 expedition. 
 
 compared with the importance of the objects for which he contend- 
 ed. Accordingly, from this time forward, he more openly avowed 
 his difapprobation of the bigotted and arbitrary meafures of James, 
 and afforded his protection to all whom thofe meafures had driven 
 from his kingdoms. 
 
 Holland fwarmed with Britifh refugees ; the Prince's court was 
 their afylum ; where nothing was to be heard, but the murmurings 
 and complaints of an injured people calling for redrefs. 
 
 Univerfal difafFection likewife prevailed among all ranks at home. 
 Even the navy and the army were ripe for a revolt. And the eyes 
 of all were directed, by a kind of foreboding impulfe, towards Wil- 
 liam, as their only refource. That confummate politician, who 
 well knew that the fuccefs of an invafion would depend upon the 
 fecrecy with which it was conducted, and the expedition with which it 
 was executed, had fully digefted the whole project in his own mind, 
 had formed his refolution, had begun, and had almoflfinifhedhis pre- 
 parations, whilft he appeared with reluctance to hearken to the in- 
 vitations he daily received, or to fuffer any mention of it in his 
 prefence. Under various pretexts, which the fituation of affairs 
 then afforded, an army was ready to embark, and a fleet prepared 
 to receive them, before William publifhed his intentions, or the 
 world began to fufpect them. And the infatuated James fcarcely 
 faw the cloud gathering, when it burit with vengeance on his 
 head. 
 
 As the Prince of Orange had often experienced Mr Carftares's 
 fidelity and attachment upon former occafions, he refolved that he 
 fhould be one of his retinue in this expedition ; and, for that 
 purpofe, obtained leave of abfence for him from the burgo-maiters 
 ofLeyden ; a favour, which, along with their kindnefs to him in other 
 refpects, he gratefully acknowledges in a letter of thanks which he 
 wrote them after the revolution had taken place, and which may not 
 perhaps be unacceptable to the reader. 
 
 A Lews;
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 33 
 
 A Leurs Seigneuries, Meffeigneurs Les Bourgue-Maijires 
 de la Ville de Ley den. A LET DEN. 
 
 AY ANT des obligations fi grandes, et en fi grande nombre, His letter tm 
 a vos Seigneuries, qui eurent la bonte de me confiderer d'une ma- n he ma ^ 
 
 ° * # fixates of 
 
 niere fi particuliere lors que j'eftois en votre ville, comme eftranger, Leyden, 
 et reduit a quitter le pais de ma- naiffance, a fin de pouvoir ailleurs 
 jouir du repos de ma confcience, que je ne pouvois avoir en ma pa- 
 trie. Je creu qui'l efloit de mon devoir, de me conduir d'une ma- 
 niere, qui ne donnoit a vos Seigneuries aucun fujet de croir qu'elles 
 avoient repandu leur faveurs fur une perfonne qui ne fceut pas les 
 faire valoir comme il faut, et en avoir toute la reconnoiffance pof- 
 fible. C'eft pourquoy, Meffeigneurs, comme je ne voulois pas, 
 fans le confentment de vos Seigneuries, entreprendre de difpofer 
 de ma perfonne en accompagnant fa Majefte du prefent, en fa der- 
 niere expedition, laquelle fut entreprife avec autant de hazard 
 qu'elle a efte fuivie et couronne d'un fucces glorieux ; qui, comme il 
 a ete, fera encore a ce que j'efpere a Pavenir, pour la furete de Pin- 
 tereft des proteftans, et a la confufion des deffeins de leurs adver- 
 faires. Ainfi, je ne fcaurois eftre content, fi je ne fais fcavoir a vos 
 Seigneuries, que je continue a etre ici, en vertu des memes com- 
 mandemens par les quelles vos Seigneuries m'ordonnerent d'y ve- 
 nir, et que je ne aurois pas plutot obtenu de fa Majefte la permiflion 
 de quitter P Angleterre ; que ma premiere et principale tafche fera 
 de vous rendre mes devoirs, comme a mes genereux bienfaiteurs : 
 Et je travailierai, avec Paide de Dieu, ou a m'aquitter du devoir de 
 mon miniftere envers Peglife Angloife, qui eft fous la protection de 
 vos Seigneuries, ou du moins a vous rendre des raifons pourquoy je 
 ne puis pas le faire, lefquelles feront telles que j'efpere qu'elles 
 ne fatisfieront pas feulement vos Seigneuries a mon egard ; mais 
 auffi qu'elles les engageront a continuer envers Peglife Angloife 
 la meme faveur que vous avez eu la bonte de commencer en ma per- 
 fonne. Et je ne doute point, que cela ne tournera a Pavantage de 
 cette grande ville, et de cette fameufe univerfite, aufquelles vos Seig- 
 
 E neuries
 
 34 THE LIFE OF 
 
 neuries ont un fi grand intereft Cependant je tafcheray de tout 
 mon pouvoir de faire en forte que cela reuffifle au bien de l'une et 
 de i'autre. 
 
 MefTeigneuries, 
 
 De vos Seigneuries 
 
 Le tres humble et tres (idelle 
 Sujet et ferviteur, 
 
 William Carstares* 
 
 The Prince's The burgo-mafters having chearfully complied with the Prince's 
 by a ftorm. requeft, he fet out along with his Highnefs in quality of his domeftic 
 chaplain, and went aboard of his own (hip. It is well known, that, up- 
 on their firft fetting out from the coaft of Holland, the fl-*et was in 
 imminent danger by a violent tempeft, which obliged them to put 
 back for a few days. Upon that occafion, the veflel which carried 
 the Prince and his retinue narrowly efcaped fhipwreck, a circuin- 
 ftance which fome who were around his perfon were difpoied to 
 interprete into a bad omen of their fuccefs. Among thefe, Dr Bur- 
 net happening to obferve, that it feemed predefined that they 
 fhould not fet foot on Engliih ground, the Prince faid nothing; but, 
 upon ftepping a-lhore at Torbay, in the hearing of Mr Carftares, 
 he turned about to Dr Burnet, and afked him what he thought of 
 the doctrine of predeftination now ? 
 Mr Car- As the Prince of Crange had declared, that one main defign of 
 
 vfoTto the n ' s undertaking was, to protect the proteftant religion as by law e- 
 Prince. ftablifhed, it was fuggefted to him by Mr Carftares, that it might 
 
 have a good effect upon the army, and make a favourable impref- 
 fion upon the minds of the people, to conduct their landing with a 
 religious folemnity. This fuggeftion was highly approved by the 
 Prince; and, with this view, no fooner were the foldiers landed, 
 than Mr Carftares performed divine fervice at the head of the army, 
 after which, all the troops, as they flood along the beach, joined in 
 finging the 1 1 8th pfalm, before they encamped. 
 
 From
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 35- 
 
 From this time, until the fettlement of the crowns upon King 
 William and Queen Mary, he ftill continued about the Prince's 
 perfon ; and, as appears from fome private papers, was now, as 
 well as formerly, confulted and employed by the Prince in nego- 
 tiating certain affairs, and difpofing of certain fums, with which no 
 other was entrufted *. 
 
 It was during this interval that he had it in his power to be cf 
 the greateft fervice, both to his own country, and to the Prince of 
 Orange. Nothing of confequence was carried on relative to the 
 fettlement of Scotland which the Prince did not communicate to 
 him, and permit him to give his fentiments of in private. 
 
 This was a matter which required the moil delicate ma- Difficulties 
 nagement. For, although the crowns of England and Scotland J^ e ^J e f tde * 
 had been worn by the fame monarchs, from the accemon of Scotland. 
 James VI. of Scotland, till the defertion of James VII. yet the confti- 
 tution and government of the two kingdoms had hitherto continued 
 as diftinct as they had been before the union of the crowns ; the 
 meafures, therefore, taken by the Englifh, upon occafion of the re- 
 volution, were not binding upon the Scots; and, even after William 
 and Mary had afcended the throne of England, it was in the power 
 of the Scots ftill to have adhered to their former fovereign, or to 
 have fettled the fucceflion in any other manner which they deemed 
 moft for their own advantage. The privy-council, in whofe hands 
 
 E 2 the 
 
 * In a paper of accounts of money deburfed by him for the Prince's fervice, he 
 informs his Highnefs, that fuch and fuch fums he had difpofed of in concert with 
 my Lord Melvil ; but others, he at the fame time tells him none were privy to 
 but himfelf. Among other particulars, in this paper of deburfemems, I find one 
 fum ftatedto a Captain Wiihart, who was mafter of the veffel in which Lord Ar- 
 gyle went home, " of whofe honefty and willingncfs to ferve his Highnefs, I 
 am fully affured." 
 
 This is the only evidence I have ever met with, that Monmouth and Argyle* 
 were countenanced in their undertaking by the Prince of Orange. Here we have; 
 William giving money to the perfon who brought Argyle over, in order to af- 
 fift the Duke of Monmouth in his rebellion, at the very time when he his offering 
 to Jarr.es to come in perfon to extinguifh that rebellion. The publifher -leaves it 
 to political cafuifls to folvethis phaenomenon.
 
 3 6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the adminiftration of affairs was lodged, confifted of a fet of men 
 who had been hitherto violently attached to the intereft of King 
 James, who had gone all lengths in feconding fome of his fchemes, 
 and even in anticipating others, for the advancement of popery and 
 arbitrary power. At the fame time, there were other circumftances 
 which gave the lovers of their country fome foundation to hope 
 that Scotland would adopt the fame plan with England upon this 
 occafion, and which encouraged them to exert themfelves in pro- 
 moting fuch meafures as were conducive to fo defireable an end. 
 The Scots had felt more fenfibly than the Englifh the violent en- 
 croachments made upon their civil and religious liberties, by the ar- 
 bitrary meafures of two fucceifive reigns. The difmal effects of 
 tyranny are moil fenfibly felt in remoter provinces, and it is always 
 exercifed with greater feverity by a number than by a fingle per- 
 fon. The members of the privy-council in Scotland were fo many 
 petty tyrants, who vied with each other in ads of violence and op- 
 prefTion; and thus fought the more effectually to recommend them- 
 felves to the favour, whilft they undermined the intereft, of the ma- 
 iler whom they ferved. 
 
 Mr Carftares, who had many opportunities of ftudying the cha- 
 racters of thofe men in his private conferences with the Prince, af- 
 fured him, that, however unjuftifiable their conduct had hitherto 
 been, he would find, upon making the experiment, that moft of 
 them were actuated by principles which, if properly directed, might 
 render them inflrumental in promoting his deilgns; That the 
 fame motives which rendered them formerly (o fubfervient to James, 
 would detach them from his fortunes fo ibon as he left the illand : 
 That, as the great body of the people were prefbyterians, zealous 
 in their principles in proportion to the uifferings they had under- 
 gone on account of them, and, confequently, not only alienated from 
 the late adminiftration, but ready, with open arms, to embrace him 
 as their fovereign. — As an evidence of this laft particular, he intro- 
 duced to his Majefty the commifficners of the prefbyterian clergy, 
 who, upon intimation from him, had repaired to London with an 
 
 addrefs
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES, 
 
 37 
 
 tuldrefs full of gratitude to the Prince of Orange for his feafonable 
 interpofition. This addrefs was the more acceptable, as it was 
 thought to contain the fentiments of the commons of Scotland, 
 whofe oracles the clergy then were. As I find copies of this 
 addrefs, and likewife of that of the city of Edinburgh, written in 
 Mr Carftares's hand, it is probable they were tranfmitted to Scot- 
 land by him, and adopted by thefe communities. — Nothing was now 
 of fuch importance to William, in the profecution of the extenfive 
 fchemes he had projected, as that Scotland mould inftantly copy the 
 pattern which England had fet before it. Without this, he faw that 
 he could neither reign in England with fecurity, nor hold the ba- 
 lance of power in Europe with a fteadyhand. He was the moredeeply 
 interefted, therefore, in the part that kingdom was to act, and the more 
 defirous to bring matters there to a fpeedy ifTue. For this purpofe, 
 having called together fuch of the Scottifh nobility and barons as 
 were then at London, he, at their earneft requeft, aflumed the admi- 
 niftration of affairs, both civil and military, in that kingdom ; and, 
 in confequence of the powers with which he was thereby inverted, 
 he fummoned an afiembly of the eftates, to meet at Edinburgh, and 
 to take the ftate of the kingdom under their confideration. 
 
 By the advice of Lord Stair, and the activity of his fon, the elec- W'lliam 
 
 J J t calJs a coa- 
 
 tions for reprefentatives were fo conducted, that the friends of King ventionofe- 
 James could not avail themfelves of that influence which he had ac- ^tEdia^^ 
 quired in the boroughs ; and, at the fame time, as the members bur sk» 
 were returned, according to this plan, by a poll of all the inhabi- 
 tants, what they determined was confidered as the voice of the peo- 
 ple. 
 
 This convention of eftates being met, firft approved of the pro- 
 ceedings of the lords and barons at London, in placing the admi- 
 niftration of government in the hands of William. They next 
 found, that King James, by his evil deeds, hadforfaulted the crown. 
 They framed a declaration of all the grievances the nation had 
 fuftained under themale-adminiftration of the two preceeding reigns, 
 
 of 

 
 38 THE LIFE OF 
 
 of which they now claimed redrefs. And, laft of all, they refolved 
 to make an offer of the crown to William and Mary. 
 
 The declaration, which is commonly ftiled the claim of right, along 
 with the tender of the crown, was carried to London by the Earl of 
 Argy le, Sir James Montgomery, and Sir John Dalrymple, commif- 
 fioners chofen by the three eftates of parliament. And, upon their ta- 
 king the oath, which was adminiftered to them by the Earl of Ar- 
 William and gyle, William and Mary were proclaimed, with the ufual folemni- 
 claimed tics, King and Queen of Scotland. 
 
 Queen of ^° ^ ooner was this ceremony over, than their Majefties gave Mr 
 
 Scotland. Carftares a proof of their efteem, by nominating him to be their 
 Mr Carftares chaplain for Scotland, and annexing the whole revenue belonging 
 their chap- to r ^ e chapel-royal to that office, which he continued to enjoy all 
 
 S^tlaiid t ^ e " a ^ 3 °^ ^ niS ^ C ' ^ l ^ e ^ ime t * me ' *^ s M a J en 7 intimated to 
 him, that he required his conftant attendance upon his perfon : For 
 
 this purpofe, he affigned him apartments in his own palace when 
 in England; and, when abroad, he allowed him L. 500 for camp^ 
 equipage every campaign*. 
 Hisfirftcon- As his fituation gave him eafy accefs to the King upon all occar 
 wkh th- ^ 10ns » f° we fi n( i he improved it, by fuggefling to his Majefly, 
 Kmg upon without refer ve, whatever he judged conducive to the intereft of 
 faksT " ^is nat i ye country, or the honour and liability of his Majefty's go- 
 vernment. In a paper, written with his own hand, entitled, "Hints 
 to the King," we have the fubftance of the firft converfation he 
 had with his Majefty upon Scottiih affairs : In this he unfolds his 
 
 fenti- 
 
 * That monarch, amidil all the hurry of fecular affairs in which he was in- 
 volved, found leifure for performing the duties of piety and devotion, at which 
 Mr Carftares frequently afUfhed him. Upon the day of battle, he always ac- 
 companied him in his chariot to the field. He had thus many opportunities of 
 ftudyingthe character of that great man in the mod trying circumftances, ani 
 of admiring his tranquility and compofure immediately before action, as well as- 
 his abfolute contempt of danger in the field. Mr Carftares afcribed both the 
 one and the other to the influence of religious principles, no lefs than to conHi- 
 tutional courage.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 39 
 
 fentiments upon feveral fubjects relative to the fettlement of Scot- 
 land, not with the timidity of a fervile courtier, but with the free- 
 dom of an intimate friend. From this paper, it is eafy to fee to 
 Whom the church of Scotland was indebted for her re-eftablifh- 
 ment at that period. This is the firft object Mr Carftares begs 
 leave to fugged to his Majefty's attention. 
 
 The principal arguments he makes ufe of for this purpofe are 
 the following : 
 
 ** 1. That the epifcopa! party in Scotland was generally difaffected 
 to the revolution, and enemies to the principles upon which it was 
 conducted. Whereas, the prefbyterians had almoft to a man de- 
 clared for it, and were, moreover, the great body of the nation ; 
 none, therefore, could think it ftrange, that the friends of a govern- 
 ment mould enjoy all the encouragement it can afford, whilft it 
 with-held its countenance from open and avowed enemies. 
 
 " 2. That the epifcopal clergy in Scotland, particularly the pre- 
 lates, had been fo accuftomed to warp their religious tenets with the 
 political doctrines of regal fupremacy, pafftve obedience, and non- 
 refiftance, that it became inconfiftent with the very end of his co- 
 ming, to continue epifcopacy upon its prefent footing in Scot- 
 land. 
 
 " 3. That, as it was impoflible for his Majefty to mow that fa- 
 vour to the non-conformifts in England, who were a numerous 
 body, and at the fame time zealoufly attached to revolution-prin- 
 ciples, which he was naturally difpofed to do, becaufe fuch a con- 
 duct would certainly awaken the jealoufy of the church of Eng- 
 land ; here was an opportunity of effectually demonflrating to 
 them, that the difcouragements they might labour under during 
 his adminiftration were not owing to any prejudices he entertain- 
 ed againft them, but to the neceffity of the times, and the delicate 
 fituation in which he was placed." 
 
 He next recommends to his Majefty's particular attention and 
 encouragement, the feveral univerfitics in Scotland, in order to 
 their being immediately fupplied with men of good learning and 
 
 found
 
 4 o THE LIFE OF 
 
 found principles, as the only fecurity for a right fuccefhon of cler- 
 gy and ftatefmen in time to come. 
 
 He concludes with prefuming to fugged two political maxims to 
 his Majefty, which at once mew his moderation with refped to 
 matters ecclenaftical, and his thorough knowledge of men and go- 
 vernment : For, if King William erred in the courfe of his admi- 
 niftration, it was either when he counteracted the one, or when he 
 carried the other to too great a length. 
 
 He firft cautions him againft giving the fmalleft fufpicion to any 
 one of the contending parties, whether in church or ftate, that he- 
 was fo far'engroffed or monopolized by the other, as to adopt thofe 
 private animofities or refentments with which they were inflamed 
 againft each other. Mr Carftares, though the beft friend ever the 
 prefbyterians had at court, knew too well the fpirit of the party, 
 not to forefee the danger of their abufing that power which was to 
 be put into their hands : That fome, from the narrownefs of their 
 principles with refpecl: to church-government, others, irritated by 
 the perfonal injuries they had received from thofe of the epifcopal 
 perfuafion, might be difpofed to pufh matters further againft them 
 than was confident with his Majefty's intereft, or the maxims of 
 found policy. He was therefore of opinion, that the King mould, 
 give them to underftand, that he would have his ears ever open to 
 the juft complains of fuch as were injured or opprefled. 
 
 Upon this principle it was, that fuch of the epifcopal clergy as took 
 the oaths to government, were allowed to continue in their churches,, 
 and that fo many enjoyed their livings without moleftation from the 
 civil government, who not only refufed to take the oaths, and to pray 
 for the King and Queen, but openly avowed themfelves enemies to 
 their government, and prayed publicly for the late King and his fami- 
 ly. An inftance of lenity which perhaps is not to be paralleled in any 
 other government that ever exifted upon the face of the earth *• 
 
 Upon- 
 
 * As the fa& here afferted feems to require proof, Khali vouch it hy the two 
 following letters written to Mr Carftares when with the King in Flanders, by- 
 
 thc
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 4l 
 
 Upon the fame principle it was, that fo many who had been ac- 
 tive in carrying on the perfecutions in Scotland under the preceed- 
 ing reigns were employed in this. 
 
 F Another 
 
 the Reverend Mr David Blair one of the minifters of Edinburgh, and chaplain 
 to the King. From which it will appear, that the lenity of government was not 
 owing to ignorance, but to his Majefty's own moderation, and the prudence of 
 thofe who were confulted by him in matters of this kind. For I do not find, 
 from any letters about this period, either from the clergy or fecretaries of ftate 
 that Mr Carftares, by his Majefty's authority, gives any countenance to 
 plaints againft intruders, although he chofe to be informed of theparticul 
 fpe&ing their condudt. 
 
 com- 
 ars re- 
 
 Dr Brother, Edinburgh, November 19. 1692. 
 
 YOUR'S of the 8th current I received, and gave a return to it by a former 
 port. I have had rny own reafons why I was. willing that you fhould be as punc- 
 tually informed as poffible of the carriage of the epifcopal men north Tay, with 
 refpeft to the civil authority. I gave you account formerly of Angus and 
 Mearns, and now you fhall have of Perth-fhire, which comes to my hand from 
 a minifter of good judgement and great fobriety, who Jives in thofe parts. I can- 
 not give it better than in his own words, he writes fo naturally, as follows : 
 " The carriage of the late conformifts in the fhire of Perth is fo well known to 
 all who live in the head- town of it, that I believe they would be angry if any 
 fnould impute it to them, that they complied with any public appointment of 
 faffing or thankfgiving, or praying for King William and Queen Mary. There 
 are only three in all the fhire, of epifcopal minifters, who are faid to comply with 
 thefe appointments, viz. Mr William Poplie in Rynd, Mr John Fall in Kin- 
 fawns, and Mr Hill in St Madoes. All the reft are contemners thereof. The 
 fheriff has delated to the council but few of them, becaufe there are many inferior 
 judicatories within this fhire, fuch as ftewartries, which have their ftewards, 
 and regalities, which have their bailies. And he fays, he is only concerned in 
 the royalty, and by this means many are overlooked." He adds, " 1 am lorry 
 there fhould be any fafts or thankfgivings appointed to be publicly kept in this 
 fhire, they are fo generally defpifed, and the greater! defpifera are as the obfer- 
 vers, who yet incur no fmall odium for the obfervance. If there be not fome 
 courfe taken for punifhing the contemners, the contempt will always be the great- 
 er." Thus far mine author 5 and then fets down the names of the non-obfervers 
 
 within
 
 4 i THE LIFE OF 
 
 Another maxim he recommends to his Majefty upon the fame 
 occafion was this : To be extremely cautious in giving up any one 
 branch of the royal prerogative, a danger to which he was the more 
 expofed from having been raifed to the throne by the voice of the 
 people, in oppofition to the violent encroachments of the royal pre- 
 rogative under the preceeding reign. 
 
 And happy was it for Great Britain, that King William's tem- 
 per naturally difpofed him to act up to this maxim. Had it been 
 otherwife, had the government, immediately upon the revolution, 
 fallen into the hands of a fovereign more pliable, and lefs tenaci- 
 ous of the rights of the crown, that event would, in all probability, 
 have terminated in the fubverfion of that conilitution which it was 
 Intended to eilablifh and confirm. How far the arguments which 
 
 Mr 
 
 -within the fhire of Perth, to the number of fifteen, and fays, there are many o- 
 thers whofe names he knows not. Amongft thofe he names, there is one Mr 
 David Rankin, who, though deprived by the council, intrudes himfelf again in- 
 to the church of Benethie. He mentions alfo one Mr William Smith of Mo- 
 neydie, whom he calls fo avowed a Jacobite, that he came to Perth on the 14th 
 of October lait, King James's birth-day, and baptized a child in the great church, 
 who was named James, after the King. He acquaints me alfo, that all the dif- 
 affe£ted curates within the (hire are invited to preach in the kirk of Scoon, and 
 this upon exprefs condition, that if they pray for King William, he who gives 
 the invitation will not have them. If you wifh that I fhould continue to write 
 you whilft you are in Flanders, let me know. 
 
 Your's, &c. 
 
 In a long letter, to which the foregoing refers, he fays, " I gave you formerly 
 an account of the epifcopals in Fyfe. Now, take thefe following in Angus and 
 Mearns under their feveral lifts ; firffc, of thofe who pray not for King William 
 and Queen Mary, nor obferve falls and thankfgivings, and yet enjoy their livings 
 and {Upends, to the number of feventeen. Secondly, Of thofe who having been 
 outed by the council, do yet preach in thefe bounds, and pray not for their Ma- 
 jefties, but for King James, either exprefsly,or in terms very intelligible to all that 
 hear them, to the number of eight. Thirdly, Of thofe who preach at times in 
 the meeting-houfe of Dundee, and who pray for King James, either in exprefs 
 or intelligible words, to the number of fix."
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 43 
 
 Mr Carftares made ufe of in favour of the eftablifhment of prefby- 
 tery in Scotland, weighed with King William, we cannot pretend 
 to fay; but it is certain, that it required all the influence which the 
 friends of that form of church-government could exert, to prevail 
 with him. 
 
 His fentiments upon ecclefiafiical matters were formed upon King Wil- 
 thepradice in Holland, where, though all religions are tolera- l^ntsupon 
 ted, yet one only is eftablifhed and countenanced by the legiflature. ecciefiaftical. 
 His great object, therefore, was to have the fame form of church- 
 government eftablifhed over the whole ifland. And although, in 
 this event, prefbytery would have been more agreeable to his own 
 principles than epifcopacy, yet an union of the two churches, upon 
 any reafonabie terms, was fo very eligible, and the points in difpute 
 betwixt the two, in his eftimation, fo very trifling, that, could the 
 church of England have been brought to lower their terms of com- 
 munion, fo as to comprehend the bulk of the non-conformifts in 
 that kingdom, he was fully determined never to abolifh epifcopacy 
 in Scotland. And it was not, till he found that all attempts to- 
 wards a comprehenfion in England would probably be rendered in- 
 effectual, by the violence of the high-church party, that he yield- 
 ed to the eftabliihment of prefbytery in Scotland, 
 
 Nor had he fooner confented, than, by the indifcreet management 
 of thofe who were intruded by him in the dire&ion of Scottifh 
 affairs, and the head-ltrong violence of the prefbyterian clergy, he 
 began to repent of what he had done in their favour.. As his own 
 fentiments in religion were abundantly liberal, fo it was a maxim 
 with him, that, upon religious fubjects, every man ought to be left 
 at full liberty to think for himlelf ; and he abhorred, from the bot- 
 tom of his heart, as the worfl of tyranny, every proftitution of civil 
 authority, to the bafe purpofe of lording it over the confciences of 
 men. On this account, although he was very apt, in the multipli- 
 city of bufinefs in which he was involved, to fign other papers, 
 without perufing them with much attention, he was extremely cau- 
 tious of giving his aflent to any public deed in which the church 
 
 J- ~ was
 
 44 THE LIFE OF 
 
 was concerned. Accordingly, when the original draught of the a£ 
 for the icttlement of prefbytery in Scotland was lent up to him by- 
 Lord Melvil, he fent for Mr Carftares, and, after a long ccnverfa- 
 tion upon the feveral claufes contained in it, he defired him to 
 write, whilft he dictated the following remarks. A c py cf them 
 was fent down to the commiflioner; the original Mr Cariiares kept, 
 and it is now in the publisher's cuftody. This paper does great ho- 
 nour to King William, as it ihews us, in one view, the clcarnefs of 
 his head, the integrity of his heart, and the moderation oi his prin- 
 ciples ; and, on theie accounts, it well merits a pk.ee in this work. 
 It is entitled thus : 
 
 His remarks " His Majefty*S Remarks upon the Act* for fettling Church-govern- 
 ment in Scotland, which was fent up to him by my Lord Com- 
 churc miffioner, along with fome reafons defigned f.r clearing of it, 
 
 Scotlant a °d in anfwer to fome objections that might be made againft it. 
 
 11 l/r, Whereas in the draught it is laid, that the church of Scot- 
 land was reformed from popery by preihyters, ivithout prelacy, his 
 Majefty thinks, that, tho' this matter of fact may be true, which he 
 doth not controvert ; yet, it being contradicted by fome, who fpeak 
 of a power that fuperintendants had in the beginning of the refor- 
 mation, which was like to that which bifhops had afterwards, it 
 were better it were otherwife expreffed. 
 
 4; iJ:, Whereas it is laid, their Majeftiesdo ratify the prefbyterian 
 church-government to be the only £ r of ChriJPs church in 
 
 this kingdom, his Majefty defires it may be exprefled otherwife, 
 thus, To be the government of the church in this kingdom efta- 
 blilhed by law. 
 
 " 3/10, Whereas it is laid, that the government is to be exercifed 
 by found prefbyterians, and inch as lhall hereafter be owned by 
 prefbytcrian judicatories asfucb, his Majefty thinks that the rule is 
 too general, depending as to its particular determination upon par- 
 ticular mens opinion ; and therefore he defires, that what is faid to 
 be the meaning of the rule in the reafons that were fent along with 
 
 the 
 3 See the aG itfelf in the apper
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES, 45 
 
 the ad may be exprelTed in the ad itfelf, viz. That fuch as fubfcribe 
 the Confeflion of Faith and Catechiims, and are frilling to fubmit 
 to the government of the church, being fober in their lives, found 
 in their d & ine, and qualified with gifts for the rniniftry, ihall be 
 admitted to the government. 
 
 " 4/0, Whereas it is defired to be enacted, that the general meet- 
 ing of the minifters do appoint viiitors tor purging the church, &c. 
 his Majefty thinks fit, that, for anfvvering the objections that are 
 propofed againft this method in the reaions fent up to him along 
 with the act, that what in thefe reafons is expreffed by may be, as 
 to the concern of his privy-council in that matter, and the prefent- 
 ing of thefe vifitors to the commiilicner, 'that he may fee they are 
 moderate men, be plainly exprefTed in the act itfelf, that itjbould 
 be, &c. 
 
 " 5*0, As to what concerns the meeting of fynods, and general af- 
 femblies, his Majefty is willing that it fhould be ena&ed, that they 
 meet at fuch and fuch times of the year, and fo often as ihall be 
 judged necelTary, provided always that they apply to him or the 
 privy-council, to know if there be any inconvenience as to public 
 affairs in their meetings at fuch times, and have his approbation 
 accordingly. 
 
 " 6/2, Whereas it is defired to be enacted, that the parifhes of 
 thofe thruft out by the people in the beg ' of this revolution 
 
 be declared vacant, upon this rea 1 -'ere put upon con- 
 
 pregations fojefty defires it may be ex- 
 
 prelTed in fuch a manner, as is perfectly confident with the rights 
 of patrons, which he hath the more reafon to i nil ft upon, that, in the 
 paper fent up along with the act, it feems to be acknowledged, that 
 this procedure is extraordinary, and, therefore, ought not to be 
 drawn into confequence. 
 
 " I A. B. do fincerely declare and promife, that I will own and 
 fubmit to, and peaceably live under, the prefent government of the 
 church, as it is by law eftablifhed in this kingdom, and that I will 
 heartily concur with and under it, for the fuppreffing of vice and 
 
 .'.zednefs,
 
 49 THELIFEOF 
 
 wickednefs, the promoting of piety, and the purging the church of 
 all erroneous and fcandalous minifters. 
 
 " It is his Majefty's pleafure, that ilich as fliall declarers is above 
 written, and aflent and conient to the Confeflion of Faith now con- 
 firmed by a£t of parliement as the ftandard of the proteftant religion 
 in that kingdom, fhall be reputed found and orthodox minifters. 
 
 " It is his Majefty's pleafure too, that thofe who do not own and 
 yield fubmiffion to the prefent church-government in Scotland fhall 
 have the like indulgence that the prefbyterians have in England. 
 
 " His Majefty thinks fit that the claufe, from 30 to 54, be left 
 out, as not being necelTary. 
 
 " His Majefly's defire to have what he grants to the church of 
 Scotland to be lafting, and not temporary, makes him incline to 
 have the above mentioned amendments made upon the act V 
 
 This- 
 
 * The above remarks were fent down to the Earl of Melville, along with a let- 
 ter from the King. The original is in the pofleflion of the Right Honourable the 
 Earl of Leven, and is thus entitled, 
 
 "Remarks upon the Aclfor fettling Church-Government, with the King's Letter, 
 
 May 22. 1690, wheieby it will appear, Inftruttions were exactly obferved, in 
 
 fo far as was poiTible, without hazarding the Ruin of the Kingdom." 
 
 There is only one particular in which the paper in my Lord Leven's cuflody 
 
 differs from that which is in the hands of the publifher, and it is remarkable, 
 
 viz. after the 6th remark, in the copy fent down to Lord Melville, it runs thus: 
 
 " His Majefly's refolution to be candid in what he does, and his defire that what is 
 
 granted by him to the church may not be uneafy to him afterwards, incline him 
 
 to have the above mentioned amendments in the act. 
 
 Then follows the letter. (Supra fcribitur) W. R. 
 
 '* Right trufly, and right entirely beloved coufin and counfellor, We greet you 
 well. We have confidered the act anent church-government, and have returned 
 the fame, with the alterations we have thought proper mould be made upon it; 
 however, we leave you fome latitude, which we wifli you would ufe with as much 
 caution as you can, and in the way will be moft for our i'ervice. Giv^n under our 
 royal hand, at our court at Kenfington, the 2d of May 16^0, and of our reign 
 the fecond year. W. R."
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 47 
 
 This paper of remarks throws confiderable light upon the ftate Obferva* 
 of church-matters at the revolution. In the preceeding feffion of l ^ n l upon 
 parliament, King William, being, with confiderable difficulty, pre- in S original 
 vailed upon to confent to the abolition of prelacy in Scotland, ftill paper * 
 kept fight of his favourite object, which was an entire union be- 
 twixt the two kingdoms, both in church and Mate. For this rea- 
 fon, he abfolutely refufed to give his afTent to an act, which was 
 propofed by fome of the rigid prefbyterians, averting, that prefby- 
 tery was the only form of church-government agreeable to the 
 word of God. For the fame reafon, he fuggefts his own doubts in 
 thefe remarks upon the ad 1690, with refpect to the reformation, 
 by means of prcfbytcrs, in order to prevent any thing from being 
 introduced into that act of parliament which might have a tenden- 
 cy to obitruct the union of the two churches in fome future period. 
 Whereas, by refting the eftablifhment of church-government folely 
 upon the inclinations of the people, he eftablifhed a precedent which 
 might afterwards be improved for promoting that union. 
 
 It is evident, from another of thefe remarks, that, when King 
 William gave his affent to the act eftablifhing prefbytery, he was 
 fo far from confidering the law of patronage as in the leaft incon- 
 fiftent with that form of church-government, that, in one of the a- 
 mendments, he appears extremely tender of the rights of patrons, 
 and folicitous to guard them againft the fmalleft encroachments. 
 Accordingly, in the draught of an act which was fent down by 
 Mr Carftares to the Duke of Hamilton, then commiffioner, and by 
 him propofed to the parliament in the year 1689, we may fee the 
 fentiments of King William himfelf, and of thofe with whom he 
 confulted, upon that fubject. See Appendix, 
 
 This overture, when offered by the commiffioner, was oppofed 
 by another from Lord Cardrofs for aboliihing patronages, as well 
 as epifcopacy ; upon which the commiffioner, afraid, in the prefent 
 temper of the parliament, to bring the two overtures to a vote, pro- 
 pofed to delay the fettlement of the church till a further day, and, 
 before that time, adjourned the parliament. 
 
 As
 
 4 8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Mr Carftares As Mr Carftares was King William's chief confident and advifer in 
 boUtion of a church-matters, the more zealous prefbyterians blamed him at that 
 patronage at ime as th caufe of the King's reluctance to yield to their iblicita- 
 
 the revolu- ° ' 
 
 tion, tions in the affair of patronages. 
 
 On the other hand, Mr Carftares blamed them for afking more 
 of King William when he was eftablifhed upon the throne, than a 
 compliance with the articles in the claim of right, which, without 
 any mention of patronage, only complains of prelacy, or the iupe- 
 riority of any church-officers above prefbyters, as a grievance. 
 • He knew, that, from the reformation, down to the revolution, in 
 all the viciffitudes of church-government, patronage had been the 
 law of the land. He knew, that, by theacl: 1592, which has al- 
 ways been confidered as the grand charter of prefbyterian govern- 
 ment, patronages were incorporated with its very conftitution. 
 And he knew King William was too tender of his prerogative, 
 to allow any authority to the act of eftates in 1649, which had 
 been exprefsly refcinded by an act of parliament, as a violation 
 of the conftitution. Belides, Mr Carftares was too well acquaint- 
 ed with the circumftances of the country, with the King's temper, 
 and with the indiicreet zeal of fome of his brethren the prefbyte- 
 rians, not to forefee the danger of gratifying them in all their de- 
 mands ; and he found himfelf obliged, in his applications to the 
 King in their behalf, to make a juft diftinction betwixt what was 
 effential to that form of church-government, and what was abfo- 
 lutely diilincl: from it. Of this laft kind he confidered the article of 
 patronage; and, inftead of adviiing the repeal of that law as be- 
 neficial to the church, he was afraid that fuch a ftep might have a 
 quite contrary tendency, and prove, in the end, prejudicial, not on- 
 ly to the King's intereft, but to the prefbyterians themfelves, by 
 throwing more power into their hands than they knew how to 
 ufe with moderation. 
 
 The clergy of that perfuafion, having been deprived, for near thirty 
 years, of the eftablifhed livings, were then reduced to a Mate of abfo- 
 lute dependence upon their hearers for their fubliftence : A circum- 
 
 fiance*
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARS TARES. 49 
 
 ftance extremely unfavourable to the dignity of the minifterial cha- 
 racter, by deterring men of fpirit from entering into that profeffionj 
 and by debafing the minds of thofe who do. Mr Carftares, from 
 the flrft eftablifhment of prefbytery, dreaded the confequences which 
 might enfue, from entrufting the whole government of the church, 
 and the difpofal of its benefices, in the hands of a fet of men who were 
 tainted with all the prejudices of the people, and, at the fame time, 
 irritated by a fenfe of recent injuries. Whilft he advifed, therefore, 
 the eftablifhment of prefbytery, he was of opinion, that it ought to 
 be of the moft moderate kind, and fo modelled, as to admit of the 
 aflumption of fuch of the epifcopal clergy as took the oaths to go- 
 vernment, upon the mildeft terms. This he forefaw would not be 
 the cafe, unlefs the right of patrons were preferved, as a check upon 
 the clergy. 
 
 Although my Lord Melvill did not differ, in his fentiments up- 
 on, thefe fubjects, from Mr Carftares, his fituation was widely diffe- 
 rent. As the head of the prefbyterians in Scotland, he faw that his 
 whole credit and influence in adminiftration depended upon that 
 party's maintaining the fuperiority which it had acquired, and 
 found himfelf obliged to yield to fome of their demands, in church- 
 matters, which he did not approve. 
 
 The prefbyterians, before the revolution, as well as the difTent- Lord Melvill 
 ers from every legal eftablifhment, had been in ufe to chufe their *j v *j % nt 
 own clergy, becaufe they paid them for their labours out of their toWadta- 
 own pockets. As this was a privilege upon which they put a very tronage? P *' 
 high value, it was natural for the body of the people to wifh to re- 
 tain the election of their fpiritual teachers, even when freed from the 
 burden of their maintenance. They were encouraged to make this 
 demand, by the conceffions which had already been made to them 
 by King William, and efpecially by his placing Lord Melvill, their 
 patron, at the head of adminiftration in Scotland, And that noble- 
 man found himfelf fo fituated, that he muft either comply, or break - 
 with them for ever. He chofe the former, and gave the royal af~ 
 fent to the ad repealing patronage. 
 
 G The
 
 5 o THE LIFE OF 
 
 The effe&s of fuch liberal conceffions foon juftifkd Mr Car- 
 ftares's apprehenfions. The prefbyterian clergy, inftead oi con- 
 ducting themfelves with that temper and moderation which tcuad 
 policy dictated, and the King earneftly enjoined, fo difgufted him 
 with their proceedings, by narrowing the terms of aflumption for 
 the epifcopal clergy, and rejecting the plan of accommodation 
 which was offered in their name, and approved by the King, that 
 his Commimoner to the General Affembly, according to his inftruc- 
 tions, fuddenly diiTolved that court in the year 1692; and it was 
 with no fmall difficulty that William could be prevailed with to 
 countenance its meeting for the future. 
 
 Their conduct in this particular likewife irritated the epifcopal 
 clergy to fuch a degree, that few of them chofe to incorporate with 
 the eftabliihment. 
 
 In this way, whole provinces were deprived of the means of re- 
 ligious inftru&ion, efpecially in the north, where the moft part of 
 the people was inclined to epifcopacy. 
 
 As there was not a fufficient number of prefbyterian clergy to 
 fupply fo great a demand, prefbyi-^rips were obliged to licence many 
 who were far from being poffeffed of that literature, liberality of 
 fentiment, or thofe other accomplifhments which are deemed orna- 
 mental to the minifterial character; and the want of thefe endowments 
 was no difqualification in the eye of thofe into whofe hands the e- 
 lettion, by this mode of church-fettlements, was fuffered to fall. 
 For although, by the acl; 1690, the ele&ion of minifters was vefted 
 in the conjuncl: body of heritors and elders, yet it was in the power 
 of the clergy, in every inftance, to throw the balance into the hands 
 of the elders, by increafing their number, (to which the law had 
 fixed no limitations), in what proportion they pleafed : And I find 
 numberlefs complaints made to Mr Carftares upon this head by the 
 nobility and gentry in different parts of Scotland, during the reigns 
 both of King William and Queen Anne. 
 
 All
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 51 
 
 All thefe particulars were reprefented, and probably aggravated 
 to the King, by Lord MelvuTs enemies at court, as the confequence 
 of his yielding to give the royal afTent to the act abolifhing patro- 
 nages; and they made fuch impreffion upon him, that, although 
 he had once given that nobleman inftructions, authorifing him to 
 pafs an act to that purpofe, in cafe the parliament demanded it *; 
 yet he not only refufed to give him any exoneration for his conduct 
 in that affair as CommifTioner, but determined to put the admini- 
 ftration of Scotland into other hands. 
 
 This change of administration afforded Mr Carftares another The oath of 
 opportunity of doing an effential fervice to the church of Scotland. "J^ 
 Thofe who were nr.w employed by his Majefty, finding him dif- ranee, 
 gufted with the preibyterian clergy, for their averfion to the mode- 
 rate meafures he had recommended, fell upon a method of turn- 
 ing the very weapons which the friends of prefbytery had forged 
 for their fecurity, againft them. In the parliament which fat in 
 the year 1693 f, an act was pafTed, obliging all in office to take 
 the oath of allegiance to their Majefties, and at the fame time to 
 fign the affurance, (ac it wao colled), whereby they declared 
 William to be King de jure, as well as defatlo. As this was the 
 firft inftance of an oath and declaration of that kind impofed upon 
 the church ; and as thofe who urged it were known to be none of 
 her friends, the preibyterian minifters took the alarm, and confi- 
 
 G 2 dered 
 
 * By an authentic paper, in my Lord Leven's poiTeflion, it appears that Lord 
 Melvill was inftructed to pafs an act, abolifhing lay-patronages, provided the par- 
 liament defired it. It is true, this paper is of a date prior to the paper of remarks 
 fent down by Mr Carftares. But, as it does not appear that the King had exprefsly 
 withdrawn his initructions upon that head, my Lord Melvill might think himfelf 
 at liberty ftill to give the royal affent to that act. We are happy in having it in 
 our power to do juftice to Lord Melvill's character in this particular, in which it 
 has been mifreprefented by others, particularly by Dr Burnet, whofe mifb.kes, in 
 his account of the tranfactions in Scotland during this period, are the more excu- 
 fable, that he himfelf tells us, he was not permitted to meddle in Scottish affairs. 
 
 ■\ 1 par. 4, fefT. chap. <5.
 
 52 
 
 THE LIFE OF 
 
 dered it as intended with a view to involve them in the fame fitu- 
 ation with the epifcopal clergy. They were inftigated in theis 
 oppofition to it by their friends the prefbyterians in England, who 
 were at great pains to inflame them with the fame refentmente 
 which they themfelves entertained againft the meafures then a- 
 dopted by the King. This will appear by the following letter, 
 addrefled to fome of the leading minifters among the prefbyterians, 
 and by them tranfmitted to Mr Carftares. It gives us a lively re- 
 prefentation of the temper of the party at the time when it was 
 written, and throws light upon fome tranfa&ions, during that pe- 
 riod, relative to Scottifh affairs. I have therefore thought that it 
 would not be unacceptable to the reader. 
 
 " I perceive you are very defirous to know what the prefbyte- 
 rians here think of the comprehenfion-bill, and the oath of afiu- 
 rance, which the minifters and preachers are appointed to take. I 
 muft acknowledge, that the orders and proceedings are of fuch 
 weight and importance, both of themfelves, and from the prefent 
 juncture, that they will infallibly produce, either a firm eftablifli- 
 ment, or certain deftru£tion to your church, according as you are 
 directed to carry it under them ; fo that your curiofity is feafonable, 
 and very well grounded. I wifh you have made no miflake in the 
 choice of the perfon who is to fatisfy you ; for the fubjeft is nice 
 and delicate upon which you defire my thoughts, and the fenti- 
 ments of others. 
 
 " However, I fhall obey you as well as I can, and fhall acquaint 
 you candidly, without partiality, artifice, or defign, with fome 
 ihort hints of the reafonings and conclufions of a great many ho- 
 neft and knowing perfons hereupon the late tranfactions in Scotland, 
 which they have calmly examined, without any fuch partiality to 
 the prefent or late King as might bribe their judgment ; fince they 
 hold it a fundamental maxim, that the intereft of the church is pa- 
 ramount to that of the King. 
 
 " Your comprehenfion-bill was contrived, and certainly defigned, 
 by the friends of the hierarchy here, as an engine to deilroy 
 
 prefbytery ;
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARS T A RES. 53 
 
 prefbytery ; and, though the prefbyterians have had the intereft to 
 thruft in fome claufes which feem to obviate the danger, yet, upon 
 the whole matter, the bill, as it {lands, is of mod dangerous confe- 
 quence to the government. The King will certainly be diffatisfied 
 with it ; for, having made himfelf a party, and vifibly difcovered 
 his inclination for it, by his commiflioner's ufhering in the bill, he 
 rauft be dilpleafed with foifting in fuch claufes as quite deftroy the 
 defign of it, by fecluding the epifcopal clergy, except upon condi- 
 tions they cannot accept ; and lince, by the intereft of the church- 
 party here, the King hath been prevailed upon to threaten prefby- 
 tery in Scotland with fuch a fatal blow, as the comprehenfion-bill 
 in the original draught of it would have been, he muft go through, 
 fo far, as not |to appear baffled in his defign, and lofing both fides ; 
 the one, by threatening in vain, the other, by not following it 
 home with fteadinefs and vigour. For, the addrefs contained in the 
 comprehenfion-bill, for calling a general affembly, you will obferve,, 
 wounds the rights and privileges of your church in a molt fenfible 
 manner, fince it fuppofeth that there is no affembly in being, by 
 which the King's diffolution of the laft affembly is approved, 
 the affembly's proteftation of adjournment is condemned, and the 
 intrinfic power of the church in calling and continuing of affemblies 
 pro re nata, with the right of annual aiTemblies, given them by the 
 act of fettlement, are {truck off. For fince, when an affembly is in 
 being by an adjournment upon the foot of the church's intrinfic 
 power, you think fit to addrefs the King for calling an affembly to an 
 indefinite time, it clearly imports all that is mentioned above, andfur- 
 nifhes fo good a handle and pretence of right to the court, whereby 
 to curb and baffle general affemblies, thefe bulwarks of prefbyterian 
 government, which will never, to be fure, be neglected by our epif- 
 copal church, or the patrons of epifcopacy with you. So that, in ef- 
 fect, an addrefs of this nature i& an addrefs for the extinguishing,, 
 rather than calling general aiTemblies. 
 
 " And the comprehenfion-bill, though it mifs of its firft defign, 
 will have the fame confequences in a different method, by incenfing 
 
 the
 
 54 THE LIFE OF 
 
 the King againft you, deftroying the main flrength and principal 
 privileges of the church, and- by expoilngthe party to the obloquies 
 of the world, in defeating fo fcandalous a bill with (o little addrefs ; 
 feeing it might have been done to much better purpofe, and with a 
 much better grace. But, all the dangers which threaten you at 
 fome distance, by the comprehenfion-bill, with many others, are 
 brought home to your very doors, by the ad enjoining preachers and 
 mmiiiers to take the oaths of allegiance -and afiurance. Your ene- 
 mies could not have contrived a more colourable, nor a more effec- 
 tual method for Mailing your preient eftablifhment, and your future 
 hopes, for ruining you with the preient, and rendering you infa- 
 mous to all future generations. It obligeth you dogmatically to de- 
 fine and determine points, which, in themfelves, have been doubtful 
 and difpu table, and, amongft all nations, both in the doctrine and 
 application, and that too, under the facred feal of an oath ; for it 
 obligeth you to decide betwixt right and wrong, in things without 
 your proper fphcre, and in a fenfe falfe and inconiiftent : It obligeth 
 you to lay afide your reaibn, to forget all prudential considerations, 
 and deliver yourfelves up, fail bound, as a facririce, upon every 
 change and revolution : It obligeth you to act contrary to your for- 
 mer rules, without one precedent from former ages. Nay, you are, 
 : , enjoined to make a precedent, by which the church {hall 
 be mifzrably inilaved, and minifters neceffitated to juggle with Al- 
 mighty God bv oath, for which the prefent and future generations 
 fhall hold them in deteftation. 
 
 " Where is there a point that hath been more earneftly and oblK- 
 nately difputed, than the doctrine of depofing kings and magiftrates ? 
 Are there not arguments brought from the holy Scriptures, from 
 the nature of magiftracy, from the peace of fociety, from the dread- 
 ful confcquences, the vaft deluges of blood, the lamentable diffolu- 
 tion of kingdoms which have followed foch undertakings, whereby 
 many learned and pious nrm have endeavoured, at all times, to o- 
 verthrov that king-dethroning power, which never can be pra&ifed 
 
 without
 
 MrWILLIAM CARSTARES. 55 
 
 without greater effufion of blood, and violation of all rights, than 
 the greateft tyrants have ever occafioned. 
 
 " Have the patrons of thefe principles been able toanfwer all thefe 
 objections, and give entire fatisfaction on the head ? No, furely. 
 They are neceiTitate'd, by the ftrength of thofe reafons which ftare 
 them in the face, to fhroud themfelves under fuch refined notions of 
 government, as render their principles impracticable with any man- 
 ner of fafety. There is not in man wifdom enough to comprehend 
 thofe myfterious fchemes of government they lay before us; there 
 is not virtue enough to execute them. And yet, however, doubtful 
 the problem be, by the oath you are enjoined by parliament to 
 take, you are not only obliged to afTert this king-dethroning 
 principle, but to feal it in the prefence of God Almighty, by fwear- 
 ing allegiance to King William, whofe royalty is founded upon 
 this principle alone. Again, how can you, with any manner of rea- 
 fon and juftice, declare, that your prefent governor is King de jure y 
 as well as de facto, feeing you will not pretend that you have looked 
 into your antient laws and conftitution fo narrowly, that you have 
 examined the grounds and reafons of King James's forfeiture fo 
 exactly, as to enable you to make fo grave and important a declara- 
 tion ? Or rather, have you not, by alferting in your Confeffion of 
 Faith, that difference in religion doth not vacate the fubjecVs al- 
 legiance, given up what was declared by the meeting of eftates to 
 be the moil important reafon for forfaulting King James? There 
 is a more particular tendernefs expected from minifters of the gofpel 
 than from other men : They are not obliged implicitly to obey or- 
 ders of ftate, nor to engage in the decilion of queftions fo intricate 
 in themfelves; for you do not know in what fenfe it is you are to 
 declare your prefent governor King de jure, whether by right of 
 blood, of election, or conqueft. All the three have been pleaded 
 for ; nor has the parliament as yet decided the point. So that, by this 
 oath, you are to declare you know not what; at leaft, you are to 
 declare, by oath, for whatever the ftate fhall ordain for the future; 
 a. piece of conipiaifance, methkiks, beneath the dignity of a rational 
 
 foul.
 
 5 6 T H E L I F E O E 
 
 foul* Befides, you are indebted folely to the meeting of eftates for 
 aboliihing epifcopacy, and the holding forth of prefbytery as the nati- 
 onal church ; they not only exa&ed thefe things, but recorded them 
 as fo many conditions of the furrender of the crown; without which 
 precaution, it is much to be feared, the fame councils might have 
 prevailed to obtain a continuation of epifcopacy, had the decifion of 
 that queftion been left to the civil magiftrate; fo that the point now 
 in confideration is, Whether you ought to link yourfelves fo infepa- 
 rably to a government, where the prevailing councils are contrary 
 to you, and declare againft another, whofe intereft it is now to fup- 
 port you, and who have teftified their inclination to be fuitable to 
 their interefl: ? 
 
 v " But why mould a parliament, at this time of day, which pre- 
 tends to be fo friendly to you, attempt to impofe a yoke upon your 
 prefbyterian church, which neither you nor your fathers were ever 
 made fenfible of before ? Amidft all the ftruggles among you about 
 controverted titles to the crown, the church was never obliged by 
 oaths to either of the contending parties. It never entered into the 
 •heart of any civil magiftrate, either among you or among any fo- 
 reign nation, to purfue fuch a politic, until of late that fet and 
 party began to bear fway in our public council. I find no inftances 
 of it in the hiftory of England or of Scotland ; neither doth the 
 annals of the Roman empire, of France, or Spain, where we have 
 the moft monftrous examples of contending parties, furnifh us with 
 any precedent of this nature. 
 
 " The church of England, indeed, upon the revolution, have 
 been, by order of parliament, obliged to take party-oaths ; for the 
 prefent oath of allegiance is no other. But a great many of their cler- 
 gy have flood out, though their laws give feme countenance to a 
 King Jefacio ; whereas there is no fuch pretence from your law. 
 There is no countenance to a King in poifeffion without right, to 
 be found in the language of your law ; and yet you are obliged, 
 by the laft orders of your parliament, to declare a right, as well as 
 41 pofieffion, and a right too of an unknown, indefinite, and illi- 
 
 mited
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 57 
 
 mited nature. From all which it doth plainly appear, that, by 
 the malice of your enemies, in order to the rendering of you odious 
 and defpicable, you at e defigned to be made a precedent to the 
 greateft mifchief that ever befell the church, which, if it take place, 
 muft accuftom minifters to different and contradictory oaths, calcu- 
 lated for the various fyftems -of human affairs, and engage you in 
 civil broils anddifputes: And, mould the church of England, when 
 it comes home to their doors, refufe to declare the right, as well as 
 the poffeffion, of the prefent King and Queen, as they have already 
 done, and will always certainly do, how defpicable will you be- 
 come ? Rouze up yourfelves and your antient principles, which 
 have hitherto born you up under all your difficulties, and, in the 
 gap, bravely face the danger, and gencrouily ward off the blow 
 which is defigned againft your church, by a fet of counfellors, who 
 would gladly fee all churches and their difcipline deftroyed : And 
 be affured, the ftate will never give you trouble on fo invidious a 
 head." 
 
 This letter contains the fubftance of the argument which deter- The oath of 
 mined the prefbyterian clergy to refufefigning the declaration, which all -V'^ lce 
 they now confidered asafnarelaidforthem by thofewho were in office, ranee re 1 u- 
 to afford them a fair pretext of reprefenting them to the king as no prefhyterlarf 
 lefs enemies to himfelf and his meafures than the epifcopals, and cler gy; 
 thereby of withdrawing from them that countenance and protection 
 he had hitherto afforded them. They made application, therefore, to 
 the privy-council, who, by the law, had a power to difpenfe with the 
 requifition of the declaration in fuch cafes as they fhould think pro- 
 per; but the privy-council were fo far from complying with their de- 
 mands, that they recommended to his Majefty, that an order mould be 
 iffued out for every minifter's taking the oath, and figning the affurance, 
 before he fhould be allowed to take his feat in the enfuing aflcmbly. 
 Some who were about his Majefty at this time to.k advkfrtage 
 ofMrCarftares's abfence from court, to urge the King toacompliance, 
 alledging, that it was required in the very terms of the aft of parlia- 
 ment. Upon this, his Majefty gave inftrudions to his eommiflion r, 
 
 H Lord
 
 5 8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Lord Carmichael, to require all the reprefentatives of the clergy in 
 the enfuing general affembly to fign the affurance ; and, if they 
 refufed, to diffolve the affembly in his- Majefty's name. 
 which they Upon Lord Carmichael's arriving in Edinburgh, and communi- 
 refufe. eating his orders to ibme of the clergy in town, he found them ob- 
 
 ftinate in their refolutions not to comply. They affured him, that 
 their fentiments upon the fubject were the fame with thofe of all 
 their brethren in the country ; and that, if this meafure were perfift— 
 cd in, it would fpread a flame over the country, which it would not 
 be in the power of fuch as had given his Majefty thefe counfels to 
 extinguifh. 
 
 The commimoner faw, that all his attempts to bring them to bet- 
 ter temper would be vain and fruitlefs. At the fame time, he was 
 fenfible that the diffoiution of the aiTembly would not only prove 
 fatal to the church of Scotland, to which he was a real friend, but alio 
 to his Majefty's intereft in that kingdom. From a fincere regard to 
 both, therefore, he undertook to lay the matter, as it flood, fairly 
 fi^ner^he before the King ; and, for that purpofe, fent off a flying packet, 
 affembly lays w hi cn h e expected to return from London, with the King's final 
 befoJTthe determination, the night before the affembly was appointed to 
 King ' meet. At the fame time, the clergy fent up a memorial to Mr Car- 
 
 ftares, urging him to ufe his good offices, in this critical conjuncture,, 
 for the prefervation of that church which he had fo active a hand 
 in eftablifhing. 
 who renewed .The flying-packet arrived at Kenfington in the forenoon of thaS 
 tions!^ 110 " day upon which Mr Carftares returned. But, before his arrival, his 
 Majefty, by the advice of Lord Stair and Lord Tarbat, who repre- 
 fented this obftinacy of the clergy as an act of rebellion againft his 
 government, had renewed his inftructions to the commimoner, and 
 fent them off by the fame packet. 
 Mr Carftares When MrCarftares came to Kenfington and received his letters, 
 dtfpauhet he ^mediately inquired what was the nature of the difpatches his 
 Majefty had fent off for Scotland j and, upon learning their con- 
 tents*
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARS TARES. S9 
 
 tents, he went directly, and, in his Majefty's name, required the mef- 
 fenger, who was juft fetting off, to deliver them up to him. It was 
 now late at night; and, as he knew no time was to be loft, (the gene- 
 ral afTembly being to fit in a few days,) he ran to his Majefty's a- 
 partment ; and, being informed by the Lord in waiting that he was 
 gone to bed, he told him, it was a matter of the laft importance 
 which had brought him at that unfeafonable hour, and that he muft 
 fee the King. 
 
 Upon entering the chamber, he found his Majefty faft aileep, upon His inter- 
 which, turning afide the curtain, and falling down upon his knees, he the Kina 
 gently awaked him. The King, aftonifhed to lee him at fo late an 
 hour, and in this pofture by his bed-fide, aiked him what was the 
 matter ? He anfwered, he had come to afk his life. And is it pof- 
 fible, faid the King, that you have been guilty of a Crime that de- 
 ferves death ? He acknowledged he had, and then produced the dif- 
 patches he had brought back from the meftenger. And have you, 
 fays the King, with a fevere frown, have you indeed prefumed to 
 •countermand my orders ? Mr Carftares then begged leave only to 
 be heard a few words, and he was ready to fubmit to any punifh^ 
 menthis Majefty fhculd think proper to inflict. He faid, 
 
 " That the King had now known him long, and knew his entire fideli- 
 ty and attachment to his perfon and government. Some of his fervants 
 in Scotland might find it their intereft to impofe upon his Majefty, 
 tofcreen themfelves from his merited difpleafure. Others mHit, un- 
 der the mafk of zeal for his fervice, feek only to gratify their own 
 private refentments ; and, whilft they pretended to conciliate all 
 parties to his government, might puifue fuch meafures as would 
 only unite them in oppofing it. 
 
 " That this was the foundation of all thofe factions which had 
 hitherto rent that kingdom, and made its crown fit Co uneafy upon 
 his head : That, for his own part, he could cull God to witrieft, 
 that, ever fince he entered into his Majefty's fervice, he had no 
 intereft, for he could have none, feparate from that of his mafterl 
 That, though he had been educated a prefbyt nan, and, on that a :- 
 count, had a natural bias to this form of church-goverumenf ; yet 
 
 H 2
 
 60 THE LIFE OF 
 
 his Majefty knew, that, when he recommended the eftablifhment 
 of prefbytery in Scotland, he did it, becaufe he was firmly perfua- 
 ded the prefbyterians were the only friends his Majefty had in that 
 country : That his regard to their principles had not rendered him 
 blind to their faults : That he had been aware of the indifcreet ufe 
 they would make of the liberal concefhons in their favour in Lord 
 Melville's parliament, and had freely given his fentiments upon that 
 head : That, with the fame freedom, he had remonftrated againft 
 the precipitate meafures adopted in the laft felhon of parliament, un- 
 der the pretext of correcting the errors of the former : That the ef- 
 fects had juftified his opinion of both. The firft had alienated all 
 the epifcopals, the laft, great part of the prefbyterians, from his ad- 
 miniftration. One thing alone was wanting to complete the wifhes 
 of his enemies, and that was, to cement the two parties by one com- 
 mon bond of union : That nothing could be better calculated for 
 this purpofe, than the advice which had been given to his Majefty to 
 pufh the adminiftration of the oaths to the minifters before the fit- 
 ting down of the affembly : That, although there was nothing un- 
 reafonable in what his Majefty required, yet fome who had credit 
 with them had fallen upon methods to reprefent their compliance as 
 inconfiftent with their principles, and had been fo far fuccefsful, that 
 they were determined not to comply : That, however unjuftifiablein 
 other refpects their conduct might be, it proceeded from no difaffec— 
 tion to his perfon and government ; and that, whilft this was the cafe, 
 it was more for his Majefty's intereft to confirm their attachment, 
 by difpenfing with the rigour of the law, than to lofe their affections 
 by enforcing it. What avail oaths and promifes to a Prince, when 
 he has loft the hearts of his fubjects ? Now was the time, therefore, 
 to retrieve his affairs in that kingdom : That, by countermanding 
 the inftructions he had fent down to his commiflioner, he conferred 
 the higheft obligations upon the whole body of the prefbyterian 
 cler §y» gratified all his friends in that kingdom, and effectually 
 thwarted the infidious arts of his and their enemies." 
 
 The
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 61 
 
 The King heard him with great attention, and, when he had Obtains his 
 done, gave him the difpatches to read, and defired him to throw ieq 
 them in the fire ; after which, he bid him draw up the inftructions 
 to the commiffioner in what terms he pleafed, and he would fign 
 them. Mr Carftares immediately wrote to the commiffioner, fig- 
 nifying, that it was his Majefly's pleafure to difpenfe with putting 
 the oaths to the minifters ; and, when the King had figned it, he 
 immediately difpatched the meffenger, who, by being detained fo 
 many hours longer than he intended, did not arrive in Edinburgh 
 till the morning of the day fixed for the fitting of the affembly. 
 
 By this time, both the commiffioner and the clergy were in the 
 utmoft perplexity. He was obliged to diffolve the affembly; 
 they were determined to affert their own authority independent of 
 the civil magiftrate. Both of them were apprehenfive of the con- 
 fequences, and looked upon the event of this day's conteft as deci- 
 five with refpect to the church of Scotland ; when, to their 
 inexpreffible joy, they were relieved by the return of the packet, 
 countermanding the diffolution of the affembly. Next to the 
 eftablifhment of prefbytery in Scotland, no act of King William's 
 adminiftration endeared him fo much to the prefbyterians as 
 this. They confidered it as a certain proof that his own inclina- 
 tions were altogether favourable to them, and that any difficulties 
 they laboured under ought to be imputed to his minifters, not to 
 himfelf. It was foon underftood what part Mr Carftares had acted 
 upon this occafion ; it gave him entire credit with the whole body 
 of the prefbyterians, who had of late begun to fufpect that he had 
 deferted their caufe ; and it was gratefully acknowledged by moft of 
 the clergy after he came to refide in Scotland, In one inftance, in- 
 deed, he was obliged to put them in remembrance of it. When fome 
 of his zealous brethren, in the heat of debate in a general affembly, 
 charged him with want of zeal for the intereft of the church of Scot- 
 land ; which provoked him to fuch a degree, that, in fpite of his na- 
 tural modefty and coolnefs of temper, he rofe up, and begged leave, 
 in juftice to his own character, to obferve, " That fuch a reflection 
 
 came
 
 6t THE LIFE OF 
 
 came with a very bad grace from any man whofatein that court, which> 
 under God, owed its exigence to his interpofition : That if ever, 
 in any one inftance, his zeal had carried him beyond the bounds of 
 difcretion, it was in favour of the church of Scotland : That -he ne- 
 ver had received a frown from the greateft and the beft of matters 
 but one, and it was on her account. The following letter wrote 
 immediately after the fitting down of that affembly, to which the 
 foregoing paffage relates, may ferve to throw fome light upon this 
 interefting tranfaclion. The letter is not ligned, but it is written by 
 one, who, from feveral letters of a polterior date, feems to have 
 been much confulted in Scottish affairs. 
 
 Edinburgh, March 31. 1694. 
 "SIR, 
 
 A letter to « j longed for an occafion to write to you, as it is a fort of 
 
 MrCdrftares 
 
 relative to converfe which may be held with a diftant friend. I gave your fer- 
 
 in 6 tramac- v * ce to ^ e ®' °* Q^ anc * y°- ur tnan kful acknowledgements, as you 
 tiou. defired me; and, in return, by a letter I had from him the other day, 
 
 he fends you, by me, his thanks very heartily for your fo obliging 
 acknowledgements. He bids me tell you, he is to be in town ne^t 
 week, and has fomething farther to fay upon that fubject, of which 
 he will then let me give you an account. Believe me, he is very ien- 
 fible of the injuries you have fuffered, and of what your deportment 
 at this time (which, till of late, had been mifunderitoou) has been, 
 and does deferve. He himfelf, to deal plainly with you, has had, 
 by his retirement, the happy opportunity of thinking, through the 
 want of which the befl men are hurried into miitakes, and the beft 
 meafures ruined. 
 
 " Though the matter be now happily over, I cannot forbear to 
 fay fomewhat to you of the late orcer that was, after our mends 
 parted, elicite from the King, enjoining the aflembly to take the 
 oaths before they were conftituted. I confefs I do not call to mind 
 any fuch Humbling ad, in all the adminiftration of affairs fince the 
 
 revo*
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES, 6$ 
 
 revolution, as it is, nor a defign fo deeply laid, or of more pernicious 
 confequence, or of a more dangerous tendency : It is a ft range 
 thing for every part of it to be awry, and all over foul : It would, 
 if you had not prevented, embroiled all matters : The affembly 
 muft afluredly have broke up in the greateft diforder ; and God 
 knows what the confequences might have been. What a heinous 
 thing was it, and how treacherous too, to procure of the King 
 fuch an order, as if it were in the precife terms of the acl: of parlia- 
 ment ? This is that which makes it moft treacherous, to put a thing 
 in it which might have made a King more verfant in the law than 
 ours can be, fwallow it down. I am fure, if ever there was a grofs 
 act of leiling-making, this is one. I am fure it has been originally 
 advifed from this : I can, as plainly as fun-fliine, fee Tarbat and 
 old Stairs's hands in it. To iham a King, by a committee who is 
 trufted, is a thing utterly intolerable. Your countermanding it came 
 moll feafonably to prevent the mifchief of it, and has endeared the 
 King mightily to the minifters ; and, I hope, may prove a great 
 mean to make them to proceed with that moderation you recom- 
 mend: But, as this is prevented, it were of great confequence, that 
 the fears of fuch future efcapes were likewife removed, which can 
 never be, fo long as the procurer is in that poft, which may en- 
 danger a relapfe. On my confcience, he mould lofe his head for it, 
 if it were right ; but, to continue him in his poft is unpardonable ; 
 and the fooner he is turned out the better, as it would appear fuch 
 a favour to the nation. Juftice in a Prince vigoroufly execute is 
 more reconciling than a thoufand favours are ; befides endearing 
 the King more to his friends, it would deter enemies. Now, pray 
 let the King be urged to remove him, and prefently. He can have 
 no great need of fecretaries till he return ; and then, if he be not 
 convinced that it is beft to reft on a tingle fecretary, let him have 
 another. This I'll anfwer for ; and I'll do it upon the peril of my 
 intereft with the King, and his future favour, which I would not 
 eafily be perfuaded to part with; that all the Jacobites would be dis- 
 couraged by it ; and that there is not a man, a thorough-hearted 
 
 friend
 
 64 THE LIFE OF 
 
 friend to the King's intereft, who fb.all not be well pleafed. Thus, 
 dear Mr Carftares, you fee how my zeal tranfports me to (how my- 
 felf a fool perhaps. I acknowledge it ; but you will own I am an 
 honeft fool. And I declare to you, in the fight of God, it is not 
 pique, or private grudge, that prompts me, but my affection to the 
 government. Farewell. " 
 
 The foregoing particulars are all we have been able to" learn con- 
 cerning Mr Carftares, from his birth to the year 1693, when the 
 regular correfpondence betwixt him and the officers of ftate in Scot- 
 land, now in the hands of the publifher, begins : From that time 
 to the death of King William, the beft hiftory of his life is 
 contained in that correfpondence ; from which it appears, that, du- 
 ring this period, he had, by his intimate friendfhip with the Earl 
 of Portland, and his perfonal favour with the King, the chief di- 
 rection of Scottiih affairs, and was confidered by his correfpond- 
 ents as a kind of viceroy for Scotland. As that nobleman was the 
 greater!: perfonal favourite King William ever had, and, as fome 
 hiftorians of that period were at a lofs to account for it, we fhall 
 make no apology for the following anecdote which Mr Carftares 
 ufed to relate : 
 Anecdote « Mr Bentink was brought up with the Prince from his infancy: 
 
 theEari n of He was the chief companion of his pleafures and of his ftudies. 
 Portland. Their friendfhip grew as they advanced in years. And, when they 
 were both arrived at that time of life when the human mind is fuf- 
 ceptible of the ftrongeft attachments, Mr Bentink gave the Prince 
 a proof of his affection, which effectually rivetted him in his 
 
 heart. 
 
 " About the age of fixteen, the Prince was feized with the fmall- 
 pox ; as they proved to be of the moft malignant kind, his phyfi- 
 cians, agreeably to the practice then in vogue, gave it as their opi- 
 nion, that the only chance he had for life was, to procure one of the 
 fame age with himfelf, who never had the fmall-pox before, to lie 
 
 in
 
 M*r WILLIAM CAR-STARES, 6$ 
 
 in the fame bed with him, and, by extracting the infection from 
 his body, to abate the virulence of the diftemper. MrBentink no 
 fooner heard of the prefcription, than he claimed it as his preroga- 
 tive to adminifter the cure. The prefcription, in the opinion of the 
 
 yficians, had the dcfired effect. The Prince gradually recovered; 
 
 :, to his inexprefhble grief, found his dearelt companion in im- 
 minent danger of his life. 
 
 Ke attended him with the moft,afiiduous care; admlniftred, with 
 his own hand, fuch remedies as were prefcribed to him ; and could 
 fcafce be prevailed on to take neceffary food or recreation, till the 
 left him. This mutual intercourfe of tender offices could not 
 fail to endear them to one another; and, in procefs of time, gave 
 Mr Bentins that entire afcendant over the Prince of Oran ich 
 
 even weaker minds are lometiines obferved to have over t 
 mod exalted characters. At the revolution, he came over in his 
 retinue, was foon after made groom of the ftole, "created Earl cf 
 Portland, and loaded with marks of royal favour. Whatever other 
 talents my Lord Portland had as a ftatefman, he poffeffed, in an e- 
 minent degree, the power of conciliating the affections, and pre- 
 ferving the attachment of fuch as were connected with him in the 
 management of public affairs. His letters to Mr Carflares, which 
 are written after his retirement from bufinefs breathe a heart formed 
 for friendmip, and are full of the warmeft expreflions of affection 
 and efteem. 
 
 Amongfl: the other eminent characters with whom Mr Carftares Mr Car- 
 cultivated*a particular friendfhip, when refiding at court, was the refponde&ce 
 famous Mr Harley, afterwards Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, Lord ™ Ith , Wr 
 
 4 Harley, 
 
 High Treafurer of England. 
 
 Before Mr Harley was brought into admini Oration- by King 
 William, I find he maintained a private correfponde^ce with Mr 
 Carftares, as appears by the following letter, which was probably 
 writ-ten juft before the change of the miniftry in the year 1700. 
 
 I Monday
 
 66 THE LIFE OF 
 
 Monday nighty at eight, 
 "Reverend Sir, 
 
 " "I HAVE not been able to get a moment free to wait upon 
 you ; but now I have fomething which, in my poor opinion, preiTes 
 fo much, that I chufe an inconvenient time, it may be, for you, to 
 aik to fee you this night at my houfe, any hour you will pleafe 
 to appoint. If you like not to come in at the fore-door, I will be 
 ready, upon your giving three knocks at the back-door, to let you 
 in. My back-door is the lowed door on the left hand as you come 
 down Villar's-ftreet, which is the ftreet next to Charing-crofs of 
 York Buildings, over againft the Water-houfe. I am," &c. *. 
 
 Their future correfpondence relates chiefly to the fettlement of 
 the proteftant fucceffion, the union of the kingdoms, and the ma- 
 nagement of the church of Scotland, after Mr Carftares left Eng- 
 land. Amidft all the torrent of party-abufe that was thrown out 
 upon both fides during the laft four years of Queen Anne's reign, 
 Mr Carftares, though firmly attached to the Whigs, could not en- 
 dure to hear any perfonal reflections againft Lord Oxford, as in the 
 leaft acceftory to the defign of fetting afide the fucceffion in the 
 
 houfe 
 
 * From this circumftance, it is probable that his defign in this interview with Mr 
 Carftares was, by his means, to bring about a reconciliation between the King 
 and the Tories. And the following letter from the Earl of Portland probably re- 
 fers to fome particulars which had paffed between Mr Harley and Mr Carftares 
 upon that occafion. * 
 
 Wind/or y November the nth. 
 
 «' I thank you very much for your letter. Since tbat, I hear bufinefs is much 
 altered by the King's refolution of diffolving the parliament. — Your gueffes where 
 pretty wright. I dout whether the fpeaker will afk any more to fee you; or, if 
 hee dos, hee will hardly know what to tell you : His enmity wil not much be 
 feared now. Pray, fince I am here in my folitude, let me hear fometimes from 
 you what the world fays, and what the opinion of the town is, fince the bufinefs 
 
 is determined. — Your letter is taken care of,"
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 67 
 
 houfe of Hanover, which he had a principal hand in eftablifhing. 
 See Hurley* s Letters to Mr Car/lares. 
 
 His principal correfpondents in Scotland, during the period above and with the 
 mentioned, are, Tames Tohnfton fecretary of ftate; Lord i\u\ 1 ■• ScottHh mi- 
 
 ' niitry. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy, afterwards Lord Seafield ; Sir James Stewart, 
 Lord Advocate; Lord Marchmont ; the Dukes of Queenfbcrry and 
 Argyle; Lord Carmichael ; Cockburn of Ormifton; Murray of 
 Philiphaugh, &c. 
 
 As this correfpondence was carried on in a mod interefting pe- 
 riod, and when faction raged in all its violence; fo the feries "of let- 
 ters, of which it confifts, gives us a juft picture of the ftate of the 
 nation in general, and an exact portrait of the principal characters 
 who acted their part in the ieveral fcenes to which it relates. From 
 this correfpondence it likewife appears, what a difficult game Mr 
 Carftares had to play, and with what dexterity he played it. Whilft 
 we fee all parties pouring out their complaints to him as to their 
 friend, and laying their feveral pretentions before him, none of 
 them ever accufe him of partiality or neglect. 
 
 At the fame time, it was impomble for one who polTelTed fo great 
 a fhare of power and influence, to efcape the envy of fome who 
 w r ere fuperior to him in rank and fortune. This tax, which is ge- 
 nerally laid upon diftinguifhed merit, he chearfully paid ; and ufed 
 to divert himfelf amongft his friends with affiiming the title of Car- 
 dinal, which fome of his enemies had beftowed upon him, alluding 
 to Cardinal Ximenes, who boafted he could play at foot-ball with 
 the heads of the CaftiKan grandees. 
 
 They even attempted, on different occafions, by their complaints The d^ath 
 and remonftranccs, to fupplant him in the King's favour; but to no wyJ- a S 
 purpofe: The longer the King knew him, the higher he (food in his 
 efteem. Nor was he ever fo much confulted by him, as between the 
 time of Lord Portland's retireme it from buiinefs and the King's 
 death, which happened in the month of March 1702. This event 
 affected him fo deeply, that he could never afterwards ipcak oi it, 
 or hear it mentioned, without viable concern. 
 
 I 2 To
 
 68 THE LIFE OF 
 
 To who read the following letters, it will apreir at- 
 
 moft incredible, that one who was in inch favour, with the King, 
 who had fuch eafy accefs to him upon all occafions, who had 
 devoted his life entirely to his fervice ; one, in fhort, who was daily 
 foliciting for others favours to which he was much better entitled 
 himfelf, paid fo little attention to his own private fortune, as 
 not to provide agairift an event, which he could not but fore- 
 fee a confiderable time before it happened, and which, he knew* 
 was to deprive him of all that he poileiled. The truth is, he had 
 not only a fpirit above all mercenary views, but an excefs of mode- 
 fty, which led him to fhun whatever might give his enemies any 
 pretence for the imputation of them. Hence, with all the opportu- 
 nities that ever any man pofTeffed of bettering his fortune, he was 
 left, upon his mailer's death, as poor as when he nrft entered into 
 his fervice; a circumftance which never gave him one moment's un- 
 eafmefs. Endowed by nature with a happy equanimity of temper, 
 accuftomed to various viciffitudes of fortune, he could, with equal 
 eafe, adapt himfelf to the manners of a court, or to the life of a pri- 
 vate man ; and the only circum fiance he ever regretted in the 
 change of his fortune was the event which produced it. 
 
 It was generally thought by his contemporaries, that, upon his 
 comino- over with King William, he had the offer of the firft vacant 
 bifhopric in England, and that he abfolutely declined it. This 
 ftory was probably founded upon his known interefl with the 
 Kin"-; but it feems to. have been without foundation. In truth, 
 Mr Carftares was of much more importance, and had it more 
 in his power to ferve his King and his country in the fphere in 
 which he acted, than if he had been promoted to any bi- 
 fhopric in England. As the King was abundantly fenfible of 
 this, as he knew his talents for bufinefs, and had occafion for 
 them, it is more than probable that he never thought of ma- 
 king fuch an offer to him. At the fame time, fuch were Mr 
 Carftares's fentiments of propriety and confiftency of character, 
 
 that..
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 69 
 
 that, it is next to certain, if the ofrer of it had been made, he would 
 have rejected it. 
 
 As his connection with public bufmefs was entirely founded. Queen con^ 
 upon perfonal favour with the late King, it ceafed in a great mea- ["JJ* ^ e 
 fure unon his demife. However, he had too many friends at of chaplain 
 
 x . r _ J for Scotland. 
 
 was or too great coniequence to government, to be en- 
 tirely forgotten or neglected in the fucceeding reign; and Queen 
 Anne, although not much inclined to countenance King William's 
 particular favourites; yet, without any folicitation, nominated him 
 her in for Scotland, with the fame appointments which had 
 
 been a-: by King Williamr. 
 
 Some time before this, the office of Principal in the college of He is made 
 Edinburgh had become vacant, by the death of Dr Rule; a ftation the college of 
 far from being lucrative, but, on feveral accounts, very refpedtable ; Edinbur S h - 
 efpecially when filled by one whofe learning, talents, and circum- 
 ftances in Fife, are fuited to the office. In all thofe refpects 'Mr Car- 
 ftares was abundantly well qualified for that chair. Accordingly, when 
 it was und that he was to retire from court, an invitation was 
 
 given to him by the city of Edinburgh to accept of that charge; 
 but it was with confiderable difficulty he could be prevailed upon to ■ 
 comply. On the one hand, the emoluments of that office were no 
 temptation to him ; the life he had led for many years was the re- 
 verfe of academical; and he was unwilling, at his years, to enter 
 upon a new fcene of action. On the other hand, it was an ho- 
 nourable retreat from that hurry and buttle in which he had been 
 involved; it afforded him an opportunity of being further ferviceable 
 to his country, by exerting that influence he had acquired, in pro- 
 moting the intereft of literature in the univeriity, and of moderati- 
 on in the church. But what chiefly determined him was, the uni- 
 ted folicitations of all his friends in Scotland. To their importunity 
 he at length yielded, and was admitted as Principal of the cuiiege, 
 and firft profeiibr of divinity in the univeriity of liainour^h, in 
 the year 1704. 
 
 In this public character, he foon gave ample proof to the world, 
 that his employment as a ftateiman had not interrupted ins literary 
 
 purluits,
 
 ;o THE LIFE OF 
 
 His condua purfuits. In his firft oration, which he pronounced in the common- 
 t i on> hall of the univerfity, before a very numerous and refpectable au- 
 
 dience, he difplayed fuch a fund of erudition, fuch a thorough ac- 
 quaintance with claffical learning, fuch a mafterly talent in competi- 
 tion, and, at the fame time, fuch eaie and fluency of expreifion in the 
 pureft Latin, as delighted all his auditors. Even his enemies were 
 obliged to confefs, that in him were united the manners of a gentle- 
 man with the fcience of a icholar. The famous Dr Pitcairn, who 
 was always one of his hearers upon theie occafions, ufed to ob- 
 ferve, that, when Mr Carftares began to addrefs his audience, he 
 could not help fancying himlelf tranfported to the forum in the 
 days of antient Rome. 
 
 No fooner was he placed at the head of the univerfity, than, by 
 a certain gentlenefs and affability of manners, mixed with great 
 dignity of deportment, he fecured the affections, whilft he com- 
 manded the refpecl, both of matters and ftudents. 
 
 As the falaries of the feveral regents were at that time extremely 
 
 fmall, he immediately fet on foot a Icheme for having them aug- 
 
 procures an mented. He went to London on purpofe, and ufed all the influ- 
 
 onoftheh fa ence he had, both with Queen Anne and her minifters, to obtain a 
 
 lanes to the -£ t out £ ^q bifhops rents, not only to the univerfity of Edin- 
 
 feveral re- ° L m 
 
 gents. burgh, but alio to the other univerfities of Scotland. 1 Uis was at 
 
 lair, granted ; and, as appears frpm a feries of letters betwixt him 
 and the fecretaries of Rate upon that fubjecl:, it was granted by his 
 folicitations alone. This, they tell him, they had notified to the a- 
 gents of the other univerfities, that they might know to whom they 
 were obliged for the favour *. 
 H*is plan for His endeavours to promote the intereft of the univerfity did not 
 accommo- . re fj. } icrc# As n i s reputation had brought down many ftudents 
 
 dating Eng- r ° ' 
 
 Kfh ftudents from England, who complained of the want of proper accommoda- 
 verfity? 111 " tl0Xi m Edinburgh, he concerted a plan with his friends in that 
 
 king- 
 
 * The Queen left the distribution of her royal bounty to the Univerfity of Edin- 
 burgh folely to Mr Carftares, who, with his ufual generofity, rcfufed to appropri- 
 
 at ■ one farthing of it to the augmentation of his own falary. A pattern Avhich 
 tht heads of the other univerfities did not chufe to copy.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 71 
 
 Kingdom, which, if he had lived to carry it into excecution, would 
 probably have proved of great benefit to the college and city of 
 Edinburgh. It was propofed, that a public contribution fhould 
 be raifed among the whole body of the difTenters in England, for 
 the purpofe of repairing the farbric of the college, fo as to render 
 it fit for accommodating all the Engliih ftudents who mould refort 
 thither. A public table was to be kept, at which they were to 
 be entertained at a moderate expence. An Engliih tutor, with proper 
 afTiftants, was to be brought down, to have a particular infpection 
 over the ftudents, to prefide at the common table, to aflift them 
 in their academical exercifes, and to inftruct them in fuch branches 
 of education as were not taught in the univerfity. By letters ad- 
 drelled to Mr Carflares from different parts of England, I find con- 
 (lderable fums were actually fubfcribed for thefe purpofes fome little 
 time before his death, which event overturned the whole project. 
 
 Not long after he was made principal of the college, fome of Is called to 
 his friends, unwilling that his talents as a preacher fhould be e . ^ ect , e 
 
 7 o -t mini Iters or 
 
 buried in obfcurity, propofed, without acquainting him of their Edinburgh- 
 intention, that he fhould be called to be one of the minifters of the 
 city. As there was no vacancy at this time, and a new erection 
 was attended with fome difficulties, which the Lord Provoft happened 
 to fuggeft when the matter was firft propofed, Mr Carftares no 
 fooner got notice of what had paffed, than he wrote the following 
 letter to the Provoft. 
 
 " My Lord, 
 
 " Two of my friends, to whom your Lordfhip fpoke about 
 an affair in which it feems I am concerned, I mean a call to be one 
 of the minifters of your good town, have informed me that your 
 Lordfhip is ftraitned between the kindnefs you are pleafed to have 
 for me, and the concern you are obliged to have for the intereft 
 of the town. 
 
 " I have thought it my duty, by thefe lines, to contribute to your 
 cafe in that matter, by afTuring your Lordfhip, that, as I have had 
 
 no
 
 72 THE 'LIFE OF 
 
 no manner of concern in feekirig after fuch a call, fo I do not defire 
 to be the occafion of the leaf! prejudice to theintereil of the town 
 of Edinburgh : And I beg that neither your Lordfhip nor any 
 others of the Magiftrates of the city, may be in any perplexity on 
 my account. 
 
 " Your Lordfhip knows, that, whatever might have been the 
 inclinations of my friends to have me fettled in my own country, 
 it was with reluctance I brought myfelf to be ib much as pafTne in 
 accepting the honour the good town conferred upon me, by calling 
 me to the ftation I now fill. I can fafely fay it was n< t the profpect 
 of gain that brought me hither. I blefs God who hath been pleafed 
 not to leave me fo deftitute either of friends or intereft, as that I 
 might not have obtained a more lucrative fettlement elfewhere.' 
 Whatever effect- this letter had upon the Frovoft, Mr Caftares's 
 friends, itfeems, (fill profecuted their defignj for, in that fameyear, he 
 received an unanimous call to be one of the minif: rs cf Edinburgh, 
 which he accepted, anddifcharged the duties of his pafloral officewith 
 great fidelity and diligence, qualities which attended him in every 
 fphere of life in which he was engaged. — Such of his fermons as he 
 has left behind him, are written in a fhort-hand peculiar tohimfelf; 
 fo that we cannot afcertain his character as a preacher from his 
 compofitions. It is certain, he was much eflecmed as a preacher 
 Hismanner \ n thefe times. His manner was warm and animated ; his ftvle 
 ing. * ftrong and nervous, and at-the fame time chaile and correct. And, 
 
 although he had been for a con fid er able time cut of the habit of 
 preaching, yet he had fuch a comprehenfive view of the great 
 fubjefts of religion, and fo happy a talent of arranging his ideas 
 upon every fubject, as rendered this branch of his duty no great 
 burthen to him. Of this the following in tance will ferve as a proof. 
 About the time of the union, a national faft had been ap- 
 pointed, which the violent oppofers of that j amongft. the 
 clergy would not obferve, as they could not approve the reafons 
 for which it was appointed. Mr Carflares had given his ad\ice 
 againft the appointment j but, as a zealous friend of the union, he 
 
 obferved
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 73 
 
 obferved the faff. His colleague, who was equally zealous in his 
 opposition to that meafure, not only refilled to obferve it, but next 
 Sunday took occafion, in the forenoon-fermon, to throw out fome 
 bitter reflexions upon the union in general, and upon certain con- 
 trivers and promoters of it in particular, who, he alledged, were 
 taitors to their country and to the church of Scotland, although feme 
 of them were minifters of that church, and had too great influence 
 over their deluded brethren. 
 
 As this violent attack was dircdly pointed at Mr Carftares, 
 it fixed the whole eyes of the congregation upon him, whilft, 
 with great compofure, he began to turn over the leaves of 
 his Bible. His colleague's difcourfe being confidered by the people as 
 a formal challenge to Mr Carftares to vindicate his conduct, a great 
 crowd from all corners of the city were affemblcd to hear him in 
 the afternoon, when he gave out for his fubject thefe words of the 
 pfalmift, Let the righteous /mile me, it will not break my bones. 
 From which he took occafion, with great -calm nefs of temper, to 
 vindicate his colleague from any fufpicion of being deficient in point 
 of regard and affeaion for him : That difference in opinion was 
 the natural effed of the weaknefs and corruption of the human 
 mind: That, though he differed from him in his fenti i ents upon 
 fome points, yet he was fure both of them had the fame end in 
 view: And that, as he knew the uprightnefs of his colleague's 
 intentions, and the goodnefs of his heart, he was determined to 
 confider any admonitions or rebukes directed to himfelf from that 
 place as the ftrongeft exprcffions of his love. 
 
 This difcourfe had a wonderful effect upon the whole audience: 
 It effectually obliterated every prejudice they had conceived againft 
 him; obliged his colleague to confefs, that he had obtained a complete 
 victory; and that fo foft an anfwer had turned away wrath. 
 
 The firft affembly which met after he became a member of the He Js cll ° ren 
 church of Scotland, as a proof of their gratitude and efteerri, made tTtiv ^'e- 
 choice of him for their moderator. This honour was conferred upon ral a!lcinbl > r - 
 him no lefs than four feveral times in the fpace of eleven years ; 
 
 K 
 
 an
 
 74 
 
 THE LIFE OF 
 
 H^ manner 
 of i'peaking 
 in church- 
 courts, 
 
 an honour to which he was juftly entitled, not only by his fervices 
 to the church, but by his character, which was excellently fuited 
 to command the refpect and moderate the heats of fo numerous, 
 and, in thoie days, fo turbulent a judicatory. 
 
 His manner of fpeaking in church-courts was calm, fententious, 
 and deciiive ; which, along with his influence over the mcft consi- 
 derable members of the houfe, gave great weight to his opinion in 
 every debate. Such was their refpecl: for his character, that one 
 fentence from him would often extinguifh in a moment the moft 
 violent flame in the houfe. This authority which he had acquired, he 
 knew well how to maintain. In matters of leffer moment, he 
 feldom fpoke at all ; in bufrnefs of confequence, he fpoke only in 
 theclofe of the debate ; and it was a rare inftance in which any adven^- 
 tured to fpeak after him. By thus maintaining his influence in the 
 church, hemadehimfelf of real importance in the ftate, and preferved 
 his intereft with the court to the laft. A letter from my Lord 
 Seafield to him, fome time after Mr Carftares came to Scotland? 
 {hews us in what light his friends confidered him at that time. 
 
 " Rev. Sir, 
 " I write this only to continue our correfpondence ; for I have 
 nothing to acquaint you with, but what you will learn from 
 other hands. My Lord Portland gave me the honour of a vifit 
 this day, and is very well. He afked kindly about you ; I told 
 him, you governed the church, the univerfity, and all your 
 old friends here. That you lived with great fatisfa&ion, and was 
 as much his fervant as ever. He faid, it was fome fatisfaction to 
 him, to find that you and I, in whom King William repofed fo 
 great truft, were ftill of fuch confideration in the prefent reign. I 
 promifed to deliver his fervice to you, and hereby difcharge myfelf 
 of that debt. Argyle and Annandale are as they were ; the laft is 
 neither in nor out, and I am for giving him time to confider. I am 
 hopeful his intereft will prevail with him, which he ufes not to 
 
 forget
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES, 75 
 
 forget. I blefs God I am received after the old manner. They 
 do nothing as to the treaty till the members of parliament are 
 prepared. I hope the beft. The whig-party are the majority. I 
 know you will take care, that moderate men be of the next affem- 
 bly. I am, with all fincerity, dec. 
 
 Seafiel d." 
 
 From a feries of letters which palled between him and the 
 Earls of Oxford, Portland, Seafield, Stair, Mar, Glafgpw, Lou- 
 don, Sir David Nairn, &c. for fome time before, and immediately 
 after the union, it appears, that nothing was done relative to that impor- 
 tant tranfatlion, without confulting him. It was perfectly well under- 
 ftood, both by the Queen and her miniilry, that, if the prefbyterian 
 clergy had ftated themfelves in formal oppofition to the treaty, it 
 could not have taken effect ; and they leem to have been fully 
 fenfible that the intended remon (trances and complaints of the 
 clergy to parliament againft that mealure, were prevented folely 
 by Mr Carftares's influence in the church. Accordingly, by a Ufes his in- 
 letter dated the 4th February, from London, but, whether from church' for 6 
 Mr Harley or fome other of the Englifh minifters, does not appear, promoting 
 
 • • r 1 r -i 1 t r • t ' le un ' on °f 
 
 as it is not iubfcribed, I find great merit afenbed to Mr Carftares thetwoking- 
 on account of his conduct upon that occafion. doms ' 
 
 " Reverend Sir, 
 
 " It is with great honour that you have feen e'er this, that the queen A letter of 
 introduced the union into the houfe of Lords, and with ereat fatif- con ?P liment 
 
 to him upo 
 
 faction; that the majority of both houfes have received it now ; nor has that occa 
 any body declared yet openly againft it in the H. of Lords, but l ° n> 
 my Lord Haverfham. Some have talked a little more freely againft 
 it in the houfe of commons. 
 
 K 2 « Give 
 
 upon
 
 7 6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " Give me leave to affure you, Sir, that the part you have a<fted 
 in this great affair is iumciently underftood by all that know any 
 thing of the affairs of Scotland. And I dare fay it will not be ea- 
 lily forgot, what all our great men are very fenfible of, that the u- 
 nion could never have had the confent of the Scotch parliament, if 
 you had not acted the worthy part you did. 
 
 " The claufe you mention in yours of the 16th and 29th of Ja- 
 nuary, in the ad: of ratification, is the only bad claufe in it : But, 
 havino- told you my fentiments upon it, and diffatisfaciion with it, 
 in a letter I fent you under cover to Sir Patrick, this day fe'ennight, 
 I need not fay any thing on that head now. By all the inquiry I can 
 make, that claufe was as great a furprife to thofe in whole names 
 I talked and wrote to you, as it could be to you or me. There was 
 a copy lent up of what was deligned to be your adt ; but, as I am 
 affured, not a fy liable of any fuch claufe is in it, So that I am perfuaded 
 it proceeded from too great a degree of caution in your friends, 
 who, being more apprehenlive of the confequence of not inferring 
 fuch a claufe by far than they needed to have been, would have it- 
 put in. And I am confirmed in this, by a letter I faw from the E. of 
 
 M c h — t to a noble peer. However, though I don't like the 
 
 claufe at all, yet it is more upon your account than ours ; for I am 
 verv apt to believe we have both power and inclination enough to 
 prevent mod of the ill confequences here, if not all of them, which 
 I was very apprehenfive would follow fuch a claufe. 
 
 " So that, if you can but fatisfy the fcruples that it has raifed a- 
 mon°- you, I hope you need not fear that any thing which may be 
 further grafted on it here, will raife any further objections on your 
 
 account or ours. 
 
 " I hope our nation will treat thofe who have trufted us, fo far 
 as the friends to the union among you have done, with that jufrice, 
 honour, and generofity that become the confidence you have repofed 
 in us. And I hope and believe, we fhall endeavour to win over all 
 honeft men who have oppofed it out of miftake, with a tendernefs 
 due to weaker brethren. I perfuade myfelf, every honeft man will 
 
 do
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 77 
 
 do his utmoft to infpirc his acquaintance with fuch fentiments as 
 thefe. And you may depend upon it, Sir, that no methods which 
 can contribute to diffufe fuch fentiments will be omitted by him, 
 who hopes he may take the liberty to aflure you, that he is, without 
 any referve, and without the ceremony of a fubfeription, 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your molt faithful, 
 
 and very humble fervant." 
 
 As it appears from this, and fome other letters to the fame pur- 
 pofe, that it was owing to Mr Carfcares's prudent management in 
 the church, that the union met with fo little oppofition in parliament 
 from that quarter; fo I find, from his correfpondence with the leading 
 members of the commhTion from Scotland, appointed by her Majefty 
 for treating with the Englifh upon that fubjecl, that, during their 
 negociations, they conftantly advifed with him upon every difficulty 
 which occurred to them in the progrefs of it. See Letters from Lord 
 Stair, Leven, Mar, &c. 
 
 The Queen was fo fenfible of his good offices upon that occafion, ReceIv es 
 that, upon his going to court the year after, me took an opportunity the Queen." 1 
 of returning thanks to him in private ; and, at the fame time, pre- 
 fented him with a filver medal, ftruck upon the union, (a very few 
 of which (lie had made to be caft off for her particular friends.) It 
 is to this Lord Portland alludes in a letter to Mr Carftares, dated 
 at Sorgvliet, the 15th of Auguft 1707. 
 
 "Monsieur, 
 " JE vous affure, que ce ne'ft pas avec peu de fatisfadion, que 
 je recu la votre de Londres du 1 7 pafse, et que je n'ay pas peu de 
 chagrin de ce que je fuis ici pendant que vous eftes en Angleterre • 
 puis que j'ay toujours conferve mes fentiments pour vous ; une ho- 
 nefte homme et un vieux ami eft ce que j'eftime le plus. Ce que 
 vous me mandez de la maniere dont la Reine vous a recu, me fait 
 une vraye plaifir j elle temoigne connoitre en vous un veritable 
 ferviteur, &c. 
 
 "Je
 
 7 8 THE LIFE OF 
 
 " Je vous prie de me continuer toujours votre amitie, et de me 
 croire inalterablement 
 
 Votre tres humble ferviteur, 
 
 P O R T L A N D." 
 
 The union of the kingdoms, though attended with other happy 
 
 confequences, gave a fatal blow to the importance of the church of 
 
 Scotland in the eye of government ; and the general affembly was 
 
 no longer fo formidable to adminiftration, as it had been from the 
 
 revolution down to this period. 
 
 Attempts to The enemies of that eftabliihment were abundantly fenfible of 
 
 'Ifc^aTin- this, and took encouragement from thence to renew their attempts 
 
 to Scotland ' m favour of prelacy ; and, as a direct attack upon the prefbyterian 
 
 fettlement was too bold an attempt, immediately after the ample fe- 
 
 nion ; 
 
 curity which it had obtained by the union, they had recourfe to o- 
 ther methods, which had well nigh proved fuccefsiul, by precipita- 
 ting the prefbyterians into fuch meaiures as they knew would ef- 
 fectually irritate the Queen and parliament againft them, and there- 
 by draw upon them thofe very evils which they moil dreaded. Mr 
 Carftares penetrated into their defigns, and knew, that, however 
 they might difguife their intentions, by a pretended zeal for a tolera- 
 tion, they meant nothing lefs, than the fubverfion of the civil, as 
 well as the ecclefiaftical conftitution. On this account, whilft he 
 exerted all the influence he had in the church, to guard the clergy 
 *?hich Mr againft fuch violent proceedings as might afford any juft ground of 
 demurs To complaint againft them, he was no lefs foiicito'us to prevent ad- 
 fruftrate. rniniftration from adopting the groundlefs prejudices of their ene- 
 mies, or giving the prefbyterians any reafon to fufpect that their pri- 
 vileges were lefs fecure, under the prefent, than they had been un- 
 der the preceeding reign. 
 
 By the latter, he expofed himfelf to the refentment of all the 
 enemies to the prefent eftabliihment ; hy the former, he ren- 
 dered himfelf obnoxious to a great faction in the church, whofe 
 zeal, had it not been tempered by his moderation, and that of 
 
 a
 
 M r WILLIAM CARSTARES. 79 
 
 a few of his friends, would have proved no lefs fatal to her 
 
 interelts, than the affaults of her enemies. So very high 
 
 did the fpirit of party run, that, although the moft refpectable 
 clergyman in the church, he was, perhaps, the moil unpopular. 
 This made him often complain, both in private and in public, that 
 his fituation was peculiarly hard, to be forced, firft to draw up- 
 on himfelf the cenfure of his brethren, by encountering their pre- 
 judices, and putting a flop to their violent proceedings, and 
 then to juftify thofe very, meafures to adminiftration, which he had 
 difapproven, and in vain attempted to frunrate.. 
 
 He felt this, in a variety of inftances, during the courfe of thofe 
 profecutions which were carried on, by his more rigid brethren, in 
 different corners of Scotland, againll fome of the epifcopal clergy, 
 who, by virtue of the powers entrufted with prefbyteries, were, upon 
 the moft frivolous pretexts, turned out of their livings. But he felt it 
 moft of all in the cafe of Greenihiels * at Edinburgh. Having in vain 
 attempted to difluade his brethren and the civil magiftrate from fo 
 impolitic a ftep as that of dating themfelves in downright oppofi- 
 tion to the church of England, at the bar of the houfe of peers, he 
 ventured to prognofticate, that their feverity in that inftance would 
 only open a door for other encroachments, and give an advantage 
 to their enemies, in carrying on their projects for the fubverfion 
 both of church and ftate. 
 
 Accordingly, it is well known to fuch as are converfant with the 
 hiftory of that period, that it was the proceedings in the affair of 
 Greenfhiels which laid the foundation, as it afforded the faireft pre- 
 text for the act of toleration, and the act reftoring patronages, 
 which, in the circumftances of the country at that time, were confi- 
 dered as preludes to the. reftoration of prelacy and the pretender. 
 
 Mr 
 
 * He was the firft who introduced the liturgy of the church of England into the 
 
 epifcopal fervice in Scotland. See Mr Pxobert Pringle's letters to Mr Car- 
 
 fhres, with a letter from Greenfhiels to Mr Pringle, in the year 1709. — Se alfe 
 an account of this matter by Dr Swift, in the Examiner, No. 30.
 
 So THE LIFE OF 
 
 Mr Carftares certainly viewed thefe ads of parliament in this 
 point of light, bccaufe, in every other view, there was nothing in 
 them inconfiftent with his principles; and therefore, when he con- 
 fented to go up as one of the co.mmilbiiers from the-church to the 
 Queen and parliament to oppofe them, he told the commiffion that 
 he could exped no fuccefs, as, in the prefent fituation of the court, 
 he could not ufe the arguments which weighed molt with himfelf 
 in oppofing a toleration and thereftitution of patronages, without do- 
 ing more harm than fervice to the caufe, by his application. 
 
 Upon his arrival in London, he foon perceived that his 
 conjectures were too well founded. The event was fuch as he ex- 
 peded, and fuch as convinced him, that all future attempts to re- 
 peal the aft of patronage would prove equally unfuccefsful. The 
 arguments for and againR that aft, as they were ftated in the houfe 
 of peers upon that occafion, are contained in two papers, which the 
 Reader will find in the Appendix. They contain the fubftance of 
 all that has ever- been faid or written upon the one fide or other of 
 that fubjea. By what particular arts the friends of that meafure 
 prevailed in their defign, does not appear from Mr Carftares's cor- 
 refpondence. But, that neither the Queen, nor her minifters, had 
 anv intention to countenance it, a few months before the aa refto- 
 ring patronages was paffed, appears from the two following letters. 
 The firft is from Lord Loudon, then Secretary of State for Scotland; 
 the other, from Lo.d Oxford, then Lord High Treafurer of Great 
 Britain. 
 
 April 7. 171 1. 
 "SIR, 
 
 « I had the favour of your's of the 24th of March, fome time 
 ago. I have, by one accident or other, been hindered from acknow- 
 ledging it till now; which I hope you will pardon. I believe I 
 may tell you, wkh very good reafon, that there will nor be any mo- 
 tion made, in either houfe, concerning patronage; there has been 
 
 pains
 
 MrWILLIAM CARSTARES, 8i 
 
 pains taken to prevent it; and, amongft others, I ha'nt been want- 
 ing in ufing my endeavours in that affair. 
 
 " As to Mr Greenfhields ; I was cf a different opinion from 
 that which was carried in the houfe, and took the liberty to of- 
 fer my fentiments upon it, after having taken all the pains I could 
 to have it waved. It was unlucky, as you obferve, that the firft 
 cafe of that kind that was brought before the parliament fhould 
 have come upon the narroweft grounds of any thing of that kind 
 that has been determined by our judicatories there; for, 'twixt you 
 and me, it depended more upon the conftant cuftom of interpreting 
 the laws in relation to thofe matters, than upon the plain or exprefs 
 words of our act of parliament. That affair is now over ; and, I 
 hope, our church will mow their prudence, in not giving any tokens 
 of their being alarmed at it in the enfuing aflembly; and that they 
 will always have that confidence, which they ought, in the repeated 
 affurances they have had of her Majefty's favour, and the many 
 marks they have had of it. 
 
 " I hope to be with you in Scotland this fummer, and to enter- 
 tain you at large upon thefe fubjects. — You'll eafily perceive that 
 this is writ in hafle; but I would not any longer delay to acknow- 
 ledge your's, and to affure you that I am, with great fincerity, your 
 smoft faithful friend, and raoft humble fervant, 
 
 Loudoun." 
 
 8th May 171 1. 
 ■« SIR, 
 
 *« ALTHOUGH I have not recovered fufficient ftrength to Letter from 
 refift the attacks of the ill weather we have had fince I have been ^ e , E f l of 
 
 Uxtrrd to 
 
 abroad, yet I cannot longer delay my acknowlegements to you for Mr Car- 
 vour raoft chriftian and affectionate letter. I do not doubt but I have 
 had the advantage of your prayers; for which I return you my 
 hearty thanks, and defire their continuance. My fcle view is, the 
 fervice and glory of God, and the peace and happinefs of the Queen 
 
 L and
 
 $2 THE LIFE OF 
 
 and country. My daily {applications are, that he who hath deliver- 
 ed my foul from death, would keep my feet from falling, that I 
 may walk before him ; and that he would guide me in his truth, 
 and teach me the way wherein he would have me to walk. 
 
 " I did intend you a much longer letter; but my cold makes 
 writing uneafy to me at prefent ; therefore I muft refer what 1 would 
 fay to another time. But I cannot omit alluring you, that the Queen, 
 and all who have the honour to have credit with her Majefty, are 
 not only refolved to maintain the union in all its parts, both religi- 
 ous and civil, but there will be no attention given to any propofals 
 which may juftly alarm your friends ; and, particularly, as to that 
 affair of patronages, it was never entertained, and was really an 
 invention, fuggefted to two ram perfons, with a defign to create jea- 
 loufies; but it never was in the leaft countenanced or entertained. 
 As to the penfions ; I have kid your defire before the Queen, who 
 has commanded me to fignify to you her pleafure, that lhe intends 
 to continue the fame payments to the univerfities. I doubt not 
 you will continue your bed endeavours to calm the fpirits of people 
 in the affembly, that they may give no occafion to blafpheme ; and 
 I am confident they will have no juft grounds to apprehend any 
 danger from hence. I am, with great fincerity, Reverend Sir, 
 yours," &c. 
 
 It is probable that Lord Oxford was fincere in his profelfions up- 
 on this occafion; but a minifter of ftate is not always matter of his 
 own fchemes, and muft fometimes facrifice his private inclinations 
 to the fpirit of the party with whom he is connected. He was 
 therefore obliged, in this inftance, to give way to the friends of that 
 motion, who were firmly attached to an adminiftration of which 
 he was the head. 
 Mr c ar _ Although Mr Carftares did not fucceed in his application to par- 
 
 flares's jour- ii ament againft the bill for reftoring patronages, yet his prefence at 
 don of great London was of confiderable advantage to the church of Scotland 
 chur°cn h of by § lvin S ninl aa opportunity of thwarting fome other projects, 
 Scotland ' which
 
 MrWILLIAM CARSTARES. 83 
 
 which he confidered as more dangerous in their tendency, becaufe 
 they affected her conftitution in a more fenfible manner. 
 
 Some of her enemies, who were then in adminiftration, had pro- 
 pofed that her annual affemblies fhould be difcontinued, as the 
 fource of all the oppofition to the meafures then purfued by the 
 court : Others were of opinion, that they ought to be permitted 
 to meet, but fhould be prorogued by her Majefty's authority, fo 
 foon as they were conftituted. And, to take away the only pretext 
 for holding affemblies for the future, or their fitting for any time, 
 a bill was propofed, obliging prefbyteries, under certain penalties, 
 to fettle, upon a prefentation, every man to whom the church had 
 given a licenfe to preach, without any further trial or form. 
 
 Mr Carftares faw very well, that, however prejudicial thele regu- 
 lations might be deemed to the church of Scotland, yet, in the pre- 
 fent temper of the parliament, they would meet with little opposi- 
 tion, if propofed or fupported by the court. He was willing, there- His pn,d ent 
 fore, to compound matters with adminiftration ; and, upon condi- on his return 
 tion that he was authorized to affure his brethren, that no attempts to Scotland - 
 would be made to introduce any alterations in the government or 
 difcipline of the church, he undertook to ufe all his influence, in 
 order to allay thoie ferments which the late proceedings in parlia- 
 ment had occafioned. Accordingly, upon his return to Scotland, 
 we find him exerting his utmoft endeavours in calming the fpirits 
 of fuch of the clergy as, from a mifguided zeal, were difpofed to in- 
 flame the minds of the people, difturb the peace of the country, 
 and, in the end, wreath the yoke with which they were galled ftill 
 harder about their necks. And, in doing fo, he has left a pattern 
 which every wife man, in his circumftances, will chufe to follow, 
 provided he has public fpirit enough to defpife the clamours of a 
 faction, and the prejudices of the people, when put in competition 
 with the peace of his country, and the good of the church. 
 
 He was fo fuccefsful in his endeavours, that both the Queen and 
 her miniftry were aftonifhed at the peaceable temper of the next ge- 
 neral affembly which fat after thefe acts of parliament were paflld; 
 
 ^ 2 and,
 
 Is de fired to 
 name the 
 commiffion- 
 er to the ge- 
 neral aflem- 
 bljr. 
 
 8 4 
 
 THE LIFE 
 
 O F 
 
 and, by a variety of letters which he received at that time, teftified 
 their approbation of his prudent management, to which they afcrt*- 
 
 bed it. 
 
 Not only fo, but, by a letter from the Lord High Treafurer, the 
 Earl of Oxford, before the fitting down of the affembly in the year 
 17 1 3, Mr Carftares is defired to name the commiflioner to that 
 affembly, and fend up a copy of fuch inftruaions as he judged fea*~ 
 fonable in that juncture* 
 
 « SIR, 
 
 " I received, by the laft port, a letter from Lord Advocate, taking 
 notice of the near approach of the day for the meeting of the gene- 
 ral affembly : I fend this to you by a flying packet, to defire your 
 opinion freely, (which mail not be made ufe of to your difadvantage), 
 whom you would chufe to be her Majefty's commiflioner ; and that 
 you would fend any particulars that you think fit to be added to. 
 the {landing inftruaions ; and what you judge proper to be inferted 
 in her Majefty's letter to that venerable affembly. I hope the laft 
 commiflioner gave you fatisfaaion. Ifhall have occafion to write far- 
 ther to you in a little time upon many particulars relating to the re^ 
 pofe of the church, which I know you have much at heart ; and, 
 therefore, fhall add no more at prefent, but that I am, with very 
 
 great refpeft, 
 
 Your moll faithful, 
 
 and mofl humble fervant, 
 
 OXFOR D." 
 
 Mr Carftares, in return to this letter, recommended the Duke of 
 Athol as the mod proper perfon for commiflioner, and fent up a 
 draught of the Queen's letter, with the inftruaions to be given by 
 her Majefty to the commiflioner. And, by another letter which he 
 received from the Earl of Oxford, he is acquainted, that the Queen, 
 
 in
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 85 
 
 in confequence of his recommendation, had fent down the Duke of 
 Athol as commimoner. 
 
 The experience of fixty years has at laft evinced, what it was im- Remarks up.^ 
 poffible for human fagacity then to diicover, that the act of tolera- toleration, 
 tion, and the act reftoring; patronages, which were conhdered by the an ? ^ l ior 
 
 b r ° J reftoring pa- 
 
 friends of the church of Scotland as fatal to her interefts, and which tronages. 
 were probably intended as the preludes to greater changes, have 
 proved the fource of her greater!; fecurity, and the remedy of thofe 
 evils which Mr Carftares dreaded moft from the concefhons in favour 
 of prefbytery at the revolution. 
 
 Upon the one hand, the act of toleration, by taking the weapon 
 of offence out of the hands of the prefbyterians, removed the chief 
 ground of thofe refentments which the friends of prelacy entertain- 
 ed againft them, and, in a few years, almoft annihilated epifcopacy 
 in Scotland. Upon the other hand, the act reftoring patronages, by 
 reftoring the nobility and gentlemen of property to their wonted in- 
 fluence in the fettlement of the clergy, reconciled numbers of them 
 to the eftablifhed church, who had conceived the moft violent pre- 
 judices againft that mode of election, and againft the prefbyterian 
 clergy who were fettled upon it. It is likewife an inconteftable 
 fact, that, from the date of thefe two acts, the church of Scot- 
 land has enjoyed a ftate of tranquility to which {he was an utter 
 ftranger before* 
 
 There is another advantage flowing from the act of toleration, 
 which it was impoffible to forefee, viz. That the verv people 
 whofe principles led them moft eagerly to oppofe it, have de- 
 rived the greateft, if not the fole, benefit from it. For, although 
 the act was certainly intended for no other purpofe but to give 
 relief to thofe of the epifcopal perfuafion who judged themfelves 
 aggrieved by the church-judicatories in Scotland ; yet, by the 
 moderation of the church fince that period, and by the lenity of ad- 
 miniftration, diffenters of every denomination have been permitted 
 to take the henefit of that ftatute without any moleftation ; and long 
 
 may
 
 S6 THE LIFE OF 
 
 raay they continue to enjoy it unmolefted ! It will give a fenfible 
 pleafure to every worthy member of the church of Scotland, to re- 
 flect, that, whilft his difTenting brethren vie with him in loyalty to 
 his fovereign, and attachment to the civil conftitution, they enjoy 
 at leaft a legal protection in the exercife of their religion. That man 
 is unworthy of thofe privileges which belong to members of an efta- 
 blimment, who can grudge his fellow-citizens thofe rights which 
 belong to them as men and as chriftians. 
 
 Whilft Mr Carftares was employed in foothing the minds of his 
 brethren under the repeated alarms they received during the four 
 laft years of Queen Anne's reign, he was no lefs active in animating 
 them to a becoming zeal for the proteftant fuccemon in the houfe of 
 Hanover, as eftablilhed by law. This he thought the more necefia- 
 ry, as feveral of the Queen's principal favourites, during that pe- 
 riod, lay under heavy fufpicions of a defign to fet it afide. 
 His zeal for In the year 171 I, Mr Carftares being moderator of the aflembly, 
 the Hanove- prayers were ordered to be put up in all the churches for the Prin- 
 
 rian fuccef- r J * * ^ 
 
 fion. eels Sophia and the proteftant line in that family. Mr Carftares ac- 
 
 quainted Mr St John, then fecretary of ftate, with this particular, 
 and received the following anfwer. 
 
 Whitehall, 24th May 171 1. 
 "Reverend Sir, 
 
 «* I acknowledge, with many thanks, the favour of your letter, 
 and intreat you to believe I read it with all the fatisfaction which 
 that fpirit of moderation, and that zeal for the proteftant fucceflion, 
 ought to infpire into every breaft who wifhes well to the proteftant 
 intereft, and to the public good. 
 
 " The Duke of Queenfberry having, by order, acquainted you, 
 
 how gracioufly your applications have been received by her Maje- 
 
 fty, I have nothing more to add, but my very fincere aflurances of 
 
 being, Rev. SIR, 
 
 Your mod faithful, 
 
 and moft obedient fervant, 
 
 H. St JOHN." 
 
 Although,
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. S7 
 
 Although, from the ftrain of this letter, one would imagine, that 
 nothing could have been more acceptable to the court, than the 
 conduct of the general affembly in this inftance, there is reaibn to 
 fufpect, that fo ftrong a proof of its anxiety for the proteftant fuc- 
 ceffion was far from giving that fatisfadtion to the Queen and her 
 fervants, which a zeal for that caufe ought to have infpired. For, 
 it was in the courfe of this year that thofe acts which wore fo un- 
 friendly an afpect to the church of Scotland were devifed. Howe- 
 ver, the more cool her Majefty became in her regards to that church, 
 its members became the more rivetted in their attachment to the 
 houfe of Hanover, as the moil effectual fecurity for the prefervation 
 of their rights and privileges. Accordingly, all their addreiTes to 
 the throne, from that time forward, till the demife of the Queen, 
 are full of the warmeft proteftations of their inviolable attachment 
 to the fuccemon as eftablifhed by law ; and they were among 
 the foremoft in their congratulations of King George I. upon his 
 accefhon to the crown. The addrefs does honour to Mr Carftares 
 who drew it. Thefe particulars could not fail to give the molt fa- 
 vourable impremons of the church of Scotland to that Monarch *. 
 
 He 
 
 * The following is the letter referred to above, from Monfieur Robethon fe« 
 cretary to the Elector of Hanover, to Mr Carftares. 
 
 " Monsieur, Hanover ', le 3. ORobre 17 13. 
 
 " Comme je compte trop fur noftre ancienne amitie, pour craindre que vous 
 m'ayez tout a fait oublie, je me donne l'honneur de vous informer de l'extreme 
 fatisfailion avec laquelle Mad. l'Ele&rice et Aug. 1' Electeur ont lie cet adver- 
 tilTement fi chreftien et fi falutaire des commiflaires de 1' affemblie generale du 
 clerge prefbyterien d' EcolTe. 
 
 " Comme leurs Alteffes font perfuadees, que vous avez puiflament contribue 
 a une oeuvre fi falutaire, elles m'ont ordonne, Monfieur, de vous en remercier de 
 leur part, et de vous dire, que vous les obligerez fort, fi vous voulez bien afiurer 
 les perfonnes que vous jugerez a propos de la reconnoiilance qu'ont leur Altefles 
 de'cet que le dit advertiffement contient pour elles, et pour la fucceffion. A 
 quoi elles reponderont de leur cofte, en faiffant redrefler les griefs de la nation 
 EcolToife auffiftot quell es en auront le pouvoir. 
 
 " On
 
 M THE LIFE 07 
 
 He had fignified his acknowledgements to Mr Carftares for the part 
 he had acted, by a letter from his fecretary, two years before he 
 came over ; and, fo foon as he was eftablifhed upon the throne, in 
 
 g£s death. teftimony of his gratitude, he continued him in the office of his 
 chaplain for Scotland ; which, however, he lived not long to enjoy. 
 In the month of Auguft 1715? he was feized with an apoplectic fit, 
 which gave fuch a fhock to his constitution, as threw him into a 
 lethargic indifpofition. This greatly impaired all his faculties, and 
 carried him off, upon the 28th day of December, that fame year ; 
 juftly lamented by his country, as a true patriot; by the church, as 
 her beft benefactor j and by the univerfity, as her greatest orna- 
 ment. 
 
 Having thus attempted to give fome imperfect account of Mr 
 Carftares in his public capacity, it would be a piece of injustice 
 
 character/ to his memory, were we to fay nothing of his private character, 
 the rather becaufe it too often happens that the virtues of the private 
 man fall a facrifice to the talents and ambition of the cou.tier and 
 the ftatefman; and particularly, becaufe inftances are very rare of 
 clergymen in fuch circumftances being exempt from this imputation: 
 Whereas, to his honour, his greateft enemies in political matters 
 were never known to charge him with deviating in one inftance 
 from the propriety and decorum of the minifterial character. His 
 religion was neither tinctured with the extravagancies of enthu- 
 fiafm, nor the rigours of fuperftition. At the fame time, amidil the 
 
 greatefl 
 
 " On ne doit pas croire que, par raport a ces griefs, et mefme par raport a la 
 diflblution de l'union, Ies Ecofibis pourroient obtenir d' avantage du pretendant 
 que de leurs AltefTes, dans la fucceflion des quelles (outre le redrelTtment de 
 leurs griefs) ils trouveront la furete de leur religion, loix, biens, et libertes. 11 
 nous importe fort que la nation foit bien perfuadee de cette verite. Nous voxk 
 prions d'y vouloir travailler ; et moy, je demeure toujours^ avec refpedt, 
 
 Monsieur, 
 
 Votre tres humble, ettres 
 obeiiTant ferviteur, 
 
 F. ROBETHON,"
 
 Mr WILLIAM CARSTARES. 89 
 
 greateft hurry of fecular afFairs in which he was involved, he was 
 always ready to difcharge the duties of his paftoral office *. As 
 his piety was unfeigned, fo his charity was unbounded, more fo 
 indeed than his circumftances could well afford; for, whilit he 
 had one farthing remaining in his pocket, he could not turn 
 afide from any neceffitous object that claimed his aififtance. 
 This was fo well known to the poor, that, whenever he went His charity 
 abroad, he was perpetually harralfed by them, and was at laft 
 obliged to fubmit to a regulation, propofed to him by one of his 
 friends who knew his foible; which was, to put only fo much 
 money in his pocket as he could conveniently fpare for the pur- 
 pofes of ordinary charity. 
 
 Amidft that multiplicity of bufinefs in which he was per- 
 petually engaged, it is remarkable, that he found abundance 
 of leifure for the duties of hofpitality. His houfe was a placs of 
 refort to all the youth of the beft families and the moft promiling andhofpita- 
 hopes, who were generally recommended to his attention during their llty> 
 courfe at the univerfity; and he failed not to improve the oppor- 
 tunities which his ftation afforded him, of inftilling into their minds, 
 along with an ardour for ftudy, the beft regulations for their future 
 
 M conduct:. 
 
 * His lifter, who had been married to a clergyman in Fyfe, ufed to give a re- 
 markable inftance of this. A few days after her hufband's death, Mr Carftares 
 came down from London, to tranfact fome matters of importance with King 
 William's minifters in Scotland. She hearing of his arrival, came over to Edin- 
 burgh to fee him. Upon calling at his lodgings in the forenoon, fhe was told he 
 was not at leifure ; as feveral of the nobility and officers of ftate were juft 
 gone in to him. She then bid his fervant only whifper him that fhe defired to 
 know when it would be moft convenient for him to fee her. He returned for 
 anfwer, Immediately ; and, leaving the company, run to her, and embraced her in 
 the muft affectionate manner. Upon her attempting to make fome apology 
 for her unfeafonable interruption to bufinefs, Make yourfelf eafy, fays he ; thefe 
 gentlemen are come hither not on my account, but theirown. They will wait with 
 patience till I return. You know I never pray long; and, after a fhort, but fervent 
 prayer, adapted to her melancholy circumftances, he fixed the time when he 
 -would fee her more at leifure; and returned all in tears to his company.
 
 9 o THE LIFE O F 
 
 conduct. Many of them, who have fince acted their part in ther 
 moft confpicuous flations, have not fcrupled to own that it was to 
 him they were indebted for the bell: maxims both in public 
 and private life. Archibald Duke of Argyle, in particular, was 
 early recommended to him by his father, and continued to ad- 
 vife with him in every matter of importance in which he was con- 
 cerned, from the time he entered upon public life, until Mr 
 Carftares 's death. See Letters from Lord Hay. 
 particularly The clergy of all denominations were welcome to his fami- 
 to the epii- jy . particularly fuch of the epifcopal clergy as were deprived 
 g y. of their livings at the revolution. He always treated them with, 
 
 peculiar tendernefs and humanity *. He often relieved their fa- 
 milies when in diftrefs, and took care to difpenfe his charities in 
 fuch a manner as he knew would be lead burthenfome to th. 
 Some of them, who were his yearly penfioners, never knew from 
 what channel their relief flowed, till they found by his death that 
 the fource of it was dried up. 
 
 He was fometimes ingenious in devifing methods ofimpofing 
 upon the modefty and pride of fuch as would have rejected his good 
 offices with difdain, if he had not difguifed his intentions. Wc 
 {hall give one inftance out of many that are told of him. 
 
 One Caddel, an ejected epifcopal clergyman, fometimes waited 
 upon him when he came to Edinburgh. One day, when Caddel 
 came to call upon him, he obferved that his cloaths were thread-bare: 
 and, eying him narrowly as he went away, he defired him to call 
 again two days after, pretending he had fome commiffion to give 
 him before he went to the country. He was no fooner gone, than 
 Mr Carftares fent for his taylor, and defired him to make a fuit of 
 cloaths that would anfwer himfelf as to length, but not fo wide by 
 two or three inches, and to have them fent home about the hour at 
 which Caddel had engaged to call upon him. Caddel kept his ap- 
 pointment; but, upon entering the room, found Mr Carftares in a 
 
 violent 
 
 * <At the revolution, Mr Carftares laid down a plan for the maintenance 
 of fuch of the epifcopal clergy as were removed from their churches, out of the 
 bifhops rents. But the miniftery always found fome pretext for applying this 
 fund to other lefs charitable purpofes.
 
 Mr WILLIAM CAR STARES. c;r 
 
 violent fit of paffion at his taylor for miftaking his meafure, fo that 
 neither coat, waiftcoat, nor breeches would fit upon him. At laft, 
 turning to Caddel, who agreed with him that it was imppffible he 
 could ever wear them; then, fays he, they are loft if they den't fit 
 fome of my friends ; and, by the bye, adds he, I am not fure but 
 they may anfwer you : Be fo good as try, for it is a pity they mould 
 be thrown away. Caddel complied, after fome importunity; and, 
 to his furprize, found they anfwered as if they had been made for 
 him ; upon which Mr Carftares ordered the cioaths to be packed 
 up, and fent to his lodgings. Next day, upon putting them on, he 
 found a ten pound note in one of the pockets, which he naturally i- 
 magined Mr Carftares had forgot to take out when he threw off the 
 cioaths. Returning directly to the college, he told Mr Carftares, 
 he had come to reftore him a note, which he had neglected to take 
 out of the pocket of the fuit of cioaths he had lent him. By no 
 means, fays he, Caddel, it cannot belong to me ; for when you got 
 the coat you acquired a right to every thing in it. 
 
 The effect which his generality to that body of men had, in o- 
 vercoming their prejudices againft him, and conciliating their affec- 
 tions, appeared ftrong at his funeral. When his body was laid in the 
 duft, two men were obferved to turn afide from the reft of the com- 
 pany, and, burfting into tears, bewail their mutual lofs. Upon in- 
 quiry, it was found they were two non-jurant clergymen, whofe fa- 
 milies, for a confiderable time, had been fupported by his benefac- 
 tions. 
 
 His body lies interred in the Gray-friars church-yard ; where 
 there was a monument erected fome time after, with a fuitable in- 
 fcription in Latin. The infeription already begins to fade. But 
 his eulogium was pronounced long before his death by King Wil- 
 liam ; and ought not fo foon to be effaced, when, in the prefence of 
 feveral of his courtiers, he declared, " That he had known Mr 
 ** Carftares long : That he knew him well : And knew him to 
 " be an Honest Man." 
 
 M 2 AN
 
 A N 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HISTORY of the STATESMEN 
 
 Whofe LETTERS are contained in this PUBLICATION, 
 
 Taken from a Manufcript in the Library of the Right Honourable 
 the Earl of Hyndford; which his Lordfhip was fo good as com- 
 municate to the Publiiher. 
 
 [This Abftracl: feems to have been written in the Year 1704, or in the beginning 
 of the 1705, although there are fome Additions to.it of a pofterior Date, and in a* 
 different Hand. The Author intended it for the private Ufe of Princefs Sophia, and' 
 the Elector of Hanover.] 
 
 Secretary Johnjlon^ 7iozv Lord Regijler^ 
 
 IS a younger fon of my Lord Warrillon, who was beheaded at> 
 the restoration. In this misfortune of his family, this gentle- 
 man was fent to Holland, where he fludied the civil law, and 
 had the character of the greateft proficient in the univerfity of 
 Utrecht. 
 
 When he finifhed his ftudies, he went into Italy, and, falling into 
 acquaintance with Lord Rumfay, he was by him intrufted with the 
 fecrets of the revolution, and employed to come privately into Eng- 
 land ; which he did fuccefsfully. 
 
 On King William's acceffion to the throne, he was fent envoy to 
 the court of Berlin, and from thence he was recalled in the year 
 
 1692,
 
 C H A R A C T E R S, &c. 93 
 
 1692, and made fecretary of ftate for Scotland. He did great fer— 
 vice by difcovering the La Hogue defcent, and had better intel- 
 ligence from France than any about King William This gave him 
 great credit at court, but created him enemies in both kingdoms. He 
 was always a zealous promoter of men of revolution-principles, and 
 a faithful fervant to that caufe. But, upon paffing the bill for efta- 
 blifhing the African-company, in the Scottifh parliament, he was 
 turned out of all his offices ; nor was he ever after employed by 
 King William. But, in the year 1704, when the Marquis of 
 Tweedale was made commiffioner to the Scottifh parliament in 
 place of the Duke of Queenfberry, the Queen made Mr johnfton 
 Lord Regifter for Scotland, the moft lucrative employment in that 
 kingdom, which he loft the year after, when the Duke of Queenf- 
 berry and his friends were reftored to favour. 
 
 He is honeft, but fomething too credulous and fufpicious— en- 
 dowed with a great (hare of learning — free of ceremony — would 
 not tell a lie for the world — very knowing in the affairs of foreign 
 Hates, and the conflitution of both kingdoms, 
 
 After he retired from public bufinefs, he amufed himfelf with 
 planting and gardening, in which he was reckoned to have a very 
 o-ood tafte. But, being naturally active and reftlefs in his temper, 
 he made frequent journeys into different kingdoms. He went fe- 
 veral times to Hanover when George I. was there, and often con- 
 vened with him very familiarly. He was a great favourite of 
 Queen Caroline, who was much entertained with his humour and 
 pleafantry. The freedom of his manners was rather difgufting to 
 King William, who was often fretful and fplenetic. 
 
 Early afterwards Duke, of Ar gyle, 
 
 Was reprefentative of the noble family of Campbell, grand-fon to 
 the Marquis that was beheaded at the reftoration, and fon to the 
 Earl who was beheaded by King James. He came over from Hol- 
 land at the revolution with King William; had the command of the 
 
 horfe-?
 
 94 CHARACTERS OF 
 
 horfe-guards ; and was one of the Lords of the trcafury. He was 
 much confulted in Scottifh affairs, and told hisfentiments with great 
 freedom and fpirit. He maintained a conftant correfpondcnce with 
 Mr Carftares during the reign of King William, who was wont to 
 obferve, that he got more truth from Argyle than from all the reft 
 of his fervants in Scotland ; becaufe he had the courage to fpeak out 
 what they durft fcarce venture to hint. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy, afterwards Earl ofSeafeld, Lord High Chancellor 
 of Scotland, 
 
 Is a younger fon of the Earl of Finlater, a branch of the family 
 of Ogilvy. He was bred to the law, and, at the revolution, was 
 chofen a member or the convention of eftates, andzealouily oppofed 
 declaring the throne vacant. When Mr Johnfton was fecretary of 
 ftate, he and Mr Carftares brought over Mr Ogilvy to King W illiam, 
 and got him made folicitor-general to that kingdom. Upon his 
 coming up to London, he made his court fo effectually to the King, 
 that, upon Mr Johnfton and Sir John Dalrymple's demiffion, he 
 was made fecretary of ftate ; in which office he continued all King 
 William's reign ; and, upon the Queen's acceftion, was made Lord 
 High Chancellor, and Knight Companion of the Thiftle. He has 
 "•reat knowledge of the civil law and the conftitution of Scotland — 
 
 CD O 
 
 underftands perfectly how to manage a Scottifh parliament to the 
 advantage of the court. This, together with his implicitly execu- 
 ting whatever King William pleafed, without ever reafoning upon 
 the fubject, eftablifhed him very much in that Monarch's favour ; 
 but his conduct in the affair of Darien loft him with the people. 
 He affects plainnefs and familiarity of manners ; but is not fmcere. 
 
 Lord Tarbat, afterwards Earl of Cromarty, Lord Regijlcr, and then- 
 Secretary of State, 
 
 Was Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat in the reign of King 
 Charles II. and a great oppofer of the Duke of Lauderdale's. But, 
 
 falling
 
 THE STATESMEN. 95 
 
 felling in with the Duke of York's meafures, when he came down 
 commiflioner, he was made Lord Regifter, and created Yilcount of 
 Tarbat, and was chief minifte* all the reft of that reign, and the 
 reign of King James. 
 
 At the revolution, he came to court, and was well recommended 
 to King William. But his arbitrary proceedings in the former 
 reigns had rendered him fo obnoxious to the people, that he could 
 net be much employed in this. 
 
 Upon the Queen's acceiTion to the throne, he was fent for to 
 :ourt, and made fecretary of ftate, and, from Vifcount of Tarbat, 
 created Earl of Cromarty. 
 
 He is a gentleman of very polite learning, and good parts; hath a 
 great deal of wit; is the pleafanteft companion in the world — a 
 great mafter in philofophy, and much efteemed by the Grefham co~ 
 lege fociety, 
 
 Earl of Melville 
 
 Is the reprefentative of a very honourable family in Scotland* 
 confpicuous for its zeal againft popery fince the firft reformation. 
 
 This nobleman was much in the intereft of the Duke of Mon-- 
 mouth, and followed his fortunes. At the revolution, he came o- 
 ver with King William, was made fole fecretary of ftate for Scot- 
 land, created from Lord to Earl, and commiflioner to the parliament, 
 in 1690. 
 
 His eldeft fon, Lord Raith, had the management of the revenue ; 
 and his fecond fon, the Earl of Leven, was made governor of the 
 caftle of Edinburgh, and had a regiment. 
 
 The whole management of the affairs of Scotland was in his fa- 
 mily for fome years, which he owed to King William's perfonal 
 friendfhip, and his zeal for the revolution, although his enemies re- 
 prefented him as a tool to the Earl of Portland and Mr Carftares. 
 
 Sir
 
 9 6 CHARACTERS OF 
 
 Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate, 
 
 Was a younger fon of the family of Coltnefs, in the weft of Scot- 
 land. He was bred to the law, and in great efteem in his profef- 
 fion. 
 
 In the reign of Charles II. being fufpe&ed as one of the ad- 
 vifers of the Earl of Argyle's explication of the teft, he was obliged 
 to retire to Holland, and was declared fugitive, tie continued in 
 Holland all that reign; but, upon King James's fetting up a 
 difpenfmg power, and defigning to put down the church by the 
 diflenters, this gentleman was thought a fit agent for that pur- 
 pofe; and was fent for by the court of England. 
 
 He wrote two letters to Mr Fagel, penfionary of Holland, in de- 
 fence of the King's taking off the penal laws, which, with Mr 
 Fagel's anfwer, were afterwards publiihed *. It was fome time af- 
 ter the revolution before King William could be perfectly recon- 
 ciled to him. When that was brought about, he made him his 
 advocate for Scotland; and the Queen continued him in that office. 
 He was one of the beft civilians of the age ; has fine natural parts. 
 He afFe&s great plainnefs, affability, and familiarity in his manners. 
 
 r James Duke of ^ueenjberry 
 
 Is a branch of the antient and noble family of Douglas, called 
 1 Drumlanrig. His father was from Earl created Duke by King 
 Charles II. and was Lord High Treafurer of Scotland, and High 
 Commiflioner to the firft parliament of King James. 
 
 This nobleman commanded a regiment of horfe at the revolution; 
 left King James at the fame time with the Duke of Ormond, and 
 joined the Prince of Orange, who made him a gentleman of his 
 bed-chamber, and captain of the Scottiih troops of gaurds. To- 
 wards 
 
 * Mr Carftares is the friend to whom Mr Stewart alludes in his anfwers 
 to Mr Fagel's letters, and was the perfon employed by him to found the Prince 
 of Orange upon thefubjecl of the difpenfmg power.
 
 THE STATESMEN. 97 
 
 wards the end of King William's reign, he had the garter, was 
 made fecretary of ftate for Scotland, and commiffioner to the par- 
 liament of that kingdom. Upon Queen Anne's acceffion, he was 
 much in favour, and continued in both thefe employments. But, 
 not being able to carry on the Queen's affairs in parliament, and 
 being accufed of endeavouring to create a mifunderftanding be- 
 twixt the Queen and her fubje&s, by a fham plot, which was 
 much agitated in the Englifh parliament, he was difcharged of 
 all his employments. He was reflored to them not long after ; 
 was commiffioner of the laft Scottifh parliament; and had the chief 
 hand in accomplishing the union of the two kingdoms. He is a 
 nobleman of fine natural difpolitions, of eafy accefs, has a genteel 
 addrefs, and much the manner of a man of quality. 
 
 Earl of Tullibardine, afterwards Duke of Athole, Lord Privy 
 Seal, 
 
 Is the reprefentative of the noble family of Murray. His father, 
 the Marquis of Athole, declared for King James at the revolu- 
 tion. But this gentleman declared for King William; had a 
 regiment given him, was created Earl of Tullibardine, and made 
 fecretary of ftate with Lord Seaficld. But, upon finding that a 
 fa&ion in oppoiition to him was likely to gain the afcendant in 
 the King's favour, he threw up the feals, retired from the court, 
 and headed the oppoiition to it in all the fubfequent parliaments 
 during that reign. 
 
 When Queen Anne came to the throne, he was made Lord Privy 
 Seal; and upon, his father's death, was, from Marquis, created 
 Duke of Athol, and Knight-companion to the Thiftlc. He does 
 not.want fenfe, but is often choaked with paftion, efpecially in 
 liublic aftemblies, where his quality entitles him to be heard. 
 
 Marquis of Ann and ale, Prefident of the council y 
 Is chief of the ancient family of Johnfton. He fell in heartily 
 with the revolution atfirft; but, in a few months after, entered 
 
 N into
 
 9 8 CHARACTERS OF 
 
 into a defign of reftoring King James; which being difcovered by 
 the apprehenfion of Nevil Payn, who was fent from England to 
 carry it on, he fubmitted himfelf to King William, confefled his 
 crime, and obtained his pardon. He was often out and in the 
 miniftry during that King's reign; is very apt to be influenced by 
 his private intereft ; hath good fenfe, and a manly expreffion ; but 
 not much to be trufted. 
 
 Mr Carftares 
 Is a prefbyterian clergyman, who fled from Scotland after the. 
 mfurredion for religion in the reign of King Charles II. He was 
 taken priibner in England, upon fufpicipn of being concerned in the 
 intended infurredion for which Lord Ruffel and Algernon Sydney 
 Juffered, and was fent down to Scotland, where he underwent a 
 
 torture. 
 
 He afterwards retired into Holland, and came over at the revolu- 
 tion with the Prince of Orange. He contraded, when in Holland, 
 an intimate friendfhip with the Earl of Portland ; and was in great 
 favour with the Prince, who, upon the revolution, made him his 
 chaplain for the kingdom of Scotland, and gave him the revenue 
 of a bilhoprick for his falary. He attended King William in all his 
 campaigns, and was allowed L. 500 each campaign for his equi- 
 page. 
 
 As the King committed the government of Scotland to Lord 
 Portland, as his oftenfible minifter, fo that nobleman devolved it up- 
 on Mr Carftares ; all offices of ftate and other employments being 
 difpofed of by his influence. Indeed, few Scotfmen had accefs to 
 the King but by him ; fo that he was properly viceroy of that 
 kingdom, and was called at court Cardinal Carftares, The Queen 
 continues him in his offices ; but he does not concern himfelf fo 
 much in public affairs. 
 
 Earl of Stairs 
 Is eldeft fon to my Lord Stairs, who was prefident of the feflion 
 in the reign of King Charles II. fled to Holland after the Duke of 
 
 York's
 
 THE STATESMEN. 99 
 
 York's parliament, and was reftored to his former place at the revo- 
 lution. 
 
 This gentleman, notwithftanding his father's difgrace, was made 
 Lord Advocate in the reign of King James : After the revolution, 
 he was made Secretary of State with my Lord Melville, and then 
 with Mr Johnfton, who at laft threw him out of all : Nor was he af- 
 ter employed in that reign. 
 
 On the Queen's acceflion to the throne, he was, from Lord cre- 
 ated Earl of Stairs. He is a very good lawyer, has great natural ta- 
 lents, is a fine orator ; but fadious, and makes a better companion 
 than a ftatefman. 
 
 Cockburn ofOrmijhn 
 
 Is the reprefentative of a very good family, amongil the firft in 
 Scotland confpicuous for its zeal in the reformation, in the reign of 
 Mary Queen of Scots, and Edward VI. of England. They have 
 been zealous after ters of prefbytery ever fince. 
 
 This gentleman entered heartily into the meafures of the revolu- 
 tion, and was zealous all King William's reign, efpecially for the 
 prefbyterian church-government. He was made Lord Juftice Clerk 
 and Privy-counfellor by King William ; and, fome time after, Lord 
 Treafurer Deputy, or Chancellor of the Exchequer. 
 
 On the Queen's acceffion to the throne, he was difmifled from all 
 his offices, He is too great a bigot in his principles ; but, in other 
 refpe&s, a very fine gentleman, both in perfon and manners ; of 
 ftrong good fenfe, and great integrity. 
 
 Murray of Philliphaugh 
 
 Is the reprefentative of an antient family near the borders of Eng- 
 land. He was concerned in a defign of making an infurrection in 
 Scotland at the time of Shaftfbury's plot, and was one of the evi- 
 dences againft Jervifwood. 
 
 He was made a Lord of Seffion at the revolution, and fome time 
 after Lord Regifcer; and went out of that office along with the Duke 
 
 N2 of
 
 ioo C H A R A C T E R S OF 
 
 of Queenfberry, his friend and patron, in the year 1704, and was 
 reftored to it in 1705, He is a gentleman of a clear head, a man. 
 of bufmefs, and a good countryman. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont 
 
 Was Sir Patrick Hume of Polwart, a branch of the antient fami- 
 ly of Hume. He was one of thofe engaged in the defigned infur- 
 rection, called Shaftsbury's plot, in King Charles II.'s reign; and, 
 upon his not compearing to anfwer his accufation, was decla- 
 red a traitor, and his eftate confifcated. He came over from Hol- 
 land with my Lord Argyle, in the Duke of Monmouth's expedition, 
 and had the good fortune to efcape to Holland again ; from whence 
 he came over at the revolution with King William, who created 
 him, firft, Lord Polwart, and, fome years after, Lord High Chancel- 
 lor, and Earl of Marchmont. He was alfo for fome time 
 High Commiftioner to the Scottiih parliament. 
 
 In Queen Anne's reign, he was difcharged from his emp] 
 ments. He is a line gentleman, of clever parts, zealous for preJ - 
 tcrian government, which was his great motive in engaging againft 
 the crown. A lover of let fpeeches, and can hardly give an 
 to a private friend without them. 
 
 Sir Hugh Dairy mple, Prefident of the Court of SeJJion, 
 Is the third fon of my Lord Prefident Stairs, and brother to the 
 prefent Earl of Stairs. He was made Prefident by King William 
 upon his father's demiihon. He is reckoned to be one of the beft 
 lawyers in Scotland, has a clear underftanding, and great gravity 
 of manners. He is an eloquent fpeaker, fmooth and flow in his ex- 
 preffion. 
 
 The Following character of Andrew Fletcher of Salton, extracted 
 from the fame MSS. merits a place in a work intended to il- 
 luftrate the hiftory of a period in which he made fo great a figure. 
 
 He is a gentleman of a good eftate in Scotland, with the imp re ve- 
 ment of a good education. He was knight of the fhire of Lothian 
 
 to
 
 THE STATESMEN. fox 
 
 it pa-rliav: which the Duke of York was commiffioner, in 
 
 r Charles II. and openly oppofed the arbitrary de- 
 ns of that Prince, and the fatal bill of fucceffion ; which obliged 
 hi-. re, riril to England, then to Holland, becaufe the 
 
 Duke of York would not forgive his behaviour in that parlia- 
 -. 
 They fummc: to appear at Edinburgh; which he not da- 
 
 ring to do, was declared traitor, and his eilate confifcated. He re- 
 tired to Hungary, and ferved feveral campaigns under the Duke ot 
 Lorrain; returned to Holland after the death of King Charles II. 
 and came over to England with the Duke of Monmouth ; had the 
 misfortune to fhoot the mayor of Line after his landing, and upon that 
 returned to Holland again ; from whence he came over with the 
 Prince of Orange at the revolution. 
 
 He is a zealous aiTerter of the liberties of the people, and fo jea- 
 lous of the growing power of all Princes, in whom he thinks ambi- 
 tion to be natural, that he is not for entrufting the heft of them 
 with a power which they can make ufe of againft the people. As 
 he believes all Princes made by, and for the good of the people, he 
 is for giving them no power but that of doing good. 
 
 This made him oppofe King Charles, invade King James, and 
 exclaim againft giving too much power to King William, whom he 
 never would ferve; nor does he come into the adminiftration of 
 Queen Anne, hut ftands upas a pillar of the conftitution in the par- 
 liament of Scotland. 
 
 He is a gentleman, fteady in his principles, of nice honour, with 
 abundance of learning, brave as the fword he wears, a fure friend, 
 and an irreconcileable enemy, would lofe his life chearfully to ferve 
 his country, but would not clo a bafe thing to lave it. His thoughts 
 are large as to religious fubje&s, and could never be brought with- 
 in the bounds of any particular feci:, nor will he be under the diflinc- 
 tion of a Whig or Tory; fays thefe names are but cloaks for the 
 knaves of both fides. 
 
 His
 
 io2 G H A R A C T E R S, &c, 
 
 His notions of government, however, are too fine fpun, and can 
 hardly be lived up toby men fubjett to the common frailties of human 
 nature. Neither will he give allowance for extraordinary emergen- 
 cies ; witnefs the Duke of Shrewfberrry, with whom he had always 
 bee n intimate ; yet, the Duke coming to be fecretary a fecond time, 
 with a view to fave his country, this gentleman would never be in 
 common charity with him afterwards. And my Lord Spencer, 
 now Lord Sunderland, for voting for the army, was ufed by him 
 after the fame manner. 
 
 He hath written feveral good things, but not publifhed in his 
 own name; and hath a very fine genius, full of fire; of low ftature, 
 with a ftern, four look. 
 
 ORIGINAL
 
 ^^i^^^^+^^^^+^t+*+4^^^**^^*>^^^+^^^^++t4-i-^f^^*4'+*'*--| , 4 > 'l*+4'4-H k * 
 
 ORIGINAL 
 
 STATE- PAPERS, 
 
 A N D> 
 
 LETTERS.. 
 
 +4>4^4^^****4*4^*+^4-^4^4H'+*4^4**+4^*+^4^W****f*****+*^***-
 
 ORIGINAL 
 
 STATE-PAPERS. 
 
 AND 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 ARGYLE's CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 * 
 
 WHAT renders the cyphers hy which the correfpond- 
 ence with Argyle was carried on fo very intricate, is the 
 following particulars. 
 I . Things were expreffed by new words, fo that, in effect, the let- 
 ters were written in a new language. 2. Thefe words were written 
 in cyphers. 3. This cypher confifted of a triple alphabet. 4. Ma- 
 ny words were intermixed with mute cyphers. 5. In fome of the 
 letters, all the relatives are expreffed by figures ; as, in Lady Argyle's 
 letter, the figure 43, or letter D, ftand for the relatives, he, his, him, 
 &c. 6. That, though Mr Spence was inftru&ed to mew the way 
 of reading the following letters, yet he knew nothing of the parti- 
 culars contained in them. 7. The words in the long letter fub- 
 joined were fo ordered, that 254 words, in courfe of writing, were 
 interpofed betwixt the firft and fecond word in fenfe, and as many 
 betwixt the third and fourth, and fo forth, to the laft word of the 
 
 O letter; 
 
 * s 
 
 See the records of the Scottifh privy council for the year 16S4.
 
 106 S^ T A T E - P A P E R S, 
 
 letter; then beginning with the fecond word, there was 252 words 
 between that and the next infenfe, and fo forth, till you come to the 
 penult word ; again beginning with the third word of the letter* 
 between which and the next in fenfe there interveens only 250 
 words, and fo on to the end. 8. In the fhort letter, 62 words 
 are interjected betwixt the firft and fecond ; and you proceed as in 
 the other. 
 
 By this unequal diftribution, and gradual decreafe of the inter- 
 jected words, the method of reading became altogether myfterious. 
 Thus, in the long letter, you muft firft throw it into eight columns, 
 confifting each of 128 words ; and then Argyle's way of uling them 
 is, he begins at the head of the firft column, and proceeds to the 
 foot of it ; then beginning at the bottom of the fecond column, you 
 mount to the head of it ; next you begin at the head of the third 
 column, and fo proceed till you come to the topmoft word of the 
 eighth column. By this all the words are placed in their natural 
 order, as appears from the decypher ; fo that, if one word is mil- 
 placed, the whole letters become a chaos of nonfenfe. 
 
 Here follows the Alphabetical Key which opened the Countefs or. 
 Argyle's Letter. 
 
 a bcdefg hiklmnopqrstuwxyz& 
 Alphabet 1 ft. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 
 2 d. 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 4§ 49 5° 5 1 5 2 53 54 55 5 6 57 5 8 59 6 °- 6l 6z 6 3 6 4 
 3(3.70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 Si 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 107 
 
 A Letter written in the middle Alphabet from Argyle to his Lady, 
 probably after he heard that the Confpiracy was difcovered. This 
 Letter abounds in mute cyphers. 
 
 "^32674845254324512641443651404344^9283726545^4357535239 
 
 445^74744 2 94 8 57395°53575 8 --53534 5 4 8 5 2 5 8 57^454595 6 545357 
 44576858475648424451 6921 564443575 1404344285456535453584858 
 4853522053454459445662675847485246325148464758574442595644 
 394156405243604858475359584041536 1645847445258534344405044 
 6048584741485642574159584858485752535858405049485 246604850 
 
 4353444 8 5 8 ^ G 47505 8 4 8 57744°54445-4443524444439752535 8 474 8 
 52434456415958574753595043455956584744564451." 
 
 The above letter decyphered, and mutes pointed out, m ftands 
 for mute. 
 
 m m m Duke m Monmouth m m m m 
 
 " 32 67 If 25 D 27 M 26 be 36 made 69, 28, 
 
 m m m m m m 
 
 prifon39cr, 27 he 29 is 39 loft 22 to all intents and purpofes. 68. 
 
 m Carftares m m m 
 
 Thrice Mr 6921 Red f made 28 propofition 20 of every 67 thing 
 
 m m Scotland battle, 
 
 32 might fecure 39 Brand without a box, and then to deal with 
 
 England ; 
 
 Birch ; but it is not talking will do it ; and what has happened 
 need not hinder, but fhould further them." 
 
 O 2 The 
 
 * As, by the alphabet made ufe of in this letter, 40 ftands for the letter a, 41 
 for b, and fo on till you come to 64, which ftands for &, the way to diftinguifli 
 the mutes from the fignificant cyphers is, to obferve whether any two figures fall 
 within the compafs of the alphabet from 40 to 64. Thus, the figures 32, 67, at 
 the beginning of the letter, are mutes, 32 being a number below the firft cypher, 
 and 67 a number above thelaft. 
 
 t This alludes to a plan which Mr Carftares had formed for furprifing the 
 caftle of Edinburgh.
 
 ioS 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 TheKey of Words, whereof two Copies were found with Major Holms ; one of them being in 
 Mr Carftares's Hand-writing, and confeffed by him to be the Key of their Correfpondence. 
 In which alfo there is an Alphabet different from the other three, for which as yet we 
 have found no life. The middle Column is thought only to be mute Figures, to confound' 
 the Defign of the Key ; fo that one Word is only fet down for another, as Ker ftands for 
 
 King, Birch for En 
 
 gland, Brand for Scotland, &e. 
 
 The 
 
 Alpha 
 
 bet. 
 
 King - • 
 
 40 Ker 
 
 Officers 
 
 8 1 Ramfey 
 
 a 
 
 12 
 
 D. York 
 
 71 Corfe 
 
 A general 
 
 88 Barcley 
 
 b 
 
 14 
 
 D. Mon. 
 
 39 White 
 
 Col. Sidley 
 
 96 Ramfay 
 
 c 
 
 16 
 
 E. Roch. 
 
 37 "Whit. 
 
 Mr Holms 
 
 53 Barclay 
 
 d 
 
 ] 9 
 
 E. Halifax 
 
 43 Whyte 
 
 Commiffar. Monro 
 
 59 Reid 
 
 e 
 
 2 3 
 
 The court 
 
 45 Weft. 
 
 Sir John Cochran 
 
 49 Rae 
 
 f 
 
 2$ 
 
 The council 
 
 50 Weftle 
 
 Mr Carftares 
 
 74 Red. 
 
 
 29 
 
 Cne of the council 
 
 57 Eaft 
 
 Mr Stewart 
 
 83 Harlay 
 
 h 
 
 33 
 
 The Tories 
 
 30 Weftly 
 
 Mr Athol 
 
 84 Harlaie 
 
 i 
 
 34 
 
 The Whiggs 
 
 22 Brown 
 
 Mr Huntly 
 
 77 Rofs 
 
 k 
 
 41- 
 
 The city 
 
 18 Wilfon 
 
 Scotland 
 
 10 Brand 
 
 1 
 
 42 
 
 The Mayor 
 
 27 Watfon 
 
 Council there 
 
 92 Bold. 
 
 m 
 
 46 
 
 Sheriffs 
 
 3 1 Brum 
 
 Chancellor 
 
 1 1 Calender.- 
 
 n 
 
 55 
 
 Court of Aldermen 
 
 36 Baxter 
 
 Queenfoerry 
 
 15 Davidfon 
 
 
 
 55 
 
 Common Council 
 
 35 Barker 
 
 D. Ham. 
 
 94 Boyd 
 
 P 
 
 5* 
 
 L. Ruffel 
 
 29 Wefts 
 
 E. Argyle 
 
 67 Forreft, 
 
 q 
 
 60 
 
 E. Effex. 
 
 32 Wilfon 
 
 Scots forces 
 
 66 Forret 
 
 i' 
 
 63 
 
 DhTenting Lords 
 
 47 Browne 
 
 Scots fanatics 
 
 42 Goven 
 
 s 
 
 68 
 
 Eifliops of England 
 
 61 Wood. 
 
 Scots, n. c. miniflers 
 
 13 Lands 
 
 t 
 
 6 9 
 
 The clergy 
 
 65 Child 
 
 Scots clergy 
 
 5 Menzies. 
 
 u 
 
 70 
 
 Non-conformifts 
 
 64 Chyld 
 
 The Weft 
 
 6 Mafon 
 
 V 
 
 7« 
 
 England 
 
 73 Birch 
 
 The Highlands 
 
 7 Wright 
 
 w 
 
 79 
 
 France 
 
 72 Birche 
 
 The South 
 
 9 Mai foil 
 
 X 
 
 S3 
 
 The States 
 
 44 Heart. 
 
 The North 
 
 95 Nairn 
 
 V 
 
 *5 
 
 The Prince 
 
 38 Harwood 
 
 Edinburgh 
 
 26 Rofs. 
 
 7. 
 
 86 
 
 Forces 
 
 17 Had.' 
 
 The Caftle 
 
 25 Mafone. 
 
 & 
 
 .-:■■ 
 
 Horft 
 
 28 Hilyard 
 
 Dumbarton 
 
 24 Thomfon 
 
 
 
 Foot 
 
 90 Hickman 
 
 The Eaft 
 
 20 Tomfon 
 
 
 
 iooo of the one or So many 
 
 The Scots gent. 
 
 21 Grein. 
 
 
 
 other, a tick after 
 
 His 
 
 partners. 
 
 The gent, at Lond. 
 
 94 Gray. 
 
 
 
 and fo forth ioo — 
 
 his So many 
 
 The borders 
 
 76 Menzies 
 
 
 
 A fcroke after, thui— 
 
 neighbours 
 
 Ships 
 
 99 Mr Berrie 
 
 
 
 Arms 
 
 75 Chylde 
 
 For their number 
 
 A figure added 
 
 
 Money 
 
 80 Hail 
 
 A garrifon 
 Religion 
 Popery 
 Papifts 
 Scots nobility 
 
 98 Bierre 
 48 Bafs. 
 
 58 Sibbet. 
 
 51 Long. 
 
 52 Sibit 
 
 
 
 AN
 
 AND 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 109 
 
 An Addition to the Key, written by Mr Carftares 
 
 OU friend 
 
 Tome 
 
 Mr Kiffin 
 
 Bifhop 
 
 Mr Cox 
 
 Crafts 
 
 Lock Huxter 
 
 Cednock 
 
 Cozens 
 
 Jervifwood 
 
 Ball 
 
 To furprize To fpeak with 
 
 To land To go to 
 
 To march To deal 
 
 To make prifoner To agree 
 To fight is To talk 
 
 To difarm To fight 
 
 To kill To fee 
 
 To give quarters To hear 
 To overcome To find. 
 
 This is a Letter, wherein Argyle gives an Account to his Confede- 
 rates in England of the Proceedings of the King's Miniflers in 
 Scotland, with a view to difparage them ; all written with his 
 own Hand. 
 
 " Weft much way daily at I if with 69415358475944503322 
 then or 4253514857485352 or a if to 5644693941445057 at in 
 5744525844.524244 of he caufe other to keep and alio did 58445 
 2 4°5 2 5357 perfons any thing they of any if gave any Mr M. did 
 thereof knew thefe and relation 39505360435352 and go he 585 
 644405^62 any with any in or 364852584456425351 59524445 
 he fend Air to be 40504056514443 Shiels is as done extremi- 
 ties to them knew 395 J 4 8 5 2 4 8 57575 8 445657 if 4056514457 
 66 others any other and knew to if a or to if perfons of 
 and employ 394250445649 perfon him any thing others fay 
 they pleafe will to to of money out of him if there now he the 31 
 57457 5 2§ 349 he 2 33 2 4 6 5°4°5746536o who who of perfon did 
 or they or any to a here where any arrived the and you are 58445 
 2445258 you that others converfed lince write to the was employ- 
 ed and knew or prelent kept with going 446950 to the of for the 
 perfuade go be for fear found to or above that the 3842485642594 
 858 go 6942 4457525349 away drawn correfpondence 4653594 
 4565 I 445-5 8 any of 4740514850585352 Mr the 4948524657 
 my or and with' at had for of 4B525844565346 4058535657 are
 
 no 
 
 STATE-PAPERS, 
 
 as prefident is defireous things given 44 the private or theif fend 50 
 
 party perfon M. to any other and with and or or to 425359563854 
 
 5356844 5957 effect named diffuade the to or money fwear 56444 
 
 14450485352 any perfons and roll to 332246504057465360 any 
 
 the if any black 6053435738 place meeting the C. and for M. any 
 
 they rebels before meeting itile L. in go what as, 
 
 Lib. .SS. 
 
 * There reftsjuft 32 8." 
 The Decypher of the forefaid Letter, as it was done in England, with 
 
 fome Amendments in Scotland, which anfwered exactly with the 
 
 middle Alphabet. 
 
 " Weft much may daily at I if with 69 both well 33 22 then or 
 eornmiffion or a if to re 69 39 bels at in fentence of the caufe other 
 to keep and alfo did tenants perfons any thing they of any if gave 
 any Mr M. did thereof knew thefe and relation 39 London and go 
 he treaty any with any in or 36 intercommuned he fend Air to be 
 alarmed Shields is as done extremities to them knew 39 minifters if 
 arms be others any other and knew to if or to if perfons of and em- 
 ploy 38 clerk perfon him any thing others fay they pleafe will to 
 to of money out of him if their now he the 31 Cefsnock he 23 32 
 Glafgow, who who of perfon did or they or any to a here where a- 
 ny arrived the and you are tennant you that others converfed fince 
 write to the was employed and knew or prefent kept with going 
 E. 69 L. to the of for the perfuade go be for fear found to or above 
 that the 38 circuit go 69 Ceffnock away drawn correfpondence go- 
 vernment any of Hamilton Mr the King's my or and with at had 
 for of interrogators are as prefident is defirous things given E. the 
 
 private 
 
 Lib. SS. 
 * By 32 8 at the foot of the letter, Argyle fignifies how many words 
 muftbe placed in each column, and into how many columns the whole letter muft 
 be divided. Thus, in the above letter, there are eight columns, each column 
 connfting of 32 words, as in page 112.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 ii i 
 
 private or the if fend L. party perfon M. to any other and with and or 
 or to court Porteous effect named diffuade the to or money {wear re- 
 bellion any perfons and roll to 33 22 Glafgow any the if any Black- 
 woods 38 place meeting the C. and for M. any they rebels before 
 meetings ftile L. in go what as. 
 
 Lib. SS. 
 There reftsjuft 32 8". 
 
 The COPY of the faid Letter, as it was given in upon Oath by 
 Mr Spence. 
 
 " Weft-Shields is arrived ; the Prefident is as much alarmed as 
 any, and as defirous what may be done where you are. Things go 
 daily to extremities : Here are interrogatories given in at Ayr to a 
 tenant of E. L. I fend them to you for the ftile : If he knew any 
 that had private meetings with intercommuned minifters, or others, 
 at or before Both well ? Or, if they converfed with the rebels then in 
 arms, or fince ? And, if they, or any others, did write, or fend any 
 commiffion with any perfon to my L. M. or any other of the King's 
 party, for a treaty ? and who was the perfon ? * And if ha knew 
 who employed Mr M. C. to go to Glafgow and Hamilton to the re- 
 bels ? And if he knew of any meeting at Lowdon or Ceffnock, or 
 any other place, in relation to the prefent government, and Black- 
 wood's fentence ? And if he kept correfpondence with any of 
 thefe perfons now withdrawn ? And if he knew of their o-oing a- 
 way, or the caufe thereof ? And if E. L. Ceffnock, or any other, 
 did employ him to go to Glafgow to Mr M. clerk of the circuit- 
 court, to keep any perfon out of the Porteous roll, and gave him 
 money for that effect ? And alfo, if any of the above named per- 
 fons did any thing to perfuade or diffuade any tenants of others to 
 go to the rebellion ? Perfons, they fay, will be found to fwear any 
 thing they pleafe, for fear or money." 
 
 The
 
 112 
 
 STATE-PAPERS, 
 
 The aforefaid Letter fet down according to the Method of opening 
 before narrated. 
 
 Weft- 
 
 Shields 
 
 Is 
 
 arrived 
 
 the 
 
 Preudent 
 
 is 
 
 as 
 
 much 
 
 alarmed 
 
 as 
 
 any 
 
 and 
 
 as 
 
 defirous 
 
 what 
 
 may 
 
 be 
 
 done 
 
 where 
 
 you 
 
 are 
 
 things 
 
 o 
 
 go 
 
 dayly 
 
 to 
 
 extremitie 
 
 : here 
 
 are 
 
 interrogatories 
 
 , given 
 
 in 
 
 at 
 
 Air 
 
 to 
 
 a 
 
 tenant 
 
 of 
 
 E. 
 
 L. 
 
 I 
 
 fend 
 
 them 
 
 to 
 
 you 
 
 for 
 
 the 
 
 flile 
 
 if 
 
 he 
 
 knew 
 
 any 
 
 that 
 
 had 
 
 private 
 
 meetings 
 
 with 
 
 intercommune 
 
 :d minifters 
 
 or 
 
 others 
 
 at 
 
 or 
 
 before 
 
 Both well 
 
 or 
 
 if 
 
 they 
 
 converfed with 
 
 the 
 
 rebels 
 
 then 
 
 in 
 
 arms 
 
 or 
 
 fmce 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 they 
 
 or 
 
 any 
 
 others 
 
 did 
 
 write 
 
 or 
 
 fend 
 
 any 
 
 commifiion with 
 
 any 
 
 perfon 
 
 to 
 
 my 
 
 L. 
 
 M. 
 
 or 
 
 any 
 
 other 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 King's 
 
 party 
 
 for 
 
 a 
 
 treaty- 
 
 and 
 
 who 
 
 was 
 
 the 
 
 perfon 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 he 
 
 knew 
 
 who 
 
 employed Mr 
 
 M. 
 
 C. 
 
 t© 
 
 g° 
 
 to 
 
 Glafgo 
 
 w and 
 
 Hamilton 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 rebels 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 he 
 
 new 
 
 of 
 
 any 
 
 meeting 
 
 at 
 
 Lowdon 
 
 or 
 
 CefTnock or 
 
 any 
 
 other 
 
 place 
 
 in 
 
 relation 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 prefent 
 
 government 
 
 and 
 
 Blackwood's 
 
 fentence 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 he 
 
 kept 
 
 correfpondence with 
 
 any 
 
 of 
 
 thefe 
 
 perfons 
 
 now 
 
 with- 
 
 drawn 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 he 
 
 knew 
 
 of 
 
 their 
 
 go'rag 
 
 away 
 
 or 
 
 the 
 
 caufe 
 
 thereof 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 E..L. 
 
 Ceflhock 
 
 or 
 
 any 
 
 other 
 
 did 
 
 employ 
 
 him 
 
 to 
 
 S° 
 
 to 
 
 Glafgow 
 
 to 
 
 MrM. 
 
 clerk 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 circuit 
 
 court 
 
 to 
 
 keep 
 
 any 
 
 perfon 
 
 out 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 Porteous roll 
 
 and 
 
 gave 
 
 him 
 
 money 
 
 for 
 
 that 
 
 efffea 
 
 and 
 
 alfo 
 
 if 
 
 any 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 above 
 
 named 
 
 perfons 
 
 did 
 
 * any 
 
 thing 
 
 to 
 
 perfuade or 
 
 diffuade any 
 
 tenants 
 
 of 
 
 others 
 
 to 
 
 S° 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 rebellion 
 
 Perfons 
 
 they 
 
 fay 
 
 will 
 
 be 
 
 found 
 
 to 
 
 fwear 
 
 any 
 
 thing 
 
 they 
 
 pleafe 
 
 for 
 
 fear 
 
 or 
 
 money
 
 AND LETTERS n 3 
 
 A Letter written with Argyle's own Hand, addreffed to Major 
 Holmes. 
 
 " Though I cannot by this poft fend you a full account of your 
 affairs, yet I fend you as much as may make you take meafures 
 what bills to draw upon me, which I hope you will fully underftand 
 by Mr B.'s help. The whole account amounted to leveral pages, 
 but I only give you one to total, as fufficient. 
 
 " I gone fo I and refute object firftyou time much is way the our 
 would of altogether concerned do upon abfolutely do to do effectu- 
 ally as that it be to is at all be 335759424244575769 money 3647 
 575657 of and to 69224736535657 and they have is at be that no 
 fome their 2345535958 &c. 500004548464758 part as againft the 
 but concurrence from be lefs nor like place and intereft is fmall and 
 power againft need do bring which Birch that cannot time are out 
 upon an 324753235657 to 56444256594858444367 projected 
 meet very may little done the been purfe I to {hall my lifts I to 
 great venture they profpecl: provided have can willing God given 
 conference week Brown I of things faid fome the now their my 
 head guard mention 324344675748465257 things which to your 
 hope fome ago as over fome if do fpoke for of know and encourage- 
 ment confer have and felf be order refolve and to reckoning all and 
 undertake honeft or was far be Shoes undertaking many of to for 
 purchafe was as is the a poffibly us of by force it though fo how 
 the credit for time Birch and fome greater! them concerned will for 
 and to and 404843 ftation good may only the if more will if fhould 
 expect tolerably ftanding and by and neceffary the more the hazard 
 to it 8 and think urge fo neceffary I the that fo affairs have bufinefs 
 very I poffible of I fend here againft my till what little upon know 
 not which money 25405748575840524244 I fervice any what 
 fhall refolve the at did leaft effectually thought and far if bufinefs 
 reckoned for ftill the there I or ftuck you upon money by flrft fum 
 if then bills 26435640464559525769455356424457 well that 
 384T444058 5 I 595°5 8 4 8 5 8 594357 need trouble fomething very 
 
 P
 
 ii 4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 a frighten the probably not 2000 the though the once for and 5759 
 424244575735 will 40575875840524244 and to money could 
 fooliih Browne many the not to God's Brand befides flay Job feat 
 yet to propofed 322240565157 a deal the things as all once lefs a- 
 ny drink well on know 1 as pay whether never the received to any 
 calculate about to that that the fuch with you I other I I for confi- 
 derable be particular add I are of left I but all have it enemies to 
 cannot to friends made part I write wifli may be fervice Mr an whole 
 there confider perfons it when knowing any and payments to I it 
 low fhall little little meaning intelligence thing out had which tents 
 ufual whole with 673 15 1785048584840 and by the more of if but 
 the that Miffing raife a 5456535 8 44575 8 4°5 2 5 8 47555^5744 cau 
 virgins fupply to call 485650405243 not keep imaginable though 
 them 4853485244 (landing many number 254753565733 only at 
 Handing a 5159505848585943 nrft confiderable with more can 
 them country 425351 514052434443 in and there 40565157 it 
 was weeks half I fo to at 60c think needs precife I the the it a 
 within what requifite not fum truly this grounds to fay Mr thing 
 not know they as hath the grounds occafioned I they both do is 
 Red only let I diftance in I half in I the little would 40574857584 
 05242 firft (hall number very 100c- and the confider fmall confefs 
 them work propofed pleafe cannot are 2000 Brand it 5444535450 
 44 the be 4056515 then be 40544440564852464640584744564 
 443 little 455356424457575 8 445 6 5°4 8 5 2 44 have the bu * it will 
 455356574457 and as we y et together only it for buy it confider 
 employ better intereft fmall fo tofome 47535°57 a future the to to- 
 tal the abfolute of and defigned and wagons are but or propofed or 
 and becaufe what add as out middle touch of I knowing merchant 
 there is that what is 404540485644405844515458 Red I not but 
 I of expect of up I enforce at be that fhould a is in confiderable 
 put I done this all have by the not to had before able will I if and 
 a they have will is for 57535 c 434 8 53595 6 " ma11 neceffaries the or of 
 if is is they very incident for the daily not cloaths neceffary to there 
 the neceffary bed of the 604056 3 9 events little to hope 5644545644 
 
 57
 
 AND LETTERS. 115 
 
 57 many fum for fo in we them more will in and it had any many yet 
 be may all 51485048584S40 and will it without and not but more 
 get triple on is very 45535959 now be God and but is what a if 
 odds it as near named not brufh of not lefs power propofed an of 
 thought my and go you in or refolved fo I intend hear them out 45 
 564844524357 to neither to will much till any the know on in 
 propofition could what other I of could be the and be but that eafy 
 were I all differ was abfolutely foon more to fent above at well right 
 foot their together provifious the fuddenly that 404258485352 will 
 take will of the be unwilling the will can at is get Brand not 4056 
 5157 no mould the much their not and men the are be while do to 
 advantage thehufbanding for number is be 1^5747534457 only to 
 whole provifions charges good can to I I my middle money ao free- 
 ly for the and be eftates do project all after fee be I it fuch you all 
 47535657 the yet I diftance to dare them direction Gods hands in 
 on not prevent and have fome help may from a a be pray very I I 
 neceffaries and that to a occafion prices the fubmit they but not own 
 had made be do men fome of fum be neceffary 47535657 fuch be- 
 ftowed nothing they one it money of Brand not to fent engaged 
 whole with a concerned own money next prove money for then 
 but fome impoffible firft be be moft to of 4744564858535657200 
 00 to up to do though their done cafe and yet number without hard 
 appointed left 1200 like give will after neceffary propofed as mould 
 leave hard had number I peremptory I 673347535657 flood pof- 
 fibly thofe thought juncture I do mention this as as mean other I as 
 neither give know offer have Adieu. 
 
 Gil. St. 
 The total fum is 128 8 
 Which will be paid to you by Mr B." 
 
 p 2 The
 
 n6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 The Decypher of the faid Letter as it was done in England, with 
 fome Amendments fmce, which anfwers exactly with the Mid- 
 dle Alphabet found out in Scotland. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 THO' 1 cannot by this poft fend you a full account of your af- 
 fairs, yet I fend you as much as may make you take meafures. 
 what bills to draw upon me, which I hope you will fully under- 
 ftand by Mr B.'s help. The whole accompt amounted to feveral pa- 
 ges ; but I only give you one to total as fufncient. 
 
 I gone fo and refufe object firft you time much is away the our 
 would of altogether concerned do upon abfolutely do to do effec- 
 tually as that it be to is at all be 33 fuccefs 69 money 36 horfe of 
 and to 6922 h 36 orfe and they have is at be that no fome there 
 23 foot &c. 50000 fight part as againft the but concurrence from 
 be lefs nor like place and intereft is fmall and power againft need 
 do bring which Birch that cannot time are out upon an 32 ho 23 rfe 
 to recruited projected meat very may little done the been purfe I 
 to fhall my lifts I to great venture they profpect provided have 
 can willing God given conference week Brown I of things faid 
 fome the now there my head guard mention 32 d 67 figns things 
 which to your hope fome ago as over fome if do fpoke for of 
 know and encouragement confer have and felf be order refolve and 
 to reckoning all and undertake honeft or wax far be fhoes under- 
 taking many of to for purchafe was as is the a poffibly us of by 
 forfe it tho' fo how the credit for time Birch and fome greatefl 
 them concerned will for and to and aid ftation good may only the 
 if more will if mould expect tolerably {landing and by and ne- 
 ceffar the the more the hazarded tq it 8 and think urge fo necef- 
 far I the that fo affairs have bufinefs very I poffibly of I fend here 
 againft my till what little upon know not which money 25 aflift— 
 ance I fervice any what I fhall refolve the at did-leaft effectually 
 
 thought
 
 AND LETTERS. 117 
 
 thought and far if bufmefs reckoned for ftill the there I or (luck 
 you upon money by firft. fum if then bills 20 dragoons 69 forces 
 well that 38 beat multitudes need trouble fomething very a fright- 
 en the probably not 2000 the tho' the once for and fuccefs 35 will 
 affiflance and to money could foolifh Browne many the not to 
 God's Brand befides ftay job lent yet to propofed 3222 arms a 
 deal the things as all once lefs any drink well on know I as pay 
 whether never the received to any calculate about to that that the 
 fuch with you I other 1 1 for considerable be particular add I are of 
 left I but all have it enemies to cannot to an accompt to friends 
 made part I write wilh may be fervice Mr an whole their confider 
 perfons it when knowing any and payment to I it low mall little 
 little meaning intelligence thing out had which tents ufual whole 
 with £,73 1 militia and by the more of if but the that bleffing raife 
 a proteftant horfe can virgins fupply to call Ireland not keep ima- 
 ginable tho' them join (landing many number horfe only at {land- 
 ing a multitude firft. confiderable with more can them country 
 commanded in and there arms it was weeks half I fo to at 
 600 think needs prccife I the the it a within what requifite not 
 fum truely this grounds to fay Mr thing nor know they as hath 
 the occafioned I they both do is Red only let I diftance in I 
 halfinlthe little w^ould alTiftance firft mail number very 1000 
 and the confider fmall confefs then work propofed pleafe cannot 
 are 2000 Brand it people the be arms them be appearing gathered 
 little forces Stirling have the but it will forces and as we yet to- 
 gether only it for buy it confider employ better intereft fmall fo to 
 fome horfe a future the to total the abfolute of and defigned and 
 waggons are but of propofed or and becaufe what add as out med- 
 dle touch of I knowing merchant there it that what is affair at- 
 tempt Red I not but I of expect of up I enforce at be that lhould 
 a is in confiderable put I done this all have by the not to had be- 
 fore able will I if and a they have will is for foldier fhall necefTars 
 the or of if is is they very incident for the daily not cloaths ne- 
 ceflfar to their the neceffar b©ft of the war 39 events little to hope 
 reprefs many fome were for fo in we them more will in and it had 
 
 any
 
 n 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 any many yet be may all militia and will it without and not but 
 more got triple on is very foot now be God and but is what a if 
 odds itas near named not brum off not lefs power propofed an of thought 
 my an go you in or refolved fo I intend hear them our friends to 
 neither to will much till any the know on in proportion could 
 what other I of could be the and be but that eafy were I all differ 
 was abfolutely foon more to fent above at well right foot their to- 
 gether provifions the fuddenly that action will take will of the be 
 unwilling the will can at is get Brand not arms no fhould the 
 much there not and men the are be while do to advantage the 
 hufbanding for number is be for fhoes only to whole provifions 
 charges good can to I I my meddle money as freely for the an be 
 eftates do project all after fee be I it fuch you all horfe the yet I 
 diftance to dare them direction God's hands in on not prevent and 
 have fome help may from a a be pray very I I neceffaries and that 
 to occafion prices the fubmit they but not own had mad be do men 
 fome of fum be neceffar horfe fuch beftowed nothing they one it 
 money of Brand not to fent engaged whole with a concern own 
 money next prove money far then but fome impoffible firft be be 
 moft to of heritors 20000 to up to do though there done cafe and 
 yet number without hard appointed leaft 1 200 like give will after 
 neceffar propofed as fhould have hard had number I peremptor I 
 6733 horfe flood poffibly thofe thought juncture I do mention this 
 as as mean other I as neither give know offer have. Adieu. 
 
 
 Gil. 
 
 ft. 
 
 The total fome is 
 
 128 — 
 
 — 8, which will be paid to you 
 
 by Mr B. 
 
 
 
 The
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 il 9 
 
 The Copy of the foregoing Letter, as it was given in by Mr 
 Spence, according to the plain Senfe thereof, without the Pre- 
 face or Poftfcript, being let down already with the Cypher and 
 Decypher. 
 
 I know not the grounds our friends have go ne upon, which hath 
 occafioned them to offer fo little money as I hear; neither know I 
 what affiftance they intend to give: And, till I know both, I will 
 neither refufe my fervice, nor do fo much as objed againft any 
 thing isrefolved, till I firft hear what Mr Red *, or any other you fend * Carftares. 
 fhall fay. Only, in the mean time, I refolve to let you know as 
 much of the grounds I go on, as is poffible at this diftance, and in 
 this way. I did truly, in my proportion, mention the very leaft 
 fum I thought could do, our bufinefs effectually, not half of 
 what I would have thought requifite in another juncture of affairs; 
 and what I propofed I thought altogether fo far within the power 
 of thofe concerned, that, if a little lefs could poffibly do the bufi- 
 nefs, it would not be flood upon. I reckoned the affiftance of the 
 horfe abfolutely neceffary for the firft brufh ; and I do fo ftill : I 
 fhall not be peremptor to urge the precife number named ; but I do 
 think there needs very near that number effectually ; and I think 
 iooo as eafy had as 8 or 600. And, it were hard that it ftuck at 
 the odds. I leave it to you to confider, if all fhould be hazarded 
 upon {o fmall a differ. As to the money, I confefs, what was pro- 
 pofed is more by half than is abfolutely neceffary at the firft week's 
 work ; but, foon after, all the furn was propofed, and more, will 
 be neceffar, if it pleafe God to give fuccefs ; and then arms can- 
 not be fent like money by bills. There are now above 1200 horfe 
 and dragoons, and 2000 foot at leaft, of ftanding forces in f Brand, t Scotland, 
 very well appointed, and tolerably well commanded. It is right 
 hard to expect that country-people on foot, without horfe, fhould 
 beat them, the triple their number ; and if multitudes can be got 
 together, yet they will need more arms, more provifion, and have 
 more trouble with them. But the cafe is, if fomething confiderable 
 
 be
 
 120 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 be not fuddenly done at the very firft appearing, and that there be 
 only a multitude gathered without action, though that may frighten 
 a little, it will do no good. The ftanding forces will take up fome 
 ftation, probably at Stirling, and will, to their aid, not only have 
 the militia of 20,000 foot and 2,000 horfe, but all the heritors, 
 &c. to the number, it may be, of 50,000. And, though many 
 will be unwilling to fight for the ftanding forces ; yet the moft part 
 will once join, and many will be as concerned for them as any can 
 be againft them. And, though we had at firft the greateft fuccefs 
 imaginable ; yet it is imppflible but fome will keep together, and 
 
 * Scotland, get fome concurrence and affiftance, not only in * Brand, but from 
 
 * England, t Birch an ^ Ireland : It will not then be time to call for more arms, 
 
 far lefs for money to buy them : No money nor credit could fup- 
 ply it : We mould prove like the foolifh virgins. Coniider, in the 
 i Diflenting next place, how % Browne can employ fo much money, and fo 
 Lords. many horfe, better for their own intereft, though the proteftant in- 
 
 tereft were not concerned. Is it not a fmall fum, and a fmall force, 
 to raife fo many men with, and, by God's bleffing, to reprefs the 
 whole power of Brand, that fome hope are engaged againft us ; be- 
 fides,the horfe. 'to be fent need pombly ftay but a little time to do 
 a job, if future events do not bring the feat of the war to Brand, 
 which is yet more to the advantage of Birch. As to the total of 
 the money that was propofed, by the beft hufbanding, it cannot 
 purchafe arms, and abfolute neceflaries for one time, for a militia 
 of the number they are to deal with ; and there is nothing out of 
 the whole defigned to be beftowe'd upon many things ufual and 
 neceffarv for fuch an undertaking, as tents, waggons, cloaths, fhoes, 
 horfe, horfe-fhoes ; ail which are not only neceffary to be once had, 
 but daily to be recruited : Far lefs, out of the whole fum project- 
 ed, was any thing propofed for provifions of meat or drink, in- 
 telligence, or incident charges. Some very honeft, well-meaning, 
 and very good men, may undertake on little, becaufe they can do 
 little, and know little what is to be done. All I ihall add is, I 
 m ade the reckoning as low as if I had been to pay it out of my 
 
 own
 
 AND LETTERS. 121 
 
 own purfe ; and, whether I meddle or meddle not, I refolve never 
 to touch the money, but to order the payment of necefiaries as they 
 fliall be received ; and I mall freely iubmit myielf to any knowing 
 foldier for the lifts, and any knowing merchant for the prices I 
 have calculated. When there is an occafion to confer about it, it 
 will be a great encouragement to perfons that have eftates to ven- 
 ture, and that confider what they do, that the that there is 
 a project, and profpect of the whole affair, and all neceflaries pro- 
 vided for fuch an attempt. If, after i have fpoke with Mr * Red, * Carftares, 
 I fee I can do you fervice, I will be very willing ; if I be not able, 
 I pray God -fome other may : But, before it be given over, I with 
 I had fuch a conference as I writ of to you a week ago ; for I ex- 
 pect not all from "f Browne. Some coniiderablc part of the horfe t Diffenting 
 may, I hope, be made up by the help of your particular friends. 
 I have yet fomething to add. to enforce all I have faid, which 1 can- 
 not at this diftance ; and fome things are to be done to prevent the 
 defigns of enemies, that I dare not now mention, left it fhould 
 put them on their guard. I have a confiderable direction in my 
 head ; but all is in God's hands. 
 
 N. B. That the foregoing marginal notes are fo explained 
 by the key of words. 
 
 Q^ I knovr
 
 122 
 
 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 The foregoing Letter in eight Columns, each Column coniifting of 
 
 128 Words. 
 
 I 
 
 know- 
 
 not 
 
 the 
 
 grounds 
 
 our 
 
 friends . 
 
 have 
 
 gone 
 
 up on 
 
 which 
 
 hath 
 
 occafioned them 
 
 to 
 
 offer 
 
 fo 
 
 little 
 
 money 
 
 as 
 
 I 
 
 hear 
 
 neither 
 
 know 
 
 I 
 
 •what 
 
 affiitance 
 
 they 
 
 they 
 
 intend 
 
 to 
 
 give 
 
 and 
 
 till 
 
 I 
 
 know 
 
 both 
 
 I 
 
 will 
 
 neither- 
 
 refufe 
 
 my 
 
 fervice 
 
 nor 
 
 do 
 
 fo 
 
 much 
 
 as 
 
 object 
 
 a gain ft 
 
 any 
 
 tiling 
 
 is 
 
 refolved 
 
 till 
 
 I 
 
 firft 
 
 hear 
 
 what 
 
 Mr 
 
 Red 
 
 or 
 
 any 
 
 other 
 
 you 
 
 fend 
 
 fliall 
 
 fay 
 
 only 
 
 in 
 
 the 
 
 mean 
 
 time 
 
 I 
 
 refolve 
 
 to 
 
 let 
 
 you 
 
 know 
 
 as 
 
 much 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 grounds 
 
 I 
 
 go 
 
 on 
 
 as 
 
 is 
 
 pofllble 
 
 at 
 
 this 
 
 diftance 
 
 and 
 
 in 
 
 this 
 
 way 
 
 I 
 
 did 
 
 truely 
 
 in 
 
 my 
 
 propofition mention- - 
 
 the 
 
 very 
 
 leaft 
 
 fum 
 
 I 
 
 thought 
 
 could 
 
 do 
 
 our 
 
 bufinefs 
 
 effe&uallj 
 
 • not 
 
 half 
 
 of 
 
 what 
 
 I 
 
 would 
 
 have 
 
 thought 
 
 requifite 
 
 in 
 
 an 
 
 other 
 
 juncture- 
 
 of 
 
 affairs 
 
 and 
 
 what 
 
 •I 
 
 propofec 
 
 [ I 
 
 thought 
 
 altogether 
 
 •fo 
 
 far 
 
 within 
 
 the 
 
 power 
 
 of 
 
 thofe 
 
 concerned that 
 
 if 
 
 a 
 
 little 
 
 lefs 
 
 could 
 
 pofllbly 
 
 do 
 
 the 
 
 bufinefs 
 
 it 
 
 would 
 
 not 
 
 be 
 
 flood 
 
 upon 
 
 I 
 
 reckoned 
 
 the 
 
 affiftance 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 horfe 
 
 abfolutely 
 
 neceffary 
 
 for 
 
 the 
 
 firft 
 
 brufh 
 
 and 
 
 I 
 
 do ~ 
 
 fo 
 
 ftill 
 
 I 
 
 fhall 
 
 not 
 
 be 
 
 ptremptor 
 
 to 
 
 urge 
 
 the 
 
 precife 
 
 number 
 
 named 
 
 but 
 
 I 
 
 do 
 
 think 
 
 there 
 
 needs 
 
 very 
 
 near 
 
 that 
 
 number 
 
 effectual]} 
 
 and 
 
 I 
 
 think 
 
 1000 
 
 as 
 
 eafy 
 
 had 
 
 as 
 
 8 • 
 
 or 
 
 600 
 
 and 
 
 it 
 
 were 
 
 hard 
 
 that 
 
 it 
 
 ftuck 
 
 at 
 
 the 
 
 odds 
 
 I 
 
 lave. 
 
 it 
 
 to 
 
 you 
 
 to 
 
 confider 
 
 if 
 
 all 
 
 fliouid 
 
 be 
 
 hazarded 
 
 upon 
 
 fo 
 
 fmall 
 
 a 
 
 differ 
 
 as 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 money 
 
 I 
 
 confefs 
 
 what 
 
 was 
 
 propofed- 
 
 is 
 
 more 
 
 by 
 
 half 
 
 then 
 
 is 
 
 abfolutely 
 
 neceffar 
 
 at 
 
 the 
 
 firft 
 
 week's 
 
 work 
 
 but 
 
 foon 
 
 after 
 
 all 
 
 the 
 
 fum 
 
 was 
 
 propofed 
 
 and 
 
 more 
 
 be 
 
 be 
 
 neceffar 
 
 if 
 
 it 
 
 pleafe 
 
 God 
 
 to 
 
 give 
 
 fuccefs 
 
 and 
 
 then 
 
 arms 
 
 cannot 
 
 be 
 
 fent 
 
 like 
 
 money 
 
 by 
 
 bills 
 
 there 
 
 are 
 
 now 
 
 above 
 
 1200 
 
 horfe 
 
 and 
 
 dragoons 
 
 and 
 
 2000 
 
 foot 
 
 at 
 
 leaft 
 
 of 
 
 (landing 
 
 forces 
 
 in 
 
 Brand 
 
 very 
 
 well 
 
 appointed 
 
 and 
 
 tolerably 
 
 well 
 
 commands 
 
 :d it 
 
 is 
 
 right 
 
 hard 
 
 to 
 
 expect 
 
 that 
 
 country 
 
 people 
 
 on 
 
 foot 
 
 without 
 
 korie 
 
 Ihould 
 
 beat 
 
 them 
 
 the 
 
 triple 
 
 their 
 
 number 
 
 and
 
 
 a n r 
 
 ) L 
 
 E T 
 
 T E 
 
 R S. 
 
 12 ': 
 
 and 
 
 if 
 
 multitudes can 
 
 be 
 
 got 
 
 together 
 
 yet 
 
 they 
 
 will 
 
 need 
 
 more 
 
 arms 
 
 more 
 
 provifions 
 
 and 
 
 have 
 
 more 
 
 trouble 
 
 with 
 
 them 
 
 but 
 
 the 
 
 cafe 
 
 is 
 
 if 
 
 fomething 
 
 ; confiderabl 
 
 z be 
 
 not 
 
 fuddcnly 
 
 done 
 
 at 
 
 the 
 
 very 
 
 firfl: 
 
 appearing 
 
 5 and 
 
 that 
 
 there 
 
 be 
 
 only- 
 
 a 
 
 multitude 
 
 gathered 
 
 without 
 
 action 
 
 tho' 
 
 that 
 
 may 
 
 frighten 
 
 a 
 
 little 
 
 it 
 
 will 
 
 do 
 
 no 
 
 good 
 
 the 
 
 Handing 
 
 forces 
 
 will 
 
 take 
 
 up 
 
 fome 
 
 ftation 
 
 probably 
 
 at 
 
 Stirling 
 
 and 
 
 will 
 
 to 
 
 their 
 
 aid 
 
 not 
 
 cnly 
 
 have the 
 
 militia 
 
 of 
 
 20000 
 
 foot 
 
 and 
 
 2000 
 
 horfe 
 
 but 
 
 all 
 
 the 
 
 heritors 
 
 &c. 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 number 
 
 it 
 
 may 
 
 be 
 
 of 
 
 50000 
 
 and 
 
 tho' 
 
 many 
 
 will 
 
 be 
 
 unwilling 
 
 to 
 
 fight 
 
 for 
 
 the 
 
 (landing 
 
 forces 
 
 yet 
 
 the 
 
 mod 
 
 part 
 
 will 
 
 once 
 
 join 
 
 and 
 
 many 
 
 will 
 
 be 
 
 as 
 
 concerned for 
 
 them 
 
 as 
 
 any- 
 
 can 
 
 be « 
 
 againft 
 
 them 
 
 and 
 
 tho' 
 
 we 
 
 had 
 
 at 
 
 firft 
 
 the 
 
 greateft 
 
 fuccefs 
 
 imaginable 
 
 yet 
 
 it 
 
 is 
 
 impoffible 
 
 but 
 
 fome 
 
 will 
 
 keep 
 
 together 
 
 and 
 
 get 
 
 fome 
 
 concurrence and 
 
 alii (lance 
 
 not 
 
 only 
 
 in 
 
 Brand 
 
 but 
 
 from 
 
 Birch 
 
 and 
 
 Ireland 
 
 it 
 
 will 
 
 not 
 
 then 
 
 be 
 
 time 
 
 to 
 
 call 
 
 for 
 
 more 
 
 arms 
 
 far 
 
 lcfs 
 
 for 
 
 money 
 
 to 
 
 buy 
 
 them 
 
 no 
 
 money 
 
 nor 
 
 credit 
 
 could 
 
 fupply 
 
 it 
 
 we 
 
 fhould 
 
 prove 
 
 like 
 
 the 
 
 foolilh 
 
 virgins 
 
 confider 
 
 in 
 
 the 
 
 next 
 
 place 
 
 how 
 
 Browne 
 
 can 
 
 employ 
 
 fo 
 
 much 
 
 money 
 
 and 
 
 fo 
 
 many 
 
 horfe 
 
 better 
 
 for 
 
 their 
 
 own 
 
 intereft 
 
 tho' 
 
 the 
 
 proteftant 
 
 intereft 
 
 were 
 
 not 
 
 concerned 
 
 is 
 
 it 
 
 not 
 
 a 
 
 fmall 
 
 fum $ti 
 
 and 
 
 a 
 
 fmall 
 
 force 
 
 to 
 
 raife 
 
 fo 
 
 many 
 
 men 
 
 with 
 
 and 
 
 by 
 
 God's 
 
 bleffing 
 
 to 
 
 reprefs 
 
 the 
 
 whole 
 
 power 
 
 of 
 
 Brand 
 
 that 
 
 fome 
 
 hope 
 
 are 
 
 engaged 
 
 againft 
 
 us 
 
 befides 
 
 the 
 
 horfe 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 fent 
 
 need 
 
 pofUbly 
 
 (lay 
 
 but 
 
 a 
 
 little 
 
 while 
 
 to 
 
 do 
 
 a 
 
 job 
 
 if 
 
 future 
 
 events 
 
 do 
 
 not 
 
 bring 
 
 the 
 
 feat 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 war 
 
 to 
 
 Brand 
 
 ■which 
 
 is 
 
 yet 
 
 more 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 advantage 
 
 of 
 
 Birch 
 
 as 
 
 to 
 
 the 
 
 total 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 money 
 
 that 
 
 was 
 
 propofed 
 
 by 
 
 the 
 
 bed 
 
 hufbandirg 
 
 it 
 
 cannot 
 
 pur chafe 
 
 arms 
 
 and 
 
 abfolute 
 
 neceflaries for 
 
 one 
 
 time 
 
 for 
 
 a 
 
 militia 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 number 
 
 they 
 
 are 
 
 to 
 
 deal 
 
 with 
 
 and 
 
 there 
 
 is 
 
 nothing 
 
 cut 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 whole 
 
 defigned 
 2 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 bellowed 
 upon
 
 124 
 
 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 upon 
 
 many 
 
 things 
 
 ufual 
 
 and 
 
 neceffars 
 
 for 
 
 fuch- 
 
 an 
 
 undertaking 
 
 as 
 
 tents 
 
 waggons 
 
 cloaths 
 
 fhoes 
 
 horfe 
 
 horfe 
 
 fhoes 
 
 all 
 
 which 
 
 are 
 
 not 
 
 only 
 
 nece 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 once 
 
 had 
 
 but 
 
 daily 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 recruited 
 
 far 
 
 lefs 
 
 out 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 whole 
 
 fum 
 
 proi 
 
 Iras 
 
 any 
 
 
 propofed 
 
 for 
 
 provific: 
 
 as of 
 
 n 
 
 r 
 
 drink 
 
 intc' : 
 
 e cr 
 
 incident 
 
 charges 
 
 feme 
 
 very 
 
 left 
 
 well- 
 
 - 
 
 and ver] 
 
 ~ 
 
 go 
 
 men 
 
 
 undertake 
 
 on 
 
 little 
 
 aufe 
 
 they 
 
 can 
 
 do 
 
 
 and- 
 
 know 
 
 Kttie 
 
 
 is 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 
 ■! 
 
 I 
 
 fhall 
 
 1 
 
 is 
 
 I 
 
 made 
 
 
 ning 
 
 as 
 
 low 
 
 as 
 
 if 
 
 I 
 
 had 
 
 
 to 
 
 pay 
 
 it 
 
 out 
 
 of 
 
 my 
 
 own 
 
 jC 
 
 and 
 
 whether 
 
 I 
 
 meddle 
 
 or 
 
 meddle 
 
 not 
 
 I 
 
 refolve 
 
 never 
 
 to 
 
 touch 
 
 the 
 
 money 
 
 but 
 
 to 
 
 order 
 
 the 
 
 payments 
 
 of 
 
 neceffars 
 
 as 
 
 they 
 
 fhall 
 
 be 
 
 received 
 
 and 
 
 I 
 
 lhall 
 
 freely 
 
 fubinit 
 
 my 
 
 felf 
 
 to 
 
 any 
 
 knowing 
 
 foldier 
 
 fof 
 
 the 
 
 lifts 
 
 and 
 
 any 
 
 knowing 
 
 merchant 
 
 : for 
 
 the 
 
 prices 
 
 I 
 
 have 
 
 calculate 
 
 when 
 
 there 
 
 is 
 
 an 
 
 occafion 
 
 to 
 
 confer 
 
 about 
 
 it 
 
 it 
 
 will 
 
 be 
 
 a 
 
 great 
 
 encouragement 
 
 ; to 
 
 perfons 
 
 that 
 
 have 
 
 eftates 
 
 to 
 
 venture 
 
 and 
 
 that 
 
 confider 
 
 what 
 
 they 
 
 do 
 
 that 
 
 they 
 
 know 
 
 that 
 
 there 
 
 is 
 
 a 
 
 project 
 
 and 
 
 profpect 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 whole 
 
 affair 
 
 and 
 
 all 
 
 neceffars 
 
 proA'ided 
 
 for 
 
 fuch 
 
 an 
 
 attempt 
 
 if 
 
 after 
 
 I 
 
 have 
 
 fpoke 
 
 with 
 
 Mr 
 
 Red 
 
 I 
 
 fee 
 
 I 
 
 can 
 
 do 
 
 you 
 
 fervice 
 
 I 
 
 will 
 
 be 
 
 very 
 
 ■willing 
 
 if 
 
 I 
 
 be 
 
 not 
 
 able 
 
 I 
 
 pray 
 
 God 
 
 fome 
 
 other 
 
 may 
 
 but 
 
 before 
 
 it 
 
 be 
 
 given 
 
 over 
 
 I 
 
 wilh 
 
 I 
 
 had 
 
 fuch 
 
 a 
 
 conference as 
 
 I 
 
 writ 
 
 of 
 
 to 
 
 you 
 
 a 
 
 week 
 
 ago 
 
 for 
 
 I 
 
 expect 
 
 not 
 
 all 
 
 from 
 
 Browne 
 
 fome 
 
 confiderabk 
 
 : part 
 
 of 
 
 the 
 
 horfe 
 
 may 
 
 I 
 
 hope 
 
 be 
 
 made 
 
 up 
 
 by 
 
 the 
 
 help 
 
 of 
 
 your 
 
 particular 
 
 friends 
 
 I 
 
 have 
 
 yet 
 
 fome 
 
 tilings 
 
 to 
 
 add 
 
 to 
 
 enforce 
 
 all 
 
 I 
 
 have 
 
 faid 
 
 which 
 
 I 
 
 cannot 
 
 at 
 
 this 
 
 diftance 
 
 and 
 
 fome 
 
 things 
 
 are 
 
 to 
 
 be 
 
 done 
 
 to 
 
 prevent 
 
 the 
 
 defigns 
 
 of 
 
 enemies 
 
 that 
 
 I 
 
 dare 
 
 not 
 
 now 
 
 mention 
 
 left 
 
 it 
 
 lliould 
 
 put 
 
 them 
 
 on 
 
 their 
 
 guard 
 
 I 
 
 have 
 
 a 
 
 conliderable direction 
 
 in 
 
 my 
 
 head 
 
 but 
 
 all 
 
 is 
 
 in 
 
 God's 
 
 hands 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 125 
 
 E A R L of C R A W F U R D tO M R C A R S T A R E S. 
 
 Mr Carfares'' s Uffulnefs at Court. — Vindication of Mr Kennedy. — 
 Great Repair of abolifhed Bi/hops to court. — Wijhes Application 
 of Adverfaries about Church-Go<veniment iv ere put off till the Con- 
 vocation rife. — Of an Oath propofed to the Council by the Duke of 
 
 Hamilton. 
 
 Rev. and kind Sir, 
 
 By every line I have from you I am ftill more confirmed in Edinburgh, 
 the belief of the fingular obligations I owe you, and your great ufe- ber 1689. 
 fulnefs at court, in every thing where the happinefs of church and 
 ftate is concerned. It were an unfpeakable lofs, at this critical 
 juncture, when there is fuch a need of friends about the King, and 
 fo many enemies fetting face againft our intcreft, that you were tib- 
 fent from him, even for a few days ; for our adverfaries watch for 
 fuch opportunities, and frequently abufe our King with falfe repre- 
 sentations, when there is no friend at hand to contradict them. 
 
 That ftory about Mr Kennedy's infinuation, "That he had little 
 hopes our King would be better than his predeceflbrs," is a mere 
 forgery, and equally foolifhly invented, as it is malicioufly fpoken ; 
 for his caution and prudence in difcourfe and actings, high efteem 
 of his Majefty, and expectations from him in our church-matters, 
 is even remarkable, beyond many of his brethren; and, upon en- 
 quiry at himfelf, and conftant hearers, that report is this day flatly 
 difowned, and all other expremons of that tendency. 
 
 By the goodnefs of God, my wife is fafely brought to-bed of two 
 daughters : To the eldeft of which I have given the name of our 
 Queen ; and, if the other had been a boy, would have done the like 
 for our King. 
 
 I am told there is a great repair to court of abolifhed bifhops, 
 and deprived inferior clergy, who are ftretching their wits to have 
 
 this
 
 126 ST ATE -PAPERS 
 
 this parliament difiblved ; and, if that cannot be obtained, to lay 
 the foundation for reviving their intereft when it fits. 
 
 They are no lefs bufy here fince the Duke of Hamilton's re- 
 turn, and have feveral projects on foot: But am indeed ignorant 
 what encouragement they get from him, and what countenance he 
 will give them, when foroe of their projects, now concerting, ihall 
 be offered at the council-table. I am doing my utmoft to feafon our 
 members of parliament, and minifters of our way ; fo as they may 
 be moderate in their behaviour ; and that they entertain no more 
 diltruftofourKing, whole purpofes, either for our civil or church in- 
 tereft, are now fo well underiiood, that there is now new life and chear-* 
 fulnefs in the countenance of all honeft men. I have, by this occa- 
 fion, written to his Majtfty ; which is the firft time that, in a direct 
 way, I ever addreffed him ; and fhould be fatisfied you took your 
 own method to be informed how far it is acceptable to him. 
 If we can Have off all reprefentations from our adverfaries anent 
 our church-government, and deprived minifters, until the convoca- 
 tion of the clergy are difmiued, I would expect that after-applica- 
 tions would have lefs weight. What is printed for the council's 
 vindication here would be well digefted, and couched in generals, 
 rather than condefcend to particulars : But in this I fubmit abfolute- 
 ly to the opinion of others, who are better judges than, 
 
 Reverend and kind Sir, 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 and humble fervant, 
 
 CRAWFURD. 
 
 Postscript. 
 The inclofed oath was this evening again preffed by the Duke 
 of Hamilton, but not well entertained at the board, iff, Inrefpect 
 of the manner of taking it, on our knee ; and that we fwear by 
 the Bible, with it in our hand. Next, 1 hat, by the initrument of 
 government, and confirmation in parliament, afterwards the oath 
 
 o£
 
 AND LETTERS. 127 
 
 of allegiance, and the plain oath de fideli, are only to be taken ; and 
 all odier oaths, tefts, and declarations, are abrogated, fo as we can- 
 not legally meddle with them. The fame reafon that made it be 
 urged by the Duke may make him mifreprefent fuch as over-ruled 
 him in the waving of it; which I hope you will fo manage, as it 
 have not a miftaken impremon on the King, or any about him. 
 
 The O A T H propofed by the Duke of Hamilton in Council. 
 
 I fwear, to be a true and faithful fervant to the King's Maje- 
 fty as one of his privy-council. I mall not know or underftand of 
 any manner of thing to be attempted, done, or fpoken, againft his 
 Majefty's perfon, crown, or dignity-royal, but I (hall let and with- 
 ftand the fame to the utmoft of my power, and either caufe it to be 
 revealed to his Majefty himfelf, or to fuch of his Highnefs's privy- 
 council as fhall advertife his Highnefs of the fame. I mall, in all 
 things to be moved, craved, and debated in council, faithfully and 
 truly declare my mind and opinion, according to my heart and 
 confcience; and ihall keep fecret all matters committed and reveal- 
 ed to me, or that fhall be treated of fecretly in council ; and, if 
 any of the fame treaties or councils fhall touch any of the counfel- 
 lors, I fhall not reveal it unto him, but fhall keep the fame until fuch 
 time as, by the confent of his Majefty, or of the council, publication 
 be made thereof. And generally, in all things, I fhall do as a faith- 
 ful and true fervant and fubjecl: ought to do to his Majefty, So help 
 me God, and by the holy contents of this book." 
 
 TJbe
 
 128 STATE-PAP 
 
 The following Letters contain fecret Intelligence 1 " 'tland, 
 , communicated to my Lord Melvil, Secretary of r Got- 
 land; and Lord Sydney, Secretary of Stat land; 
 by them transmitted to Mr Carftares, wl then wi . 
 King William. The writer was one Macky, who was em- 
 ployed by Lord Melvil, as a Spy upon the s Party in 
 Scotland. 
 
 John Macky to Lord Melvil. 
 
 Information received from the Bi/hop afGlqfcciv. 
 
 M y Lor d, 
 
 I have been here thofe fix days by pair, and have endeavoured 
 all in my power to fatisfy your Lordlhip's expedatbiis. The firft 
 I did after my arrival was, to wait upon the Bifhop of Glafgow, to 
 whom I fent, giving an account of my being come; and he met me 
 at his elder brother's of St Andrew's. I told him, that one he ufed 
 to write unto, under the name of Walfone, defired me, when I left 
 St Germains, that, if 1 went to Scotland, to wait on him, and give 
 him accounts how affairs went : That 1 had certainiie got the 
 King's commands to him, if it had been defigned when 1 came from 
 France that J mould have come to Scotland ; but, that Mr Mac- 
 queen, who was difpatched about that time for Scotland, and had 
 particular inftruclions for him, 1 doubted not had been with him, 
 and given a particular account of the preparations the King defign- 
 ed for them. He told me, he had a confufed report of the arrival 
 of thole {hips in the Highlands, but that Mr Macqueen had not yet 
 been fouth : That he was afraid he had either been dead or lick, for 
 he had been expediting him, with a great deal of impatience, thofe 
 feveral weeks, and could not get word of him. I told him the pro- 
 jeQs laid down at St Germains, as 1 told them your Lordfhip at 
 London, with the ryfmg defigned in Staffordfhyre ; and that 
 King James's friends were fo impatient to know what were become 
 
 of
 
 AND LETTERS. 129 
 
 of thofe mips, that they had fent me down on purpofe to know what 
 meafures were defigned in Scotland for this next fummer, that 
 they might order their bufmefs accordingly. He told me, That, if 
 the French came fome 'cyme next month or this, there were a great 
 manie readie in all parts of the kingdome to joine ; but, if not a- 
 gainft that time, they would defpair of them this fummer ; and 
 that he had a letter lately from France, which intimate little lefs, 
 than that the French King had fo much to do at home, that he 
 could not well fpare men, till he knew the effects of this fummer's 
 campaigne. As for an infurrecYion in the country, he had had fe- 
 veral meetings with fome about that ; but fynds that it is what they 
 cannot do, without running the hazard of certain mine ; and that 
 they had lately fent King James word, that, without landing, they 
 neither would nor could doe anything for him. We concluded, to 
 fend ane exprefs to the Ifle of Sky, to know about Macqueen, and 
 the meafures they are to take in the Highlands. I urging the ne- 
 ceffity of it for the fatisfaclion of the Englifh, he defired me to fee 
 him every day, and went to vifite the Duke of Queenfberry, and 
 give him account of what I told him. He gave me fuch folid and 
 w r ell weighed reafons to believe, that they could not make anie head 
 without a foreign force, that I mayahnoft affure your Lord (hip, that 
 there is no danger to be apprehended that way; and, I believe, you 
 knew fo foon of the defigned invafion, as to be in pofture to pre- 
 vent that to. I will very fuddenly fend to the Highlands, and get a 
 full account of their affairs there; and (hall not be idle in difcovering 
 any projects here, if defigned. He told me Home was verie ftedfaft ; 
 others not fo much to be trufted ; and that, of late, verie manie of 
 the moft foreward were turned luke-warme. Your Lordfhip fhall 
 find me verie faithful and diligent in performing what I have under- 
 taken ; and I hope your Lordfhip, when all danger is paft, will, as 
 you promifed, provide me in an employment wherein I may more 
 openly ferve the King and your Lordfhip, to whofe particular inter- 
 efts I fhall always be a verie faithful fervant. 
 
 I hope your Lordfhip, hath ordered me money by my 
 Lord Raith. 
 
 R John
 
 130 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 March io. 
 169I. 
 
 JohnMacky to Lord Melvil. 
 
 Vifcount Tarbefs Correfpondence ivith the Archbifhop ofGlafgoiiK 
 
 My Lord, 
 I gave your Lordfhip a full account of what I have done by the 
 laft poft. Yefterday the Bifhop of Glafgow fent for me again, and 
 told me, that the Vifcount of Tarbet had been with him, and had 
 confirmed every thing I told him anent the invafione, and that it 
 had changed the meafures of the confederates. Whether my Lord 
 faid this to him out of defign, I leave to your Lordfhip to judge ; 
 but his relatione agreeing fo right with myne, hath brought me in- 
 to entyre reputatione with the partie. We fent Mr Andrew Cant to 
 my Lord Freudraught, who is to furaifh a man to go to the Ifle of 
 Sky ; againfr. whofe return I hope to be able to give your Lordfhip 
 a perfect account of their defigns and ftrength. I find people's in- 
 clinations here, with whom I daily converfe, to be fo very cold to- 
 wards King James, although friends to his interefts, that, as I told 
 your Lordfhip in my laft, there is not the leaft apprehenfione of an 
 infurrectione. There are above thirty gentlemen gone over in thefe 
 fhips that carried over the forces, with a defign, upon their arrival 
 in Flanders, to go to France. Your Lordfhip fhall have their names. 
 by the next. 
 
 March 13. 
 1691. 
 
 John M a c k y to Lord Melvil. 
 Further Information concerning Jacobite Projects, 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I have written three feveral pacquets to your Lordfhip, under mr 
 LordRaith's cover, giving a full account of all projects laid down here- 
 and have difpatched a man to the Ifle of Sky, whofe return I expect 
 fome tyme next week. One Dumbar, an Englifhman, who came 
 
 from
 
 AND LETTERS. 131 
 
 from thence within thofe ten days, told me that Burnet had ben 
 there with his pacquet, and that they had been expecYmg Macqueen 
 with thofe other mips, with a great dale of impatience; but they 
 concluded them, either kept by the Irifh in Galloway, or loft. How- 
 ever, at the return of that man, I fliall be able to give your Lord- 
 ihip a more particular account. The proteftant partie here for King 
 James are fully convinced that the French are at fea, and does ex- 
 pect their landing every day. But the LadieLargoe, Kirconnoll, and 
 the popifh partie, are of opinion, that there will be no invasion till 
 the fummer's campaigne in Flanders be over. I gave your Lordihip 
 account in my laft of the place condefcended upon for their landing. I 
 have made it io much my buiinefs to know their defigns, that I am 
 fure they have no other then what your Lordihip knows ; where- 
 fore, I befeech your Lordftiip would be thinking of fome other way 
 of difpofing me, leaft, by my flaying too long here, they may dis- 
 cover me; that, if I can do your Lordihip more fervice, I may; if not, 
 that your Lordihip would provyde a fettlement for me. 
 
 I wrote to Mr Mel vine, your Lordihip's fervant, by the laft poft, 
 about a concern of myne, which I defiredit might be communicat to 
 your Lordihip. I hope your Lordihip will do me that juftice as or- 
 der that affair by the firft convenience, feeing I am hopeful it was no 
 defign of your Lordihip's, by that gift, to take away the intereft of 
 a man that makes it his whole ftudie to be your fervant, and, while 
 he lives, defigns to imploy his time for your Lordihip's intereft. 
 
 John Macky to Lord Melvil. 
 
 Archbi/Jiop of Glafgoii? s Information concerning Earl of Arraji, 
 Macqueen) ^ueensberry^ &c. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 There hath nothing occurred here fince my laft worth your Lord- M:lrch '9- 
 
 on 
 
 ay 
 
 fhip's knowledge, onlie the Bifhop of Glafgow fent for me on 
 
 R 2 Tufdc
 
 i 3 2 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 Tufday laft, and fhowed me a letter from fome about Sir George 
 Mackenzie, deiiring King James's friends to beware of one 
 James Hamilton, whome the letter gives account of to have been in 
 Ireland, and hath promifed to the government to come to Scotland, 
 and do great things. Every one hath advertifed another to beware of 
 fuch a man. So that, if there be fuch a man coming, your Lordfhip may 
 expect little fervice from him here. There came an exprefs to my 
 Lord Arranon Monday from St Germaines. What accounts he brought 
 was only a confirmation of what your Lordfhip hath heard, that 
 is, a defcent defigned in Scotland. The Bifhop. alfo told me that Sir 
 Patrick Maxwell of Springkell told him, that M'Queen was landed 
 about fix days ago in the Loch of Leus : The certainty of that your 
 Lordfhip will know at the return of the man fent to the Ifle of Sky. 
 All the [acobite Lords, to the number of eleven, met on Monday laft 
 at the Ship-Tavern, and next day went moft of them to the countrie. 
 Queenfberry giveth out he is going to Sanchar ; but the Bifhop tells 
 me he told him he was going for Londone ; for he feared he would 
 need a remiffion. As for Bal. and Lith. they are ftill privie to all 
 bufinefs concerted for K. J. and although K. William hath their 
 oaths, the other hath their hearts. Violent things do not generally 
 laft long, and I fear my flaying here long may cool that entyre confi- 
 dence this party puts in me ; feeing they expect that, when I have 
 got full account of their affairs, I fhould return to thofe in England, 
 by whome I pretended I had been fent. My Lord Arran efpecially, 
 and the two Bifhops, are foe affrayed of my being taken, that they 
 beginn already to prefs my return. All the pretence I have now left 
 of flaying is, the return of the man from the Ifle of Sky, againft 
 which time I proferr to receive their commands. I beg that your 
 Lordfhip will let me know how further I may write you; and be 
 affured your Lordfhip fhall always find me your Lordfhip's very 
 faithfull fervant. 
 
 Macky
 
 AND LETTERS. J33 
 
 .cky to Loud Melvil. 
 
 The Jacobites dif appointed in their Expeclation. — The Archbijhop 
 of Glajgozv imprifoned. 
 
 My Lord, 
 I have been at Montrofe, to effectuate what I informed your April n. 
 Lordfhip of in a former letter; and was at Dickfon's father's * 9 *' 
 houfe : But there is no word of him there. I went further up to the 
 Braes of Angus, and was two days with feveral of thofe that are 
 not yet reconciled to the government, who tells me, that, iince 
 the frigatt with Burnet came, they have had no intelligence from 
 King James : That the letters that came with that frigatt allured 
 them of fhips with winter-fubfiftance, and that forces fhould be 
 fent in the fpring: That they have been dailie expecting them, but 
 none yet arrived; which is alfo confirmed to me by the return of 
 the man I fent to the ifle of Sky, who hath brought me word, that 
 thefe four months bypaft they were expecting Macqueen with 
 thofe fhips; but his not being come makes them think that King 
 James hath altered his meafures, and perfuades me, that the ac- 
 counts my Lord Arran's fervant brought, that the King of France 
 could fpare no forces till the fuccefs of the campaign of Flanders 
 be known, is true. However, people's mynds are big here with 
 the expectations of an invalion, but have no other grounds then 
 what their own fancies dictate to the n ; feeing I can pofitively 
 affure your Lordfhip, there are no inftructions come to any perfons 
 of quality for that effect. Some confidently report, that the Duke 
 of Gordon, Dunbarton, with fome other Scotch, Englifh, and 
 Irifh, are to embarque at Dunkirk, for the North of Scotland, and, 
 with the Highlanders, to make fome ftirr here, till the French King 
 can more conveniently fpare more forces. The thing looks proba- 
 ble ; but, having it from no perfons of confiderable note, I will not 
 affirm it; only thinks it my duty to inform you of every little 
 circumftance ; feing the leaft apearances of evil fhould be guarded 
 againft. I befeech your Lordfhip to caufe ftrict enquiry to be 
 
 made
 
 *34 
 
 STATE-PAPEHS 
 
 made after one Mr Alexander Hygens at Londone. He was once 
 ane advocate here, and now ferves tlie Countefs of South elk, and 
 came to Scotland from Paris, under pretence of uplifting the 
 Countefs of Southefk's rents; but I hear hath given very large 
 accounts of King James's bufinefs here. If he feem obftinate, and 
 pretends he knows no publick concern, you may tell him, you 
 can prove, that he told here of Mr Macqueen's being difpatched 
 to Nants in November; that, by an order, he was flopped at Nants 
 till the firft of March, with the reafons why he was flopped, and 
 the meafures defigned by that court for this fummer; that he was 
 with the Bifhop of Glafgow and Lord Arran, with whome it could 
 not be fuppofed the Countefs of Southefk had bufinefs. If your 
 Lordfhip fend for him after a friendly manner, and enquire things, 
 I doubt not but you will get a more ingenuous account than by ma- 
 king him prifoner. He is to be enquired after at Mr Edward Cal- 
 endar merchant in Tower-ftreet, Londone, his houfe. He flayed 
 not here, otherwyfe I had feen him ; and, if he be not fpeedily found 
 out, I fear, may be gone forward for France. There could have no- 
 thing fallen out more unlucklie then the apprehending the Bi- 
 ihop of Glafgow at this juncture, he being the perfone from whom 
 I had my fureft intelligence, and one whome I am fure cannot 
 be active more then in contriving againft the government; and 
 which he can do in prifone as well as out of it. It alfo renders me 
 iufpicious to him and the partie, I being the only perfon he ufed 
 to communicate with about King James's bufinefs. And to goe 
 vifite him in the caftle would render me more fufpicious, feeing 
 it would be accounted very rafh in me, under the circum fiances 
 I pretended to be, to go thither. Befides, 1 e hath fent me word 
 not to venture to come to him, but fend the night before I goe 
 away. I wifli that fome of my letters to your Lordfnip, in the black 
 box, may not have fallen into the hands of others (pardon my 
 freedome) who may make ufe of them. To make the King believe 
 .their intelligence as good as your Lordfhip's, I defign, in two or three 
 
 days,
 
 AND LETTERS 
 
 135 
 
 . days, to fet forward, and wait on you at Londone. Your Lordfhip 
 fhall find me your very faithfull fervant. 
 
 M a c k y to LordMelvil, 
 
 My Lord, 
 Be pleafed to receive inclofed that paper your Lordfhip defi- May 9,1%: 
 red me to draw. Its ane account of the moft material circumftances 
 I mett with in Scotland; and I am hire my intelligence was fo good, 
 that, if there had been more to be known in that kingdom, I had 
 heard of it. I have omitted the fetting down the place named by the 
 Jacobites as the fitted: place for the French to land, as a thing need- 
 lefs ; feeing, in all probability, there will be none thisfummer. Befides, 
 I acquainted my Lord Raith with it in Scotland ; and he advertifed 
 that countrie to put themfelves in a defenfive pofture. When your 
 Lordfhip hath perufed it, I hope you will recommend it fo to the 
 government as I may be taken care of ; and your Lordfhip fhall 
 always find me a verie faithfull fervant to your interefts. 
 
 ■ To Lord M e l vi l 's Secretary. 
 
 Lord Breadalbine' } s Tranfaclions ivith the Highlanders. — His Com- 
 plaint againjl the Duke of Hamilton. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have been feveral times with Mr Menzies fince I faw you; Thurfday 
 but, till yefterday, could never have an occafion to be effectually 1691*. V 
 ferious with him about his prefent negotiation; which he gave me 
 a full account of; and which you fhall have, word by word, as 
 he told it me. 
 
 Firft, That he was fent hither by the generals and other 
 gentlemen in the Highlands, to know whither my Lord Bredal- 
 bine had a power to treat with them; and, if he had, whv the 
 laid treaty was not obferved by the council of Scotland : Seeing, 
 inflead of enjoying the freedom of living peaceblie in their own 
 
 hotifes,
 
 S3 6 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 houfes, conform to the articles of the ceffation, they were more 
 ftridly enquired after, and as feverely ufed as formerly. 
 
 That, till he got the Ring and Queen's determination, Buchan 
 had fecured himfelf at Glengarie and Carron in the ifland of Skie* 
 What arms and other provifions they had, were fecured at ifland 
 Donen, (a place belonging to Seaforth), under the cuftody of Major 
 Scot and fome others, with Arnot the furgeon. 
 
 That upon the figning the ceffation, which was about a fort- 
 night after the arrival of their fhip from France, Colonel Rattary 
 was difpatched, with an account of what they had dene, to King 
 James ; and, fince his coming here, he is informed of his arrival 
 there. Lieutenant Colonel William Charters, who was to come 
 thorough the Low Countries, and to have gone this way over, with 
 an account of the ftate of bufmefs there, was taken with a hidden fit 
 of the palfy, when he mould have begun his journey, with which 
 he was ftruck dumb; and is, as he is informed, fince dead. 
 
 That they had nothing under Bredalbine's hand but a double 
 of the ceffation ; yet he manadged his bufmefs fo, as, which ever 
 of the two governments flood, he would be great. That they expect- 
 ed, before the expiration of the treaty, to have an anfwerof Rattary's 
 negotiation ; which, if not very effectual, they would fubmit, and 
 accept of the indemnity. That, fince his coming here, he had 
 entered a complaint, by my Lord Broadalbine, againft the Duke of 
 Hamiltone, as the onlie occafionofthe not keeping of the ceffatione ; 
 and gives for in fiance his own ufage at Edinburgh before he came 
 away, there having been feveral fearches made for him, and fome 
 gentlemen made prifoners for converfmg with him, as if he had 
 been the greateft out-law : That he had made feverals prifoners, 
 notwithftanding of their having the fecretaries pafks, alkuging, 
 that thepaffesmuft be forged, for they could never be granted to fuch 
 villains, as he terms them ; concluding, that he does everything he 
 pleafes by an abfolute power, without ever regarding the govern- 
 ment. Upon this complaint, he lays, he is promifed a letter, by 
 
 way
 
 AND LETTERS, 
 
 x 37 
 
 way of reprimand to the council, commanding, that thofe gentle- 
 men that were taken be fet at liberty, without bail. 
 
 This is the fnm of what paffed worth my Lord's knowledge. I 
 believe he expects to keep a correfpondence here with Rattray, which 
 I fhall know from time to time. I believe I fhall not have occa- 
 fione to fee my Lord till Langton go away, which will be very 
 fhortly, he having got letters, that the man that is to relieve him 
 is upon the road ; and he is now bufy gathering up his inftructions; 
 fo that I dengn to keep clofe with him while he (lays. Let me 
 know by a note, or fome token, that this is come fafe to you, be- 
 caufe the porter is a ftranger to me. 
 
 The fol hiving Paper contain: Intelligence of King James and Lord 
 
 Breadalbine^s Negotiations ivith the Highland Clans. A Lift 
 
 of the difaffecled Families in the fever al Counties of Scotland. 
 
 Peter Hay, formerly lieutenant in Dumbarton's regiment, was 
 fent from St Germaines for England about the beginning of this 
 prefent month of September, and came to Londone on the eleventh 
 of the faid month : His negotiatione is to give account, firft, of the 
 money and promifes lent by the Pope, with the indulgence to all 
 that dies in the war in Ireland. 2dly, That the French King had 
 given orders for a fmall ileet under the command of Moniieur 
 Oiaternt, immediately to relieve Limrick ; and that, before he came 
 -away, the orders were fent from Verfailes to that effect. $dfy, He 
 brought a letter from King James to Colonel Canon, now in thelfle 
 of Sky, to endeavour what in him lay to break this negociation be- 
 twixt the Highlanders and Braedalbane, till the latter end of Ja- 
 nuarie, or beginning of Februarie, againft which time they mould 
 be certainly fupplied. This letter Lanton was to have fent down 
 by an exprefs ; but they refolved to acquaint Duncan Menzies 
 (who is come here from the Highlands) firft with it, who told 
 them, that all the letters King James could wryte would take no 
 
 S effect
 
 i 3 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 effect with the Highland clans, feeing he fent them very large 
 promifes, the year before, of fupplies ; and, when they came, pro- 
 ved to be but a fmall fhip with a little flower and wine : But, as 
 for what officers were in the Highlands, they being, by the. arti- 
 cles, upon their not taking the oaths, to get paries to goe abroad, he 
 could pafs his word, that my Lord Braedalbane Ihould delay their 
 bein«- tranfported till after the time appointed by King James for 
 their relief; and, if they pleafed, tor their farther encouragement, 
 they might fend them word of King James's promife ; but he 
 feared there was hardly fubfillance for them this winter in the 
 Highlands. To-morrow, being the 2 2d day of September, M? 
 Menzies departs for Scotland, and is entrusted with Mr Hay's 
 meffage to the gentlemen in the Highlands himfelf, upon many 
 folemn oaths and aiTeverations made to be faithful in it. 
 
 A friend of Mr Hay's, but not himfelf, told me, that he 
 brought a letter to the Earl of Clarendon. Mr Hay fays, that 
 Rattray told, at his arrival at St Germaines, that the Lord Braedal- 
 bine told them in the Highlands, when he came firft thither, to 
 treat for a ceiTatione, that what induced him to it, was the affection 
 he bore to, and care he had of his friends the captains of the High- 
 land clans ; that they were to be immediately attacked by Sir Tho- 
 mas Livingfton with fire and fword ; and there being no other ap- 
 pearances of relief, he thought they could not do better than fuc 
 for a ceffatione ; which would be a breathing to them, and give them 
 time to reprefent their circumftances to King James ; which, if he 
 could not relieve, he could not blame them to fubmit. (This, if 
 not the very words, is the fubftance of what Hay told of Rat- 
 tray.) 
 
 All affairs- relating to England is ftill managed by Mr Browns, 
 formerly one of the commiihoners of the cuftoms in England ; 
 and all Scots bufinefs by Mr Innes, prefident to the Scot's college 
 in Paris, and provincial of all papifts be-north Tay in Scotland : 
 That the Lord Maitland lives very miferable there ; and Duke Gor- 
 don was retired upon difcontent. Colonel Porter was removed from 
 
 his
 
 AND LETTERS. 139 
 
 his office of refident at the French court, upon fufpicion of corre- 
 spondence with the Englifh. A gentleman, who had been a confi- 
 derable fervant of the Queen Dowager's, and a bred papift, was 
 taken up for a fpie, and, upon fome evidence againft him, was 
 privately made away in the Baftyle. 
 
 Captain Beach, fent over by the fecretaries of ftate above a year 
 ago, w T as broke upon the wheel for a fpy, and, upon his confemon, 
 quartered. Mr Cox, lately come from Flanders, taken at Lyfle, 
 and fent in chains to Paris ; and one Davidfon, taken in the army, 
 endeavouring to perfuade fome of the gens d'armes to goe over to the 
 confederate army, was carried in chains to Paris, and there broke 
 upon the wheel. 
 
 Mr Menzies, amongft other things, was giving account of 
 fome that were very affectionate to their party in Scotland. Some 
 of which, as I can beft remember, w r as as follows : 
 
 That the laird of Corhead, one of the members of the Earl of 
 Melvill's feiTion of parliament, fent them frequent accounts of all 
 things parTed there : That the whole fhires of Angus and Mearns 
 were their friends, except Arfkyne of Dinn, Lees Burnett and his 
 brother, with Sir David Carnagie ; very many in Fyfe, particular- 
 ly, Balcarrefs, Sinclair, Lieutenant Colonel Balfour, Scotftarbett, 
 Lathrifh, Lochore, Synyre, Prefton, James Carmichael, Kinnen- 
 ment, &c. All Monteeth and Stratherne, except very few. In the 
 Lothians, the houfe of Hawthorndean, a great lhelter in time of 
 fearches in Edinburgh ; there, and at Roflin, hard by it, all their 
 exprefTes from France and the Highlands ftayed : They have of 
 friends, Gosford, Craigentinme, Balgon, Clarkentone, Cockburn, 
 Nuriland, Sir John Ramfay, Dalmahoy elder and younger, Col- 
 lington, Oxenford. In the fouthern fhires, the Earls Home and 
 'Galloway, Lord William Douglafs, Mr of Kenmure, Sir Patrick 
 Maxwell of Springkell, Sir Robert Grierfon of Lagg, Sir Robert 
 Lawrie of Maxleton, Gladftone, Mackerfton, Hayning elder and 
 younger, Murray of Stenhope, Chatto, Poila, Roweftone fheriff in 
 the Merfe, and feveral others of lower note, which would be tedious 
 to rehearfe. 
 
 S 2 To
 
 I4 o S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 To Lord Melvi.l. 
 
 Duncan Merizies and Sir George Barclay's Negotiations zvith King 
 
 James in behalf of the Highlanders.- Lift of Scots Officers fen? 
 
 from St Germains to Ireland, &c. 
 
 My Lord, 
 I doubt not but your Lordfhip hath heard of Sir George Barclay 
 and Duncan Menzies being come to town. I was with Mr Men- 
 zies this morning, and received the following account : That 
 he left St Germaines on Saturday was fe'ennight : That, be- 
 fore he came away, King James was gone to Breft, to take a re- 
 view of the Irifh landed there, which were computed to be ten 
 thoufand : That the Earl of Dumfermling had left St Germaines, 
 with a defigne to goe for Scotland; but had not left France when he 
 came away : That he and Sir George Barclay, in anfwer to their 
 negociatione, had an warrant, under King James's hand, to the 
 Highlanders, to take fuch care of themfelves as confirmed moft with 
 their intereft. This was all in general that I could get from him 
 this morning, there was fo many about him for news. I hope, in 
 a dav or two, when he is more at leifure, to get a more particular 
 account of their inftrudions ; for they refolve for Scotland fome 
 time this week. 
 
 An Account of fuch Scots Officers as were fent over from 
 St Germains to Ireland in the lad Fleet. 
 
 The Lord Drummond, aid. de camp 
 
 Colonel Frederick Cunninghame 
 
 Colonel Wauchop 
 
 Sir Charles Murray 
 
 Sir Charles Cairnie, lately prifoner in Gant 
 
 Colonel Sutherland 
 
 Colonel
 
 AND LETTERS. 141 
 
 Colonel M'Kenzie, once of dragoons in England 
 Lieutenant-Colonel M'Kenzie, his fon 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel William Chartrefs, formerly of Douglas's regi- 
 ment 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Chartrefs, formerly of Buchan's regiment 
 Sir William Mowet, formerly Captain in Arran's regiment 
 Captain James Dalziel, brother to Sir John, formerly Captain in 
 
 Douglas's regiment 
 Captain Erfkine, brother to the Lyon, formerly Captain in Wau- 
 
 chop's regiment 
 Captain Rutherford, formerly Captain in Dumbarton's regiment 
 Captain Murray, brother to Lord Elibank, formerly Captain in 
 
 Dumbarton's regiment 
 Captain Ifaac Thurckill, formerly Lieutenant in Dumbarton's regi- 
 ment 
 Captain Charles Forbes, formerly in Dumbarton's regiment 
 Captain Johnfton, brother to Annandale, formerly Captain in Dum- 
 barton's regiment 
 Captain Innes, formerly Enfign in Dumbarton's regiment 
 Captain Sandilands, formerly of Wauchop's regiment 
 Captain Arniel, formerly of Dumbarton's regiment 
 Captain-Lieutenant Fraier of Fielding's Irifh regiment 
 Efquire Maxwell of Orchardtoun 
 Thomas Wallace of Alderily 
 Nifbet, fon to Craigentinnie 
 Menzies, Captain to King James's carriages 
 Captain James Inglifh, fon to late Inglifh of Scots dragoons 
 Boyd, late Enfign to the caftle of Stirling, under their Majefties, 
 
 fent over by the Earl of Perth 
 Gavvin Brown of Troftone, nephew to Colonel Maxwell 
 Captain Cockburn, formerly quarter-m after to Lord Drumlanrigg 
 Captain Braedie, formerly Cornet of horfe in England 
 James Lowthian, fon to late Colonel Lowthian 
 William Menzies, fon to Pitfoddle 
 
 Lieu-
 
 142 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lieutenant Skyne, formerly of Dumbarton's regiment 
 Lieutenant Peter Cook, formerly of Dumbarton's regiment 
 Lieutenant Wood, formerly of Wauchop's regiment 
 Lieutenant Douglas, formerly of the Scots regiment of horfe 
 Lieutenant Hempftead, formerly of Colonel Gauge's Englifh regi- 
 ment 
 Major M'Culloch, formerly of Gauge's Flemifh regiment 
 Lieutenant M'Culloch, of the fame regiment 
 Lieutenant George Maxwell, brother to Sir Thomas of New-wark, 
 
 formerly in Dumbarton's regiment 
 Lieutenant Tilloch, formerly of Dumbarton's regiment 
 Lieutenant Peter Robifone, formerly of Dumbarton's regiment 
 Lieutenant Smith, formerly of Sir David Colyier's regiment 
 Lieutenant Ruthven, ferved always among the French 
 Twelve, who had been troopers in the Scots regiment of horfe, al- 
 
 foe fent over Lieutenants and Enfigns 
 Captain William Hay, Captain Davidfon, Clerk, Carnagie, and the 
 reft of thole officers that deferted from Flanders, after they had 
 refted three days at St Germaines, were alfo fent foreward 
 Thirty-five Scots ferjeants, made of the ablefl of thole foldiers de- 
 ferted from Flanders, alfo fent. 
 
 An Account of the Recruits from France to Ireland 
 
 One Lieutenant-General 
 One Major-General 
 Two Brigadier-Generals 
 One Adjutant-General 
 
 1 06 officers 
 
 1 50 French cadets 
 
 300 Scots, Irifh, and Englifh volunteers 
 24 chirurgeons 
 
 118 bricklayers and mafons 
 
 26
 
 AND LETTERS. 143 
 
 26 carpenters 
 
 2 bumbardeers. 
 
 18 gunners 
 
 3 engineers 
 80 horfe 
 
 19 brafs and iron cannon 
 12,000 fet of horfe-fhoes 
 
 6,000 fadles, bridles, and holfters 
 16,000 fire-arms 
 26,000 cloaths for the foot 
 12,000 barrels of powder 
 
 1,100 the nouz de fpiez, and many other neceflaries 
 
 27 mips from Burdeaux with wine and brandy 
 300,000 piftolls in gold 
 
 A great quantity of oats and wheat, with all manner of amunition* 
 
 Lord Crawfurd to Mr Carstares. 
 Arguments in Council for and againft a Militia in Scotland.. 
 
 Reverend and worthy S 1 R, 
 I am glad to hear by a friend, that my letters go fafe to your Edinburgh, 
 hand, and that you ufe them as is defigned. The calling out of ^fi! * 
 the militia did take up the council, about a fortnight ago, for feve- 
 ral days together ; and, when the proclamation went to the vote, 
 the members were five and five. Thofe for it were, the Earls of 
 Morton and Forfar, Vifcount of Stairs, Lords Belhaven and Steven- 
 fon. Thofe againft it were, the Earl of Crawfurd, Lords Cardrofs, 
 Ruthven, the Juftice-Clerk, and Sir John Lauder of Fountainhall. 
 The Earl of Leven, that day chofen prefident, demurring, in a mat- 
 ter of that import, to give his cafting vote either way. The Vif- 
 count Stairs, who was the fir ft projector of that matter, and all a- 
 
 lons:
 
 144 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 long carried it on with a great folicitude, pra&ifed thus with the 
 diflenting members : 
 
 My Lord Cardrofs, fays he, I know where your fcruple lies. By 
 the privilege of the mint, you are exempted from attending the 
 King's hoft, and cannot be forced to it but by confent ; and are 
 unwilling to wrong your fucceflors in their rights : Befides, your 
 modefty prompts you to decline being colonel to the regiment of 
 militia in Edinburgh, which a provoft, if he were once chofen, 
 may probably claim. Therefore, you may caufe mark it in the 
 minute, that your figning the proclamation is no homologation of 
 your acceptance of that truft, nor yet a parting with your privi- 
 lege in the mint. Upon which my Lord was prevailed on to fign 
 the proclamation. The fame wife man then addrefled my Lord 
 Ruthven in thir terms : By your temper, your Lordfhip is not 
 willful, nor are you commonly wedded to your own opinion ; and, 
 as Abraham, by his pleading for Sodom, would have prevailed, if 
 there had been ten righteous in the city ; fo, it was hoped, that, for 
 a few ill men that came out of the northern mires, he would not 
 reject the weflern, fouthern, and inland counties, who would be 
 fuch a defence to the nation in cafe of an invafion. Upon which, 
 that honeft nobleman concurred. 
 
 The difcourfe was then to the Lord Juftice-Clerk : That his 
 Lordfhip had been long fick : and it would be underftood peevifh- 
 nefs if he were further diflentient. Upon which, his Lordfhip like- 
 wife complied. My Lord Fountainhall was then told, that, being 
 no foldier, it was expected he would not be tenacious ; and that, as 
 he was a notable countryman, and tender of putting the country to 
 any unneceffary charge, his Lordfhip mould be gratified ; and, 
 whatever money was faved of the forty days loan, mould go in to 
 the payment of the current cefs. Upon which his Lordfhip was 
 likewife profclyted. 
 
 The Earl of Crawfurd proved ftiffer than the reft, and freely 
 told that board, that his hand could not contradict his head and 
 heart 7 and, unlefs his arguments were fairly anfwered, he could 
 
 not
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 HS 
 
 ■not fubject his reafon and confidence to the practice or will of o- 
 tliers ; and gave the following reafons for his diffent : i/?, That the 
 legality of fome things in the proclamation was much queftioned 
 by him ; as is contained in the inclofed paper, to which I refer you. 
 2dfy, That it appeared, at this juncture, ill policy, except there 
 were more probable grounds of an invaiion, to impreis the country 
 by fears, and put them to fo vaft a charge, which would amount 
 to full five months cefs ; and that men without principle would 
 be for or againft a government as they found themfelves eafy un- 
 der it. 3^/y, That it appeared dangerous to call out the militia in 
 thofe fhires be-north Tay, who were fo generally difaffeaed to 
 the prefent eftablifhment, that we could not have four or five in a 
 whole county in whom we could repofe the leaft trull: ; and, for 
 proof of this, defired the accepting commifhoners for uplifting the 
 fupply might be counted : And how arms mould be put in thofe 
 mens hands, who laft year were difarmed, appeared ftrange. It 
 was anfwered to this by the wife man at that board, That it was no 
 ways fit our friends mould be burdened, and our adverfaries efcape 
 free ; nor could, legally, a burden be laid on a part of the nation, 
 and not on the whole. 
 
 To this it was objected, That it was commonly praclifed other- 
 ways in the late times ; and, if there was difficulty in law, there 
 was at lead no fcruple in this, to appoint the rendezvous of thofe 
 ill affected mires about Michaelmas next, when the danger of an 
 invafion might be over ; and that there was no fuch ready accefs 
 to run into the enemy, as there might b^ at this critical juncture ; 
 and efpecially if we were tryfted with a landing ; and that the weft- 
 em, and other well-affected fhires, may be ordered to be ready up- 
 on a call. 4-thfyi That as the weftern fhires would like to be un- 
 der the conduct of fuch as were favourable to them, fo they would 
 look upon the northern fhires as a defigned dead weight on them, 
 and would not willingly join iflues with them ; though under 
 commanders of their own choice, in whom they confided, they 
 would pleafently venture their lives, and all that is dear to them, 
 
 T for
 
 146 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 for King William's intereft ; and take directions from Sir Thomas 
 Livingfton, with an entire truft in him. 5^fy» It was urged, that, 
 in the meeting of eftates, when the friends for the government were 
 more zealous than now, and the appearing enemies far fewer, and 
 under great difcouragement for the time, the project of the mi- 
 litia, though moved by the Duke of Hamilton, was not feconded in 
 that great affembly. 
 
 When the council became more numerous, and many reprefen- 
 tations were made from the country, and the difcourfes of an in- 
 vafion had lefs belief, a proclamation was ifliied out, difcharging 
 the militia, until further orders, which, by fome days, prevented the 
 Queen's letter to the fame effect . 
 
 The affair of Aberdeen is found very dirty, and the probation 
 diftinct. It is warrantably fufpected, that fome of high quality, 
 and in the government, had a deep {hare in the contrivance of that 
 foul affair. There is likewife a fort of bond of affociation, fubfcri- 
 bed by all the difaffected in the place, not only undertaking to ftand 
 by their minifters, but protefting againft any thing the commiffion 
 fhould do. I prefume his Majefty will not approve them in fuch 
 a procedure to a commiffion of the affembly, delegated by that ve- 
 nerable meeting, confented to by his commiffioner, and carrying 
 the authority of parliament with it. Some wife men are like to 
 put a fair face on it, as only a proteftation for remede of law, which 
 is ftill lame, and ought to refer to the parliament as well as King. 
 It does not found well, that, prefbyterian government being the le- 
 gal eftablifhment, their judicatories mould be appealed from ; which 
 is a confequential, if not a direct, difclaiming the authority both of 
 King and parliament. But I will not enlarge on this theme. 
 
 The deprived epifcopal-men are every where tranfgreffing the 
 law ; preaching without qualifying themfelves before the council ; 
 and, crofs to the act of deprivation, preaching in their own parifti- 
 es ; yea, many of them fetting up for calls, and muftering all the 
 difaffected in the country for hearers to them. His Majefty's form- 
 er letter to the commiffion is the pretext for this behaviour. If fome 
 
 fpeedy
 
 AND LETTERS. i 47 
 
 fpeedy courfe be not taken to remedy this, I am much afraid it will 
 make both church and ftate. 
 
 It is of no little prejudice to the government, that deputes of fhe- 
 riffs, ftewards, and baillies of regality, officiate without their confli- 
 tuents being qualified by taking of the oaths ; for, befides that, by 
 law, there can be no difpute when the principal has forfeited his 
 right ; fo they are ftill men of freedom who are placed in thofe trulls, 
 and only fwallow oaths that more effectually they may prejudge the 
 ftate ; and the moft necefiary difpatches in the nation commonly 
 mifcarry in their hands. There is ftill an oppofition, by fome in 
 this place, to the fequeflrating the eftates of fuch as were out in the 
 rebellion in harveft laft, upon this critical pretence, that in law they 
 ought to be cited before fequeftration. It is the wifh of others, 
 that there were nothing other at the bottom of this than a real fcruple 
 in point of law. Many find a want in that. Such as have been 
 notourly in arms are not intercommuned, which would involve in 
 guilt all fuch as correfponded with them, though they themfelves did 
 not fly to arms. It were well the King's mind were known anent 
 the bailing of fuch as have been in rebellion, for his name has been 
 ufed by fome as inclining to it, which others do prefume is a great 
 miflake ; the law making fuch unbailable, and our prefent circum- 
 ftances evincing it to be ruining to the ftate. It is no lefs urged, that 
 the Earl of Perth be enlarged upon bail, though he be under a pro- 
 cefs of treafon before the parliament, was imprifoned in the late go- 
 vernment for ftretches while in the management of affairs, and 
 guilty of three or four of thofe articles in the claim of right for 
 which the late King forfeited his right to the crown ; though he will 
 not own the government ; names our King ftill Prince of Orange ; 
 and hectors fuch as do not ftill term him Lord Chancellor of Scotland. 
 Now, at fuch a juncture, to addrefs for a liberation, in the feafnn of 
 action, when the Highlanders are likely to move, and the Duke of 
 Berwick faid to be amongft them, hath not the appearance of good. 
 The fame addreffes are for the Bifhop of Glafgow, and too much 
 entertained. It were a great relief to the council of Scotland., if his 
 
 T 2 MaK-i^-
 
 I4 8 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Majefty would give warrand to feize the horfes and arms of papifts 
 and others difaffefted to the prefent government ; for, though it be 
 reprefented to be law, and neceffary for our prefent circumft ances, it 
 fometimes meets with this anfwer,That thefc methods are not fuited 
 to our Kind's inclinations. 
 
 The following Letter is without Date or Subicription. 
 
 Information for my Lord Sidney, Secretary of State for the kingdom oj 
 England. Sent to Mr Carfares, to be laid before the King. 
 
 My Lord, 
 Being ambitious, ever fince his Majefty's accemon to the crov. 
 of doing fomething might deferve his Majefty's favour, and con- 
 tribute to his interefts, I thought I could not effeduate my defigns 
 better, than by muffling myfelf fo amongft his Majefty's enemies, 
 as to learn their defigns, and, by informing his Majefty's minifters 
 of ftate, be a means to prevent them ; and accordingly went over to 
 St Grmaines in France, much about the time of King James's re- 
 treat thither from Ireland. The firft thing that occurred there con- 
 fiderable, was the arrival of Mr John M'Queen, one of the mini- 
 fters of Edinburgh, with letters from Colonel Buchan and the 
 Highland clans, giving account of the miferable conditione they were 
 reduced unto ; withall, afluring King James, that, if he did not im- 
 mediately fend them relief, they would be obliged to fubmit. King 
 James and the French King met upon this meflage:The refult was, 
 that a frigate fhould be immediately fitted out from Dunkirk, with 
 fome money and letters, giving account, that they had received, 
 their packet, and that the French King would, with all fpeed, take: 
 it into his confideratione to their fatisfadione. John Hay (brother 
 to George Hay, who ufed to come to England with letters) was 
 fent with the letters ; but the frigate meeting a Brandeburg veflel 
 off the coaft of England, who engaged her, killed above fixty of 
 
 their
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 149 
 
 their men ; and Hay, who carried the letters, being wounded, was 
 forced to return to Dunkirk. Burnet, a prieft, was fent with the 
 fame packet in October ; and no word of him when I came away. 
 About this time, one Maclevain, who had been fent with letters to 
 my Lord Arran, returned to St Germains, with a poiitive account, 
 that that Lord would not accept the commiffion of lieutenant-ge- 
 neral till forces were landed ; and then he would rife with all his 
 friends. 
 
 Major Jones and Roberts, two anabaptifts, came alfo over a- 
 bout this time from England, with inftrudtions for King James's 
 friends. They were almoft every night private with King James 
 in his clofet : They told me, they were not to return till Februarie. 
 David Lindfay, once fecretary to my Lord Melfort, came over fome 
 time after that with letters from London ; as alfo, Sir Edward. 
 Hailes, who pofitively advifed King James to fupply Scotland, as 
 the only way for him to get to England ; feeing the Engliih would 
 fuffer an invafion eafier from that nation than from France. There, 
 was one Mrs Ogilvie fent to Scotland with the anfwers of fome let- 
 ters ihe had brought the late Queen from that country. She is to 
 be found at the Countefs of Carnwath's lodgings in Edinburgh. 
 Burnet, the prieft, will be found at one Whiteford's at the Canne 
 crofs of Edinburgh, if he be arrived in Scotland. Mr M'Queen, 
 who came with the Highland packet, after having prefTed extreme- 
 ly to be difpatched, and King James having often folicited the 
 French King, at laft it was concluded, that two mips loaded with 
 flour and wine mould be immediately fent for their fubfiftence this 
 winter, with a gentleman, who mould return with the fame 
 {hips,, with a faithful account of their llrength and number, and 
 an afiurance, that what horfe, foot, and amunitione they want to 
 make that kingdom theirs, upon his return, they mall certainly be 
 fent. Accordingly, Captain Scott, once an officer in Dumbarton's 
 regiment, is appointed to carry the letters, and return with the 
 anfwers. "Mr M'Queen carries a compliment to the Highland 
 clans, and inilrudions to go to the Low Countries, and give King 
 
 James's
 
 I CO 
 
 STATE-PAPER S' 
 
 James's friends in thbfe parts ane account of their King's defigns 
 againft fpring : And one Arnot, a furgeon, was furnifhed with all 
 forts of drugs, and other neceflaries belonging to his trade, to go 
 alongft. They parted from St Germains on the twenty-fixth of 
 November, French ftile, in order to their embarking at Nantz, un- 
 der the convoy of my Lord Tirconnell, for Galloway in Ireland ; and 
 from thence, by the north of Ireland, to the Highlands of Scotland. 
 Tirconnell was to carry over all the Englifh and Irifh officers with 
 him, with cloaths, and other neceflaries for an army ; provifions 
 for the towns of Limrick and Galloway, with ten thoufand 
 {land of arms, and amunition conforme. He was not to be dis- 
 patched till King James returned from Roan, whether he has gone 
 to fee the gallies that were fitting out there. I took poft from Pa- 
 ris the fame day that the Scots gentlemen went for Nantes. They 
 were to be ten days by the way, befides the time they were to wait 
 upon Tirconnell, or the clearing of their {hip. And, on the ninth 
 day from my fetting out at Paris, I was at Londone, and delivered 
 to the Earl of Melvill this information, to be communicated to the 
 King, who defired me, from his Majeity, to continue in doing what 
 fervice I could about Londone ; and that the King would give orders 
 about me before he went for Holland. After that, I made it my 
 ftudy to know all defigns here to the prejudice of the government. 
 At the Savoy, I met with one Mr Cook, one of the officers of 
 Dumbarton's regiment that revolted at Ipiwich, who told me, he 
 was to be fent over, in company of a friend of Sir Robert Hamil- 
 ton's, in a mip belonging to Mr Delavil, a merchant in the city, 
 that ufed to go over to France with exchange of prifoners. I kept 
 always with him till the night before his going away ; at which 
 time I acquainted the Earl of Melvill with it ; gave him his marks, 
 with a particular account of the {hip, which lay ten days in the 
 Downs after {he went out of the river. I hear fince by Lanton, 
 that he is come to St Germains, and was well received by King 
 James, upon the account of the intelligence he brought him. 
 
 I
 
 AND LETTERS. 151 
 
 I was informed, that there was a fhip at Colchefter that fre- 
 quently ufed to tranfport people for France ; and, being fufpicious 
 of fome people I heard in the poft-houfe when I came that way, I 
 wrote to the poft-maiter, which occafioned the apprehending of 
 fome gentlemen that were juft going over ; three of them being on 
 board when taken, but, upon very iimple bail, liberate next day by 
 the juftice under borrowed names. The perfons were, the Coun- 
 tefs of Arroh Sir William Wallace, with fome other perfons that 
 had been with Sir William in the Highlands. They are all returned 
 to this city. The men are lodged, as alio Sir Adam Blair, in 
 Bloomfberry ; but the Countefs of Arrol, 1 can get no notice of her. 
 I was in company with Mr Arnolds, Mr Haywood, and another, 
 who told me of their going over, and the way how ; which I difco- 
 vered to my Lord Melvill : But Captain Monk, captain of the fhip, 
 hid them while the meflenger fearched, and next day fet them a- 
 fhore. They are now in Londone. About the middle of December, 
 I had certain notice, that Alexander Frafer, iervant to Sir Roger 
 Strickland, whom I had feen both at St Germaines and Dunkirk, 
 was landed in Yorkmire, and gone from thence to Cumberland. 
 I immediately acquainted my Lord Melvill with it ; and, after his 
 coming to London, was every day with him, till the night before 
 his going away ; at which time I gave information ; upon which he 
 was taken up, and now in cuflody. 
 
 This, my Lord, is what I have done to ferve the King and go- 
 vernment, which I did with a great deal of expence, both at St 
 Germaines and here. Neither do I think there hath been any de- 
 fign of going over to France fince I came here, (except that of my 
 Lord Preflon's which I was not privy to), but is fet down here. If 
 there had happened any thing of more confequence, I believe I 
 (hould have known it, and certainly difcovered it. This I 
 can affure your Lordfhip, that, by what I find in all companies, 
 there is not the lead inclination in the Englifh to an infurrectione • 
 but all their hopes depend upon a foreign force : Neither does any, 
 except the moil defperate, wifh, that the invafion be made by 
 
 French ;
 
 152 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 French ; but all defire that fuch a French force mould be fent to Scot- 
 land, as they might be invaded by a Scots army. And this is the 
 frequent advice fent over to King James. The King, my Lord, 
 was pleafed to tell my Lord Melvill at his going away, that he had 
 recommended me to your Lordfhip's care ; which obliges me to 
 trouble your Lordfhip, humbly defiring to know what your Lord- 
 fhip is pleafed to do with me, 
 
 Lift of King James's Houfnold at St Germaines. 
 
 Duke of Powis, Lord Chamberlain 
 
 Mr Stricklan, Vice-Chamberlain 
 
 Mr Skelton, Comptroller 
 
 Colonel Porter, refident at Verfailes 
 
 Lord Dumbarton, Duke Gordon, and Earl of Abercorn, Lords of 
 
 the bed-chamber 
 Captains M'Donald, Staffurd, — — , and Badell, gentlemen of 
 
 the bed-chamber 
 Mr Brown, fecretary for England 
 Mr Innes, a prieft, fecretary for Scotland 
 Sir Richard Negill, fecretary for Ireland 
 Captain Fergus Graham, privy purfe 
 Two Skeldons, gentlemen of the ftables 
 
 Of Engliih and Scots attending on the Court at St Germaines. 
 
 Colonel Fielding, Colonel Parker, Colonel Sutherland, Lord Lang- 
 dale, Sir Roger Strickland, Do&or Conftable, Sir William Wal- 
 grave, Mr Sachill, Chief juftice Herbert, Dr Brumneld, quaker, 
 Sir Edward Hailes, two anabaptifts within named, Lord Chancel- 
 lor of Ireland, Councilor Brent, Dean of Durham, Baron Ryne, 
 Colonel Chittim, Sir Thomas Strickland, Sir Thomas Cafkie, Sir 
 George Ethridge. 
 
 Scots*
 
 AND LETTERS. 153 
 
 Scots. 
 
 Earl of Kinoul, Earl Wigtoun, Lord Maitland, Lord Drum end, 
 Sir William Sharp, Sir Charles Murray, Sir Alexander M'Lean, 
 David Lindfay, Bifhop of Galloway. This, befidcs a great 
 many inferior officers, and others, gone to Ireland. 
 
 Secretary Johnfton's Letters to Mr Carftares during the fitting of 
 the Scottifh Parliament in the Year 1693, when the Duke of Ha- 
 milton was Commiffioner. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the temper of the Parliament.^-The difficulty of keeping from fall- 
 ing on Lord Stairs and his Son. — Arts ufed to embroil matters ipith 
 refpeel to the Affair ofGlenco. 
 
 I had your's on Sunday, and had your's this day, without any Edinburgh, 
 confirmation of my Lord Midleton's going. I have got a fluxion l6?3 , 
 on my eyes with ryding, which is fo violent, that I can neither 
 read nor write. I have juft now let blood for it, and am otherwife 
 well. I fend you the inclofed originals, which it will be ridiculous to 
 fend to the perfons concerned. Since I have taken copies, and will 
 examine them here, I know no reafon why thofe with you fhould 
 defirethe originals back again. The information you have fent 
 is of fuch moment, that you fhould have obliged the informer to 
 write how he knowes it. 
 
 Write beyond fea from me, and tell P. if he be ftill with you, 
 what hinders me to write ; and that all begins well : That good men 
 are glade, and bad men affraid : That both number and inclination 
 are right in the parliament; and that others, and I myfelf, the man- 
 nagers, mud have either bad luck or bad fkill if matters don't fucceed 
 well: That the harder! point will be to keep the parliament from fall- 
 ing on my Lord Stairs, for his actings as a judge, and on his fon, for 
 
 U illegal
 
 '54 
 
 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 illegal orders : That thofe you write to beyond the fea are to give 
 notice that I have made ufe of my order to officiate as officer of 
 ftate, having told the Matter of Stairs at London that I had fiich 
 an order, but that I would not make ufe of it, in cafe he would 
 come down, and, having received his anfwer, that he would not 
 come. Write too, that all arts have been ufed, and will be ufed, 
 to imbroile matters. Commiflary Smollet, a known dependant, 
 propofed, two weeks agoe, in a meeting of the burrows, that they 
 fhould petition the parliament that no new fupply be granted till 
 an account be given of the misapplications of the hearth-money, 
 &c. The man of war is not yet come. 
 
 Tell Monfieur Dallen what's here, and that I'll write to him 
 fofoon as there is matter, which will be with the Saturday's pofh 
 Write abroad, that D. Hamilton, at my defire, has communicated the 
 inftructions of the Chancellor and D. Queensberry, and my Lord' 
 Stairs. Write, that its plain the Jacobits here have got new hopes 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr C a r s t a r e s. 
 
 Proceedings in Parliament. 
 
 Edinburgh, I can only tell you, (having no time), that the parliament hatn 
 April 25, ^-g ^ c - lte( ] a n t h e heritors of Angus to come before them for not 
 eledino-, and have fined the abfents, &c. The committee hath vo- 
 ted L. 1 14000 fterlingfor raifing and paying four new regiments of 
 foot and two new regiments of dragoons 18 months, againft which 
 time they hope the war will be over. To convince them of their 
 danger, I offered to lay proofs fully before any three of their num- 
 ber whom they fhould name ; which I did ; and, upon their report, 
 we concluded as I have told you. But the particular of King 
 James's being required to write in the town of Edinburgh affair 
 happening to be in one of the letters fhewn, it was reported too, 
 and has made a great noife. I expected this day I fhould have been 
 
 complained
 
 AND LETTERS 
 
 *55 
 
 complained of in parliament ; for they fancied it was a forged letter. 
 But they are grown wifer. I wifh they may do it ; for that will pro- 
 duce the reading of it in parliament, which will do much good. I 
 hope the King fhall have reafon to be well fatisfied with his parlia- 
 ment. We keep off church-affairs till thofe of the Mate are done ; 
 but there is room enough even for them. 1 have not yet got deci- 
 phered what you writ about P. but F guefs it. The thing will be 
 eafily done ; but know his exprefs mind, lead we do him hurt in- 
 ftead of good. Pombly it would furnifh matter to bad men in Eng- 
 land to clamour againft him. That is my opinion. Pray keep the 
 macer's place unfilled. I am engaged to one, Ally I think is his 
 name, a friend of Mr Oughton's. Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Cars tares. 
 
 Of a Gift procured from the King. Ormiftoiu Edinburgh E- 
 
 leclions. Major Buntyn. 
 
 SIR 
 
 If that tack I fent up were worth L. ioco fterling, when I fay it April 27, 
 Is not worth L. 400, I were the bafefl man living. I fhall make it ' 93 ' 
 appear what it is before I defire it to be offered to the King again ; 
 and if it be worth L. 400, I may fay it is worth L. 4000 fterling : 
 And therefore I fay it is a malicious information. The King hath a 
 third of it in his own poffeffion. Mofl: of the rents of the abbacy 
 were dilapidat before Dumf ermling had his tack ; and fome part of it 
 that is Dumfermling's tack is difponed by King Charles II. after the 
 expiring thereof, which I cannot have by the new one. My fon 
 has it of me, with the baillie, conftable, and major-fees, and L. 200 
 fterling more of property that I have in Fife. Only be pleafed to 
 look upon the perfon that hath informed you as a great ignorant, 
 and my malicious enemy. But, if it be Mr Hog, it is gratis diclnm. 
 Let him fee what I fhall fend up, and he fhall have a difpofition 
 
 U 2 from
 
 i 5 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 from me to all the reft: that he can find more than I do fay. I would 
 not take L. iooo from the King in Scotland, though he would give 
 it me, he not having L. 4000 himfelf, the cuftoms, excife, fupply, 
 and other carnalities, excepted. 
 
 Ormifton is not only the man you fpoke him to be, but of a near 
 relation to my family, being thirds of kin to my fon by my wife ; 
 and I doubt not to make him of a better temper than he has been. 
 
 As to the bufinefs of Edinburgh ; I never thought it of fo great 
 moment as fome at fir ft would have made it appear ; nor did i fuf- 
 fer any precipitation in it ; nor will it import fo much as thelofs of 
 tyme taken about it. I am of no fa&ion, but ftandfingly by myfelf ; 
 and make not an eafy life among them ; but will ftand clear againft 
 the reflection both of floth and too much haft. And it is to be fup- 
 pofed there was fome law m the council where four judges were 
 members, and prefent. 
 
 I cannot be much in the dark as to the meafures at prefent, being 
 the fame I myfelf was into when you and I parted ; and I mall be 
 as far from trufting enemies as forfaking friends ; only I fee not 
 that deep reach of the Edinburgh election, which I hope fhall never 
 ferve to other 'ends than the former, nor bring up the defign of a 
 clerk ; which I think is fufliciently provided againft. 
 
 I muft tell you, that Major Buntyn, perceiving there will need an 
 advance for payment of the forces, at leaft of a month, for I have 
 perfwaded the tackfmen of the inland-excife to advance one month, 
 he begins to fall of ; and, having got the wind of the imployment 
 you intend for him, by fomewhat in the advocate's letter you wrote 
 about him, I find he inclines much more to that. And, if the A.Bi- 
 fliop be quitt of the defign of Mr Lockhart for that caille, you can- 
 not do better than with the Major. But pray you fee the bifhop be 
 once clear to fall of his defign for Lockhart. And now I know not 
 what courfe to take for that pay-mafter and commiiTar. If it were 
 not fo great a truft, it might be rouped ; and I begin to fmell out, 
 that the farmers of the excife would be at it : Thefe are, Sir James 
 Dick, and Sir Thomas Kennedy, and Fingleton, that is, James 
 
 Ofwald,
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 *57 
 
 Ofwald, and Charles Murray; and, I apprehend, my colleagues in the 
 treafury, particularly he who is now with you, have a great mind 
 they mould have it; and they will poflibly take in Barntoun and 
 Wrae ; whereby I am a little difcouraged to medle any more in it. 
 But, if the King fends therewith Barntoun, it will be the worft courfe 
 of all, and moft prejudiciall, efpoufe it who will. If Barntoun be 
 fent down, the commiffioners will make a better bargain with him, 
 or any other that will offer for it. But I am for men of integrity, 
 and firm to the government. This affair is of more importance 
 than the election of the magistrates of Edinburgh and St Andrew's 
 both, and if Glafgow were added. So, without ceremony, farewell. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Car stare s. 
 
 T%uo Regiments of Dragoons and four of Foot voted by Parliament; 
 and by ivhat Means this ivas obtained. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 All that I have to add is, that the parliament this day voted the A P ril 2 7* 
 neceffity of funds for two new regiments of dragoons and four re- 
 giments of foot, which, with the forces already on foot, will make 
 6000 men, to be payed for a year and a half. We brought them to 
 that number, by telling them, that, by all fortes of difcoveries of any 
 defign that was or had been of an invafion in Scotland, 6000 men 
 feemed to be the fixed intended number of invaders. My letters, 
 I think I told you, did great fervice. Now Hugh Dalrymple has 
 been fo foolifh as to prefs the fhewing of them in parliament, think- 
 ing that all is a iham. This, fmce they will have it fo, it cannot be 
 fhunned. If they doe themfelves hurt, I cannot help it : I took the 
 difcreetefl way, not to neglect the King's fervice ; and I keeped the 
 committee from making any report of that matter. Melfort's page 
 tells very much. If all be true, he fpeaks pofitively of a defcent 
 here in May. I hope the French would only amufe us ; however, 
 
 one
 
 i 5 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 one offered yefterday to wager ioo guineas that King James fhould 
 raife this parliament. I am not deceived of fome men. Sir John 
 Maxwell and Craigens were this day the wronger!: men in the houfe. 
 Farewell. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Supplies granted by Parliament. — Complaint of fome <who are new in 
 the Government. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, j wrote to the King laffc poft. You will make known that vefterdav 
 
 29th April & r .4 
 
 1693. the parliament fined the abfent noblemen, and voted L. 45,000 fieri, 
 
 to be raifed by excife on malt-liquor, payable quarterly, in a year 
 and an half. They voted too ten months cefs and an half, to be paid 
 in a year, that is, L. 63,000 fieri, payable at three terms, Whitfun- 
 day next, and Martinmas, and Whitfunday thereafter. There are 
 owing of the prefent cefs feven months and an half, payable at 
 Lambas next, and Candlemas and Lambas thereafter. So that there 
 are now 18 months cefs, payable in 1 5 months ; which is more than 
 Scotland ever gave. All this, with the poll-money which is to be 
 added, will pay 6,300 men to Martinmas 1694, and fill the maga- 
 zines with arms and provifions, and fatisfy the country for their ar- 
 rears. Now thofe who, at firft, were only for one regiment and 
 three months cefs in all, and ridiculed all danger ; now, I fay, that 
 they fee that they have ftrugled in vain to hinder things, they begin 
 to outrun others, by talking of 8 months cefs during life, though 
 they know that ten men in parliament will not be for it, if not for 
 a pinch. They may know too, that, as long as they are in the go*- 
 vernment, the nation will never grant any cefs during life. If they 
 were out of it, I believe 5 might be got ; and the King would nei- 
 ther take nor aik more, knew he the truth. Adieu. 
 I hope my Lord P. is very well over. 
 
 Secretary
 
 AND LETTERS. 159 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complains that the Parliament ivere not to be gratified by an Inquiry 
 
 into the MaJJacre at Glenco. Of the intended Lwafion. 
 
 Hoiv the ne-zv Regiments ought to be commanded. 
 
 I have your's the 24th Aprile, and fhall do what is defired as well Ma 7 4^ 
 as I can ; but I wonder how any thing can be expected of a parlia- 
 ment which is not to be gratified in any one thing t hat they reckon 
 a gratification ; and the thing now retracted is that which would 
 have pleafed them, and yet, in the event, wronged no body : Where- 
 as now, any that have fufFered them to hope that, being necefTary 
 to get the King's bufinefs fmoothly done, I fay, fuch perfons muft 
 at laft lofe their credit with them, as having fufFered them to hope 
 in vain. I am concerned that thofe who mannage them now 
 mould be any way leflened in their opinion, fince that will not be 
 found to be for the King's fervice. That, for my own part, I told them 
 from the beginning, that to addrefs againft particular men was the 
 way to eftablifh them. Befides, credit or no credit, I have often told 
 you that I fhall never be a Scotchman. I hope to get well thorow 
 this feffion; and, for the next, Deus providebit. You may be fure I 
 fhall be cautious in communicating ; for, were what you writ 
 known, they muft be immediately diffolved. As to the profecutions 
 you mention, he to whom fuch bufinefs belongs acts plainly, in the 
 fenfe of all men, as if he were to juftify the truth of all that was ob- 
 jected to his incoming. But let not all this trouble you ; for affure 
 yourfelf, that I'le rather be ten times more a flave than I am, than 
 faill to bring this feffion to a happy conclufion, in fpite of the failling 
 of friends, as well as the oppofition of enemies. Since nothing is 
 to be done to gratify the parliament, I mean, nothing that they rec- 
 kon a gratification, there remained no handle by which to work up- 
 on them, but to begett in them a conviction of the danger they are 
 in ; which I have done fo fully, that, whatever others think, I do 
 
 not
 
 i6o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 not believe that I mall ever'be able to do the King fo confiderable a 
 fervice again. It will be written, that I have raifed heats ; but that is 
 a calumny : For, whatever heats I may have raifed within, there is 
 fo much fear does accompany them, that they dare not fhow them. 
 Bad men fee they are difcovered ; and were fo overcome by the evi- 
 dence of proofs, and their own confeiences, that even the worft of 
 them, rather than contravert the proofs of a defigne of an invafion, 
 they themfelves openly owned the evidence of them. They chi- 
 can'd indeed about the paragraph of Edinburgh, but very modeft- 
 ly. I except the commifTary, who, without fhame, faid, 1 hat Payn 
 knew that King James was coming ; and therefore would be-fpeak 
 the clerks place for his friends. The parliament muft addrefs to the 
 King for an affembly. I have not yet fpoke thorowly to the mini- 
 flers ; but I have in my own head a fcheme of an act, which I am 
 fure would pleafe the King, and fave them too. I doubt not but to 
 bring them to it, either lefs or more. The great concern of all ho- 
 neft men is, that they be fecured ; which they will never reckon 
 themfelves to be, unlefs the new regiments be put in honeft mens 
 hands. My advice is, fince thefe regiments are -to ly in the country, 
 to make the nobility colonels, and to give them men of experience 
 to be' lieutenant-colonels and majors out of the troops of Flanders, 
 or here. The Duke, and Sir Thomas Livingfton, and I, are for a 
 foot-regiment to my Lord Lindfay. I have written fo much to 
 my Lord Portland, and defired that Captain Hume might be the 
 Lieutenant-colonel. His father has behaved himfelf hitherto ex- 
 tremely well in parliament ; and indeed his talent lyes there. 
 Such a choife would generally pleafe. I have too, with the Duke 
 and Sir Thomas, named Glencairn for a regiment of foot. You 
 know its a confiderable family, and he goes right. My Lord 
 Carmichael will not take a regiment of dragoons. I have w rote, 
 too, that he and the Duke, and Sir Thomas, and others, think my 
 Lord Rofs the fitted: man for a regiment of dragoons. It is not fit 
 all the colon-Is be named on the fudden, becaufe of the many difap- 
 pointments that will be given ; but it's fit the King fignify his plea- 
 
 fure
 
 AND LETTERS. 161 
 
 iure concerning the levies that he intends to have made ; and that 
 he impower Sir Thomas, and whom elfe his Majefty pleafes, to 
 name the captains and other fubalterns, who may be getting the 
 men. Pray mind this. It's evident -enough here that the party 
 hath fignifted, by my Lord Midleton, their inclinations, and 
 ftrength, and opinions, to the court of France, and are full of ex- 
 pectations. They do not diflemble, that, if May pafTe over with- 
 out having a venture for it, they'll lofe hopes. M'Gill, my Lord 
 Melfort's page's declarations, are very full ; but, how far to be cre- 
 dited, I know not. Farewell. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstarres. 
 
 An Excife voted by Parliament for Twenty -three Months. Com- 
 plaint againjl Lord Stairs and Cormfajfary Dalrymple. Lord 
 
 CarmichaeL Treafury-bufnefs. Earl of Arran. Duke 
 
 of Gordon and Lord Seaforth to be profecuted. Sir Patrick 
 
 Murray turned out. Nevil Payn. 
 
 I fhall only add to my laft long letter, that the acT: for the excife May 6, 
 was paft yefterday. You know the excife of two merkupon the boll, 
 which is annexed to the crown, is farmed at L. 30,000 /w annum. 
 The excife now granted is of three pennies on the pint ; that is, 
 two pence, Engliih money, upon the gallon : So that, fuppofe fifteen 
 gallons of ale brewed out of a boll of malt, as they ordinarly do, 
 this excife will amount to half a crown upon the boll ; and there- 
 fore mould rife higher in the year than the annexed excife. 
 Thus, three pennies on the pint for a year and a half, which was 
 the time refolved on by the committee, mould amount at leaft to 
 the fum of L. 45,000 Englifh, which was the fum intended by the 
 parliament to be given out of the excife. But the annexed excife 
 heing upon the malt, and the new excife upon the liquors, it was 
 feared the one would interfere with the other ; therefore, the gene- 
 
 X ral
 
 i6a STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ral opinion was, to diflblve from the crown the two merk upon 
 the boll, and to annex an equivalent to it upon the ale, and to add 
 to this equivalent an additional excife. This certainly would have 
 been better both for King and country, fince it is the equaler and 
 more uniform way ; for a boll of malt, in one place of the country, 
 makes but twelve gallons of ale, and, in another, it makes fifteen ; 
 and yet the ale is of equal goodnefs ; and the charges and trouble 
 of colledion would have been the fame ; whereas now, it is double. • 
 But Duke Hamilton would net venture on this without a pofitive 
 order. The next expedient was, to lay the new excife upon the 
 malt too ; but this could not have been carried in parliament, be- 
 caufe the gentry have a wrong notion of the thing, and which it 
 was impoflible, without a great deal of time, to rectify. They think 
 all that is laid upon the malt is laid upon the beir, of which the 
 malt is made ; and, confequently, that its paid by the landed men ; 
 but that excife upon drink is paid by the drinker. In effect, the 
 drinkers pay the excife in both cafes ; but, as I have faid, they 
 could not be convinced of this : Therefore, to make the fund ef- 
 fectual, it was propofed, that the new excife fhould continue long- 
 er than a year and a half; and it was carried in the committee, 
 that it fhould continue twenty-three months, by my Lord Craw- 
 ford's calling vote as prefident ; for, otherwife, the votes were e- 
 qual. And thus it has paft in parliament ; fo that I hope, inflead 
 of L. 45,000 Sterling, the King fhall have near L. 60,000. It's 
 payable for the months of June and July on the firft of Augufr. 
 next, and thereafter quarterly, to the firft of May 1^95. By the 
 act, any brewer that gives over brewing, is to lofe the priviledge 
 of brewing for five years. And, becaufe the ale that private men 
 brew for their own ufe pays no excife, and that the price of ale rifing 
 upon this act, every man will brew for himfelf, and fo enervate the 
 act ; therefore, it is declared, that, whoever begins now to brew 
 for his own ufe, who has not been accuftomed to do it, what he 
 brews fhall pay excife. Thus, this fund cannot fail ; and the cefs, 
 
 you
 
 AND LETTERS. 163 
 
 you know, is certain, and the third part of it payable now at Whit- 
 fund ay. 
 
 I forgot to tell you in my laft, that it was my Lord Stairs and 
 the commiflary who would have thofe letters of Payn's, &c. brought 
 in to the parliament. They were fo foolifh to believe the Jacobites, 
 who told them that all was a forgery. 
 
 Pray forget not that which I wrote to my Lord Portland, that 
 the parliament be allowed to fit two or three weeks longer than the 
 time appointed by the inftructions ; becaufe, the bufinefs falling all 
 to the fhare of two or three, its impoflible for them to overtake it 
 without more time. 
 
 I wilh the King would fignify his inclination that my Lord 
 Carmichael take one of thefe regiments of dragoons: He inclines 
 not to do it ; but he will not decline it, if the King defire it : And 
 this will fatisfy the country mightily, who have an entire confi- 
 dence in him ; and, if Major Wifheart be made his Lieutenant-co- 
 lonel, he may in time have the regiment given him. If my Lord 
 Carmichael be Colonel, he'll chufe Wifheart himfelf, as he fays to 
 me. Indeed, all men agree, that Wifheart is both one of the ho- 
 nefteft men, and one of the beft officers, in the troops here : But 
 Wifheart would rather continue Major where he is ; and therefore 
 he muft be ordered to be Lieutenant-colonel. As to the naming 
 of Captains, &c. its fit the King join to Sir Thomas Livingfton the 
 Duke, and fome others, who know mens interefl in the coun- 
 try. 
 
 It is impoffible to put the treafury-bufmefs right, as that comif- 
 fion ftands. Generally fpeaking, they do nothing, or act in fuch a 
 manner, that they had better do nothing. I do not believe that 
 Ceflwick will get a farthing, notwithftanding of the King's letters, 
 and of their extravagant allowances to Sir William Lockhart ; and 
 notwithftanding all the orders that were fent down, four or five 
 months ago, for repairing the caftle of Dumbarton ; and that 2 or 
 L. 300 will do it; yet flill not one farthingordered for it; though Ma- 
 jor Euntein declares, he'll- give up his comifliori if they do it not ; 
 
 X2 for
 
 1 64 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 for there are no carriages, nor indeed arms, even for the gamfon-; 
 and that the walls are fallen ; but many fuch inftances might be 
 
 given. 
 
 I have an original letter in my hand, written by Gray the mini- 
 fter, that lives with my Lady Cailels at London, juftifying Lang- 
 ton's accufing my Lord Melfort to King James at Paris, for this 
 reafon, that he was obliged to do it by the comiffion which he' 
 carried over with him from great perfons. 
 
 All thofe upon bail are to be called for. I have been plain with : 
 my Lord Arran, who fhall do what is afkt of him, or go to prifon. 
 He is under bail. Captain Mair and Mrs Smith do abfcond ; they 
 fhall be cited and outlawed. There are letters of intercomuning 
 paft againft thofe in the Bafs. You'll fay, Why was not this done 
 fooner ? Thofe in France have been denounced for not compear- 
 ing before the council. They muft now be cited on fixty days, in 
 order to their trial. You'll fay, Why was not this done fooner, 
 fince thus they cannot be tried before the parliament ? The Duke of 
 Gordon and my Lord Seaforth being in hands, will be tried. Its 
 fit the King have them at mercy ; but they'll be tried only before 
 the iuftice-court. The Duke would lave the Duke of Gordon ; 
 and therefore pretends, he muft have an order to any trial in par- 
 liament, as if it were not a thing of courfe ; and that the King's let- 
 ter to the council is exprefs, to proceed againft all thofe that were 
 in Prance. Its more for the King's honour and exoneration to the 
 foreign courts, that they be tried in parliament. The King's pleafure 
 to the comiffioner may come time enough for that. There are two 
 men that were condemned to die for the bufmefs of the Bafs, who have 
 now had reprives near a twelvemonth from the council. They ought 
 to be examples ; but the objection is, that men fo long reprived 
 never ufe to be executed. The truth is, the crimes of all thofe in 
 hand are fo old, and there have been fuch hopes of pardons given 
 them, and bargains of money entered into for obtaining thefe par- 
 dons, part of which has been paid, and pardons have been faid to 
 have been granted, and loft, &c. that, to take away any of fuch 
 
 mens
 
 AND LETTERS. 165 
 
 mens lives, I find, would be cenfured and difapproved even by in- 
 different men. But I believe, with a little diligence, men may be 
 catched tampering at prefent ; and, whoever he be, he'll be very 
 unlucky, if his fate depend on me ; for I am fully convinced, and 
 fo are all men that I fpeak to, that examples are abfolutely necef- 
 fary ; and that the lenity of the government encourages men to go 
 on from plot to plot, which at laft muft end in a rebellion, which 
 may coft multitudes their lives, whom the execution of one or two 
 might have made wife. 
 
 The comifhoner inclines to have Ofwald of Fingleton in Sir 
 Patrick Murray's place. Therefore, remember your friend and 
 mine. As for Sir Patrick himfelf, he manages the Marquis of 
 Douglas now, who, with much difficulty, came to the parliament, 
 and has refufed his comiffion for being fherifF of the fhire of 
 Forfar. 
 
 I told my Lord Lothian, that he was turned out for tattling every 
 thing that he or the chancellor faid, to fome men that were ene- 
 mies to government, and who made a very bad ufe of it. My Lord 
 Lothian frankly owned, that he did not doubt of the truth of that, 
 and had often challenged him for it. 
 
 Its now well known, that Sir Thomas Kennedy was the man in- 
 tended to be provoft of Edinburgh. Thus, Payn might well write 
 to King James, that a letter from him would get his friend the 
 clerk's place. The contract with Wrae about corn and ftraw was 
 for three years, though the fund continues but for a year; and there 
 were other grofs nullities in it. They paft from it immediately, and 
 were afhamed of it ; and pretend, they can get others to do it 
 cheaper than he, though the King exprefsly orders it to him. The 
 month of April too is not yet ordered for the army, though it be 
 already in Wrae's hands, and that, by the contract, Wrae mould 
 advance it. Trial will be now made, but, I believe, to no purpofe, 
 for prolonging the old five months cefs. Farewell. 
 
 The members fay all exprefsly, that they will never give money 
 further than neceffity obliges them, to be put in the hands of a 
 
 treafury 3 ,
 
 - t 66 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 treafury, compofed of men, for the moft part, who they in their 
 confciences believe are not for the government. 
 
 They add, that they cannot, at the fame time, grant a cefs du- 
 ring life, and fuch extraordinary taxes : That this would turn the 
 fpirit of the nation againft him, which otherwife will impute what 
 they do to the necefhty of things. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to the Earl of Portland. 
 
 Of trying Nevil Payne. Continuation of the Seffion. Difficult 
 
 cnlty in hindering the Parliament from accufing Lord Stairs. 
 
 Neiv Levies. Vindication of his oixm Conduct in Parliament. 
 
 My Lord, 
 E Ma bU i? h ' You'll pardon my ufing another hand : I cannot well ufe my 
 1693. own, for my eyes. I hope your Lordfhip has received mine of the 
 2d and 4th of May, and that my friend has given you an account 
 of mine of the 6th. The papers produced in parliament are not 
 yet publifhed ; becaufe, in all appearance, we fhall try Navil Payn 
 for his letter. Its plain that its his hand-writing ; and other letters 
 of his are now taken, in which he ufes the very fame borrowed 
 names, and fpells in the fame manner ; for inftance, Wright inftead 
 of JVrit. The difficulty will be to prove, that the borrowed names, 
 Brother and Sifer> are inftead of King James and his Queen. 
 The fenfe convinces any man of this in his conicience ; and fo the 
 parliament was to a man convinced of this upon the firft reading 
 of the letter ; yet, in courts of juftice, no judge would, notwith- 
 standing this conviclion, find a man guilty : But parliaments pro- 
 . ceed not by fuch ftridl rules ; and, I believe, the parliament is fully 
 enough difpofed to find him guilty. I am to meet with the law- 
 yers this night. On the one hand, examples are abfolutely necef- 
 fary ; and, if he be found guilty, he'll be the example, unlefs he 
 make a difcovery worth his life j and then examples will not be 
 
 wanting.
 
 AND LETTERS. 167 
 
 wanting. He knows the bottom of all. On the other hand, it is 
 not fit that even the parliament mould do any thing of that nature 
 in their zeal, which will not bear the judgement and cenfure of 
 mankind. If he dye, the manifefto-maker will be fent after him. 
 
 I wrote already to your Lordfhip, that the comiffioner muft have 
 leave to continue the feffion longer than was intended. There is a new 
 reafon for it : There was, by a former ad, fines and forfaultures in the 
 late times ordered to be reftored ; and a committee then appointed 
 to enquire into them, and to report to the next feffion. My Lord 
 Melvill, and a great many other members that are men of quality, 
 are concerned in this matter. They defire that the committy may 
 be continued, and have power, not only to report, but to determine, 
 even when the parliament is up. If this were put to a vote, they 
 would carry it by far. To gain time, the commiffioner has told 
 them, that he'll write to the King ; and defires them in the mean 
 time to be reporting. But now, to allow a committy to deter- 
 mine, were a thing of great and uncertain confequence : The only 
 remedy is, that the King allow ten, or twelve, or fifteen days longer 
 than the time appointed by the inftructions ; in which time, mod 
 of thefe reports may be taken in and determined by the parlia- 
 ment itfelf ; and fo all heat prevented on that fubjed, which other- 
 wife, becaufe of the multitude of thofe concerned, cannot be pre- 
 vented. 
 
 As to my Lord Stairs, much pains have been taken to keep 
 them from accufing him. I fhall do all I can to keep off reprefen- 
 tations either concerning him or any other man. Poffibly that 
 may be got done; but then they will flick to the point of repre- 
 fenting things. They may be prevailed on to do this in the dif- 
 creeteft manner imaginable; but I do not think it poffible to keep 
 them from doing it : And therefore his Majeftv would fignify his 
 exprefs pleafure to Duke Hamilton on this fubject. Its certain 
 all they do is in expectation that they fhall be allowed to do this ; 
 and there was a necefiity for allowing them to expect it. Thus, if 
 they be fent home by fuddain adjournment, they'll reckon themfelves 
 
 deceived,
 
 r68 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 deceived, which will have two bad effects : ifi, That they will not 
 a^ain, in another feffion, begin with the King's bufineis, as they 
 L e done in this, idly, Thofe that have mannaged them now will 
 have no more credit with them hereafter ; and I wiih it may always 
 be remembered, that, whatever be the humours of this parliament, 
 the King can never expecl: to have a parliament in Scotland that 
 will have fewer humours. I mould hope that they may be pre- 
 vailed on to be fatisfyed with fome gentle and generall reprefenta- 
 .tion of things, to be made in a letter to the King at the end of the 
 feffion. Reprefentations in England do reflect upon the adminiftra- 
 tion; becaufe Kings there are fo near, that they may be fuppof°d to 
 know the grivances of the people, and that they of their own accord 
 ihould redrefs them; but Scotland lying at a diftance, the cafes 
 differ. Nor is there here any bargain, the parliament having 
 ,done all that is anted of them before they afk any thing. 
 
 As to the new levies, I wrote already about my Lord Lindfay, 
 
 and my Lord Glencairn, and my Lord Rofs. All people have prefl 
 
 my Lord Carmichael fo much in the matter, that now he confents 
 
 to take a regiment of dragoons, if it be the King's mind that he 
 
 ihould have it. If he and my Lord Rofs get the dragoons, the 
 
 gentry and commonality of the weft will, of their own accord, join 
 
 with thefe regiments upon any occafion. My Lord Carmichael 
 
 begs, that, if the King name him to be Colonel, that he'll give 
 
 him Wiiheart to be his Lieutenant-colonel j becaufe, ilnce he fays 
 
 he underftands not the matter himfelf, he would have Wifeheart? 
 
 on whofe underftanding and integrity he can rely, for the man- 
 
 nagement of the regiment. The King knows beft if ther be any 
 
 prefent danger from the French or not ; and accordingly will haften 
 
 •or delay his orders about the levies. But his Majefty allowed me 
 
 to tell them, that he would raife troops; and its fit at leaft to begin n 
 
 immediately to raife fome of them, both to quyet mens mind here, 
 
 ana 1 lead they ihould fay that they gave money for troops which, 
 
 fince not raifed, were not neceilary ; and that they have been im- 
 
 pofed on by the noife of imaginary danger. 
 
 The
 
 AND LETTERS. 169 
 
 The King allowed me to give Sir William Hamilton hopes of 
 marks of his favour ; he behaves himfelf as well as I can defire. 
 However, there were no neceffity for haft ; but I believe, that, 
 if his Majefty would give him the vacancy in the fefuon with the 
 firft port, this might contribute much to calm thofe people that 
 are fo eager againft my Lord Stairs; for this would make a fort 
 of ballance upon the bench. 
 
 My Lord, fome men have only impudence and calumny left them, 
 and fo muff be allowed to make the heft on't they can ; and the 
 truth is, I have not leifure to refute their forgeries ; time and things 
 will do that. However, I affirm, that it was never fo much as mo- 
 tioned, either in committy or parliament, that the King fhould not 
 name the officers, as has been averred at London, and a great dale 
 more of that fluff ; for inflance, that it is an empty parliament, 
 though they were the other day 150 upon a divifion, which is more 
 than ever I knew at once in a Scotch parliament. I have feen your's 
 to Sir Thomas Livingfton. Mr Carftares has a paper in his hands 
 which gives a full account of Sir William Lockhart, which I never 
 troubled the King with ; but that account fhall be owned to his face, 
 and much more, Pray, order an anfwer to this letter to be fent 
 down from England by a flying pacquet. 
 
 I had almoft forgot, there will be an act paft, by which the four 
 regiments of foot may, whenever the King pleafes, be levyed in lefs 
 than a month ; for the counties muff furnifh them when called for. 
 Wee fhall make all correfpcndence with France, all going to it, or 
 flaying in it during the war, and without leave from the King and 
 councell, high treafon. I have good hopes too of the church-bufi- 
 nefs; but fuch matters cannot be done in a hurry, but muft have 
 more time, as I have faid. I am* 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your moft humble, 
 
 and obedient fervant, 
 (Signed) J. Johnstoun. 
 Y Secretary
 
 i 7 o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Ne-vil Payne.— The Oath of Allegiance and Ajfurance, to <wht 
 to be put.— Laird of Grant, and other Pretenders to Regiments, 
 
 Tarbat falffies the Minutes of Parliament. Of the Advocate 
 
 and Solicitor's taking Money in Parliament-bufinefs. -Proofs of 
 
 Danger. — Reputation, and Recruits, the only tzuo Things Scot- 
 land can give to a King of England. Gift to the Chancellor.— - 
 
 Of Annandale. The Oath. Duke of Hamilton, Earl of Mel- - 
 
 <vil, and his Sons. 
 
 Edinburgh, I wrote to you on- the 6th, and on the I ith to my Lord Port- 
 Mayi 6.1699 land. I Taw your laft to my brother, bearing, that the King had 
 got the parliament's letter. The Mafter of Stairs's. brother is one 
 of the clerks to the parliament under Tarbat. He had orders to 
 fend the Mr copies of every thing that paiTes. And, no doubt, the 
 Mr had a copy of the parliament's letter, fince Halfide made print 
 it at London, even before the King had it. However, I wrote to 
 my brother, with the fame poft, to {how my copie to the Mr, in 
 cafe he had none. We will, in all appearance, try Payn. The 
 proofs are full and evident that the letter is his. It's plain too that 
 brother and fitter are King "James and the §>ueen. The point is, if 
 the parliament, upon the conviction of this, will condemn a man, 
 fince the paper is not figned, nor any witnefies to fwearto the mat- 
 ter of it. We have been interrupted of late with private bufinefs. 
 Fifteen of the Angus heritors have taken the oaths this day ; by 
 which you fee the government was not in earneft the laft fummer. 
 My Lord Perth alks leave to go out of the kingdom, and mall have 
 it. My Lord Athol and my Lord i^rran will give their word of 
 honour in writing not to a& againft the government. My Lord 
 Murray has only delayed to take the oaths till he got his father's- 
 confent ; which is now done. And Balhoume, my nephew, the 
 moft confiderable gentleman in that fhyre, is to follow my Lord 
 
 Murray's
 
 AND LETTERS. 171 
 
 Murray's example , and will be chofen for that fhyre. Courtney, 
 Moivet, and Balfour, in Payn's letters, are, the Earls of Seaforth, 
 Arran, and Hume. The act about the oaths is ready. Befides 
 thofe to whom it was put formerly, it will be now put to all Lords, 
 and their eldeft fons ; (thus the hedging politick will be fpoiled) : To 
 all minifters and preachers whatfomever; and to^hofe who call 
 them to churches : To all the electors of magiflrates in burrows : 
 To all fermers or collectors of cefs or excife, or other mony belong- 
 ing to the King : To all matters of fhips, keepers of prifons ; and 
 feveral others. It is not put to the heritors ; but the councell has a 
 power to put it to whom they mail think fit. And to the former 
 pains are added, fineing, confincing, or banifhment ; the fines not 
 exceeding a year's valued rent. There is a general claufe as to all 
 perfons whatfomever who (hall not take the oaths, whether they be 
 put to them or not, that they may keep no arms but a walking- 
 fword, and no horfes above five pound value. It's declared, that 
 the allegiance and aflurance are not to be feparated ; and that who- 
 ever refufes the one is to be held to refufe both. The words, as %vell 
 de jure as de facJo, and in the exercife of the government, are made 
 clear thus ; as ivell de jure, (that is) of right King and Queen ; as 
 defaclo, (that is) in the poffeffion and exercife of the government. It 
 would have argued a levity in the parliament to have taken out the 
 Latin ; and, without explaining it, how could illiterate men have ta- 
 ken it ? Befides, the Queen is only in the poiTeiTion of the govern- 
 ment. I know of no prefbyterian minifter who will not take the 
 oaths. Many of the epifcopal clergy too will do it, now that they 
 fee the government in earneft, unlefs it mould happen before the 
 20th of June, which is the laft day that the King of France have 
 fome luckie hitt one where or other. I wrote of Rofs for a regi- 
 ment of dragoons. I wrote fince, that Carmiehael is now willing 
 to have the other, if the King thinks fitt ; but defires to have Wi- 
 lhart for his lieutenant-colonel. In cafe of danger, the Weft will all 
 join with thefe regiments fo commanded. I wrote of my Lord 
 Lindiay for a regiment of foot. All agree in this. They are 
 
 Y 2 not
 
 172 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 not fo unanimous about my Lord Glencalrn ; but thofe that are molt 
 reafonable are for him ; and he is told not to expect even to recom- 
 mend either his lieutenant-colonel or major. As to the other two 
 regiments; Grant had a regiment, as there are 11 000 pound owing. 
 him ; and his regiment, for the mod part, payed all to the country : 
 
 les, he is undoubtedly the gentleman in Scotland who has the bell 
 intereft b >th in the country and in the parliament. He is, indeed, Aid- 
 dain, and warm in his motions ; but he is honeft and fmcere, and al— 
 
 s brought right again with a little pains. He is not fond of a regi- 
 ment ; bnt it's the King's intereft that he have it ; for he can always 
 in th( th join as many of his own men to it ; and thofe of that 
 
 country that are affectionate to the government will join and con- 
 cur with him. The commander and others are of this opinion. 
 One other argument too weighs with me, that I can get him to 
 quitt the regiment to a military-man whenever the King pleafes. 
 As to the other regiment ; the Duke is for giving it to my Lord 
 Murray. I think it cannot be better bellowed : My Lord Murray's 
 known character is, that he may be abfoluteiy relyed on in any 
 thing in which he engages. This will reconcile his Highlanders 
 to the government, who are the beft men in the Highlands: f±nd 
 he and Argyle being right, neither Inverlochy nor Broadalbine will 
 be fo neceifary as they are ; and that Highland intereft will ceafe to 
 be a bugbear. The other pretenders to regiments are, my Lord 
 Forfar, my Lord Blantyre, my Lord Morton, my Lord Baihaven, 
 my Lord Eglinton, and feveral others ; of whom fome indeed mould 
 be gratifyed: But it's like the King will think it for his fervice to 
 do it fome other way than by giving them the regiments. I have 
 not time to refute ftories ; but I affure you it was never moved, that 
 the King mould not name the officers. I would have had Queenf- 
 berry and fome others upon the comitty for fecuring the nation; but 
 others faid, that it would be impoffible to prevent heat and reflections : 
 So I yielded. I can affure you, hitherto there has been no reflections in 
 parliament, except that Tarbat hath been taxed, and catched grofsly 
 malverfing in his office as clerk, both in publick and private bufi- 
 
 nefs
 
 AND LETTERS. 173 
 
 nefs in parliament ; and it was only to prevent noife that he was 
 not fufpended from his office. His falfifying the minutes over and 
 over again was made fo plainly appear in parliament, that neither 
 he, nor any man for him, had fo much as one word to fay in his 
 defence. And my Lord Collington, one of the non-jurants, will 
 to-morrow petition the parliament, and decline him as clerk, for e- 
 mitting the other day an order, in the name of the parliament, 
 (which order they never gave), in a private procels now depending 
 before the parliament, betwixt my Lord Tarbat's mother and my 
 Lord Collington. This is the third tyme my Lord Tarbat has been 
 catched, and the thing always fo grofs, that he loft countenance, and 
 gave over defending him felf; yet (till he relapfes. The truth is, all 
 men were fo afhamed of him, that they fpared him. I have been 
 tryed by one from him, if he might be allowed to fell his place. 
 He has made try Grant, if he would buy it ; and he offers to fell it 
 for 50,000 merks. New, confider that he'll make this money by 
 it in lefs than a year and a half, and imagine what can be his reafon 
 to fell it. For my own part, I am fully fatisfyed, that, whatever 
 my Lord Midleton is a-doing, he is at the bottom of it ; and, if 
 he be in earned: to fell his place, and to fell it fo cheap, it is becaufe 
 he trufts to the fuccefs of the defignes now in my Lord Midleton's 
 hands. I muft add to this, that fcveral intercepted letters from 
 France and London bear, that matters will go as thofe they write to 
 wifh ; and that remedies are at hand. We find M'GilPs informa- 
 tions true, in fo far as we have enquired into them, by examining 
 fome perfons whom he names ; but there are other things that have 
 not the appearance of truth. Queenfberry fays, that his pardon 
 was taken in the packet intercepted in the North ; the fame packet, 
 I fuppofe, in which Ballantyne's pardon (that was never granted) 
 was taken, as my collegue, it feems, to pleafe his lady, wrote down. 
 The other remiffions are at, or paft the feals. I hope my Lord Port- 
 land got my long letter of the 1 ith. Tell him that I wrote to you, 
 becaufe you'll mind him to get my anfwers ; and I cannot write 
 with my own hand to the King. The Duke is willing that jervif- 
 
 wood
 
 : 74 S T A T E - P A P E Pv 'S 
 
 wood be receiver. It's plain enough that the :fs of Edinburgh 
 
 was calculat for a defcent in the fpring, which then the difafrecTed 
 party reckoned themfelves fure of. The Duke and I have been 
 plain with the advocate for taking money in parliament-bufi- 
 nefs. Hemakesajeft of every thing, and flicks at nothing. I 
 told him, that I would not have, for any rr I been in his 
 
 place, given my enemies fo juft a handle againft me. Even Sir 
 George M'Kenzie did not this. Sir James Ogilvie was firm for a 
 while; but the ate, to cover himfelf, brought him to it at laft. 
 
 The advocate could not deny the matter of: ro- 
 
 miied, and has declared publickly enough, that he'll do it no more. 
 This occaficned no heat : he was indeed afhamed of it. I thought to 
 let this alone till the parliament had been over, as I am refolved. to do 
 manv other things, about which I will be plain with him at part- 
 mg: But I found this abfolutdy neceflai - bufinefs 
 
 was at a Hand ; he and the follicitor being wholly taken up with con- 
 sultations. Belides, how can they judge and coniult in the fame caufe? 
 Or, how can the Duke and I relye upon their advice, in point of 
 law orpolicv, as to the King's interefts, when they are already eyed 
 to the interefts of private parties, having given them their advice, 
 >:en their money ? There are two acts ready ; one for poll- 
 me ad another for hearth-money, I know not which of the 
 
 two will carry. Th . for lev ch men upon 
 
 country as the Ki r -° raife, I have wrote, that 
 
 t h r gers heft \. and, accord ;ten or 
 
 d e l ay , in to raife fome of the 
 
 regiments, both to quyet mens n 
 
 they have bee at money for trooj 
 
 ifed. It's I 
 
 that great difeoveries are made, and yet no body pu- 
 
 nifhed. You know my anfwer in part ; then borrowed names, how- 
 
 ;r plain the meaning may be, are certainly no proof in courts of 
 
 juftice >u know too, that, by the inftru&ions, this j ent 
 
 is not to be gratifyed in any thing which they reckon a gratification : 
 
 And
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 *75 
 
 And therefore, the only handle by which to move them was, to con- 
 vince them of their danger; of which the proofs appear fo plain, 
 that, even Fountain hall and Tarbat, and all others, owned that they 
 * were full and convincing ; and indeed you'll find them fo when 
 they are laid together. In a word, affairs will be put in fuch a flate 
 as, unlefs the French make hafte, will not only deliver this nation 
 from danger during the war, and put ane end to plots and confpiracies 
 here 5 but which, provided the King puts the adminiftration in the 
 hands of men that are men of fenfe, and are honeft, and reputed to 
 be honeft, whether they be epifcopal or prefbyterian, or rather, men 
 that have never concerned themielves much in fuch matters ; a ftate, 
 I fay, which will, in a little time, make the King as fure of this na- 
 tion, to all intents and purpofes, as he is of his Dutch guards. And 
 I am fure the reputation of this willbeof more ufe to him in hisEng- 
 lifh affairs, than we can be ever in any other way. I fhall particu- 
 larly mind this point of reputation in all our proceedings, for Ihave 
 always been of opinion, that reputation and recruits are the only 
 two things which Scotland can give to a King of England. I am 
 going to the comitty. Communicate to Mr Stevenfon, if I have 
 not time to write to him, if any have informed that the gift which 
 I procured to the chancellor is worth more than L. 450 a year, as I 
 informed the King. I can affure you they are miftaken, and con- 
 found different things: He has indeed claims there worth more* 
 but they are not in his gift.. I do not think that what he has got 
 is worth more than L. 300 ; its certainly not worth four ; but, to 
 make all fure, I called it to the King worth L. 450. I have as lit- 
 tle reafon, and have ever had, to be fatisfyed as any man ; but there 
 was an equity at bottom ; he being at the head of the government, 
 how could it be refufed him ? Its cenfured, that Annandale mould 
 have been named one of the fub-committy to hear me upon the 
 proofs of danger ; but it was not my bufinefs to oppofe whom they 
 pleafed to name : Befides, Annandale is as much trufted as any 
 man ; for they of the club-plot, imputing the whole difcovery of 
 that bufinefs to him, he and they are known to be irreconcilable. 
 
 Pray,
 
 i 7 6 S T A T E ~ P A P E R S 
 
 Pray, do not miftakc in thinking, that any money is hitherto ap- 
 propriated, or that the King is tyed to raife men ; for there is no 
 fuch thing. The poll-money, or hec»;th-money, will he indeed ap- 
 propriated for paying the arrears, and in a feverer and ftricker man- 
 ner than in the former appropriating a£t; fince that act was not 
 obferved. We will be at church-matters the next week. Mr John 
 Law, and fome fuch other men, feem to be convinced, and of my 
 mind, I make all parties cat and drink together ; that is, my Lord 
 Stairs and my Lord Privy Seal, Queenfberry and Crawford, Tar- 
 bat and Argyle, &c. My Lord Murray would have his brother 
 Lord James (who has already qualified himfelf) to be a lieutenant- 
 colonel ; he was long a captain in the Dumbarton regiment ; but 
 whether fit to be a lieutenant-colonel or not, I know not.- My 
 Lord Hollo too, and the Laird of Dunn would be preferred ; you 
 know they have done fervices. My Lord Argyle would have Jack- 
 fon made a lieutenant-colonel in the new dragoons, and his own 
 brother put in Jackfon's place j becaufe, though he himfelf will make 
 the campaign this fummer, he feems not to incline to do it any 
 longer. My Lord Forrefter too would be a lieutenant-colonel. 
 The Matter of Forbes too aiks a regiment. Pray, let all be repre- 
 fented as I have promiied ; but I advife nothing in inch cafes : I un- 
 derhand not military matters ; but I have done it upon prudential 
 confi derations, of tying to the dtablifhment, both in church and 
 Hate, men of quality and intereft, and of fuch known characters 
 as fhall give dy of honeft men in the nation a confidence in 
 
 ther -quently in the adminiftration, which, in a word, is 
 
 the thing that is wanting ; for, ever fince the changes made in 
 fpring was a year, all tl at men here believe it pofc 
 
 fible for the. King to be im poled on, to a degree that may prove fa- 
 it fettlement in the tl tam& This impref- 
 fion mult, be wrought off; and, when that is done, the King's 
 is done here : The right naming of the officers will no 
 doubt do it to a -great degree* The employing of D. Hamilton 
 has done much to it, ever people may clamour againll the 
 
 Duke's
 
 AND LETTERS. 177 
 
 Duke's way, which indeed mull be born with ; yet ftill it muft be 
 owned, that he yields to reafon, and corrects his errors as frankly 
 as any man can do ; and, which is a great advantage, whether he 
 be right or wrong, one knows always what he is ; for he is fquare 
 and plain ; and, even when he is in the wrong, his intentions are 
 good. It has coft me much pains to bring the minifters, and o- 
 thers, not to oppofe the putting of the oaths to them : However, at 
 laft, they underftood it to be their intereft, and were content. But 
 now I find, at the committy, great endeavours have been ufed to 
 oppofe it, and minifters and others inftigated to hinder it ; even fo 
 far, that the Duke, notwithftanding his pofitive inftructions, has 
 been fhaken in the matter ; and fo was the Advocate, though Mr 
 Law, Mr Crichton, and all that I could fpeak to, are convinced 
 and fatisfied ; and that t.Mr Blair allures me, that he knows not one 
 minifter that will refufe them : And accordingly, the thing was voted 
 yefterday unanimoufly in the committy ; at leaft I do not remember 
 that any opppfed it. My Lord Crawford voted pofitively for it, and 
 is ftill of that opinion. I now find the bottom of all. The epifco- 
 pal party, knowing that the aflurances the Mr of Stairs gave in 
 their name, that they would take the oaths, had no other ground, 
 but the fuppofition, that the prefbyterians would never confent to 
 fuch an act ; and now, apprehending the contrary, they had, by ar- 
 tifice, wrought the Duke from it. At the fame time, my Lord 
 'Privy Seal, with the little ftrength he hath, has, underhand, been 
 -bufy to hinder any fuch act ; and has been fo imprudent, as to deal 
 with members of the committy to be againft it, who had already 
 voted for it. The truth is, he has neither intereft with the barrons 
 nor burrows ; but rather than have no intereft, he courts the favour 
 of the miniftry, by joining in every foolifh humour among them. 
 Thus, you muft know, fince I know it, that it was his family that 
 fpoiled the affembly, by encouraging the minifters in their humours. 
 And thus I fee, he and his fons will fpoil all the bufmefs now, if 
 they have ftrength enough to do it. As for the Duke, he is right 
 again ; and, as to the Privy Seal, I have told him, that it is the 
 
 Z Kine's
 
 i 7 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 King's exprefs pleafure and order, that the oaths be put to all mi- 
 nifters. He faid, that he muft ad according to his opinion. His o- 
 pinion may indeed oblige him to vote againft the King's mind; but 
 I am fure it does not oblige him to folicite againft the King's mind. 
 I defire you to communicate this exprefsly to my Lord Portland ; 
 for, if the King's officers of ftate be allowed to make factions and 
 folicite againft the King, I am functus, whatever be the event. I 
 hope I have frighted him, and that he'll grow wifer. We'll fee 
 how he votes to-morrow. You may write to him. I know he will 
 deny all. I afk no better. Farewell. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr C a rstarz*. 
 
 Of putting the Oaths to Mini/lers, Heritors, &f. Of Payne's 
 
 Trial. Tarbat's Maherfation in his office of Regijier. 
 
 Edinburgh, x received this day in parliament the King's letter to the Duke. 
 1693/ which was inftantly communicated. I and he have your's. No- 
 thing is done to tye the King ; he may raife only horfe, or only 
 foot, or only dragoons, or no troops at all, if he pleafes. I mean, 
 there is no tye upon him to do otherwife by the new ads. His 
 Majefty indeed did allow me to tell them, that he was refolved to 
 raife more forces, if they gave him money, which I did occafion- 
 ally to fome in private ; and, if the King mould raife no troops at 
 all, they would think themielves impofed on, as if there had been 
 no danger. : But the number of troops was condefcended on in 
 difcourfe, and in votes, as the only effectual way to bring them to 
 give fuch considerable fums. I need add little to my long letter of 
 the 1 6th. The next day we were upon the oaths, but concluded 
 not. Thurfday was the faft-day. This day we voted the act a- 
 bout the oaths, fuch as I told you in my laft ; only I forgot to tell 
 you, that its put to the whole college of juftice, advocates, clerks, 
 writers, agents, nottars, &c. The certification againft minifters is 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS 179 
 
 the lofs of their benefices ; and againft preachers, its banifhment, or 
 otherways, as the council fhall think tit. The Privy Seal and his 
 fons went out on YVednefday, when it was like to come to the vote. 
 This day, he was non-liquid to the whole aft. My Lord Craw- 
 ford fpoke well to the point, that it fhould be put to minifters. 
 Only one prefbyterian fpoke againft it, and he did it but faintly. 
 The great debate this day was, If it mould be put to all heritors, 
 under the penalty of double cefs, as it is in England, or not ? My 
 Lord Linlithgow, &c. were for that. I was for lodging a power 
 in the council, to put it to all heritors whatfomever, or to any par- 
 ticular heritor, not only under the pains of double cefs, but of a 
 fine, even to a year's valued rent, and of imprifonment or banifh- 
 ment. I ufed but one plain reafon, which no man anfwered, and 
 which determined the point ; to wit, That, if the parliament put the 
 oaths to all heritors, and that the heritors fhould refufe them, it 
 would bring a difreputation upon the government ; whereas, this 
 inconvenience might be prevented, if the parliament mould lodge 
 their power in the council ; for the council could proceed by de- 
 grees ; and, by making examples of the leading men in the feve- 
 ral counties, bring the heritors more effe&ually to their duty than 
 a pofitive a£t, with fo fmall a certification, could do : Befides, in 
 England, its only the bare alledgeance that is put to people, which 
 every man puts his own fenfe upon as he thinks fit ; and the go- 
 vernment knew well that the body of the nation would take it, and fo 
 apprehended not the difreputation of a refufal : But here we have had 
 a rebellion, which made the affurance necefTary ; and fo room is not 
 left ior men to put their private fenfes upon the alledgeance : Then 
 we have the experience, that the body of the heritors refufed the 
 oaths laft fummer ; and we have no ground to believe that they'll be 
 more forward to take them this fummer. The truth is, I know that, 
 within thefe two days, there has been meetings among them ; and 
 they have refolved not to take them at prefent. They have got en- 
 couragement from abroad, and will fee the beginning of this campaign 
 before they do any thing. Thus, if by the act they were required to 
 
 Z 2 take
 
 i8o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 take them, within a certain time, according to the nature of futfi 
 acts, the government would infallibly receive an affront ; whereas, 
 as it isj the council can proceed or abftain as they fee caufe : And my 
 advice in council will be, to proceed againft a few men in each county, 
 that are known to be active pregmatick men, and the heads of the fac- 
 tion ; and to proceed againft them, not by the penalty of a double 
 cefs, but by fining them in a year's valued rent, or confining or 
 banifhing them. And I wifh the King may fignify his pleafure, 
 that we put not the oaths to the heritors in general, without ex- 
 prefs order ; otherwife, we mail be apt enough, by a foolifh zeal, 
 to fplit the authority and reputation of his government upon a 
 multitude, by making it known to the world, that the body of the 
 heritors of this kingdom will not own him. This is the down- 
 right truth ; but I know it will be written, that the prefbyterians 
 were againft putting the oaths to heritors, becaufe they are afraid 
 of a new parliament ; whereas, the queftion was only, Which was 
 the moft prudent way of doing it, by the parliament or the coun- 
 cil ? But, if fuch glofles are to be allowed,! may obferve, on the o- 
 ther hand, that thefe members of parliament who are known to 
 be difaffected to this government, and who never vote for the 
 King, were this day zealous and violent for putting the oaths to 
 all heritors, though at other times they ufed to be againft all 
 oaths : But you know acts of parliament are fpoiled two ways* 
 that is, by being two ftrong, as well as by being too weak. Payn 
 has got his indytment ; he denyes not his letter in private, but he'll, 
 deny it in judgement. It will be an eafy matter to prove both that 
 it is his, and that it is treafon : But men are much divided in their 
 opinion, whether the taking his life will be worth the while to ba- 
 lance the confequence of the precedent of condemning a man for a 
 paper unfigned, and which the matter is not otherwife proved by 
 witneiTes : However, they agreed to give him his indictment, to try 
 if that will fright him into a confeflion. Tarbat fent to my Lord 
 Collington word, that he would not be clerk in his concern j and fo 
 prevented the cloud ready to break upon him. Now, he fays he'll 
 
 com-
 
 AND LETTERS. 181 
 
 complain to the King of me ; but, God be thanked, he can accufe 
 me neither of perjury nor murder ; as Shaftbury faid, the Duke 
 would neither call him fool nor papift. The matter is this, we 
 have taken letters of my Lady Largoe's, fufficient to make torture 
 her, if fhe were a man. We found inclofed the minutes of parlia- 
 ment going to London ; and this, before they were revifed and al- 
 lowed here. I did, at the Duke's defire, produce thefe minutes in 
 parliament, and challenged the clerks. I had at the fame time the 
 parliament's letter to the King, printed at London, before the King 
 got it, though the orders were, that no copy mould be given 
 but one by me to be fent to the Queen. The truth is, we 
 lofe an hour or two every day by the minutes. The delign is plain, 
 to ridicule the parliament by ridiculous minutes. Minutes were 
 produced in parliament, printed by my Lord Tarbat's order, in 
 which, after it is declared that the .chancellor, by the commiffioner's 
 order, had adjourned the parliament, the parliament is made to act 
 on as if they were ftill fitting. Pray, communicate with Mr Steven- 
 fon. I have no more time. I fhall write to him fully the next poft. 
 I think that he mould counter-fign, and that the thing mould be re- 
 prefented to the King. Farewell. 
 
 I had forgot that the point of the countrie's furnifhing the foot, 
 m cafe the King raife the four regiments, was carried this day. 
 
 Secretary J o H nst on to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord Tarbat's Negotiations with the Clergy •, to prevent their taking 
 the Oaths of Allegiance and Ajfiirance* 
 
 I had your 's with my Lord Portland's ; and I have written a full May 169^, 
 anfvver to him, which you'll fee. As to the captain he recom- 
 mends, I can do nothing in it at prefent, the captains of my Lord 
 Carmichael's regiment being not only named, but having laid out 
 money in order to the levies. I fend you a copy of my letters to 
 Mr Stevenfon and you of the I ft inftant, apprehending they have 
 
 mifcarried>
 
 182 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 mifcarried. I fend you alfo, fince it is church-bun nefs, a memorial, 
 fent to me by the Laird of Nynwalls, who lives in the Mearns ; you 
 would communicate it to my Lord Portland, for I refer to it in my 
 letter to him. Nynwalls has the original letter from Simpfon to 
 him, which I faw. Simpfon is one of the epifcopal clergy. The 
 dialogue was between him and Mr Bernard M'Kenzie. The Mar- 
 quis of Athol has told me the fame thing in general. My Lord 
 Murray told me the bufmefs of Cravie, before ever I knew it from 
 Nynwalls; he told the fame to the Duke, from whom Tarbat and 
 others have known it. 
 
 Remember that I was advertifed of this before ever we entered 
 upon the bufinefs of the comprehenfion-acl:, and that thofe men. were 
 fent, and the refolution taken, berofe we knew ourfelves what the 
 comprehenfion-acl: would be ; and therefore their obftinacy in refilling 
 the oaths cannot be imputed to the comprehenfion-acl:, as they now 
 foolifhly pretend. I, to try Tarbat's modefly, afkt him, before the 
 chancellor and others, what his friend Mr Bernard M'Kenzie had been 
 doing in the north ? He, like himfelf, anfwered, That he believed 
 he had been perfuading the epifcopal clergy to take the oaths. I 
 faid, No doubt he knew what he had been doing ; he faid, Mr Ber- 
 nard had always been himfelf for taking the oaths, and would take 
 them ; and that thofe of Rofs would do it. The truth is, their refo- 
 lution to keep the clergy from taking the oaths was the effect of 
 an advice from London. They were in doubt themfelves what ad- 
 vice to give. Nov/ they apprehend they are difcovered, and I 
 believe would gladly have them to take the oaths, that they them- 
 felves might deny all. This I know, that they are mightily per- 
 plexed what to do. Tarbat fays, he'll meddle no mere with 
 churchmen, hoping thus to cover himfelf. This he faid to fome 
 of the epifcopal clergy too ; and this is the meaning of what Cra- 
 vie fays ; for Tarbat trulls Mr Bernard ; but Cravie went too with 
 his concurrence, though Tarbat after would have difengaged him- 
 felf. I fancy they have, one of thefe laft two ports, got fome ad- 
 yertifement from London that is difcouraging. Pray remember, 
 that Mr Bridgman, who at London is Tarbat's correspondent, told 
 
 pu-
 
 AND LETTERS. 183 
 
 publickly, that Payn would not be tried, and that the parliament 
 would rife in confufion. His friends indeed fucceeded in the one * 
 and, if they fucceeded not in the other, it was not their fault. They 
 hoped reprefentations would make all end in heat, and were fur- 
 prifed with the letter to the King that prevented them. 
 
 I only add, that the impreffions which the recalling the orders a- 
 bout the new levies give, grow deeper and worfe : It were enough 
 at prefent only to fignify, that the King is refolved to raife them. 
 Pray, tell my Lord P. which I forgot in his letter, that my Lord 
 Argyle behaved himfelf very well in parliament, and did good fer- 
 vice, and that I feeing that, keeped him till the end, againft his in- 
 clinations, which were for Flanders. Farewell. 
 
 If you think there will be room for my doing any good in 
 Flanders, I am willing to come ; if not, let me alone in England. 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Duke of Hamiltorts Conducl with refpecl to the Earl Arran. 
 SIR, 
 
 My letter to Mr Stevenfon is full. The inclofed papers are May 24, 
 copies of what I have fent to the Queen. Show them to my Lord 
 Portland. I had not hitherto wrote to her, which was complained 
 of. I am told the Advocate hundred the Duke from fiezing on 
 Arran. Both he and the Dutchefs allured the Duke that Arran 
 would not withdraw. The Advocate will loofe himfelf with all 
 honeft men. I took Arran to the fands, in my coach, 10 days agoe, 
 and challenged him of every thing. I told him pofitively, that 
 hereafter no man would truft him. He feemed then refolved to 
 afk his pardon for by-gones, and to offer his fervice to the King : 
 But now faith and honour will hardly ever be recovered. I can affure 
 you, there is no jugle betwixt him and the Duke: Its rather the 
 difference betwixt them that hindred the Duke from committing; 
 leaft others mould have faid it had been pique. Farewell. 
 
 Arran rails at me and the Juftice-clerk; the truth is, the whole 
 rails at us both; and they have reafon. 
 
 Secretary
 
 j84 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Secretary Johnston to Mr Carstares, 
 
 Of Lord John 'Hamilton.-*— ?— Lord Murray.- The Perverjion of 
 Jujlice in the Court of ' Sejfion. - - ^ Sir William Lockhart taken from 
 both fides, 
 
 Edinburgh, J thank you for your's of the x8th, Mr Stevenfon will tell you 
 a727 ' what is done. There is no getting the Duke to try theie Lords. 
 My Lord John Hamiltone defires Cardnefs's place; but all honeft 
 • men that I know are for the prefent Lord, Its fit to deUy the 
 matter, Forfar too would have it, I have written fully to my 
 Lord Portland about Linlithgow and his a£t I wifti you may 
 fee that letter; I cannot repeat, In a word* I never law any 
 thing fo grofs \ his own party difowns him. The Chancellor, who 
 hath" hitherto fupported him, has honeftly declared, that he*li own 
 him no more ; and fays pofuively? that, to grant a cefs during 
 life, now that fuch other extraordinary burdens are granted, were to 
 alienate the nation irrecoverably from the government. Pray, 
 fpeak to my Lord Portland for a letter to put my Lord Murray on the 
 council He is a man who may be truited? which is a rare thing 
 here. Mr Stevenfon will tell you the initaneg of the nation^ 
 averfionto the ieulon, That all parties agree in that | fome faid 
 openly* that November wa§ too foon for them to meet. Pray, 
 tell my Lord Portland, thai: an honeft man knows not what colours 
 to give to the c thai spears for fnpponmg m eftabiimed 
 
 perverHon of jultiee. Tell him, that I (hall fteep ibund^ were 
 T aiTu? tlheKlog would i the French; m it§ <■ 
 
 that, who§ver payea well* krm lawyers do infallibly carry their 
 caufe, Some haft mtn will be exan [ -have fi r fl a letter 
 
 from my Lord F in which be v ? Sir William Lock* 
 
 hart took. 17 - • from him, He ha& fince been with me, and 
 
 tola n William* for thde p was ingaged tofcua 
 
 to purfuc, inftead of him, ©ne of the wit him 5 but that 
 
 he took 10 guineas from that wittwft too, and fo cheated him. 
 He alfo told me, that he took money from my Lord Boyn to be- 
 friend his fon. farewell. 
 
 Alex.
 
 AND LETTERS. 185 
 
 Alexander Johnston, the Secretary's Brother, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 Invidious Interpretations put upon the Church-aclpaffed in the ScottiJIj 
 Parliament 1693.— Of 'Sir John M l Lean's Negotiations at St 
 Germains. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your's of the 3d inftant was the more welcome, that we had loft July 7* 
 the former packet-boat by the French privateers; though, in truth, 
 the contents of your's hath a ftrange relifh at firft tafte, I wifh they 
 prove wholefome. In truth, I have nothing to write to you, only 
 fubmhTion, &c. till God affords better faire. I am jufl now fending 
 off a flying packet to my friend, to haften hither with all expedition. 
 I hope he will allay the humours and noife of fome here ; for I parti- 
 cularly know fome are impofed upon by the artifice of others. I will 
 give you one inftance : When the church-act part the committee of 
 parliament, my neighbour fhowed a copy of it (as he pretended) to a 
 very eminent peer (in every refpect) thus, ' The only church-govern- 
 ?nent without the limitation of this nation, or of this church.' Where- 
 upon that perfon of quality faid to my neighbour, That act would not 
 pafs here, but the commiffioner or fecretary would flop the royal 
 fanction. To which it was anfwered, That it had paft the commit- 
 tee already, and would pafs the other houfe, and be touched by the 
 fcepter. The perfon of quality replied, That could not be fo, for it 
 would be rather an act of exclufion than of comprehenfion. How- 
 ever, this about exclufion and comprehenfion was writ down to 39 
 and 69, as the cenfure of that perfon of quality on the church-act. 
 I being advertifed of this, I brought the printed act to that perfon 
 of quality. So foon as he read it, he told me all the above paffage; 
 and obferved, of this church, is in the act, and that it refers to a 
 former act of parliament too. Its obvious to obferve the vaft dif- 
 ference 'twixt, the only church-government, and the only government 
 of this church, as its in the act. Its your province to argue upon 
 
 A a this
 
 S T A "T E - P A P E R S 
 
 this head at prefent. I only inftance this ad: of difingenuity and 
 artifices of fome men to impofe on others, if they can. That defe- 
 rence I owe that perfon of quality, with the plainnefs and ingenuity 
 he freely told me the ftory, oblige me not to name him. Befides,this 
 perfon, and this paffage, may be of ufe when things are truely looked 
 unto ; fo be pleafed to ftop your very conje&ures to any other per- 
 fon. I have no news here. They are juft examining the fecretary 
 of the admiralty. Its thought he will be committed to prifon. I 
 eagerly defire that my friend may be fent to Flanders. On Wed- 
 nefday morning laft, one of my tools aflured me, that Sir John 
 M'Lean by this time is at St Germains with the late King; and 
 that he had bills of exchange for L. iooo fterling along with him ; 
 and that he was fent hither by others ; fome of whole names he 
 hath promifed to difcover to me this week or the next. He fays 
 alfo, that two perfons are lately gone from the late King to Scot- 
 land. Mind Glafgow bufinefs ; Jervifwood and Hume ; though I 
 know you need not this item. You ihall always find (by God's 
 ftrength) that I mail acquiefce in doing my duty ; and, leaving the 
 event to God, from whom we have all our being, moveing, and 
 breathing, &c. my care is, the publick, and my brother, whofe un- 
 certain health frightens me, on fuch fuddain concuflions and tutches. 
 My reprinting this, hath convinced the city of N. Payn's guilt, and 
 the plot at home. Both Arran and Captain Mair are here. I am. 
 forry Abercrombie's offer was not embraced : He is the life of all ; 
 I mean the Jefuite. Adieu. 
 
 Excufe me to Mr Stevenfon ; for I have nothing to write ; 
 and I am fending off a flying packett. 
 
 Alex-
 
 AND LETTERS. 187 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Complaints againft his Brother's Tranfaclions in Scotland. — Of the 
 Epifcopal Clergy ivho ivill not take the Oaths. [In this and the 
 following Letters, friend is ufedfor his brother the fecretary, and 
 neighbour, for the Matter of Stairs.] 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I am fo ftunned with the unfortunate account of the Turkey fleet that J ul 7 r 4- 
 is come to this city this morning, that I can mind no other bufinefs. I ' 93 ' 
 pray God it prove falfe. The particulars I refer to others, for I know 
 them not exactly. Be allured, a great many of our countrymen de- 
 fign hither fpeedily, to prevent fiich a flop was laft year. There is 
 a talk here, as if the King would, by his prerogative, difcharge the 
 prifoners and oaths. In the beginning of this week, the Mafter of 
 Stairs had an audience of the Queen. It is told to me, that it was 
 about the explanation which (as reported) the fynod of Glafgow 
 made when they took the oaths. Thefe laft three pofts, fince this 
 report began, I have had many letters, but not one word of that ex- 
 planation. I have enquired at all my acquaintances, but find no 
 mention of fiich a thing in their' letters. Monday's letters brought 
 it hither, and a hideous noife about it here; but it's funk very much; 
 which makes me believe the audience muft be on other things ; the 
 grounds of the intended accufation in the inclofed. I wifh for an ac- 
 count what is become of Sir John M'Lean and Sir William Lock- 
 hart. I ?.m told Sir David How is printing the indictment againft 
 N. Payne, and his defences, &c. Daniel Munroe is faid to be buflie 
 writing againft the act: for the oaths, and the church-act. Its alfo 
 true, that my Lord Elphifton hath been with the Queen, com 
 plaining of his not being provided for, fince he demitted his 
 troop on affurance of another. The thing, in this, is a defign 
 to lay the blame at my friend's door, which he can eafily anfwer, 
 but cannot prevent clamour without ground in abfenfe. I do hear- 
 tily thank you for the approbation of my delivering that long paper, 
 
 A a 2 and
 
 138 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and afking leave. I am fenfible thefe fleps were made opportunely* 
 and fuccefsfully. My friend being in the country hinders his wri- 
 ting to you and your partner. He came to Edinburgh on Saturday 
 night. On Monday he would write by the flying packett, defiring 
 him to haften hither. Be lure to humour and oblige Selkirk as 
 much as you can, and caufe Mr Stevenfon mould do the like. Its ab- 
 folutely neceffary for my friend and you to live well with his father. 
 Keep clofs that long paper ; a copy whereof I delivered here. Pray, 
 prevail with P. to conceall it too ; and Mr Stevenfon too. You'll fee 
 by the inclofed what rods are layed in pifh againft my friend : Pray, 
 be diligent and efFectuall to prevent ill impreffions, that, at leaft, a 
 fair hearing may end things fairly, according to the merit and truth. 
 of things. Pray, advertife us of all the bad, as well as the good, 
 you perceive in our affairs. The three batteries mentioned in the. 
 inclofed are a trible greatefull return for my friend's preferring that. 
 family in our parliament ; but I never expected other dealling from 
 them. I have fent four large packetts, intercepted from Paris here* 
 to my friend, which I hope will be very ufefull for their Majefties. 
 fervice. The epifcopal clergy in Scotland will not take the oaths ;. 
 fo confider what is next to be done. I fent your's and Mr Steven- 
 fon's to my felf forward to my friend yefterday, then they arrived . 
 here. 
 
 Excufe my not writing to Mr Stevenfon this night, for my heart. 
 
 is oppreifed with the ill news aforefaid. Adieu, 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Bitter againjl the Majler of Stairs for granting P affes to Papijls.— * 
 
 Has certain Tools employed in his Service for the Difcovery ofDe— 
 figns againjl the Government, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Aug, 4. 1693. By my laft I gave you an account of the blow that was given orr 
 the church-ad, 65c. and I am fure the archbifhop confirmed it all to. 
 
 my
 
 AND LETTERS. 289 
 
 ♦ 
 
 my Lord P. by the laft poft. Now, I fhall give you a tuch of a deep- 
 er dye, ingrained indeed a pais or two under my neighbour's hand- 
 fealj are produced this morning to Secretary Trenchard ; whereby 
 ten or twelve men and women, young folks of quality and eftates in 
 Northumberland, had liberty to go beyond fea ; and the proof is 
 plain and full : The young women to be put into nunneries, and 
 the young gentlemen to be put in the Jefuite colledges, and o- 
 ther popiih. lchoolls, to be educated in that fuperftition. By vir- 
 tue of thefe pafTes, they are actually gone beyond fea, and are placed 
 in thofe very nunneries and colledges they defigned. Its certain 
 thefe panes, and appears fully to be the only caufe of their getting 
 beyond fea, the law forbidding it ; and that, which is worfe, the act 
 of parliament here that prohibits the carrying over any perfons to 
 be educate in the popiih religion, or that gives or procures any pafs 
 for fuch to go beyond fea, makes it treafon ; but that which affli&s 
 fome mod is, that the paiTes and plain full proof are produced o- 
 penly this morning, not only to the fecretary aforefaid, but alfo to 
 many worthy and honourable members of the two houfes of par- 
 liament ; fo the thing cannot be fmuthered and concealed. The on- 
 ly remedy is a pardon under the great feal, like Broughton and Sir 
 William Purves, which made them both very honeft men again. Be- 
 fides, the old gentleman that went over with thefe young folks, 
 and, by virtue of thefe paiTes, as their governor, proves a great traf- 
 ficker with France againft this government. What will be the re- 
 mit I know not ; but Secretary Trenchard dealt fairly, and fent the 
 Harwich waiter or furveyor (Mr Mackye) to my neighbour imme- 
 diately, to inform him of the whole affair, and his hazard. This 
 ftruck him almoft dead ; and, in his confternation, fuddainly he 
 faid, " Every thing, I fee, contributes to deftroy me." He preifed 
 to have or fee the paiTes ; but was denied this, being his warrant 
 for what he did. My friend medlcd not with it, he not knowing 
 of it till the mine was fprung ; and now the city and court talk of 
 it. You cannot imagine how deep thefe two wounds ftrick ; I mean 
 the for this in the church-act, and thefe paiTes j they have not only 
 
 intirely
 
 100 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 intirely funk all the noife that was raifed againft our parliament's pro- 
 ceedings, but alfo have raifed a full and fhamefull hew and cry after, 
 and againft them ; which is a clear demonftration, that he who walks 
 uprightly walks furely. While I am writing, I am told that all the 
 blame is laid on Halfyde, with a great deal of bitternefs and reflection. 
 If fo, he will not be the nrft fervant that hath fathered his matter's 
 bratt ; but they will not fall out ; or, if they do, indeed the reckon- 
 ing betwixt them would turn to a better account than all the paf- 
 fes aforefaid. I wifh I had the ftating them. I am confirmed that 
 Sir John M'Lean is with the late King ; where he got a pafs, I am 
 not fure as yet. My woman-traveller is gone thither too ; if fhe 
 proves honeft, it will do good fervice to the government; but, if 
 ihe fails, and proves falfe, et operam et olium perdidi. There is an 
 abfolute neceffity of trying and trufting fiich tools. I blefs God I 
 have peace in the integrity of my intention in that affair ; and I 
 have carried it fo clofely, that no living knows their names, nor 
 fhall, till I fee the refult ; for, as fhe confirmed to me by oath her 
 faithfulnefs in this affair, fo I faithfully promifed to conceal her 
 name, and the road fhe intended to take thither and back again to 
 me. I perceive we will have a fleece of our difcontented folks here 
 to make a noife all this winter. My Lord Breadalbine is at the 
 Bath already. My Lord Lowthan came to this town lafl night. 
 Some fay Tarbett and Breadalbine will be here fpeedily, and Lith- 
 gow too, and the whole crew. Several letters from feveral places 
 bear, that Admiral Rooke is come fafe to Kingfail. I am waiting 
 for my neighbour's explanations of Glafgow : It's certainly falfe; but 
 I doubt if I'll get a copy of it this night, though it hath been pro- 
 mifed to have it this night ; they are afhamed of it already. I am 
 confident you'll have it next poft ; and I am confident an audience 
 was had here on this fham explanation, as I wrote before. The 
 aforefaid bufincfs of the pafTes vexes them : My neighbour hath 
 been with N. about it. It's faid Halfyde denies it to be done by 
 him ; it is alfo faid, that Halfyde is turned off upon this account ; 
 and thatN. would not fpeak in my neighbour's behalf till this wai 
 
 done ;
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 igi 
 
 done ; and, if my tool tells truth, he doubts if N. will meddle in it 
 looking it fo dirty, and that, for this, equally fhameful. My brother 
 hath wrote fully to you and Mr Stevenlbn ; — and now I am fure the 
 affair of the giving panes is at leaft mifpriiion of treafon. I find 
 the other fide of this houfe is very confident, that the general af- 
 fembly will meet at the day and place they affixed, which they 
 hope will ruin them utterly : God prevent it. Excufe this confu- 
 fed long letter ; for I am not able to read it over for all the world • 
 but my mite fhall not be wanting, though its of little value. Cef- 
 nockis growing mad by the preflure of his creditors ; he abufes you 
 and my brother about lofing his place ; he calls it cheating him out 
 of it : At the reflecting word I grew warm, and tuched him ; he 
 calmed : The truth is, he kept all this while very ill company, of 
 ill principles. Keep this intirely to yourfelf. He denys pofitively 
 that he confented to Ormifton's fucceeding him. I am weary. 
 Adieu. 
 
 My fervice to Mr Stevenfon. My weaknefs, and the length of 
 this letter, will plead my excufe for not writing any more. Twelve 
 
 at night. 
 
 John Macky to Lord Melvill. 
 
 Of Pajfes granted by the Mqfter of Stairs, 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Upon perufal of what paffes have come to this place fince the Auguft 24 « 
 war, I have found feverals granted by the Mr of Stairs, that do l693 ° 
 really aftonifh me, particularly, one dated December 15. 1692, to 
 Captain James Dalyell and Captain William M'Gill, at the -time 
 there were warrants out for fecuring of both. Be pleafed to look 
 into fome of the informations I have given your Lordfhip, and you 
 will find the character of both. They are both now in France .'• and 
 Dalyell, as your Lordfhip may remember, was fent from the bor- 
 ders of Scotland, upon which fearch was made for him at London. 
 
 Another;
 
 i 9 t STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Another, dated 27. of March 1693, to Mr John Menzies, fome 
 time profeflbr of philofophy at St Andrew's, a man, fo noted a Ja- 
 cobite, that he durft not ftay in Scotland ; and manages now the 
 correfpondence betwixt King James and the Bifhop of Glafgow. 
 Another, dated April 4th, to Mr Orchard, who came up with 
 Meldrume laft Spring to my Lord Midletone, and went over 
 with this pafs about the fame time my Lord went. Another, 
 dated April 27th, to the famous Mrs Simpfone that ierves 
 Skermorly, with feveral others to Englifh gentlemen, whofe 
 characters I do not yet know. I have all the pafles in my poffeffion, 
 and fhall keep them till there be a convenient time to make ufe of 
 them. The Laird of Clerkingtone came by your Lordfhip's pafs 
 laft week ; he is a noted Jac. and may be going to France ; but has 
 not a head can do much harm. I hope your Lordfhip hath been 
 mindfull of that affair I troubled your Lordfhip about 'when laft 
 at London. I fhall always be careful of doing every thing may 
 -contribute to your Lordfhip Yfervice ; and I am, 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your Lordfhip's moft faithful, 
 And obedient fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Jo. Mackie, 
 
 Alex. Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A curious PaJJage concerning Sir George Campbell and Sir James 
 
 Montgomery. A Difcovery made by Falfyde of a treafonable 
 
 Correfpondence. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Septem. iq. The two welcome Dutch mails arrived here on Saturday's morn- 
 l6 93- ing. Immediately I difpatched away the flying packet ; and I be- 
 lieve this very time they are feafting upon the dainties of it, as I 
 did when it came, and ftill do. I never faw fuch a look as I 
 :got from my neighbour when he read the account of it, (except 
 
 when
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 193 
 
 yfhea I told him, that Ormifton fucceeded Sir George Campbell in 
 that place) ; but the great misfortune was, the flying packet was 
 gone four or five hours before that account came to his hands ; for 
 we both bemoaned the too much hafte in fending away the flying 
 packet ; fo the ordinary poft was the only remedy that was left. 
 There is no fort of news ; the only expectation is, that our fleet 
 may happily meet with the French fleet in their return to Brefl, 
 which would wafh away all our fowre humours, and make us happy 
 in a fecond fea-viclory j and perhaps that new invention of firing 
 darts may be a chief help ; for on Saturday I faw the grand expe- 
 riment, which fucceeded wonderfully. Yefterday I met accidentally 
 Sir George Campbell, and delivered your meiTage, and invited 
 him to dinner, as he was going to his lodgings in Kingftreet, Weft- 
 minfter. 'Twixt the Privy-Garden wall and the Cockpit, a gentleman 
 in a hackney coach called to him, and fpoke to him, who was Sir 
 James Montgomerie ; there was company in the coach ; they ftoped 
 not, but drove on beyond Whitehall : Within half an hour, or lefs, 
 he fent for me, and told me the ftorry, which furprifed me exceed- 
 ingly, both on the account of Sir George's fillinefs and Sir James's 
 boldnefs. It was too late to retrive it ; fo I fcolded Sir George ex- 
 ceedingly, how eafily he might have had him feized, there being 
 two centries upon the guard in Whitehall, and in the park-houfe, 
 and fo but calling out a traitor, the very people had flopt the coach 
 and taken him. This is a foolifh filly unaccountable palTage. The 
 truth is, I told him too much in my paffion ; how eafy a porter 
 might have done it, or dogged him, and then had him taken. I 
 found him exceedingly vexed, either at his omiffion, or his telling 
 it ; however, I went ftraight to Secretary Trenchard,and acquaint- 
 ed him with it ; and all oars are put into the water to find him out; 
 for its certain he is juft come from France or Stockholm. I 
 am informed, that feveral gentlemen that took the oaths are now 
 refolved to refufe to take them, if tendered to them in Scotland, their 
 hopes are fo great at prefent. This information made me refolve 
 to enquire if it was fo here : And, walking the park this morn- 
 
 B b in 
 
 fc>
 
 194 STATE-PAPERS- 
 
 ing, I found Mr Bofkawn, (the privy counfellor) ; I told it to hinr ? 
 and he allured me, that its fo here too, feveral perfons being fined in 
 the country for not taking the oaths, and refufmg them, tho' they 
 had taken them before, fi nee this happy revolution. This is fo consi- 
 derable a paiTage in my thoughts, that I really think its worth not 
 only writing, but confidering too ; and the more its enquired into, 
 the number of them will appear confiderable ; and may I not then 
 rationally conclude, that profilites are made carefully? My Lord 
 Braedalbine appears publickly at court, though I have not yet feen 
 him in the Queen's prefence : Its pretended he hath leave to flay. 
 I have letters from a good hand at Edinburgh, that bear the D. of 
 Queenfberry, &c. immediately on the firft arrival of the bad news 
 of the laft battle in Flanders, his Grace went to the prifons to vifit 
 them that were for refufmg the oaths, and other crimes againft the 
 government, yet he did not come to the council ; and it is obferved, 
 the prifoners took their part, and that then the defign to liberate the 
 prifoners was firft formed, and at laft performed fo vigorouily and 
 bare-faced, as the journals and inclofed fhow you, (I mean the for- 
 mer journals.) The fame letter fays, that the chief ingredient of the 
 new match was to effect thefe things :■ And that Calder's trial, or 
 rather the mifgiving it, was another ingredient; and the mifapply- 
 ing the new taxes is another part of it. Thus, its a loyal and hope- 
 full match that brings forth fuch fruit before feed-time. I defire 
 not to be guilty of ill-natured obiervations ; but its not for nought 
 that Mr Thorn. Deans (the great dealer with that family) is gone 
 down now to Scotland. My brother, and others too, write pofi- 
 tively to me, that Calder never wrote that manifefto ; and there- 
 fore fuch pains have been taken to acquit him, left he mould have 
 difcovered others ; and, for the fame reafon it was, that he unnecef- 
 farily owned himfelf the author of it, to cover others from fufpi- 
 cion : And indeed, why fhould not Calder do fo, when he was him- 
 felf infured, and out of the way of hazard, and protected and mag- 
 nified for their merit ? I mult confefs thefe fteps are unaccountable, 
 for them to dare to do fo j but it will be more unaccountable if they 
 
 be
 
 AND LETTERS. 195 
 
 be fuffered to continue in fuch legerdemain, &c. Thus, I give you 
 my mite as heartily as you gave your treafures by the other poft ; and 
 I mail take care to procure a difpenfation from your lady for your 
 flay longer till S. W. L. and Jeref. bufinefs be done. I mail be forry 
 if B. Albion be permitted to ftay, fince he ftrangely behaves him- 
 felf in his denials of the notice of the former prohibition. Hal- 
 fyde's ftratagem and mafterpiece. — The J. Clerk's letters were at 
 the Bath. All that I know of Halfyde's difcovery is, that he mows 
 a letter wrote by your brother-in-law Mr Dullap, deli ring him to 
 fend forward an inclofed letter to Mr Shields (the Cameronian); 
 this letter was directed to be left at a houfe at Bruxells. Halfyde 
 fays, that he opened this letter to Shields, and found another letter 
 in it to the Earl of Lauderdale, in which there was a large key, or 
 cypher, with fome directions how to ufe it. Halfyde left this open 
 packet on his table, and a gentleman accidentally coming in, per- 
 ceiving it, enquired what it was, whereupon he told him the whole 
 thing, and alked what he mould do in it. This gentleman advifed 
 him to fee the utmoft of it, which Halfyde agreed to. About ten 
 or twelve days afterwards, another packet comes to Halfyde's houfe, 
 under the fame directions, with advice and directions how King 
 James mould come to Scotland, and what fteps and preparations he 
 fhould make before he comes thither. There is alfo accounts of 
 men and things, and particularly, bitter expreffions and reflections 
 on my brother, yourfelf, the advocate, Lord Juftice-CIerk, and o- 
 thers ; but my information is fhort of thefe particulars ; but this is 
 the fcheme of the whole : So judge of it as you pleafe, and let my 
 information be kept fecret as from me ; for I plowed with another 
 man's heifer, -whom I would not have difcovered. Read this to Mr 
 Stevenfon, for I am not able to write ; and prefent my humble fer- 
 vice and thanks for his rarities. I long to have you all here with 
 flying colours or flags after a fea-victory. Adieu. 
 
 The Dutch poft is not, nor can come while the wind is fo crofs. 
 After the flying packet was quite gone, I devulged the laft news ; all 
 lioneft men rejoiced at them, and others were difappointed thereby. 
 
 B b 2 Alex-
 
 196 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr C a k s t a r f i 
 
 Halfyde threatens to ruin him and his Brother. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Septem. 29. The vacation of the council and feffion in Scotland, and the want 
 l6 93- of four Dutch packets, create fuch. a profound quiet as to news, 
 that I have nothing elfe to do or fay but to fend the inclofed, tho s 
 I confefs we're more uneafy than we would be with the noife of all 
 the couriers at home and abroad. It's believed Sir William Afhurft 
 is my Lord Mayor of this city by the plurality, but the poll will de- 
 termine it, this being the eledion-day. I pray for the like good ac- 
 counts of our Edinburgh election, S. J. Hall to be the man. The 
 news of the laft flying packet is a great mortification, and rejoicing 
 to others ; you will ' eafily diftinguifh the Kidneys. Halfyde offi- 
 ciates ftill ; it feems he is infeparable. Many of my neigh- 
 bour's friends admire at this ; but the reafon you'll feel in their 
 thoughts. Befides, Halfyde pofitively declares, that he hath made 
 fuch confiderable difcoveries, that he will be a greater man than 
 both our fecretaries. He declares, that he can, and will ruin Se- 
 cretary Johnfton and his brother ; and, as to the other fecretary, he 
 fays, he is a lazy and credulous man ; (all this can be proved.) As 
 to Cunningham and Jamifon's bufinefs, he fays pofitively, that he 
 hath the King's order to fign Ja. Jamefon, or any other name he 
 pleafes ; (this can be proved.) I anfwered, that he ought to be fent 
 to bedlam, or at leaft to grant paffes to Jacobites and Rebels. Hal- 
 fyde officiates ftill, even this night. Thus I have made much of 
 nothing ; that is, much noife or writing about nothing. Adieu. 
 My fervice to Mr Stevenfon, 
 
 Alex-
 
 AND LETTERS. 197 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Oeneral Talma/h 9 s Death*— —Hints of a dif cover y of a Plot* -* 
 
 Colonel Parker, 
 
 In the following letters, we have a detail of the feveral confpiracies 
 of the Jacobites previous to the difcovery of the r plot for aflaf- 
 finating King William. Parker was the prime mover and agent 
 in that defign. See State Trials vol. 4. Charnock's trial' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The gazett gives you all the news about Bred, Lafl night an June *5> 
 unlucky exprefs brought the melancholy account of Lieutenant- l 54 * 
 General TalmaftYs death of his wounds at Plymouth the morning 
 before. What I writt to you laft poft is my true fenfe of the af- 
 fair I writt to you of concerning the Colonel j and I doubt not it 
 is, and will prove ail true : Yet there are fo many accidents that 
 may interveen, and alter men and things, that your tendernefs and 
 prudence is defired in reprefenting them to P, very cautioufly, till things 
 ihow themfelves ; the fuccefs or ufefulneis being the ftandard of 
 mankind, efpecially of courts and great men, who of neceffity rauft 
 judge the tree by its fruit, and not by the blofloms, &c, There is 
 nothing elfe material worth writing, only the Jacobites are pofitive 
 and confident that you have received a blow in Flanders j particu- 
 larly, they fay that Luxemburgh hath got in betwixt you and your 
 horfe 5 fo that they cannot join your infantry, God forbid, 
 Adieu, 
 
 Alex-.
 
 s 9 8 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 Of Proofs againft Colonel Parker.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 June 19. tj^ p r oof in the Colonel's cafe is fo full, pofitive, and plain, that 
 the King's counfel at law judge it fufficient, So that difficulty is 
 over. Yet I am endeavouring to feize four more to add to the fix 
 we have already. I have a further profpect in this, hoping this op- 
 portunity may be improved to a more general difcovery of men and 
 things. If I get Mackadam and Sharnock, I believe the barbarous 
 point in Flanders will be proved ; that is to fay, that the Colonel 
 hath fpoke fome words, which will evidently prove that he was 
 concerned in it, and approved of it as an heroick attempt. Dr 
 Kennedy proves very obftinate. Impart to my Lord P. what you 
 pleafe of this letter ; but to none elfe. Adieu. 
 
 WitnefTes. 
 Sir George Maxwell \ 
 Captain Carr > All the fix, except Bruce, are in cuftody. 
 
 Captain Bruce J 
 
 Captain Welfh -\ The laft three were officers in the Colonel's 
 
 ... / regiment in Ireland, and were with him in 
 Lieut. Somervaill > the French camp> at the f iege of Mons? 
 
 Coronet Chalmers. J an( j at Lyle, Paris, &c. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Profpecl of further Difcoveries concerning the AJfaffmation Plot. 
 
 Accounts of himfelf — and his prefent Employment as a Spy in 
 
 the Service of Government. 
 
 SIR, 
 June 29. This is only to tell you, that the fix names of men I fent you 
 
 1694. "before is probably encreafing to twelve j at leaft, this night, or to- 
 morrow,
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 199 
 
 morrow, will bring near it, tho' they are grown very cautious; 
 I fay twelve, becaufe I have four perfons, that now do fervice, 
 (in cafe of neceflity), will pofitively prove the points of Ireland. 
 Subfi (ranee and in arms in Flanders at the feige of Mons, &c. with 
 his being fent before the invaflon, intended to raife the people 
 to meet King James in arms. I judge all thefe points are fafe 
 beyond exception, both as to the number of the witnefles and 
 their quality, being all gentlemen, who can produce in writing 
 their commifions, or other credentials on their fide. The thing 
 now I am endeavouring chiefly is, this laft and moft tender point, 
 the aflaflination-plot. How far I fhall be able to carrie it, 
 I do not know. If once I catch Sharnock andM'Adam, and Major 
 Fountaine, its certain they can clear the point, by proving his appro- 
 bation and curfmg the mifs of the blow pt. Coronett Cham- 
 bers (in cuftody) being his valet de chamber, and afterwards his 
 coronet at the Boyn, and thereafter returning to be his fervant in 
 France and Flanders, having dealt very ingenoufly with the grand jury, 
 I have foe ordered things, in an obliging way, that I hope he will 
 be prevailed on to tell the whole truth, by an intire difcovery of 
 men and things.; thereafter, Sir George Maxwell and the others 
 fhall be dealt with in the fame manner, each of them feverally ha- 
 ving notice this night, that ingenuity will come too late after others 
 have prevented them by their difcoverys &x. Befides, they were 
 loft to their party, by what they have done already to the grand jury, 
 &c. fuch as infinuations of fettelment and fafety, &c. if they deall 
 plainly. This is the ftate of this affair, concerning which I mail 
 only add, that no other perfon could produce one witnefs in this 
 bufinefs, except what I did ; and two of thefe witnefles were in 
 Scotland, Bruce and Seaton ; each of them got twenty guineas, 
 which my Lord Juflice Clerk paid by my orders, fince repaid by 
 me ; befides the expence here in difcovering and feizing the perfons 
 that could prove the points. The whole expence, flhee I followed 
 this way, you know is confiderable, which freed me to make ap- 
 plication here for my repaiment, both before and fince the King 
 
 left.
 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 I have never received one 
 \im the and I believe it will be 
 
 iould be repayed 
 laid out in 
 to anv rew: c one iixpence for my perfonal ex; 
 
 of binTme:. Since I gave you a: 
 
 E things I r the King's goir. 
 
 .rrivall there, have ft 
 
 P. I hope you will prevent any mi 
 head. You know my drcumftances ; my approaching 
 nake me tremble when I think on them. You i: 
 I have no eftate to fupport iuch expence I have been at ; be . 
 following this wav, I have loft and deftroved the wav I could com- 
 bly lived on bv my profemon and practice of the law and the 
 tallvs af But I hope God will find out an expedient, or : . 
 
 me patience to bear it, without repining, the hurry of public affairs 
 forcing the beft and greateft of men to delay the coniidering of pri- 
 vate affairs. I with you all hapinefs, and a happy campaigne. 
 have noe news, only a fleet is returning to the coaft of France, 
 empt here, which I pray God good fuccefs. We want 
 :al Dutch [ . eu. 
 
 My refpecte to 1 fnfon. 
 
 Sir J axes . . . ~ t, Lord Advocate for Scotland, to Mr Car- 
 star: 
 
 h him about - a General A/fembly. A 
 
 in and turr - the Epifcopal Ckr 
 
 The fynod of Lothian is adjourned to February next, as I hinted 
 
 a formerly. I defire to know your thoughts, if it be advifeable 
 
 that they addrels the King for a new aiTembly to fit fome time . - 
 
 .:, and the fooner the better, if it can fland with the 
 
 con-
 
 AND LETTERS 
 
 
 v ; , it may be it will not be unaccept- 
 
 . judge of: ^encec: 
 
 I know fome wh _d of it, although it ibculd L: 
 
 Hod, if it were no rr. int a com 
 
 :>rth, f : . nbents . 
 
 ft a whole prell ; 
 bogie _::'..-.. a preftmeiy, 
 
 : had ; t . 
 : national c 
 
 jguftir.- i book of 
 
 bu 
 
 fix ~i to be 
 
 for :don take eireci, one 
 
 th" need to .at to do with thole who 
 
 ha found all along, and ftiil re: : il govern- 
 
 ment ? Youir- 
 
 be a tal :d feem to be fome equity for purging oat, 
 
 efr: -t there muft be time for that, and a 
 
 thing they ca m, probibcns, &c. And yet fome, of 
 
 uld not expect it, fpeak never a word of purging oat. 
 
 - may, if you think it thoughts of thefe things. A- 
 
 eu. 
 
 iston toMi ; ' . - . 7 1 1 - 
 
 "Jug the AJfaJfinstion. Names 
 
 cj 
 
 SIR, 
 I lone e an account of all : :in _ 
 
 he bringing in 7c Swedilh and 
 
 Dar. 
 
 rftand the : son the other 
 none but to F. nd do not fo much 
 
 "
 
 202 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 as mention the thing to any other perfon whatfoever. The three 
 points, viz. Ireland, and in arms in the French army at the fiege of 
 Mons, and other places in Flanders, and having fubfiftence there, 
 and his being fent a little before the laft invafion to raife the people, 
 and to join K. J. and commiffions diftributed, &c. will be fully and 
 fatisfyingly proved, beyond all exception. The laft point of the de- 
 figned affaffination in Flanders, is the difficulty which I hope too 
 will, in fome meafure, be performed, to the conviction of all honeft 
 loyal people, and to the fhame of their Majefties enemies. There 
 were three perfons in cuftody, Coronet Chambers, Lieutenant-colo- 
 nel Fountaine, and Lieutenant-colonel MacDonald, are believed to 
 be privy to that wicked defigne ; but M'Adam nor Sharnock are not 
 taken. However, all poflible care is taken to feize them ; and there 
 is hopes Chambers will deall ingenioufly, by telling the whole truth ; 
 and both Fountaine and MacDonald are dead men in law ; fo its 
 probable they'll do the like to fave themfelves. God willing, there 
 fhall be nothing omitted that I can doe to clear this laft point, which 
 would be an incurable ftab to the Jacobites, if once it were proved 
 fully. After perufal, burn this. Do the like to the laft, after P. hath 
 feen it. I took them all myfelf. Keep all clofs, for I am not fuf- 
 •pe&ed by them. Adieu. 
 
 Byeres of Coats, Captain Murray, Lieutenant-colonel Murray's 
 fon, that was in the caftle of Edinburgh, are come now hither from 
 France. The laird of Meldrum is in Holland, and coming hither* 
 Have patience till you hear further.. 
 
 Names of the WitnefTes. 
 
 i . Sir George Maxwell 
 
 2. Lieutenant-colonel Fountaine 
 
 3. Lieutenant-colonel M 'Donald 
 
 4. Captain Bruce 
 
 5. Captain Welfh 
 
 6. Captain Innes of Towey 
 
 7. Captain Alexander Seaton 
 
 8. Cap-
 
 AND LETTERS. 203 
 
 8. Captain Riven 
 
 9. Captain Hamilton of Raplogh. 
 I o. Captain Peter Hay 
 
 1 1. Coronett Chambers, Parker's fecretary in Ireland and Flanders, 
 
 and France, and here too 
 
 1 2. Cornet Somervill 
 
 1 3. Enfigne Seaton. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Account of the Fleets under Lord Berkley and Admiral Ruffel 
 
 Dark Hints of further Di/coveries. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I pray God to fend us good news from you, it being generally July *o. 
 believed that our King hath fought the Dauphine. God prefer ve l694> 
 our King, and give him fuccefs. The laft poft brought you the 
 burning and entire deftruction of Diep, which is now confirmed by 
 Colonel Wharton. The exprefs juft now came from my Lord Berk- 
 ley, before Haver de Grace, three parts whereof was burning and 
 deftroyed when the exprefs left this fleet, Wednefday (the 1 8th in- 
 ftant) at night, before that town. He fays, the next night, and part 
 of Thurfday thereafter, would wholly deftroy it, and then the fleet 
 would return to Spithead for a recruit of all things, efpecially of 
 bombs, their flock being fpent on Diep, and this town Haver de 
 Grace ; and fo return to the French maritime towns, to do the like 
 on fome more of them. I have no account of Admiral Ruffel, other- 
 wife than that he had joined the fquadron in the Mediterranean fea, 
 and had been before Barcelona three days after the French had left 
 it, and returned to Toulon. Admiral Ruflel, with the fleet in thofe 
 leas, with the flight of the French fleet there, and returning to Tou- 
 lon, and fortifying themfeives there, and the relief of Barcelona, 
 will probably further the waf with the Turks, efpecially this burn- 
 
 C c 2 [ n g
 
 oo 4 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 ing the French maritime towns accompanying it. God grant that'. 
 I may add a victory in Flanders ; which would turn the balance. 
 But we {hall have no joy till we hear of the King's fafety, he fo ex- 
 tremely expofes himfelf in the time of action. God preferve him. 
 As to my own particular, its in the way to be done ; and am hearti- 
 ly thankful for your kind and effectual part in it, and P.*s too. But I 
 am about fomething ; if it hit right, it will give an edge to my 
 thanks to P. I hope by the next poft. In the mean time, If you 
 have opportunity, reprefent my moft humble and grateful acknow- 
 ledgements to P. with that fenfe I truely have of them ; the man- 
 ner being fo extraordinary obliging, that I mall ftillretayne it in my 
 memory, that I may on all occafions exprefs it, that is, in my fin- 
 cerity and diligence, in endeavouring to ferve the King and his 
 Lordihip. We have nothing from Scotland worth writing. Have 
 patience, take courage, and purfue the altercations of men in our 
 country. Do it vigoroufly ; Providence leads the way. I fee men 
 like trees already ; but both you and I will fee them like ireiT 
 without difguife, in their true colours, be they black or white, Short- 
 ly, here and there too. Depend on this, and fteer your courfe ac- 
 cordingly. Few days or weeks will give you a dawning light r 
 which I hope will fpeedily turn to fair day-light. I dread nothing, 
 but the King's hazard in the battle. Good God preferve him ! Seal 
 up your lipps; but do as I advife. I have ground for what I. advife: 
 and write. Adieu. 
 
 Your brother, Keckarich, and the mafter dined with me yef— 
 terday here. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares, 
 A new Plot difcovered. Walmjly apprehended, &c» 
 
 SIR, 
 
 July 31. Your's of the 23d and 26th are before me, and {hall wait for the 
 
 l6 94- event, either in fighting, or not, as the King fees caufe ; whom God 
 
 preferve.
 
 AND LETTERS. 205 
 
 preferve. I doubt not you have a noife of feizing feveral perfons of 
 quality on a new difcovery of a plot. I fhall only fay, (at this time), 
 that it's true, and will appear legally to the conviction and puniihment 
 of fome of the guilty. I believe one of the chief of them will lodge this 
 night in the Tower ; the reft are coming under guards to this place 
 from the country. Have patience ; you will find firmnefs and vigour in 
 the profecuting them. I fee already all application made in their be- 
 half is rejected, which is the only way to go effectually to work to 
 fave the government and difable their enemies. Having this op- 
 portunity, I have not forgot our prefent difadvantageous circum- 
 ftances at home ; and I believe fuch an impreftion is taken that will 
 tend to good effects, at leaft, it will facilitate your prefent tafk ; 
 and, though things are kept very clofs in this difcovery, yet I have 
 reafon to believe the poyfon hath 'infected beyond Tweed, and that 
 the remedies muft be applied there too, if the cure be general, which 
 it muft be, if any at all. It's true, the edge of this difcovery im- 
 mediatly ftrikes againft the proteftant and popifh Jacobites ; but I 
 hope the pretended falfe Williamites will have a (hare of it too in 
 all the three kingdoms, (Ireland being worfe than the other two) ; 
 and, if it were in my power, I would fhow more favour to the pro- 
 felfed Jacobite than to the treacherous Williamite, who lurks in dif- 
 guife to deftroy us. I write thus plainly to quicken your endea- 
 vours, and that you may lay hold on this opportunity to improve 
 it to the beft advantage of their Majefties fervice. I forbear to tell 
 you names or particulars, for the fame reafons that hindered me 
 from writing laft two pofts to you or any other perfon. We have 
 no news here. We believe our fleet is haftening out immediately 
 to continue the bombarding the French maritime towns. We be- 
 gin to believe that Admiral Ruffel and the fleet will winter in the 
 Mediterranean, to curb the French fleet, if not attack it, atThowloun, 
 before this feafon is over. The profpect of things is very fair and 
 and promifing ; and the indefatigable application the Qu:en and 
 the minifters under her here follow their bufinefs with, wonder- 
 fully
 
 2 o6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fully raifes the fpirits of honeft people, &c. My nephew James 
 Colhoun, as I believe, is with you ; pray aflift him in his prefer- 
 ment. I fhall write to him next poft. My own bufinefs is ftill 
 doing ; you fhall know when it is done ; and I hope you have pre- 
 fented my humble acknowledgements to P. for his favour in it. 
 Since I wrote the above, I was called out, and I find Walmfley is 
 lodged in the Tower ; he is a gentleman of L. 6000 Sterling of an 
 eftate ; he hath been an indefatigable and an irrecconcilable enemy 
 to this government : He hath great relations, who endeavour to bail 
 him out ; but all their application was refufed. Two Colonels, 
 Fountayne and M'Donald, are juft now fent to Newgate ; and per- 
 haps the late K. hath not two better officers than they two, accor- 
 ding to the general chara&er the town and their own party give 
 them. I hope they'll be taught their duty ; there is enough againft 
 them. Burn this ; for you know I do not write fo fully to any o- 
 thers. My humble fervice to Monf. Vandlow, Herming, and Mr 
 
 Vanderdort. Adieu. 
 
 My Lord Sidney hath promifed to write to my Lord Portland 
 this night for a Captain's commiffion for my nephew, fo mind it ; 
 and give my refpe&s to Captain William Baillie and to Mr Steven- 
 fon, to whom I'll write fo foon I have news. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Byars of Coats apprehended.— Some particulars of his Correfpond- 
 
 ence tvith France. -Hohnes^s Club.' — — Colonel Fountain. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Auguft 7. x fend you inclofed Byars of Coats's packet of letters correfpond- 
 ing with France, and his defiring to continue it. Itsfo plain, there 
 is no fort of colour of an excufe. I wifh the whole party follow- 
 ed the example, thus to hang themfelves with their own hands. 
 Upon my intercepting this packet, I caufed feize him in my Lord 
 MarfhalPs lodgings, in the Pallmall, at dinner \ but the foolifh mef- 
 
 fengers
 
 AND LETTERS. 207 
 
 fengers fuffered James Morray (the Prince) and Captain Patrick 
 Murray to efcape by the back-door, and abfcond ever 
 
 fince ; yet I think I fhall catch them fpeedily. When Byars was 
 examined, he denyed that ever he was in France, or that ever he 
 had any correfpondence with any perfons there ; (thefe are his words): 
 But, upon producing the inclofed letters, he funk, and confeffed the 
 inclofed packet, particularly the three letters marked A. B. C. to be 
 his hand-writing, and that he had received the letter D. wrote by 
 his friend at Edinburgh : He alfo confeffed, that {Mar/hall) is my 
 Lord Marfhall, and that [the Prince} is James Murray, fon to the 
 late depute governor of the cattle of Edinburgh ; and, that [his friend 
 at Paris) is Captain James Murray of Stanhope, who was concern- 
 ed in Kilfyth's treachery in the Highlands to betray the army. 
 When he was further interrogated about Holms's club, and the o- 
 ther names expreft in the letters, he ftopt, and would fay no more. 
 I have wrote to my Lord Juftice-clerk to take care of Finlay, and 
 to explain the names and terms in thefe letters, which lie yet in 
 the dark, viz. Floyd, John Meneche, Malcolme, and the Doctor, 
 and the Sprents, &c. I know Holms's club, and have obferved it 
 thefe three years, and offered P. to have taken them altogether ; but 
 it could not be done to any good purpofe, for want of evidence ; that 
 club being the mod cunning, induftrious, and malicious v fort of bigot 
 papifts in this town. It's out of this club I got Sir iEneas, and the 
 inclofed packet of Byars, and three other things. They are of Mel- 
 fort's faction, called in the letters Earl John. It's evident Meldrum 
 left France with Byers, and that he is gone to his mother, the Coun- 
 tefs of Perth. It feems alfo that Byers got paffage hither by the 
 packet-boats from Haverfluce. He fays, / made the journey ivith 
 more eafe than I expecled. The truth is, the paffage to and from 
 France is too frequent, and too eafy to thefe fort of folks. I have 
 been informed from feveral hands, that fome. people have power on 
 the Dutch fide to give paffes, which is very much abufed ; they call 
 the man M'Kerk, as they tell me. It is not now Halfyde's paffes 
 that prejudifes the government; but I can prove M'Karchurk (he 
 
 fucceeds
 
 2 o8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fucceeds Halfyde) fent letters from Sir iEneas M'Farfon, f while in 
 prifon here), to M'Lean the writer, and Sir David How in Edin- 
 burgh, the old way my neighbour's packet. Your perufal of this 
 and the other inclofed will make you of byers's opinion, that all the 
 Jacobite fools are not at St Germaines, fmce he wrote, figned, and 
 confefled the inclofed letters here, at the peril of his life. If it can 
 be fo, after fuch a mad attempt, I wifh it were refolved what way 
 to difpofe of him. It cofts the King ten millings every day to the 
 meffenger ; befides, he was actually in arms in the French armies ; 
 and I think he can tell tales, if pinched into an ingenous humour. 
 He is a gentleman, and hath great relations, the Duke of Gordon, 
 Earl of Perth, Earl of Linlithgow, &c. My Lord Aboyne, his 
 governor, Forbes the prieft and lieutenant, have ghen bail of 
 L. 5000, to appear before the council in Edinburgh within fix weeks. 
 This prieft, Forbes, is alio called Father Marr ; he is an ingenious 
 man, and of great efteem abroad, and had great power with the late 
 King and my Lord Melfort in the late reign. I fufped there is 
 more at the bottom of his going to Scotland at this time than his 
 being governor to my Lord Aboyne, I think you mould propofe 
 this affair, and get directions how they fhould be difpofed of when 
 they appear before the privy council, otherwife you know what 
 will become of it. Lately, at Secretary Trenchard's defire, I wrote 
 to Scotland, and feized Mrs Simfon,(the notorious Simpfon's fitter): 
 The Lord Juftice-Clerk examined her ; fome letters were intercept- 
 ed, and fome were found about her, mowing her correfpondence 
 with her brother and Mall Jones, who now abfeonds for treafon, 
 and carried on Crofby's (in Newgate) intrigues. This alfo appears 
 by my taking Dr Kennedy and his treafonable papers, before you 
 left this place. The prefent difficulty is, to know whether Sim- 
 fon and this his filler were born in Scotland; for, if me was born 
 there, they cannot bring her hither, hnce her crime was done 
 there, — if you can tell me where the Simfons were born. As to the 
 military man's bufinefs, I can only repeat what I told you before, 
 that the three parts are fafe, and will be proved, viz. Ireland, Boyne, 
 
 &c.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 2Cm 
 
 •&c. Flanders, French army, liege of Mons, &c. England, late in- 
 vafion, contributions, fubfifting, and lifting, with giving out com- 
 miffions, &c. The prefent care and labour is the fourth point, the 
 aflafinating, &c. If Cornet Chambers (who was the clerk or fecre- 
 tary) grow ingenous, and the foreign witnefTes appear too, this will 
 be done too. Plnfign Arthur Seaton (that I brought from Scotland 
 by poft on this occafion) gains on Chambers every day, they being 
 old fellow-officers in K. J. armies ; fo, at laft, he hath confefTed all 
 the points except the laft ; and he feems to be more averfe to tell 
 that fecret than all the reft, though he feems to, infinuate, that he 
 is not ignorant altogether ; but juft now, he fays he will never be 
 an evidence ; however, his humours fhall be fufFered to evaporate ; 
 and every opportunity fhall be laid hold on to bring him to tell the 
 whole truth. Fountayne is to be firft tried : I hope three or four 
 witnefTes will prove his lifting and fubfifting a great many people ; 
 but there is no certainty in thefe things till things are perfected and 
 done. I am weary of this long letter. Communicate no part of it, 
 only to P.; then burn it. We have no news, only my Lord Berkley 
 parted from Whitehall this morning, to go on board the fleet, whom 
 God profper. Adieu. 
 
 Pray, take care of my nephew Colhoun's preferment. 
 
 Mr Alexander Johnston to Mr Car-stares. 
 
 In quejl of Witnejfes againft Fount dyne* and other Prifoners. The 
 
 mean Arts he makes ufe of to obtain Evidence. Takes great 
 
 Merit to himfelf for his AElivity. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your's of the 6th came juft now to my hand. I have inclofed fo Whitehall, 
 many papers to you, there feems no occafion for me to write much Au S uftl °- 
 this night. Wednefday laft I was advertifed, that it was refolved 
 to try Colonel Fountayne firft, of all the prifoners, next feflion, 
 
 D d (which
 
 2io STATE-PAPERS 
 
 (which begins the 24th of this month) ; the reafon is, that lifting 
 and fubfifting of men, before, at, and after the late intended invafion r 
 to rife in arms to join the late King and the French, &c. is a great 
 point, and naturally includes a plot and defign againft this govern- 
 ment to overturn it. Befides, it's apparent, that Fountayne hath 
 been concerned, and privy to all the intrigues levelled againft this 
 government, and can difcover both men and things, which would be 
 of great advantage to their Majefties fervice ; and, if Fountayne 
 proves refractory, yet the true management of this point of lifting 
 and fubfifting will be a fair leading carte as to others trials : Yet 
 I think Fountayne 'cannot efcape, there are fo many other things 
 againft him, viz. his rebellion in Ireland, the Highlands, and his 
 particular lifting and fubfifting, as appears by the information, and 
 two more witneifes, at his trial. The thing now to be minded, is to 
 find out fo many witnefles as poftibly we can get to prove lifting 
 and fublifting by Fountayne, or any other Jacobite officer, for the 
 purpofes aforefaid in this information One Lieutenant William 
 Drummond, in my Lord Strathnaver's regiment, is mentioned : I 
 doubt whether this Drummond is a lieutenant in my Lord 
 Strathnaver's prefent regiment, or in his firft regiment. Tofccure 
 the point, yefterday I wrote to my Lord Juftice-Clerk to look af- 
 ter him, if in Scotland, and fend him hither immediately by poft ; 
 and to fend up three or four that can prove the forefaid point againft: 
 any other perfons. Now, if this Drummond be in my Lord Strath- 
 naver's prefent regiment with you, pray be fure mind to have him 
 haftened hither without delay. There is one Crawford and Robj- 
 fon, (whom you know), who were detached out of the guards here; 
 I believe both of them can prove this point of lifting and fubfift- 
 ing ; (lifting is enough alone.) Crawford told me of a houfe-keeper 
 that oxtered him money here to fubfift him for the late. King. Be 
 pleafed therefore to fearch after Crawford and Robifon ; and, if you 
 find them material, be pleafed to fend them hither. It's alfo very, 
 advifable, that pains fhould be taken to find out fuch perfons that 
 can prove this point. I believe there are feveral of them amongfl: 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 21 r 
 
 the Englifh and Scots forces with you. There is one Mr Telford; 
 a furgeon to Colonel Cunningham's regiment of dragoons, is very 
 capable, and I hope willing, to ferve this government. I helped to 
 bring him out of prifon for debt, to do fervices ; he fucceeded in 
 -fome things. I told P. of him. If you engage him, he can ferve 
 you effectually : But you muft engage fome honeft officers in every 
 Britifh regiment, and, if they be fincere, they'll find out fuch j and 
 I believe Crawford, Robertfon, and Telford may do much in it ; for 
 they were at London, and converfed with the Jacobites. En- 
 courage Telford (furgeon) ; he can do much ; he hath had a great 
 deal of money here from me : 1 believe he knows many here that 
 can prove this point, and other points too ; fo oblige him. Excufe this 
 hafty letter in fo great a concern. — But I have been called abroad 
 five times about fecret bufinefs fince feven of the clock this even- 
 ing ; and Mr Aeon Smith tells me juft now, that I'll neither let 
 him eat or fleep, &c. Impart what is material in this letter to P. ; 
 but burn the letter itfelf. Always confider that the feffion begins 
 in the Old Baillie 24th of this month ; fo haften things. Confider 
 alfo that two or three material witneffes is a vaft benefit to their 
 Majefties fervice ; and yet I hope here there will be enough j but 
 the more the better. Adieu. 
 
 My brother is abroad ; he'll write next poft. Pardon my con- 
 fufion ; fori have too great prizes in chafe, if I can hit it this night. 
 Read thefe new intercepted letters; I believe they are both from Sir 
 Ja. Montgomery. I keep the originals, and hope by the next to 
 interprete moft of them. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Colonel Parker's Efcape. — Fount ay ne's Trial — In the fame Strain 
 ivith the lajl. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Colonel Parker (Sunday laft) made his efcape out of the Tower, Auguft 14. 
 by fuch grofs corruption, that nothing gives the leaft colour to ex- l6 ^' 
 
 Dd2 cu fe
 
 212 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 cufe it. I doubt not the bottom of this affair will be found out, 
 and the guilty punifhed. In mine, (laft poft), I mentioned the in- 
 formation againft Fountayne ; but I was forced to delay it, for I got 
 not the original till two of the clock Sunday morning, with the o- 
 ther papers inclofed, from Mr Aeon Smith ; I was forced to copy 
 the information, and fend my fervant to the general poft-omce, 
 Lombard-ilreet ; but it was too late. Pray, give them both to P. 
 You know I could not fend the original information, it being part 
 of the evidence. And I affure you, that the whole pinch in Crof- 
 bey's bufinefs feems entirely to lie in the proof of -his hand-writing; 
 fo mind it, and pufh it. The feflion being delayed for few days 
 longer, I do renew my requeft, that Drummond, in my Lord 
 Strathnaver's regiment, or any other that knows lifting or fub- 
 fifting, may be haftened hither with all poflible expedition; 
 fuch are the confiderabie confequences of proving this point clear- 
 ly in relation to the new difcovery; though, in my confeience, if 
 the witneffes here prove right and full at Fountayne's trial, there is 
 enough, not only to do Fountayne's bufinefs, but alfo to give a 
 true light into the plot itfelf. Every minute I ex peel: the return of 
 the mefTengers that were fent out on Saturday night late : I am im- 
 patient to know their fuccefs ; for all thefe things are uncertain till 
 they are done. I have no hopes of taking Parker again ; however, 
 I am endeavouring all that in me lies to do it. It's a fhame fuch 
 a bafe affaflinate mould efcape, and ridicule the juftice of the king- 
 dom. I fend you my Lord Juftice-Clerk's letter. Send them all 
 four back again. We have no news, fave the defperate attempt of 
 a Danifh man of war in the Downs, and Admiral RufTel's letter to 
 the government ; the particulars whereof you'll get from better 
 hands. Be kind to my nephew; and tell him that I have paid his bill 
 of exchange from Rotterdam. A proclamation is coming out, with 
 a reward of money, to retake Parker. Adieu. 
 
 Alex-
 
 AND LETTERS. 113 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Laments Colonel Parker's Efcape. Has feized Stone , from whom 
 
 he expects great Difcoveries^ &c. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Lafl poft I gave you the names of the "perfons I took in a fhip Auguft2i, 
 going out of the mouth of this river. Sunday laft I was advertifed, ! 94 ' 
 that Captain M* Adam, and four more, really ' intended to go on 
 board that fhip, and that they were on the more with a little boat to 
 carry them to this (hip ; but, being frightened by the feizure of the 
 forefaid perfons, they all returned to London ; and one of my tools 
 hath been twice in company with three of them ; but Parker was 
 not with them in the country, nor do they know where he is : How- 
 ever, M'Adam will be a great prize ; he was much employed and 
 trufted by the late King, Melfort, Middleton, Sir Ja. Montgomery, 
 and fome of the great folks at home : Befides, he was employed by 
 Parker, Storie, Sharnock, &c. And it was with him Parker left his 
 horfes, arms, writings, and all he had, when he came to England, 
 before the laft intended invafion ; and it's to him Parker fpoke a- 
 bout the affafinating attempt, &c. I fhall do what I can to take 
 him. Confider the public noife about Parker's bufinefs, and the 
 new difcovery, makes thefe people very cautious ; fo it's very diffi- 
 cult to catch them. Sunday laft, in the evening, I was informed 
 that Parker and Captain Storie were abfconding in one Hay's houfe 
 in Edrinton, twelve miles diftant from this city. Immediately I 
 fent for Morice, and imparted the fecret, and gave him the warrant. 
 He chofe his companions, and he kept the fecret till they faw the 
 the houfe : So they furrounded the houfe in the night-time. When 
 the door opened, about four o'clock in the morning, fome of them 
 rufhed in ; and, at laft, with the hazard of their lives, they feized 
 Captain Storie and one Hutton ; and brought them hither 
 
 laft night prifoners j for Parker was not then there. As yet I do 
 
 not
 
 2i4 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 not know Hutton's circumftances ; but Captain Storie came from 
 France with Parker, a little while before the late intended invafion ; 
 and then, on their arrival, both of them were taken together in 
 Kent, by the country militia, and were brought to Southwark, 
 where they made their efcapes by corrupting fome of their guards. 
 This fmall account of Storie will mow you what fort of kidney he 
 is of. All along I have been informed, by many hands, that Storie 
 is the moil underftanding, contriving, active, and boldeft of the late 
 King's fervants, and moll trufted by him and his creatures. When 
 he and Parker left France, before the late intended invaiion, Par- 
 ker was ordered to follow Storie's directions ; and the truth is, Par- 
 ker was efteemed by the party as the hand, and Storie the head and 
 hand too, (as the Jacobites have often exprelled it.) I hope to find 
 evidence againft him : And now I am fending for Ivlacky, to whom 
 he difcovere(J the late intended invafion. Coronet Chambers, Peter 
 Hay, and Sir George Maxwell (now in cuflody), can do his bufu 
 Mr Filh, Barlowe, and two women, can do the like. I have not read 
 the papers that were taken with them ; Mr Aeon Smith fays they are 
 material : We mail both perufe them to-morrow morning, or this 
 night, fo foon I have fent out three parties on the hunt. Eut, to what 
 purpofe are all thefe endeavours to cut off the Jiwima papaver a, while 
 at the fame breath they let them efcape, by grofs palpable corruption ? 
 I have perufed all the examinations concerning this bafe defigned 
 efcape ; and this day the Lord Chief-Juftice is taking more. I know 
 alfo the expreiTions of the warden, (who got notice yefterday to pre- 
 pare for his trial this next feffion the 29th); but I fhall only fay, 
 that I believe the right mark is higher they mould aim at. I know 
 not who is guilty or not ; but there are fuch fymptoms and black 
 marks of guilt, certainly there is ground enough for a ftrick en- 
 quiry. 1 know a certain perfon hath fenta vindicaring letter to P.; 
 but I believe he will be very flow in his return, till he under- 
 ftands the whole ' affair. There is an embrio ; I know not what 
 the birth will produce; I fhall do my endeavour to find the 
 truth, without refpect of perfons, only aiming at the King's fer- 
 
 vice :
 
 AND LETTERS. 215 
 
 vice ; though there are great endeavours to ftifle it in the womb ; 
 which makes me more jealous, and I hope it will make me more 
 vigorous in my endeavours to bring it to a full birth, whatever it 
 be ; leaft othefwife the fmall flies be catched in the fpider's web, 
 while the great ones break through. This bafe abominable efcape 
 of Parker makes me to add, that I am informed Storie was the mod 
 active and prudent inilrument in carrying on and effecting it; and, 
 how opportunely had Storie's taking been, if Parker had not efca- 
 ped ? — (Time will try things.) I have ground alfo to believe, that 
 Storie is much concerned in all the fteps of thefe intrigues the govern- 
 ment is now profecuting on the new difcovery. Do not miftake me in 
 what I have faid about evidence againft Storie ; it's certain I know 
 perfons (above mentioned) that can do his bufinefs effectually; but I 
 am uncertain if they will give full evidence againft him. I ftiall haften 
 to feize them, leaft they withdraw, as feveral perfons did in Parker's 
 cafe ; otherwife, Storie, Sharnock, Larick, Bowvy, and M'Adam, 
 had been long ago taken into cuftody. I have fome little hints, as 
 if the two perfons in the Tower (Stanly and Walmfly) had, for 
 for their own prefervation, delivered Parker by this efcape, leaft he 
 might tell tales, which they were very jealous of. It's evident e- 
 nough, that the meeting of our privy councellors at the Bath, was to 
 prevent an prohibition, and concert meafures. By the next I hope 
 to give you full proof of fubfifting and lifting many people before 
 and at the late intended invafion. Fountayne, M 'Donald, and Crof- 
 by, got notice to prepare for their trials on high treafon this next 
 feflion. Fountayne was confounded with it, and fhuke, trembling 
 every inch of him. This accident I have put in a way to be im- 
 proved for a difcovery ; for he knows all ; and I find his party is 
 jealous that he will fave himfelf. I have the like ground to believe 
 the warden in the Tower will do the like. I hope the gentleman 
 goaler of the Tower will be put into Newgate too, and another 
 warden, not lefs guilty than them all ; but by whofe decernment or 
 connivance, &c. I write all thefe things to you at large, that you 
 
 may
 
 2i6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 may lay hold on the firft opportunity to reprefent them in brieff to 
 P. and I do it in the fincerity of my heart ; and, knowing the clofs- 
 nefs and faithfulnefs, I chufed to write this way, to fave P. trouble 
 of reading my hafty and undigefted letters, ufing our old freedom. 
 The Queen hath difplaced the gentleman goaler of the Tower; Ty- 
 burn feems the fitted place for him. My brother is gone to Turn- 
 bridge, then to the Bath. My Lord Berkley and the fleet is re- 
 turned to the Downs fafe after this great ftorm, God be praifed. 
 Haften back to me my Lord Juftice-Clerk's letters I fent you, that 
 you might have a full view of our circumftances at home. I hope 
 vou have minded the note I fent you about Crofbye. Sharnock 
 and Bovye are my prefent bufmefs: If I had them, with thofe I have 
 already, I would hope to clear things more evidently than all thofe 
 in the Tower or in the country will probably do. Do your en- 
 deavour for my nephew's preferment ; and do not let him want mo- 
 ney for fubiiftance ; I mall anfwer it to you. Adieu. 
 
 I fend you Mr Ridpath's new book. It's a pity Mr Morrice is 
 not made a meffenger ; he hath done many fervices, and never had 
 one fixpence, only what I gave him. The reft of the meffengers 
 are generally villains, except very few. Certainly Mr Ridpath 
 mould be minded and provided for. 
 
 Alex. Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Storie, alias, Captain Stoiv's Examination. Sir James Mont- 
 gomery dangeroufiy ill. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Aug. 24. Three Dutch mails dew leaves us in the dark ever fince I fent 
 
 l694 * you the copies of Beyers letters. I have plyed you with long 
 letters; I with they come all fafe to your hands. I wrote 
 very freely laft poll, about the taking Captain Storie, and Par- 
 ker's efcape, &c. Pray give an account of this letter, particular-
 
 AND LETTERS. 217 
 
 ly, if it comes fafe to your hands. Yefternight Captain Stow, alias 
 Storie, was fent to Newgate. The mefTenger, Hopkins, tells me 
 that a great multitude fuddenly gathered before the door; but a 
 guard of mufketeers prevented any mifchief, and conveyed the pri- 
 foner to his new lodgings. The meflengcr alio tells me, that the 
 prifoner told him in the coach, u I fee now they will hang me; and 
 that is the worft they can do to me." When he was taken on Mon- 
 day morning, and till yeftcrday morning, he owned no name 
 but Brooks ; but then I coining in accidentally to the Duke> of 
 Shrewfbury's office, I found, him fitting with Mr Vernon; im- 
 mediately we knew one the other. He and I were in the judiciary 
 court, Gray's inn, for feverall years. This made him drop his difguifed 
 name, and he owned his true name, Captain William Stow. This fudden 
 rencounter pierced me fenlibly. He is a gentleman of excellent fenfe 
 and courage; I am heartily forry he applied them tofuch ill ufes. Then 
 I informed the Duke what I knew of him; and that Macky is a 
 pofitive evidence ; and that I hoped to get more againfl him (as 
 in my laft.) When I had gone below, I met the prifoner again. 
 He faid, There is no mortal can prove any thing againjl me. I 
 replied, Do not trujl to that ; for you all thought that no evidence 
 could be found aga'nfl Colonel Parker ; yet there tvas enough to do 
 the huffinefs, if he had not made his efcape ; and the fame evidence 
 vuill reach you, 'who ivas his companion in all his crimes. Then he 
 afked, who they were ? I replied, Mr Vernon knows heft. Then 
 he faid, / thank God I am ready ; / iviJJj they could try me to-day , 
 and hang me to-morroiv. So he was called up to the Duke to be 
 examined, and, as I hear, to little purpofe; he is flubborn : And 
 the next ftep is to get evidence. So I fpoke to the Duke to 
 fend for Macky; which accordingly was done yefternight: And I 
 particularly wrote to Macky to bring up all the noats, letters, or 
 papers that any way related to the late intended invafion. Thurs- 
 day laft and yefternight I wrote to the J. Clerk, to try what he can a- 
 •mongft the people then at St. Germains, Paris, and La Hoge, when 
 Parker and Stow were fent to England. All poftible care (hall be ta- 
 
 E e ken
 
 21 g STA'TE- -PAPERS 
 
 ken to find out fuch as are here. I have put all my people to 
 work ; I wifh it may fucceed. I doubt not to find feveral perfons 
 that can give materiall evidence againft him, but I do not know 
 if they will do it ingenoufly ; this is the hazard. I have a probable 
 view of effecting this affair. Have a little patience; I hope the bed 
 ckc. ; and my opinion is, that if, once he were pinched, he would 
 fqueeck, which would be a great happinefs; for he knows all, &c. 
 Receive the inclofed from the Lord Juftice Clerk to me. Would to 
 God the circumftances of that countrey were mended; its certain 
 Sir J. Montgomery is very dangeroufly fick of a decay ; he hath 
 o-otthe flux, the defperate cure which will either kill him or reco- 
 ver him : But I have not time to copy the letter I have this day 
 received about it. I hope the fubfiliing and lifting is minded ; the 
 feffion begins the 29; but the comiffion of Oyer and Terminer will 
 laft longer. I am impatient for the witneffes I wrote for. Drummond 
 is in my Lord Stranavers regiment with you. Adieu. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Particular Detail of his great Diligence in making Difcoveries, and 
 carrying on Profecutions. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Sept, 4. Your's of the 2 3d furprifed us all ; but the Duke of Shrew- 
 
 l694 ' {bury writes this night to the Earle of Portland, to haftene Lieu- 
 tenant William Drummond hither. I writt to you fo fully here- 
 tofor about this, that I need not repeat it. You have the copy of 
 Seaton's information againft Fountain. Lifting and fubfifting is 
 the point; fo know of Drummond, if he was one lifted or fubfifted 
 by Fountaine; and what other perfons were lifted, fubfifted, or 
 provided with arms, horfes, &c; and where fuch perfons are now. 
 The tryals are delayed to the beginning of the next Month. There is 
 time enough now to gather the evidences, if Drummond immediately 
 
 tell
 
 AND LETTERS. *i 9 
 
 tell the truth plainly. There are fiich ftrenous endeavours .to 
 corrupt goalers and witnefles, efpecially when any of them are 
 both Jacobi'ts and papifts too, we muft ufe all poffible caution to 
 prevent the poffibihty of turning the tables again ft us. If Drum- 
 mond be fincere, and material in his evidence, all will be fure and 
 fixed, there being another Englifh proteftant evidence ready to prove 
 the forefaid point at the tryall. Its evident by Parker, Sir James 
 Montgomery, and 5 or 6 others efcapes, that the Jacobits under- 
 mine this government, by giving money; and the other week 
 300 guineas was offered to the turnkey of Newgate to lett Colonel 
 Fountaine make his efcape. I am juft now credibly informed, that 
 1000 guineas is to be offered for effecting Captain Stow's efcape. 
 I hope both are prevented ; for I advertifed the chief keeper, who 
 trufts none but his fon. Thefe things make me jealous; and I have 
 fome notice they are playing the fame game with the King's wit- 
 nefles in Fountaine and other cafes: Therefore haften hither Drum- 
 mond. Mind Telford, Crawford, and R obifon. Sir George Max- 
 well of Orchardfton was taken up as evidence againft Parker; he 
 confeffed that he and Parker were both at the feige of Moiis ; but 
 he pofitively declared to the Duke of Shrewfberry, Mr Vernon, 
 Mr Aeon Smith, and my felf, that he would never come to the 
 court to depone the fame at Parker's then intended tryal. It ap- 
 pears alfo that he had a Lieutenant-colonel's fubfi fiance in the 
 French army in Flanders. It appears alfo that he was fent to Scot- 
 land, through England, juft before the late intended invafion, 
 about the fame time Parker and Stow were fent to England; and 
 he keept a correfpondence with N. Payne in the King's Bench here, 
 and in the boarders, and in Scotland, till Payne was taken up. My 
 Lord Melvil hath the forefaid papers and informations upon oath 
 againft him, but fays they are in the country; pray write to his 
 Lordfhip immediatly to fend them up hither. Ypu may remember alfo 
 his behaviour and expreflions, for which he was taken up in Flan- 
 ders, and fent in cuftody hither; befides, I have ground to believe that 
 he hath been in all the Jacobites intrigues and plots, and can difco- 
 
 E e 2 ver
 
 220 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ver both men and things, if he pleafes. Its true we cannot fend 
 him down to Scotland to be tryed there, he being born in Ireland ; 
 yet its to be confidered what fhould be done with him ; there is full 
 evidence, and his own confellion too of high treafdn, againft him; 
 he hath great friends here ; inform P. of this. I believe orders 
 for profecuting him are neceffary from the King. I have gott 
 an authentick attefted coppy of Byer's indictment in Scotland; 
 next council day I defign to get an order to fend him down to 
 Scotland, to be tryed there. I infift on thefe, becaufe I. find the fending 
 down Sir iEneas Macphearfon hath wonderful 1 ;)- terrified our 
 countrymen Jacobite trafeckers. Coats will" be the fecond' exam- 
 ple, and hope it will have good effects. The fear of this hath made 
 fome of them return to France, and others are going. I doubt not 
 P. hath feen the report of the committee of couucill about Parker's 
 efcape, the corruption and negligence that attended it, &c. There 
 is one thing that ftraitens me exceedingly in thefe matters. The 
 law of England doth not afford any way to force witneffes to appear 
 in the court at thefe tryallsfor treafon, but only by a fubpena; which; if 
 they doe not obey, there is very little penalty. Now, naturally, 
 the moft materiall witneiTes againft the prifoners are their own accom- 
 plices andconfederats in their crimes, and moft of them both Jacobites 
 and Papifts : Soeto fubpena them to appear and give evidence in court 
 at the tryalls, is to give them warning to abfeond and run away. The 
 only expedient I could find out was, to get oaths made of their being 
 participes criminu\ and foe deiire warrants to take them up. Some 
 wifemen think this way will difcredit their evidence in court. I 
 acknowledge it were better not to have them to come out of pri- 
 fon to goe to court to give evidence at thefe tryals ; but how we 
 can help this inconvenience I do not fee, except we run a rifque 
 of their abfeonding. I have done my part ; I have got feveral 
 depofitions made ; and I am endeavouring to get warrants to have 
 them taken up. I defign to be with my Lord Chief-Juftice and my 
 Lord Keeper to effect this to-morrow. I wifh P. would confider 
 this difficulty, and directions were fent about it ; for, it's found by 
 
 experience,
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 221 
 
 experience, whenever they fufpect that they are to be produced as 
 evidence, they abfeond, as M'Adam, Aughenouty, Sharnock, Bovys, 
 Tucker, Lawick, &c. already have done ; fo that we cannot find 
 them. This afternoon I have difcovered the inclofed libel againft 
 this government. I have given one to my Lord Keeper, and an- 
 other to the Duke of Shrewfburry. The authors are Dr Hooks 
 late Dean of Worcefter, and Mr Charles Lefley. I know them both; 
 but they abfeond. I know the printer and the fupervifer, or cor- 
 rector, of the prefs. I hope to catch them all, or fome of them, 
 and the mod of the books too, before they be difperfed. You may 
 perufe it, and inform P. of the contents of it. To-morrow I de- 
 ft p-n to give one of thefe libels to the Archbifhop of Canterbury. 
 Thefe private preffes are intolerable ; I hope I am in a way to de- 
 ftroy fome of them. Laft week, Mr M'Kye at Harwich being na- 
 med by me to be fent for hither to make oath againft Captain Stow, 
 laft week he was aflaulted in the Royal Exchange (and narrowly 
 efcaped being killed, before he could draw his fword in his own 
 defence) by one Mr Larrow, whom he had taken with treafonable 
 papers in his pocket as he came out of the packet-boat ; this af- 
 fault was for revenge. Sunday, Larrow was taken into cuftody by 
 the Duke of Shrewfburry's warrant ; and fome dangerous papers 
 were found about him ; an exact account of the forces here, their 
 number and their quarters, an exact account of our fleet, and in- 
 deed of all the men of war, and the ftations where they are,, with 
 the numbers of their guns and men. There is alfo another letter 
 fays, that Mr Gilman (who hath fome office or employment about 
 Deal) is fent to our King's army in Flanders. This Gilman fays, in 
 one of his letters to Larrow, that he will fend a fincere and bold ac- 
 count of all he obferves there for the common caufe. (By the next 
 poft I fhall fend you a copy of the letter, fince it's neceflary to keep 
 it here for Larrow's trial.) At prefent, I only defire that P. may 
 caufe Mr Gilman to be obferved. He fays, (in his letter), that he 
 will keep company with the beft of the army : He writes alfo, that 
 he will- fend his, letters to Francois Lerow, directed to Mr Marfhall 
 
 (a
 
 121 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 (a notorious a&ive Jacobite) at Way man near Chelensford, or to 
 Mr Wifeman, the letters to be left at Mr Quanmow an apothecary 
 in Suffolk-ftreet ; fo let his letters be obferved too with you, as di- 
 rections are given to the port-office general here. The great num- 
 ber of the Scotch privy councillors at the Bath makes a great noife ; 
 the people there call them the Committee of Safety ; I with they 
 prove fo. I think a prohibition, with intimation to return home, 
 may be feafonable, if thought fit, otherwife they intend to be here. 
 My brother is at Salifbury. I am weary. Adieu. 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Car stares. 
 Upon the fame Subjeci. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Septemb.7< Your's of the 30th I received, and thanks you heartily for your 
 94 ' kind obliging expreffions and actions. The delay of the trials was 
 general, they being all put off. Laft poft I told you that the Duke 
 of Shrewfburry then wrote to P. to haften Lieutenant Drummond hi- 
 ther. I ftill was, and ever will be, of Popifh Jacobite witneffes very 
 jealous ; and now I find a melancholy inftance of the truth of it; 
 for Captain Seaton abfconds, though he very freely made the affi- 
 david I fent you. He owns all he fays to be true ; but he fays he 
 will not be an evidence in court ; he hath wrote to Mr Aeon Smith 
 to this effect. I am yet uncertain whether he is corrupted by the 
 other fide, or that he expects money from Mr Smith before he 
 gives his evidence ; if it be the laft, he fhall never receive one far- 
 thing ; and I am endeavouring to catch him, and force him to tell 
 the truth. Yefterday I defired and obtained an order from the 
 Queen and privy council, to fend Byers of Coats to Scotland, to be 
 tried there for high trcafon. His owning his letters, and confeffing 
 being lately come from France, is enough, confidermg his relations, 
 (the D. of Gordon, Scaiorth, Perth, Lithgow, Tarbat, &c), his 
 
 infolent
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 2 
 
 
 fniblent behaviour at his feizure, and at his examination, and his 
 converfe with the worft Jacobites here ; it's probable there is more 
 at bottom than yet we know of his errand hither : In fhort, I be- 
 lieve, he is capable to difcover men and things, if pinched. I fend 
 you the copies of the letters to Larrow, as I promifed in my laft. 
 Pray, immediately caufe obferve and watch Henry Gilman ; there 
 feems to be fome thing extraordinary in it. The libel I fent you 
 by my laft, I hope will be the caufe of difabling fome of them con- 
 cerned in it from doing the like again ere long. I am the more 
 flow in this, fince I know two other libels are ready for the prefs, 
 both wrote by Mr Charles Leflye, viz. the Original Contrad. The 
 fecond is called the Jacobite Epitomized. The Jacobites boaft among 
 themfelves, that thefe two books are mafterpieces, and unanfwerable; 
 which may prove a miftake, if they get it in the Old Baillie. I 
 fhall do my utmoft to effect it, if my tool fail me not„ I know the 
 authors, the deliverer to the printer, the fupervifors of the papers, 
 the printer, and the corrector of the prefs, of all fuch (or moil) li- 
 bels againft this government. It's moil certain the Laird of 
 M'Lean of Mull is in Scotland abfconding. I have reafon alfo to 
 affure you, that fome other conliderable Jacobites, lately come from 
 France, are lurking in that kingdom. The French privateers drop 
 them wherever they pleafe. I know poverty is their pretence for 
 coming home ; Who will believe them ? I have wrote to the Lord 
 Juftice-Clerk about it ; confider his zealous letter inclofed ; you'll 
 fee there is a neceffity of fending down the two meffengers, and 
 Hamilton the conftable to bear witnefs againft Sir iEneas. I think 
 to-morrow will get the leafe figned by the Duchefs. This day we 
 have letters from Oftend, that Hivy is furrendered on terms. We 
 have little hopes of the expedition-fleet this feafon. This parlia- 
 ment is prorogued to the 25th of October next. Adieu. 
 
 Pray, caufe examine Drummond, and haften him hither, if mate- 
 rial ; with any others he difcovers, or you can find by Telfort, Craw- 
 ford, &c. 
 
 Alex-
 
 224 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Urges the Merit of his Services to Government, — in order to obtain 
 the Office of one of the Tellers in the Exchequer, novo vacant by 
 the Death of Mr Milliard, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Septemb. 1 1 . The Dutch poft not being come, I have none of your's to an- 
 •1694. r ■ . 
 
 fwer, and there is no fort of news here, being all gaping for fuc- 
 
 •cefs in bombarding Dunkirk, Calaife, &c. Saturday laft, Mr Mai- 
 nard, one of the tellers of the Exchequer, died ; fo his place will 
 be fpeedily filled up by the King. No doubt great application will 
 be made for it, the value of it being L. 1000 or L. 1400 Sterling ; 
 and it's only nominal, a finecure, being always officiated by a de- 
 puty. I do not defire to magnify my endeavours to ferve this go- 
 vernment : I do know the minifters here put a greater value on 
 them than in modefty I can exprefs ; in fo much, that they refol- 
 ved that I mould have a profitable poft that did not require attend- 
 ance, left I might be diverted from following my old way, wherein 
 they feem to think I have been carefull and fuccefsful beyond any 
 others, conlidering my circumftances, as a free-will offering, with- 
 out affiftance or reward ; befides my perfonal hazard, expence of 
 time, and perfonal charges, (of which I never charged nor received 
 one farthing), though I received L. 650, the true money I gave to 
 the people I employed. All thefe things, with a probability of doing 
 future fervices, make me beg your affiftance in offering it to P. that 
 I may have that poft. Hitherto, what I have done, I did it as it 
 were in fetters, caufed by narrow circumftances ; but, if P. gets me 
 this poft, I hope to do better things, it being very hard to /nake 
 brick without ftraw. I think none that knows me, and what I 
 have done, will doubt my zeal, fmcerity, and induftry for this go- 
 vernment. I may fafely and modeftly enough add, that I have fer- 
 ved as apprenticefliip with application enough in this way ; and 
 
 few
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 225 
 
 Few, if any, new incomers, can doe it efFe&ually to purpofe, try it 
 who will. I fubmit all to your conduct and management, being 
 fure of your friendfhip and fpeedy application to P. about it : And 
 I hope, within few days, to do fuch a piece of fervice, as if another 
 did it, it would be a handle to procure what I defire, though they 
 had done nothing elfe : It's the feizing fome libels againft this go- 
 vernment, and the printers too ; and alfo feizing fome confiderable 
 fugitives who are endeavouring to make their efcape to France. I 
 cannot learn of any more Jacobite printers, but one or two at moit, 
 which I hope to catch. The mifchief of fuch libels is fo great and 
 poifonous, my whole endeavour is to prevent them ; I fhall do my 
 utmoft, and I hope to fucceed. Confider five years already fpent, 
 &c. Adieu, 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 ;{Trges his claim. Magnifies his pajl Services. Regretes his 
 
 Brother and the Bi/Joop ofSarnm's abjence from Toivn, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Two or three Dutch maills being due, I have very little to fay to Sept. 18. 
 you. I writt fo fully about my own particular, my pretence to the 
 teller, alias tayllier, in the exchequer place, that I doubt not 
 your application hath done what you can in it ; and it's his 
 Majefty's pleafure only can determine it as he thinks fit, he being 
 the beft judge of the fincerity, diligence, and fuccefs of mens endea- 
 vours to ferve him. One thing I mall add ; you, and all that know 
 me, are not unacquainted, that, at my firft coming to London, and 
 ever fmce this happy revolution, I have got money, and chiefly 
 maintained myfelf, by buying and felling tallys at the treaiury, 
 exchequer, the fick and wounded, the victuallers, the cofferers, the 
 pay-mafters, the matter of his Majefty's works, and other oflices can 
 cafily evince ; fo at leaft I may be fuppofed to underftand the thino- 
 
 Ff
 
 S T A T F. - ? A P E R S 
 
 behalf, nft 
 
 ftna doing kind, be 
 
 I i . 
 bow far 
 The : be 
 
 imputed to my ... 
 
 Iy y 
 
 ft intireiv 
 to P. for ra of. It Is unlucky as 
 
 j the Fp. of Sarum Km :he 
 
 country ; but I am happy that P. knows lever:- rod 
 
 form him of others done fince you went over. I h:. 
 
 I tell you ..- 
 :, if I fucceed in what I am d at, it will turn the b 
 
 on my iide, v but the nature of : 
 
 thir I > be truiled : The leall unj 
 
 fiion or ex; _ will raiie jeah -nd fpoil all. F 
 
 and the ex 1 brot 
 
 of them to the P. : encouragement and 
 
 their 1;. I /.it, it will be a great pk 
 
 sal deiign, a full diicovc: 
 to a full hart-eft. If it fall out c :c, ib that :: e by 
 
 an" :> have my management, and every ftep 
 
 te my running a : his 
 
 tain attempt, may be jik imprudent, if 
 
 but I am ib ft. f it iuc; . :it, it will tn 
 
 fo inn i : the advantage of this government, that 1 d it 
 
 my duty to venture and purfue it to the utmoft of my power, with 
 all the caution and dexterity I am capable of. On . g more 
 
 I f , that the five inltruments feem to me to be very zealous, 
 
 and capable to do tk. . iads, each of them hav. part to 
 
 aft.
 
 A N D LITTER 
 
 act. I expect then till it hits or mines ; *' 
 
 accounts whereof 3 much anxiety : The nature of the 
 
 thi- •▼ we are only pafirre till the other party act, 
 
 and run themfe!ves into the net; their very party are (atisned : 
 7 be takeri; er due ndie. Thus, the concern 
 
 hat party for their preferratkm, (or rather their own,) is the true 
 ca e difficulty of my effecting this buiinds ; however, I fisal! 
 
 dence hath allotted to it. Thus I hare en* 
 d you without news ; there is none here, but great expeda- 
 nbarding C s of Coats goes next week to Soot- 
 
 land, to be tried there for high treaibn. Burn this. Adieu. 
 
 {hall an: a demand. 
 
 .' 
 rk, fir feiziug, opening, end deciphering Jkfjpcclcd Let" 
 
 i. 
 
 ^ericryved William R. 
 hereas, upon our pleafure fignified to you by Mr Secretary Fidhyi 
 Johniton, near two years ago, you have ever Cnce ghren the need"- ^JJT 
 orders to the managers of our poft-omce, for lazing, from time 
 , fuch letters as came to their hands under fuipeded addref- 
 fes, and for breaking them open and decyphering them, and im- 
 proving fuch knowledge as was got by them for oar interefls: And 
 j have ufed feveral other methods for difcovering unlaw- 
 ful correipondences,and getting intelligence of bad practices againft 
 :.nd our government, and have done us many (beret fervkes of 
 h a nature, we are fenfible of your diligence and good affec- 
 tion to .1 this, and do approve of the (amen. And we re- 
 commend it to you to continue to give the neceflary directions for 
 h like purpofes, and to be at the neceflary charges; of which. 
 9D have been at already, you ihall be r 
 F : _
 
 228 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 And you may expert further marks of our favour for the trouble 
 
 we know you muft be at in this matter; for the doing of all 
 
 which this fhall be your warrand. Given at our court of Kenfing- 
 
 ton the 17th December 1694, and of our reign the 6th year. 
 
 By his Majefty's command, 
 
 (Signed) J. Johnston, 
 
 Addrefled thus, 
 
 To Adam Cockburn of Ormi/ton, our Jujiice-Clerk. 
 
 Superfcryved William R. 
 Right trufty and well beloved councillor, we greet you well*. 
 We have read and confidered your's, and we are intircly cor_i- 
 vinced of your loyalty and fidelity, and does approve of what 
 you have done on this occafion for our fervice. We continue the 
 power we formerly gave you of fearching the pacquets for difca- 
 vering of correfpondences that may be kept againft our govern- 
 ment. It is fit that Sir William Sharp and Mr Cockburn be con- 
 tinued clofs prifoners, until they make full difcoveries of what they 
 know ; and we are willing that all legal methods be ufed againft 
 them, or others, for finding out any fecret plots or defigns laid, for 
 difturbing the publick peace. And, in order thereto, it being fit that 
 fome perfons of entire loyalty and affeclion to our government 
 be impowered and intruded for the ends above written; there- 
 fore, we do impovver John Lord Murray, one of our fecretaries of 
 flate, yourfelf, and Sir Thomas Livingfton commander in chief of 
 our forces, to examine the faids Sir William Sharp and Mr Cockr 
 burn, and to ufe all other legal methods againft them, or any others 
 you find concerned, whether at prefent employed by us in the go- 
 vernment or not, for difcovering what is defigned againft us and 
 our government ; and that either by threatening of punifhment, or 
 by promifing pardon and indemnity, as you fhall find neceiTary ; 
 for doing whereof, this lhall be to thofe above intrufted, and to 
 yourfelf, a fufficient warrand. And fo we bid you farewell. Gir 
 
 ven
 
 AND LETTERS, 229 
 
 ven at our court of Kinfington, the 12th day of March 1695-6, and 
 of our reign the feventh year. 
 
 By his Majefty's command, 
 
 (Signed) Ja, Ogilvie. 
 
 Lord Tarbat, afterwards Earl of Cromarty, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 Offers to refign his Office of Regifter,—~-Complains of his Adverfa* 
 ries in Adminiftration ; whom he reprefents as Enemies to Mr Car- 
 Jiares ; andfollicits his Inter eft ivith the King to obtain a Remijfim 
 for him, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I know too well the temper of our hott party, not to know with May ifo 
 that how inconvenient it were for you to be feen in my company ; 95 * 
 yet, fince I am fure you wifh them well, and the King at eafe from 
 their turbulent defigns, it will not difpleafe you to carry to the King 
 what may contribute to both thefe ends, which, I can aflfure you, 
 this inclofed will in fome meafure do, I intreat you to reprefent to 
 his Majefty, that I am. neither afraid of my adverfars 
 for I am not guilty of a thought prejudicial to him, nor wearied of 
 ferveing him ; but, if he judge it either fit or eafy to pleafe a party, 
 with allowing my addrefs for a private lyfe, I can as willingly quit 
 a beneficial office to ferve him, as they can trouble him untill they 
 get it. Though I am afraid this will not cure the diftemper, yet 
 its all that I can contribute to it. But, when their heat cannot bear 
 with the E. Melville's family, and with you, . to whom they owe, 
 under the King, all the power they have, lean little wonder of their 
 fretting at me ; but, I hope their folly will not frighten the King 
 from fo faithful fervants, nor you from giving him counfell for 
 their fakes, whofe fire will hurry to felf-prejudice, if not ftopt by 
 
 prudence.
 
 210 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 prudence. I hope my fidelity in endeavouring to enlarge the bot- 
 tom of his Majefty's government ; and efpecially, by bringing in of 
 fuch of the northern clergy as would qualify themfelves for 
 ecclefiaftic office, according to the prefent law, will not al- 
 ways be confidered as undutifulnefs in me ; I wifh the hold- 
 ing of fo many out be not : But I fhall be beft pleafed, if my 
 fears for the effects of thefe heats be difappointed. I will adventure 
 to intreat the favour of you to fecond my defire to the King, in 
 giving me a fafe and eafy retreat, and to favour me with a letter, 
 whereby thofe in the government may know, that my perfon, my 
 little eftate, and the penfion which his Majefty hath given me du- 
 ring my life, and not depending on my being in or out of employ- 
 ment, may be fecure by his Majefty's protection : And, if you 
 pleafe to give him my faithful affurance of being as zealous for his 
 perfon and intereft, when in a private, as if I were in the higheft 
 ftation, I will make good your promife, and likewife allure you, 
 that, by doing this, you will very much oblige me, and ingage me 
 to.be, 
 
 SIR, * -■ 
 
 Your faithful friend, 
 
 and fervant, 
 
 Tarbat. 
 
 Right trufty SIR, 
 
 We having allowed our right well beloved and right trufty cou- 
 fin and councellor, G. V. of T. to lay down the office of clerk of our 
 councels, regifters, and rolls, and his old age rendering him lefs able 
 to attend frequently at our councell, it is our pleafure that he be not 
 called to attendance, but when he voluntarly comes, or on our ex- 
 prefs call. And we likewife require the Lords of our treafury, 
 now in place, and any who fhall fucceed them, to make the penfion 
 of I,. 400 yearly, granted by us, under our privy feal, to the faid 
 G. V. of T. during his lyfe, to be effectually paid to him in man- 
 ner
 
 AND LETTERS. 231 
 
 net* as is contained in our letter of gift and penfion granted to him 
 by us, in all points. 
 
 For our right trdfly, &c. 
 
 The Lord Chancellor ', and remanent Lords of our Treafury % &c. 
 
 Lord Tarbat to Mr Carstares. 
 Urges his obtaining a general remiffion for him from the King. — Wifloes 
 Lord Melvil again rejlored to the management of Affairs. Pro- 
 
 tefls that he is innocent, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 This is to trouble you with a new defire to profecute my former Junen, 
 proportion; for, had I never wearied till now, I fee now too much ys " 
 to make me wearie : But I regrate the King, kingdomes, and inter- 
 eft of the church, more than what concerns myfelf ; for I pretend 
 not to bigotry, yet I wifh a fettled church ; and I am far miftaken 
 if the prefent and promifed heats doe not prejudge all thefe. How- 
 ever, I think it both his Majefty's and the churche's intereft to have 
 a firm and yet moderate prefbyterian, who will be above fufpicion 
 with the church, and yet be one to flop violent fury. And I wifh 
 to have a return from my mafter as foon as can be. Another thing- 
 is of importance in my judgement, and that is, fince the intereft of 
 the moderate party is much weakened by what was done to the E. 
 of Melvill, which renders him lefs able to do effectual fervice, it 
 might be ufeful to the King and country, if, by fome demonftration 
 of favour, ethers may be incouraged to follow his directions, which 
 would put many in a right road, who goes wrong. If I miftake, I 
 allure you it is with no. ill meaning. Mean while, if you pleafe, 
 I wifh to have a very general remiffion fent me, becaufe I fee faults 
 nfht for in others on no great grounds. If it come, let it contain 
 treafon, perduellion, and a general of all crimes ; though, on all ] 
 that's iacred, I know not myfelf guilty ; nor doe I fear any thing, 
 on this fide, of Irifli witneQes, or evidence. I am, 
 
 SIR, Your faithful fervant, 
 
 Tarbat. 
 
 Earl
 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Proceedings of the Commijfton of Glenco. Exclaims again f 
 
 the Method of Inquiry, &c. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 June 21. Since I wriett laft, we have continued ftill in our heatts, but no 
 particular attackt made, only the committee has been going on in 
 examining that matter in relation to Lord Stairs ; which I wifh they 
 did impartiallie ; yet I think nothing can be made of it. They may 
 ftrain it the length of a citation, having the prevalent vote ; but this 
 week paft they have moved nothing in that affair. The commiiiion 
 cf Glencoe has been fitting cloffe, and odd enuf meafures taken in 
 expifcating matter out of witneffes ; and on Monday the whole 
 procedour is to be laid before the parliament, the commiifioner ha- 
 ving faid he would take it upon him, notwithstanding the commif- 
 - fion carries a report firft to be made his Majefty ; and the way they 
 explain that, if the account is fent the King to day, and laid before 
 us two days after. I fent you a pretty full account of the fham 
 plott defigned to humble me, which its probable you may have 
 be this tyme from others. Their malice goes as far againft me for 
 a&ing a moderate part, as againft thofe they pretend to have crymes 
 againft. In fhort, there is no end of thofe heats, unleffe the King 
 put ane end to them, or allow us club-lav/. Sure I am, we are 
 mutch the ftronger. I vow, at this rate they proceed, no mortal can 
 be in fecuritie that does not run the fame madd part they doe ; nay, 
 all the length, to a title ; for, if a man differ in the leaft in fenti- 
 ment, though in a tryfle, he is prefently faid to be a rogue, ane ene- 
 mie to the government, and a hater of prefbyterie. They give out 
 the King allows all this, but would not alter, leaft he difoblige the 
 church of England, but is fatisfied they act the part ; which I am con- 
 vinced is falfe ; yet there is a neceflity the King (how his diiplea- 
 fure to fuch madd proceedings, or elfe we fhall all run in confufion, 
 
 non
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 
 tion looking upon himfelf to be fafe. Sure I am they muft own I 
 am and muft be fincere to the government ; yet it is all one, fince 
 I am not one of them. You are, upon all occafions, loaded by them, 
 and cited ; and therefore is the more obliged to endeavour a cure. 
 I mail not trouble E. Portland ; but be fo juft to me, ftill,to tell him 
 mycurriadge; mall I defyre to take meafures from him? and I 
 hope mail not put them in execution to the difadvantage. You will 
 hear from others we have at laft ftruggled the King into fix months 
 cefte ; but they muft make bargaine before they goe further. If 
 they be allowed their fwing, but one word from court would 
 make us all verie good, I do affure you ; and I defyre you may fay 
 as mutch in my name. I have fought fome half a fcore a battles fince 
 I fee you; and I hope it will be found I have done the King fome 
 fervice, in flopping thofe extravagancies they otherwife had run into 
 without controul. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 I forgot to acquaint Secretarie Stairs E. Lauderdale is dead ; 
 which will occafion a vacancie in the feflion, his brother Hatton fuc- 
 ceeding him. I wifti it be endeavoured others do not fupply the 
 place too fuddenly ; but my hope is, it is not the King's temper to 
 be too haftie. 
 
 LordTarbat to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Againjl the Majler of St airs > and in favours of Me foil and his Fami- 
 ly. Propofes one tofucceed him in the Office of Regifler. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The methods of fome men, and their heats, you (though you June 25. 
 know us well) cannot conceive, nor can the fad confequences be l695 ' 
 fafely expreft. I know you have account of the matters of facl: ; my 
 troubling of you fhall be of another fubject. Its certain, if the pref- 
 byterian party would moderate their defigns, and were they mana- 
 ged by wife men, they are fure to the King, and againft his ene- 
 
 O g mies 5
 
 234 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 mies; but, as the Mr of Stairs may repent his iuccefle againft the 
 E. of Melvill, fo may others ; for he had the bed founded interefl 
 with that party; and, if he had not been loaded with marks of dis- 
 grace, he had led that party to the King's mind : But, being put 
 from the fecretar's office, and without an exoneration, either in that 
 office, or in commimoners ; which was never refufed to any. The 
 preferring his juniors in prefiding in councel and parliament ; the * 
 taking his fonne's regiment from him ; he and his fonne left out of 
 the commiffion for auditing of accompts ; forcing a deputy on his 
 fonne in the caftle; and all who come down from court making it 
 their work to leffen him. But, I do not fee a probable way for the 
 King to manage the true prefbyterian party but by his family; and, 
 if they were countenanced by the King, they could doe more by 
 their finger than others can doe with both their hands. Yea, altho < 
 he be thus leffened, the body of the prefbyterians have more kind- • 
 nefs for him than for all the other officers of flate. The hot party 
 whoattackthim rudely enough at firft, and fpoke loudly of it, found, 
 the refpect of the prefbyterians fo ftrong for him, that now they 
 court him ; whilft others fee that he moderats many ; in fpyte of 
 the heats, they all defire union with him. But he would be lefs 
 ufeful were he plunged in a party. In fhort, if this confullon and 
 wrong fteps be retrievable, I fee not fo fixt a bafe to draw up on as 
 him and his family; for L. Keith is certainly one of the fharpeit, 
 moft judicious, diligenteft, in the nation. What paft as to the Mr of 
 Stairs yefterday, you will know by this poft ; and none could per- 
 fwade the leaft delay until his Majefty were acquainted. A fhort ob- 
 ferve, drawn by a friend of his, I have inclofed. I wifh earneftly that 
 the King may put E. Melvill and his children under fuch marks of 
 his favour, as may ftrengthen them to fett right what is wrong; and 
 he is too long a filling of my poft ; for that would allay fome, and 
 put others from their foolifh expectations ; for they roar and gape 
 in hopes of it. I wifh a fober, faithful, and able man may get it ; 
 and he whom I recommended is fuch. But they have twift him 
 into a mifprifon of Glenco affair; and will, no doubt, caft dirt on 
 him ; though I am fure he had no more hand in it than you had. 
 
 But
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 35 
 
 But they will put a beaft's fkin on every one that is not of their 
 clubb, and then hound at him. And my relation to him will not 
 move me to urge the leaft inconvenience in the King's affairs ; ther- 
 for take that poft in the eafieft acceffe ; whether it be to one or two, 
 I leave to E. Melvill and you to advife in that, So you fee my own 
 intereft weighs little with me. But, I hope the King will fend me 
 a letter, fuch as will let all fee I am in his protection, though not in 
 publick fervic'e. And perhaps I will be as ufeful to him in recefs, 
 though not fo profitably for myfelf, as when in publick. So go about, 
 Sir ; confider our nation, and where the ftrength of it lies, and then 
 confider our prefent ftate; and what comes next; and judge if wit 
 and difcretion be not neceffar. Then view our truftee governors ; and 
 take or offer what meafure you judge fit. I wifh the L. Keeper Sum- 
 mars and E. Melvill did correfpond, and that the King and E. P. 
 would write kindly to him, for he got difcouraging blows ; and you 
 know his referved temper, and unwillingnefs to medle ; but he is 
 ane ill man if he refufe when he is fo neceffar. D. Queenfberry, 
 E. Argyle, E. Keith, and he, are very well ; and, by this inclofed 
 fcheme, you may guefs how to pack them right I will retire fo 
 foon as the parliament adjourns, (if I be not clapt up with E. Brod.) 
 My fault, as is faid, is, that I endeavoured to bring the epifcopal 
 clergy to addreffe, as was prefcribed to me, and to take the oaths ; 
 which indeed I endeavoured diligently. But its two years fince I 
 quitt meddling in it, feeing it to little purpofe ; for thefe two parties 
 will never coalefce. What you writ to me, direct by E. Melvill, 
 .and it will come fafe to the hand of your faithful fervant. 
 
 ■to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Troceedings againjl Breadalbine^ — Blames Mr Carjlaresfor a threate- 
 ning Letter in his favour. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I had the favour of your's of the 27th, and am glad of your fafe J llI y S- 
 arrival at the camp. All the proceedings of the parliament againft 
 
 G g 2 my
 
 236 STATE-PAPERS. 
 
 my Lord Broadalbine have been fo cool and flow, that there was not the 
 lead fhadow for that fuggeftion of a fudden execution. Its true, at 
 laft, he hath received his indiftment, and was appointed to be tried 
 Mondav laft ; but I am certain, on his Lordfhip's application for 
 longer time to the parliament, it would be granted eafily. How- 
 ever, I am afraid the warm and violent expreflions, threatning fe- 
 vere reprimands from you, was not the eafieft way to carry that, or 
 any other favour on his Lordfhip's behalf. I fend you a gazette, 
 which hath moft of Scotch news. I have defired Mr Pringle to 
 fhew you the reft of the printed papers, and how Livingfton is vin- 
 dicated. There are fome a&s made, i/?, Againft profanenefs. 
 ndly, Againft blafphamye. $dly* Againft illegal baptifmes and mar- 
 riages. 4-thly, Againft markets on Saturday and Monday, to pre- 
 vent travelling on Sunday. I am jealous left the difperfing here 
 Mr Hugh Dalrymple's information for his brother (for which he 
 got a fevere reprimand, and begged the court and parliament's par- 
 don,) will irritate. I doubt net fome of thefe informations are at 
 you ere this comes to your hands. I wifh they had never come out? 
 &c. I have given their Majefties letter for you to Mr Pringle, to 
 deliver it. I doubt not you have heard of the packet-boat. We 
 have no news here ; only fome fhips come in fay, that Monday laft 
 they heard great mooting of bombs, &c. as near St Maloes. I wifh 
 good fuccefs ; and I pray God Almighty to preferve the King, and 
 blefs his arms by fea and land. My fervice to my Lord Portland, 
 fecretaries, and Monf. Vanderdort. Adieu. 
 
 REPORT of the Commiffion given by his Majefty for inqui- 
 ring into the Slaughter of the Men of Glenco, fubferibed at 
 Halyrudhoufe the 20th day of June 1693. 
 
 John Marquis of Tweedale, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, 
 William Earl of Annadale, John Lord Murray, Sir James Stewart 
 his Majefty's advocate, Adam Cockburn of Ormiftone, Lord Juf- 
 tice Clerk, Sir Archibald Hope of Rankeiller, and Sir William 
 
 Hamilton
 
 AND LETTERS. 237 
 
 Hamilton of Whitlaw, two of the fenators of the College of Juftice, 
 Sir James Oglivie his Majefty 's folicitor, and Adam Drummond 
 of Meggins, commiiTioners appointed by his Majefty, by his com- 
 miflion under the great feal, of the date the 29th of April laft pafl-, 
 to make inquiry, and to take trial and precognition about the 
 {laughter of feveral perfons of the firname of MacDonald, and 0- 
 others, in Glenco, in the year 1692, by whom, and in what manner, 
 and by what pretended authority the fame was committed, with 
 power to call for all warrants and directions given in that matter ; 
 as alfo, to examine all perfons who had a hand therein, with what 
 witnefles they mould find neceflary, either upon oath or declaration j 
 and to report to his Majefty the true ftate of the faid matter, with 
 the evidence and teftimonies to be adduced before them, as the faid 
 commiffion more amply bears; having mett, and qualified them- 
 felves by taking the oath of allegiance and aflurance, conform to 
 the act of parliament, with the oath dejidcli, as ufe is in fuch cafes, 
 did, according to the power given to them, chufe Mr Alexander 
 Monro of Biercroft to be their clerk ; and he having alfo qualified 
 himfelf as above, they proceeded into the faid inquiry, to call for 
 all warrants and directions, with all fuch perfons as witnefTes that 
 might give light in the faid matter: And having confidered the 
 forefaid warrants and directions produced before them, and taken 
 the oaths and depolitions of the witnefles under yarned, they, with 
 all fubmiflion, lay the report of the whole difcovery made by them 
 before his Majefty, in the order following. And, 1/?, of fome things 
 that proceeded the faid flaughter. idly, Of the matters of fact, 
 with the. proofs and evidence taken, when, and in what manner, 
 the fame was committed. 3<^/k, Of the warrants and directions 
 that either really were, or were pretended for the committing it. 
 And, la/ifyy The commiffioners humble opinion of the true ftate 
 and account of that whole bufinefs. The things to be remarked 
 preceeding the faid flaughter were, That its certain that the lairds 
 of Glenco and Auchintraitten, and their^ followers, were in the in- 
 furrection and rebellion made by fome of the Highland clanns, un- 
 der
 
 238 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 der the command, firft, of the Vifcoimt of Dundee, and then of 
 Major General Buchan, in the year 1689 and 1690. This is acknow- 
 ledged by all : But, when the Earl of Broadalbin called the heads 
 of the clanns, and mett with them in Auchallader, in July 1691, 
 in order to a ceffation, the deceafed Alexander M'Donald of Glen- 
 co was there with Glengarry, Sir John Maclene, and others, and 
 agreed to the ceffatione ; as it is alfo acknowleged: But the deceafed 
 Glenco's two fons, who were at that time with their father in the 
 town of Auchallader, depone, That they heard that the Earl of 
 Broadalbine did at that time quarrel with the deceafed Glenco, a- 
 bout fome cows that the Earl alledged were ftolen from his men by 
 Glenco's men ; and that, though they were not prefent to hear the words, 
 yet their father told them of the challenge ; and the two fons, with 
 Honald MacDonald indweller in Glenco, and Ronald M 'Donald 
 In Innerriggin in Glenco, do all depone, That they heard the de- 
 ceaft Glenco fay, That the Earl of Broadalbine, at the meeting of 
 Auchallader, threatned to do him a mifchief ; and that he fear'd a 
 mifchief from no man fo much as from the Earl of Broadalbine, as 
 their depofitions at the letter A in the margin bear. And Alexan- 
 der MacDonald, fecond fon to the deceaft Glenco, doth further de- 
 pone, That he hath often heard from his father and others, 
 that there had been in former times blood betwixt Broadal- 
 bine's family and their clan, as his depofition, at the fame mark, 
 bears. And here the commiffioners cannot but take nottice of what 
 hath occurred to them, in two letters from Secretary Stair to Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Hamilton, one of the lit, and another of the 3d of 
 of December, 1691 ; wherein he expreffes hi6 refentment, from the 
 marring of the bargain that mould have been betwixt the Earl of 
 Broadalbine and the Highlanders, to a very great height ; charging 
 fome for their defpite againft him, as if it had been the only hin- 
 drance of that fettlement : Whence he goes on, in his of the 3d 
 of September, to fay, That, fince the government cannot oblige 
 them, it is obliged to ruin fome of them, to weaken and frighten 
 the reft ; and that the MacDonalds will fall in the nettj and, in 
 
 efFec\
 
 AND LETTERS. 239 
 
 effect, feems even from that time, which was almoft a month before 
 the expiring of the King's indemnity, to project with Lieutenant 
 Colonel Hamilton, that fome of them mould be rooted out and de- 
 ftroyed. His Majefty's proclamation of indemnity was publifhed in 
 Auguft 169 1, offering a free indemnity and pardon to all the High- 
 landers who had been in arms, upon their coming in and taking the oath 
 of allegiance, betwixt that and the firft of January thereafter : And, in 
 compliance with the proclamation, the deceafed Glenco goes, about 
 the end of December 169 1, to Colonel Hill governor of Fort-Wil- 
 liam at Inverlochy, and defired the Colonel to minifter to him the 
 oath of allegiance, that he might have the King's indemnity ; but 
 Colonel Hill, in his depofition marked with the letter B, doth fur- 
 ther depone, That he haftened him away all that he could, and gave 
 him a letter to Ardkinglafs to receive him as a loft fheep ; and the 
 Colonel produces Ardkinlafs's anfwer to that letter, dated the 9th 
 January 169 1, bearing, that he had endeavoured to receive the 
 great loft iheep Glenco, and that Glenco had undertaken to bring 
 in all his friends and followers, as the privy council fhould order: 
 And Ardkinlafs further writes, that he was lending to Edinburgh, 
 that Glenco, though he had miftaken in coming to Colonel Hill to 
 take the oath of allegiance, might yet be welcome ; and that there- 
 after the Colonel fhould take care that Glenco *s friends and follow- 
 ers may not fuffer, till the King and council's pleafure be known, 
 as the laid letter, marked on the back with the letter B, bears. And 
 Glenco's two fons above name do depone in the fame manner, that 
 their father went, about the end of December, to Colonel Hill to 
 take the oath of allegiance ; but finding his miftake, and getting the 
 Colonel's letter to Ardkinlafs, he haftened to Inveraray, as foon as he 
 could for the bad way and weather, and did not fo much as go to- 
 his own houfe in his way to Inveraray, though he paft within half 
 a mile of it j as both their depofitions at the letter B bears. And 
 John M'Donald, the eldeft fon, depones further, at the fame mark, 
 That his father was taken in the way by Captain Drummond at 
 Barcalden, and detained twenty-four hours, 
 
 Sir
 
 24^ STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Sir Colin Campbell of Ardkinlafs, fherirT-depute of Argyl-fhire, 
 depones, That the deceafed Glenco came to Inveraray about the be- 
 ginning of January 1692, with a letter from Colonel Hill to the 
 effed above mentioned j and was three days there before Ardkinlafs 
 could get thither, becaufe of bad weather ; and that Glenco laid to 
 him, that he had not come fooner becaufe he was hindered by the 
 ftorm. And Ardkinlafs farther depones, That, when he declined to 
 give the oath of allegiance to Glenco, becaufe the laft of December, 
 the time appointed for the taking of it, was part, Glenco begged 
 with tears, that he might be admitted to take it ; and promifed to 
 bring in all his people, within a fliort time, to do the like ; and if 
 any o§ them refufed, they mould be imprifoned, or fent to Flanders : 
 Upon which Arkinlafs fays, he did adminifler to him the oath of 
 allegiance, upon the 6th of January 1692, and fent a certificate 
 thereof to Edinburgh, with Colonel Hill's letter to Colin Campbell 
 fheriff-clerk of Argyle, who was then at Edinburgh ; and further 
 wrote to the laid Colin, that he fhould write back to him whether 
 Glenco's taking the oath was allowed by the council or not, as Ard- 
 kinlafs's depoiition at the letter B teftifies. And the faid Colin, fhe~ 
 rift-clerk, depones. That the forefaid letters, and the certificate ref- 
 lating to Glenco, with fome other certificates relating to fome other 
 perfons, all upon one paper, were fent in to him to Edinburgh by 
 Ardkinlafs ; which paper being produced upon oath by Sir Gilbert 
 Elliot, clerk of the fecret council, but rolled and fcored as to Glen- 
 co's part, and his taking the oath of allegiance ; yet the commiffion- 
 ers found, that it was not fo delete or dallied, but that it may be 
 read that Glenco did take the oath of allegiance at Inveraray the 
 the 6th day of January 1692. And the faid Colin Campbell de- 
 pones, That it came to his hand fairly written, and not daihed ; 
 and that, with this certificate, he had the fame letter from Ardkin- 
 lafs, (with Colonel HilFs above mentioned letter to Ardkinlafs inclo- 
 fed), beariik arneft Glenco was to take the oath of allegiance, 
 
 and that he had taken it upon the 6th of January j but that Ard- 
 Jsinlais was doubtful! if that the council would receive it. And the ihe- 
 
 riff-
 
 AND LET T E R S. 
 
 241 
 
 riff-clerk did produce before the commiffioners the forefaid letter 
 by Colonel Hill to Ardkinlafs, dated at Fort-william the 31ft day 
 of December 1691, and bearing, that Glenco had been with him, 
 but dipt fome days, out of ignorance ; yet that it was good to 
 bring in a loft fheep at Sny time, and would be an advantage to 
 render the King's government eafy. And, with the faid merifT- 
 clerk, the Lord Aberucehill, Mr John Campbell writer to the fignet, 
 and Sir Gilbert Elliot clerk to the council, do all declare, That 
 Glcnco's taking the oath of allegiance, with Ardkinlafs's forefaid 
 certificate as to his part of it, did come to Edinburgh, and was 
 feen by them, fairly written, and not fcored or darned ; but that Sir 
 Gilbert, and the other clerks of the council, refufed to take it in, 
 becaufe done after the day appointed by the proclamation : Where- 
 upon the faid Colin Campbell, and Mr John Campbell, went, as they 
 depone, to the Lord Aberucehill, then a privy councillor, and defi- 
 red him to take the advice of privy councillors about it : And ac- 
 cordingly they affirm, that Aberucehill faid, he had fpoke to feveral 
 privy councillors, and partly to the Lord Stairs and that it was 
 their opinion, that the forefaid certificate could not be received, 
 without a warrant from the King ; and that it would neither be 
 fafe to Ardkinlafs, nor profitable to Glenco, to give in the certifi- 
 cate to the clerk of the council: And this the Lord Aberucehill con- 
 firms by his depofition ; but doth not name therein the Lord Stain 
 And Colin Campbell the lherift-cierk does further depone, That, with 
 the knowledge of Lord Aberucehill, Mr JohnCampbell, and Mr Da- 
 vid Moncrief clerk to the council, he did by himfelf, or his fervant, 
 fcore or delete the forefaid certificate, as now it -ftands fcored, as to 
 Glenco's taking the oath of allegiance ; and that he gave it in fo 
 fcored or obliterate to the faid Mr David MoncriefF clerk of the 
 council, who took it in as it is now produced. But it doth not ap- 
 pear by all thefe depofition s, that the matter was brought to the 
 -council-board that the council's pleafure might be known upon it, 
 .though it feems to have been intended by Ardkinlafsj who both 
 
 H h wrote
 
 ^4- 
 
 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 wrote himfelf, and fent Colonel Hill's letter for to make Glenco's 
 excufe ; and defired exprefsly to know the council's pleafure. 
 
 After that Glenco had taken the oath of allegiance, as is faid, he 
 went home to his own houfe ; and, as his own two fons above na- 
 med depone, he not only lived there for Tome days, quietly and fe- 
 curely, but called his people together, and told them he had taken 
 the oath of allegiance, and made his peace; and therefore defired 
 and engaged them to live peaceably under K. William's government: 
 as the depofitions of the faid two fons, who were prefent, marked 
 with the letter E, bear. 
 
 Thefe things having preceeded the (laughter, which happened 
 not to be committed until the 13th of February 1692, fix weeks 
 after the deceafed Glenco had taken the oath of allegiance at Inver- 
 aray ; the flaughter of the Glenco men was in this manner, viz, 
 John and Alexander McDonalds, fons to the deceafed Glenco, de- 
 pone, That Glengary's houfe being reduced, the forces were called 
 back to the fouth ; and Glenlyon, a Captain of the Earl of Argyle's 
 regiment, with Lieutenant Lindfay and Enfign Lindfay, and fix 
 fcore foldiers, returned to Glenco about the J ft of February 1692 ; 
 where, at their entry, the elder brother John met them, with about 
 twenty men, and demanded the reafon of their coming ; and Lieu- 
 tenant Lindfay fhewed him his orders for quartering there, under 
 Colonel Kill's hand ; and gave aifurance, that they were only come 
 to quarter ; whereupon, they were billeted in the country, and had 
 free quarters and kind entertainment, living familiarly with the 
 people,' until the 13th day of February. And Alexander further de- 
 pones, That Glenlyon being his wife's uncle, came almoft every 
 day and took his morning drink at his houfe ; and that the very 
 night before the flaughter, Glenlyon did play at cards in his own 
 quarters with both the brothers. And John depones, That old 
 Glenco his father had invited Glenlyon, Lieutenant Lindfay, and 
 Enftgn Lindfay to dine with him, upon the very day the flaugh- 
 ter happened : But, on the 1 3th day of February, being Saturday, 
 about four or five in the morning, Lieutenant Lindfay, with a par- 
 ty
 
 AND LETTERS. 243 
 
 ty of the forefaid foldiers, came to old Glenco's houfe, where ha- 
 ving called in a friendly manner, and got in, they mot his father 
 dead, with feveral fhots, as he was rifing out of his hed ; and the 
 mother having got up and put on her cloaths, the foldiers {tripped 
 her naked, and drew the rings off her fingers with their teeth ; as 
 likewife they killed one man more, and wounded another grievouf- 
 ly at the fame place: And this relation they fay they had from their 
 mother ; and is confirmed by the depofition of Archibald M'Do- 
 nald indweller in Glenco, who farther depones. That Glenco was 
 fhot behind his back with two fhots, one through the head and an- 
 other through the body ; and two more were killed with him in 
 that place, and a third wounded, and left for dead : And this he 
 knows, becaufe he came that fame day to Glenco's houfe, and faw 
 his dead body lying before the door, with the other two that were 
 killed, and fpoke with the third that w^as wounded, whofe name 
 was Duncan Don, who came there occafionally with letters from 
 the Brae of Marr. The faid John M'Donald, eldefb fon to the de- 
 ceafed Glenco, depones, The fame morning that his father was kil- 
 led, there came foldiers to his houfe before day, and called at his 
 window, which gave him the alarm, and made him go to Inner- 
 .riggen, where Glenlyon was quartered ; and that he found Glen- 
 lyon and his men preparing their arms, which made the deponent 
 afk the caufe ; but Glenlyon gave him only good words, and faid, 
 they were to march againft fome of Glengary's men ; and, if there 
 were ill intended, would not he have told Sandy and his niece ? 
 ■neaning the deponent's brother and his wife ; which made the 
 deponent go home, and go again to his bed, until his fervant, who 
 hindered him to Heep, raifed him ; and, when he rofe and went out, 
 he perceived about twenty men coming towards his houfe, with their 
 bayonets fixed to their mufkets ; whereupon he fled to the hill ; 
 and having Auchnaion, a little village of Glenco, in view, he heard 
 the fhots, wherewith Auchintraiten and four more were killed ; and 
 that he heard alio the mots at Innerriggen, where Glenlyon had 
 caufed to kill nine more, as fhall be hereafter declared. And this 
 
 H h 2 con-
 
 244 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 confirmed by the concurring depofition of Alexander M'Donald _li)-3 
 brother, whom afervant waked out of ileep, faying, It is no time for 
 you to be fleeping when they are killing your brother at the door, which 
 made Alexander to flee, with his brother, to the hill, where both 
 them heard the forefaid fhots at Auchnaionand Innerriggen. And the 
 faid John, Alexander, and Archibald M'Donald, do all depone, That 
 the fame morning there was one Sergent Barber laid hold on Auchen- 
 treater/s brother, one of the four, and aiked him if he were alive : He 
 anfwered, that he was ; and that he defired to die without, rather than 
 within. Barber faid, that, for his meat that he had eaten, he would do 
 him the favour to kill him without. But when the man was brought 
 out, and foldiers brought up to moot him, he having his plaid loofe, 
 flung it over their faces, and fo efcaped ; and the other three broke 
 through the back of the houfe, and efcaped: And this account 
 the deponents had from the men that efcaped. And at Innerrigen, 
 where Glenlyon was quartered, the foldiers took other nine men* 
 and did bind them hand and foot, killed them one by one with 
 fhot: And when Glenlyon inclined to fave a young man of 
 about twenty years of age, one Captain Drummond came and afk> 
 ed how came he to be faved, in refpett of the orders that were 
 given? and mot him dead: And another young boy, of about 
 I 3 years, ran to Glenlyon to be faved; he was likewife mot dead : 
 And in the fame town there was a woman, and a boy about 4 or 5 
 years of age, killed: And at Auchnaion there was alio a child 
 miffed, and nothing found of him but the hand. There were like- 
 wife feveral killed at other places, whereof one was an old man 
 about 80 years of age. And all this the deponents fay they affirm, 
 becaufe they heard the mot, faw the dead bodies, and had an ac- 
 count from the women that were left. And Ronald Macdonald, 
 indweller in Glenco, farther depones, That he being living with 
 his father in a little town of Glenco, fome of Glenlyon's foldiers 
 came to his father's houfe, the faid 13th of February, in the morn- 
 ing, and dragged his father out of his bed, and knocked him down 
 for dead, at the door ; which the deponent feeing, made his 
 
 efcape ;.
 
 AND LETTERS. 245 
 
 efcape; and his father recovering, after the foldiers were gone, 
 got into another houfe ; but this houfe was fhortly burnt, and his 
 lather burnt in it ; and the deponent came thereafter, and gathered 
 his father's bones, and burnt them. He alio declares, That at Auch- 
 naion, where Auchintriaten was killed, he faw the body of Auchin- 
 triaten and three more, caft out, and covered with dung. And 
 another witnefs of the fame declares, That, upon the fame 1 3th of 
 February, Glenlyon, and Lieutenant Lindfay, and their foldiers, 
 did, in the morning before day, fall upon the people of Glenco, 
 when they were fecure in their beds, and killed them ; and he 
 being at Innerrigen, fled with the firft, but heard fhots; and 
 had two brothers killed there, with three men more,, and a wo- 
 man; who were all buried before he came back. And all thefe 
 five witneiTes concurr, That the forefaid (laughter was made by 
 Glenlyon and his foldiers, after they had been quartered, and lived 
 peaceably and friendly with the men of Glenco, about 1 3 days ; 
 and that the number of thofewhom they knew to beflain were about 
 25 : And that the foldiers, after the (laughter, did burn the houfes, 
 barns, and goods ; and carry ed away a great fpoil of horfe, nolt, and 
 fheep, above a thoufand. And James Campbell foldier in the 
 caftle of Stirling depones, That, in January 1692, he being then 
 foldier in Glenlyon's company, marched with the company from 
 Inverlochy to Glenco, where the company was quartered, and 
 very kindly intertained, for the fpace of 14 days: That he knew 
 nothing of the defign of killing the Glenco men till the morn- 
 ing that the daughter was committed ; at which time Glenlyon 
 and Captain Drummond's companies were drawn out in feveral 
 parties, and got orders from Glenlyon, and their other officers, 
 to moot and kill all the country-men they met with ; and that 
 the deponent, being one of the party which was at the town where 
 Glenlyon had his quarters, did fee feveral men drawn out of their 
 beds ; and particularly he did fee Glenlyon's own landlord fhot 
 by his order, and a young boy of about twelve years of age, who 
 endeavoured to fave himfelf by taking hold of Glenlyon, offering 
 to go any where with him, if he would fpare his lifej and was 
 
 fhot
 
 24° 
 
 STA*TE-PAPERS 
 
 iliot dead by Captain Drummond's order: And the deponent die} 
 fee about eight perfons killed, and feveral houfes burnt, and women 
 flying to the hills to fave their lives. And, lafily, Sir Colin Camp- 
 bell of Abrucehill depones, That, after the flaughter, Glenlyon told 
 him, that MacDonald of Innerriggen was killed, with the reft of the 
 Glenco men, with Colonel Hill's pafs or protection in his pocket, 
 
 which a foldier brought, and fhewed to Glenlyon. The tefti- 
 
 monies above fet down, being more than fufficient to prove a deed 
 fo notorioufly known, it is only to be remarked, t^at more witnef- 
 fes of the actors themfelves might have been found, if Glenlyon and 
 his foldiers were not at prefent in Flanders with Argyle's regiment. 
 And its further added, that Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton, who 
 feems, by the orders and letters that mail be hereafter let down, to 
 have had the particular charge of this execution, did march, the 
 night before the flaughter, with about 400 men; but the weather 
 falling to be very bad and fevere, they were forced to flay by the 
 way, and did not get to Glenco againft the next morning, as had 
 been concerted betwixt Major Duncanfon and Lieutenant Colonel 
 Hamilton : So that the meafures being broke, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Hamilton and his men came not to Glenco till about eleven of the 
 clock after the {laughter had been committed ; which proved the 
 prefervation and fafety of the tribe of Glenco; fince by this means 
 the far greater part of them efcaped. And then the Lieutenant-Co- 
 lonel being come to Canneloch-Levin, appointed feveral parties for 
 feveral ports, with orders that they mould take no prifoners, but 
 kill all the men that came in their way. Thereafter, fome of the 
 Lieutenant-Colonel's men marched forward in the glen, and met 
 with Major Duncanfon's party, whereof a part under Glenlyon had 
 been fent by Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton to quarter there fome 
 days before ; and thefe men told how they had killed Glenco, and 
 about thirty-fix of his men, that morning ; and that there remained 
 nothing to be clone by the Lieutenant-Colonel and his men, fave 
 that they burnt fome houfes, and killed an old man, by the Lieute- 
 nant Colonel's orders, and brought away the fpoil of the country : 
 
 And
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 247 
 
 And this in its fcveral parts is teftified by John Forbes Major in Col- 
 lonell Hill's regiment, Francis Farquhar and Gilbert Kennedy, both 
 lieutenants in that regiment, who were all of the Lieutenant-Colo- 
 nel's party, as their depositions more fully bear. It may alfo be here 
 noticed, That, fome days after the {laughter of the Glenco men was 
 over, there came a perfon from Campbell of Balcalden, 
 
 chamberlain, i. e. ftewart to the Earl of Broadalbin, to the deceaft 
 Glenco's fons, and offered to them, if they would declare under 
 their hands, that the Earl of Broadalbine was free and clear of the 
 forefaid llaughter, they might be affuredof the Earl's kindnefs for pro- 
 curing their remiffion and reftitution ; as was plainly deponed before 
 the commifiioners. It remains now, to give an account of the war- 
 rants, either given, or pretended to be given, for the committing of 
 the forefaid (laughter ; for clearing whereof, it is to be noticed, 
 That the King having been pleafed to offer, by proclamation, an in- - 
 demnity to ail the Highland rebels, who fhould come in and accept 
 thereof, by taking the oaths of allegiance, betwixt and the firft of 
 January 1692 ; after the day was elapfed, it was very proper to give 
 inftructions how fuch of the rebels as had refufed his Majefty's 
 grace mould be treated ; and therefore, his Majefty, by his inftruc- 
 tions, of the date the nth of January 1692, directed to Sir Thomas 
 Livingfton, and fuperfigned and counterfigned by himfelf, did, in- 
 deed, order and authorife Sir Thomas to march the troops againft 
 the rebels who had not taken the benefit of the indemnity, and to 
 deftroy them by fire and fword ; (which is the actual ftyle of our 
 commiffions againft intercommuned rebels;) but with this exprefs 
 mitigation in the fourth article, viz. That the rebels may not think 
 themfelves defperate, we allow you to give terms and quarters, but 
 in this manner only, That cheftians and heritors, or leaders, be pri- 
 foners of war, their lives only fafe, and all other things in mercy; 
 they taking the oaths of allegiance, and rendering their arms, and 
 fubmitting to the government, are to have quarters and indemnity 
 for their lives and fortunes, and to be protected from the foldiers • 
 as the principal paper of inftru&ions, produced by Sir Thomas Li- 
 vingfton,
 
 248 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 vingfton, bears. After thefe inftructions, there were additional ones 
 given by his Majefty to Sir Thomas Li vingfton, upon the 16th of 
 the faid month of January, fuperfigned and counterfigned by his 
 Majefty, and the date marked by Secretary Stair's hand ; which 
 bear orders for giving of paffes, and for receiving the mbmiffion of 
 certain of the rebels : Wherein all to be noticed to the prefent pur- 
 pose is, That therein his Majefty doth judge it much better that 
 thefe who took not the benefit of the indemnity in due time mould 
 be obliged to render upon mercy, they ftiil taking the oaths of alle- 
 giance ; and then its added, If Mackean of Glenco, and that tribe, 
 can be well feparated from the reft, .it will be a proper vindication 
 of the public juftice to extirpate that fed of thieves. And of thefe 
 ■additional inftru&ions a principal duplicate was lent to Sir Thomas 
 Livingfton, and another to Colonel Kill, and were both produced. 
 And thefe were all the inftruc~t.ions given by the King in this matter. 
 But Secretary Stair, who fent down thefe inftru&ions, as his letters 
 produced, written with his hand, to Sir Thomas, of the fame date with 
 them, teftify, by a previous letter of the date of the 7th of the faid 
 month of January, written and fubfcribed by him to Sir Thomas, 
 fays, You know in general, that thefe troops polled at Invernefs and 
 Innerlochy will be ordered to take in the houfe of Invergarie, and 
 to deftroy entirely the country of Lochabar, Locheall's lands, Kep- 
 poch's, Glengary's, and Glenco j and then adds, I aimre you your 
 power (hall be full enough ; and I hope the foldiers will not trouble 
 rovernment with prifoners. And, by another letter of the 9th 
 of the faid month of January, which is likewife before the inftruc- 
 tions, and written to Sir Thomas, as the former, he hath this expref- 
 fron* That thtffe who remain of the rebels are not able to oppofe, 
 and their chefuans being all papifts, it is well the vengeance falls 
 there: For my part, I could have wiihed the MacDonalds had not 
 divided; and I am forry that Keppoch and Mackean of Glenco are 
 And the?' r ards we have an account, that Locheall,Mac- 
 
 naughton, Appin, and Glenco, took the benefit of the indemnity at 
 iiiverary, and Keppoch and others at Invernefs. But this letter of 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 249 
 
 the nth of January, fent with the firft inftru&ions to Sir Thomas, 
 hath this expreffion : ' I have no great kindnefs to Keppoch nor 
 Glenco; and its well that people are in mercy.' And then, c juft 
 now my Lord Argyle tells me, that Glenco hath not taken the 
 oath : At which I rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be ex- 
 act in rooting out that damnable feci:; the worft of the Highlands.' 
 But in his letter of the 1 6th of January, of the fame date with the 
 additional inftructions, though he writes in the firft part of the let- 
 ter, 'The King does not at all incline to receive any after the diet, 
 but on mercy;' yet he thereafter adds, c But, for a juft example of 
 vengeance, Iintreat the thieving tribe of Glenco may be rooted out 
 to purpofe.' And to confirm this, by his letter of the fame date, fent 
 with the other principal duplicate, and additional inftrudions to Co- 
 lonell Hill, after having written, that Inch as render on mercy may 
 be faved, he adds : 'I mail entreat you, that, for a juft vengeance, and 
 public example, the tribe of Glenco may be rooted out to purpofe : 
 The Earls of Argyle and Broadalbine have promifed that they mail 
 have no retreat in their bounds ; the paffes to Ranach would be fe- 
 cured ; and the hazard certified to the laird of Weems to refett 
 them: In that cafe, Argyle's detatchment, with a party that may 
 be pofted in Ifland Stalker, muft cut them off; and the people of 
 Appin are none of the beft.' This Lift letter, with the inftrudions 
 for Colonel Hill, was received by Major Forbes, in his name, at Edin- 
 burgh ; and the Major depones, That, by the allowance he had from 
 the Colonell, he did unfeal the packet, and found therein the letter and 
 inftructions, as above, which he fent forward to Colonel Hill. And 
 that, in the beginning of February 1692, being in his way to Fort 
 William, he met fome companies of Argyle's regiment atBellifhiells, 
 and was furprifed to underftand that they were going to quarter 
 in' Glenco ; but faid nothing till he came to Fort-William, where Co- 
 lonell Hill told him, that Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton had got or- 
 ders about the affair of Glenco ; and that therefore the Colonell had 
 left it to Lieutenant-colonell Hamilton's management, who, he ap- 
 prehends, had concerted the matter with Major Duncanfon. And 
 
 I i Co-
 
 250 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Colonel Hill depones, That he underftood that Lieutenant-colonel Ha- 
 milton and Major Duncanfon got the orders about the Glenco men 
 which were fent to Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton : That, for him- 
 felf, he liked not the bufinefs, but was very grieved at it : That the 
 King's inftrudions of the 16th of January 1692, with the Mafter 
 of Stair's letter of the fame date, were brought to him by Major 
 Forbes, who had received them, and unfealed the packet at Edin- 
 burgh ; as thefe two depofitions do bear. Yet the execution and 
 (laughter of the Glenco men did not immediately take effect ; and 
 thereafter, on the 30th of the faid month of January, the Mafter of 
 Stair doth again write two letters, one to Sir Thomas Livingfton,. 
 which bears, ' I am glad that Glenco did not come in within the 
 time prefixed: I hope what is done there may be in earneft, fincc 
 the reft are not in a condition to draw together to help : I think to 
 harry (that is, to drive) their cattle, and burn their houfes, is but to 
 render them defperate lawlefsmen to rob their neighbours; but I be- 
 lieve you will be fatisfiedit were a great advantage to the nation that 
 thieving tribe were rooted out, and cut off: It muftbe quietly done, 
 otherwife they will make fhift for both their men and their cattle : 
 Argyle's detatchment lies in Letrickwell, to affift the garriibn to do 
 all of a hidden:' And the other to Colonel Hill, which bears : ' Pray, 
 when the thing concerning Glenco is refolved, let it be fecret and 
 fudden, otherwife the men will fhift you ; and better not meddle 
 with them than not to do it to purpoie, to cut off that neft of rob- 
 bers who have fallen in the mercy of the law, now when there is- 
 force and opportunity, whereby the King's juftice will be as confpi- 
 cuous and ufeful as his clemency to others. I apprehend the ftorm 
 is fo great, that, forfome time, you can do little; but, fp foon as pol- 
 fible,I know you will be at work; for thefe falfe people will do no- 
 thin"- but as they fee you in a condition to do with them.' Sir Thomas 
 Livingfton having £ot the King's inftructions with Secretary Stair's 
 letter of the 1 6th of January, and knowing, by a letter he had from 
 the Mafter of Stair, of the date the 7th of January 1692, that Lieu- 
 tenant-colonel Hamilton was to be the man employed in the execu- 
 tion
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 •S* 
 
 tion of the Glenco men, in purfuance of the fecretary's letter, he 
 writes to Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, upon the 23d of the faid 
 month of January, telling him, * That it was judged good news that 
 Glenco had not taken the oath of allegiance within the time prefix- 
 ed, and that Secretary Stair, in his lad: letter, had made mention of ' 
 him ;' and then adds, l For, Sir, here is a fair occafion for you tofhow 
 that your garrifon ferves for fome ufe ; and, feeing that the orders 
 are fo pofitive from court to me, not to fpare any of them that have 
 not timely come in, as you may fee by the orders I fend to your co- 
 lonel, I defire you will begin with Glenco, and fpare nothing which 
 belongs to him ; but do net trouble the government with prifoners ; 
 as this letter produced by Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton bears.' And 
 Sir Thomas being heard upon this letter, declared, That at that time 
 he was immediately returned from his journey to London, and that 
 he knew nothing of any foldiers being quartered in Glenco, and 
 only meant that he mould be profecuted as a rebel ftanding out, by 
 fair hoftility ; and in this fenfe he made ufe of the fame words and 
 orders written to him by Secretary Stair. Thereafter, Colonel Hill 
 gives his orders, to be directed to Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, in 
 thefe terms: 'Sir, you are, with 400 of my regiment, and the 400 of 
 my Lord Argyle's regiment, under the command of Major Duncan- 
 fon, to march ftraight to Glenco, and there put in due execution the 
 orders you have received from the commander in chief. Given under 
 my hand, at Fort-William, the 12th day of February 1692.' And 
 this order is alfo produced by Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton. Then, 
 -the fame day, Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton wrote to Major Duncan- 
 fon in thefe terms : ' Sir, purfuant to the commander in chief and my 
 colonel's orders to me, for putting in execution the fervice againft the 
 rebels of Glenco, wherein you, with a party of Argyle's regiment, 
 now under your command, are to be concerned; you are therefore to 
 order your affairs fo, that you be at the feveral polts affigned you, 
 by feven of the clock to-morrow morning being Saturday, and fall 
 in a&ion with them ; at which time I will endeavour to be with 
 the party from this place at the poft appointed them. It will be 
 
 1 i 2 neceifary
 
 252 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 neceiTary that the avenues minded by Lieutenant Campbell on 
 the fbuth fide be fecured, that the old fox, nor none of his cub?, 
 get away. The orders are, that none be fpared, nor the govern- 
 ment troubled with prisoners. ' And the copy of this laft order is 
 produced under Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton's own hand. And 
 accordingly the flaughter of Glenco and his poor people did enfue 
 the next morning, being the 13th of February 1692, in the man- 
 ner narrated. And, upon the whole matter, it is the opinion o£ 
 the commiffioner, firjl, That it was a great wrong that Glenco's 
 cafe, and diligence as to his taking the oath of allegiance, with 
 Ardkinlafs's certificate of his taking the oath of allegiance on 
 the 6th of January 1692, and Colonel Hill's letter to Ardkin- 
 lafs, and Ardkinlafs's letter to Colin Campbell fheriff-clerk, 
 for clearing Glenco's diligence and innocence, were not prefented 
 to the Lords of his Majefty's privy council, when they were fent 
 in to Edinburgh in the faid month of January ; and that thofe who 
 advifed the not prefenting thereof were in the wrong, and feem to 
 have had a malitious defign againft Glenco : And that it was a fur- 
 ther wrong, that the certificate as to Glenco's taking the oath of 
 allegiance was delete and obliterate after it came to Edinburgh ; 
 and that being fo obliterate, it mould neither have been prefented 
 to, or taken in by the clerk of the council, without an exprefs war- 
 rand from the council. Secondly, That it appears to have been 
 known at London, and particularly to the Matter of Stair, in the 
 month of January 1692, that Glenco had taken the oath of alle- 
 giance, though after the day perfixed ; for he faith, in his letter of 
 the 30th of January to Sir Thomas Livingfton, as above remarked* 
 'I am glad that Glenco came not in within the time prefcrib'd.' 
 Thirdly, That there was nothing in the King's inftructions to war- 
 rand the committing of the forefaid flaughter, even as to the things 
 itfelf,and far lefs as to the manner of it ; feeing all his inftructions do 
 plainly import, that the moft obftinate of the rebels might be received 
 into mercy, upon taking the oath of allegiance, though the day was 
 long before elapfed ; and that he ordered nothing concerning Glen- 
 co
 
 AND LETTERS. 253 
 
 ca and his tribe; but that, if they could be well feparated from the 
 reft, it would be a proper vindication of the public juftice to extir- 
 pate that fet of thieves; which plainly intimates, that it was his 
 Majefty's mind, that they could not be feparated from the reft of 
 thefe rebels, unlefs they ftill refufed his mercy, by continuing in 
 arms and refilling the allegiance ; and that, even in that cafe, they 
 were only to be proceeded againft in the way of public juftice, and no 
 other way. Fourthly, That Secretary Stair's letters, efpecially that 
 of the nth of January 1692, in which he rejoices to hear that 
 Glenco had not taken the oath, and that of the 16th of January, 
 of the fame date with the King's additional inftruftions, and that 
 of the 30th of the fame month, were no ways warranted by, but 
 quite exceeded the King's forefaid inftructions. Since the faid let- 
 ters, without any infinuation of any method to be taken that might 
 well feparate the Glenco men from the reft, did, in place of prefcri- 
 bing a vindication of public juftice, order them to be cut off, 
 and rooted out in earneft, and to purpofe, and that fuddenly, 
 and fecretly, and quietly, and all on a hidden ; which are the ex- 
 prefs terms of the faid letters ; and, comparing them and the other 
 letters with what enfued, appear to have been the only warrant and 
 caufe of their flaughter ; which in effect was a barbarous murder, 
 perpetrated by the perfons deponed againft. And this is yet far- 
 ther confirmed by two more of his letters, written to Colonel Hill 
 after the flaughter committed, viz. on the 5th March 1692, where- 
 in, after having faid that there was much talk at London, that the 
 Glenco men were murdered in their beds after they had taken the 
 allegiance, he continues, ' For the laft I 'know nothing of it. I 
 am fure neither you, nor any body im powered to treat or give in- 
 demnity, did give Glenco the oath ; and, to take it from any body 
 elfe, after the diet elapfed, did import nothing at all : All that I re- 
 gret is, that any of the fort got away ; and there is a neceflity to 
 profecute them to the utmoft.' And another from the Hague, the 
 laft of April 1692, wherein he fays, ' For the people of Glenco, when 
 you do your duty in a thing fo neceffary to ridd the country of 
 
 thieving,
 
 tl% 'STATE-PAPERS 
 
 thieving, you need not trouble yourfelf to take the pains to vindicate 
 yourfelf, by {hewing all your orders, which are now put in the Paris 
 Gazette : When you do right, you need fear nobody; All that can 
 be faid is, that, in the execution, it was neither fo full norfo fair as 
 might have been.' And this, their humble opinion, the commiiTioners, 
 with all fubmiflion, return and lay before his Majefty, in difcharge of 
 the forefaid commhTion. > 
 
 Sic fubfcribitur, Tweedle; Annandale, now Marquis of Annandale, 
 and Prefident of the Privy Council; Murray, 
 now Duke of Athol, and Lord Privy Seal ; Ja. 
 Stewart, her Majefty's Advocate ; Adam Cock- 
 burn, late Lord Treafurer-depute : W. Hamil- 
 ton ; Lord Whitelaw, one of the Lords of Sei- 
 fion ; Ja. Ogilvie, now E. of Seafield, and Lord 
 High Chancellor ; A. Drummond. 
 
 Mr David Blair to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Church- affairs. 
 
 Dr SIR, 
 
 fuiy iS. I wrote to you formerly under Mr Alexander Stevenfon's cover, 
 l695% but know not if it has come to hand. I have delayed writing for 
 fome time, becaufe things were long in dependence. The adjourn- 
 ing of the general aflembly but the very day before it fhould have 
 fat, was very grievous to our minifters, who were come in from all 
 quarters ; and it was no eafy matter to get them quieted. Many 
 of the more forward of them were for a prefent addreis to his Ma- 
 jefty ; but the more prudent prevailed with the reft to lay it afide ; 
 and, in liew thereof, to content themfelves with giving fome me- 
 moirs to the fecretary, who, I believe, has prcmifed his utmoft en- 
 deavours, that the day to which it is adjourned in November next 
 may be punctually kept. They were alfo earned with him, that 
 
 there
 
 AND LETTERS. 255 
 
 there may be annual afTemblies according to law ; which I hope 
 now will not be ib uneafy to be obtained, after the act that pafled 
 on July 1 2th concerning the church, wherein there lies no obliga- 
 tion upon the eftablifhed church to take in to minifterial communion 
 with them, any of the late prelatical incumbents ; but only civil pro- 
 tection to fitch of them as fhall qualify themfelves civilly, &c. So that 
 one great advantage gained by that act, is the pulling out the thorn 
 out of the minifters foot, and out of fome bodies elfe too, if I am not 
 much miftaken. The act pafTed the very day after the aflembly 
 mould have fat : Had it pafTed fooner in the beginning of the par- 
 liament, the affembly might have fat, in my poor judgement, with- 
 out detriment to any intereft : And I believe in mine own mind, 
 that the uncertainty we were all in, how that act was to be framed 
 and contrived, might have been one of the reafons why none pref- 
 fed me to write to you, for ufing your utmoft endeavour towards 
 the premptory fitting of the aifembly, (as in fome cafes formerly 
 they had been accuftomed to do) ; at lead, this is my conjecture. 
 All were wifhing, and fome were hoping that it would fit ; but, as I 
 have faid, none were inftant and preifing. It was pity to fee the mi- 
 nifters flocking in from all parts ; and, in the mean time, their ad- 
 verfaries flouting at them for having loft their labour ; and yet more 
 pity to hear the poor minifters faying, they durft not go home to 
 their congregations, efpecially in the fouth-weft parts, where Mr 
 Hepburn will triumph over them for what he will call their unfaith- 
 fulnefs, and will be in a ready way to draw away people from hearing 
 them : But I hope there will be no fuch occafion hereafter. On the 
 other hand, it was fome piece of fatisfaction to fee pragmatical 
 Crevie, the ringleader of the protefters of the north, deprived by the 
 authority of parliament, and confined to this fide of Forth. As to 
 civil affairs, I have nothing to fay, fave that I am glad that things 
 went not in a higher ftrain than they did ; and that in heaving at 
 fome perfons, there was not a mere defire preferred without ren- 
 dering a reafon ; for, as you know, I came to underftand, fome while 
 
 ago,
 
 256 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ago, that, if crimes were laid to the charge of any, and could be made 
 out before the judge competent, that would give offence to no body. 
 God make all well, as Sir John Scot faid.to the King. Adieu. 
 
 Cockburn of Ormifton, Lord Juftice-clerk, to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of ' fome hot Words betivixt Argyle and hlmfelf upon the fubjecl of 
 
 Glenco. Other quarrels among the State/men. Public Tranf- 
 
 aclions. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have your's of the nth"; but that of the former poft you meiv- 
 J ul 7 2 3- tion muft be in the hands of thofe have taken a flying packet co- 
 1 95 ' ming for the fecretary from London. Tin glad of one thing, they 
 will fee you ftill own yourfelf to be my friend ; and all the lying 
 itories they are able to fend abroad have not hindered that far our 
 .correfpondence. There is nothing I love worfe then to chafe clafh- 
 es. You had account of what I met with from Kilmarnock ; and 
 when I tell you that Argyle, publickly in parliament, challenged 
 me to aik fatisfa&ion which way I pleafed, when he reflected on 
 the whole commiffion of Glenco ; for the reft, he faid, he would 
 not reflect on them ; but for that gentleman (meaning me) who 
 thought himfelf reflected on, he mould have fatisfaction which way 
 he pleafed. This, and other flafhes, I have borne ; but do not think 
 me fee ; only my moderation hath at this time appeared; though I 
 hear it's all one whether it had or not ; but foit is not with myfelf ; 
 for I have peace. This day Anflruther tells me, he has been very 
 angry with Mr H. Dairy mple, who told him, he had a return 
 from his brother to that he wrote, of fom'e heated words paft be- 
 tween Anftruther and the fecretary in parliament; and that the 
 King and my L. Portland knew of it, as they did of other fuch 
 things ; arid they wo\i<d do a great deal of good : So Anftruther is 
 upon the writing over, that Secretary Johnfton and he were never
 
 AND LETTERS. 257 
 
 fo well, the fecretary having acknowledged he had fpoke too warm- 
 ly ; and I know they have been dining at others lodgings. Now, 
 if a heated word do a man's bufinefs, true or falfe, why not mine 
 for the fecond time ? Your Friends the Melvills and Anftruthers are 
 like to break the bond of alliance ; only Anftruther feems to be 
 careen off with his new gift of Fyfe, having which Caffengray 
 had. Raith told him brifkly, he mould not get it through neither 
 treafury nor exchequer; and Linlithgow told him, he would not get 
 a quorum of the treafury to lign it ; for they behoved to keep to 
 Melvill, for he has keept to them. The church-act, the levy-act, the 
 continuing the fupplies, the moderation of theaddrefs,and theforbear- 
 ing the Vifc. of Stairs, are the greateft inftances of refpect to his Ma- 
 jefty has been mown of a long time; and I'm fure more than was ex- 
 pected; and may well allow the few days fitting after the firit allow- 
 ance. It might a been expected the parliament mould a written a let- 
 ter to the K. at their rifing : It was fpoke of among fome members; 
 but there appeared fuch a difpofition to explain their former letter, that 
 it coft fome folks pains to get it diverted at this time. Had I been 
 revengeful, I had fair opportunities when my Lady Argyle's pe- 
 tition came twice in. I'm going to the country, and (hall there ex- 
 pect that fentence is faid to be prepared for my friend and myfelf. 
 Say what they will 3 neither of us are Jacobites. Farewell. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy, afterwards Earl of Seafield, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 proceedings in Parliament ivith refpeci to Glenco 'vindicated. 
 
 The Part he acled. The Strength of the Party ivith which 
 
 he is engaged. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I have your's of the 27th of June; we long for good news from Edinburgh, 
 your camp; and particularly., we are apprehenfive of our countrey- 2 3 d July- 
 men, that they will have their fhare of the prefent danger. Our 95 ' 
 parliament is now almoft over. I know endeavours will be ufed to 
 
 K. k miire-
 
 258 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 mifreprefent our proceedings; but, when duly confidered, I am hope- 
 ful the King will be fatisfied. As to the Earl of Breadalbine, we 
 will not proceed againft him ; it will be left to the King to order 
 about him what he pleafes. The Mr of Stair is indeed loaded to 
 purpofe; but thereby the King is moft juftly relieved of all the a- 
 fperfions railed in that affair of Glenco ; and I doubt not the Mr, 
 letters, and our votes, both in the commimon and parliament, when 
 compared, will juftify us, that we have proceeded impartially. And 
 here I cannot but fay, that our carrying fo great a plurality in par- 
 liament againft an fecretary of ftate, an Lord of the treafury, and an 
 prefident of the feffion, may convince any body,.both of the ftrength 
 of our party, and that there was ground for what is done. I moft 
 tell you, that all will bear me witnefs I have acted an moderate part 
 in all this ; and, when its over, and reprefented to his Majefty, I will 
 be ordered by: his Majefty as to the method of fervinghim, as is my 
 duty. I wifh. he may get good advice ; and I am fure he will have 
 it from you. I wifh moderate methods be taken ; and that mode- 
 rate men meet with due encouragement. Our party, if weal with 
 the court, is able to ferve the King to his fatisfa&ion. Neither can 
 it be propofed, that all the other party be run down : All the alte- 
 ration neceflary may foon be found out; but I am afraid the King 
 may be mifmformed. It is now a proper time for you to do good 
 to your country. Honeft men expects your afliftance ; and miftake 
 will foon go over. You know the King has been much troubled 
 about our church-matters ; but now we have prolonged the time to 
 the minifters for taking the oaths ; and thofe take them are declared 
 to be under his Majefty's full protection within their churches. 
 The iubfidies are near finifhed. We will make the time of conti- 
 nuance as long as poflible we can. I wifh God preferve the King 
 to us ; it is the lefs matter whom he employ. Give my humble 
 duty to my Lord Portland : I am entirely his Lordfhip's fervanto 
 I wriet to you in great confidence, and I doubt not your friendfhip ; 
 and, were I capable to ferve you, I would think it my happinefs ; 
 for I am moft fincerely your's. Dear Sir, Adieu. 
 
 Alex-
 
 AND LETTERS. 259 
 
 Alexander Johnston to Mr Carstares. 
 Of a falfc Alarm concerning the King's Death, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Lately I had nothing -worth writing, which I defired Mr Pringle Auguft 16. 
 to tell you, as the caufeof my filence; but, when the laft three Dutch l69S * 
 maills came together on Wednefday laft, nothing could be more 
 feafonable and acceptable. It was thus, upon Saturday laft, in the 
 morning, I received feven or eight advertifements, that the Jacobites 
 were exceedingly uppifh, and boafted among themfelves, that God 
 Almighty had deftroyed their enemies, and reftored the righteous 
 King, (King James, as they called him); and that he would be here 
 immediately without oppofition. This quickened me; whereupon 
 I acquainted fome minifters at the helm therewith, that they might 
 ufe their endeavours, as I would ufe mine, to find out the bottom of 
 it. Upon Sunday laft, I had reports from nine inftruments 
 (not one knowing of the other) I had put on the fcent the night be- 
 fore : They feemed to be all agreed in fubftance, (though they dif- 
 fered in many circumftances), that, not only the bulk of the Jaco- 
 bites, but alfo, the moft cautious and mod prudent of them, that our 
 gracious King was killed in a battle, and his army deftroyed, by the 
 French in Flanders. You may judge my thoughts and fears then. 
 Three Dutch maills being then due, I communicated this too, and 
 it was verified on all hands here. Then I fet my folks to find out 
 the root from which all this fprung; particularly, to know whether 
 any exprefs or intelligence was come from France bearing it particu- 
 larly. I employed three perfons fitt and capable to reach the fecret 
 tranfa&ions of that party, being trufted by them. Monday night I 
 was pretty well aflured that no fuch exprefs or intelligence was 
 come from France, my people having been in fix or feven meetings 
 of the moft active Jacobites, and not one of them knowing the fe- 
 rret, though they all pretended it to be true; and fome of them 
 
 K k 2 curfed
 
 *6o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 curfed the concealers, as thereby loofing the befl opportunity to rife 
 in arms, and fhow themfelves in the field. The moft cool and 
 wife among them advifed patience, and not to attempt any thing 
 rafhly. Upon Tuefday laft all was as it were in a flame ; that whole 
 party (and many more) were confident of the truth of thefe reports ; 
 which was confirmed by the not coming of the three Dutch maills, 
 nor one of them. I never faw fuch an univerfal confternation and con- 
 fufion of the honefl loyal party; and, on the contrary, nothing but 
 infolence and impudence was to be feen in the words and actions of 
 the Jacobite party. I hope never to fee the like again. That night, 
 (Tuefday laft,) I gave a little hint of this to Mr Pringle, and then 
 I flayed abroad all night, ftill receiving the accounts my people 
 brought in to me; which allured me, that a day or two would pro- 
 duce fome extraordinary and defperate attempt made by that party ; 
 but, God be praifed, next morning brought in the three Dutch 
 maills, (the laft is of the x s",) which reftored us to life, and funk the 
 other party into defpair. When I had perufed my letters, three of 
 which were from you, L returned to my folks, and defired them to 
 obferve the countenances, words, and actions of that party, as nar- 
 rowly as they poflibly could, and to let me know what they learnt 
 at night ; when accordingly we met, and I found that party mad at 
 their own folly, in being fo credulous and eafily impofed on. I found 
 alfo, that many of them had wrote to all their friends in this king- 
 dom, to be in readinefs, and afluring them of the truth of thefe re- 
 ports. And, particularly, I learnt that many letters to this purpofe 
 were fent to Scotland the laft Tuefday 's poft. I communicate this too 
 to the. government ; and that I thought it very fit to fend off a fly- 
 ing packet to my brother, with an account what had happened 
 here, and with the news and letters of the three Dutch maills; 
 which would contradict thefe falfe ftories ; and alfo, on a further de- 
 fign, if poflible, to catch all the Tuefday 's letters when they came 
 to Edinburgh. This flying packet, being fpeedier than the ordinary 
 poft, would be 40 hours at leaft before the Tuefday's ordinary poft: 
 would come to Edinburgh; by which means the fpreading infection 
 
 would
 
 AND LETTERS. 261 
 
 would be eafily prevented: And, purfuant to this refolutlon, I fent 
 off a flying packet on Wednefday laft, and wrote to all my friends 
 to prevent and contradict thefe lies and ftories ; and I hope it will be 
 at Edinburgh early to-morrow, being Saturday, if it be not inter- 
 cepted, as my flying-packet about the bombarding St Maloes 
 and Graveline was : But I have not only found out the perfons con- 
 cerned, and have fo vigoroufly prefled them, that they have drop- 
 ped the intercepted packet near one Sir Humfrey Gores, a juftice of 
 the peace, who hath fent it to the Duke of Shrewfberry, who hath 
 reftored it to me ; but they ihall not efcape fo, for I will pinch them 
 for example's fake ; there being no living at this rate. There muft 
 be fome greater perfons at the bottom of intercepting this packet ; 
 which I hope will be difcovered, if the tools already difcovered tell 
 the whole truth. I believe it was either fome Jacobite, or fome per- 
 fon concerned for thofe profecuted in our parliament. I catched the 
 port-boy, after he had fled 30 miles. Since I have got the oftler; 
 but the topfter of the houfe is fled above 70 miles. I think I know 
 whereabout he is, and 1 will handle him without mittins, (as we 
 fay.) I have wrote too much, being opprelfed with a vehement cold, 
 catched by my night-ramble aforefaid. I pray God to preferve the 
 King, and that we may hear fpeedily of the furrender of the caftle 
 of Namur. Your's to your wife were fent to her yefternight's poft, 
 by her clerk Michael Read. Send me all your good news, for I'll 
 learn the bad ones from the Jacobites. My Lord Arran hath got 
 fuch a furfeit by the three laft Dutch maills, that, for his cure, he 
 is gone to the Bath. I believe all of them are alhamed of their 
 weaknefs and folly ; and we will take heart by their difappoint- 
 ment. Adieu. 
 
 Lord
 
 262 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Lord Breadalbine. — Defres that Mr Carfares may get the King's 
 Order with refpecl to the Prof edition of that Lord helped. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your's of the 4th from the Hague was very acceptable. I ne- 
 ver thought myfelf farder concerned in E. Breadalbine's affairs, 
 than that I was perplexed his friends had fo contrived, and did fo 
 manage the order, that I could not ferve him as I wifht to do ; and, 
 though they have faid, on the other hand, that I was overawed by 
 a party, yet I proteft there was no fuch thing ; but I finglely fol- 
 lowed my light and inftru£tion ; and I intreat you to do your beft to 
 have the order helped, and fent down ; for I know the Earl is trou- 
 bled. I fcarce remember how Neal carried in the recruits ; he had 
 fome averfion in private, but in publick I think he was paflive: But 
 I plainly perceive that Watt's party hath given him over for loft ; 
 yet, were I to difpofe, I would make Mr Dawfon, Mr Watfon, and 
 Mr Neal, Mr Dawfon and 34, in the firft vacancie that will in- 
 ftantly happen. Now, that you are, I hope, well arrived, you will 
 know perfectly how matters go. I ferioufly wifh Carfe well with 
 Wood; and I know it is not 33 fault; but Whyte muft blend us 
 better together, and 9 muft give us our rules pofitive and diftinct, 
 and order all to keep them. Prefent my fervice to Mr Pringle: Tell 
 him I have his of the 12th ; and I know he will communicate what 
 he hath from me. I have been of late much troubled with gout and 
 gravel. Old fmners, many fores ; but mercy is a fweat refuge ; 
 and I hope I fhall long for, and find reft. I am moft fincerely yours. 
 My moft humble fervice to Mrs Carftares. 
 
 Sir
 
 AND LETTERS. 263 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a Letter from the Earl of Portland. — Regrets that Portland is 
 not to meddle in Scottifh Affairs. — 1 1 6 Epif copal Miniflers^ who 
 had qualified^ befules th of e formerly affitmed. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 At my return from my country-houfe I had ane renewed inftance Edinburgh 
 of your favour ; of which I am very fenfible it was ane moll obli- October z6t 
 ging letter from the Earl of Portland, which I know was by your 
 procurement. I am forrie to find my Lord intends not to meddle 
 in our affairs ; for I certainlie underftand that his Lordfhip's influ- 
 ence both has been, and may ftill be, moft ufeful to all honeft and 
 well affected men : But I am perfwaded he is fo honeft to his and our 
 mafter, that he will not decline to a& and do when he finds it need- 
 ful for his Majefty's fervice. Our divifions and animofities are 
 great, as you may eafily perceive by our conflict laft council about 
 Broadalbine. The advocate tells me he gave you an account of it ; 
 fo it is needlefs for me to do it. I pray you take good and fafe mea- 
 fures for bringing us to peace. The prefident is very unwell. Pref- 
 minnan and Newbyth are invalids ; and I doubt if they can return 
 to the feffion. There are an 1 16 of the epifcopal minifters in churches 
 qualified, befides thofe formerly affumed. The prefbyterian mini- 
 fters have declared feveral of the non-jurants churches vacant, parti- 
 cularly my parilh church at Cullen is fo vacated. This was with- 
 out my knowledge, yet I. do not blame them; for he was difaffe&ed . 
 to the civil government ; and it was neceffary to make fome exam- 
 ples. I intreat the continuance of your friendlhip. Give my moft 
 humble fervice to the Earl of Portland. I will not as yet prefume 
 to write him an return ; but I am moft fenfible of the honour he has 
 done me; and I. am moft fincerely yours. Adieu. , 
 
 Mr
 
 164 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Mr David Blair to Mr Cars tares, 
 PreJJes to have an Affembly ;- which Mr Carfares ivas afraid of 
 
 Dr Br, 
 
 Edinburgh, This day yours of 26th current came to hand ; in which you 
 
 169J' 5l &y> that tne * ate letters y° u nave nac * fr° m y our brother Duniop, 
 
 and a gentleman of note with us, make you afraid of an affembly : 
 But ail I fpeak with here, as well as myfelf, by all that we can 
 learn, will be more afraid if there be no affembly. I told you, in 
 a former, that, amongft other reafons for an affembly at the time 
 
 •appointed, this one I thought considerable, that it might be a good 
 means, and, for any thing I know, the only means, to reftrain 
 and curb the humours of fome young miniflers in Galloway, who 
 talk much of doing fomething, at lead by way of teftimony, 
 againft the putting off of the diets of affemblies, &c. It may be 
 you have heard of a paper of overtures, from the late fynod of 
 
 •Galloway, propofed as remedies againft thefe aledged incroach- 
 ments, &c. The paper makes no great noife here : Its was offered 
 by a correfpondent from the fynod of Galloway to the fynod of 
 Merfe and Tiviotdale; but that fynod waved it. The fynod of Lo- 
 thain is to fit next week: But whether that paper will be offered 
 to them or not, I know not. There are none that I fpeak with 
 who are willing to give it any encouragement, The moft judi- 
 cious here do think that the folks of Galloway take too much upon 
 them, and act by a method unprecedented in this church. I 
 am told, that three young men, Camerron, Boyd, and Ewart, have 
 •been the great fticklers in that affair in the fynod of Galloway. 
 Thefe things I thought fit to accquaint you with, that, in cafe there 
 be any talk of them with you, the inconveniences from them may 
 be the better obviated : And if there be no noife of them, I know 
 you will make none. Adieu. 
 
 Mr
 
 AND LETTERS. 265 
 
 Mr of Forbes to Mr Carstares, 
 Solicits his Interefi to obtain a Regiment. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I was forry you parted from the Hague without my feeing of Newport, 
 you : I was twice that day at your lodgings. This comes by my ^\\ Q "1695. 
 friend Forbes, to whom I have fpoke at large. Pray pardon my 
 freedom as to the delivering this letter to my Lord Portland; it is 
 about what I fpoke to you at the Hague, one of thofe Scots 
 regiments at Deal and Dixmude. You know in a manner how 
 I have been wronged ; and what fervice I have done the bearer 
 will inform you at large. In few days I hope to be with you. 
 I know your are able to do much; I fhall wifh it may lye in my 
 way to give a fuitable requitall ; hoping for pardon for this freedom, 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 your moll affectionate and 
 humble fervant, 
 
 Wi llia m Mr of Forbes. 
 
 You may acquaint my Lord Portland, that it is either CrTerall's, 
 dy Sir Charles Graham's I am for. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Jealoufies between Mr Carftares and fome of the Minijlry in 
 Scotland. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I came to town late yefternight, and was very glad to receive a Edinburgh 
 
 letter from you; though indeed I admire you mould forborne writing Novem - 7- 
 
 r , . ° 1695. 
 
 to me upon any account ot this nature ; for you know how de- 
 
 firous I was to be in your company, when your leifure allowed, the 
 
 fhort time you was here; and whatever miftakes was, I always own- 
 
 L 1 ed
 
 266 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 ed the friendfhip which, upon many accounts, I was obliged to 
 have for you ; and have been many times witnefs to the concern 
 and great trouble ye have been at to get matters go right, when I 
 was very difpondent ; and I would fain hope and wifh, that ye, 
 and honeft men who have the fame defign, may be in a right un- 
 derftanding together, and all jealoufies removed ; for I declare 
 fmcerely, there is no man living I think myfelf more obliged to, 
 and wifhes better than yourfelf. As for the other affair ye write of, 
 ye have been witnefs how perplexing and troublefome a tafk it has 
 been to me, which you wanted not your fhare of, makes me intreat 
 and expect ye will be fo friendly as not to let me be in danger any 
 more; for ye may remember what pains ye was at, and how long 
 a time it was before my exoneration could be procured ; when it 
 was thought nothing was done but what would give fatisfa&ion, 
 My wife gives her fincere fervice to you and your lady, with mine 
 
 I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft affectionate and real fervant, 
 
 Carmichael. 
 
 I wifh your noble friend and mine all imaginable happinefs ; and 
 {hall ever acknowledge myfelf his moft obliged fervant. 
 
 The old laird is gone out of town ; but, if he fail you, he is the 
 ungratefulleft old dog ever lived, which fhall not be untold him ; 
 but I dare anfwer for him. 
 
 My wife bids tell you, fhe fears ye rather be angry at her. 
 
 George Munro to Mr Carstares. 
 Of aCaufe he had ivith Colonel H. before a Court MartiaL 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Bruges, x have been fo often troublefome to you upon feveral accounts, 
 
 N i°6 V 9 s. 7, that I am afharaed > but the neceffity I lie under in my affair with 
 
 Colonel
 
 AND LETTERS. 267 
 
 'Colonel H. obliges me to give you as yet this trouble. God knows 
 my innocency, as likewife what juftice I have for my pretentions ; 
 though, in the former court-martial that fate, as well as this, 
 which he pretends to have, I am fure I have nothing to expect but 
 ruin. I have fent over with my brother a copy of the accompts 
 given in to me by Colonel H. as likewife the articles I except againft, 
 excerped thereout, with my reafons thereto annexed. If your leifure 
 could allow you but to look on them, at firft fight the injuftice 
 done me would be evident ; and truly the fums I do lawfully pre- 
 tend to are of fuch confequence, that it is not for a man of my flock 
 to lie out of them to long. God knows what pains and expences 
 he has already compelled me to by his unjuft dealings ; and, if I 
 get not a fpeedy redrefs, I will undoubtedly be expoied to fome m- 
 conveniencies : Betides, my very reputation fuffers, as an unjuft pre- 
 tender, fo long as I have not a fentence given out in this matter by 
 unbyaffed judges; which I cannot expect in this place. When I met 
 with fuch an unjuft procedure in the former council of war, as the 
 Mr of Forbes and Mr of Polwart can inform you, who were mem- 
 bers thereof, ye may eafily judge what I am to expect, in another, 
 which I fear will be like Mr Michell Scotfman's fon, father worfe. 
 So that I fee no medium left for me, but to have my bufinefs car- 
 ried over before the court-martiall at the Horfe-guards, where un- 
 doubtedly I mall as well have my innocence made appear, as like- 
 wife juftice done me in my pretentions; which I am fure his Ma- 
 jefty would condefcend to, if my affair were reprefented to him, as 
 it is in effect : And, at that fame time, I believe his Majefty would 
 not refufe me a foreloff for coming over to purfue it. There are ma- 
 ny reafons moves me to have my recourfe to you as my hope-an- 
 chor ; and, if ye do not help me at this time, I fear I run the rifk 
 of fhipwreck. I need not prefcryve meafures to you what is fit to 
 be done ; for, if ye know not, ye may eafily think my wit is at a 
 (land. Ye fee it is afiiftance and advice I crave ; and, if I had not 
 a great deal of juftice on my tide, I fhould not offer to addrefs my- 
 aelf to you. I have likewife written to my Lord Annandale, and 
 
 L 1 2 my
 
 2 68 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 my Lord Secretary, who I hope will not be averfe from aflifting me 
 to get juftice ; for, God knows, it is all I folicite ; for I fear I be 
 too tedious, which I hope ye will pardon ; and, when time allows 
 you, I will hope you will honour me with a line. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moil obliged, 
 
 and moft humble fervant, 
 
 George Monro, 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 ■Of a Mifunderflanding betivixt Mr Carfares and Lord Ju/Hce-CIet k. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, x wrote to you laft poft, with fom'e letters I fent inclofed ; and, 
 ^XV- 2 ' after an apology I made for that of Sir Ja. O. you will think ftrange 
 that the inclofed mould not have come by it, even fooner, becaufe 
 of the date, which my Lord Carmichael told me this night at de- 
 livery ; and I preft he would alter the date, feeing he had not given 
 me it fooner ; but he allows you, when you write to him an anfwer, 
 to tell him, you find he had wrote it fome pofts before he gave it 
 me. I need not tell you how much he is your friend, and how 
 defirous he is that you and honeft men fhould underftand one another 
 well. I was told yefterday by my Lord Juftice-clerk, that he got 
 one from you the day before, wherein you are a little brifk to him 
 for writing fo to you. I told him I was heartily forry that there 
 mould be any fuch thing betwixt you ; and I thought it was cer- 
 tainly a great trouble that he x fhould have any jealoufies of you ; 
 and I fhall fay no more upon that head, but that thefe who wifh 
 beft to the government both of church and ftate do very much re- 
 grete it ; and it is very much wifhed that thefe miftakes were re- 
 moved. You have had occafion to do good offices to your coun- 
 try ; and I fhall hope, whatever ufage you have met with, it will net 
 
 alter
 
 AND LETTERS, 269 
 
 alter you. I hope you will not take this ill, feeing I have fo much 
 concern in you ; and, while I breath, I will evidence on all occa- 
 ilons how much I am bound with great fincerity to be your's moll 
 faithfully. 
 
 My wife gives her bed fervices to Mrs Car flares, and bids me 
 tell you, that your Will, fhe hopes will be a brave fellow to ferve 
 you. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Ajks his Advice hoiv to conduct himfelfin the enfuing AJembfy. 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 I am glad the advocate is called up ; his advice at prefent I hope will Edinburgh 
 do good ; he is one I am much obliged to ; but feeing he will be ^695!* 
 abfent, I have complied with my Lord Carmichaers defire, in ac- 
 cepting to be one of the aflembly ; let me have your advice freely 
 how to carry ; I will endeavour to act faithfully, and likewife to pro- 
 cure moderation. You fee I ufe freedom. I will give you no fur- 
 ther trouble, but remains mpfl intirely your's. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 Of a Battle among the Great Folks, &c, 
 
 Dr SIR, 
 
 I have had two from you fince I wrote any ; and I delivered the Edinburgh, 
 letters as they were direded. . The D. of Queenfberry is moft Dec ' I0 * 
 anxious to hear from you in anfwer to his, as that which keeps 
 him there. We have had, as you will forfee, various reports of the 
 battle ainongfl our great folks with you, as it it called here • and 
 both parties fay they have win. I mail prefume to lay no'more 
 
 upon
 
 ijo 
 
 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 upon the differences, but that I pray God the King may be well 
 advifed in the determination. If, before this comes to hand, 
 you have not wrote to the D. of Queenfberry, that you will write 
 to him. The L. Juftice-Clerk bid me tell you, he would fend 
 away the Lady Rothes letter. I anfwered him, that I did not doubt 
 but he would write to you an anfwer to your's. I am fenfible there 
 are ill inftruroents betwixt you; God forgive them. My wife gives 
 her moft humble fervices to Mrs Carftares and you. Farewell 
 heartily. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Divifions in Scotland. The Eajl-India Act ; and his 
 
 own Conducl in that Affair, 
 
 Dr SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I a m forry to find our divifions increafe. I doubt not the King 
 
 T^? behaves wifely amongft our contending parties. If they both fpeak 
 
 well of me, it is what I owe to your good advice. I did follow it 
 
 as much as I was capable. I was not able to perfuade others to do 
 
 it. Do our nation all the good you can. 1 am fure this will pre- 
 
 ferve to you the good opinion of honeft men. I will not trouble 
 
 your noble friend, whom I am obliged to ferve, feeing I am not ac- 
 
 cufed of the talking unduly concerning the Eaft-India ad. I can 
 
 atteft God of my innocence ; neither was it in my offer. I fhall 
 
 endeavour to live honeftly ; and then I can pretend to be protected 
 
 by my friends ; Eut I believe what is reported about this is a fable. 
 
 I hope you will be fo friendly as to let me know if I might write 
 
 to the Earl of Portland, now when affairs are in agitation. I am 
 
 loath to trouble his Lordfhip ; but none will more willingly ferve 
 
 you both than your's. Adieu. 
 
 I am forry our India act occafions fo much trouble ; for I 
 think it will do little hurt to England, feeing we want an fleet. 
 
 Sir
 
 AND LETTERS. 271 
 
 Sir Andrew Kennedy to Mr CarstarSs. 
 Of the difpofal of Offices, — A Company for his Son. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I never longed more to hear from you than now ; but I fliould Rotterdam, 
 excufe you, being bufy. You have confiderable charges in our ^ ar 6 ° h *' 
 Scots affairs, and its probable there may be more. I heartily wifh 
 they all may be for the better, and that honeft and wife men may 
 be in all important pofts. Our publick accounts here of occurrents 
 with you are fo inconfiftent and uncertain, we know not what to 
 truft. Who fucceeds Mr Johnfton as yet we know not, though our 
 letters have told us of feveral. Sir, your ftate-news would be frefh 
 to us : Pray, take fo much avocation as to allow me the half of an 
 quarter of a meet what is paft, and who ftand candidates or com- 
 petitors. I want my fupporters you ufed to jeer me with : If I 
 cannot ftir, its well I may fit ; but that propofition for my fon muft 
 wait a fit feafon ; and we know by whom to do it. Before any 
 faddles were empty, I wrote at large to my Lord Advocate about it; 
 and defired him to advife with you. I doubt you'll find an occafion 
 to move in it at prefent ; but he is my very good friend. I have not 
 heard from him fince I wrote to him : But you are all taken up. 
 Your brother, his wife, fon, and all their friends, are all very well : 
 They did me the honour, the 29th of the laft, to be fix or feven 
 hours with us. I told him the compliment was extraordinary ; 
 and, had it not been that that day was befides the ufual number of 
 the days of the year, I could not have expected it. 
 
 Sir, about three weeks ago, I wrote to Dr Hutton in favours of 
 one Andrew Reid a nephew of mine, bred at Glafgow, an apothe- 
 cary-furgeon, who is come hither to me, that the Doct >r might 
 procure to him fome mate's place in fome hofpital in Flanders, that 
 he may be furnifhed with an opportunity of experience in his call- 
 ing ; but have had no return from the Doctor ; and now the time to 
 be provided draws near. Pray, Sir, enquire at the Doctor, if any 
 
 thing
 
 272 STATE - P A P E R S 
 
 thing can be done for him : And, Sir, may I prefume, in cafe he be 
 not provided for, that you would be pleaied to fpeak for him to Mr 
 Van Loon, or any other; and it will be a great kindnefs to him, and 
 an obligation on me : And I am fure you will get thanks for recom- 
 mending fuch a well qualified perfon. Pray, let me have your an- 
 fwer, and a direct addrefs. My wife, I, and all here are well, and 
 give you and Mrs Carftares our humble fervice ; and I am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your mofl conftant faithful fervant, 
 
 (Signed) A. K. 
 
 Sir, I hear nothing of my Lord Carmichael ; he deferves to fill 
 fome good place : Were he at London, he would be very frank to try 
 to get fomething done for me ; for, to tell you the truth, as all 
 things are at growing dearth, by the continuance of the war, it is not 
 poffible to live on what I have done ; and it muft needs be uaeafy to 
 be obliged to give out more than comes in. I did project fome things 
 to Mr Johnfton, but that is over. If you and the advocate could 
 think of getting my allowance bettered, I need it. When Major- 
 General Livingfton was here, he chanced to be witnefs to a great 
 deal of trouble and charge I was at about officers of the army, de- 
 ferters, and invalids, that he thought my youngeft fon might get a 
 captain's commiffion ; which money the King might beft fpare. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the State of Parties. Complains of the Powers granted to 
 
 Lord Jufiice Clerk and Sir Thomas Living/Ion. — Of Treafurj-af- 
 fairs. — The Chancellor's bad Management. 
 
 Edinburgh, L a ft night the advocate arrived. I faw him this morning, and 
 has acquainted him of all paft fmce my coming to this place ; and 
 am refolved to follow joint meafures with him, as are our other 
 
 friends*
 
 AND LETTERS. 273 
 
 friends, D. Q^ L. Raith, E. Le. &c; the chancellor, and L. Murray 
 concurring with him, has placed the main truft in Juftice Clerk and 
 Sir Thomas L. who has power to feize perfons, horfes, and arms, 
 without being obliged to be accountable to the council, make clofe 
 prifoners, or otherwife, as they fee fit: In fo much, that the Juftice 
 Clerk, acquainting the council the other day, that Lady Largoe was 
 feized, defired the council's order to fend her to the caftle. I faid it 
 was probable enough there might be juft occafion for it, fhe having 
 been formerly under the fame circumftances, and confidering her 
 profeffion and character in relation to the government ; but that I 
 defired to know fomewhat of which fhe was prefently accufed of • 
 which was denied me ; faying, ■ Some body was to be trufted, and 
 every body was not ;' in fhort, treated me as one not to be trufted. 
 The three prifoners in the caftle, Sir William Bruce, Sir William 
 Sharp, and Lord fomething, who was formerly a Lord of the feflion, 
 are by the fame fecret committee made clofe prifoners ; and we are to 
 know no caufe for it. I fhall fuffer any thing at this time for the 
 King's fervice ; but I flatter myfelf it is not the King's mind we be 
 fo treated; and that it fhall be redrefled. But I do expect of you, 
 that you do fairly reprefent, that our taking all tamely is not out 
 want of fenfe of the ufage we meet with ; for, unlefs it be underftood 
 the refentment will be hereafter more warmly returned. When I 
 fay we, I mean the D. of Q^ E. Mel vine's family, myfelf, and our 
 other friends. We of the treafury often meet ; the fhort accompt I 
 can give you from them is, ' Item all fpent.' Before my comino- 
 down, they have paft precepts for payment of upwards of a twelve- 
 month's clearings, which they did not confider exhaufted what they 
 had, in fo far as, there remains nothing to pay fubfiftance, April, 
 May, or June; and thofe precepts drawn not paid : Neither how to 
 recall the former, I fee not ; nor how to find three months fubfift- 
 ance, I fee not. Yet there is our difficulty; for, had we come upon 
 an account not forftalled, the matter had been eafy ; but, being 
 once fo far behind, and no money in the treafury to pay part, the 
 cafe is the harder. Its apparent the money the chancellor applied 
 
 Mm t0
 
 274 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 to himfelf goes a great length to occafion this. I have advifed* 
 which I think will be complied with, which is to grant fuch a monthly 
 fubfiftance, including field-officers and captains, who formerly had 
 no allowance of fubfiftance, as will put them in a condition to wait 
 payment of clearings the better ; and L. 1 20 fterling per month 
 brings it to this pafs. For, whilft field-officers and captains had no 
 allowance of fubfiftance, and they fogers of fortune, it did necenarily 
 oblige them to cheat the King in their mufters ; and, putting them 
 once in a bad way, it was not eafy to prevent it afterwards. As to 
 L. Jeddart, he labours flill under the hardfhips formerly reprefent- 
 ed, and waits a return from court. 1 had almoft forgot to tell you, 
 that Sir Thomas, by the intrinfic power aflumed to himfelf, has grant- 
 ed a commiffionto Captain William Drummond, to feize what per- 
 fons, horfes, and arms, he fees fit; leaving all to his own difcretion; 
 fo that, in a little time, by thefe methods, the country muft be liable to 
 the old military executions. I am as much for the fecurity of the go- 
 vernment as any, but in another method : I would have the nation 
 ruled by fuch as aremoft able to fupport the government, if the worft 
 of tymes mould come ; for, were there invafion, we fhould be obli- 
 ged, either to take it upon us, or run for it, and let all go to ruin ; 
 which God forbid. My prefent fatisfadion is, in the fi'rft place, 
 that you tell my thoughts, and ufage wee meet with, to Earl Port- 
 land ; and let Sir James know what palfes. I carry very fair with 
 Lord Murray ; but, believe me, he is a very weak brother. A- 
 dieiu. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Bitter Complaints of the Treatment he has met ivithfrom thofe m 
 Adminiji -ration. ; whom he particularly characterizes, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have little to add to what I faid in my laft. I confide entirely 
 in your juftice and friendfhip to me, or elfe I fhould be very uneafy 
 if I did not reft allured that the treatment I meet with is duly repre- 
 
 fented:
 
 AND LETTERS. 2 75 
 
 fcnted; for, though I am refolved to fuffer much at this juncture, I 
 cannot digeft it ; neither can I propofe to live under this oppreffipn; 
 for, as Leven tells me, he wriet to you, we need more than Job's 
 patience ; I mult confirm it. When I refledt, we are at prefent 
 ridden by an old weather-beaten decayed doege, who rules arbitra- 
 rily, by a pune fillie piece of a fecret ftatefman didating to us ; 
 whofe looks, as well as expreffions, betray him ; who can never 
 purge the Gillicrankie blood ; taken in either fenfe, then to be lorded 
 over by a little fyre-fhip, whilft thofe of the firft magnitude are ne- 
 glected. And, above all, to be dragoun'd by an imperious, ignorant, 
 frefh-water, Crumdell general, fure I am, can never tend to his Ma- 
 jefty's fervice. I forgot to tell you in my laft, at leaft I fear I did, 
 when he named a party to Jeddart, who lupported him* he named 
 E. Portland and yourfelf ; which I admire at ; fince it was my great- 
 eft concern, I fancied he was in good terms with E. Portland, who 
 I feared had not a right impreffion of him. One thing I defign to 
 wriet to Secretary Ogilvie, of which you'll pleafe to mind ; it will 
 certainly tend to his Majefty's fervice, that Sir Thomas be ordered 
 to tender the oath of allegiance and aflurance to all the officers of 
 the Scots army ; for fure I am, there are officers, that have been in 
 the late King's fervice within thefe four years, that carry confider- 
 able commiffions, and have not yet taken the oaths ; particularly in 
 Lord Murray's regiment ; as, for example, one Captain Ghrarue. 
 And it will not be amifs, if, thereafter, a lift of all their names be 
 returned. I acknowledge it may be objected, Why I ihould not 
 move this in council ? I anfwcr, Should I, it will be made a party- 
 bufinefs, as if I did defign to reflect on Sir Thomas ; and the King's 
 fervice will be thereby neglected; which makes me take this method. 
 I muft again tell you, that, unlefs thefe two captains be removed 
 from Jeddart with a witnefs, I cannot propofe to fhow my face any 
 longer on this fide of Argyle-fhire. As to the treafury, I find the 
 chancellor has a&ed all this while like a man making his will, pro- 
 pofing to live no longer ; for he has anticipate all the founds, that I 
 fcarce fee a poffibility of retriving it. Even that found, which ought 
 
 M m 2 to
 
 276 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 to pay the falaries, he has not fo much as left room for his own ;• 
 and I confefs its a pity he mould have it. I mall, • if I can, live a- 
 mongft them, in the other part of the government, make it my bu- 
 finefs to underftand the treafury-bufinefs ; and, as I am ftated there 
 with the other honeft men, I hope we may, when the fubjecl:- 
 matter will allow it, recommend ourfelves to his Majefty. As for 
 our friend Sir John, pray, let hiin know he daily confirms my good 
 opinion of him. Now the alarm feems to us to be over, I do believe, 
 in a few days, we mall begin to difperfe ; but I fhall wait the re- 
 turn of this ; and therefore muft defire to hear from you by the 
 firft. Pray, let Mellvine know I do defire the favour of you to ac- 
 quaint him of our tranfactions, and of my thoughts. I am your's. 
 Adieu. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Lord Argyle* — Bad State of the Treafury and Garrifons* 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh Since the laft I had from you, there hath little occurred but what? 
 
 March 26. pofhbly you have heard from better hands, except what was this 
 day, whereof I faw an account fent to you. Lwill endeavour, fo 
 foon as I can get occafion, to have more frequent correfpondence 
 with you ; but I am now going to the country for fome tyme. My 
 Lord Argyle, I fee, refolves to attend punctually on bufinefs, and, in 
 all men's eyes, is fit enough for it, if he pleafes ; wherein I wifh he 
 may continue. Never was our treafury more meanly provided, if 
 this threatned difquietment had fallen in the countrey ; and, I 
 hope no wife man, that tenders the welfare of the King's affairs, or 
 our own fecurity, will be fo narrow as the laft fubfidies were ; for, 
 befides the fubfiftance of the troops, we have not wherewith to pro- 
 vyde fome meal that is requifite to be laid up in the feveral garri- 
 fons. I fent Sir James an exact account of what we have to go upon 
 
 till
 
 AND LETTERS. 277 
 
 till the next parliament. I have no further to trouble you at pre- 
 fent, but that I am your's. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Bitter Complaint againjl Sir Thomas Living/Ion. — Treafury-bufinefs 
 in great confufion. — Privy-council need Directions from Court. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I gave you account, two pofts agoe, that Sir Thomas demur 'd Edinburgh, 
 to put the King's orders in execution as to L. Jeddart's two cap- l ' 
 
 tains ; and now, at laft, he has pofitively refufed it, ufing ex- 
 preflions, very unbecoming him, of the Duke of Queenfberrie, 
 E. Leven, and myfelf. ' What,' fays he, to one, c doe you think 
 thofe three, calling us a partie, can carry this over me ? ' Indeed, 
 Sir, if Sir Thomas be put in competition with me alone, befydes 
 three, I mould not take it well; but I am fatisfyed the King is 
 wife and juft, and will not incourage Sir Thomas in thofe infolent 
 humours. I am fure both his Majeftie and E. Portland will re- 
 member, all the whyle I was at London, I mentioned not his name 
 by way of complaint ; though I had too good reafon. So averfe 
 am I from making complaints, that often I chufe rather to fuffer. 
 Sir Thomas has ftirr'd up L. Carmichall, making him verie con- 
 cerned. I cannot blame Carmichall not to defyre them ; for 
 indeed they are not worth the having. But he is but a frefh- 
 water foger ; and does not know it is moft ufual for his Ma- 
 jeftie (who knows and underftands the ceconomie of his troops 
 verie well) to make removes wher ther is not good agreement: 
 And thefe two captains never having injured L. Carmichall, ther 
 may be a poilibilitie of ther living well with him ; but its morallie 
 impoffible L. Jeddart and them can ferve together. In fhort Sir fo 
 they be remove from Jeddart, it is all one to me where they goe, ex- 
 cept to my fon's regiment, unlefs I were on the head on't: I mould 
 make them eat their meat in order. I am the more concerned 
 
 and
 
 2 7 $ STATE- PAPERS 
 
 and Sir Thomas the more to be blamed, nay, inexcufable, when 
 all other parties, even Annandale and me writting in his Majefty's 
 fervice, that he fhould through this bone of contention. I have, 
 by the Lord Murray, proffered Sir Thomas to concurr in his 
 Majefty's fervice, and all pall: quarrells to be forgot. If he fettle 
 not matters on this, as I imagine he will not, I have done my part 
 We meet at Threaffurie everie day; we find all matters there 
 in mightie confufion ; and the King mutch behynd hand. I am 
 endeavouring all I can to bring the forces, I mean ther payment, 
 to fome kind of confiftencie ; and in all matters I mall appear 
 impartiall, preffering the fervice to all particulars. In the coun- 
 cell, what method to follow is hard, evrie one being of a different 
 fentiment. Severalls were made prifoners before I came hither, 
 and others of the fame circumftances neglecled ; which fhows 
 a deal of partialitie. We want mightilie meafures from court ; 
 for its true our fecretarie is hear with a credential! letter; but I find 
 he his at a lofe as mutch as others as are not blelt with his port. 
 There are feveral claffes of people to be fufpected upon the prefent 
 juncture of affairs ; thofe that were officers, and quitt, ftill refu- 
 sing to ferve, and not taking the oaths : Ther are papifts, there are 
 fuch of the nobilitie as ther birth gives them priviledge to fit in 
 parliament, flights it, refufing to take the oaths. I do defire to 
 know how thefe are to be difpofed of, and how diftinguifhed. 
 We are nibling at them, but in the dark; for hitherto, where 
 anie particular pick lay, fuch a perfon fiezed ; but others not no- 
 ticed. Wher anie notoritie is known, all agree to fieze fuch a 
 perfon. Pray, what is proper communicatte to fecretarie Ogilbie ; 
 iince I refer to you, and I wriett but a fhort lyne to him, I mail 
 not queftion your letting E. P. know what is proper. I bid you 
 Adieu. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 279 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The oppofite Party's Condutt towards Lord Advocate. His Plan 
 
 for a Bond of Security to be exacled of certain Perfo?is, not to di- 
 fturb the Peace of the Country, in oppofition to one propofed by the 
 Chancellor for the Highland Clans^ 
 
 I received your's by laft poft, and fhall obferve your doctrine of Edinburgh 
 patience as much as poffible. You will underftand by Lord Ad- March * 3, 
 vocate, as well as others, that we need more than an ordinary flock- 
 for, even in matters which properly belong to his poft, they make 
 no ufe of him ; conceals from him, as if he were to be fufpe&ed as 
 difaffe&ed : I find him moft fenfible of it, which does not difpleafe 
 me. They betray their ignorance by this, procedure ; and it ought 
 to be improven by our friends. What paries to-morrow before this 
 poft goes, I mail acquaint you of; mean time, a committee is to 
 meet, to prepare the method for calling in the Highland clans to 
 give furety for their dutiful behavour to the government : I went 
 along with it, and thereafter propofed we might put the Lowland- 
 ers into feveral claffes, who were either fit to be put under bail 
 imprifoned, or banifhed : It was waved by the chancellor ; and a£ 
 firft, I would not prefs it. In this, as in other matters, I mall act 
 in concert with the advocate, as with Sir John Maxwell, who they 
 likewife flight. 
 
 I muft acquaint you, I left fome little bufinefs with Secretary O- 
 gilbie, which nearly concerns me, to move the King in, after I was 
 gone ; whilft I left all my private concerns to mind the public. I 
 have received a letter, though not from Sir James, acquainting me 
 I am to be gratified but in part, which is very hard ; and it's pro- 
 bable you'll be of my opinion. One paper was a year's difcharge 
 of my feu-duties, being this year, in which I enter heir ; fo that, 
 in ftridnefs of law, it would double. Another paper, a tack to be 
 
 renewed
 
 25o 
 
 STATE --PAPERS 
 
 renewed of the herring fifhing, which my family has had thefe hun- 
 dred of years from father to fon, in nineteen year tacks. I do not 
 doubt but Selkirk will be a ready hand to afk it ; but I hope the 
 King will not forfault me without a fault ; befides, in law, I muft 
 have the years of the forfaulture allowed me. A third paper, was 
 a gift of the late E. Lauderdale's efcheat to my filler, fhe being de- 
 prived of almoft all her jointer. I hope I mail be excufed to mind 
 a little my particulars, whilft I give almoft all my time to the pu- 
 blic ; but would more pleafantly, and to better purpofe, would his 
 Majefty be pleafed to caufe us all move in our proper fphere. I 
 left my other memorial with E. Portland ; which I fhall forbear to 
 mention at this jundure. I mall not doubt but you'll ufe your in- 
 tereft in thofe matters which fo nearly concern me, and in Lord 
 jeddart's affair, which calls for his Majefty's juftice, not only to 
 him, but to us all, within ten degrees of kin. My Lord Portland 
 was pleafed to allow me to apply to him in particulars ; and what 
 I fay to you is the fame. I know your friendship ; and on all oc- 
 casions I mall fludy you a return. 
 March 24. This day the committee met in the morning, appointed for 
 Highland affairs. The Advocate, E. Sutherland, E. Kintore, Laird 
 of Grant were on the committee ; I prefided. We agreed upon a 
 bond to be offered to the council, applicable to Lowlanders as 
 well as Highlanders ; which being prefented, fome made fome ob- 
 jections to it ; which gave me occafion to fay, that the reafon why 
 it was made fo extenfive was, that we thought the more it did com- 
 prehend, the more it anfwered the end, which was to fecure the 
 peace of the country upon all events : And that we might the more 
 effectually yet perfect that, I offered Several claffes of people to be 
 confidered by the council, how far, in point of law and con- 
 venience, it was proper to guard againft the injury they might 
 do us. So near as I can remember, I fhall fet them down in Short, 
 without expatiating, or repeating the reafons I ufed to recommend 
 my overture, As, 
 
 m
 
 AND LETTERS. 281 
 
 All noblemen whofe birth intitles them place in parliament does 
 
 not take the oaths or qualify themfelves. 
 All gentlemen chofen members to ferve in parliament, and does 
 
 not qualify themfelves. 
 All papifts of what degree foever. 
 All who has been in France, ferved the enemy, come home, and 
 
 has not obtained remiflions. 
 All who were in office civil or military, flung up their commif- 
 
 fions upon the revolution, or fince have, refilling to qualify 
 
 themfelves. 
 
 All chofen to be commiffioners of the cefs or fupply, pitched upon 
 to be juftices of the peace, or other employments, refufing to 
 qualify themfelves. 
 
 All horfes and arms feized, or to be feized, how and what manner 
 they are to be difpofed of. 
 
 The chancellor was thunder-ftruck, fitting mute ; and, though 
 I was feconded by the Advocate, E. Leven, D. of Queenfberry, 
 Grant, E. Sutherland, who I had made by being on the committee, 
 and by Sir Robert Sinclair and Enfter ; yet, though it w T as often- 
 times moved the appointing a committee to confider thefe matters, 
 he tore his gloves to pieces, but faid nothing. At laft, up ftood 
 Carmichall, and propofed fome method might be fallen upon for 
 our fecurity, by arming the well-affe&ed, or fomething to that 
 purpofe, which the chancellor laid hold on to wave my overtures ; 
 but, being ftrongly feconded, and I ftanding clofs to my tackle, 
 we overbalanced him. Then ftood Annandale up, not difappro- 
 ving of my overtures, but running us into an overture of entering 
 into an aflbciation, which the chancellor likewife took hold of. I 
 faid both thefe proportions were good, had a good view ; but nei- 
 ther did derogate from mine : So prefled a committee, which we 
 obtained, adding to the former, D. of Queenfberry, E. Leven, E. 
 Annandale, L. Carmichall, both named by me : So much I ftuddie 
 peace, L. Juftice-Clerk, Sir Thomas Livingfton were added. This 
 
 N n after-
 
 o8 2 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 afternoon we met ; the committee has prepared a report for the 
 council when they meet to-morrow : And you fhall by next have 
 an account what paffes. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the AJJbciation. State of Parties in the Committee and Council. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh By my laft you will underftand how our afibciation was mana- 
 March 28. g e d ; but fmce I am more confirmed that, fince it was moved, and 
 fo far advanced, it mould have gone through ; and that it was very 
 improper to reprefent, if we mould make a compliment ; though 
 I could not vote againft an exprefs prerogative, nor differ from fuch 
 as were judged to know the King's mind heft, as I have written, 
 more fully to the fecretary. For your own bufinefs, I doubt not 
 but you will perceive that 55 was againft your fccurity, becaufe 13 
 was fo much for it ; and Hamiltoun thought it needlefs and affec- 
 ted : But when $5 faw it was fo well liked, he would have gone a- 
 long with it, if Mr Erfkine's agent had not come in, and declared 
 himielf againft it ; which, it's fuppofed 2 1 did to be eafy to his 
 friends. However, it is feared 9 may defpife our trifling, for he may 
 well give a general allowance ; but White can hardly be pleafed with 
 Mr Chambers's prefent methods. Hume had the good luck to be 
 approven by both 13 and $$, and likewife by Mr Dawfon; but 
 White's intereft is what I would have moftly minded. Harries was 
 frank for your fecurity. Remember my former letters. I am 
 
 your's. 
 
 Lord 
 
 55, Argyle. 13, Annandale. Mr Erskine, Lord Murray. 21, Lord 
 
 Murray. 9, the King. White.) the King Chambers^ the Council. 
 
 Hume, Advocate. $$, Argyle. Da-wfon, Ormifton. Harries, Chan- 
 
 sellor.
 
 AND LETTERS. 283 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Differences among the members of Council and Committee about the 
 AJfociation. Cyphers explained, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have written our news to S. J. Ogilvy. As for your private Edinburgh, 
 concerns, Mr Harris and your friend Hume live civilly, and no ^t^^' 
 more. 32 hath been with 27, who told him plainly, that Dawfon 
 could not approve Mr Carfe his management ; and that he was of 
 opinion, that 33 would be found an unfriend, not of defign, but 
 on the event, to Mr White's intereft. When Mr Chambers was 
 thinking to give fecurity for 9 concern, Mr Hamilton propofed a 
 moderate and legal fecurity ; but Arg. 13 purpofed to outdo him; 
 and propofed a fecurity that was judged by friends to be neither 
 practicable nor necelTary ; and that it was not worth the hazard of a 
 difappointment : And Adv. 32 did offer his reafons to council 3 ; but 
 Mr Thomfon being very preffing for his fecurity, it was ap- 
 pointed to be written ; and, when Mr Chambers faw it, at firft he 
 feemed well pleafed with it; for, fince fome would have it, 32 en- 
 deavoured to make it as good for Mr White as he could devife, e- 
 fpecially fince 57 and 27 were like wife for it : But Ar. 55, and Mr 
 Lee, (till thinking that it was rather a compliment than a juft fecu- 
 rity, they were for acquainting 9 before it fhould be granted : And 
 your friend, who ads for Mr Erfkinc, coming to town, he hap- 
 pened to be of Mr Hamilton's mind, which brought the matter to 
 a new reafoning ; and then it was refolved that 9 fhould be ac- 
 quainted ; and 32, with another, were defired to give an account 
 of the whole bufinefs. But my thoughts are, that all this is but 
 wind, and will not prove good payment ; and that it had been bet- 
 
 N n 2 ter 
 
 32, Advocate. 27, Juftice-clerk. Daivfon, Ormiflon. 33, Carftares. 
 
 Carfe, Carftares. Mr White, the King. Chambers, Council. 9, the King. 
 Hamilton, is probably Annandale. Mr Thomfon, Annandale. $7, Car- 
 
 michaeL 27, J. C Mr Lee, Queenfberry. Mr Erskine, Lord Murray.
 
 284 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ter that it had not been moved at all, or that it had gone through ; 
 but that Mr White fhould not have been troubled with fuch a tri- 
 fling bufinefs : And therefore Hume, though he thought the mo- 
 tion needlefs, yet, fince it was made, and had taken air, gave it all 
 the countenance he could ; and though An. 13 was very ill pleafed 
 at the difappointment, yet Thomfon, as well as Hamilton, was fa- 
 tisfied with 32's part. Chanc. I. took part with 13; but it was 21, 
 as I have faid, that did caft the balance ; and 55 is well pleafed that 
 Thomfon mift his mark. And this is the account I can give you 
 of your particular ; fave that all 2 5's partners are fo angry, that 
 though they carry fair with 32, yet even Mr Dawfon is not fo in- 
 timate with him ; but 27 is very intimate with Mur. 21. And this 
 is the belt account I can give you of your friends. Remember my 
 former letters, and let me hear of your receipt of this; and be ftili 
 allured, that 32 is tender of 33, as he would wiih; and allure your 
 friend, who does for Mr Wood, that he mall have all good advice 
 this way, and that Mr Hume can give him ; and pray him to put 
 the bell colours upon Chambers's actings to Mr White that he can; 
 for 32 is truly forry for fuch triflings and contentions. Adieu. 
 
 LORD MURRAY,fl//0.fEARLof TlJLLIBARDINE,toMrCARSTARLS, 
 
 Of the Affectation^ and his Reafons for oppojing it. Some too 
 
 forward. Apprehenfive they may blame him ; hit hopes- 
 Mr Carfares ivill take his part. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, I received a letter from you juft as I went laft out of town, which 
 
 March 28. -j. t h an k vou f or tne good news was in it. Some of the council had 
 1696- J ° . ., . 
 
 concerted an affociation, and were very forward in having it pafs, 
 
 without fo much as acquainting me, though it was known I was 
 
 to- 
 
 25, Secretary Johnfton. Mr Wood, Sir Ja. Ogilvy.
 
 AND LETTERS. 285 
 
 to return very foon to this place. The bringing it in after the ap- 
 prehensions of the invafion feems to be over, is not fo proper as at 
 firft ; but the making any leagues or bonds, without the King's ex- 
 prefs warrant and allowance nrft obtained, is treafon by our law, 
 and is declared to be the King's undoubted right, and his alone ; 
 which does fufficiently anfwer all reafons can be given to enter in- 
 to it before his Majefty was acquainted ; which I rnuft own I main- 
 tained in council, being particularly obliged in the poft I am, that 
 fuch preparatives be not made; in which I have (JifFered with fome, 
 and in other things wherein I judge they are too forward : But per- 
 haps I may be blamed by them for not being fo ; but I doubt not 
 to have you to take my part, fince your's was the fame. I am 
 Your affectionate friend to ferve you, 
 
 (Signed) J.Murray.. 
 
 Argyle to Mr Cars-tares. 
 
 Vindicates his private Character from fome Afperfions. — His Reafons 
 for taking his tivo Daughters from their Mother. — Of the 
 Draught for an Affociation. 
 
 I received your's dated the 24th inftant. I need fay little in re- Edinburgh, 
 turn to the firft part of your letter ; feveral matters having inter- March 30. 
 veened, of which you have had daily accounts, acquainting you 
 what lengths we had gone as to the claffing of people ; but I believe 
 it were neceffary the King's mind were known as to the executing 
 thofe rules ftrickly or not. As to what you fay in relation to my- 
 felf, and my own particular behaviour, I take it very kindly of you. 
 I know it is the effect of your friendfhip and concern in my per- 
 fon, beiides my family. I do affure you, my carriage mall be 
 fuch as I fhall give no juft caufe of fcandal or offence ; though I 
 know fome makes it their bufinefs fomuch to render me criminal, and 
 at leaft cenfurable, even where is the leafl ground, that, whilft I am 
 
 burdened
 
 286 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 burdened with the error of the iirft conco&ion, I need fcarce hope 
 to be free of cenfure ; fhould I lock myfelf up in a cage, daily they 
 will be hatching fomething. There is one thing I know will be 
 clamoured againft, that I have fent my two daughters home to Rof- 
 neath, defigning to take the charge of them myfelf. My reafons 
 for fo doing are, fince they are mine, and that I am bound to pro- 
 vide for them, none can blame. I with and endeavour that they be 
 bred up with all duty and love to me, as their father ; which I can- 
 not expect in the circumftances they have been in hitherto, living 
 with a mother in thofe terms with me, and who never in her life 
 mowed them either the example of good nature, or duty to their 
 parent ; and who always carries herielf to her children to an ex- 
 tream on fide or t'other, by too much fondnefs, or too much fe- 
 verity. They are coming up to an age in which its prefumable 
 they will receive impreffions; and I have not forgot the Latin, 
 4 Quo femel eft imbuta,' &c. But, above all, my chief reafon is, 
 She having had lately the charge of her lifter Douns's daughter, 
 fome years older than any of mine, fhe did encourage her in things 
 I would not for all the world be guilty of, wher a parent efpeci- 
 ally, which was, to encourage her to wriet little billett-dues and let- 
 ters to Carnwath, Sir George Lockhart's fon and heir; and by the 
 company fhe kept by her example, as the Counters of Forfar, Nan- 
 ny Murray, &c. fhe had like to a been quite ruined; and came to that 
 length of impudence, that, dancing with Carnwath in the dancing- 
 fchool, (lie fqueezed his hand. All which the youth told ; and the 
 girl was fent for home. As you are my undoubted friend, I give 
 you the trouble of all this, though I hope the envious world them- 
 felves muft acknowlege a father can difpofe of his children. 
 
 This is defigned to go by a flying packet, with a draught of an 
 aflbciation, wherein the Advocate, D. Queenfberry, and myfelf, are 
 conferted by L. Murray \ fo you may think there is a difference be- 
 twixt market-days. This is offered in cafe the word ajfociation goes 
 any length in his Majefty's inclinations ; and fince, without a parlia- 
 ment, no fuch matter can be forced, the eafier it be, the better ; that 
 
 generally
 
 AND LETTERS. 287 
 
 generally it may be complied with, if any fuch thing be refolved 
 upon. I hear the turn our oppofites gives it is, * That becaufe the 
 pretended Prince of Wales was named, others dhTented ;' but fure I 
 am its falfe. 
 
 I am told Lockhart demits, and will not go to Flanders, though 
 he will make a mow of it, to baulk my brother Charles's pretences, 
 who was, by his Majefty's gracious promife to me, was to have his 
 troop on his quitting it. Pray, mind Sir James of this ; with my 
 fervice to him. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Ormiston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a Bond draivn up by the Wejlern Shires. They ivould make 
 
 an Army 0/* 40,000 M.en> and therefore not to be flighted. 
 
 State of Parties. Epifcopal Meetings Nefls of Difaffeclion. 
 
 SIR* 
 
 I have none of your's fince my laft. I gave an account by the Edinburgh, 
 exprefs yefternight, how that the people of the weftern (hires were March S 1 -. 
 inclined to affociate, and had drawn up a bond, with an addrefs to 
 his Majefty, exprefling all affection and zeal for his perfon and go- 
 vernment ; but, in their great concern for the prefent church-efta- 
 blifhment, they had likewife mentioned that in their bond and ad- 
 drefs ; but, becaufe it was a needlefs diftinction, at this time, to di- 
 vide them from many others, who, I hope, are equally concerned 
 in this common caufe of our King and countrey's prefervation, I 
 expunged thefe words ; and withal defired that they might forbear 
 to proceed haftily in this matter, untill the King's mind were 
 known, fince the council had thought fit to flop the bond that they 
 intended, and reprefent firft to his Majefty. But this confirms me 
 flill the more, that our bond of aftbciation had better not been men- 
 tioned, than ftop, when fo far proceeded ; and yet it is moll certain, 
 that it had not ftopt, if it had not been out of tendernefs to his Ma- 
 
 jefty's
 
 288 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 jetty's prerogative. Some men may fay, that even an aflbciation of 
 this nature may be dangerous, and of bad example, and might give 
 this excefs in the weftern bond for an inftance; but, fince they keept 
 within compafs of law, though not of prudence, this argument 
 fhould be of no weight at this time ; efpecially when they are fo 
 tractable, and we have fo much need of animating things ; for they 
 tell me, that they could make about forty thoufand men. I wrote al- 
 fo about money for arms ; and that arms might be provided. And 
 all I fay to you is, let not the Weft be jealoufed, but by all means 
 encouraged. 
 
 As for your private affairs ; Mr Dawfon is in an intimate under- 
 ftanding with 21, which I hope fhall do well. Mr Chambers is ve- 
 ry fober ; only this day Mr Harris and Mr Cameron were like to 
 be a little warm, but it foon paft over. 93 is gone out of town, but 
 has promifed to mind Carfe his defire. I forgot to tell you, that 
 thefe that were moft forward for the affociation have got up a 
 mark of a blew ribbond ; but, though I impute it to their zeal, yet, 
 in fo good and general a caufe, I like not any diftinction, but wifh 
 all may be for it ; which is the beft mark. The diffenting minifters 
 that preach in Edinburgh are moft of them taken up by the coun- 
 cil's order. The field-meetings formerly were called ' the rende- 
 vous of rebellion ;' and I affure you, the conventicles now in Edin- 
 burgh are ' the nefts of difaffedion.' And therefore, as far as law 
 will go, I wifh them all banifhed out of town. Remember my 
 former defires to you for my two friends. Adieu. 
 
 Lord 
 
 Daivfon, Ormifton. 21, Lord Murray. Mr Chambers, the council. 
 
 Mr Harris, chancellor. Mr Cameron, E. Leven. 93, Sir James Maxwell. 
 Car/s 9 Mr Carftairs.
 
 AND LETTERS. 289 
 
 Lord Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Imputes the Wejiern Bond, &c. to the noble Drunken Patriots, An- 
 7iandale y Yejlcr, and Sir Thomas Li<vwgfion, ivhcn met at a Drun- 
 ken Club. — Againfl renewing the Covenant, though a g.ood Pref- 
 byterian. 
 
 Since I wriet the inclofed, the fecretary having afked the advo- March 31. at 
 cate's opinion as to the fending up fuch a draught of an aflbciation noon ' 1 ^ 
 as I mention in my letter, he was pofitively of the opinion that it 
 was not proper to offer any, but leave all before his Majefty. We 
 underftand further, that this aflbciation propofed by them was a 
 concerted thing ; for, in the countrey, they have already met, and 
 figned a paper, by which, upon the matter, they renew the cove- 
 nant. And, as a further mark of diftinction, thofe noble drunken 
 patriots, E. Annandale, L. Yefter, and Sir Thomas Livingflone, at a 
 drunken club, refolved the wearing a blew knot of ribbons in the 
 cock of their hatt; and owns that it will difoblige, if people follow 
 not their example. I confefs, I cannot think the King will approve of 
 thofe marks of diftinction, it being a means to make divifions, and 
 not heal them. And, as to thofe aflbciations in the country, I think, 
 fuppofe one here for renewing the covenant, it is moft improper at 
 this tyme. I acknowledge I incline not the length, though I am 
 prefbyterian. What I fay is wriet in the Duke of Queenfberry's 
 prefence, fo may ferve for his Grace's writing. Pray, remember 
 ■my brother Charles; forLockhart has demitted. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Vf his Brother Charles. — Sir Thomas Livingjlon intends to reprefent 
 hit?i as a Jacobite. 
 
 I muft earneftly defire you will acquaint E. Portland of my pre- Edinburgh, ' 
 itenfions for my brother Charles ; for I am certainly informed, not- lft Apn1, 
 
 O o withftanding 
 
 o
 
 290 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 withstanding Captain Lockhart has demitted, Sir Thomas intends to 
 mifreprefent my brother, as being a Jacobite, and what not ; all 
 which is moft falfe. I think his being my father's fon, my brother 
 and I engaging for him, it is fecurity enuf. I am much concerned 
 in this matter ; and pray be earneft in it. This night, E. Melvin, 
 E. Breadalbine, Vifcount Tarbat, are all arrived. I am yout's. A- 
 
 dieu. 
 
 Fleafe to read the inclofed, and feal it. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Agairifl a Militia? as burthenfome? and of little Ufe. — Hints at hu 
 being neglettedin the Management of Affairs. — State of Parties. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh I have little to add to what I have written. We have been thefe 
 1 2 ' two days upon a fcheme of drawing out the half of the foot-militia,. 
 which makes ten thoufand ; but, when a committee had prepared it, 
 the council could not this day comply with it; for the countrey hath 
 fo often found the burden of this militia, and are fo little fatisfied 
 with the advantage of it, that very few have any liking to it. The 
 propofal moil likely is, that the fenfible men of the Weft mould 
 be armed and trained : That the well affected chiftaines and leaders 
 of the Highlands mould be ordered to arm and train their men, and 
 have them in readinefs : And that, if there be any militia, it be on- 
 ly of foot, on the fouth fide of Tay. I told the Secretarie laft poft, 
 that I was well fatisfied with the diligence had been ufed in impri- 
 foning but that no difcoveries were to be expect- 
 
 ed from me, fince I was neither acquainted with the caufe, nor call- 
 ed to the examination of any imprifoned ; which, though it be odd 
 as to my ftation, yet I miftake it not, fince I believe it is better 
 done. As to your own bufinefs ; Mr Hamilton does very well; 
 but he cannot enter in partnery with 27 or 37, fince Mr Dawfon 
 
 inclines
 
 AND. LETTERS. 
 
 291 
 
 Inclines it not, but likes to trade by himfelf, afluming only Mr 
 Erfkine, without fo much as owning Mr Hume in thefe matters • 
 and Mr Mofman plainly declines even civilities with Mr Hamilton ; 
 but 32 promifes to do all he can to keep them well together. I a f- 
 fure you 58 behaves well, honeltly, and impartially ; and 1 heartily 
 wiih that fomething could be done for both Mr Black and Mr Steu- 
 art, for I think it would be to good purpofe. 32 is very well with 
 27; but the difpleafure for Mr Wood's affairs eilranges hitherto 
 more then mould be. The council will be to-morrow on the mili- 
 tia; but I think it will not conclude. I wifti Mr Whyte may fettle 
 Chambers and his concerns, for it depends too long. My Lord 
 Bclhaven remembers you kindly, and deferves to be remembered. I 
 am your's.' 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Sends a Paper ivith a Vie-iv of the late Proceedings. Complains 
 
 loudly of Annandale and his Party. Solicits for his Father's 
 
 Place as Extraordinary Lord ofSeJfion. Lays great firefs up- 
 on Mr Carfares' s FriendfJoip in it. 
 
 SIR, 
 I would write more frequently to you, if, both I had not been fo Edinburgh 
 very ill for fome time paft of a cholic in my ftomach that I could A 6 pr ( l1 I4 
 write none at all, and that I knew any thing I had to fay was fup- 
 plied by my Lord Argyle's writing. I know that, long before this 
 comes to your hands, you have got full accounts of our proceedings 
 here, yet I have fent you inclofed a paper, which w'll give you a 
 more particular view of them than I can write ; which at your lei— 
 fure you may read, and make what ufe you think proper of it. I 
 am very lorry to fee fome who are truited by the King ferve him 
 with fuch her and faction, that, I confefs, except his Majefty be 
 pleafed to fhoe diftinguifhing marks of his difpleafure againft them, 
 it will be impoflible for men of honour and quality to ferve the King 
 
 O o 2 with
 
 292 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 with that equal temper they incline to. Among thofe fiery people, 
 my Lord Annandale is now arrived to that height, that its impof- 
 fible to be in any judicature or fociety with him. He is abfolutely 
 given up to faction and divifion ; and I believe, by his hot humour, 
 he muft. think to attone for his other faults. I have already dif- 
 courfed with you fo fully upon my deiire of having my father's 
 place in the feffion, that now I think it needlefs to ufe any argu- 
 ments to induce you to mind it ; but I write to none elfe of it ; and 
 am confident it will not be forgot by you at this time, which leems 
 to be the moft proper. I fhall be glad to hear from you, for I have 
 a great regard for your advices, and hopes you will as frequently 
 as you think fit afford them to, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your real friend, and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Queensberry,. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Inveighs bitterly againft the Oppofition. Renews his Sollicitations 
 
 for his Fathers Place. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, j wrote a letter to you fome time agoe, which fhould have come to 
 
 'April 30, J • 1 • 
 
 1696. your hands on Monday was feven-night, and having heard nothing 
 
 from you of it, I am jealous it may be mifcarried ; which I fhould be 
 lorry for, having at that time writ freely to you of feveral per- 
 fons and thinges ; and I know that trickes about letters are now 
 pradifed : So I deiire yow to fatisfye me whether you have 
 got it or not; and, if not, that you would endeavour to dis- 
 cover what way it has mifcarried. I wifh, before the King goes 
 over, fuch meafures may be taken as would prevent the confufion 
 that muft neceifarily fail out in his fervice here, if perfones be 
 
 continued
 
 AND LETTERS. 293 
 
 .itinued that preferre thcr own piques, and ferving their animo- 
 fities, to his Majefties intereft and the good of the countrey : The 
 remedie is eafie; and the confequence wold be, that buflmefle 
 wold be done without ftryffe and contention ; which is very de- 
 firable. I moft intreat you to mind my pretention to my father's 
 place in the felTion, before the King's parting : I need not tell 
 you any arguments for it; thefe you know fufficietitly already: 
 All I aim at in the thing is, to have an occasion of improving myielf 
 to be more able to ferve his Majefty. And, if it be denyed me, 
 people may juftly think the King has no great inclinations to have 
 his fervice done by me; which I fhall be far front thinking, 
 having very good ground to relye upon his Majefty ; s favour and 
 goodnefs to me. I doe not think it worth giving my Lord Portland 
 the trouble of writeing to him, at a time when I am fure he has 
 fo much bufinefs to doe; but, if yow will let it fall to him, I hope 
 he will notrefufe me hisconcurrance; and allure him, from me, (with 
 my mod humble fervice,) that I would rather owe the obligation 
 to him than any other perfon. My Lord Argyll is now in the 
 Highlands, and I believe will not be here the firft councill-day; 
 but, if any thing fall out worth noticing, you fhall know it frora 
 me, So this is all at prefent, but that I am fincerely, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your real friend and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Queensberrie. 
 
 Lord Murray to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of my Lord Portland's Arrival. *Of Infractions to him as Com— 
 
 miffioner; •which he dejires Mr Carjlares to get fgned, and fent 
 
 after him. Expects Mr Car/lares ivill represent things fairly 
 
 to the King. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have your's of the 20th, and this morning of the 23d. Indeed, July 28. 
 my Lord Portland's coming was a furprife, and made enemies 
 
 conjecture
 
 2 9 4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 conjecture much news ; which are already evanhhing. I believe 
 his chief buiinefs is to provide money for the King, in which I hope 
 he will havefuccefs. His Lord (hip could net have received my letter ; 
 but having fent all the papers to Mr Pringle, they might be filled up; 
 in which I doubt not your affiftance. If they are not done already, 
 I defire they may as foon as can be, and fent after me. I take jour- 
 ney, if pleafe God, to-morrow. I have fpoke to-day concerning the 
 inftructions to my Lord Portland, which I had inclofed in my laft; he' 
 writes to night about them to the King: So I hope they will follow 
 foon. I fhall write what further will be defired, after I am in Scot, 
 where you fhall be welcome, if you think fit to come ; or, if you 
 ftay, I know you will reprefent things that is done 1 airly ; fori 
 know we will have all the mifreprefentations invented that's pof- 
 fible; which I know you will prevent; for I expect the conti- 
 nuance of your frindfhip, who am realey 
 
 Your freend and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) L. Murray. 
 
 Irjlruttions propofed by Lord Murray amended by Mr Carjlares. 
 
 My Lord Murray hath fent over fome inftructions, with amend- 
 ments, which he defires may be figned by the King. 1 have ittw 
 them, and do humbly conceive, that the 17th inftruction about the 
 jufticiarv in the Highlands is in this laft draught fo amended, that j 
 ms to be for *s fervice, and the quiet of that 
 
 1 of the kingdom, that it be approved of; for, by the inftruc- 
 as to this matter, as i > it feemed to be left to 
 
 the parliament, not only to continue this judiciary, but to give them 
 
 3 ; but, by this laft 
 gV: : may be pafTed for im- 
 
 :ars- longer, it 
 
 judge ne- | 
 ibeveryrea- 
 
 : ent. 
 
 As
 
 AND LETTERS. s 9 - 
 
 As to the 1 6th inftruciion, there was no miftake in the tranfcri- 
 bing of it, as my Lord Murray conceives ; for all that his Majefty 
 intended in the inftruciion that he figned was, that the parliament 
 might either name a new commiffion, or continue the old one, for re- 
 gulating of thofe judicatories mentioned in the inftruciion ; the ap- 
 proving of any regulations that Jhould be made being left to his Ma- 
 jefty. But the inftruciion that is defired to be figned, leaves it to 
 the parliament, either by their ac7s to regulate thoje courts them- 
 fehes, or to appoint a new commiffion, or continue the old one for re- 
 gulating of them, the regulations being fill to be approved of or not y 
 by the King, as he J, hall think ft. His Majefty may do in this as 
 mall feem good to him ; but it is my duty to lay the matter before 
 him truly as it is, though I do not think the parliament will make 
 any regulations that will give ground of complaint. 
 
 As to the 8th inftruciion, about putting the country into a po- 
 fture of defence, his Majefty did not think fit to agree to it till he 
 had fome information concerning the methods that might probably 
 be propofed in parliament about it. But the inftruciion that is now 
 fent being more particular than the former, I hope it will be of no 
 bad confequence for his Majefty's fervice that it be figned. 
 
 As to the inftruciion about the aftbeiation, it feems indeed to be 
 very fit that the draught figned by the council, and approved of by 
 the King, be enacled by parliament to be the only model of aflbci- 
 ating ; fo that the inftruciion about it that is defired appears to be 
 very reafonable. 
 
 The inftruciion that is defired about hofpitals, feems to be juft and 
 neceifary. 
 
 Earij
 
 296 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl Sutherland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his Son i 'who7n he begs MrCarJiares to hojlen home, to preferve the 
 Family from Ruin. 
 
 Right Reverend, 
 
 Edinburgh, * came fafely t0 tlus P* ace on tne * 7 tn inftant, I thank God, 
 April 24. an( j requefts you to blefs him on my behalf for fo great a mercy. 
 My fon is not yet come here; therefore I muft requeft you to per- 
 fuade him to hade home, fince his abfence from this is like to ruin 
 his eftate ; and I can command nothing of my own to live upon, 
 (for you know he is farmer of all that is mine), unlels he return 
 here fpeedily : So that, if the King command him not home, where 
 he can do his Majefty better fervice than in Flanders, his family will 
 be ruined, and 1 will be redacted to great hardfhips, having nothing 
 but my wife's jointure (which was farmed to Mr Watibn for fix 
 thoufand merks by year) to live upon ; and, for that part of it, 
 which Jarvifwood mould pay me for, I cannot command a farthing 
 of it, though there be two years rent and a half due unto us. Where- 
 fore, I mult intreat you to make this known to both the fecretaries, 
 that they may deal with his Majefty to let my fon home ; and to 
 fend an order to the receivers of his Majefty ? s rents to make what 
 is due to my wife effectual ; and what he pleafes to give myfelf alfo ; 
 for, without that, we have but the name of nothing. My wife is very' 
 valetudinary Mill, yet gives her moll affectionate fervice to your dear 
 confort and yourfelf. The confidence I have in your friendfhip, 
 and the difficulties I now lie under, conftrains me to give you this 
 trouble, hoping you will forgive my freedom, and efteem me, as I 
 am in all fincerity, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 and humble fervant, 
 (Signed) Southerland.
 
 AND LETTERS. 297 
 
 P. S. Sir, Permit me to give my humble fervice to the Earl of 
 Portland and both the fecretaries. IV? y wife intreats the like 
 favour. 
 
 Sir, I hope you will pardon my making ufe of a borrowed hand, 
 which the weaknefs of my eyes obliges me to. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complains of Earl of Tullibardine' s Meafures ; — particularly of uuhat 
 
 he has obtained for hhnfelj, being thrice as much as he had got 
 
 from the King. — Three new Earls, Rug I in, March, and March- 
 
 mont. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I promifed at parting to give you an account of what my Lord Whitehall, 
 
 Tullibardine obtained before the Kino: went from this. The Duke A i ml 27> 
 
 1097, 
 
 of Queenfberry, he, and I were called together on treafury-affairs j 
 I hope I gave his Majefty a fatisfying account of them ; I need not 
 refume it to you, for both the D. and I fpoke, as I told you we in- 
 tended. The letter from the Colonels was fully reprefented by his 
 Grace. My Lord Tullibardine and I are ordered to let them un- 
 derftand, that they are not to meddle in treafury-matters,or to make 
 joint reprefentations ; and that what they have done in this matter 
 is not pleafmg to the King. We are to concert what we write in 
 this. He did endeavour to have a written inftrudtion to the chan- 
 cellor, himfelf, and me, to ufe our endeavours, that thofe of the e- 
 pifcopal minifters who have taken the oaths be affum^d to a fhare 
 of the church-government by the prefbyterian minifters ; but the 
 King gave his orders only by word, and told it was not fit to put 
 them in writing. This is according to what you and I concerted 
 together. The indemnity was not propofed to the Kinp- ; becaufe 
 I told I did not think it fo proper now as after the peace. He has 
 obtained the E. of Argyle an difcharge of all his bygone non-entry 
 
 " P duties,
 
 298 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 duties, and of feu, tiend, and blench-duties,. preceeding Martin- 
 mas laft : The value of this is about two thoufand pound. He tells 
 me, he did not know that the feu-duties were comprehended ; but, 
 to the E. of Morton, he fays he obtained it with great pains and 
 importunity; and therefore expects my Lord Argyle's friendship. 
 I am well fatisned with what juy Lord Ar. has got ; yet the me- 
 thod of obtaining it is fomewhat extraordinary. I do think the 
 King ought to have true and full information of all papers prefented 
 to him, which I am fure he has not had in this cafe ; but I do not 
 willi it now to be recalled. We have three new Earls, Lord John 
 E. of Ruglen, Lord William E. of March, and the Chancellor E. of 
 Marchmount. I will by my next let you know the oppofition Lord 
 William's title did meet with. The E. of Mar, Buchan, Loudon, an& 
 Sir Patrick Murray are added to the council. I think there Was no 
 great neceihty for making the laft acouncellor ; he is an old decaying 
 man ; and you know how he was turned out formerly. My col- 
 league inclines to flay for fome time here, or go to the Bath. He 
 will take it ill if I go before him ; and yet I have nothing to do 
 here; and 1 can be ferviceable in Scotland. If I have the leaft infinua- 
 tion from my Lord Portland, I will go immediately; and, however, 
 I.fhall not ftay long. Kelburn goes to-morrow : I will write with 
 him to the Juftice-Clerk and the Advocate. My Lord Tullibardine 
 did again endeavour to have the Advocate turned out ; but the King 
 refufed. He did prefs Whitelaw's bufinefs ; but his Majefty put it 
 off. He has obtained the gift of my Lord Lovat's ward in a tru- 
 ffle's name. He has got a power, during his own and his fon's 
 life,, to prefent the lheriff-clerks of Perth : This is indeed an in- 
 croachment en our office, and a prejudice to our fucceffors : I did 
 not oppofe him in it. He has fecured me for the advantage by the 
 prefent vacancie ; I mean my half of it. I am fure he has this year 
 thrice as much from the King as I have got : He will improve all 
 thefe favours for eftablifhing his own power. I write plainly* be- ' 
 caufe I know this letter cannot mifcarry ; but, if you pleafe, you may 
 ufe your cypher. I am your's with all fincerity. Adieu. 
 
 I
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 -99 
 
 I have written to the E. of Portland nothing of the Earl of Ar- 
 gyle's fignature ; nor do I defire my Lord now to lofe it ; he would 
 have an everlafting quarrel with me for it : But the King may ea- 
 fily fee that either my colleague did not understand it, or mifrepre- 
 fented it. Let me know how my Lord Portland is fatisfied with 
 what I wrote to him ; I am hire I do not intend to give any offence 
 by it. I cannot conclude till I let you know, that the Captain of 
 Clanronald's fequeftration is taken off, and young Langtoun's con- 
 finement; and he endeavoured to have the Duke of Gordon allowed 
 to go to the north: You know Seaforth and Glengarie are there al- 
 ready, my Lord Drummond, and the Captain of Clanronald. This 
 were dangerous enough, if we were invaded. He preffed to have 
 the Earl of Mar in the caftle of Stirling. I conceal nothing from 
 you. I cannot approve of all this. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. * 
 
 Of a Correfpondence betvuixt Earl of Tidlibardine^ or 133 and 74, 
 in Cyphers, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I received your's of the 30th of April. I do intreat that you Whitehall, 
 will continue to ufe no ceremony ; I hope it is unneceffary on either l ay4,1 97 ' 
 fide. I have written twice toyoujjet me know if they are come fafe 
 to your hands. I am heartily glad that you have fo good hopes of 
 an honourable peace. Little has occurred here worthy of your no- 
 tice fince my laft, fave that fg$, 8dm5nedb45b85 betwixt 74 and 
 
 133 is now plain. 133 and 74, cjff, 2f, 12 y d 4652b6n this 
 morning ; but of this we {hail hear more afterwards. 133 the laft 
 week was refolved fd, 6d5 fd, fg$, 32fg, but now alters his refo- 
 lution. 204, 6d5n, fd, 115, db, f9gmn42t. 120 knew nothing of 
 this ; but is the lefs concerned, feeing 159 has before now been with 
 
 129. 120 was fully refolved fd, 92P5, 6db5 alone; but 47 will 
 
 P p 2 not
 
 ?oo 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 not allow of this ; and therefore takes ther 2diib5i, db, cddb42t.. 
 I hope there fliall nothing follow upon all this ; y& i - ) thou;. 
 needful to inform you of it ; and, if 148, 120 (hall hot : no 00 
 cafion for thern. I know not if you fhall underftand this, for there 
 isfome mrftake in the bgm35mfiat the D. b 20511 : though in eyery 
 thin"- elfe it's plain: But I fhall come to underftand this more fully 
 by your next. 120 ha ing to write to 89, but gives him his 
 
 moil humble fervice. I am, Sir, Y. H. S. Adieu. 
 
 If there is any miftake in this, yen may help it, by fending to. 
 120, 2*05, b59, act; othcrways it is neediefs. 
 
 The Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Tnjufiice done him by Lord TuU'ibard'ine. — Of Lord Teviofs 
 
 Pah 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have your's from the Hague "very acceptable. I fee you have 
 May 11. j e £ t f r i ent js at London very well. I am infinitely obliged to your 
 friend ; and, though I know not particulars, yet am forry that other 
 mens injuftice fliould occafion him any trouble on my behalf; but 
 the King is a wife and good mailer, and him I do and will ferve, and 
 divers little occafion or offence to others as pofhble. I hear that the 
 
 o 
 
 E. of Tullibardine was to part from London to Scotland laft week, 
 
 and that Secretary Ogilvie was to part yefterday or this day. I 
 
 hope we fliall meet all well in June ; and I heartily wifh we may 
 
 have both peace abroad and quiet at home. I think Vifcount Teviot's 
 
 affairs about the patent will quickly evanifh ; for I am told that 
 
 he hath writ as much under his hand as that he was content the 
 
 title of Peebles were changed. I only wifh it may be as foonfor- 
 
 c-ot. Your friend Mr Nell is well in the country, an honeft, modeft, 
 
 firm man. When any thing occurs, you may expect to hear from 
 
 your's mofl fincerely. 
 
 Earl.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 20 1 
 
 Earl of Marchmont, Lord Chancellor, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 Mis Son leaves his Bride, that he might join the Army before Aclion.- 
 
 Begs he may be fent back. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 You will perhaps be furprifed to fee my fori there again an unmar- Polwarth- 
 ried man. He is contracted ; but there was a neceffity of fending the ^I'^J 
 contracts into Ireland, to get the hands to them of thefe friends 
 who, by her father's will, muft confent for eftablifhing her portion. 
 Juft as they were fent, the news came of the befieging of Aeth, 
 and the motion of the army's tending to action ; which took fo 
 much upon my fon, that there was no diflwading him from coming 
 prefently over to his poft. I confefs I think it harder to leave a 
 bride one is fo much in love of, than a new-married wife. But I 
 perceive the point of honour is very weighty. I have written to 
 my noble friend the E. of Portland to tell the King of this matter, 
 and to requeft his Majefty for me, that, fo foon as his convenience 
 and fervice can admit it, he will allow my fon to come back and 
 marry his bride. I know you can confider the young maid's cafe, 
 who likes her choice ; and I doubt not you will put my Lord Port- 
 land in remembrance to obtain my fuit, as has been your kind cu- 
 ftom to, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your obliged friend, 
 
 and humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Marchmont. 
 
 Earl
 
 ^02 STAT. E-FAPERS 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Lord William Boughs* s Patent <Annandak at the bottom of 
 
 its being flopped Tidlibardine's dijfatisfaclion ivith Seafield 
 
 and Mr Carfares. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have received your's of the 20th of this month; and I am 
 2697. very much troubled to hear that my Lord Portland has been ille : 
 
 Non wifhes his recovery and hapinefs more then I doe; and intreat 
 you may give him my moft humble fervice. I have endeavoured, 
 as much as is in my power, to keep the Duke of Queenfberry fur-e 
 and moderate in that affair of his brothers; but he and all his 
 friends doe, with impatience, expect, that the King will order 
 the paffing of Lord William's patent. I judge it needlefs, now, to 
 give you any furder information concerning it ; for before now I 
 think it is at an end. Mr Pringle does write, that, by the next 
 •packet, I may expecl: the letter difpatched which I fent over : And 
 now I underftand more fully that my Lord Anandale has been at 
 the bottom of this matter. He is jufl now at Dumfreis, where his 
 new commiflioners of affeffment are to be received. This is an affair 
 will certainly occafion us trouble; however, I fhall doe what I can 
 to prevent it. I believe 20 writes more fully of this to you this 
 nio-ht. I underftand that 106 is intirely diffatisfyed with 47 and 
 119, becaufe of Bailie Brand's affairs; for he thought them the 
 principall caufe of profecuting of it ; and it feems he had a greater 
 concern in it then he defyred mould be known. He fpoke moft 
 malicioufly of them both to 20 ; but efpecially of 47. So I hope 
 33 will take care to let his defignes be underftood, leaft wKat he 
 informs may doe prejudice. 133 is gone to the countrey ; and 
 *her can be nothing done as yet in the King's affairs ; for neither 
 the chancellour nor the Lords of Theafurie are in town : And our 
 
 nrft 
 106, Tullibardine. 47, Mr Carfb.res. 119," Seafield. 20, Advocate* 
 33, Mr Carftares. 133, Tullibardine.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 303 
 
 firft councill-day will be upon the eight of the next Month. I 
 have no time to write much this night, but fhall endeavour to 
 write more fully by the next poll. I am your moft humble fervant. 
 
 Sir Robert Murray to Mr Carstar*es. 
 
 Of the African Company. — Secretaries blamed. Both Nations en- 
 raged. — L. 4000 the Bribe. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 All our expectations are from your fide ; there is little or nothing May 2 9> 
 here worth your knowlege. There is much talk of the Scots Eaft- l6y7 * 
 India-company's affairs with the Hamburgers; by fome the fecreta- 
 ries are much blamed ; the Englifh talk angrily one way, and the 
 Scots as angrily the other. You know whence the origo mail was ; 
 but four thoufand pound is a good reward for putting two nations 
 by the ears. The preliminaries will never make fatisfa&ion for the 
 bad confequences this is like to have. I am forry to hear that the 
 Earl-of Portland is ill; when you write to me, let me know how he 
 does. I am now going for Scotland ; I mail part this next week. 
 You will do me a great favour to let me hear from you when I am 
 there ; direct your letters for me, to be left with Baillie Murray at 
 Edinburgh : If there be any thing of moment I fhall give you the 
 trouble of a line. I have the great fatisfaclion to have Mrs Carftairs 
 here with me. My little chife and his governor are here likeways, 
 whofe company would have been more acceptable at another time, 
 left we (through his trouble) pay not thofe refpeets to Mrs Carftares 
 we would. The Earl of Arran is your true friend ; of which you 
 fhall know more after. We long to know what progrefs the peace 
 makes ; and what we may expecl: this fummer. If there be any 
 thing, that I can ferve you in when in Scotland, do me the favour to 
 
 lay
 
 304 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 lay your commands on me; and none fhall ferve you more uncerety 
 than, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your raoft humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Robert Murray 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 .Duke of ^ueensberry fatisfied iv'ith ivhat the King has done in his 
 Brother's Affair. — Portland has a great many Friends in Scotland. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, The Duke of Queenfberry is very fenfible of the juftice done him' 
 46517, ' m ms brother's affair, and to whom he owes it. He did very fully 
 
 exprefs himfelf to me on this occafion ; and he fubmits to his Ma* 
 jefty to do what further he pleafes for the difcouraging of heats and 
 faction. We are all in great peace here at prefent, none of the ju- 
 dicatories having met fince I came, except the feffion, which did 
 meet this day ; and all that was done was, to admit James Hamil- 
 ton one of their clerks. The council does not meet till the eight ; 
 and then I believe we mail be fully conveened. I hope there will 
 be no more debeat concerning Lord William's affair. We fhall go 
 on with diligence to bring our threafury affairs to fome order; and 
 I hope there will not be great difficulty in the doing of it. I have 
 much need to be in the country ; but, feeing it will be of ill ex- 
 ample to others, if I mould prefer my own affairs to the King's, I 
 am revolving to attend ; and therefore has fent for my wife and fa- 
 mily. My Lord Fountainhall is chofen preiident for the firft fort- 
 night. I will not write of any particular bufinefs this n ; ght, for I 
 have had but little time ; only, you will deliver the inclofed to 
 my Lord Portland. He has many true fervants in this place. A- 
 *dieu- 
 
 Pray
 
 AND LETTERS. 305 
 
 Pray continue to write every poll; it is great fatisfadion to us, 
 were it but to hear that the King is well ; for, fo long as it is fo, we 
 will not be difcouraged. My Lord D. of Q^ would think himfelf 
 fully repaired, if his brother were made a privy-councellour. You 
 will foon know if this is the fit time to move in it or not. A- 
 dieu. 
 
 Earl of Tullibardine to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of an Office Mr Car flares <was folliciting for one ivhom he had recom- 
 mended. — My Lord Portland has retired to Brujjels* 
 
 Kind S I R, 
 
 Laft night I came home from the Bath, &c. where have been for London, 
 three weeks or more ; and, being facrament-day next Lord's-day, &f 4 * 
 have not been in the city this day to fee Mr Howe. Your two letters 
 to me (very welcome to both) my wife conveyed to him, and fent 
 me an account of them to the Bath. I hope he wrote you his thanks, 
 as I now do mine, for your friendly care and diligence in that affair. 
 Mr Hook is an honeft man ; and I wifh no worfe may have it ; 
 but the place is fo confiderable, that, if I had thought my Lord 
 Chancellor would not oppofe it, I would have urged for a nearer 
 friend of mine, whofe name you mention in your's, and I have of- 
 ten to you. I ftill doubt my Lord C 's recommendation of him, 
 
 though you have done your part faithfully, and in a manner very 
 obliging; and I could not refufe to join with Mr H. when earneft- 
 ly requefted. Pray, aflure my Lord of my humble duty, if you have 
 a fair opportunity. I mall now write you, in a poll or two, more 
 fully. I was forry to hear, by the public prints, of my Lord P.'s 
 .retiring to Bruffells, on the account of his bodily indifpofition. I 
 pray God give a happy event to the great things depending upon 
 
 0^51 what
 
 o 
 
 06 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 what is done in Flanders this fummer. I pray God watch over the 
 King's life, and fucceed him, &c. keep you in his love, and en- 
 able me to ferve and pleafe him. I am, with refpedt and affection,, 
 your's. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 Aithjlilljlands out. Lord Portland preferred. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have received your's of the 27th of the laft month. It is very 
 
 June 5. good Aethftands out fo long; for, before the French can make any 
 
 1097. & °- ...-.'* 
 
 further attempt, I hope the A h and Germans will have joined 
 
 his Majefty's army. And then I hope there will be no more dan- 
 ger. We have no news here. The council is to meet on Tuefday 
 next ; and then the letter in favours of Lord William Douglas will 
 be prefented ; and I believe there will be no oppofition to it. I 
 could write you fome accounts that would be fatisfying ; but I will 
 make ufe of my cyphers by my next, and at prefent only defire you 
 to continue to write to, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your mod humble fervantr, 
 
 (Signed) Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I give my moft humble fervice to the Earl of Portland, and am 
 heartily glad of his preferment. 
 
 Sir
 
 AND LETTERS. 307 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord Mar, Kelburn, end Sir Patrick Murray, admitted P'rhvy-cotin- 
 cellors. — Militia. — Begs Mr Carjiares tofupport linn againjl Tul- 
 libardine. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 This afternoon the council did meet; which is the firft time fince Edinburgh, 
 I came to this place. The Earl of Marr, Keilburne, and Sir Patrick J une s - 
 Murray, were admitted counfellors. The Earl of Annandale and the ' 97 ' 
 Juftice-Clerk were not there; but the reft of the councellours were 
 well conveened. The King's letter concerning the militia was pre- 
 fented by Secretary Ogilvie; and he did give an account, that it was 
 the King's pleafure that fomething mould be done effectuallie in 
 that matter; whereupon an committee was appointed for preparing 
 fome overtures concerning it. Thereafter, the letter in favours of 
 Lord William Douglas was prefented ; and, immediately upon the 
 reading of it, the patent was ordained to be paft, without any con- 
 tradiction ; and, it being in readinefs, it was prefented in council, 
 and read, and thereafter delivered to my Lord Morton, who re^ 
 xeived it for my Lord William in the ufual form. I do believe that 
 106 will be diilatisfied with 120, and will no doubt do him all the 
 prejudice in his power; but 120 does not doubt but 33 will do him 
 the juftice to inform 90 that 133 and he did agree in the infor- 
 mation they gave; and 120 is refolved to eftabliih himfelf upon no 
 faction and party, but upon ferving of his matter faithfully. He is 
 'well enough received in this place ; and he has good hopes, with 
 the amitance of lome now in town, who feem to be very willing, to 
 bring the affairs of the treaiury to good order. He has drawn uo 
 a fcheme of them already ; and I (poke of it with 20 and 4 -. They 
 are entirely well fatisfied with it. I am hopeful that, fome time 
 
 Q^q 2 the 
 
 106, Tulllbardine. 120 Sir James Ogilvy. 33, Mr Carftares. 90, Earl 
 
 of Portland, or the King.
 
 ao8 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 the next week, we fhall be able to give a fatisfying account of what 
 is paft to the King. If an exact plan were not laid down, and if it 
 be not exactly followed, there would be great difficulty in getting 
 the founds to laft fo long as is abiblutcly needful. Some of 33 
 friends and 120 have been confidering what will be the eafieft me- 
 thod to doe fomething effectually for 33 ; but, fince they have not as 
 yet come to a full conclufion, I will wriett nothing of it this night. I 
 nnderftand 33 has a letter this night from the Juftice-Clerk ; I fhall 
 be glad there be good correfpondence there. 70 has good hopes ot 
 it. I have had feveral particular conferences with him, and he is e- 
 nough my friend. I hope we fhall all agree, and take joint mea- 
 fures in the King's fervice ; and, if three or four will pretend to 
 create faction or oppofition, it will evanifh and come to nothing. 
 133 will not have many of the Sy93 for him. Of this I will fully 
 convince you at meeting. And if 75 give but the leaf! counte- 
 nance, there will not be the leaft difficulty in managing a 65 e2my- 
 2C56f when it (hall be found needfull. It is a great fatisfaction 
 to us all that -90 is preferred. I am fure he deferves well his Ma- 
 jefty's favour; but fome, whom you know, began to fay, when 155 
 was preferred, that 90 was to give over bufmefs ; but their hopes 
 were foon blafted. I faw a letter to this purpofe from one that is an 
 entire confident to i2;itwasfrom K2n92. It is now late, and I can give 
 you no furder account, fave that this night an Orkney minifter, who 
 was unqualified, was deprived ; and, for words declared againft him 
 by one witnefs, which he faid can be proved by feveral others, there 
 was an order given to the Advocate to iniift againft him for high 
 treafon. It is fit to give difcouragement to the difaffection that ha* 
 appeared fo much in that countrey. So adieu. 
 
 I did not receive the letter from 90 that you mentioned in your 
 laft ; nor have I had any from him fince I came from London. I 
 long to hear of his being perfectly recovered. 
 
 Sir 
 *y93, club. 75, the King. c2my2C5<5f, parliament.
 
 AND LETTERS. 509 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 He depends wholly on Lord Portland. Fount aijih all chofcn Pre~ 
 
 fide nt pro tempore. A Riot at Dumfries ', &c. -Complain?. 
 
 of Redpath the Publifljer of the Neivs Letter.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I meet fo frequently upon treafury-affairs, that I have not time to Edinburgh 
 write fo fully as I incline. I am very much concerned to hear that 90 ^ 7# 
 95m 355bnd 2yy, 120 repofes all the fatisfaclion of his management 
 upon 90 his affiftance. What 33 writes concerning him is indeed very 
 fatisfying. 1 33 has not yet been in 3 1 ; but this I can allure you, that 
 fomeof his friends are endeavouring fdgb2f f95,(8yg3; butallthefe 
 endeavours won't do ; and even thefe that are upon it carry very 
 fair with 120. 1 27 is at prefent em58245bf : It was defigned that 
 he fhould have continued £95), kgdy n5nn2db. 30 did plainly pro- 
 pofe it ; but it did not carry : How r ever, they are ftrong there ; for, 
 in 31, or in any other of f95, 2g4, 282, fdm, 25n, they fignify 
 nothing. But 120 fhall look to nothing but the true intereft of 77, 
 and fhall fhun all faction. The treafury are doing very well ; they 
 have audited Bailie Menzies's accompts., laft poft-mafter ; and now 
 they are upon Barntoun's accompts ; and I am fure neither they 
 nor I fhall take much reft till we go through all, and reduce the 
 King's bufinefs into clearnefs. There has happened an affair at 
 Dumfries, which we are to enquire into immediately. It is faid 
 that James Muirhead, who is an apothecary in this place, being ac- 
 cidentally at Dumfries, and having occafion to vifit fome friends 
 in that country, fome of the Jacobites there being at an ale-houfe, 
 did force him to drink with them ; and, after the drinking of fome 
 private healths, did begin King James's, and confufion to all his 
 enemies; and he having refufed to do it, fome of the company did 
 
 fall 
 127, Fouutainhall. 77, the King.
 
 3io 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fall upon him and beat him : If this be true, and if it be not fe- 
 verely punifhed, we deferve not to be trufted by our mafter : This 
 fhall be pufhed to the full. The Chancellor and I. have examined 
 Mr Muirhead ; but he does not tell the truth fully. We muft bring 
 thofe who were prefent at that time prifoners to this place. Of this 
 I fhall write more fully by my next. Mr Bernard M'Kenzie is 
 alfo'come to town, and informs me, that one Conn* who was a 
 prieft, and did turn proteftant, was feized by fome of my Lord Sea- 
 forth's people fome years ago, and is detained priioner in the ifland 
 of Heres, and is entertained with bread and water, and is lodged in 
 a houfe where he is expofed to the rains and cold . The Chancellor, 
 Advocate, and I, are to meet upon this to-morrow; and we will take 
 effectual methods to haA T e this redreffed_, and with -which you fhall 
 be acquainted. If we do not mow vigour upon fome fuch occa- 
 sions as thefe are, it will encourage our enemies too much. Con- 
 tinue to write to me fully ; for I do believe nothing but what is con- 
 tained in your's. I find the Jacobites fomewhat infolent ; and there 
 is a report in town that the Prince of Conti is King of Poll ; and Baf- 
 felona is befieged by .a numerous army ; and that the confederates 
 are calling up lines* for covering BrufTels. Reidpath, who writes the 
 flying port, is too rain, and gives too much occafion for difcourfes 
 of this kind ; and I am fure they are intirely falfe, fince I hear no- 
 thing of all this from you. I have written to him to be careful of 
 what he writes for the future ; for I find that his letter is ufed al- 
 moft by all of both fides. Give my molt humble fervice to the 
 Earl of Portland. Let him know as much of this as you think fit; 
 and I am your real friend. Adieu. 
 
 .Sir
 
 A N D LETTERS. 311 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Militia. The Advocate and he are to follovu Mr Carfares s 
 
 Advice, and arefenftble of my Lord Portland's and his Friendfloip ; . 
 and, ivhilf this is the Cafe, do not value Tidlibardine. Annan- 
 dale not yet reconciled to Tidlibardine. Diligence infeizingfu- 
 
 fpectcd Perfons. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I received your's, and has little to write this night. My Lord Edinburgh,. 
 
 Tunc 22 
 
 Tullibardine is as yet in the country ; and the Lords of the Trea- 1697. ' J 
 fury continue to audite the old accompts. There does happen no 
 difference amongft us. The affair of the militia is ftill before a 
 committee of the council ; and there is difficulty to get it right ad- 
 jufted. Your lad to 20 and 1 1 9 were very full and fatisfying : 
 They will follow your advice, and are very fenfible dj fg5 
 7m5zb4ngze they receive from 89 and 33 ; and, fo long as it is fo, 
 they do not value all that 106 can do. I can fay nothing of 133 ; for 
 it is uncertain what he will do ; for though 30 does not meet with 
 119, yet he is not as yet m58o68zy54 fd 133. You mall have 
 full accounts of what paffes ; and, if any of our proceedings here 
 be mifreprefented, I know you will acquaint me; and I hope we 
 fhall be able to give fatisfying anfwers ; for I am fure we defign to 
 ferve our mafter honeftly. Sir Thomas Kennedy's caufe with the 
 King, for an abatement of his tack-duty, is to be called to-morrow ; 
 and we have taken all the diligence we can to prepare the Lords 
 for it ; and yet I know not what fuccefs it may have : It has already 
 proceeded too far. We have caufed fearch for letters of bad cor- 
 refpondence ; and we did feize a packet, the covert of which was 
 directed for Mrs Reid ; but we could find no mch perfon ; and 
 therefore we caufed write upon the table of the poit-office, that there 
 
 was • 
 20, Advocate. 1 19, Sir James Ogilvy. 89, Portland. 33, Mr 
 
 Carflares. 106, Tullibardine. 133, Tullibardine. 30, Annandale,
 
 .512 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 was a letter for one of that name ; and gave order to feize the per- 
 fon that fhould call for it ; and he that did call was a papift, and is 
 in prifon : We have examined him, but he is not ingenuous ; and 
 yet confefles enough to convince us, that he has carried on a bad 
 courfe of correfpondence. The letters we have intercepted does 
 certainly contain nothing of great confequence ; and yet it is fit to 
 difcourage fuch practices. This is all at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the African Company"** Intention to addrefs the King about the 
 Hamburgh Memorial. — : — Their Application to the Privy Council 
 
 refufed. He is refohed to follow the Meajures mojl pleafing to 
 
 the King) though deeply interejled in the Company. Lord Tul- 
 
 libardine njuill probably claim the Merit of diffuading the Council 
 frojn yielding to the Company.- Accufes Queensberry of cabal- 
 ling. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 ^Edinburgh, I thought to have writt to you by laft poft, but was a little in- 
 June 29. difpofed. Sir James Ogilvy and I were together, who I believe 
 gave my Lord Portland and you account of the intentions of our 
 African company, who were refolved to addrefs the King about 
 what was done againft them at Hamburgh ; and, at the fame time, 
 to make application to the council to fecond their addrefs. It was 
 impoffible to hinder their addrefs to the King, which I believe will 
 be lent by this poft ; but, for the defigned application to the coun- 
 cil, we thought it would be diipleafmg to the King, and might have 
 bad confequences ; for which reafon Secretary Ogilvy and I did all 
 we could to prevail with them to forbear it; which they have done 
 till fome time in Auguft. 
 
 The matter is of univerfal concern ; and I wifh that fomething 
 may be done to quiet the people, who make great noife about 
 it, and other prejudices they think are impofed on them by Eng- 
 land,
 
 AND LETTERS. 313 
 
 land. I am as deeply ingaged . in this company as any in the 
 kingdom ; yet I am refoved to follow the meafures that I think 
 will be beft pleafing to the King ; and, that I may know them, 
 I intreat that yon would prevaill with my Lord Portland to be fo 
 good as to give me his commands, either by himfelf or by you, 
 which I mall endeavour to obey. 
 
 My Lord Tullibardine came to town two or three days agoe ; 
 and its like will take to himfelf the difvvading from the councel- 
 application : But I do allure you it was agreed to before he came 
 to town. They were at firft very hot ; and ther does not want 
 fome amongft us very induftrious to blow the fire, and to brand 
 others of milder temper with the reproach of ill country-men. To- 
 morrow I goe to the country, to order fome things about my works 
 at Drumlangrig, where I have been long abfent ; and the bufinefs 
 I have to doe cannot well admit of delay : But if I keep my health, 
 I will be back again before council-time, this day feven-night. My 
 Lord Tullibardine accufed me to-day of caballing ; I know not his 
 meaning, if he intends not poflibly to make Secretary Oglivie 
 and my frequent being together, when he was abfent, a ground of 
 breach, to excufe his joining with others : I am fure he has not 
 the lead reafon on our part, except this be it, that the fecretary 
 and I dined and fupped often with one another, and minded you 
 and other abfent friends. I wifh you a fuccefsful campaign; fo, 
 without ceremony, adieu. 
 
 I thought needlefs to trouble E. P. with a letter, fince I know you 
 will comunicate what you think fit of this to him, with my mod 
 faithfull fervice. 
 
 ' Rr Sir
 
 314 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the African Company, and the Memorial given in by Sir Paul 
 Ricault to the Senate of Hamburgh. — He confented to tranfmit the 
 Company'' 's Addrefs as Secretary of State, to prevent their infijling 
 
 that the Privy-council fJjouhl do it. Anxious that the King 
 
 jhould underfand he has no Interejl in the Company. The Oppofi- 
 
 tion given to it by the Engliffo is the Reafon ivhy the Company ivas 
 not dijfolved before this time. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, All yours have come fafe to my hands, and are very iatisfy- 
 j£ y ' ing. As yet there is no difference amongfl us ; we ail a- 
 
 gree : And, though fome procefies did occur, wherein party and 
 faction might have appeared, yet we have ihunned it on both 
 fides ; only 30 does not viiit me, nor I him; but at all occafions 
 we converie civilly. There has nothing occurred has given us 
 trouble, but that of the Eaft-India company. I wrote to you for- 
 merly concerning the memorial given in by Sir Paul Rycoalt to the 
 Senate of Hamburgh : Thoie of the company did always mow re- 
 butment ; and my Lord Tullibardine told me, he found more of it - 
 in the country than here. But, when their commiflioners returned, 
 and that their general council met, and got the account of the pre- 
 judice they mftained by the memorial, they paft a vote, nemine con- 
 tradicente, that they would prefently addrefs the King, and petition 
 the Lords of privy-council for their concurrence. My Lord Tulli- 
 bardine was all this time in the countrey ; but how foon I was ac- 
 quainted with what pah:, I met with the Chancellor, the D. of Q^ 
 E. of Ar. the Ad. and fome others ; and we all refolved to do our 
 belt, to hinder the petitioning of the council. After this, my L. 
 Tul. came and concurred : So we, all acting jointly, prevailed this 
 farr, that they delayed to petition the privy-council, and did not 
 fend any of their number to the King with their addrefs, but gave it 
 to my colleague and me to tranfmit. It ought to have been by way 
 of petition, and in more fubmimve terms j but they are in (o great 
 
 fervor*
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 3i5 
 
 fervor, that we thought it much when we carried thofe two points, 
 that they fent none with it, and made no addrefs to the council. I 
 wifh the King may give them as fatisfying an anfwer as may con- 
 fift with his true intereft ; and the fooner the better ; for their coun- 
 cil meets again the 2d of Auguft. Pray let it be underftood, that I 
 rrave no intereft in this company ; neither are any of my family 
 concerned in it : And, if it had not been to tranlmit this in the quiet- 
 en: and moil fubmimve manner, I would not have concerned my- 
 •felf in the leaft. I have fent a copy to the E. of Portland of their 
 addrefs, and of my letter to the King. Let me have your thoughts 
 fully of this matter. I can allure you, this company had been end- 
 ed before now, had it not been for the oppofition made by the En*-- 
 lifli, which picks them on point of honour. Let Mr Pringle know 
 what I have written on this fubject ; it was needlefs to write to you 
 $ both. Your laft news were very acceptable; the King is much 
 commended for his regular and fpeedy march to Bruflells. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Tullibardi^e to Mr Carst^res. 
 
 Of the African Company, That the Privy -council's refufing to 
 
 tranfmit their Addrefs zvas owing to his coming to Town.- Ur- 
 ges a fpeedy Anfwer from the King, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Being very wearied with writing and other bufmefs, I am not Edinbur h 
 able to fay any thing to you, but acknowledge your's of the J ul 7 *• 
 
 I thank you for the particular account yeu give me. We have been * 97 " 
 in no fmall anxiety here concerning the council-general of the Eaft- 
 India company, who would not fatisfy themfelves only to addrefs 
 the King, but apply to the council to concur with them in it. And 
 this is not only what was refolved on, but voted two days before I 
 came to town ; but I made ufe of my intereft to get it delayed to 
 the fecond of Auguft next ; againft which time I hope we fhall 
 Jhave the King's anfwer. The Chancellor and Sir James Ogilvy did 
 -concur in this matter ; and I affure you it was no fmall difficulty, 
 
 Pv r 2 a nd
 
 3 i6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and by a majority only of four votes, that it was carried. I believe 
 it will not be difowned, that, if I had not come to town, it had not- 
 been flopped. Its mod neceflary that the King give a fatisfaftory 
 anfwer, and that it be difpatcht as foon as poffible. Being very weary 
 with writing, I refer you to Mr Pringle's letter : So fhall only add,' 
 that what you acquaint me Hugh Cunynghame did write that I 
 told him concerning you, was true. I have fpoke to the fame pur- 
 pofe with my Lord Halcraig ; who is truely an honeft man. I am 
 your affectionate friend and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Tullibardine. 
 
 I long very much to hear good news from you, fince the armies- 
 are fo near. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Friend/hip betwixt Tullibardine and Annandak. TullibardinSs 
 
 Jealoufy of ^ueensberrj, Philiphaugh, &c. becaufe they took a 
 
 Glafs together. Vindicates himfclf and them. B lames Vif- 
 
 count Tiviofs Conduct as Commander in Chief. — Sollicits for the 
 Clerk fhip of the Treafury to Duncan Ronald. — Anxious left Tuffi-- 
 bardine Jloould apply for fome of his Friends. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, x wriett fome days ago at length, (which I hope is come iare- Um 
 i6 !y - 10 ' hand,) in relation to our African company ; and I muff acquaint 
 
 you they are very impatient of a return to their addrefs lent at that 
 time. The news of this place is the friendfhip contracted betwixt 
 Earl Tullibardine and Farl Annandale. It is the more taken no- 
 tice of, the former grudges were betwixt them j and that none other 
 has given the leaft caufe of offence to caufe him, (I meaiiE. T.)fly 
 for fhelter ; but, however, one advantage we know of the man's na- 
 ture. Lord Chancellor, by what I can perceive, will embarkue 
 with them. Their other confederates I need not name ; you'll ea- 
 fily judge. At E. Tul. firft coming down, he owned fome jealoufy 
 to D. Queenfberry, to L. Philiphaugh, toL. Halcraige, and fome o- 
 
 thers t
 
 AND LETTERS. 317 
 
 thers : Told he heard their was caballing, what not, without ac- 
 quainting him. He faid nothing to me of the fubjedh Indeed there 
 was not the lead caufe for his jealoufy, unlefs he took it amifs, that, 
 without writing to him for leave, fome of us took a glais of wine 
 one eyening at L. Philiphaugh's lodgings '; another time at Secreta- 
 ry Ogilvy's ; where, upon my word, we mentioned not his name : 
 Yet it is certain, upon this prefumption, he builds his politicks ; and 
 being blown to it by E. Annandale, whole nature it is to breed dil- 
 cord, we may eafily fee what the event will be, though all of us en- 
 deavour peace, proceeding calmly and equally in his Majefty's fer- 
 vice. And we may the more eafily be believed, fince ^t is not our 
 intereft, befides not our inclination, to make divifion ; we are all fa- 
 tisfied with the pofts we are in ; we inveye nobody. I love not to 
 make complaints ; Iwifhthere were no reafbn for it: We dare appeal 
 to the kingdom if we purfue or refent what is pad;- but, on the con- 
 trary, can give feveral inftances. I thought it neceiiary to give you 
 this advertiiement. Certainly you will have the fame account from ■ 
 others ; perhaps more full, though not plainer ; for I conceal no 
 name. Now, in Vifcount Tiviott's abfence, it falls me to command 
 the forces. It is true, it is by chance ; and. therefore I meddle the 
 lefs. The King is pleafed to give him fuch entire truft, in relation 
 to our Scots army, that, unlefs I were called to it, I fhall not fay 
 much; only this I muft tell you, that the difpofing of places upon 
 gratuities will fn a little time make our army of little ufe for . his 
 Majefty's fervice. I defign to review all the regiments, and fhall 
 take what information is proper. I fhall know the ftrength of each 
 troop and company, and how they have paid their quarters in time 
 paft ; fo that upon occafion it may be of ufe. In fhort, I can tell 
 you already, the army is in a mean condition, even as to the num- 
 ber. I fhall not trouble you farther with this, but fhall be perfect in 
 it, in cafe need be. Its probable that you may hear from others, 
 that Sir Thomas Moncrief clerk to the treafury is fick, and in all 
 probability will not recover. No doubt many will be compeating 
 for his employment j and E. Tull. certainly will have his eye upon 
 
 it
 
 3 i8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 it for fome of his friends. I have never yet had the intereft to get a*= 
 ny man in upon my recommendation. The only thing I afkt was 
 to have Lord Abruchel on the council and exchequer ; which was 
 at laft waved, upon confiderations, at that time. If it were pomble 
 to get, upon .Sir Thomas's death, that employment to Duncan Ro- 
 nald writer to the fignet, I mould be mightily pleafed : He is an 
 honeft man, a mettled man, and one would be ufeful to us all : 
 And it will be a means to ftrengthen us, and a favour to me. Pray 
 endeavour it ; for there is much in taking the fiift word. That 
 which I am afraid of, unlefs timeoufly cautioned, we mall fplitt a- 
 mongft ourfelves ; every one having a particular friend. This man 
 I am fure of, and none is more capable, few fo fit for it. I need 
 fay no more, fince I have owned my concern to you. Mere I could 
 fay, were it not at this diftance. I have wriett to Mr Cunynghame 
 to lay afide any thoughts he had for fome time yet of leaving my 
 fon. I am your's adieu. 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 Jealoufies and ivhifpers among them. — ■ — A Duel fought in St Anne's 
 Yards. — The Commiffary of Peebles killed by Commiffary WiJJmrt's 
 Son. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, We have got our letters from London ; but there are due from 
 Ifj^ 17 ' abroad four maills. I can give you little account of bufinefs here : 
 My Lord Treafurer-Deputt, and Sir John Maxwell, are ftill in the 
 countrey ; and Sir Thomas Moncrief continues ill. There are Hill 
 jealoufies and whifpers amongft us ; but in all the judicatories we 
 have behaved with calmnefs. The Commiflary of Peebles was 
 killed yefterday's morning in St Anne's yards, by Commiffary 
 Wifhart's fon, in a duel. It is faid that Wifhart is fince taken at 
 Lauder ; but we are not certain of this as yet. Let Mr Pringle 
 know that I have nothing to write to him ; and, when any thing 
 occurs that is neceflary for his Majefty's fervice, you mall both be 
 
 acquainted. Adieu. 
 
 Six 
 
 £697
 
 AND BETTERS. 319 
 
 Sir James Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 A Letter of Apology. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I received three from you laft night, and was refolved to Edinburgh* 
 have aniwered them very fully ; but we fat late at council ; and 1697- 
 fmce 47 and 1 1 have been with me. 122 is not in town : 1 19 is 
 in friendihip enough with him. This is only for an apology ; and, 
 becaufe I have not written to-night, you mail not complain of my 
 writing fully by my next. I hope Mr Pringle fhall have his mo- 
 ney paid him very foon : I have not time to write to him ; but has 
 ordered my fervant to do it. This is all from, S. your H. S. 
 Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Cautions Mr Carfares againfl Tullibardine, ivho profejfes Friend/hip 
 
 for him. Hints that it tvill be more for Mr Car ft ares'* Inter eft 
 
 to keep by him and his old Friends, <who tvill follozu his Advice. 
 
 Tullibardine and he concur in public Biftnefs. French 
 
 Prifoners. Tullibardine has bought L. 500 Share in the Afri- 
 can Company. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 This laft week I have been very much taken up in attending the Edinburgh, 
 committees of council and treafury : This has occafioned me not to ^ ly 24 ' 
 write fo fully as I ufed to do : All your's hitherto have come fafe 
 to my hands : Your laft was in anfwer to that I wrote by the flying 
 packet, with the addrefs of the Eaft-India Company : You was very 
 much in the right to defire that the anfwer to it might be fent as 
 foon as poffible, for their general council meets again the firft week 
 
 of
 
 320 
 
 S T A T E - 'P A P E R S 
 
 of Auguft. 132 does pretend friendfhip for 33 ; but 33 I believe 
 knows him well enough. He was once in-greater enmity with 30; 
 but now 30 is his only confident. If 33 will concur for 127, and 
 to put 32 in the fame ftation he was in the laft year, and leave off 
 to be in friendfhip with 11, 47, and 119, there is no doubt the 
 friendfhip will be furely eftablifhed : But otherwife, I believe 
 33 will do beft to truft to 'his old friends, who will take his advice 
 as much as he can defire, and are willing to make all their accefs to 
 76 by 89. I can aflure you 1 19 would foon give over, if it were 
 not for the protection he has there, and, while he lives, will be 
 Faithful to him. 106 is moft ungrate to 89 ; but I am fure 33 was 
 advertifed of it before he went from London. 157 does well to 
 keep his ground with 106 : It fhall make 1 19 more his friend than 
 ever; but I fhall not take notice of what you write of this to any per- 
 fonelfe, fince you forbid me to fpeak of it. 133 is a very avowed 
 ^enemy to 20, and has, upon feveral occafions, neda zbndyjb fyt 
 fd 9ZC ; but 20 has refolved to fuffer no more that way : He will 
 write fully this night himfelf, and will give you an account of what 
 paft laft council-day. There has two or three council-procefies come 
 in, wherein there has been difference in all of them. 119 was on 
 his guard, and 33 his friends did 2ee52m firm ; but I think it 
 needlefs to trouble you with an account of them till meeting ; only 
 I muft tell you, that 132 did call atydm4 m96y5b and 1 1910 his 
 lodgings, where he told 119 that zf, 4Z4, bdf, 35 8 g £ 5 him to 
 make oppofition in any thing ; neither was it expected of him .-119 
 anfwered zb Z946zb6, he would do .what he thought right, and 
 would ftand in awe of none. I do not love to write ftorries ; but, if 
 any be written by others, if 119 be but acquainted, he can give 
 full fatisfa&ion ; he is blamed for fuffering too much. The Earl of 
 Tullibardine and Secretary Ogilvy do concur in all public matters 
 
 toge- 
 
 132, Tullibardine. 33, Mr Carftares. 30, Annandale 127, 
 
 Fountainhall. 11, Queenfberry. 47> Argyle. HQ> Secretary 
 
 'Ogilvy. 76, the King. 89, Portland. 106, Tullibardine. 
 
 20, Advocate
 
 AND LETTERS. 321 
 
 -together : They have been moft of this afternoon endeavouring to 
 explicate and difcover the projects of the three French prifoners : We 
 have good ground to think that they have not given a true account 
 of themfelves. Mr Rodoway did endeavour to fpeak out of the win- 
 dow of the prifon to one Mrs Hamiltoun, and did throw fome bil- 
 lets over the window to her, which ihe caufed her fervant take up. 
 Three of them are now in our hands ; but in one of them he men- 
 tions a fourth, in which he fays he gave a full account of what he 
 was ; and he was in great trouble about it ; for he writes, if it fall 
 in the hands of any in the government, it will make him be 
 more feverely treated. We are again to examine this matter more 
 fully on Monday : She does pretend to be very innocent. If any 
 thing fhall happen to be difcovered worthy of the narrating, vou 
 fhall hear of it. The Earl of Tullibardine is now acquainted by 
 Principal Dunlop of the project for procuring you iooo 1. He told 
 "hint that he had fpoke of it to me ; but that I had given him no 
 pofitive anfwer. He told the principal that he would write con- 
 cerning it to the King ; but was not pofitive whether he thought it 
 would be obtained or not ; and made fome difficulty : Therefore I 
 wifh that whatever 89 does in that matter, may be done quickly. 
 The Earl of Tullibardine has bought a fhare of the Eaft-India 
 'Company, from Sir Thomas Burnet of Lies, for 500 1. Sterling, 
 and was this day received one of the company. I believe it is that he 
 may be in a condition to know their proceedings more diftinctly, 
 and that he may be more in favour with thofe of the company. I 
 .refolve to go from this, about the middle of the next month, for 
 London; for the judicatories will then adjourn; and I can fignify no 
 ■more here. I do not refolve to go to the north, for my wife has 
 ibeen here with me ever fince I came to this place. Adieu. 
 
 ■$** Lord
 
 222 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord Tullibardine to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Longs for the King's Return to the Company's Addrefs. Hasfub*-- 
 
 Jcribed L. 500, to give him Influence in preventing Deflgns that 
 may be uneafy to his MajeJ?y.-~ — Is going to Hamilton. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, j ] iave y 0ur ' s f the 1 2th in anfwer to mine. I loner extremely 
 
 July 24. _ , • . • 1 n • 
 
 1697. for the King's return to the African Company s addrefs, which I 
 
 hope I fhall have next poft. I have fubferived for L. 500 ; by which 
 means I fhall have the more influence to hinder any defigns that 
 may prove uneafy to his Majefty. Things are kept yet quiet, irr 
 expectation of the King's anfwer : After it comes, I intend to go to 
 Hamilton, where my wife is, and received the facrament there;, 
 which good occafion I was very forry to have miffed. Mr Dunlop- 
 will acquaint you, that he has fpoke to me of your concerns, ofc 
 which there can be nothing done till meeting ; fo that I fhall nor 
 infift on it here, who am 
 
 Your affe&ionate friend and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Tullibardine, 
 
 to Mr Carstares.. 
 
 1697. 
 
 Mojily in Cyphers ; to ivhich no Key has been found: 
 
 S I R, 
 
 July 26. I have your's of the ioth inftant, and I have not wrote fince that 
 
 of the 29th, which I fee you have received. I had wrote fooner, 
 but I know Mr Hay writes frequently ; and I was waiting till Mr 
 Erfkine fhould come to town, that I might give you a better ac- 
 count of your bufinefs. Hume tells me that 2 1 is not yet come, 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 3 2 3 
 
 and that 35 hath all credit with Chalmers, which it may be makes 
 2 1 more indifferent. When 3 received Mr Whyte's letter about 
 Mr Moafman's bufmefs with Mr Lie, Mr Thomfon and Mr Daw- 
 fon were abfent ; and Mr Whyte's letter was clofs enough. 37, as 
 Carfe fays, is of late unaccountable ; and 32 thinks he can fcarce 
 purpofe to return, fmce he hath carried fo towards 10 and 55, and 
 is fo ill liked by 94 ; but 33 knows how kind Mr Fall was to him, 
 tho' it be now faid that he-hath the kindnefs of another. 1 3 and 27 
 have faid little to Mr Chalmers of late ; and they and 4 have little or 
 no dealing with 35 ; but 32 tells me, that upon occafion their refent- 
 ments appear warmer. It is alfo faid that fome of Mr Erikine's 
 friends or partners would take in Mr Fofter; but for what fhare is not 
 known, nor doth the thing much appear. MrNeill and your friend 
 3 2 > 37> 3 1 ? 4°> 22 > 2 5> 2 9 do, and are well ; and it is not here 
 doubted but that 9 may do by 35 what he thinks fit with 5, 3, or 
 any of their partners ; and, if he would have his bufmefs done 
 more quietly, it is wholly in his power ; for Stewart, Thomfon, 
 Dawfon, or any other, fignify no more than Mr Whyte pleafes : 
 But it is ftill fit that Mr Murray be better fettled, as 35 is very (ai- 
 fible ; and, to difpofe -of him and Mr Campbell well, would be an 
 acceptable affurance to all Whyte's friends, and likewife have the 
 greateft influence on Mr Fouler. Mr Hay underftands Mr Wat- 
 fon's bufmefs fo well, that I need give you no account of it. 31 
 will not miflake io's heat in the matter of 37 and 13; for he was 
 much provoked, and it is not his temper ; nor is any man fairer in 
 all 9 concerns. Mr Scot doth not wait on 26, which offends fome; 
 but 32 wifhes 9 well and fafe ; and, when Mr Hay fhall meet with 
 Mr Whyte, he knows he will give a. fatisfying account : And 35 
 hath faid to 32, that he would have him prefent, that good advice 
 may be taken in order to Mr Murray firft, and then in order to Mr 
 Fouler : But there is time enough for that bufmefs. It is faid that 
 Mr Mill is not in good ca*fe ; and, it may be, a particular order to 
 three or four of Mr Whyte's beft friends, might do well to confider 
 
 Sf2 it,
 
 + 1 
 
 24 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 it, fpecially in this interval. Severals with 41 are thought noe un- 
 friends to 19; but this you know : And if Mill do little good,. 
 he can do as little hurt, as matters now ftand. Adieu. 
 
 Hume thinks, with you, that Erfkine hath done him no hurt ; 
 but, if 32 had the opportunity, he would fairly clear himfelf 
 with 9; and, in the mean time, he knows, that 21 credit as to him 
 will go but a little way for hereafter. I intreat you forget not 
 Carle's own bufinefs. Hume had almoft wrote to Mr Fall about it 
 when the letters were fent ; but he would do nothing without 33 
 advice j and he knows that Mr Hay has recommended it. 
 
 Lord Tullibardine to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Is to prepare the Company for giving a proper Reception to the King*$ 
 Letter, which Mr Carjiares had fent down. Peace near con- 
 cluded. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I received your's of the 15th, which came with the King's letter, ... 
 July 31; m an f wer to the African Company's addrefs, which I hope will prove 
 fatisfying ; and I am doing what I can to prepare them to receive 
 it fb. They meet on Monday next : It is very acceptable that it 
 has come before that time. I am glad of the good news you fend 
 of the peace being fo far advanced. I hope we fhall hear foon that 
 it is concluded : I doubt not but the terms are adjufted : I hope it 
 {hall pro^e much to the advantage of thefe kingdoms. All here 
 continues quiet ; and, whatever inclinations may be for factions,, 
 they are kept from breaking out. I fhall endeavour to write again 
 to you by the next poft, who am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your affectionate friend and fervant, 
 (Signed) Tullibardine. 
 
 To
 
 AND LETTERS. ,325 
 
 To Mr Carstares. 
 
 State of Parties, all in Cyphers. 
 SIR, 
 Yow will underftand from Mr Home how Mr Murray hath J uI y3 ! < 
 behaved of late ; his motives I think were kindnefs to 24, 33, 25. 
 23, 34, 28, 30, 41,24. 32, 3729* 2937, 38, 20. and fome pre- 
 judice alfo againft 32; for 13 was very very forward, tho' he be 
 a friend of Mr Watfon^S, and mould be for 9 : But the matter is 
 palpablie 22 25 28 29 35, and the thing muft and will be help- 
 ed, tho' with fome delay. Mr Erfkin and Mr Thomfon are lb 
 well, that 13 cannot be enuff concerned in any thing 21 appears 
 for. If Mr Chalmers had medled in that bufinefs betwixt Mr 
 Blackwood and his elder brother, he had done right, without 
 ftope: But Mr Erfkine being of another mind, it was not fit that 21 
 mould have it to fay, that he only had preferved 77 for 9 intereft, 
 by taking part with Mr Blackwood : 21 is alfo difpleafed with 37, 
 3§> 33* 2 9' 4°» 22 > 2 5-> 35' 34; and faid plainly to his princi- 
 pall manager, that he was fo. It is ane advantage, that tho' 3725, 
 24323329 conceals his methods, by all the difguifes he can ; yet 
 he cannot conceal his principal purpofe. 32 hath advifed Carfe 
 how it ftands with him ; and if Mr White help it not, Mr 
 Home tell's me plainly he had rather be where he was ; for you 
 know non can ftand againft 37, 29, 22, 20 : And therefore he de- 
 fires to fee 33, and to clear with 9 ; for if White doe not fettle 
 Mr Murray, and order Mr Fouler aright, with another fadtorie, 
 and at leaft ballance Thomfon's, Stewart's, and Erfkine's accounts, 
 32 does not care for trading anymore with them: And this is fee 
 eafie to be done, when you have Mr Hay, with 10 and $$, and 
 fome others, that can doe your bufinefs to a hair, that I (hall be 
 forrie you mifs the opportunity. What 35 did communicate, by 
 your order, to 32, concerning 4, I fay 24, 3325, 2741, 23: 3422 
 3037, is a meer fable : But if Carfe, or any other, liften to fuch, he 
 
 may
 
 •<>6 ST ATE -PAPERS 
 
 may have ten times more of that kind ; for fome (a man might think) 
 did willinglie fee Mr White wronged, that 34223037 might be 
 blamed for it; but 32 tells me he is at a point, and fhall be care- 
 full of 9 concerns, and be adviied by 33 and 31, as they think fitt 
 Adieu. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Csrrefpondence begun betwixt Armjlrong and him. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, ^ n mv ^ * wrote to y ou freely and plainly, as you dcfired ; and 
 July laft, J am longing for your return. The inclofed is, I underftand, much 
 to the fame purpofe ; which gives me more hopes you will give a 
 good anfwer : And I ihall urge no more on that head untill I hear 
 from you. The feffion being at an end, we have brought your af- 
 fair anent Kinnewhar a good length ; for Mr Melvill, who is in 
 poffemon of an part of his eftate, is to compt and reckon ; and we 
 have reafon to think he is near payed. And my Lord Rankiler, 
 who has a great guiding of him, and John Carftares, who is married 
 on his near friend, we hope, will advife both to end with you. \£ 
 you pleafe you may caufe Mr Pringle write to my Lord, bein^ his 
 uncle; which I think will do you good. I was in company with the 
 L. J. C. and his Lordlhip, who writes the inclofed, with your bro- 
 ther the principal; and we minded you very kindly. And it is ho- 
 ped that the old friendlhip is well begun. I am to get payment of 
 the L. 300 fterling next week ; and I will take care to remit the re- 
 mainder to your Lady. Adieu moft heartily. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 327 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Garstares. 
 
 About his Son. — TuUibardine* s haughty Carriage to Secretary Ogilvy, 
 — Lays a Snare for the Advocate. — Style offolliciting nonju. — Afks 
 a Majority for his Brother fames. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 T am two in your debt. I thank you for giving me an account of Edinburgh, 
 my fon. I have heard from himfelf fince, but not of his being 
 with E. Portland ; which I long for an account of from himfelf. 
 Matters continue amongft our ftatefmen as formerly; only E. Tull. 
 has appeared mighty high upon fome occafions to his partner in 
 office. I advife the latter not to diminifh his character ; for big 
 words fhall not fright us all. I doubt not but you have particular 
 accounts of thofe tranfactions, and how E. Tull. was laying a mare 
 for the Advocate. The ordinary ftile in folliciting now is, « What, 
 will you oppofe the family of Hamilton V This is truth, upon my 
 word. I have wriett by this poft to Mr Pringle: If you fee his let- 
 ter, a part of it, in relation to V. Teviott, will divert you. Sir Tho- 
 mas Moncrief is recovered, who deferves his place very well while 
 he lives. All care is, and will be, taken pomble, as to the pacify- 
 ing the Eaft-India company. The Lord CarmichaePs Major is dead. 
 Its probable he will recommend the Laird of Poge Major to Till- 
 libardine. I have employed Secretary Ogilvy to fpeak to him for 
 my brother James, who is the oldeft captain amongft all our dra- 
 goons. He bought his commimon, which deferves confideration : 
 But I (hall only reprefent, not prefs, in this cafe. I am your's. A- 
 dieii* 
 
 Major
 
 32$ STATE - P A P E R S 
 
 Major James Wood to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Sollicits his Inter eft tofucceed Lieutenant-Colonel Youngs in the E- 
 vent of his being broken by the Court-Martial then fitting. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Bruxells, At laft, the affair depending between my Lord Strathnaver an& 
 
 .1697. ' Lieutenant-Colonel Young has been heard ; and this day the court- 
 martial has ended, and come to a fentence; which, by oath taken 
 by the members, is not to be known till the King or generals is ac- 
 quainted therewith: And therefore, nopofitive account can be given 
 by me of the iffue ; but I have very good ground to believe that my 
 Lord Strathnaver is entirely vindicat of what he was accufed; and 
 Lieutenant Colonel Young having failed to prove what he alledged, 
 cannot fail to be very feverely reprimanded, if not broken. It is 
 but very reafonable for me to expedt to fucceed, having ferved as 
 captain in Scotland, England, and Ireland, and Flanders, for five 
 years ; and in Flanders for four years more, as major-: Yet the un- 
 juft reprefentations of me by fome, becauie I would not concur with 
 them in falfe things, makes me fear to meet with more trouble than 
 otherWays I would, and makes me even afhamed to beg your fa- 
 vour in my cafe. But, after confidering your honour, as well as 
 juftice, I take the liberty to entreat your afTiflance in my juft caufe ; 
 which, if you give me, will put me above the pretenfion of my ri- 
 vals, and oblige me to be for ever, 
 SIR, 
 
 Y'our moft obedient "humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Ja. Wood. 
 
 I affure myfelf of Mr Pringle's friendfhip, though I give him no 
 trouble of a letter. 
 
 Major
 
 AND LETTERS. 329 
 
 Major Bruce to Mr Carstares. 
 Upon the fame Subjecl with the former, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The aflurance I have of your kindnefs to me makes me trouble Bruffdis, 
 you with this line. I am informed that Lieutenant-colonel Dou- f 6 uguft IO * 
 glas his commiffion to be lieutenant-colonel to Colonel Murray is 9? * 
 flopped, and that Lieutenant-colonel Leit'h is to go to the guards, 
 and Douglas is to come in his place. If it was not thought reafon- 
 able that he mould be put over Major Cunynghame, it will be as 
 unreafonable, if not more, to put him over me : Wherefore I entreat 
 you, if there be any fuch thing, to ufe your endeavours to hinder it. 
 There are more Lieutenant-colonels in the army, with whom 
 Douglas may be changed. But, if it cannot be hindered, I have an- 
 other thing to propofe to you, which is this : Lieutenant-colonel 
 Young, of Strathnaver's regiment, is broke by a council of 
 for which I am very forry ; and wimes from my heart that he may 
 be reponed : But, if all means which are ufed mould prove inef- 
 fectual, I entreat you to ufe your utmoft endeavours to get that place 
 for me ; for, although it be a new regiment, yet I will take my ha- 
 zard: I have been long enough a major already. I fhall fay no more 
 fince I know you will be ready to endeavour the good and advan- 
 tage of, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moil humble and molt obliged fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Ro. Bruce. 
 Pray let me have an anfwer. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 About tofet out for London. — Parts in good Terms with the Juf ice- 
 Clerk. 
 
 S I R, 
 I have this night written to the Earl of Portland, which you will Edinburgh, 
 he pleafed to prefent to him. I am now refolving to return to ^ uguft I0 * 
 
 * t London,
 
 330 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 London, and refolve to part from this privately. I go the firft night 
 to the Juftice-Clerk's houfe. He and I parts in very good 
 friendihip. I hope to give you a fatisfying account of treafury- 
 affairs at meeting. The Lords of Treafury have written to the 
 King ; hut their letter refers to extracts and memorials given to 
 my Lord Tullihardine and me. I had difficulty to procure this ; but 
 it will be of great advantage, as I fhall convince you when we meet. 
 There is a letter from the admiralty to the King went off the laft 
 poll, with which I was not acquainted ; but now I have got a 
 double of it. The Advocate writes of this matter to-night ; but I 
 will write no more of it till Saturday's night. It is now late ; and 
 therefore I only add, that I am, Sir, your moft humble fervant. A- 
 dieu. 
 
 I have none either from you or Mr Pringle the two laft pofts. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complains bitterly of Tidlibar diners falfe dccufations of him. Vin- 
 dicates himf elf from the Afperfons throzvn upon him for taking un- 
 duly ; for accufing the Hamburgh Memorial ; and Lenity in pro- 
 fecuting the difajfecled: This laft agreeable to the King. — Of 
 Ships fitted out by the Admiralty. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, In my letters of late, I have given you accompt of ieveral things, 
 
 160- 1C How I have been attacked, and openly maltreated, I leave to your- 
 felf. But none of theie things will be ftrange to you, who knows 
 what paft at London. He muttered that I was guilty of takings. 
 But, is it not a vexing thing that a man fhould be thus accufed in 
 general, without any condefcendence, fpecially when I know my in- 
 nocency, and that my mein eftate, not the half of what its fuppofed 
 to be, can teftify for me. And you may alfo be my witnefs, how I 
 have faid, That I wifh, either that I were in a ftation where all ta- 
 kings were forbid, or that, even in this ftation, taking mould be 
 
 forbid
 
 AND LETTERS. 33* 
 
 forbid in any cafe : For I proteft, in the private ftation of an advo- 
 cate, I lived better, and. with more profit, than ever I had fince. But 
 you fee I have been attacked, as if I had licenfed the Hamburgh 
 memorial, and the printer's boy's declaration taken figned againft 
 me; albeit there be nothing more falfe : And that nothing can 
 prove licenfmg, fave the licenfer's hand : And that, if a man be al- 
 lowed to excufe himfelf by throwing the blame on another, no man 
 can be fafe. But my relief is, to be attacked where all fee my in- 
 nocence ; for I have no dealing with our African company, and 
 many of them reckon me an unfriend. And you know how warm 
 I was in condemning the printing of this paper. But again, I tell 
 you in fincerity, that I knew nothing of it untill I fee it in print. 
 He alfo faid of me in council, that I mould have purfued all come 
 from France as traitors : And fo I have done. But, if men com- 
 pear not, and, after, be admitted to baill, what can I help it ? Cap- 
 tain Dalyell is come from France, and was taken lately, and com- 
 mitted for the Dumfries drinking, (which yet proves nothing, as I 
 told you.) But, though the council was told that ill letters were 
 found upon him, and both the fecretaries were for his continuing in 
 prifon, and I craved warrant to purfue him, yet the council, by a 
 clear plurality, voted him out on baill, becaule he was on baill be- 
 fore. And the truth is, that the wifeft part, where there are fo ma- 
 ny delinquents, and all willing to live quietly, is, to connive and 
 watch. And I know it is the King's own mind, to make his go- 
 vernment eafy to all, except where juftice and example require feve- 
 rity. But my friend fays the King's bufinefs is neglected by me. 
 This I cannot aniwer, unlefs I knew particulars. But, too much 
 on this fubjecl:. When Secretary Ogilvy fees you, he will give 
 you the beft account : Only I muft fay, fome men are very uneafy 
 to live with. All this to yourfelf. The Commiffioners of the Admi- 
 ralty ordered mips to be built at London. They proved excefTively 
 dear, above L. 17000 ; and, before we could relieve them, the Lord 
 Chancellour and Lord Rankeillour, Sir Francis Scot, George Clerk, 
 
 Tt-2 and
 
 132 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and I, were neceffitate to oblige our credit for L. 18000 fteriing. 
 And, becaufe the found of the pole did not anfwer, we applied to* 
 the treafury for their help ; but, firft, they had no money ; and, 
 next, they faid they had no warrant. We told, the excife was 
 given for the ihips, as well as for the forces ; and at length prevail- 
 ed for a precept of L. 4000 fteriing on the excife, payable March 
 1699, for clearing what is owing, and keeping the mips, if poihble, 
 at lea a imall time. But you may judge how this remote fund can 
 anfwer. But, upon the whole, we have wriett to his Majefty a let- 
 ter, whereof the copy here incloied ; and pray get us a favourable 
 anfwer : For we muft not only have his Majefty's allowance for 
 what the treafury hath done, and his warrant for what is yet to be 
 done, but alio, the admiralty muft have his allowance to borrow 
 money by advance, for fuch rates as we can obtain it. Thir things 
 may be fafheus to you ; but I know Secretary Ogilvy will write 
 fully. And I aflure you, our fhips, if keept out at fea, would be 
 more profitable and pleafing to the nation, than any regiment we 
 have. Secretary Ogilvy hath been at great pains to have our fonds 
 and the publick charge ftated, and to have publick accompts clofed : 
 And I am fure he hath done fervice in this matter, that his Majefty 
 will judge very good and acceptable. And, next, I fhall fend you the 
 flate of our fonds. D. Queenfberry's fifter is to be married to the 
 L. Elcho. The Dutchefs needed fome things from London, and 
 Secretary Ogilvy fent an exprefs ; but wrote none with it. This 
 E. Tullibardine offended at, becaufe not acquainted ; but it was a 
 pure omiffion, wherein I believe his Lordfhip was fatisfied. I. am 
 yourV 
 
 Duke
 
 AND LETTERS. 333 
 
 DlJKEof QuEENSBERRY to Mr CARSTARE8. 
 
 jj a Letter received from Portland. — Treafury-bufinefs. — Advifes 
 that the King.Jhould not be hafty in following certain Schemes^ but 
 keep by his old Friends . 
 
 SIR, 
 I have received feveral kind and obliging letters from you fince Edieburgh, 
 I wrote any to you, which I hope you will excufe ; for I was for ^ 6 u S uft 2I * 
 fome time troubled with a rheum in my eyes, fo that I could hard- 
 ly look on paper ; and have been fince taken up with marrying my 
 fitter. I am very fenfible of my Lord P 's kindnefs to me ; and 
 mail, upon all occafions, doe my utmoft to deferve it. I have not 
 troubled his Lordfhip with a letter, not knowing where it may find 
 him ; for we have a report here, that he is immediately expected in 
 England. I know fome of our friends have wrote you an account 
 of what paffed here ; and how far we have proceeded in the King's 
 affairs. I fhall not trouble you with repetition, but will affiire you, 
 that we have been this feffion as bufy in the treafury as we could ; 
 and I believe have done more than has been done for fome years 
 paft. Secretary Ogilvy (who parted from hence on Tuefday laft) 
 has carried up the account of it, to be laid before the King. I hear 
 there are great projects and fchemes to be laid before his Majefty, 
 upon the conclui ion of the peace; but I hope he will think it his 
 intereft not to be hafty in following them ; but rather look about 
 him, and make ufe of his old fervants, at leaft for fome time : But 
 thefe things are not fo fit to be writt as difcourfed of: So I leave it 
 till I fee you, which I hope fhall be ere long ; for I intend to carry 
 my wife, who is now big, to be brought to bed at London. And, 
 fince there is no body difcharged to come up, I hope the King will 
 allow me to come along with her ; and, if his Majefty's fervice does 
 require my being here, I can very foon return. I defire you may 
 acquaint my Lord Portland with my refolution in this, and give 
 my moft humble fervice to him ; and believe me to be fincerely 
 your's. Adieu.. 
 
 Clo-
 
 334 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 Cloterel Upton to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Intr eating his Inter eft to be made one of the Commiffioners of the Re- 
 venue in Ireland, 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 London, Your's of July 1 2th going firft to Ireland, and I being at Tun- 
 
 1607. 3 ' bridge when it came back, I received not till now. As to our 
 old affair, it ftands juft as it did, my Lord Galloway not being wil- 
 ling, as I apprehend, to meddle with a thing of that nature on 
 his firft entrance on the government : His coldnefs in it, and delays, 
 at laft makes me believe he never fpoke to the King about it; or, 
 if he did, that his Majefty was of opinion with his Lordfhip ; but 
 was unwilling to give a denial to fo confiderable a body of his 
 faithful friends ; therefore we are put off with courtiers promifes ; 
 and, in the mean time, we lie under the lafh of fevere laws : 
 However, I hope by next feffions of our parliament, for nothing 
 can be done this, that we may have better fuccefs. As to the bi- 
 fhoprick of Derry, his prefent Lordfhip is very well recovered of 
 his illnefs, which was once believed would have eafed that corner of 
 his tyranny. I with with all my heart I could in the leaft have been 
 inftrumental in the exchange you propofe ; which, from the 
 character you give him, muft have been to thofe people in parti- 
 cular, and to all of our perfuafion in general, as a new delivery 
 from flavery : But, when any occafion offers, you may be allured 
 of my readinefs to ferve you, and that worthy perfon, to the ut- 
 moft of my power. Now, Sir, I muft defire leave to beg your fa- 
 vour in what relates to myfelf and family, a favourable opportuni- 
 ty now offering : How I and my family has endeavoured to ferve 
 his Majefty, with eminent hazard, great charge, and the great de- 
 finition of our eftate, to the vaft damage, nay, almoft deftrudion, 
 of our family ; and this not from private intereft, continuing ftill the 
 fame, though no regard has hitherto been had of us, but from a 
 
 principal,
 
 AND LETTERS. 335 
 
 principal, and zeal to his Majefty's fervice : And how confiderable 
 our intereft is in the country, I Ihall not trouble you with ; but de- 
 fire that you may fo ufeyour intereft with my Lord Portland, that I 
 may be made one of the commiffioners of the revenue of Ireland 
 in the place of Mr Lowther, now dead. Did I not know I was ca- 
 pable of performing it, I could not be fo impudent as to defire it • 
 and I think myfelf as juftly intitled to fome part of his Majefty's as 
 many others. The management I wholly leave to you, not doubt- 
 ing of fuccefs, if my Lord heartily efpoufes my intereft. Beim? 
 here, I cannot fo well make ufe of my Lord Galloway's intereft, who 
 I fear js engaged already; but I wrote to his Lordfhip of it. I 
 know I mail have courtiers promifes at leaft, which I little mind till 
 I find the efFed ; but what I have from you I may more intirely re- 
 ly upon. I defire your anfwer as foon as may be, that I may know 
 what to truft to. Direct for me at the Blue Ball in St Albane's 
 ftreet. Our government in Ireland pleafes all forts of people ex- 
 tremely; and I doubt not but my Lord Galloway's wifdom and pru- 
 dence will continue it. I remain, 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 Your faithful humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Clot. Upton. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Reclifes fome Mi/lakes ivith refpecl to ivhat he and the Advocate had 
 'written of Tidlibardine P r of effes great Friend/hip to Mr Car- 
 fares and Lord Portland. Account of ivhat pajjed between 
 
 him and the Jiifice-Clerk and Chancellor, on his Way to London. 
 
 SIR, 
 I came to this place this morning, where I found three of your's, Whitehall, 
 which were very acceptable. Before the packet came, we did ex- f 6 USuft 31 * 
 ped to have had an account by it of the conclufioa of the peace; 
 
 how-
 
 336" STATE-PAPERS 
 
 however, I hope we (hall, have it before the King returns ; and, if 
 not, it is a great encouragement that the money does circulate fo 
 well as I find it does ; for every body here informs me, that all the 
 difficulties in that matter are now over. 1 19 did never doubt of 33 
 friendfhip ; and what he or 20 wrote concerning the difcourfes of 
 I 33» was only for information, and not at all by way of challenge. 
 119 will always take his meafures from 89, and is very fenfible of 
 the obligations he owes him, and fhall never be ungrait. If 89 
 do not give his friendly afliftance as formerly, it will be a great rnif- 
 fortune to Scotland ; for I am fenfible he has done more for it 
 than all that ferves 76. He fhall know fully 119 his thoughts at 
 meeting. I wrote to you upon the road, that I was at the Chancel- 
 lor's and at the Juftice-Clerk's. It is needlefs to inform you of what 
 part, there until we meet, only this much in the general : (I think 
 I need not make ufe of the cypher, fince there is no hazard of the 
 mifcarrying of our letters.) The Juftice-Clerk did tell me, that 
 Tullibardine's friends were fpeaking to him to think of coming up 
 to London this winter ; and, at meeting, you {hall know upon what 
 defign. I told him that I fhould be very well fatisfied he did, and 
 that he mould be very welcome to me : But it would be proper for 
 him, in the firft place, to afk leave of the King ; and I fhould be as 
 ready to do that for him as any. He faid, what he had told me was 
 in confidence ; and he intreated that I might hinder his coming ; 
 and, if he did come at all, it would be in obedience to the King's 
 commands, which he thought might be eafily hindered. 1 told 
 him I would do in that matter whatever he defired me, and that he 
 might be affured that I would join in doing for him any thing that 
 is in my power. A great deal did pafs betwixt us, which is not 
 fit to be communicate now ; but you fhall know it in due time. It 
 is not fit that you mention any thing of this to any body, not to 
 the Lord Juftice-Clerk himfelf. I found the Chancellor very free ; 
 I thought he was more (o in fome particulars than I could well de- 
 fire ; and therefore I was the more upon the referve with him. I 
 know Whitelaw's bufinefs will be prefled when the King returns : 
 
 He
 
 AND LETTERS. 337 
 
 He is our mafter, and may do in that or any thing elfe as he plea- 
 fes : When my opinion is afked in that, or in any thing elfe, it mall 
 be given very faithfully. The Duke of Queenfbeny is to be up 
 within two or three weeks. The Dutchefs is big with child, and is 
 to lie in here. Argyle is now at his houfe near Newcaftle, and is 
 likewife coming up for his health. As for 20, he would willingly 
 come, but thinks that he cannot well leave his poft without liberty 
 from 76. He does not queftion but 133 will pulli at him this 
 winter. As for 85 and his family, they are in entire friendfhip 
 with me, and are, after their old manner, complaining of injuries, j 
 have a full account to give of treafury-affairs, and I hope it will 
 be fatisf'ying ; I am fure I fpared no pains in that matter : I did not 
 ftier from Edinburgh all the time I was in Scotland. If you think 
 it neceffary, I can fend to 89 or to 33 a copy of the treafury's letter 
 to the King, and of the memorial containing the ftate of trea- 
 fury-bufinefs ; but I think you will underftand them belt when we 
 meet. Though I have written a part of this letter without cypher 
 to you, becaufe there is no hazard, yet I mult intreat that you 
 continue to write as formerly, becaufe 132 will be here withiri 
 three weeks. The admiralty is much concerned in that mat- 
 ter, of which they have wrote to the King. They have got a pre- 
 cept from the treafury for L. 4000 Sterling, to be paid out of the 
 laft quarter's tack-duty of the fecond year's excife. No body would 
 accept of this without a confiderable allowance, both upon the ac- 
 count of the hazard that they run, and of the lying out of their mo- 
 ney. They defire that the King will impower them to tranfact 
 and manage that precept to the beft advantage. I have written of 
 this likeways to Mr Pringle. If this be not done before the King 
 returns, it will occafion a great difTappointment to the factors and 
 merchants, who did advance the price of the (hips, and what was due 
 for the provifions. I know the Advocate has wrote to you of it very 
 fully; fol need add no more. Excufe the informality of this letter; 
 
 U U £ 
 
 8$, Earl Melvill.
 
 33 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 I have obferved no form in it, but did write of every thing as it oc- 
 curred. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A curious Interview betwixt him and Earl of Tullibardine. A 
 
 particular Vindication of his conduct both in private and public af- 
 fairs. Tullibardine irritated on account of his being dif appoint- 
 ed in getting Whitelaiu made Prefident of the Seffton. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I told you in my laft, that Secretary Ogilvie parted from 
 i6y L 7 '. 4 ' London, fo as he might be here about the laft of Auguft. E. Tul- 
 libardine came to this place the 27th Auguft ; but a fitt of the 
 gout hindred me that I did not fee him till the 31ft. We came 
 over fome things had paft, fuch as what he faid to me in councill, 
 that I would have fpoken fooner, if I had got money; and my angry 
 anfwer. I told him, for my anger, it was a furprize; for I expected 
 not fuch a challenge. He faid, that others had faid more to me in that 
 manner. I faid, never any fpoke foto me in councill, fave another; to 
 whome I gave a feverer anfwer : But I faid, it was ftrange I Ihould be 
 fo much reproached for taking, when I had fo often, and did ftill 
 defie all men as to particulars ; and prayed him to condefcend upon 
 one. He faid, that it was not his work to enquire ; but even my friends 
 faid I took from both hands. I told him, if any man would con- 
 defcend where I had taken durtiely or unjuftly, either from one or 
 both, I ihould take with it : So we fpo ke of a caufe betwixt Sal- 
 ton and Boine that was agitate this fummer; and I told him, 
 that was none of the King's caufes ; and all in it was this : Sal ton, 
 three years agoe, confulted me on fome queries, and ouned me no 
 more; whereupon Boin engaged me a year thereafter; but in a 
 different queftion : But, when the caufe came to be debated this 
 fummer, Saltone, who had Commiffarie Dalrymple for him, and had 
 only engaged me by a querie, to keep me from being for Boine, came 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 339 
 
 and mewed me my anfwer to his querie. I told him, his dealing 
 was not fair ; for that querie was, three years agoe, upon a different 
 queftion ; and fince that time he had not employed me : But fince 
 he had Cora miff. Dalrymple, I prayed him to for the L. 
 
 Boin: But he refufing, I told him, then I would be for neither; 
 and fent back the L. Boin's confultation, and refufed his. Sol told 
 my Lord Tullibardine, that for this I mould rather be commend- 
 ed ; for the tuth is, the Lord Salton had only put a trick upon 
 me. This I was full in, becaufe I knew his Lordfhip had fpoke 
 of this on feveral occafions, how juftly you may judge. Then I 
 fpok€ to the E. of the taking of the printer's man's declaration about 
 the Hambugh memorial. He laid E. Portland defired him to en- 
 quire how it came to be printed. I told him, why not : But, fince 
 the man had declared falfly againft me, I mould have been ac- 
 quainted, and he not been admitted to fign his declaration, which 
 was both falfe, and could neither charge me nor excufe himfelf. 
 My Lord faid, he believed that, if I had looked into the paper, I 
 had not licenfed it. I told him, I had not licenfed it; for that muft 
 be by write ; nor had I ever feen or heard of it, untill it was crie- 
 ing on the ftreets , and was the firft and only perfon that challenged 
 it : So that I was here attacqued where I was muft innocent. 
 Then , his Lordfhip was pleafed to tell me, that he loved to be 
 friendly where he met with friendfhip ; but I did oppofe him in 
 the matter of the L. Whitlaw, wherein his honour was concerned, 
 fince he brought down his commiffion; and it was ftopt, tho' Sir 
 James Ogilvie was once for it ; and he knew none had greater in- 
 fluence on Sir James then I had. I thanked his Lordfhip for his 
 freedom; told him how willing I was to have ferved him in the 
 parliament ; and was not confcious wherein I had difobliged him. 
 As for L. Whitlaw, I told him my efteem of his abilities; and 
 that, when at London, I had faid freely to his Lordfhip, that I de- 
 fired not the chair ; and that Sir James could witnefs for me, that 
 I had not folicit him againft Whitlaw : But his Lordfhip knew well 
 enough where that matter ftuck ; and that I was not to be charg d 
 
 Uu2 
 
 with
 
 34o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 with it: And all I had faid as to the feffion was, and would fay it 
 Hill, that the feffion needed a ballance; and that tho' the L. Whitlaw 
 were in the loweft feat of the bench, he was too ftrong. So he afked 
 me how I would ballance it? I faid, I was not to advife in it; but 
 thought CommifT. Dalrymple a verie able man ; and he alfo 
 commended him. But, fays I, my L. Whitlaw has himfelf moft 
 to blame; and, for me, I have endeavoured to ferve the King faith- 
 fully; and would do fo, while he allows me : And, as to all others, 
 I was for living, and let live; and wifh't that great men would 
 live in peace. He faid, he hoped he had ferved the King well ; and 
 that the King underflood it fo; and that he was no farther folici- 
 tous. I offered him my fervice, and to correfpond with his Lordfhip, 
 if he pleafed : This lafl he accepted : And fo we parted. This 
 is the fubftance of what pad:, tho' I may fail in words; and I only 
 report it, to prevent miflakes. We fpoke of other things, as 
 about the perfons come from France. I told him he was alfo at 
 me there; but they flood moft of them demured in the criminal 
 court; and on occafions they had been called in, and fearcht: For, as 
 appears by proclamations, that, when any of them came in hands, 
 I told the counfell the King's pleafure, to have them fent back. 
 So that I had done all, fave to profecute the remitt of parliament, 
 which, I faid, was a meafure of government wherein I was not to 
 move, without exprefs order: But I added, that his Lordfhip faw 
 how low and tame that partie now was ; and that, to keep them in 
 awe and quiet, I believed would be judged the beft courfe. He 
 afk't, how I came to raife a criminal purfuit now, upon the remitt ' 
 of parliament? I faid, I had the council's order for it, he prefent 
 in councell, and, as was underflood, by his motion ; but I was to 
 be ruled in it as I mould be advifed : (But the truth is, tho' I faid 
 it not to his Lordfhip, if God give us peace, I mould think a well 
 qualified generall indemnity the wifer courfe.) He afked me, 
 who was goirg to London? I faid he knew better; for I heard of 
 none, fave of D, Queenfberryj and that E. Argyle was minded 
 
 to
 
 AND LETTERS. 341 
 
 to the Bath. His Lordfhip parted from Edinburgh Thurfday 
 morning, Breackfaft at Ormiftoun, and came to Yefter to the Mar- 
 quis Twuedaill's buriall (where I alfo was;) and went with my 
 Lord Chancellour to Bell haven's houfe all night. I am not pleafed 
 that it mould be faid in Edinburgh, that my L. Chancellor did not 
 not come down his own ftairs with Secretary Oglivie; but parted with 
 him in his hall : This I believe not ; but denies it. I have nothing 
 elfe ; and it is too much, were it not clofs vacance. I am your's. 
 
 My Lord Tullibardine fpoke to the Lord Hallcraig about your 
 letter of gift, and that you had wrote to him about it ; but, becaufe 
 L. Hallcraig could not tell him who had the letters, I told the E. 
 that Secret. Ogilvy had left them with me, with orders to tell his 
 Lordfhip fo much. He afkt if I had doubles? I faid, not. He afkt 
 if I knew the contents ? I told him what I fuppofed. He afkt if 
 the tack would give the univerfity right to entries of vaflals and 
 tackfmen ? I faid I thought not ; but the treafury would order that 
 in drawing of the tack, and that it might not interfere with Mr 
 Johnfton's letter and gift. L. Hallcraig told me, that, in the weft, I 
 was alfo charged for an obftructer of Whitelaw's affairs. I am 
 again your's. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Glad to hear from Mr Car/lares that Earl Portland has fo great a 
 
 Hand in the frefent Treaty. Karl of Tullibardine arrived at 
 
 London Suggefs that he is againjl the King's Gift to Mr Car- 
 fares. Of a Project to tranfate the Univerfity of St Andrew's 
 
 to Perth. 
 
 SIR, 
 I received your's of the 6th from Loo; but I had none from you Whitehall, 
 by the laft packet ; neither did I write any to you, becaufe, when ^ pt * I0, 
 the packet went, I was at Ipfum, and from thence I could acquaint 
 you of nothing worth your noticing. It is an great fatisfaction to 
 
 me,
 
 1 
 
 42 
 
 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 me, that the Earl of Portland is fo much concerned in the making 
 of this treaty, which we here think to be as good as concluded : 
 And all own that he has been very diligent and active in this mat- 
 ter. The Earl of Tullibardine is come from Edinburgh; he did 
 breakfaft at the Juftice-Clerk's, and went from thence to the Mar- 
 quis of TweddelPs burial, and was that night at my Lord Balha- 
 ven's houfe. 120 received a letter this day from 20, wherein he 
 gives him an account, that the fpeaker had cleared accompts with 
 133, but is not particular as to the balance : But it is like you may 
 have fatisfa&ion in this ; for I underftand he has written to you 
 himfelf. He is blamed for hindering the fettleinent of 128 ; but he 
 did clear himfelf of that. 133, at parting with 129 told him, that 
 he would ufe his intereft to make him of £95, f9m5n9m25. 129 
 writes of this to 119, who will mow 33 the letter at meeting. Both 
 he and 20 writes, that 133 is dilTatisfied with what is done by 76 
 in favour of 33 ; but I hope you will not write to either of them that 
 you hear this, unlefs they give the arife for it. 133, if he meet 
 with encouragement, will improve his trade this winter. The great 
 obje&ion I hear is made againft 33 bufinefs is, that it interferes 
 with the project of 119. It is thought by thefe who underftand, 
 that 76, if he defign any advantage for 33, can do nothing more 
 eafy. The Advocate writes to Secretary Ogilvy, that the members 
 of the univerfity of St Andrew's are refolving to tranflate their col- 
 lege to the town of Perth ; they advifed with him in the matter. I 
 think nothing mould be done in this rafhly; for our hiftory gives no 
 inftance of any thing of this kind ; and they being fettled by virtue 
 of charters, and by ratifications of parliament, my firft thoughts 
 of this is, that there can be no tranflation without the confent of 
 parliament; efpecially feeing the adjacent country and mire of Fyfe 
 are concerned. You will hear of this no doubt from others. This 
 is all at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 Lord 
 
 128, Whitelaw, or Prefident.
 
 AND LETTERS. 343 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Admiralty ; begs Mr Car/lares'* s Friend/hip in getting the Af- 
 fair difpatched. His Averfion to carry on certain Profecutions 
 
 appointed by the Treafury. Offers to return to the Bar, if if 
 
 could bring about a peaceable Settlement of Affairs at Home. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I acquainted you with the cafe of our admiralty, and how five Edinburgh^ 
 of us commifTaries were neceffitat to engage our credit to get home x^/ 4 ' 
 our fhips ; and that at length we have got a precept from the trea- 
 fury for L. 4000, payable April 1699. We have fent the draught 
 of a letter to be figned by his Majefty, approving this precept, and 
 allowing us to raife money upon it. Pray befriend us in the dis- 
 patch, of it, for it would make our precept more valuable, and the 
 raifing of money upon it more more eafy. I alfo acquainted you 
 how I was ordered to profecute the procefs of treafon remitted by 
 the parliament 1695^0 the juftice-court, which was not my incli- 
 nation at this time : But now that I move in it, it much alarms the 
 Lady Skelmourly for her hufband's memory ; for fhe fays it will 
 waken his creditors : and I truly think, though the thing were ad- 
 vifable, the King would not order dead mens memories, as E. Laud, 
 and Skelmourly, to be meddled with. The Countefs of Argyle is 
 alfo much troubled for her fon Balcarras ; fhe fays it will waken his 
 creditors, and mar his daughters marriages. I told her, that her 
 fon, if he pleafed, might now apply to the King at the Hague. I 
 think this order might have been forborn in the prefent juncture ; 
 for even the like remit made of perfons in the year 1690 was never 
 after meddled in; thefe remits being indeed made more to keep 
 men in awe than for any thing elfe : But I told you where the mo- 
 tion pointed, and what was anfwered. I very much wifh the iti- 
 fion were fettled again November. To do this well, and balance 
 all right, would be very fatisfying, and may be end a ftrife that has 
 
 grown
 
 344 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 grown too long. You know all my concern in this matter is for 
 juftice and peace ; and I affure you, if my returning to the bar 
 might procure it, it would make the change very eafy : But you 
 have my mind fully, which would make us more quiet and happy 
 than ever I think to fee. I heartily wifli the King fafely and quick- 
 ly back, with a good peace, and then a fmall correction might fet 
 us here in a good cafe. I am furethe Jacobites are at prefent more 
 quiet and tame than if they had been profecute with the utmoft ri- 
 gour : And our church-differences make very little noife. I mould 
 be forry to find a peace produce worfe. Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Manner in ivh'ich the Peace ivas intimated to him. Bis 
 
 private Thoughts of the Treat/. Tullibardine *s Schemes about 
 
 fettling the Ojfices in Scotland, 
 
 SIR, 
 Whitehall, \ wrote to you in my laft that we had got no account of the 
 
 i6q-. 21 ' conclufion of the peace either from Mr Pringle or yourfelf; and 
 the wind being crofs, we have had no letters fince. The Lords 
 Tuftices did fend Mr Ward for me upon Friday's morning, and, 
 -when I came, did treat me very civilly. After they had caufed me 
 fit down in a chair, fet at a little diftance from their table, my Lord 
 Chancellor made a kind of apology to me that they had not fooner 
 intimated the peace to me, and defired that I might acquaint thofe in 
 the government of Scotland with it. I told them I had done fo by an 
 exprefs, immediately after I received the certain account of the 
 peace ; but would do it again, if their Excellencies had any thing in 
 particular to inform. They laid they had nothing but what was 
 contained in the articles, which they had ordered to be tranfcri- 
 bed-for me: And accordingly I received them. My Lord Sunder- 
 land faid, he believed that the peace would be very acceptable news 
 in Scotland. I told him there was no doubt of it, for the peace was 
 
 very
 
 AND LETTERS. 345 
 
 very honourable for the King, and advantageous for all his dominions. 
 I have now confidered all the particular articles ; it's true Scotland 
 is included ; but fome obferve that it is net fo much as mentioned 
 in any of the articles, except in general as a part of Britain. The 
 Scots privileges in France before the treaty of Nimeguen, and af- 
 ter, were greater than that of the Englifh : However, this is 
 the critical obferves of fome. But I heartily blefs God that we h 
 the treaty as it is ; and Scotland may be more particularly minded 
 when the commiffioners meets for regulating trade. You need men- 
 tion nothing of this; for, the treaty being now paft, it is out of time 
 to iniift upon it : And what I have written is only for information ; 
 for I am lure none fpeaks with greater fat isf action, or more honour- 
 ably of the treaty than I do to every perfon. 133, when he parted 
 with 102, did fpeak to feverals what I think neceffary you ihould 
 be informed with. You know already what was faid to 129; and 
 20 writes to 120, that 133 had a long conference with 139; he 
 afked him if he would be 162, meaning if 162 were made 20 : His 
 anfwer was, that he would not be partner with him; but could have 
 been fo moft willingly with 120 or 20; and faid a great deal more upon 
 this purpofe, which you may guefs. Then 1 33 afked him, if he was not 
 willing to be 20, 204 dy fg$ n5nn2db? He anfwered, not with 127, 
 if his defign fucceeded ; but if 20 k5m C524 em58245bf, then he 
 would accept ; but would do nothing to his prejudice : So that you 
 fee, without fpeaking to 76, 133. makes 92n nSjzcn. 120 will 
 fhew you 20 letter at meeting ; for he is moft pofitive of the truth 
 of this, and of a great deal more. It was faid likeways to 139, that 
 1 20 was bd 71112504 to 133, and gave this reafon, becaufe he was fo 
 to 47, and defigned that 76 mould make him 8dc2nn2db5m; and 
 that 47 had faid, that he would undertake to procure to 76 a pen- 
 fion during life. This 47 fwears he never fpoke to any body ; and 
 I can affure you 120 had not fo much as any thought of that mat- 
 ter ; for he hopes that 76 will be in 1 02 himfelf before he will need 
 a pennon. I thought it neceffary you fhould know of this ; be- 
 caufe now, after the peace, it is probable meafures will be taken. I 
 
 X x write
 
 346 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 write nothing to you of the circum fiances of the treafury, nor of 
 any thing elie that is neceflary to be propofed to the King concern- 
 ing the keeping up or difbanding the forces in Scotland ; for I hope 
 his Majefty will be foon over, and I fhall have occafion to fpeak of 
 all this to himfelf. I would willingly write to the Earl of Portland, 
 but I am affraid to trouble him ; and you can inform him of what 
 I have written to you. You may call for Mr Pringle's letter, be- 
 caufe I have written to him of what concerns the admiralty : I wifli 
 you may be affifting in it. I will not trouble you with what 13s. 
 fays of what is done in favours of 33 ; you know a little of this for- 
 merly. This is all at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Tullibardine to Mr Ca£starls. 
 Of a Gift to Mr Carfares from the King. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Kenfington, * received a letter of your's a little before I left Scotland, ac~. 
 Sept. 21. quainting me of a gift that the King had beftowed on you. I ana. 
 very well fatisfied with what bounty the King gives to you, or any 
 of his fervants that ferves him well. I have not feen the gift, fo I 
 do not well know the nature of it. Sir James tells me he has not 
 feen it neither : The Advocate gave me the moft particular account 
 of it ; but faid that the copies were not fent with the letters. I do 
 not hear whether they were prefented to the treafury when they laft 
 met, which was fince I came away. I had writ to you fooner, but 
 expected to have met you here ; for I was told the King was to be 
 over about this time. I came here on Saturday laft, and was in 
 great joy to hear the happy news of the peace. My Lord Halcraig 
 was at Edinburgh juft before I left it, of whofe probity I am fully 
 fatisfied ; but I fhall not infill as to what paft betwixt us till meet- 
 ing, who am, 
 
 S I R, 
 Your affectionate humble and fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Tullibardine. 
 
 Secre-
 
 AND LETTERS. 347 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Intimation of the Peace to the Privy -council in Scotland.- 
 
 Of the Tack of the Cufloms. Of one Ogilvy apprehended upon • 
 
 Sufpicion of corref ponding ivith France. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 1 1 9 is extremely obliged to you for the kindnefs you are pleafed Whitehall, 
 to exprefs for him ; and 33 (hall not find that his friendfhip is mif- s 5P t<28 ' 
 placed. I was refolved to have written fully, but ij did make me a 
 vifit, and did fit long with me ; it being the firft time I have (ecu 
 him fince I came to town. He looks very well, and has a fplen- 
 did equipage. 47 will be in town very foon. 133 and 1 19 have 
 as yet had no occafion of difference. They vifit one another ; and 
 the laft will take care to give him no juft caufe of complaint. Se- 
 cretary Ogilvy, as foon as he got the King's letter, directed to the 
 privy-council, did acquaint Tullibardine with it ; and told him, 
 that it mould be fent with a flying packet. And we did agree upon 
 what was to be written ; particularly, that there Ihould be no pro- 
 clamation upon it until we heard of the ratification ; which we very 
 foon expect. We likeways wriett, that their Ihould be no day of 
 thankfgiving till they fhould hear again from us. The public fo- 
 lemnities have been ufed of firing the guns of the caflle, ringing 
 bells, and bone-fires ; but this is all has been done there ; and the 
 like was done here; for the guns of the Tower and Weftminfter 
 were fired, and there were illuminations. I hope you will take care 
 that the council be again acquainted when the peace is ratified. I 
 am forry to find by your's, that the King is not like to return foon ; 
 for it is necefiary that he knew the ftate of his treafury-affairs ; and, 
 particularly, that a new commiffion of "auditors be appointed. The 
 tack of the cuftoms does alio now fall, by reafon of the peace. They 
 may certainly be now fett to much greater advantage. I have 
 letters to this purpofe already. But the prefent tackfmen will pre- 
 
 Xx 2 tend
 
 348 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 tend that they are lofefs if they do not get one other year of it ;. 
 but this firft year of the peace will be very considerable, taking in 
 November and December, which are the months when our wines re- 
 turns. The Jtiftice-Clerk writes to me of this, and fo do others that 
 would be fatisfied to be concerned. The regiments were providing 
 their clothing; and they will certainly be the more remifs, fmce they 
 do not know whether they are to ftand or to be broke. And yet I 
 could heartily with that nothing were dons in this matter until I 
 have the honour to waite of the King. Theie are but a few of 
 the many things that are neceflary ; but I fhall forbear to write of 
 them to-night. There is one of my name, who is a merchant in 
 Edinburg : He is a remote relation of my Lord Boyn's, who came 
 over from Holland to this place at the fame time we had an account 
 of the peace. Some days after, he came here, to afk if I had any 
 commands for Scotland; and by his difcourfe I began to fufpect he 
 had been in France ; fo I put him to it : And, though at firft he de- 
 nied, yet at laft he confeft ; but thought he was in no hazard, fince 
 the peace was now concluded. And, befides, many merchants has 
 gone there fince the act of parliament. I told him he was in a mif- 
 take ; and that he was under the reach of the law ; and defired him 
 ingenioufly to give an account of what he had been doing there. 
 I did not truft him that he had told me all the truth, though I was 
 at pains enough with him ; fometimes threatening him, and at other 
 times giving him encouragement to expect favour. So I put him 
 under fecurity, to appear at my Lord Tullibardine's lodgings at Ken- 
 fington the next morning ; and we did for two hours examine him 
 very clofely. He did give us an account why he went to France ; 
 but we ftill fufpe&ing that he might have carried intelligence thi- 
 ther, or that he was carrying back intelligence, did put him to his 
 oath, and did fwear him deeply ; and I here fend you a copy of his 
 depolition, which both my Lord Tullibardine and I figns. He did 
 pofitively fwear, that he did not meddle with any thing that con- 
 cerned the publick. And you will find by his depofition that he 
 was very particularly interrogate. And, after all, we took a bond of 
 
 himu
 
 AND LETTERS. 349 
 
 him, to prefent hlmfelf at Edinburgh to the Chanceiiour or Advo- 
 cate, under-the penalty of L. 200 ; which I believe is as much as 
 he is worth. This is the true account of what pail in that matter. 
 I believe there is no proof again ft him except his own confeffion. 
 Neither do I think that I could have difcovered his being in France, 
 if he had not thought that the peace made him fure ; which made 
 him take the lefs notice to what he difcourfed. I am fure I have done 
 all that was proper for me in the matter. I thought it proper to in- 
 form you fully of this, leaft you may not hear of it Irom others. 
 And I think you have not wanted information of every thing has 
 paft fince we parted. This is all at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 If we do not obtain a commifhon to be Ma- 
 
 jor to my Lord Carmichael, he will take it ill ; and think neither 
 you nor I have been fo diligent as we might have been. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Troop oj Guards upon Englifh Pay. Private Confulta- 
 
 tions about difpojing of Places in Scotland. Defires that Mr 
 
 Carfares ivould order Matters fo, as to meet ivith him before he 
 
 fees any of the other Scottifh Minijlers. Wifhes Mr Carflares 
 
 ivould come over before the King. Of the Mr of Forbes'' s Regi- 
 ment. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 The Earl of Argyle and I have been together a confiderable time Whitehall 
 this day ; and, amongft other things, I find he is in great concern 0dob er u 
 for the providing of the troop of guards : Our commiffaries will 
 provide them nothing. You know they are on the Englifh efta- 
 blifhment ; and the treafury here will not order payment of fubfifl- 
 ence to them, as they do to the other regiments : So my Lord has 
 "been neceffitate to advance already L. 400 of his own money, or elfe 
 they had been entirely in diforder. We mult keep them as long on 
 
 Englifh
 
 350 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Engllfh eftablifhment as pofTibly we can. And I believe, if the 
 King would order any perfon about him to write to Mr Montague, 
 money would be ordered. There is no fond provided them in Scot- 
 land ; and if, after his Majefty comes over, he refolve to put them 
 on the Scots eftablifhment, there muft forne of the regiments we 
 have there be difbanded. I have written to Mr Pringle, that there 
 be another letter to the council obtained when the peace is ratified. 
 I have fent to him a copy of the proclamation was iffued out upon 
 the conclufion of the treaty of Nimeguen. I am refolving to write 
 of this to my Lord Portland. I wouki have done it this night, but 
 there is a report here that my Lord is coming over; but the. next 
 packet will give us the certainty of this. 12 was with 1 1 this day; 
 and, after 'palling of a great many civilities and compliments, 12 
 did offer to be in ftrick friendfhip with 1 1 ; but 1 1 told him plain- 
 ly, that, though he had all the honour poffible for himfelf, yet it 
 was impoffible to go alongs in every meafure. He owned himfelf 
 to be in friendfhip with 47; and he faw no reafon why 1 2 might not 
 be fo too. But, when they defcended more clofely to particulars, 
 all recurrs to the eftablifhment of 128. And 11 faid, that, if that 
 were but once done, there could be no more occafion for difference. 
 1 1 did not fully tell me what he faid in this matter, but I know he 
 is pofitive againft that project, and is for making him 129 : And at 
 meeting I fhall give you an account what he projects for him. You 
 may be fure I will never condefcend to any thing to his prejudice, 
 for, for what I know, we are in very good friendfhip. But I am 
 fure it will never be the intereft of 76 to make 128 independent. 
 He is a good fervant ; but, when he is a mafter, he is furious ; and, 
 in that cafe, either 1 39 or 20 might be fettled. It will not be amifs 
 that 33 and 1 19 meet before he fpeak with 47, 1 1, or 1 33 ; which 
 may be eafily contrived, by meeting in fome tavern. I would write 
 more fully, but 1 think it unneceflary, becaufe I am ftill in the hopes 
 that you will be here foon : And I think it were not improper that you 
 came a little fooner than the reft But you Will be beft judge 
 
 what
 
 AND LETTERS. 355 
 
 what is to be done in this matter ; and I have not fpoke of this to any 
 body elfe. I am poiitive of the opinion, that, if you had but an op- 
 portunity at leifure, and thereafter came here, your abfence might 
 be well fupplied by your writing ; and Pringle would fupply thofe 
 things which go of courfe. I fend you this night my Lord Forbes's 
 letter, which I got from him by the day's packet. I intreat you will 
 take care of him, if there be thoughts of difbanding any of our re^ 
 giments. I give my moft humble fervice to the Earl of Portland. I 
 thought to have concluded, but, before I do, I muft tell you, that I 
 have confidered the letter in favours of the univerfity of Glafgow ; 
 and it is exa&ly right, and is noways prejudicial to the gift in favours 
 of the perfon you know of; for it is only the rents are to be fet ; 
 and there is no power granted to fet tacks ; fo that runs in its ordi- 
 nary courfe. Therefore, there will be no difficulty in this matter, if 
 89 ftand his ground. This is all at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Duke of Queensberry* s Arrival. — The African Company'' s Sur- 
 prife that the King had never given any Orders ''with refpecl to 
 their Affairs to his Refident at Hamburgh. — A Scheme for fettling 
 Scotti/Jj Affairs fent over to Mr Carfares in great Secrecy, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I do with all my heart wifh that this embaiTy of my Lord Port- Whitehall, 
 land's may be for his advantage. It is certainly a mark of great ^ 6 aober 5 ' 
 truft; and perhaps it may be profitable enough. All I difiike in it 
 is, that he will be fo long abfent i and I am fure the affairs of the 
 Scots nation may come to fuffer by it. I had always full time al- 
 lowed by him for giving him information ; and I found his opi- 
 nion very juft in every thing I propofed to him. I relolve to fpeak 
 to him fully of every thing that I think may come under confidera- 
 tioa this winter. I have received a letter for the Eaft-India compa- 
 ny
 
 Z 5 2 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ny of Scotland; wherein they give an account, that, fince they have 
 received the anfwer to his Majefty's addrefs, they did intimate the 
 fubftance of it to the King's refident at Hamburgh, who declared, 
 he was ready to obey what orders he received from his Majefty ; 
 but that as yet he had got none in that matter ; which they feem to 
 be furprifed with. I thought it neceffary to give you this intima- 
 tion ; but as yet I have not met with my colleague fince I received 
 the letter. But, by my next, I fhall fend you a copy of it, and mail 
 write more fully. The Duke of Queenfbeny and his Duchefs are 
 arrived this night. He has been very ill of a pluraflie, but I hope is 
 recovering. Her Grace is big with child, being within a month of 
 her time. He would not have been here, had it not been that his 
 children have all died in Scotland ; and that he is in hopes this air 
 may do better. You may underftand from the incloied, which I re- 
 ceived from his Grace on the road, what probably will be the fub- 
 ject of our difcourfe with the Earl of Portland. Pray, let no body 
 know that you have feen it ; but, after you have read it, you may 
 return it again to me. You fee I have no referve with you ; and 
 I am very fenfible of the friendfhip you have done me with the 
 King and the Earl of Portland in my abfence. There will be no 
 difficulty in your own affair. We are longing to hear that the ra- 
 tifications are exchanged, and that the Emperor has iigned ; but I 
 don't doubt but both will be in due time. Do not take nottice, e- 
 ven fo much as to the Duke of Q^himfelf, that you have feen his 
 letter. No more at prefent. Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Anxious to have a Return from the King to the Letter of the African 
 Company, and that he ivill give the Orders to his Refident ivhich 
 he had ■promifed. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, The wind is fo unfavourable that we hear from one another very 
 
 1697. G1 ' feldom. You complain, in your laft, that there were three maills 
 
 wanting :
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 353 
 
 wanting : I doubt not but they are come fafe to your hands before 
 now. I have, by this day's packet, an account from Scotland, that 
 the exprefs with the King's letter, intimating the peace, was arrived. 
 They will follow the advice I have given, in ufing no folemnity un- 
 til the ratification ; which we hear is paft, though it be not yet come 
 here. The Lord Chancellour and the Juftice-Clerk do defire me 
 to procure for them copies of the treaties of peace with Spain and 
 Holland, and that offered to the Empire. I defire you will fend me 
 them with your convenience. I have fent to Mr Pringle this night 
 the letter I received from the directors of the African company ; 
 which being read to the King, I am hopeful that his Majefty will 
 give the orders to his Refident at Hamburgh he promifed to give 
 in the anfwer to the company's addrefs. They will with im- 
 patience exped: fome anfwer from my Lord Tullibardine and me, 
 for their general meeting is to be in the beginning of Novem- 
 ber next. I would gladly know how foon the King will come o- 
 ver ; for, if he be here before November, we muft do the beft we 
 can to put off affairs till then; but, if he flays longer, we muft 
 write for orders concerning the cuftoms. I find my Lord Tullibar- 
 dine does incline to delay it till he hear again from the Chancellor, 
 who is mightily concerned for the prefent taxmen. My Lord Ad- 
 vocate's brother, Sir Robert, is likeways concerned. I do believe the 
 taxmen will be loofers unlefs they continue for another year : But 
 the King is not in law obliged to them for this, and may certainly 
 have a far greater tack-duty. You may delay to reprefent this yet 
 for fome time ; and, when its neceffary, I fhall fend a true memo- 
 rial of the cafe, that the King may thereafter determine as he thinks 
 fit. We are expecting the Earl of Portland with impatience ; and I 
 am fure I am in very great concern concerning him ; for the laft two 
 or three days we have had extraordinary great winds. This is all 
 this night. Adieu. 
 
 Yy The
 
 354 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 The Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 His Plan for fettling ScottifJj Affairs ; in Cyphers. 
 
 S I Pv, 
 
 Edinburgh, j j ]ave your > s w i t h your kind remembrance. I do underftand 
 
 O&ober 9. J J 
 
 1697, that Mr Fall may fee Mr Hay fhortly ; and 35 is delirous that Mr 
 
 Hamilton, Mr Lee, and Mr Carfe, may meet, that they may clear 
 accounts; and, now that we have peace, take meaiures for trade, in 
 time coming. You know 5$ and 52 have an old comeradfhip, 
 and Mr Haftie defires its continuance. 52 thinks, that, if 4 were 
 29, it would remove all ground of difference ; and 55 thought he 
 had reafon, feeing then Mr Haftie and Mr Thomfon, and others, 
 would have all they pretend to. Mr Hume thinks that Mr Camp- 
 bel makes now the great, if not the only debate ; and that the join- 
 ing of him to Mr Stewart would not be the fettling of Mr Murray's 
 company. So much as plain, 22, 33, 39, 23, 28, 25, 20, 50, 56, 
 to Mr Erfkine, and 38, 37, 36, 41, 33, 23, to Mr Hay and their 
 friends. . 32 bids me allure you that he knows Mr Hume's agree- 
 ment with Mr Campbell impoffible, for the fame reafon. But, as to 
 r White's intereft, and that of 33, 22, 24, 23, 33, 39, 37, which is 
 greater, he wifhes that either 51 may be 29, or that at leaft 29 may 
 be divided; for, after what Carle knows of 4 and the 42, 39, 28, 
 29, 23, 37, 24, 23, 44, hath been; and that Stewart is fo entirely 
 with 52, who hath now eight of Mr Ellei's in his very 36, 41, 
 ro, 30, 33, 31, 20, can it be thought that Mr Campbell, that mould 
 be equal to all, mould be Mr Haftie's 52, 36, 41, 39, 59, 23, 28, 
 2C? But Mr Forrefter ftands fair, and 32 hath no concern but for 
 9 intereft. He was lately with Mr Neill ; and thefe are a part of 93 
 thoughts. If Hay were 1, it might do mightily ; but that I 
 meddle not with; only, Home is pofitive that Hay mould be 
 
 of 
 
 Fall, Portland. Mr Hay, SeaHeld.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 355 
 
 of 94 J s company, and have a fhare in it equal to 21. But this, as all 
 things elfe to the benefit of 35, you muft manage without Mr 
 Hay ; who, though he be White's bed friend, yet is fo much the lefs 
 friend to 35. And this I hope 31 understands. But I wifh heartily 
 that 33 were with 35. Adieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord TuU'ibar dine jealous of their Correfpondence. — Of disbanding the 
 Scottifh Regiments. — WifJjes Mr Carfares ivere over along ivith 
 Lord Portland, otherivife they will come to no Conclufon. 
 
 SIP, 
 
 I received your's of the 14th; before I had time to read it, 133 Whitehall, 
 came in, and read his own letters. He afked Secretary Ogilvie, if ° 6 a ° ber 12 ' 
 he had any letters ? who anfwered, that he had ; but that they con- 
 tained nothing of confequence. He infinuate that he inclined to fee 
 them; but this was waved. Within a little he faid 33km52fn to 
 119 35 8ze95m — 119 feemed not to hear; but it was faid again, 
 and then it was anfwered, k92f zyzfkjm nd ; and it was faid no- 
 thing ; and fo this paft. From whence this came, 1 1 9 does not 
 know ; but it is no matter. 119 does long extreamly for 89. Se- 
 cretary Ogilvy does hear that fome of our regiments in Scotland 
 will be difbanded. This matter would be well confidered ; for, firit 
 they are very good troops, at leaft moft of them are ; and, then, 
 the colonells are men that have intereft in the countrey. Tulli- 
 bardine's regiment is very full, and will be very well cloathed. For 
 Lindfay, he hath a very good regiment ; and it is all that that noble 
 family has to fubfift by. Lieutenant-colonel Forbes is with you, 
 who will fpeak enough of the merits of Hill's regiment. As for 
 M'Gill's and Douglas's I have not much to fay; yet M'Gill is a 
 
 Y y 2 good 
 
 133, Lord Tullibardine. 33^52111, writes to Secretary Ogilvy by cyphers. 
 kp2f Z7zfk5m nd, what if it were fo. So, Lord Portland.
 
 j 5 6 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 good officer. If 76 were here, a plan of what forces can be main- 
 tained in Scotland might be offered. 119 and 89 fhall fpeak of it. 
 119 has no concerne in the matter but his Majefty's true intereft 
 and fervice. Some do report here, that ten of the Englifn regiments 
 are to be broke. This does alarme us that are concerned in Scot- 
 land the more. If 76 doe nz6b and 8dg6i5ranz6b his dm45mn in 
 thofe matters, it is the better. 47 and 1 1 are to write to you this 
 night. 1 1 9 has not feen them fince he got your letter. They do 
 think that it were very proper that 33 were here when 89 comes; 
 for it is not probable that we can come to a final conclulion 
 without him. But 1 1 9 leaves that entirely to himfelf, to do in it 
 as he pleafes ; and he wrote his mind in this matter formerly. 
 I lhali make your excuie to 20 either this night or on Thuriday. I 
 had none from him by the laft packet. This is all this night. A- 
 dieu. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Anxious to fee Mr Carjiares before any of their other Friends meet 
 ivith him. — Of appointing a Prefident of the Sefjion. — Regiments 
 that are broken; particularly Tullibardine's ; who takes it patient ly, 
 but hopes to know to whom he owes it. — Of the Cufloms in Scot- 
 land, 
 
 SIR, 
 Whitehall, I have received two from you iince I wrote laft. I am very ien- 
 ° a ' \ 9 ' fible of the kindnefs you exprefs for me in them. Friendmip fhall 
 not faill betwixt us firft on my fide. I am very glad that you give 
 us the hopes of feeing you here fo foon ; and I hope you will be as 
 good as your promife in meeting with me before you fee any other 
 of our friends. I owe any thing that I have to the King's favour, 
 
 and 
 
 76, the King. nz6b, fign and counterfign his orders.
 
 AND LETTERS. 357 
 
 t and I ihall reckon myfelf very unfortunate if I do or propofe any 
 thing that may be uneafy to him ; and, when he returns, I mall, as 
 is my duty, give his Majefty, with all humility, my thoughts of 
 what concerns his fervice. We have wanted a prefident long, and 
 I wifh that place may be well difpofed as foon as his Majefty comes 
 over. 1 20, as I understand, has written fully concerning that mat- 
 ter ; but, however, 119 has a great deal to lay on that fubjed, 
 which he will forbear to write. 47 and 1121115 ey52n54 with the 
 late accounts, 5^ef eddm yzbn2t. This I wrote formerly ; but 
 there is no help for it : Friends muft. do for him. Secretary Ogil- 
 vy tells, that he has received a letter from Mr Pringle, whereby the 
 King allows him to allure the Lord Forbes, that he will do for him 
 with the firft opportunity. He tells me he has done this already; 
 and he fays he knows who procured it ; and is very fenfible of it. 
 He thought fit likewiie to write a letter to Lindefay. I will forbear 
 to write anything of bufmefs more this night. The peace has been 
 this day proclaimed with the ufual folemnities ; and the people did 
 fhew a great deale of fatisfa&ion upon this occafion. The King's 
 entry will be with a great deal of fplendour. I am fure he returns 
 to a contented people. He has done more for us than we could 
 have expected. But I think it is needleis for me to fay any more to 
 you of this : I mall rather choife to exprefs my thoughts where they 
 may do him fervice. The Earl of Portland is arrived in England, 
 but is not yet come this length ; but fome of his fervants are at his 
 lodgings. I will be fure to wait on him as foon as he will allow of 
 it ; and I am fure he will fee none that wifheth him better. I can- 
 not conclude this till I tell you what 47 faid concerning 133 : That 
 he was fure that 76 muft pay for what he has done to him, for he muft 
 either make him 8dcznnzdb5m, or Colonel of the guards. The 
 Earl of Tullibardine does take the lofs of his regiment patiently e- 
 nough ; but he fays he hopes to know to whom he owes it. The 
 ratification of the peace, and the other letters, were fent down by an 
 
 exprefs 
 
 120, the Advocate. 119, Secretary Ogilvy. 8dcznnzdb5m, Commiflioner.
 
 358 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 exprefs yefternight, and are all directed for the chancellour, that the 
 accounts of the breaking of the regiments may be firft known in 
 council. I believe it will be faid that Tullibardine did quitt volun- 
 tarily. I am lure Forbes and Lindfay did not To. Secretary Ogil- 
 vy returns you thanks for the treaty of peace with Spain. It is now 
 almoft fully contained in all our public papers. Adieu. 
 
 I promifed in my laft to write you an account of the matter of 
 the cuftoms ; and I then told you, that the Duke of Queenfberry, 
 the Earls of Tullibardine and Argyle, were to meet at my lodg- 
 ings, to refolve what was fit to be done. We have the tackfmens re- 
 prefention to confider, on the one hand, with the Chancellour and 
 Advocate's letters in their favours ; and, on the other, a far greater 
 tack-duty than is now payable. L. 40,000 is offered for on year; 
 but, for three years tack-duties, I believe 35,000 pound may be of- 
 fered to be paid yearly. There was reafoning for fome time on 
 both fides ; of which I fhall give you an account at meeting. But, 
 at laft, it was thought by all to be reafonable, that the matter fhould 
 be kept entire untill his Majefty's return, that he might determine 
 what he thought moft for his fervice ; and, in order to this, we did 
 all write to the Chancellor and Lords of the Treaiury, and Advo- 
 cate, that it was abfolutely neceflary that the prefent tack mould be 
 declared null and void ; but that there might be a provifion in fa- 
 vours of the tackfmen, That, notwithftanding thereof, it fhould 
 ftand and fubfift, if his Majefty fhould think fit fo to appoint, after 
 the cafe is reprefented to him at his return. 
 
 To Mr Carstares. 
 
 Defiring a Letter of Recommendation to Lord Portland to be one of 
 his Retinue upon his Embajfy to France, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 oa 1 ° n 6 S * was w ^ ^ rs Carftares this afternoon, who had forgot to bring 
 1697. to town the letter fhe had writ for you j and had not received your 
 
 laft,
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 359 
 
 Lift, having miflaid them by her coming here. I fuppofe my Lord 
 Portland will be come off before you receive this ; To fhall defire a 
 favour of you, if convenient, and not otherwife, that you would let 
 me have a letter to fome about him that may be proper to prefent 
 me to his Lordfliip, as one that has bufinefs at Paris, and is defirous 
 to have the honour to make up one in his retinue. I need not tell 
 you, that this is not defigned to fave expences, but, on the contrair, 
 will, I believe, put me to fome more than otherwife I needed ; on- 
 ly I muft tell you why I go ; and it's at the defire of my wife's 
 friends, who have her eftate in their hands, and are defirous to tranf- 
 a£t with me before they die : Their age obliges me to haften, for 
 their children may not perhaps he of the fame mind. This reafon 
 would have made me go fo foon as the paffages are open, whether 
 any embafly went or not ; and it's only fince I heard the E. Portland 
 was to go, that I have thought of going in that manner; for, if any 
 other had, I fhould not have dreamed of it : And, as it is, I rather 
 open this to you, to have your advice, than pofitively to afk any re- 
 commendation ; for I do not defire any other than a general one, as 
 a perfon you know, and is defirous of the honour to be of his 
 Lordfhip's retinue ; which is all fubmitted, &c. 
 
 I give you my thanks for your anfwer to mine about my brother.. 
 I was more alarmed than need was. 
 
 Sir Andrew Kennedy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Lord Balcarras, ivho defire s to return to Scotland. Defres to 
 
 be put upon the Commifjionfor treating of Commerce. 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 This day I received the inclofed for you ; and this afternoon I R° tter <foro> 
 had a vifit from the Earl of Balcarras, who is come from Switzer- 1697. 
 land, where he has been of a good while; and you know whence 
 he came thither. I have no acquaintance of him ; however, he 
 told me, his defignwas to go home, and live quietly and peaceably; 
 
 and
 
 3 6o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and was willing to give the government all the fecurity could be 
 demanded : His circumftances you know perhaps better than I ; 
 however, I thought it my duty to acquaint you hereof, that the 
 King may know he is here, where he refolves to ftay till the King 
 come to the Hague. My Lord Polwart parted from this for the 
 packet-boat yefterday. Sir, I could be content you dropt a line to 
 Secretary Ogilvy of the fitnefs fome in behalf of Scotland fhould 
 be commiffionate to be on the bufinefs of commerce with France, 
 whether it be here or at London ; and, if here, I am on the place ; 
 if at London, I could be content to be on the comraiffion : You 
 know for what profpect. My wife, your brother, I, and my fon, 
 are well j we give you our moft affectionate fervice. I am, 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 Your moft faithful, and moft humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Andrew Kennedy. 
 
 Alexander Cunningham to Mr Carstares. , 
 
 Of my Lord Lords Concent left his Regiment be broken.' — ■ — Private 
 Affair S) and a Literary Projecl. 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 Bruges, I had the honour of your's before I parted from BrufTels, and I 
 
 Oft. 26. . . 
 
 1697. find by it, that, upon all occalions, you are ready to oblige your 
 
 friends. 1 do not yet know whether I fhall go to Paris or not before 
 I return to London. My Lord Argyle has not yet written any thing 
 concerning his fon ; he was gone from this place to his regiment 
 before I came here, which I was glad of; for I know his L. Colonel 
 will take care of him : He is mightily concerned for his regiment ; 
 every body tells him it will be broken. I have allured him, that you 
 will do your utmoft for him. I muft prefume to give you the trou- 
 ble to carry over a few books of mine, which I have ordered to be 
 fent to your brother's. You will be pleafed to pafs them as your 
 own, elfe the cuftom would amount to the fourth part they are 
 
 worth ;
 
 AND LETTERS. 361 
 
 worth ; but am confident that what books any of the King's cha- 
 plains takes over will be free ; becaufe it may be faid that they are 
 the books he carried abroad with himfelf for his own ufe. I muft 
 likcwife defire you not to forget a bundle of papers fealed, which I 
 left with your brother, and for which I have his note : I defire you 
 would put them up carefully, for there are in the bundle accompts, 
 and fome other papers of confequence. I mall reftore your bro- 
 ther's note to you when we fhall meet again. As for the project, 
 I know you will not only ufe all your credit with Secretary Ogilvy, 
 but will alfo recommend the thing to all the Scots nobility and 
 gentry you fhall meet with at London. I have bought in this 
 country a confiderable number of books, in order to the carrying of 
 it on ; and, fo foon as I am free of my L. Lome, I refolve to fet fe- 
 rioufly about it. I mod humbly beg your pardon for all the trou- 
 ble I give you. This prefumption in me is a plain proof that you 
 willingly condefcend to ferve your meaneft friends ; and am, with 
 all refpect, 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 Your mod obliged, and moft obedient fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Alex. Cunningham. 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the frequent Interviews which he and Mr Carfares' s other Friends 
 had •with my Lord Portland. Of the Abufes committed by Cap- 
 tain Frafer and his Clan, which makes it necejfary to delay dif- 
 banding the Regiments. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have had the honour and fatisfa&ion to be with the E. of Port- Whitehall, 
 land frequently, and fo has thofe you would have defired ; he is i6°97. m 
 faithful to his mafter, and a true and real friend : He is now fully 
 informed, and, if his Majefty were come over, may foon do all is 
 neceffary. The Frafers do commit great abufes j and Captain Fra- 
 
 Z z f er
 
 362 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fer has now arrived to that pitch of infolence as to detain my La- 
 dy Lovet, and to pretend he is married to her ; in the mean time, 
 fhe neither will eat nor drink till me is at liberty, and is already 
 very weak. Now all orders that are proper are out agai'nft him. 
 This trouble, and fome other difficulties that have occurred, does 
 keep our regiments as yet from being difbanded : The reafons are 
 fully contained in the council's letter to the King, which my Lord 
 Tullibardine has in his hands : We would have fent it, hut we ex- 
 pect his Majefty with the firft fair wind. I thought it neceffary to 
 give this fhort advertifement. I never, with fo much impatience and 
 anxiety defired his Majefty here ; for his orders are neceffary in ma- 
 ny things. This is all at prefent from your M. H. S. 
 
 I have fubjett for a very long letter ; but I am afraid it may mif- 
 carry. 
 
 A. Murray to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Befeeches him to take care of my Lord CarmichaeU that his regiment 
 be not disbanded upon this Occqfion. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, Your kind remembrance of me by my noble and good friend my 
 Nov. 20. ^ orc j Carmichael, obliges me to render you my moft hearty thanks.. 
 We are now come under a happy peace, I pray God it be a lading 
 one. It appears that the face of affairs will take a new turn, even 
 here ; and I doubt not but you will fo far modle as to lay yourfelf 
 out to fee your old friends get fair play. We fee his Majefty has 
 ordered the difbanding of fome of his forces ; and there is a talk of 
 difbanding more. I hope my Lord Carmichael's regiment is in no 
 hazard. You know his modefty, and how little he has befturred 
 himfelf for any thing; and I am perfuaded no Scotfman is in great- 
 er favour with his Majefty ; and you know my Lord Portland has 
 a particular efteem for him ; and I pray you mind his Lordfhip to 
 fecure my Lord's regiment before he goes. I fay nothing for my- 
 
 felf,
 
 AND LETTERS. ^6? 
 
 o^o 
 
 felf, but ftill refts upon your care of me ; and ftill wifhes a tho- 
 rough understanding betwixt you and your old friend, which I ftill 
 hope is nearer and nearer. If there be to be any confiderable chan- 
 ges amongft us, that worthy gentleman's advice is more neceflary 
 than any other whatfomever. So wilhing and praying for God's 
 direction to you in all things, I ever am, 
 Dear SIR, 
 
 Your moft affectionate, and obliged humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) A. Murray. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In Cyphers. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I acquainted you by my laft how your bufinefs went here ; and Edinburgh, 
 herewith you have the fcroll of the letter I promifed you, which ^ e " mber 9 * 
 you will take your own way to have difpatched. Mr Dewar hath 
 not done in your other bufinefs what I expected ; but, to pleafe 
 Thomfon in another particular, he hath complied with him ; but, 
 at the bottom, it is to pleafe Mr Erfkine ; and that 13 may be eafy 
 to him in the bufinefs of Mr Blackwood, which yet cannot lucceed. 
 This is the report I hear. Mr Hay no doubt acquaints you with 
 what relates to Mr Campbell ; and I am glad that it is thought he 
 mould be a friend to Mr Lawfon as well as to Mr White : But my 
 ftrait is, that Mr Fofter, whom I think fitteft for 29, is not gracious 
 to 44, which I fay not to recommend 32 ; fori know 9 will hardlv 
 do a thing fo crofs to Erfkine, though 21 be not therein juft : 
 Andbefides, if Hume were looking after profit, 51, becoming 29, 
 w T ould double 32 advantages : But, in that matter, you have Hume's 
 thoughts very fingly ; and I truly wifh 4 may be confidered accord- 
 ing to his beft deferring ; only, I was perfuaded that Campbell and 
 he would never agree. Pray mind Mr Man, and do him all the 
 
 Z z 2 pomble
 
 364 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 poffible kindnefs you can. I again recommend to you your own 
 affair ; and am your's. 
 
 Mr David Blair to Mr Carstares. 
 Upon Church-Bufinefs. 
 
 Dr Br. 
 Edinburgh, This day your's came to hand of 9th inftant, of that feme date 
 Decemb. i8- Q f m y ^n. tQ y OU ^ t h at p ft w hich carried up the commiffion's 
 
 addreis to the King. 
 
 That addreis you would fee was fuccinct, and of a plain ftile. As 
 for that other you mention, it might lerve to divert his Maj. if he 
 fhould pleafe to caft his eye upon it, after fome long audience about 
 a weighty affair : But, if Geo. Ridpath mould chance to get copies 
 of both, he would readily print them in his Flying Poft. We have 
 nothing going here of moment. By the youngejl minifter, whom I 
 mentioned in my laft, I mean the youngeft for years, not the laft 
 who came. Several perfons afk me the queftion about the fitting 
 of the affembly, and if it will hold at the time appointed ? My an- 
 fwer is, (and I can give no other), that I know nothing to the con- 
 trary. Some few of the younger fort do fometimes exprefs their 
 wifhes, that, in the next affembly, an act may pafs affertory of the 
 intrinfic power of the church : But I hear no fuch thing fpoke of by 
 the wifer fort. I once fpoke to you of a book, which I could never 
 yet fee ; (I fought for it eight year's ago at the famedeft book- 
 fellers in Little Britain, but was told, that the laft two copies 
 which remained had been bought up by church of England-men) : 
 The author is Samuel Petit, De Jure Principum ediclis Ecckftae 
 qur.efito. I would give a great deal for it,, did I but know where to 
 have it. My refpe&s to Mrs Carftares, Adieu. 
 
 Justice
 
 AND LETTERS. 365 
 
 Justice-Clerk to Mr Carstares. 
 In Cyphers, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 78 is glad that 22 hopes 82 tmbg 8tq 6823q taken off 22's Ormlfton, 
 mrrmu7 even in deer; but let not c/s affair fuffer by it. You fpeak ^yl^ "' 
 of 75 's anchoring-ground ; it's paft fathoming by any I know. 1 o 
 may prove a fecurity for 75. 22 refolves not 82 nq r27 83 ; but 
 fays not whether 22 will nq r27 77. Excufe 78 r27 tu6 3xmzq6, 
 azqd 54 and 10 firft quzu68q7 268m8q, then joyful days for 25 
 and 68. 78 does not think 73 will be adive to get 10 made 75 ; 
 for 73 loves to be depended on, not to be a follower. I came here 
 Saturday laft, and refolves to fpend the reft of this year with my 
 wife, where I meet with no contradiction, and fpends my time 
 with fatisfadion, and faves my money. I cannot think but you will 
 pay Scotland a vifit when the affembly meets ; fo hoping to meet 
 fhortly, I continue your true friend. Farewell. 
 
 I cannot but tell you, that the old laird efpoufes what is faid to be 
 your intereft againfl all men, and is through thick and thin for you. 
 
 I think 'tis juftice both to you and him that you know this ; no 
 man was truer in the affair of Aberdeen ; pray give him vour 
 thanks. 
 
 Mr David Blair to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Afks his Anftver to a Query, Which is the beft Way of averting the 
 intrinfic Power of the Church ? 
 
 DrBR. 
 
 I have no news to give you ; but would fain have the folution of Edinburgh, 
 a queftion; and that is, What you take to be the beft way of af- ^97^' **' 
 ferting the intrinfic power of the church ? Whether to prove it in 
 
 the
 
 3 66 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 the pulpit, by the ftrongeft and heft arguments the fcripture can af- 
 ford to that purpofe ; or to advance it by a ftout affertory act of a 
 G. Affembly ? Or, what would you think, if a man mould go up to 
 the pulpit, and tell the people, in the clofe of his fermon, That the 
 government of the church, and its intrinfic power, mould not reft 
 upon fo flippery a foundation as the inclinations of the people ; and 
 therefore it were good that it were declared and afferted in the next 
 alfembly ? For the old men are going off the ftage, and young men 
 will faint for want of courage. What think you of thele two laft 
 methods ? For my part, I would rather be for the firft. You tell 
 me nothing of news about the houfe of commons. But pray let me 
 hear from you, and anfwer my queftions; and, if you would alfo fa- 
 vour me with a double of Mr Seaton's addrefs, or elfe let Mr Rid- 
 path do it. Adieu. 
 
 My brother John prefents his fervice to you ; and my wife has 
 her beft refpe&s to you and to Mrs Carftares. 
 
 ' Lord Justice-Clerk to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Cyphers. A Story that Sir James Ogilvy was to be Prefident, 
 
 and the Earl of Leven Secretary. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I wifh you many good new years. 73 did write 20 76, which 
 ^oS? 7 * 78 d29xp 228 mmpbu6qp ; but 76 has Z28 pqoxuzqp. I'm not 
 of the mind Mr Dunlop either has or can offer the higheft rent of 
 the five years, fay he was to give no graffum, and to pay each five 
 years : What the five years under collection amounted to, is all 
 can be in reafon demanded ; and this he offers, and might a 
 been accepted dq7q 58 and 84 m6 68Z98 r27 8tq7q r7uqzp m6 
 8tqa 29St8 82nq. 74 has writ to 78 about 78^ nquzs 2Z 8dq 8tq- 
 6m97uq, and defires 82 wz2d ur 78 will allow 74 82 y2bq uz u8, 
 22 wz2d678, 78 tm6 ympq Z2 mzbdq7; but, if 74 minds 82 89yzq 
 78 298 2r 8tq 3xmoqtq tm6, and put tuy uz 8tq 8tq6md, it will 
 
 be
 
 AND LETTERS, 367 
 
 be no kindnefs, 22 tm6 78's yu2p ymzmpsq u8 ; but let not it be 
 known that 78 has 6mup in d27p 2ru8. 
 
 You have flories with you. We have another from your parts which 
 you write nothing of, viz. That Sir Ja. Ogilvy is to be prefident, 
 and the E. of Leven fecretary. 74 qzu2uzq6 6qo7q6uq 82 78, 
 dtuot 78 p2q6 82 22. 
 
 Lord Justice-Clerk to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In Cyphers, 
 
 S I R, 
 Seeing 22 cannot be for 77, let 22 be as little for 7 or 83, and January 6, 
 
 78 (hall be indifferent. Now I expect to hear 95's affair is going l 9 * 
 right ; let us know what this is has been fallen 97 ; they fay 56 
 mxum6 dtus6 will fuffer by it; yet 78 fays he hopes otherwife fee- 
 ing 97 and 5$ tmbq Z28 nqqz 62 dqqx this while bygone. 78 
 qc63qo86 82 tqni7 to-morrow what pqoqynq7 tm6 372 P9oqp. 
 22 has certainly heard how 3tq6p2 p7mzw 22*s tqmx8t mb 8tq 
 ymz ympq 6qo7q8m7uq6 this he did in 73's 02y3mzuq ; make 72 
 73 and 78 72 and 6qzp 73 82 62yq 3z68 uz 65 72 would not keep 
 it year and day, and then 78 might live. 
 
 Pray ye, exprefs with as much modefly as you pleafe, what has 
 moved Sunderland to lay down ; only let us know it. 
 
 78 is of 10 !, and will write exact accounts to 22 
 
 I was a ftranger to all the flying packets 
 you had laft week till I went to Edinburgh ; and there is one of 
 them, I know not the occafion of it yet, if it was not 75's return 
 for the buzpuom8uzzs were fent him by 22 and others. Fare- 
 well. 
 
 Mr
 
 3 6B S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Mr Pr ingle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, j came here this day, having ftaid fome with my brother atStichiil. 
 
 1698/' I find nothing as yet of moment to communicate. I doubt not but 
 
 you will be informed from better hands of what palled this night 
 in council in reference to the fubmiffion made by Sir Robert Dick- 
 fon. I fend you here a memorial concerning Colonel Erfkine, for 
 whom I know you will be concerned, becaufe all honeft men 1 find 
 to be fo. I have neither more time nor fubjecl:, except for the iaft 
 I ihould take your abilities and favours, of which, without furiher 
 compliment, I am moft fenfible. So far as I yet underlfand, 128 
 has carried himfelf in the concerns of the E. Ind. Company, with a 
 juft and due regard to his Majefty's fervice. He is in the country. 
 Adieu. 
 
 Mr Pringle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Vfthe State of Parties in Scotland. — The African Company difpleafed 
 "with the Anfwer to their late Addrejfes. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, Two ports ago I received your's of the firft ; but T find the cu- 
 ^ b 8 10 ' Horn of this place neceflarily draws a ftranger to a tavern, when he 
 fhould write his letters, which makes me at this time prevent the ap- 
 proach of night. 156 returns hearty thanks to 33 for the affurances 
 of his friendfhip, on which he relies more than upon that of any 
 other. It is very agreeable to hear that things go well with 1 1 9 and 
 
 33 
 
 256, Mr Pringle. 33, Mr Carftares. 119, Secretary Ogilvy,
 
 AND LETTERS. 369 
 
 33. It has been propofed to 122 that he mould keep himfelf 
 free from all concerts until he fpeak with 76 ; which I find he de- 
 figns within a few weeks. He profefles el^cn. and refpect for 33, 
 and allows J 56 to fignify fo much ; yet I dare not fay but he is in 
 fuch terms with 152, as makes 156 believe he would prefer his 
 friendfhip, tho\ at the fame time, he declares himfelf at liberty, for 
 what may be agreeable to 76. It is not yet known how that 222 
 defigns to fee 38 ; and I do not think it fitt it mould be publick. I 
 find no good underftanding betwixt the fuceeflbr of 112 and 30; 
 the laft oft takes too much upon him, where the other's authority 
 and honour is concerned ; which will contribute to a better under- 
 ftanding betwixt T22 and 119. I doubt not but 33 has been fuf- 
 ficiently informed of what paffed Friday lalt about his concerne, and 
 efpecially what related to 30, who interpoied many difficulties ; 
 and, when over-ruled, he removed. The affair feems now to be at a 
 clofe; but 1 56 having had occafion fince that time to difcourfe with 
 i24of 33, and particularly Mr Dunlop, 156 thinks there may be yet 
 occafion for 33 declaring pofitively his mind as to the difpofal of a- 
 ny money may be due to him ; and, as to the manner of remitting, 
 fome pains may be taken here. It were needlefs to trouble you 
 with the clafhes of this place. 89 and 76 are feparated ; and the 
 journey is only the pretext, being never to meet again. 75 is in o- 
 ther circumftances : Nothing done but by his advice. But, whether 
 fuch flories are only accidental rumours, or induftrioufiy fpread, I 
 cannot judge. Many here are ftill perfuaded of the advancement of 
 127 ; how 82 has carried to him all this winter you know well e- 
 nough. Many thinks it has difcovered the weakneis of 82, and 
 will do 127 no fervice. There is much talk of 88 being foon in 
 this country : How he will be difpofed is uncertain ; for the moil 
 part he inclines to trade. But I am informed, that great pains are 
 taken by 100, that, when 88 arrives, he fhall be with him. And 
 124 is folliciting, that, by a public declaration, 88 may be allowed 
 
 A a a to 
 
 122, Advocate. 76, the King. 152, TulJibardine. 30, Ann-nd.ue. 
 
 89, Portland. 75, Albemarle. 127, Tullibardine. 88, a parliament. 
 
 100, African company. 124, Privy-council.
 
 3 p STATE-PAPERS 
 
 to be (o. Whether he will be able to carry his point, or how far 
 76 may be concerned, let others confider. 1 56 has been with 128 
 in the countrey, but only for a few hours, and upon generals ; being 
 refolved to be more particular when 128 comes to this place ; who is 
 expected every day. As to what may be expected of 156, in refer- 
 ence to what is trufted to him, little can be faid. You cannot ima- 
 gine what difficulty there will be to iatisfy, in any of the points, 
 122 ; to whom only 156 has fpoke freely on the head ; knows no- 
 thing. 102 is concerned about his trade ; and yet his friends are 
 afraid he will turn bankrupt by his own miimanagement. And, fo it 
 may be the better for 76 the lefs he have to do with him^ left he 
 bear the blame. 
 
 You would hear that the anfwer given to the late addrefTes of our 
 African company was not received as an anfwer, becaufe* being di- 
 rected to Sir Francis Scott, from the fecretaries, it did not bear to be 
 communicate to the council of the company. However, I hear no- 
 thing of any further defign of application to court. They are bu~ 
 fied in preparing. to fet fail, which is expected with three large mips* 
 and two leffer ones, within 5 or 6 weeks. 156 is refolved — — 
 
 The Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 An Anfwer to a Letter of Advice Mr Cm fares had left for him nvhen 
 he fet out from London for Edinburgh. Angry that the Presby- 
 terians fjjould fet up Earl of Tullibardine in Oppoftion to him. — 
 His oivn and his Family' 's Merits ninth that Party. Mr Car- 
 fares gone donvn to promote a Scheme for making Juf ice-Clerk 
 Chancellor^ &c. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I am forry I was not at home when you called two feveral time3 
 
 before you went for Scotland. I received the letter you left me. I 
 
 do 
 128, Lord Juilice-Clerk.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 37* 
 
 4o afTure you I take your advice very kindly, for none alive can ea- 
 ! fier convince me, efpecially in matters of that kind. I am heartily 
 forry to hear that any of the prefbyterians of the church of Scot- 
 land can be prevailed upon (by a runegado church of England-man, 
 and a prefbyterian but of two years ftanding), to follow any mea- 
 fure fo far contrary to their true intereft, as I am told, Mr Wylie 
 of Hamilton moved them too. I do not pretend to be perf ed ; I 
 have my faults ; and every body fees the worft of me : And, though 
 I won't be whipt into obedience, as if Mr William Cummine's go- 
 vernment were yet remaining over me, yet I am fenfible your ad- 
 vice is fo good, coming from a fincere heart, void of intereft, mo- 
 deftly told me, anfwerable to your fundion, I do afTure you it fhall 
 be my ftudy to avoid all fcandle ; and in my profeffion I fhall ne- 
 ver ad the hypocrite. What family in Scotland can claim fo much 
 of the church of Scotland, as now eftablifhed, then I ? I loft a grand- 
 father, and a father, and my eftate, in the quarrel ; and was any 
 more forward than I, upon the revolution, to eftablifh it as it now 
 is ? I never aded another part, nor never will ; but I muft own I 
 am concerned, when I fee your brethren ad contraire to their inte- 
 reft in relation to civil government. I defire not to be mifunder- 
 ftood; for I think it may be very confonant with all the rules of our 
 religion, and the government of church, as now eftablifhed, to ad 
 politickly ; to take thofe to aflift them, who has it in their blood, as 
 well as inclination, to ferve them and fupport them. And I think 
 it a very bad meafure to fet up a pretended prefbyterian, who waits 
 but an opportunity to return to the myre, when once he has efta- 
 blifht himfelf. And, left by my friendfhip with fome, I mean the 
 Duke of Queenfberry in particular, it may be thought I muft go a- 
 nother way, his family having been reputed epifcopal, I dare anfwer 
 for him, he will be ready to embark heartily with the prefbyterians, 
 if they will cordially accept them ; and, when I am guarantee, I 
 think you have better fecurity for his Grace than any is yet got of 
 our two-year-old prefbyterian, the Marquis of Athol's fon, the Earl 
 of Tullibardine. I wifh you may prevail with your bretheren in e- 
 
 A a a 2 very
 
 37 2 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 very thing which will eftablifh them. As for news, I have none^ 
 but that Earl Tullibardine told Duke of Queenfberry to-day, yoix 
 was gone to Scotland to adjuft matters with the Juftice-Clerk, who,, 
 Secretary Ogilvy, the Advocate, and you, had concerted mould be 
 Chancellor. A deal of more fluff of that kind was faid, not worth 
 the repeating. I am your affectionate friend to ferve you, 
 
 (Signed) Argyll. 
 
 E. Tullibardine has got a lift of our Scotts parliament fent him up,, 
 and, having confidered the names, he ftands not to undertake at 
 court, that, let the King chufe either prefbyterian or epifcopal par- 
 ty in the parliament to ferve him, he will carry his Majefly's bufi- 
 nefs by either of them ; which I think is a bold undertaking. But 
 we all know his Majefty fo fixt to the government of the church, 
 as now eilablifhed, that Earl Tullibardine will not make his court 
 much that way. 
 
 Pray, tell EarlMelvine from me, and his two fons, that I am fure 
 it is the prefident of the council's place which that party has in pro- 
 ject for E. Arran, though we hope that is not the reward which the 
 King will give E. Melvine for all his fervices. I have this account 
 from a very fure hand. 
 
 Monsieur Van Leven* to Mr Carstares,. 
 
 Regrets Portland's ft ay at Paris, left his Ab fence from the King might 
 
 be prejudicial. Portland's Magnificence. The King of Spam 
 
 recovered, Defgns againft King William. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 Pan's, This afternoon I received by a meffenger both your letters of the 
 
 flS. 2 i ft and 6th inftant, with the inclofed for his Excellency', which was 
 delivered immediately. I am heartily glad of your fafe arrival in 
 London, and give you many thanks for the kindnefs which you 
 
 fliow 
 * Mr Van Leven, fecretary to the Earl of Portland, then ambaffador in France. 
 
 1698.
 
 AND LETTERS. 375 
 
 mow me in your letters, in communicating to me fo freely your 
 thoughtsjpd difpofition of affairs with you. I have not yet re- 
 ported the contents of your letters, by want of opportunity. And I 
 believe my Lord had not yet the time to read that which you fent 
 him, being taken up invifiting Monfieur Pompoune and Monfieur 
 Toreij ; and, coming from thence, muft write this night to the 
 King ; fo that you fhall have no anfwer but with the next exprefs. 
 I cannot tell if his Excellency received this day his Vlajefty's piea- 
 fure for coming back ; but I have reafon to believe it, and fome 
 private letters intimate it to me. Our flaying here much longer 
 will coft dear ; for, being fo long abfent from the King, may in 
 fome meafure be prejudicial : And the expences of this embaffy run 
 fo very high, that it is hardly to be imagined what money it comes 
 to. We live with great magnificence ; and all the French muft confefs, 
 they never faw iuch fplendour in equipage, table, and liveries. They 
 do all the honour and civility to his Excellency that can be defired ; 
 but in affairs they are difficult and flow. The croffes which were 
 erected in the city and principaute of Orange are pulled down, and 
 a pafs is granted for 50 Switzers to come thither in garrifon. Letters 
 from Spain of the 9th fay, that the King of Spain is quite well a- 
 gain, and that the French ambaffador there had a private audience, 
 wherein he complemented his Majefty on the peace and his recove- 
 ry. They give out here, that the Queen's credit is much leffened, 
 and that fhe does not more affift in the council, being often pre- 
 vented to enter in the King's chamber, upon pretence that it alters 
 his health, by difcourfing continually of the affairs of the monarchy, 
 to which fhe is fet on by the Imperial minifters. They are now in 
 hopes that the King will live fome years longer. That we may all 
 wifh for. 
 
 Monfieur Feemfherck the Dutch ambaffador is come to this city, 
 but keeps himfelf as yet incognito. Monfieur Odick is expected in 
 a little time, and will be here Sunday next. I believe it will be 
 three weeks longer before his Excellency can take his audience of 
 leave,, and he muft ftay at leaft a fortnight more before he can part 
 
 from
 
 334 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 from hence ; fo that it will be long before I (hall have the fatisfac- 
 tion to fee you. In the mean time, continue me your friendfhip, 
 and be fully perfuaded that I really be, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft obedient fervant, 
 
 (Signed) V. Levene. 
 
 After having finifhed this letter, I conceive my Lord is not re- 
 called as yet ; fo our returning, as to the time thereof, is very un- 
 certain. I am afraid there are fome dangerous defigns in hand a- 
 gainft our King, that will make much noife. 
 Paris, 29. do. His Excellency having not difpatched the meffenger till this day, 
 ordered me pofitively to let you know the fatisfadtion he has of your 
 fafe return, and that you found things fo well to your mind and the 
 King's intereft in Scotland, defiring you will continue the fame in- 
 formation as you have given hitherto ; which, I aflure you, that are 
 very acceptable, and will be acknowleged in due time. His Excel- 
 lency has no time to anfwer you himfelf ; but, if any thing occurs 
 you want his opinion in, acquaint me with it, and I will endeavour 
 fatisfy you as fpeedy as poflible can be done. Monfieur Odick will 
 be here next Sunday. My humble fervice to your wife. Adieu. 
 
 Mr Alexander Stevenson to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Sir John M c Lean's Defire to have an Audience of the Ambajfa- 
 
 dor\ ivhich is refujed Portland's Behaviour. Defirous 
 
 that fome thing could be done for the French P rot eft ants. This 
 
 not in Portlana^s Infruclions. 
 
 Dr S I R, 
 
 Paris, June I was, at my flrft coming here, importuned by Sir John Maclean, 
 
 6 - l6 9 8 and fome ethers of that fort, to get them ane audience of the 
 
 ambalfadour. Out of pity to Sir John, I did fpeak to Mr Van 
 
 Leven
 
 AND LETTERS. 375 
 
 Leven, and told him, that Sir John, being refolved to apply to the 
 court in England for liberty to come home, would willingly have 
 had firft the honour to have fpoke with his Excellency, to juftifie 
 his laft proceedings in coming away foe unaccountably; which 
 he faid he was forced to doe. This Mr Van Leven told me once 
 he mould have; but afterwards, upon fecond thoughts, told me 
 could not be done. Whether it Was upon my Lord Argyll's ac- 
 count, becaufe of the old plea betwixt thefe families ; or, becaufe I 
 told Mr Van Leven, that Sir John threw the whole blame on Mr 
 Johnftone's way and manner of treating him, I know not: But I 
 never infilled after that ; nor would I, after 'the firft time I fpoke, 
 had he given me no ground. Sir John, after having left the court 
 at St. Germains for 3 or 4 weeks, upon this refufall, returned : Soe 
 I never heard of him fince; and was, to fay the truth, by this means 
 ridd of a great many importunities, which I mould have had, if 
 this fuit had been granted. I never had time, fince you came from 
 Scotland laft, or I had given you account of this paifage fooner. 
 I fuppofe Mr Van Leven had told Mr Handcock ; for he took once 
 occafion to tell me, that he doubted not but Mr Johnftone had very 
 good reafon to treat Sir John M'Lean as he did : To which I re- 
 plyed, I knew not the particulars ; foe could fay nothing to it. 
 Ther's noe news. As for the ambalfadour, he ends as he did be- 
 ginn, with a great deal of honour to himfelf, and fatisfaction, fo far 
 as appears, to all thefe he has had to doe with. The poor 
 proteftants expected he mould have done fome thing for them ; 
 but in that they are difappointed ; which the more reafonable 
 party amongft them doe not blame him for, as I think he could not 
 medle in, fee'ng not in his inftructions : But therms none of them but 
 thinks, if he had, confidering the houmer of the court of France 
 at prefent, that he could have done them fervice. I fhall not 
 fay they have ground ; but I find them generally fcandilifed and 
 difcouraged at the nice meafures was obierved in any thing re- 
 lating to them or their affairs. The Dean of Winchefter knows 
 (Something of this to be true. They are fo perfuaded that their 
 
 deliverance
 
 37 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 deliverance mould come from England, that, upon the news lately 
 from the Rochell, Rouven, and Sedan, where the perfecutioh 
 fince the peace has been worfe then before, that, by the King's 
 orders, the proteftants there have been told, that, if they will make 
 noe aflemblies, but content themfelves with their devotiones at 
 home privately, they mall not be troubled any more ; they are, 
 I fay, foe perfuaded, that noe good canne happen to them, but by 
 the mediatione of England, that they begin to fay, the ambaffadour, 
 now at his going away, is forry he did nothing for them, and 
 has fpoke to fome of the French minifters of Rate. I trouble you 
 with this, to let you know the iituation of thefe poor people. My wife 
 gives you her humble fervice,and to your good lady; ihe and I defire 
 the fame favour of you to Mr Kekworth and his lady. Pray tell him, 
 if he has buiinefs here, I expect he will not apply to any other. Mr 
 James Fowles will fend me any letters or commiffions, if he has 
 occafione. Ther's none will ferve him with better will then I 
 would, or any you are concerned in. I am, fincerely, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Alex. Stevenson. 
 P. S. I here you are lodged at Mr Cambel's the goldfmith; 
 pray give him my humble fervice ; I will write to him foe foon as 
 I can give account of what he wrote to me about, which will be in 
 a little. 
 
 Sir John Maxwell to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Mr Carfares may noiv wait -upon the King's CommiJJioner without 
 
 Sufpicion of Intrigues. Begs his AJjfiance in making Mr Kin- 
 
 ■ caid a Lord of SeJ/ion. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 Edinburgh, This is the firft pcft fincel carre to town ; and this ferves to give 
 
 J une 9* r C • 
 
 1698. you my humble iervice, that we 00 not wear out or acquaintance by 
 
 too
 
 AND LETTERS. 377 
 
 too long filence. I cannot think but the King's chaplain will wait 
 upon his commiflioner now in time of parliament, without any 
 ground of fufpicion of intrigues ; for I doubt not his Majeity, by 
 the advice of fo many worthy perfons there, will demand nothing 
 of his parliament but what is juft and reafonable ; and I firmly be- 
 lieve the plurality of the parliament hath that aiFe&ion for him and 
 his government, that it fhall not be denied, though there may be 
 fome buflel ; yet it fhall hz,poft nithila Phoebus. You get fo much the 
 word here of a man of bufinefs, that you'll forgive me if I afk your 
 help to make a Lord of the Sefficn, and that is a friend of mine, Mr 
 John Kincaid of CorfbaiTet. He is a lawyer, being now beyond 30 
 years experience in the houfe ; and, fo; his honefty and courage in 
 the administration of juftice, I dare undertake for him, that he mall 
 be bialfed with no man. 1 do not think he will be a man given to 
 parties. I have written to Secretary Ogilvy in this bufinefs, and 
 will give you no further trouble ; but if ye pleafe to mind him of 
 it; and what kindnefs ye fhall be pleafed to do that gentleman, I will 
 ever reckon it as a particular obligation upon, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful and humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Jo. Maxwell. 
 
 Lord Blantyre to Mr Carstares. 
 About the Payment of his Penfwn. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I hope you will not impute my not writing to want of kindnefs ; June i 
 but realie asit is,toan unw T illingnefs totroubleyou, unlefs Ihadfome- l6y8, 
 thing worth your while. You will, I hope, remember, that 1 was 
 fpeaking to you about my penfion, that now it would turn ineffec- 
 tual, by reafon of the great number of penfions that were upon the 
 fond at this Whitfunday. There are two terms owing ; and, had 
 
 Bbb not
 
 37$ STATE-PAPERS 
 
 not Hugh Cunningham been tackfman, the whole would have been 
 owing. I cannot prefs my ownbufinefs; you know my circunv- 
 ftances : So I wholly depend upon the fecretary and you for to get 
 me payment for bygones, and fecured in time coming; and 
 what you do fhall be thankfully acknowledged, fince that is all I 
 can do. If your conveniency can allow you, I fhall take it kindly 
 to hear from you : You can both airt me, and help me when airted- 
 I am, unfeignedly, 
 
 Your truly obliged fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Blantyre. 
 
 Ormiston to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In Cyphers about the Prefidenfs Office, Broomhall and hi* 
 
 Son*. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, j ^ p e ^ s fl^u g n( j vou returned. I wrote to you to deftroy my 
 1698, former, and hopes the inclofed will ferve and pleafe. 78 fays, he 
 
 does not offer farther in 74^ nquzs 37q6upqz8, 6quzs 43 tm6- 
 p2zq u8, n98 78's 2nuqo8u2z, 7qymuz6. 'Tis talked here, that 
 75 is under fome difcouragement ; 73 duxxnq tq7q 8tu6 dqqw- 
 m2p Stqz dqduxx nq y27q mnxq 82 ugpsq 2r 8tuzs6, for Broom- 
 hall and his fon, I am not rafh in judging any body; but this much 
 I may take leave to fay, it would a appeared as fuitable to a man in 
 the fon's ftation to a been here as at London ; and, if the infor- 
 mations hold are offered, was he my fon, I would not defend him 
 nor fpeak in his favours. My Lord Leven is with you by this time, 
 a29 2myq a297 37q6upqz86 dtqz 3qz3xq m7q zq8l*q dmaq 02y- 
 quzs b3. A new adjournment will not look well ; befides, the par- 
 liament's being to fit, people bring little or no bufmefs in before the 
 feffion. Farewell. 
 
 Secre-
 
 AND LETTERS. 379 
 
 Secretary Ogilvy to Mr Carstares. 
 
 After an Audience ivlth the King upon Scottiflo affairs. Reafons 
 
 for putting off the Meeting of Parliament, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your Lady allures me that this will come fafe to your hands ; Whitehall, 
 and therefore I adventure to let you know a little of what paffes. "Jggg. 1 ' 
 Mr Lawfon has been twice with Mr Hay ; the firft time, MrWilibn 
 was with him, and the laft time, he was alone : I did communicate 
 the laft part of Mr Reid's note, and he is pofitive that there never 
 were any fuch orders; and gave 31 very full fatisfaction in this 
 matter : But I told him that it was both Mr Lawion and Mr Reid's 
 duty to let him know what was faid ; and he feemed very well fatis- 
 fied. Mr Wood's meeting is put off for eight days longer, for 
 two reafons : The firft is, That Mr Erfkine and Mr Dewar's com- 
 pany may have time to fpeak together. The next is, Mr Hamil- 
 ton is to meet at Aberdeen upon the 5th of July, and raoft be there 
 for five or fix days ; and fo could not return in time to meet with 
 Mr Wood upon the 1 2th. Mr Wilfon and Mr Lawfon think of 
 parting from this upon Tuefday come feven-night, and lb will Mr 
 Lamb and Mr Flint about that time. Mr Lawfon hopes that Mr 
 Reid will let Mr Erfkine know how much he depends upon him ; 
 and he has left all his own concerns undetermined, until he arrive, 
 and fhall be in every thing diipofed of by him. Secretary Ogilvy 
 has obtained feveral private papers, of which Mr Reid fhall know 
 at meeting. The Earl of Leven is arrived : I know (for fo it is 
 written to me) he expects to have Mr Campbell upon Mr Gray ; 
 and you know all his other pretentions. All can be laid is, 
 
 B b b 2 that 
 
 Mr Lawfon, S. Ogilvy. Mr Wilfon, Marchmont. Mr Hay, the King. 
 
 Mr Reidy'Mx Carftare*. 31, S. Ogilvy. Mr Ward, Parliament Mr 
 
 Erfkine, Portland. Mr Hamilton, Royal Boroughs of Scotland. Mr Lamb, 
 
 Queenfberry. Mr Flint, Argyle.
 
 :3o 
 
 TATE-PAPERS 
 
 that Mr Hay feems not to be inclined to fettle his affairs at prefent r 
 But Mr Kirk is to be with Mr Lawfori to-morrow at dinner ; and 
 you {hall afterwards be acquainted with what paffes. I with the 
 E. of Portland a happy journey. I fhall be glad to know certain- 
 ly of his dyet ; and, if it might be acceptable, I would certainly wait 
 on him. I am, with all fincerity, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 President Dalrymple to Secretary Ogilyy. 
 Of the Meeting of the Royal Boroughs, which he is to attend.- 
 
 More Caballing than have been of late. Report of a Mifunder- 
 
 flanding betwixt Argyle and the Chancellor. 
 
 My Lord, 
 Edinburgh, f ^ave t ] ie honour of your J s of the 14th and of the 16th inflanr, 
 l^V' Since your Lordfhip has thought proper I mould be added to the 
 commiffion, I fhall prefent my letter, though I be little fond of that' 
 court. I called for Commiffary Smollet, and mow him what con- 
 fidence your Lordfhip repofed in him ; he makes a very grateful 
 return, and frankly undertakes to be at the convention in Aber- 
 deen. If Provoft Muir of Ayr be there, the commiffary will guide 
 him ; fo that your Lordfhip mall not need to write to him ; and, 
 if ye have writ already, I have taken the liberty to defire John An- 
 deribn to advertile me before it be delivered. Your Lordfhip is in 
 the right to write to as few as can be. Your Lordfhip will fee by 
 the federunt, that the council was pretty well conveened this day ; 
 the chief occafion was the Lady Rentoun's complaint, that Sir Pat. 
 had intruded himfelf in the half of the houfe of Rentoun, fhe re- 
 taining the other half. My brother David drew an information 
 and anfwers to Sir Pat. both very fnell, and abun- 
 
 dantly clofs ; and, where he relates the difpoiition obtained from Sir 
 Alexander, in place of fraud and circumvention, the paper termed 
 the thing a downright cheat. Sir Pat. craved reparation of that in- 
 jury*
 
 AND LETTERS. 381 
 
 jury, and, at the fame time, entered upon the caufe. The Earl of 
 Tullibardine broke in before the lawyers publicly, and urged and 
 prevailed that the lawyers fhould be removed, and that point con- 
 fidered. Firit, the motion was fupported by E. Annandale and 
 Ruthglen ; and, at laft, it terminate into advertifement to the law- 
 yers to be more modeft and cautious in their expreihons, without 
 inquiring who was the author ; and the complaint remitted to be 
 fummarly difcufkd by the fefhon. If Sir Pat.'s friends had count- 
 ed noies, they had as good have pulhed where they had it at the 
 council. Seeing the dyet of the parliament is fixed, the fooner your 
 Lordlhip be here the better. I cannot fay there fe any formed de- 
 fign to obftruct ; but it is viflble that there is more caballing than 
 was of late. E. Tullibardine intends to go north, and to return to 
 the parliament ; but after all, I doubt they will adventure to appear. 
 It is this day talked, there mould be fome miftake betwixt the Chan- 
 cellor and the Earl of Argyle. I believe nothing of it ; and cer- 
 tainly nothing could encourage enemies fo much as the leaft hope 
 of divifion amongft yourfelves. I need not trouble D. Q^and the 
 E. of Argyle with the fame things I writ to your Lordfhip. I am, 
 moft fmcerely, Y. L. M. H. S. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares. 
 
 At Duke of ^ueensberry* s defire,gh>es him a particular Detail of <wh at 
 
 pajfed in Parliament about Supplies. The Oppofition headed by 
 
 Tullibardine. Characters of the Dukes of Queensberry and Ar- 
 
 gyle^ and of Earl of Seafeld^ notv Prefident of the Parliament. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Our Parliament fat pretty late laft night ; fo that the D. of Queenf- Edinburgh, 
 berry not having leifure to write to you, and I being to write ^g 8 ' 
 to you however, he does by me defire you will excufe him 
 and accept from me fuch lame accounts of things that paft as I can 
 
 give
 
 3$2 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 give you; which, however, I hope you may have more fully from o- 
 thers. This day was paft the act for the fixteen months cefs, which, 
 joined with the annexed excife, amounts to an adequat and fumcient 
 fund for entertaining the army for two years, commencing Novem- 
 ber next. You will no doubt be furprifed when I tell you, that, 
 though this act contained nothing material but what had paft the 
 houfe in previous votes, of which, indeed, it was but the confe- 
 quence ; yet it met with an unexpected oppofition. The hading 
 men of the parliament tenaciouily oppofed it to the laft, and voted 
 againft it root and branch, though the houfe had been predetermi- 
 ned in it, after mature d. liberation and contentious debates, and 
 that there was not the leaft change or deviation propofed in the acl: 
 from what had paft formerly. Indeed moft of their party left them; 
 but the Marquis of Tweedle and E. Tullibardine ftuck to it «o the 
 laft. I confefs the oppofition of the latter hath been moft unac- 
 countable, and feems to be the moft ungenerous. There were fome 
 debates about the terms of paying it, which I muft own were pro- 
 pofed to be fuch by the commiftioners of the treafury, with all due 
 regard to the prefent neceflitous condition of the country ; and yet 
 did they eagerly and warmly infiit againft it. I do not fay t!iey 
 meant ill in it ; but I will be fworn, that if they had got their will 
 in it, the army mull have been reduced te free quarters for fome 
 time, and, by that means, the nation probably to a difcontent againft: 
 the o-overnment, for a caufe of which the King and his minifters, 
 both civil and military, had been very innocent. E. Tull. did in- 
 fift in every motion that 1 can remember was made, either to the 
 hurt or retardment of the affair. When they could not prevail in 
 any thing material, they attempted very oddlv to have clogged it 
 with claims for counting for bygones ; and (when that would not 
 do,) with very reproachful and reflecting claufes of appropriating 
 the funds, importing, as if the former funds had not been rightly 
 manned: And needlris ones too they were; for, in the mean time, 
 the ad itfelf bears the ufe and ends for which it is granted. But, a- 
 bove all, the moft unaccountable was one, which had neither any 
 
 con-
 
 AND LE.TTERS. 383 
 
 contingency or relation to the affair, was utterly alien from it, and 
 was of all things the molt improper for us to meddle with ; and that 
 was, That there mould be a claufe, by which mould be fecured ta 
 our horfe and foot-guards the rank and precedence due to them as 
 Scots guards, in cafe at any time the King fhould think fit to call 
 them abroad. I need make no reflections on it to you, for really 
 none can be made fo vilibly to its prejudice as civilly to tell it. Is 
 it not odd that a man mould join or aim at the like of fuch things, 
 upon whom the K. after he had firft bought him into his interefts, 
 had heaped favours on him from time to time : For my part, I won- 
 der what the devil he faw in him. I hope it will teach his Ma- 
 jefty to buy men again, when he may have better without it, 
 Well, I pretend not to much judgement ; but I have feen much of 
 this world ; I have been long upon the ftage of it ; my converfe hath 
 conftantly been with the mod eminent of our country, and in 
 things of the mod importance; and, it by this means I can know 
 our countrymen, and be qualified to make any judgement in buii- 
 nefs, the K. hath it now in his hand to manage his affairs in Scot- 
 land to his own eafe and honour, and to our advantage ; but, be- 
 lieve me, he will never be able to do it with clapping of mens heads. 
 And now, that the moft material of the bufinefs is over, I muft own 
 to you, it went down very hangedly (as our faying is) with our 
 countrymen. And you may believe me, (you know I am pretty 
 impartial,) that, if it had not been for the friendfhip and influence 
 of the K.'s friends who had the managing of it, the affair had mif- 
 carried. You cannot imagine how taking the D. of Q^ and E. of 
 Argyle's way is, and how popular they are. You know they are 
 both of them very debonair and eafy ; and I do affure you they had 
 ufe for it all at this time. 1 proteft to you, my Lord Seafield pre- 
 fides very extraordinary well, both readily, boldly, and impartially, 
 and expreffes himfelf very cleverly, and fo fuccinctly too. as, I vow, 
 he lofes not a word. They are brooding upon the African bufi- 
 nefs ; I know not what they fhall be about to hatch : But there are 
 no endeavours wanting fo to fmooth and order matters relating to 
 
 it
 
 3S4 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 it, as I hope nothing fhall occur which may give the King any of- 
 fence. My L. Duke fays he will write to you fhortly himfelf ; de- 
 fires you will prefent his fervice to E. Portland. My obfcurity would 
 make it look too much like indifcreet arrogance, if I ihould crave the 
 fame favour of you ; but indeed I am his hearty well- wither and 
 humble fervant. I have tranfgreffed enough by a long babling 
 foolifh piece of fluff; and I do not intend to make my fault great- 
 er, by a foolifh apology ; fo, without ceremony, and with my beft 
 wifhes, farewell. 
 
 Lord Se afield, Prefident of the Parliament, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 Account of his fplendid Reception at Edinburgh^ upon his coming 
 dozvn, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, It was late before my Lord Chancellour and I got into town this 
 July 9 night. I am fure you will be convinced that J have made all pof- 
 
 fible hafte. I cannot write fully to you this night of any thing, fave 
 in the general, that I have very good hopes that his Majelty's af- 
 fairs will go well. We had a very great reception. 1 did never fee, 
 upon any fuch cccaficn, near fo many either coaches or horfemen, 
 nor fo many of the nobility and parliament-men. And I muft alfo 
 add, that there was a very great confluence of the common fort of 
 people. So that hitherto all matters go well. I have not as yet 
 Fpoke with the Juftice-Clerk, Prefident, Advocate, or Sir John Max- 
 well, in private ; but I flial! have occafion to fpeak particularly with 
 them to-morrow or Monday ; and, thereafter, I fhall write fully to 
 my Lord Portland. I have fpoke on the road with Sir John Dempfter, 
 Tonvoodlie, Commiffary Monroe, Robert Forbes, and William 
 Brcdie'j and I find them all very well inclined. And I hope our 
 nobility that have come down with us will do very well. I have ac- 
 quainted 
 
 j6 9 8
 
 AND LETTERS. 3S5 
 
 quainted the commiffioner with the power to adjourn for eight 
 days longer ; and he and I do both agree in this, that there mould 
 be no mention made of it except it be abfolutely neceffary. I am 
 only afraid that the Duke of Queenfberry and my Lord Argyle be 
 not here foon enough. Though my Lord Argyle be now at New- 
 caftle, yet he refolves to ftay there fome days. And I am informed 
 that the Duke of Queenfberry did not come off till Wednefday laft. 
 I am wearied, and lb can only add, that I am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your mod humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Neither the Earl Annandale, Ruglen, Tullibardine, nor any of 
 the Marquis of Tweedel's family, out to meet us. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont, Lord High Commiffioner, to Mr Car- 
 stores. 
 
 Of the bad State of the Country ; which ivillbe a greater OMruclion 
 to their Bufinefs than the Oppofition in Parliament L , &c. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have not yet much to fay from what trial I have made, for there Edinburgh, 
 are not many members of parliament yet come to town ; but it is de- ^ uly J2 * 
 cernable enough, that there has been pains taken to make impref- ' 9 ' 
 fions not favourable to our bufinefs ; yet I fee no eaufe to doubt 
 much but we fhall be able to take them off. The main diffi- 
 culty and difcouragement is, from the bad appearance of the cropt 
 upon the ground. The drouth has continued long, and the corns 
 are very ihort, and look ill. Likewife the harveft, in all appearance 
 will be late ; which you know is always dangerous in this countrey. 
 The rates of all grain are likewife very high : So that truly the coun- 
 trey is in a hard and ftraitened condition j and all people are fenfible 
 
 Ccc of
 
 S 86 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 of it. But, for all this, the mod part that I have met with feem well 
 inclined to go a good length for iatisfying the King. So foon as I 
 have examined farther, I will tell you my thoughts. In the mean 
 time, you may acquaint the Earl of Portland of what I fay. I fup- 
 pofe he will not he long there, if the King goes over to Holland. 
 The Earl of Arp-vle is here ; and we are all very well. So far from 
 being idle, that I have fcarcely time to write this. I pray fail not tt> 
 let me hear from you. I am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your very affectionate friend, 
 and humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Marchmont, 
 
 P. S. Juft now Mr Gibfon the clerk of feffion tells me, that he 
 has got a deputation from the E. of Selkirk to ferve in this parlia- 
 ment for him, becaufe he is going over to Holland with the King. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Reckons upon a Plurality in Parliament. The Conquejls he has 
 
 made fence he came doivn. His Diligence. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have delayed as yet to fend you a cypher, becaufe I find I muft 
 July 12. bring a °reat many more names into it than was contained in that I 
 had at London. You will not believe what a toil and fatigue I have 
 entered into. I have as yet time to do nothing for vifits, except 
 that I fpeak to the parliament-men on by on when they come to my 
 lodgings. I find w r e will meet with difficulty ; but I affure you, 
 it is not that Tullibardine or his friends fignify any thing : It pro- 
 ceeds only from this, that there is almoft a famine in the countrey, 
 and that there is appearance of an extraordinary bad cropt. And, 
 therefore, a great many fay, that; they are not able to give fubfidies, 
 
 though. 

 
 AND LETTERS. 387 
 
 though that they have more inclination to do it under our manage- 
 ment, than if Tullibardine and his friends had prevailed. Yet we 
 ftill reckon to have a plurality : And I muft tell you of the con- 
 cmefts I have made. The Juftice-Clerk is as friendly as I could de- 
 fire, and is ufing his utmoft endeavours. My Lord Carmiehael does 
 promife pohtively to concur in every thing; though, at the fame 
 time, he is much ftraitened with the difficulties of the poverty of the 
 countrey. My Lord Annandale has made me the firPc vilit ; and 
 the Juftice-Clerk has fome hopes that he will go along with what is 
 propofed for the King, though he will not be a manager. My Lord 
 Teviot will alfo concur. My Lord Tullibardine does now appear a- 
 bove board, and is pofitive againft: all cefs; and muft fay that my 
 Lord Ruglen is of the fame mind. Ruglen has been to vifit me ; and 
 I am refolved to let him know that the King does expect that his 
 fervants mould ferve him upon this occafion. Sir Thomas Burnet and 
 Enftruther are entirely againft fubfidies. Avgyle is doing what he can 
 with Aberuchill ; and I am doing what I can with my Lord White- 
 hill. My Lord Rofs has expede his remiffion ; and, it is faid, will 
 be moil violent. I do not hear that the Chancellour has prevailed 
 upon many as yet; but he is in hopes to carry Commiffary Mon- 
 roe, and Colloden, and Torwoodlie. My Lord Sal con, I find, fel- 
 lows my Lord Tullibardine's methods. We have not as yet con- 
 certed our committees, becaufe the burrows are all at Aberdeen. If 
 the letter you mention concerning the Earl of Tullibardine come, I 
 {hall proceed upon clear grounds in the making ufe of it. The Earl 
 of Melvill and his family are all in the countrey ; and therefore as 
 yet I have no affiftance from them. The Vifcount of Tarbat pro- 
 mifes to concur. The arguments I ufe is, that there arc a multitude 
 of Jacobites in this kingdom, ready to lay hold of any opportunity 
 to make difturbance : That, though the countrey is poor, yet no- 
 thing that is to be given is to be exported out of the kingdom ; and 
 fo the giving of fubfidies will only occafion a circulation. I need 
 not trouble you with the other arguments I ufe ; but I afTute you I 
 fay as much as ever I can, and I fpatr no pains ; for I have not been 
 
 C c c 2 in
 
 3 83 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 in bed after five in the morning fince I came to this place. Tire 
 Juftice-Clerk thinks, that, if the Marquis of Tweeddel were on the 
 the exchequer, he would be right enough. My Lord Stairs has a- 
 greed to ffay out till the public bufinefs is over. I find this acl: pad 
 in England concerning the Scots linning-cloath does prejudice; and 
 fome do pretend that they will put an impofition upon Englifh 
 cloath. This is the fum of what I can give you account of this 
 night ; and I will not fail likewife to write by the next packet. I had 
 almofi: forgot to tell you, that the Earl of Lauderdale promiies to 
 concur in every thing, and to influence four or five of the mem- 
 bers. I have written to Mr Pringle of what furder is neceffary. 
 This is a journal of what has occurred. Adieu. 
 
 You may read this to the Earl of Portland ; to whom I give my 
 moft humble fervice. We are plainly refolved not to make ufe of 
 the letter of adjournment, becaufe it is not fafe for us to appear 
 frighted, though I wifh our friends had been fooner here. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Arguments againjl the Supplies. — TuUibardine pretends that he reign- 
 ed his Office becaufe he could not concur ivith the Court. — What, 
 the King /aid to him at parting. — Wifloes Lord Arbuchel ivere put 
 again upon the Council, — Wijhes that Se afield ivere as Jl iff as Mr 
 Carjlares. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, I have been in town thefe two days. I underftand there has 
 i6q 7 8, 12 Deen a deal of pains taken to influence the members of parliament 
 
 to be againft giving the King even the neceffary fupply : That of 
 the poverty of the country, and the example of Ingland's being a- 
 verfe to a flanding army, are the arguments ufed that yet appears. 
 TuUibardine gives it out, that the reafon of his demitting was, be- 
 caufe he could not go along with the defires of the court, and there- 
 fore 

 
 AND LETTERS. 389 
 
 fore chufed rather to retire himfelf than to opprefs his country, 
 People are not willing to be evidences ; but this and a deal more is 
 expreft by him. He fays further, the King made an ofFer of the 
 place to him after he had demitted ; and that the King had made 
 him a compliment when he took his leave ; told him that he was 
 fenlible he had ferved him faithfully ; that he expected the fame of 
 him ftill; and that, if fo, he fliould not want encouragement from him. 
 This is not the flrfl lie he has made to gain his point ; tho' I hope this 
 mall tend as little to his advantage as the former. I find L. Abruchell 
 thinks himfelf flighted, feverals being put on the council, and he 
 not repofTeft to the council nor exchequer ; in both which he was 
 before : I wifh it were done. I am perfuaded there will be heats 
 and brifk doings; you fhall have a particular account of all. I faw 
 your laft to the Secretary, which I am well pleafed with : I wifh he 
 were as ftifT. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Pray, give my moll humble fervice to E. Portland,. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Secretary Jheived him the King^s Letter difmijfing Earl Tulli- 
 
 bardine fro?n his Service. Blames the Chancellor for trim- 
 
 ming, and Seajieldfor yielding, He has to do uuith Men tuha 
 
 are afraid of their Shadows. 
 
 This morning the Secretary came to my lodgings, and mowed Edinburgh, 
 me the double of the King's letter anent E. Tull. You may think ^V 4 ' 
 I was not ill pleafed to fee the King had entered into fo good a mea- 
 fure. He was next to go and acquaint the Chancellor. I warned 
 him, the Chancellor would endeavour to trim in it, as indeed it pro- 
 ved fo ; for he fent for Tullibardine to his houfe, where he was two 
 hours ; and, in the afternoon, when he came to council, got the Se- 
 cretary to delay offering the letter. Indeed E. T. abfented ; but I 
 find the Chancellor would fain capitulate the matter : But I'll go to 
 
 him.
 
 39° 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 liim to-morrow morning, and ufe plain language. The report of 
 the letter quickly went abroad ; and I perceived feveral people's 
 countenances to alter. I'll tell the Chancellor, if the, King's buii- 
 nefs mifcarry, it is he is to blame : And I vow it is. We have made 
 many proielytes fmce we came hither ; and I find it is the Chancel- 
 lor's fquade will be hardeit. to work on. You fhall hear frequently 
 from me. I wifh I had you one hour upon this occafion ; for I 
 have to do with people are afraid of their own fhadows. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 He makes daily Profelytes from the Oppofition. Has not produced 
 
 the King's Letter. The Chancellor has made fenv Com erts, 
 
 Numbers of broken Officers. The Eafi-India Fleet to Sail 
 
 foon. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, Though I had none from you by the laft packet, yet I mud give 
 1 698, you an account, that I daily gain upon the other party ; and I do 
 
 tell, upon my reputation, that, if we do not carry the King's 
 affairs, none elfe would. There are abundance of people running 
 up and down for us : All the heads of the oppofite party are broke, 
 except the-Earl of Tullibardine ; and I believe his wings are clip'd. 
 I have not prelented the letter againfthim this day in council; but I 
 will prefent it the next day. I have gained the commimoner for the 
 town of Brechen under my Lord Panmuir's nofe. I have written 
 a great many letters to the country, for thofe are my friends ; and, 
 if they be well conveened, we ih .11 pufh our bufmefs at the very 
 firft ; but, if not, we moil take time to it. I have good advice, and 
 a firm party: No man deferts me ; and I hope God Almighty will 
 give me fuccefs. And I moft fay, as yet I cannot name the Chan- 
 cellor's profelytes, though I am lure he will do what he can. I 
 have multitudes of broken officers lying about my doors, and I 
 
 know
 
 AND LETTERS. S9 f 
 
 know not what to fay to fhem : Many wifh that the King would 
 by a letter fay, that he would advance them to the vacant pofts that 
 are in the Dutch regiments, or thefe that are here. The Vifcount of 
 Teviot has taken out his fecond patent from Yne ; and he promifes 
 fair to do his bed for the King's fervice : The event will try what 
 he is doing. Our Eaft-India fleet will fail the beginning of the 
 next week ; and, of fea-men and land-men, there are above 1 200 
 men, and not one woman amongft them at all. I'll not trouble you 
 with no more at prefent. They threaten us with a flood of Jaco- 
 bites coming in to take the oaths. I am Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Lord Seafi eld to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Interview ivith the Earl of Tidlibardine when he produced the 
 
 King's Letter. -The Politics of the Oppofition. African 
 
 Fleet. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I find my Lord Tullibardine is pofitively refolved to oppofe ; and, Edinburgh, 
 for that end, has brought over the Marquis of Athol and my Lord jS/ 6 ' 
 Nairn. I have been to acquaint him with the King's letter, and 
 told him, that he had no body to blame for it but himfelf. He faid 
 plainly, he could not in confcience burden the country with fo much 
 money as the expences of the eftablifhment would require ; but that 
 he would do as much for the King now as if he were in his fervice. 
 I anfwered him, that the country was as poor when he was com- 
 miffioner ; for that year there was vaft quantities of victual imported 
 both from England and Ireland, and above L. 100,000 exported in 
 fpecie; whereas, there had been little or no victual imported this laft 
 year. He faid, then it was time of war ; and I told him, then he 
 was commiffioner, and now he was not. I told him alfo, that we had 
 more need of forces now for our fecurity than we had in the time 
 
 of
 
 392 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 of war ; for then, in the cafe of neceffity, the King could have fent 
 his regiments to our afliflance. And, after a while's reafoning, we 
 parted. The letter is no more a fecret. I would have forborn 
 fpeaking of it, if I had been refti icted, till he had mifbehaved in 
 parliament ; but my Lord Chancellor was acquainted that there was 
 mch a letter, and had a copy : But, however, he -certainly defigns 
 to oppofe, and has talked to that purpofe openly. The parliament 
 is like to be very full ; and I am hopeful we mall carry it by a 
 good plurality : But they are refolving to throw in popular acts, 
 and to endeavour to prefs the palling of them, before the acts for 
 the fubfidies be in readinefs. iVly father and my wife being come 
 to town only this night, I can write no more. I mult tell you be- 
 fore I conclude, that our Weft-India fleet is fallen down the length 
 of Kirkaldie-road, and are to fet fail to-morrow or Monday; they 
 confjft of 1200 men, whereof 300 are gentlemen. This is all I 
 can let you know. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Marquis of At hoi and Lord Nairne come over to oppofe, ■ What 
 Face Tulhbar dine puts upon his being turned out, 
 
 Edinburgh, Since I writt laft poft, I am flill in better hopes that his Majefty's 
 
 ^V 6, affairs mall 20 well. 1 am told Marquis of Athol and L. Nairne 
 
 1698. ° x 
 
 co nes over to oppofe, feveral other peers comes in; but I think we 
 fhall not lofe by that. You will know by the fecretary, that Tullibar- 
 dine does not deny he is not inclinable to felTe. He told in the fhire of 
 Angus, when he was over there, that he might have kept his place 
 and been in favour, would he have gone in to the meafures of the 
 court ; but his confeience and his love to his country would not allow 
 him : He faid the fame to the fheriff of Bute, and to feveral others. 
 It is apparent, if he and his party oppofe not, it is becaufe they find 
 it will be in vain. The Secretary is refolved, next council-day, the 
 
 letter
 
 AND LETTERS. 393 
 
 fetter" mall be prefented ; and I have convinced him, it was a bad 
 meafure in tfte Chancellor to delay it. I {hall fay no further now; 
 but next I fhall have a deal. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Parliament has met. Tidlibarrfine cabals avowedly, Cid- 
 
 lodetfs Politics damned in confequence of his Activity.- He has 
 
 gained Karl Marjhal. 
 
 This day the parliament met, where all the ufual formalities part Edinburgh 
 
 • 1_ JT i-T-i 1 J u ^ v 20. 
 
 without any dilpute. 1 he letter was read yefterday turning out our 1698. 
 friend Tullibardine : He cabals avowedly ; has fent to feverals, and 
 fpoke to others, who tells me. I am very hopeful we fliall carry the 
 King's bufinefs ; all of us takes oar feveral men : I think I am hap- 
 py in being fuccefsful with thofe I undertook. But Colloden, one 
 of the commiffioner's fquade, unknown to the Secretary or me, 
 went to their club, and made a proportion, out of the fuperfluity 
 of his brain, for a compofition of difbanding a part. They run in- 
 to it prefently ; and he fancied he had obtained a victory, which is 
 quite contrary to the King's mind, and indeed would ruin the 
 whole undertaking, if yielded to. I came to underftand what pa ft ; 
 I alarmed all our friends, and told them, I would go into ro fuch 
 meafure, nor could be anfwerable ; that was but our laft recourfe, if 
 beat, when the King allowed it. So Colloden's politics are damned, 
 and we begin a frefh. I wifh it do not hurt, though we are now 
 bufy concerting our committees. Perhaps fome of our oppofers may 
 be chofen in barrons and boroughs ; for feverals that will go alonp- 
 in the main, will not refufe chufing an old brother club-man to be 
 on a committee. I have gained E. Marfhall, with all his friends. 
 I find your friend Hallcraig very frank, and feverals who you'll be 
 furprifed at ; but, before I venture to name their names, Til have 
 fome proof of their refolution in the firft Ikirmilh that paries. If 
 
 D d d Abrucehill
 
 394 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Abrucehill were reponed to his place in council and exchequer, k 
 would do good, andj be a fatisfaction to me. Sure I am I fhall be 
 fharer to a large degree in their refentment, if they be able, and am 
 partaker of the toil. It will be hard if I be not gratified in what 
 is for the fervice, as well as vindicating of my friend, and confe- 
 quently me. I am your's. 
 
 Boyle of Kelburn, afterwards Earl of Glifgow, to Mi-Carstares. 
 Of his Motion for the continuation of the Subfidies three Years.- 
 
 This would five the Exfence of a Parliament^ ivhich cofs the Na- 
 tion five months Cefs. 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 I received your obliging kind letter, and {hall never be wanting* 
 •on all occafions, to teftify my gratitude for your repeated favours. 
 1 did propofe the continuation of the fubfidies for three years at 
 leaft ; but, in the commiflioner's chamber, was over-ruled : But I 
 muft tell you, that it would have carried by a hundred to fifty ; and 
 it had been much the intereft of the country ; for our frequent par- 
 liaments are as idle and as heavy a cefs as we bear : Every feftion 
 of parliament cofts this nation five months cefs ; and three more 
 would have continued the fubfidies for the third year. Sir, No 
 doubt you have large accounts of my Lord Tullibardine and White- 
 law's behaviour, profefling their tender concern for the poor coun- 
 try, that mould be ceffed at this jun&ure ; but every man that hath 
 eyes in his head, evidently fees that it's their own humour they 
 purfue, and neither the King nor country's intereft : For my part, 
 I think no honeft man can diftinguiih betwixt the King and coun- 
 try's intereft, being infeparable in my view ; and the moft part of 
 the ftanding force we have at prefent will be found abfolutely necef- 
 £ry,in my humble opinion, even in the moft ferene and fettled peace. 
 
 I
 
 AND t E T T 8 R 3. 395 
 
 t prefume to give my moft obedient, faithful, humble duty to the 
 E. of Portland ; and am, 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 
 Your mod fmcerely affectionate, 
 and obliged faithful humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Boyle of Kelburn. 
 
 &* S. Sir, All our weft-country commiffioners have acted as ono 
 man for the King's intereft. Adieu, 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A Detail of three Days Proceedings in Parliament. — The Weaknefo 
 of the Oppo/ition, andivho ivere the Oppofers* 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have juft now done with denner, and ame verie weried with 
 the fatigue I have hade this day in parliament ; and fo cannot 
 wreat all the particular circumftances of what has occurred: But 
 we have ufed our endeavours faithfully for the King ; and, I blefs 
 Cod, with good fuccefs. We have mett in parliament but three 
 dayes. The firft day we made our publick fpeeches ; the fecond 
 ■day we gained all our committies ; and now, this day, we have 
 gained all that we propofed. The committies mett yefterday, and 
 pad a vote, nemine contradicente, (except my Lord Whitlaw, who 
 voted no,) That the number of forces upon the prefent eftablifh* 
 ment are neceflary for the fafety and prefervation of the kingdome, 
 and that therefore they ought to be continued. This day we re- 
 folved we would bring it into the houfe, and the Earl of Tullibar* 
 dine muftered all his forces. The firft poynt that was under 
 confideration was propofed by the laird of Livingftone, that fuch 
 of the members as had not figned the aflbciation, within the time 
 prefcryved be the act of parliament, mould not now be allowed to 
 
 D d d 2 figQ
 
 39 6 STATE-PAPER S 
 
 fign the fame, bot mould be expelled the houfe. After a full 
 reafoning of this matter, of which I mall give you a particular ac- 
 count, we carried it againft them by ioo and odd votes to 32; 
 and immediately thereafter Major Buntine, Forbes of Graigeware, 
 Forbes of Fovran, Bofwall of Kirkaldie, and a great many others, 
 were admitted, and figned the affociation: Bot of this fully after- 
 wards. However, this incouragement did fo damp the ether partve, 
 that they were not able to make any confiderable defence againft 
 the vote for maintaining the troops. And, to give you a fhort account, 
 inftead of a long, this night, we carried the vote of the committee, 
 in the houfe, by no to 38. We had alfo a great diipute this 
 day, about the petition of the Africane companie ; which my Lord 
 Tweedell brought in, and fett it in oppofition to the report of the 
 committie : Bot we carried it, and kept the petition of the Afrrican 
 companie from being red this day; but it will be read upon Wed- 
 denfday next. This is all I ame able to write. You may communi- 
 cate this to the Earl of Portland ; bot the flying packet will be 
 ther as foon as this, which fhall be full as to the way and manner 
 how every thing was done; and what difficulties we had, and what; 
 difficulties doe yet occur. This is all this night, I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Seafield. 
 
 I moft only let you know the oppofers. There was the Earl 
 of Tullibardine, the Earl of Ruglen, the Lord Balheaven, Grant, 
 my Lord Enftruther, my Lord Fountonhall, Sir Thomas Burnet, 
 juid Sir Francis Scott. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS, 397 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A farther Detail of the Proceedings in Parliament ; and the Con- 
 duel of particular Members. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 This day the parliament mett again. Nothing of confequence Edinburgh 
 Occuned in it, fave that, with the greateft pains, toyle, and fatigue {tV^' 
 in the world, we have carried the committees ; ib as neither 
 amongft the noblemen, barrones, nor burrows, is ther on ellected 
 bot thofe that were in our concerted lifts, whereof there is a copie 
 inclofed. Naither the Earl of Tullibardine, Ruglen, nor Bdhaven, 
 nor Marquis of Twedell, were able to get themfelves elected; for 
 we had, that did vote in every particular with us, thirtie eight 
 noblemen to eleven ; and we carried the lift of the Barrons by 1 2 
 votes ; and we had almoft the burrows Entirely. My Lord Lo- 
 thian for the nobility, Sir John Maxwell for the Barrons, and 
 the Prefident of the ferfion for the burrows, are the committie 
 appoynted for drawing the anfwer to the King's letter. This will 
 at leaft convince you, and all that underftancls any thing of 
 our bufinefs, that the Earl of Tullibardine and his followers are 
 not capable to make us any oppofition; and any body might have 
 feen them dejected enough upon this occafion. And I will fay, 
 all the meafures that have been taken this winter are acceptable to 
 the nation. Bot the greateft difficulty we have is, that the coun- 
 try is exceffively poor, and there is appearance of a very bad cropt; 
 yet, with the afliftance of God Almighty, I am hopefull we fhall 
 carrie on our bufinefs. There was verie great difficulty to get 
 my Lord Annandale brought upon the committie : However, the 
 Duke of Queenfberry and my Lord Argyll yielded, upon his pro- 
 mife to concurr in what concerns the King; and they perfuaded 
 Morton to yield in his favours. And fo, by capitulation, we got 
 on both him and Carmichall. I could have wifhed lykewife that 
 &e Earl of Lauderdale had been named ou the committie ; bot, 
 
 tho 3
 
 3 9 $ STATE-PAPERS 
 
 tho' he takes the difappoyntment a little ill, yet we durft not ad-^ 
 venture to make any furder incroachment on our coniert, lead we 
 mould have difobliged our friends ; and Lauderdale may be pleafed 
 another way. This farr we have been fuccefsful. And, fince mat- 
 ters are as I have told you, we are refolved to put matters to the 
 pufh, with all pomble heaft; and, for this end, the committee 
 for the fecurity is to meet to-morrow ; and all of us that are 
 concerned in the management will attend. Colloden and Com- 
 miflarie Monro failled us this day ; for non of them was ther 
 at the time of the electing the committee. Sir John Hume and Dal- 
 folly did concurr heartily, and Sir William Denholm of Pitliven, 
 and Sir Archibald Murray of Blacbaronie, Sir John Maxwell, Kail- 
 burne, and Mr Francis Montgomerie, and many more, have all 
 anfwered our expectation. Bot they that have done us the beft 
 fervice of any are, the Provoft of Edinburgh and Gommiffary* 
 Smollet. I will wreat again upon Saturdaye's night. Give my moll 
 humble fervice to the Earl of Portland. If we be fuccefsful 1 be- 
 twixt and Tuefday, I will prefume to write to him ; and, till then, 
 I doubt not bot you will let his Lordfhip know what has paft; 
 and you may let him know, in our names, that all of us who 
 are the King's fervants are doing, and have done our beft. The 
 Marques of Atholl is here ; bot he finds that his fon's par tie is de- 
 creeing ; and fo I think he will not come in. My Lord Tullibar- 
 dine, and thofe of his company at the Ship-tavern, were for brake- 
 ing three of the King's regiments; andfo they would have left him 
 his troop of gairds, my Lord Teviot's regiment of dragoons, his 
 regiment of foot-gaird, and that at Fort William. The project 
 now on foot, is to prefent an addrefs from the Eaft India company 
 to the parliament, a habeas corpus law, and fome other popular 
 acts; however, we {hall doe our belt as to all theie. This is all 
 
 from Y, M. H. S. 
 
 Eari,
 
 A N D LETTERS. 399 
 
 Earl of Mel vil to Mi-Carstares, 
 
 Of the Proceedings in the Committee of Security and Parliament.—* 
 Of Church-Affairs.— Whitelaiv diffented.—Annandale a Profe- 
 lyte. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I am fure the news this poft brings will be very welcome, feeing Edinburgh, 
 it carries an account of an entire defeat of theie, whofe humour or {t%P' 
 intereft engaged them to oppofe his MajenVs bufmefs. The clofs 
 and continued cabals of a malecontent party gave us fome appre* 
 henfions of a warm campaign ; but, bleffed be God, the ftorm is 
 almoft over, and nothing left to thofe grumultonians but the rc- 
 morfe in being of a party fo much contraire both to their duty and 
 true intereft. Yefterday the committee for fecurity of the nation 
 took his Majefty's raoft gracious letter into confideration, and paf- 
 fed a vote, that the mainiainance of the fame number of forces on 
 the prefent eftabliihrnent was neceflary for the fafety and fecurity 
 of the kingdom. This day the report was agreed to in parliament, 
 and carried by a plurality of votes. There is a remit to the com- 
 mittee, to confider how long the faid forces are to be keept up, and 
 what ways and means are to be fallen on for making the funds 
 moil eafy and equal to the lieges, and raoft effectual to the King. 
 The confideration of which requiring fome time to prepare and di- 
 geft the feveral fchemes and overtures to be given in on that fub- 
 jecl, his Grace thought fit to adjourn the parliament till Wednefday 
 next at ten o'clock, Mr Seaton and another of his brethren are here 
 on pretence that the late commiflion from the general aiTembly was 
 difpleafed with their meetings; and that they defigned"to have it ex- 
 plained, whether the judging of fcandalous and erroneous minifters 
 belonged to them or the privy council. If the parliament deter- 
 mine in favours of the firft, the other party will not mifs to make 
 a noife of it ; So that, for peace of church and ftate, I wiuh things 
 
 may
 
 4 oo STATE-PAPERS 
 
 may be continued in the ftate they are in, till a more feafonable op- 
 portunity offer for redreffing what may be thought amifs in ei- 
 ther. 
 
 My Lord Whitlaw alfo diffented in the committee, but fpoke 
 none. The Earl of Annandale is a proielyte, and fpoke with a 
 great deal of zeal, as all new converts ufe to do. 
 
 I write to you with the franknefs of one who relies on your 
 friendfhip ; and you may believe me entirely your's. Adieu. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to MrCARSTAREs. 
 
 Of the Schemes of the Oppofition. The Noblemen engaged in it.- » 
 
 Lauderdale and Annandale defer ted, upon hearing that the King 
 nvas to alloiv no Man in the Oppofition to enjoy Place or Peifwn. 
 ■ NeceJJary to enforce this upon the King, otherivife they ivill 
 
 be contemptible. Teviofs Injblence. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, Though my fon's condition obliged me to flay at London fome 
 j6y8. days longer than I defigned, yet I made it up by riding port, and 
 
 arrived here at the fame time I promifed the King. There never 
 was fuch caballing as we found here; and the engagements of fome 
 perfons were no lefs than under oath to appear againft the affair ; 
 which, however, we found a way to make Tome of them break. 
 They defigned at firft to give the King no iupply, nor allow of any 
 ftanding army, except the guards : But, finding that would not do, 
 my Lord Tullibardine propoied the reRricling of the army to a 
 fmaller number : However, after much debate, we brought it to 
 the queftion, and carried, that the army fhould Hand as it is. There 
 were engaged againft us at firft, the Marq. of Tweedale, E. Suther- 
 land, E. Lauderdale, E. Annandale, E. Tullibardine, E. Ruglen, 
 my Lord Duplin, Lord Eelhaven, Lord Bargainie, Lord Ruthven, 
 and Lord Burly. We found there cabal fo throng, that we were 
 
 obliged
 
 A N. D LETTERS. 401 
 
 •obliged to let it be known, that the King was refolved that no man 
 that oppofcd him mould enjoy either place or pennon of him ; up- 
 on which, the Earls of Lauderdale and Annandale came over to us • 
 and, to fhow how little pickifh we were, though we had fixed upon 
 the lilt of our great committee, yet, upon my Lord Annandale's 
 coming over, I perfuaded Morton to give his place to him. Of the 
 gcntrie, there appeared Lord Anftruther, (who has a penlion, and 
 never deferved it.) Culloden came and offered his fervice, but was 
 falfe to us ; for, befides that he abfented upon the day of battle, 
 he went to their cabals, and told, that he had a warrant from the 
 commiffioner to yield to the difbanding of fome of the forces ; 
 which was like to have taken many of our -fide from us, fever als 
 being inclined to that way of accommodation. It con us a great 
 deal of work to cure this: But he was made appear to be a liar; and 
 we have not feen his face fince. Moft of thofe that the commif- 
 fioner engaged for turned their back, fuch as Sir Alexander Monro, 
 Torwoodlie, and others. My Lord Rofs was not with us, nor had 
 the courage to be with them. Nothing contributed more to our 
 fuccefs than the laying afide Earl Tullibardine from the council : 
 And, though I never advifed the King to hard things, yet, if he 
 does not make good what we were obliged to fay, and take from 
 all thefe who oppofed him the favours they have from him, we fhall 
 be looked upon as liars, and made contemptible; whereas, if he 
 go firmly on, he may make his bufinefs eafy both to hirnfelf and 
 his fervants, and, in all reafonable things, do what he will hereafter. 
 E. Ruglen and the reft fhould immediately lofe their places and 
 penfions ; and the King may keep them void as long as he pleafes. 
 It is to be obferved, that all the oppofers are either of the family of 
 Hamilton by relation, or other ties. By this, the King may jufige 
 their llrength. And I will tell you further, that, if we had had but 
 fome days longer to have influenced people, they would not have 
 had ten to have followed them ; as it was, themfelves and all were 
 but 38. If the King fhould not think fit to do what I now advife 
 we (hall never be capable to krve him afterwards ; and what I fav 
 
 •^ c e upon
 
 Aoz STATE-PAPERS 
 
 upon my honour, is from the fincerity of my heart, and proceed? 
 from no pick : The reafon of the thing may make it a demon— 
 fixation, and is more manifeft to us that are upon the place, where 
 things have a view that cannot be expreffed by writing. I will not 
 bragg; but, if it had not been the influence we had upon our friends, 
 and the fright we put our oppofers into, by the method I have al- 
 ready told you, the matter had not been fo eafily carried. E. An- 
 nandale never came over till the night we were to chufe our com- 
 mittees, that he faw his party could not carry it i He is now very 
 forward ; how long he will continue fo, no body knows; We are- 
 to-morrow to go upon the funds, and the continuance of them, in> 
 which I hope we fhall prevail for two years at leaft : And, if the' 
 King will be pleafed to follow advice, his bufinefs after this may 
 go fmoothly on here during his life. The great Lord Teviot car- 
 ries as high as ever, and ihows ftill more and more neglect of the 
 nobility, and particularly, he defpifes my Lord Argyle and me. 
 He now difputes a point with my Lord Argyle, which he never did 
 formerly; neither with me, when I commanded the guards, nor 
 with my Lord Argyle till now ; and that is the giving of the word 
 to the guards of horfe, which he never hitherto pretended to ; nor 
 was it ever pretended to by any commander in chief in this king- 
 dom ; for, wherever the King or his CommifTioner is, the guards 
 had always the word immediately from them ; But he thinks he 
 may do what he will, and braggs of the King's favours beyond all 
 other men ; but I hope the King will in time rid us of him. I am 
 very fare it would be a great eafe and fatisfaclion to his Majefty's 
 faithful fervants here, to be delivered from fuch an unneceflary bur- 
 then, and would encourage us to proceed more vigoroufly than is 
 pofhble for us to do while he is amongft us. Give my humble 
 fervice to my Lord Portland, who I thought needlefs to trouble 
 with any account of affairs, not doubting but you will impart 
 to him what you think neceflary. My Lord Seaneld has been at a 
 great deal of pains, and was very ufeful upon this occafion. There 
 was rjever a more frequent meeting of the nobility; and they were 
 
 all
 
 AND LETTERS. 403 
 
 wSH as one man for us, except thofe few that I have already named. 
 I have now troubled you with a very long confufed letter, and 
 which I believe you will hardly read, I being obliged to write it in 
 great hafte ; but I hope you'll take it well, for I do it both becaufe 
 I value your friendfhip, and perfuade myfelf I have it ; and I hope 
 you will believe that I am moft fincerely your's, &c. So, without ce- 
 remony, adieu. 
 
 My wife has been ill upon the road ; I exped her this night at 
 Haddington, where I am juft now going to meet her. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Happy in getting over the Supplies before the Eaf -India Affairs and. 
 the Habeas Corpus. He is to endeavour to prevent ivhat is in- 
 tended for both. The Oppofers mufl meet with Difcouragement, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have no time to write to you fully ; neither is it necefTary ; for Edlnbur g^ 
 I have fent the Earl of Portland an memorial, which contains an 1698** 
 full account of all our proceedings. We have loft no time in do- 
 ing the King's bufinefs ; and it is of very great advantage ; for 
 now they are ufing their endeavours to get fomething done in fa- 
 vours of the Eaft-India company by the parliament ; and they will 
 alfo endeavour to have a vote for a habeas corpus law. I fhall do 
 what I can to prevent all thefe ; but what fuccefs I may have in it 
 I know not ; but I am fure my Lord Tullibardine's power, nor 
 Whitelaw's, do fignify nothing. The Earl of Annandale has hear- 
 tily concurred, and feems to be broke with Tullibardine. The Earl 
 of Lauderdale and Carmichael do alfo concur ; and none of my 
 friends have as yet failed me. I know you have more full letters from 
 the Earl of Argyle, the Juftice-Clerk, and the Advocate ; and 
 you may call, and I doubt my Lord Portland will let you fee the 
 
 Eee 2 memorial
 
 404 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 memorial I have fent to him. It is thought by all, that the oppo-^ 
 fers ought to meet with difcouragement, efpecially thofe of them 
 that are in the King's fervice. I have directed my letter for the 
 King under the Earl of Portland's covert. I am Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 With a Copy of Propqfals, and the Vote of Parliament. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, You may eafily imagine I cannot get much time to write. The 
 j6q8. 25 * committees have been chofen to our fatisfa&ion. You have here 
 the minutes of the two firft days, all yet publifned ; as for the third 
 day, you have the copy of a propoial, and the vote of parliament 
 on the end of it, by which you will fee, that the greateft difficulty 
 is overcome. I have fent you the copy of my fpeech, and the Lord 
 Prefident's. I have written pretty fully to the King, and have fent 
 a copy to the Earl of Portland of the letter. I am very hopeful all 
 fliall go well ; for our friends take true pains, which pleafes me 
 much. I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your very obliged friend and humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Marchmont, 
 
 Proposals of the number of Forces to be keeped up the Time of 
 Peace within this Kingdom, and for maintaining of the Dif- 
 banded Officers. Prefented by the Earl of Tullibardine. 
 
 1. Impr. The troops of guards confiding of fix fcore. 
 
 2. The regiment of foot-guards confiding of fixteen com- 
 
 panies, being two batallions. 
 
 3. A regiment at Fort-William, confiding of thirteen com- 
 
 panies.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 4^5 
 
 4. A regiment of dragoons, confiding of eight troops. 
 
 5. The garrifons in Edinburgh caille, Stirling and Dum- 
 
 barton caftles, according to the prefent eftablifhment. 
 
 6. That the field -officers of the difbanded regiments, who 
 
 have not fufficient eftates of their own, be put upon 
 half pay. 
 
 7. That the troops of guards, being in number fix fcore, do 
 
 confift of the captains, lieutenants, and enfigns of the 
 difbanded regiments, at 4 Ih. Sterling per diem. 
 
 Edinburgh 23. July 1698. 
 Refolved in plain parliament, that it is necelfary, for the fupport 
 of the government, and fafety of the kingdom, that the number of 
 the forces upon the prefent eftablifhment be continued. 
 
 (Sic fubfcribitur) S E a f 1 E L d, J. P. D. P. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his Succefs in obtaining Supplies for keeping 7ip the prefent Efia- 
 
 blifJjment two Tears. The Provojl of Edinburgh of great 
 
 life by entertaining the Boroughs. All oiving to his Majefiy's 
 
 Servants, in ivhom the Nation have Confidence. Eafl-India 
 
 Company.- Afraid they ivill prefs the Parliament to addrefs a- 
 
 gairjl Sir Paul Rycault. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 We are proceeding in the King's affairs with all the diligence Edlnburo-ir 
 
 T I J 
 
 and expedition we can ufe; for, fincemy laft, we have carried, both ,g g 7 " 
 in the committee and in the parliament, that fupplies fhall be gi- 
 ven for maintaining the forces upon the prefent eftablifhment, for 
 two years, commencing from Martinmafs 1698, and ending at 
 Martinmafs 1700. There was great difficulty in this, though at 
 laft we carried it by two to one. We fpoke to all our friends of 
 
 three
 
 4 o6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 three years at leaft ; but we found it was impoffible ; for, in the time 
 of war, they had never given above two years at once : And the 
 great argument that convinced them to continue the forces was, 
 that the peace was not yet fo fully eftablifhed, as that we could fay 
 our dangers were over. But they faid, that, if it were not fettled 
 in two years, it would never come to a fettlement. However, we 
 tried in the committee, by infinuations, a longer time than two 
 years, and my Lord CommifTioner did at laft fpeak of two years 
 and a half at leaft ; but that would not do : So we brought it a vote 
 for two years, or a fhorter time ; and it carried in the committee for 
 two years. But there was eight votes againft us, my Lord Car- 
 michael was one ; but both my Lord Lauderdale and Carmichael 
 voted for two years in the parliament. The provoft of Edinburgh 
 did us fpecial fervice in this matter ; for, the night before, he called 
 the boroughs together, and entertained them, and brought them to 
 a confent ; and ,fo we carried this matter. And I hope his Majefty* 
 will be fatisfied that we have done him good fervice ; for as yet 
 there has not been a hot word paft in parliament. Thefe that have 
 fet themfelves up for oppofition have failed in their defigns ; and 
 what is got, has been obtained by the influence of his own fervants. 
 We are apprehenfive of no danger now, except from the petition 
 of the Eaft-India Company. The nation does generally incline to 
 give them all encouragement ; for they are but immediately failed, 
 and they have 1200 men on board, with more than a year's provi- 
 fions ; and it is faid in the general, that their project is fo well found- 
 ed, and fo agreeable to their a&, that it cannot mifcarry : However, 
 I believe, and fo does moft people here, that it will not fucceed fo 
 well as is expe&ed ; but yet no man that defires to be well efteem- 
 ed of in his own country will be perfuaded to oppofe what is for 
 the intereft of the company. I told my Lord Portland, in my me- 
 morial to him, how I waved the reading of the petition the firft 
 day ; but there was neceflity for reading it yeflerday ; yet I ftopt 
 it till we got the vote pafled for the maintaining the forces for two 
 years, and then it was read j but the confideration of it was put off 
 
 till
 
 AND LETTERS. 407 
 
 till the r^ext week. In the mean time, we are preparing our funds, 
 and are doing what we can to have them adjufted before the petition 
 be coniidered. I am afraid that they prefs to addrefs the King a- 
 gainft Sir Paul Ricot ; but I fhall ufe my utmoft endeavours in this 
 matter for his Majefty's fervice. This is all the account can be gi- 
 ven you this night, by Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 With the Re/oh e of Parliament. Anxious to knoiv hoiv the 
 
 King is pleafed nvith ivhat is done. Praifes D. of §>ueensberry y 
 
 E. of Argyk) and Lord Seafield, the prefent Managers. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have not time to fay much. The laft ftep of our parliament Edinburgh, 
 you have as follows : y 6 7 g 28, 
 
 Edinburgh^ 27th July 1698. 
 Refolved in plain parliament, that funds be given for maintain- 
 ance of the number of the forces upon the prefent eftablifhment 
 for two years, viz. from November 1698 till November 1700. 
 (Sic fubfcribitur) Sea field, I. P. D. P. 
 
 I know not how this will pleafe the King ; but I am fure when 
 he comes to know all that I do, of what I have met with here, 
 his Majefty will think that this affair is brought .to a good pafs. I' 
 pray you fail not to let me know how his Majefty efteems what we 
 Have done. I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your very obliged humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Marchmont. 
 
 Boyle
 
 4 oS STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Boyle of Kelburn to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Now evident that it was the King alone who Jupporled the oppofitc 
 Party. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 Edinburgh, I queftion not but you have got feveral accounts of the proceed- 
 July 2 9 : Jngs of thig f e ff lon f parliament, how that my Lord Tollibardine, 
 and Ruglen, and Whitelaw, with all the followers they coi 1 
 barefacedly oppofed the King's bufincfs in everything hithertd; 
 but the King's affairs have gone on as well as could be wifhed ; for 
 we continued the forces upon the prefent eftablifhment for two 
 years, by a hundred and ten votes to thirty-eight: So that now 
 that club-faftion that fet themfelves up as a negative upon the 
 King's bufinefs is out of doors, and many of their followers fall off 
 daily, and frankly vote in the funds for fupplying the forces ; fo 
 that there were not above eight perfons that went alongft with them 
 againft the fefs. I hope that which I have confidently afferted to 
 the Earl of Portland is now evident, that it was the King alone 
 that {imported that party : And now all honeft men have reafon to 
 thank God that the King's bufinefs goes on fo chearfully, fo fmooth- 
 ly and fo free of the lead heat and animofity. And I can affure 
 you, Sir, that the Duke of Queenfberry, my Lord Argyle, and my 
 Lord Seafield have no fin all mare in this great unanimity. The con- 
 dition of our country is very calamitous ; and, if it had not been for 
 the p-reat value and regard that many members of parliament had 
 for the prefent managers of the King's bufinefs in this parliament, 
 fuch chearfulaefs could not have been expeded. So begging par- 
 don for this trouble, I ever am, 
 Dear S I R, 
 
 Your moft obliged, faithful, humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Boyle of Kelburn. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS, 409 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Acl for Supplies touched with the Sceptre. ■ A motion of Te- 
 viot dale's and another of Tullibardine' s rejecled, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I fend you the minutes of the 27th and 29th days federunts. Edinburgh, 
 This day the ad was read again, and reafoned upon ; and, after fome i6 9 8. 3 °' 
 debate, was approven, having very few votes againft it : Then be- 
 ing figned by the Lord Prefident of parliament, I called for it to the 
 throne, and I gave the royal aflent by the touch of his Majefly's 
 fceptre. 
 
 The Marquis of Tweedle prefented an overture in writing, that 
 neither the troop nor regiment of guards fhall hereafter be called 
 to ferve out of this kingdom, except they take their rank and poft 
 that is due to them as the guards of the King of Scotland. 
 
 This occafioned fome reafoning ; but the Lord Prefident had 
 a very pertinent difcourfe; whereupon the overture was let fall. 
 Then the E. of Tullibardine moved, that ane appropriating claufe 
 mould be added in the act; but, after fome reafoning, the houfe 
 fhewing no inclination to it, the motion was let fall. 
 
 I think meafures have been difcreetly taken in this feffion ; and I 
 am perfuaded that his Majefty will be of the fame opinion when 
 he has an account of all particulars. I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your very affectionate humble fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Marchiviont, 
 
 Lord Seafi eld to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Enlarges upon the Particulars in the foregoing Letter.- -Defi- 
 
 rous, ifpoffible, to keep off from addreffing in behalf of the Afri- 
 can Company ; but lucky that the King's Bufinefs is almofl over, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have written very fully to the Earl of Portland this night. E dinbur h 
 His Majefties affairs doe not as yet go on very well. His forces J ul y 30, ' 
 
 Fff are l6 * 8 -
 
 4io STATE-PAP *ERS 
 
 are now fupplied for two years after the firft of November. The E, 
 of Tullibardine, Marques of Tweedell, Ruglen, my Lord Whit- 
 law, Sir Francis Scot, and Lord Enftruther, did continue to oppofe 
 to the laft; and, when all would not doe, they firft endeavoured to 
 gett appropriating claufes adjected, that it might appear that the 
 parliament had no truft in the King ; but they failed in this- pro- 
 ject: And then it was propofed by the Marques of Twedell, and 
 furder enlarged upon by the Earl of Tullibardine, that ther fhould 
 be an exprefs claufe in the ad for the fubfidies, difcharging the 
 troop of guards, and foot-guards, to be imployed in his Majefty's 
 fervice abroad, untill they were reftored to their rank as guards 
 for the King of Scotland, I told them, that what information 
 they had given in this matter, was undeutie to the King, and 
 falfe in matter of fact ; and, tho' the regiment of foot-guards did 
 take place immediately after the Dutch guards, yet that was by reafon 
 that they wer eftablifhed a regiment of Englifh guards : And the 
 propofall meeting with little fatisfa&ion in the houfe, they were 
 forced to let it fall. They had feveral other extravagant pro- 
 pofals to have made ; but, the firft not fucceeding, they did forbear. 
 If it pleafe God that I have the honour to fee the King, I (hall let 
 him know fully all that paft ; and I hope his Majefty will be con- 
 vinced that we have ferved him faithfully and afTe&ually, and that 
 it is his intereft that the oppofers be difcouraged. The parliament is 
 adjourned till Wednefday, that we may have time to work off the 
 African addrefs if poffible, at leaft to make it very fmooth ; but we 
 defire the firft : But of this I fhall write more fully afterwards. It is 
 good that the King's affairs is almoft over; it will make the oppofers 
 more calm then otherways they would have been. I am your M. 
 H. S. 
 
 I have an untollerable fatigue. I did preceed this day in the 
 above feven hours, and did thereafter give a publick dinner. So 
 you will excufe me if my accounts be not fo full. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 411 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A lively Recapitulation of the Conducl of the different Parties in 
 Parliament. — Hoiv federal of the Individuals on both Sides be- 
 haved, — Anxious about the African Company's Affair s\ but glad 
 the Supplies are over before they come in. — Subflance ofhisfpeech. 
 
 In my laft I acquainted you how well his Majefty's affairs pro- Edinburgh, 
 fpered in the hands of thofe he is pleafed torepofe truft in; and, to f 6 ug 8 \ 4, 
 inform you of true matter of fact, not one of thofe who depend 
 on D. Queenfberry, V. Seafield, or myfelf, have failed in one vote ; 
 nor have our prolilites, who are not our immediate dependers, 
 which number are not a few, and when the roles of parliament 
 are produced, they fhall be particularly known. Sir Archibald 
 Muir has acted a good part ; and the tack to the borroughs has 
 heen of good ufe upon this occafion. Mr Francis Montgomrie 
 (I may call him one of V. Seafield's fquade) has been forward, and 
 has induced feverals, to my knowledge, to his Majefty's intereft ; 
 and, of thofe which have their eye on the D. Queenfberry, Kel- 
 burn has been very active ; and feverals, who never voted for 
 fefTe formerly, has been forward in it now. As for my fhare, I 
 fhall leave it to others to acquaint you ; only one thing I am a little 
 vain of: I caried two Hamiltons of the family Barns Hamilton, 
 and Hamilton for the town of Lanarick, who love not to part 
 with their money. A great many fuch pafTages has been wrought, 
 which, in proper time and place, will not be a mifs to be told. 
 Juftice Clerk has indeed behaved himfelf very well and forwardly 
 in the whole. L. Carmichaell, who you know both of us has a 
 kindnefs for, made fome flips ; he was for a year and a half in 
 place of two years. E. Anandale, who we likewife brought into 
 the committee, at the commiffioner's defire, has gone franckly on. 
 How long he will continue his countenaunce, I cannot determine ; 
 but, at this time, by the undeferved compliment we put upon him, 
 
 Fff2 he
 
 4 T2 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 he has been pretty forward ; by which you fee I fend you true 
 matter of fact. E. of Sutherland, though dofed, and void of both 
 fenfe and words, voted ftrongly againft the King in all the 
 votes, as did L. Enfter, L. Salton, L. Rivan, L. Bargenie. As 
 for L. Rofs, I gained him to vote but nonliquid, and thereafter 
 voted along with us ; but fpoke little or non. As for the M. 
 of Tweedale, he has acted a foolifh part ; for they have made 
 him give in all the foolifh propofals. E. Tulibardine appears 
 malicious even to the King's perfon, as you will know by his pro- 
 pofals from V. Seafield. M. of Atholl is all this time in town, 
 but comes not to parliament. E. Ruglen voted boiftroufly againft 
 the continuing the forces, and againft the fupplys. L. Fountinhall 
 has oppofed. Now, leaft you chance to fay too mutch in fome 
 of our friends behalfs, and I would not any way have you at a lofe, 
 you moft know our friend Melvine has not opened his mouth 
 fcarce all this feffion, nor E. Leven but once, that I remember, 
 anent the members who had not qualified in ther favours : They 
 have both voted right in all their votes; but the little thing, the 
 brother, has voted wrong in almoft all the votes; as has likewife 
 L. Burlie and Rydie, who are near all their dependers I fee them 
 have at prefent. I fhall put no conftruction ; but I think it a naif* 
 fortune Sir Alexander Monro has abfented. Colloden fometimes 
 abfented ; when he was prefent, voted againft the King. Torwod- 
 lie voted againft the King ; the Laird of Grant furious againft the 
 King's bufinefs; and the Laird of Livingfton, with Brodie of 
 Hafliik ; the Laird of Prefton has acted the fame part. Whitlaw 
 was furious at firft, as one that had been robbed of pofleflion, as well 
 as expectation ; but, in the end, he proves a little pacified, but ftill 
 wrong. The other day, ther was a petition prefented by Dalyell 
 of craving warrand to cite Mure of Callwall, pretending 
 
 he was not oblidged to repeat : I heard it calmly at firft ; but, 
 in the end, when I found it was like to meet with favour, I at- 
 tacked it fo vigoroufly, that he withdrew it ; and next day I preft 
 a vote in the matter : So that by a vote it was refufed. I thought 
 
 it
 
 AND LETTERS, 
 
 4i3 
 
 it was not good, upon any fpecious pretence, to open that door, 
 now his Majefty's forces are fecured ther maintainance for two 
 years : More was not poffible to obtain ; had we afked more, I am 
 pofitive we had been run to one year ; for our ftrongeft argument 
 for cefs being necefTity, and the prefent uncertainty of the peace, 
 the King of Spain's condition, and the King's not having fettled thofe 
 alliances he was now about to make ; for you moft think all of us 
 pretended to be very knowing, as you fhall fee by the inclofed 
 paper, which is, as near as I can remember, all I faid upon the 
 occafion, when the number of years came to be debated in the 
 houfe. You cannot imagine what fatigue V. Seafield has under- 
 gone ; and, to confider what a turn four days made to the better, 
 after our arrival, it looks like a dream. They had made fuch 
 curfed lies, to obftruct the King's bufinefs, that all of a fudden 
 they loft their reputation, when the truth was told. The parlia- 
 ment is adjourned to the 3d, in which day the African com- 
 pany's addrefs is to be confidered ; which, I muft confefs, is the 
 only thing I ever feared. One comfort I have, the King's bu- 
 finefs is now done ; and much will remain in the commiflioner's hand, 
 not to let them go to any hight, if any of our friends mould grow 
 houmerfome upon this fubjecl:; tho' I am not out of hopes to have 
 the better in this affair, by fmoothing them a little. Ther other pro- 
 jects you will have from the fecretary; befides what's offered, you 
 fhall have from me. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 My moft humble fervice to the Earl of Portland. 
 
 The parliament, in my humble opinion, by their continuing 
 the forces upon the prefent eftablifhment, have fhewed their 
 gratitude to his Majefty, for the many great things he has done 
 for us ; and they have alfo fhewed their confidence in his Majefty, 
 and ther value of his opinion, fince he has been pleafed to declare 
 the prefent army neceffary, that they have done the fame. We 
 now underftand, by his Majefty's commiflioner, that two years is 
 the leaft his Majeftie thinks can be condefcended on for your 
 
 fecurity :
 
 414 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 fecurity : Should you diminifh of that time, it would derogate 
 from your former vote, wher you {how that deference to his 
 Majefty's opinion. His Majefty is now going in abroad, in order 
 to make thofe alliances which may fecure the peace of Europe : 
 And, fince the Englifh parliament has not done all their bufinefs as 
 yet, its probable ther next feffion may be long; and, though 
 his Majefty intends to be amongft us, it cannot be prefumed, 
 upon thofe confiderations, he can be here before this time two 
 years. Why then mould we take the opportunity from his Majefty 
 of doing in perfon, what all of you fays would be acceptable, of 
 lemming your charge, if the circumftances of affairs will allow, 
 which we cannot in juftice doubt of, he having always mowed .lb 
 much tendernefs to his people. I move, theretore, that the two 
 year for maintaining the army be voted ; and what we doe we 
 may doe frankly. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. v 
 
 A minute and exacl Detail of the Proceedings in Parliament re- 
 lative to the African Company. Defence of the King and 
 
 Secretaries in the Affair of the Hamburgh Memorial. Endea- 
 vours to wave the Prorogation of the Immunities of the Campany, 
 and afferting its Privileges ; ivho for and againjl this Moti- 
 on. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edinburgh, In my laft, I acquainted you that that the fubndies were paft, 
 A 6 US 8 * '" and, for making the funds certain, ther is a roup of the excife 
 appointed next week ; and we are hopeful, if ther be any diffe- 
 rence, to make it up, by turning the excife of brandy upon the 
 importers, and taking it off the retailers ; which will make L. 5000 
 and has hitherto amounted to little or nothing. I did alfo in- 
 form
 
 AND LETTERS. 4 t 5 
 
 form you, that I had prevented the effect of that propofal of the 
 Marquifs of Tweedel, and feconded by the E. of Tullibardine, of 
 hindring the regiment of guards to be employed abroad, untill 
 they were reftored to their rank. I am juft now informed, that 
 they defire to propofe, that none but Scotfmen mall be employed 
 in the army. This is fo ridiculous, that I have no apprehenfion 
 of danger from it : But what troubles me mod is, the petition and 
 demands of the African company. I mall now endeavour to give 
 you a full and plain account of what has paft in that matter. 
 Yefterday was appointed for taking that matter under confideration ; 
 and, therefore, without mowing any apprehenfions of danger, 
 after reading of the minutes, I ordered the clerk to read the petition : 
 Some prefled the reading of the memorial ; but I waved that. There 
 was at firu- a long filence ; and I believe they expected that I 
 mould have fpoke: But I faid nothing. At laft, Sir Francis 
 Scott faid, that, by the filence, he thought it was the opinion of 
 the houfe, that the defire of the petition mould be granted. I 
 anfwered him, that as yet I heard none of that opinion but him- 
 felf; whithall, I told him, that what was under confideration was 
 of confequence ; and that I did not doubt it would be fully fpoke to. 
 Then the M. of Tweedle, E. of Tullibardine, L. Whitlaw, and Sir 
 John Houfton, made their refpe&ive fpeeches, upon the great con- 
 cern that all the nation had to fupport the Eaft India Company; 
 that a great fume of money had been advanced abroad upon that 
 project ; that their mips were failed with a good number of men 
 and officers, and with a confiderable cargo; and that, notwithfrand- 
 ing of this, if the company did not meet with encouragement from 
 the parliament, by afferting of their privileges, and by giving 
 them a prorogation of their immunities, it would infallibly go to 
 ruin. I waited a confiderable time; but none of the King's fer- 
 vants fpeaking any thing, I thought it needfull to fpeak my mind 
 freely ; and yet I did it fo, as that my enemies could catch no 
 advantage of what I faid. I did, in the "firft place, acknowledge, 
 that it was of very great concern that the company mould profper, 
 
 and.
 
 4 i6 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 and that I thought the only difpute among us would be, concern- 
 ing the way and manner of giving fupport and aftiftance to it ; 
 and I told plainly, that the demanding of a prorogation of the 
 immunities was neither needfull, nor proper to be propofed at 
 this time ; my reafons were, that there were yet 1 9 years to run 
 of the years granted them by the act of parliament ; that in that 
 time there would be feveral parliaments, and they would have more 
 fit opportunitys of propofing this prorogation. And, in the next 
 place, it would be more eafily obtained after their colony is fettled 
 than now ; for as yet it is uncertain if it would be of any ufe to 
 them or not. But, in the third place, I told, that the company 
 could not expeft that this could be granted ; becaufe neither my 
 L. Commiflioner nor I, who were employed for a long time in 
 the preparing of the inftru&ions, had the leaft infinuation that 
 any fuch thing would be propofed ; and, fince there was no ne- 
 ceflity of having this either granted or refufed, now I hoped no 
 body would have the confidence to infift further in that matter. 
 And whereas it had been faid, that it was of fmall confequence to 
 the King, and that it was of great import to the company, be- 
 caufe it would convince them that they were under the King and 
 parliament's protection, I told them, that there might be many 
 propofals made of greater advantage to the company than this, 
 which was of fo fmall import ; and it would be crofs and contrary 
 to the intereft of the company to prefs a vote, when they were fure 
 they could not have the commhTioner's affent ; for that was rather 
 to make all believe that they could not have that encouragement 
 which they pretended is fo neceflary at prefent; and ther could be 
 no bad confequence in delaying the preffing of it till a more fit 
 opportunity. And, after this point was fully reafoned upon, I then 
 fpoke to the other parts of the petition ; and, in particular, as to 
 what concerned the memorial given in to the fenate of Hamburgh -. 
 And I told them, that, as to that particular, I was able to give them 
 full fatisfadion ; and I would fay nothing in that matter but what 
 I mould find vouchers for in the houfe. I told them that, im- 
 
 mediateh
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 417 
 
 mediately after giving in that memorial, the King went abroad to 
 Holland ; that my L. Tullibardine and I came fhortly thereafter 
 to Scotland; that the company made application to us ; that they 
 told us they defigned to addrefs the lords of privy-councill ; that 
 we diverted them from it, and perfuaded them to fend their petition 
 by us to the King, which they did ; that we both interpofed, with all 
 the earneftnefs pofible, for a good anfwer ; and that his Majefty 
 did, upon this, very gratioufly promife, by his letter to us, that he 
 would give orders to his reffident at Hamburgh to make no further 
 oppofition in his name ; that we did read this letter to the general 
 councill of the company ; that we gave them an exad copy of it, 
 figned by us both ; upon this they returned us their thanks. The 
 company did immediately difpatch this anfwer t© their correfpon- 
 dent at Hamburgh ; and there they did endeavour to underftand if 
 the King had given orders to his reiident in the terms thereof, 
 which his Majefty had delayed untill he returned, and untill he 
 mould have the opportunity of fpeaking with hisfervants concerning 
 that matter ; and then his Majefty did give thefe orders ; and 
 the company, not knowing that they were given, did again 
 prepare to addrefs the privy-ccuncil, but thereafter altered their re- 
 folutions, and fent an addrefs to the King, to be delivered by us 
 both, and which we did ; and his Majefty gave us a very good an- 
 fwer, and told us, that he had given his orders to his refident, not 
 tooppofethe company in what they fhould propofein the terms of the 
 acl: of parliament and letters patent. This anfwer we fent to Sir 
 Francis Scott, who was prefident of the council, which I did not 
 doubt was fatisfying; and thereafter we heard no more from the com- 
 pany : And fo I thought, fmce the King had done fo much for them 
 in this matter, that they would not offer to give him any farther trouble 
 concerning it. My L. Tullibardine could not deny the truth of what 
 I faid ; and I found the houfe very well fatisfied with this account of 
 the matter of fact ; but he and the other oppofers ftill infifted to 
 have a vote palled for prorogating the immunities granted to th? 
 company ; and then both my L. Annandale and my Lord Juftice- 
 
 G S g Clerk
 
 418 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Clerk fpoke very well againft this demand, as likewife did my 
 L. Prefident of the feffion and Sir John Hume. The Prefi- 
 dent, in the end of his fpeech, made a propofal, that it mould he 
 remitted to a committee to confider what encouragement mould be 
 given to the company. Upon this occaiion, my L. Whitelaw infift- 
 ed to have that fingle point difculfed in the houfe without any com- 
 mittee, and faid, that he did not think that that was a good argu- 
 ment for the houfe to forbear proceeding, that his Majefty had not 
 given an inftruction. I told him, that I thought it was upon this occa- 
 fion, feeing what the company was demanding was the King's annex- 
 ed property, his cuftoms ; but, after a great deal of difpute, for this lafted 
 above three hours, that I did not fo much as fit down, it came to be a- 
 greed to by all, except three or four, that this affair mould be commit- 
 ted; and then the difpute arofe, if there mould be a new committee e- 
 lected, or if it mould be committed to the committee of fecurity; and we 
 carried it by a great majority, that it mould be remitted to the commit- 
 tee of fecurity; and this day we have met, and has had this matter un- 
 der our confideration; and the directors of the company have prefent- 
 ed to us feveral new propofals : The firft is, that there be an addrefs 
 to the King, that he give it under his hand that he will protect the 
 company in all their privileadges. The fecond is, the prorogation 
 of the years. The third is, That there be a new act ratifying the 
 priviledges of the company. And the fourth demand, that the two 
 fmall frigates may be given for their ufe. I confefs I was angry 
 when thefe were propofed ; but I hope it (hall turn to our advantage; 
 for this does plainly make appear, that the directors of that com- 
 pany proceed by way of humour, and have no regard either to the 
 honour of the King, or the fatisfaction of his fervants, or the true 
 intereft of the company ; and nothing does ftraiten us in all this 
 matter, but that the raoft honeft and well-inclined men to the King's 
 government, are both concerned in the company, and do not defire 
 to oppofe any thing that is propofed for it ; and the whole minifters 
 of the nation are praying for the fuccefs of that company ; and many 
 people have their friends and relations that have gone volunteers in 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 419 
 
 the fhips. God knows what a trouble this matter is to me, and 
 what anxiety is upon my fpirit to get fairly out of it, which I am 
 hopeful I fhall. We do treat and carrefs the members, and have 
 our friends at work doing all they can with them. I hope, after to- 
 morrow, to give you an account of the iflue, which is of great con- 
 fequence. We all think that we come well off, if we can get a fmooth 
 and eafy addrefs paffed to the King, for protecting the company in 
 their privileges. This will be no act of the King or his commiffion- 
 ers ; and it is not to be imagined but that fomething of this kind 
 would be done. I could write to you of feveral other particulars 
 which I forfee; but this account is already too tedious. Give my 
 moft humble fervice to the E. of Portland, and let him have this 
 memorial, which I think may be read to the King. I am your M. 
 H. S. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 With Minutes of Parliament. Deftres to knoiv hoiv the King re- 
 
 lifhes the Parliaments Addrefs in favour of the Company. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I fend you here the minutes of parliament of the 30th July Edinburgh, 
 and the 3d of Auguft. The matter of the African Company, which j^Jf. * 
 was the great handle the oppofers reckoned upon whereby to cre- 
 ate us trouble, is now over, by an addrefs from the parliament to 
 his Majefty, in fuch terms as I hope fhall pleafe him. I have fent 
 a copy of it to the E. of Portland. I am much concerned to know 
 how his Majefty likes it. I am fure it coft us great pains to bring 
 that matter to this pafs. I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your very affectionate humble fervant, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 G g g 2 Duke
 
 420 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares, 
 
 Defires that the King may gratify Mr Primrofe of Dalmeny in his 
 
 Pretenfions to be a Vifcount. His being Commiffioner for the 
 
 Shire of Mid-* Lothian. His great Efate, and his Services in 
 
 this Parliament^ entitle him to that Honour, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, yy e ^ ave now g Qt through moft "of our bu finds ; and witfi no 
 1698. fmall pains, and fome dexterity too, we have got the blow put by 
 
 which was defigned by the addrefs of the African Company ; and I 
 hope what is refolved in that matter will be acceptable to the King ; 
 and indeed lefs could not be done where the intereft was fo univer- 
 fal. I know you will have a more particular account of this and other 
 things from others; fo I fhall only now fay one thing to you. You 
 already know how we have been obliged to ply people for their af- 
 fiftance and concurrence, and, among others, Mr Primrofe of Dalme- 
 nie has been very ufeful ; he ferves for this Ihire, and by that means 
 is called with the nrft in the rolls of commiflioners for mires ; he is 
 a man of a great eftate,and very good fenfe: Thefe things made his 
 vote examplary ; and he was alfo a very diligent folicitor with his 
 acquaintances. I believe you are not ignorant of his pretenfions to 
 be a Vifcount ; he has now deferved it before he gets it, while o- 
 thers forgot the obligations lately put upon them by titles of that 
 fame nature. I hope this will be done ; and, to tell you the truth, 
 my L. Seafield and I are a little engaged in it. As I told you be- 
 fore, if the K. continue firm, and be pleafed to follow the advice that 
 will be given him, he may have Scotland in his hand ; but, as he 
 muft encourage his friends by little marks of favour, fo he muffc 
 difcourage his enemies ; at leaft, make them, in fo far as their inte- 
 reft or influence depends on himfelf, incapable to do him hurt : And 
 the more frankly thefe things be done, they will have the better ef- 
 fect
 
 AND LETTERS. 42 r 
 
 fed. Give my fervice to E.Portland; and believe me fincerely 
 your's, &c. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the Addrefs of the Parliament. — Pains taken to prevent it ; — ■ 
 
 and, iv hen thdt would not do, to clip it. The King may now 
 
 eJlabli/Jj his Servants, by putting Marks of Difpleafure upon the 
 Oppqfirs. — He miifi beware of Trimming. — A curious Pajfage be- 
 twixt Lord Montgomery and Lord Anfruther. 
 
 Since I writ laft, our time in parliament has been moftly took up Edinburgh, 
 with that affair of the African company's addrefs, the double ,<tyg. ' 
 whereof I conclude will be tranfmittedby the fecretary : It was fign- 
 ed by L. Baiil Hamilton as prefidentto a fcrimp committee. You'll 
 fee it is an angry one. All pains were took to divert the parlia- 
 ment's addreffing at all, a proportion being made by us, that the 
 fecretary mould reprefent to the King the inclinations of his par- 
 liament in relation to that company : But, in fhort, what betwixt 
 the few angry people, and a deal of well-meaning men, who have 
 not all the reach requifite, fo ftrong was the humour for addreffing, 
 that our laft refolve was to go into it with them, which is drawn 
 as eafy as was poffible ; the narrative of it is the harfheft part : And 
 you will fee, by the wording of the parliament's addrefs, that the 
 fiing is took out of the expreffions in it as much as argument could 
 prevail; as for example, (tending toleflen); for the others would have 
 had it a pofitive rough affertion ; and, when you perufe the dou- 
 ble fent by the fecretary, you'll fee it all through clipped as much 
 as poffible of what might choak ; and, in the terms it is, its paffed 
 unanimoufly ; which, in my opinion, is much the beft, confidering 
 the general concern the generality has in the company. I know the 
 Advocate and others will be full in their accounts as to this matter. 
 I mall fay nothing farther in it. It is now in the King's power to 
 
 eftablifh
 
 422 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 eftablifh his fervants, who have been always faithful to him, and 
 particularly upon this occafion, what is done being of no fmall *con- 
 fequence, confidering the prefent circumftances. I mean, his Ma- 
 jefty may fo fettle the government, that it cannot be hereafter in 
 the power of an angry Tullibardine, or of any one family in Scot- 
 land, to caufe him to doubt fuccefs in what concerns his Majefty. 
 In what accounts I have from time to time given you, I have ftudied 
 true matter of fact : And one thing I fhall fay, though it may look 
 a little vain, though very evident to thofe upon the place, that no- 
 thing has facilitate the King's bufinefs at this time more than the 
 love and regard the people has to thofe who managed ; for, confi- 
 dering the prefent poverty of the country, and the name of peace, 
 our arguments would have little prevailed, had we not pleaded 
 kindnefs. One thing I will fay, that, if his Majefty can be on the 
 place to honour us with his prefence at the end of the two years, 
 and that mean time he be pleafed to follow the meafure he faid he 
 would before we had finifhed, nay, begun this hard work ; if fo, I 
 doubt not but he may obtain any thing of this parliament which I 
 know he will afk : But, if we turn again to a trim, and not fhow 
 marks of difpleafure effectually to the oppofers, we fhall be thought 
 liars, and rendered lefs capable to ferve him upon a pinch. I fhall 
 tell you one expreflion L. Enfter had to L. Montgomery the other 
 day. Says L. Montgomery, I admire moft of you all that are op- 
 pofers of the King's affairs, how E. Ruglen ventures, fince I know 
 the love he has for his money ; his place is advantageous. L. En- 
 fter replied in paffion, What ! Do you think the others have intereft 
 to turn him out ? No, fays he, they dare not propofe it. And, to 
 prove him a liar, pray do me the favour to offer it in my name to 
 E. Portland, that it is his for his Majefty's fervice particularly E. 
 Ruglen meet with fuch treatment as he gave the King when we 
 afked the fupply : And, when he is kick'd out, can any body fay 
 but it is juft he refufes the King money, and the King will let him 
 have no more of his money. This is but modeft to propofe ; it is 
 ftating his Majefty and E. Ruglen but upon an equal foot, as to the 
 
 refent-
 
 AND LETTERS. 423 
 
 referring part. Some think the King will not venture to frown on 
 the houfe of Hamilton; but I am not of that mind; an example that 
 way is worth two. The leaft his Majefty's fervants can expeft after 
 what is pad is his countenance, and difcountenance to the oppofers. 
 And when all the fteps of our procedure is reviewed, it will be feen we 
 took no advantage, but with moderation, making the King's inte- 
 reft our ftandard, ftill having a regard to our country, with whom 
 we have gained intereft, in fpite of the King's enemies and oppo- 
 fers. Nothing has advanced affairs more than the happy choice 
 of our Prefident to the parliament. I confefs I once thought Leven 
 might a performed that part, but I find the old man fometimes does 
 prevail with him, which would not have fuited with our moderation. 
 The fecretary has promifed by this exprefs, to recommend Captain 
 Menzies to be ft o re_kee Per in the caftle of Edinburgh, in the place, 
 of Tames Row, who is decrepit, and keeps his bed, and is ufelefs. 
 This Menzies is married to my uncle Neil's daughter, and fo my 
 coufin-german ; which I flatter myfelf will induce you to be affift- 
 ing m procuring him the place. You will have account from every 
 body how affifting all of us has been to the commiflioner, gaining 
 him all the refpeel: imaginable upon this occafion ; for, if his Grace 
 of Queeniberry, the Secretary, and a very few others of us, had not 
 been good feconds to him, it had been unfortunate; for, alas ! Com- 
 mffar Monro, . Culloden, and Torwoodlie, and Jarvifwood, either 
 oppofed, deferted, or fell fick ; which I fay not out of any reafon, 
 but pity the unluckinefs of fo many fundry accidents falling out 
 to one fquade. My moft humble fervice to E. Portland. I am 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 to
 
 424 
 
 STATE-PAPER S 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 1698 
 
 The Commiffioner fpins out the Parliament for his oivn Advantage. 
 Seaf eld tired of a Scheme to bring my Lord Stairs into Par- 
 liament. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, Your challenge in your laft engages me to write to you oftener 
 Au S- x 3- n or you will think worth your while ; hut, fince you defire it, you 
 fhall have my fcribble, though little worth. Our 88 goes on fo 
 flowly, that fome honeft men begin to defert and go home ; 122 
 fpinning it off for his own advantage ; 1 19 feems to be weary of it. 
 You will be furprifed, when you underftand there is fo good an un- 
 derftanding, beyond expectation, by 47 treating n, 30, 128, with- 
 in thefe two days, where was 119; and there is nothing but cove- 
 nants entered into. 145 was there, and that morning vifited 128 
 anent 100 his coming in; and the firft vifit being thus made, it was 
 expected 128 mould have been foftened by it ; but I have no rea- 
 fon to think fo. Next week we will fee it, 100 being expected to 
 come into 88. 30, whom you call my friend, outruns moft in 76 
 affairs; but I cannot fay it is much trufted. I hear he has writ to 
 you, though nothing fignified to me. I wifh you good friends. 
 Mind 8, who expects your friendfhip : And this day 119 dined 
 with him in the country. 123 has not been well, and is in the 
 country this eight days. 47 is gone to the country for three days ; 
 And, fince you were pleafed to offer to recommend me to your 
 friends, you will be pleafed to do it, (though I am no new tackfman 
 of the bifhops rents), and particularly to 119. Adieu moft 
 
 heartily. 
 
 148 gives his fervice to you, who has been very active for 76 
 
 his bufinefs with 88. 
 
 Lord 
 
 88, Parliament. 122, Marchmont. 1 19, Seafield. 100, Earl of Stairs.
 
 AND LETTERS. 425 
 
 Lord Se afield to Mr Car st a res. 
 
 Difficulty in raifing a Fund for broken Officers, and disbanded Sea- 
 men. The amount of the JExcife, &c. 
 
 S I R, ' 
 
 Since my laft, we have been endeavouring in the committees to Edinburgh, 
 procure fome relief to the broken officers and to the difbanded fea- A ^ * 5 * 
 men ; and we have hopes to came an act for poll-money ; but it is 
 to be fo regulate as that it will not reach the poor : And I muft again 
 tell you, that this nation was never in fo low a condition, for they 
 have neither money nor bread, which has made all ourbufinefs the 
 more difficult to us. However, I blefs God we have ferved his Ma- 
 jefty effectually ; and he may govern this nation for two years with- 
 out anv trouble, for the funds are good and certain. We have roup- 
 ed the excife this day for 40,000 pounds, free of all deductions or 
 abatements ; fo that, in the haill, there is four fcore eight thoufand 
 pounds yearly for maintaining the forces, which is near four 
 thoufand pounds more than the eftabliihment : And, if funds be gi- 
 ven that can clear a part. of the arrears of the army, I do not fee 
 where the King can meet with any trouble ; but, on the contrary, 
 he has it in his hands to bring matters to fuch a fettlement, as that 
 it will be far eafier to continue his army, than it has been now to 
 preferve it entire. And I find all his Majefty's fervants in England 
 do take particular notice of what we have done; and I hope it may 
 prove to be of good influence even there. We will draw this par- 
 liament to a conclufion as foon as poffibly we can. I mall be capa- 
 ble to write fully to the E. of Portland by my next ; and, in the 
 mean time, this will make my excufe, and will ferve to let you 
 know what is a doing. I am, in all fincerity, Y. M. H. 3. 
 
 Hh h Earl
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Se afield to Mr Car stares. 
 
 Of the Earl of Arran's being made Duke of Hamilton. Tullibar- 
 
 dine's Propofal to bring hi the Earl of Stairs. Difappointed by 
 
 a Vifit ivhich Queens berry, Argyle, Philiphaugh, and Seaf eld paid 
 
 him at Neivli/lon. The Terms upon zvhich he agreed not to 
 
 claim his Seat. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have received your's this night, giving account of the Earl of 
 i69 S 8. 2G * Arran's being made Duke of Hamilton. This raifes the expectations 
 of fome people who are here ; and it is faid that his Grace is co- 
 ming down very loon. We have done little here fince my laft; 
 but that we have read a great many private laws the firfl: time; and 
 therefore lam in hopes, that, in the end of the next week, or in the 
 beginning of the week thereafter, we lhall bring this lemon of par- 
 liament to a clofe. We are endeavouring to get a fund for the dif- 
 banded officers ; but we have difficulty in it ; for the country can 
 fcarcely bear greater fubfidies than are laid on already. We have 
 been in fome difficulty concerning my L. Stairs. He has had ail 
 invitation from my L. Tullibardine and the club-party to come in 
 and take his place in parliament ; and he had great inclinations to 
 do it ; but my Lord Juftice-clerk has declared, that, unlefs my L. 
 Commiffioner would give him pofitive commands in that matter, 
 he would oppoie his coming in, as being derogative from the vote 
 of parliament in the matter of Glenco; and there were others of the 
 club-party who were waiting for this opportunity. The prefident 
 of the feffion was for fome time very forward in this matter; but 
 the commiffioner is now become poiitive, that, fince he has no in- 
 structions concerning my L. Stairs, he will not fuffer him to come 
 in. Whereupon the D. of Queenfberry, E. of Argyle, L. Philip- 
 haugh, and I, have been at Newlifton this day, and we have 
 perfuaded him not to come in againft the commiffioner's inclina- 
 tions,
 
 AND LETTERS. 427 
 
 tions, providing the commiffioner write him a letter, defiring him 
 not to come, and promifing to reprefent him favourably to his Ma- 
 jefty upon that account. The Duke of Queenfberry and I are to 
 negotiate this matter with the commiffioner to-morrow. I am Y. 
 M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A more minute Detail of the Tranfaclions ivith Lord Stairs. — Tul- 
 libardine andWhitela-w's Vieivs in bringing him into Parliament. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have prefumed this night to write fully to the E. of Portland Edinburgh, 
 of what has paft fince the addrefs of the African company. I hope 169?'. *^ 
 his Majefty is fatisfied, that, in all that concerns him, we have done 
 our beft ; and I {hall neither doubt of his encouraging us who have 
 ferved him faithfully, nor of mewing his difpleafure with thofewho 
 have boldly oppofed him. You have had full accounts from time 
 to time of any thing that has occurred that has been worthy of no- 
 ticing ; but, at meeting, I mall be able to give you more full fatis- 
 fa&ion. We are juft now endeavouring to procure fome found for 
 the arrears of the cafhiered officers. 1 am hopeful we fhall obtain 
 it : But, whether we lucceed in this or not, yet we cannot be blamed, 
 the poverty of the country is fo great ; and feveral of the members who 
 were very friendly to us have gone to the country, to look after their 
 harveft. It was like to have occafioned us very great difficulty, that 
 my L. Stairs has made a very clofs attempt to take his place as a 
 nobleman in parliament. He met with great encouragement to 
 come in from the E. of Tullibardine, Grant, and Whitelaw; and, 
 in a word, by all thofe who have oppofed. But the Juftice-Clerk 
 was pofitive, that, if my L. Stairs did offer to fit in parliament, 
 that he would call for the votes and addrefs paffed in the 95 con- 
 cerning the matter of Glenco ; and if, after this, if the vote had 
 
 H h h 2 carried,
 
 42 3 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 carried, ' allow my L. Stairs to fit,' when the commiffioner had not 
 written inftructions, we might have been blamed for it. I told the 
 commiiTioner plainly, that there was nothing to he done but one of 
 two ; that is, all of us who arc the King's fervants to concur together 
 in bringing my L. Stairs into the houfe ; or that all of us ihould affift 
 his Grace in keeping of him out. And the Commiflionec being ve- 
 ry pofitive that he would not allow him to fit, the D. of Queenfber- 
 ry, the E. of Argyle, my L. Leven, the Prefident of the feffion, 
 Philiphaugh, and I went to Newlifton to my L. Stair, where, after 
 a long reafoning, we brought it to this, That, if the Commiffioner 
 would interpofe his authority with him by a letter, and defire him 
 not to come in, he would give obedience to it ; and accordingly the 
 Commiffioner did write a letter, which the Prefident did carry to 
 him laft night ; but I have not had time to fpeak with him fmce he 
 returned : So now this matter is over without any heat or noife. It 
 is true, that at nrft the Prefident was very anxious to have his bro- 
 ther admitted ; but, when he found the Commiffioner pofitive, he 
 did comply, and did give us very great afliftance in perfuading my 
 Lord Stair to forbear ; in fo much, that he was very angry at him, 
 and blamed him in fome meafure that he was not allowed to take 
 his place in parliament. I do believe, for fo it was laid amongft them- 
 felves, that my L. Tullibardine and Whitelaw gave the greater en- 
 couragement to my L. Stairs, that they thought that his coming 
 in would both have divided us, and might have occafioned fome re- 
 flection upon our proceedings ; but we are all convinced that this 
 matter mull be adjufted fome way or other before the next feffion 
 of parliament. I mail endeavour, before I part from this countrv, 
 to bring with me a clear ftate of his Majefty* affairs; for the cu- 
 ftoms, the excife, the bifhop's revenues, and all that concerns his 
 Majefty's revenue, are now fet, and under tack. We have paft 
 feveral private laws, as you will fee by the minutes ; but feveral dif- 
 ficult points may yet occur before all is ended ; and I hope the ad- 
 journment (hall be betwixt and Saturday come eight days; and, with- 
 in ten days thereafter, I mail be going from this. This is all at pre- 
 fent from Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS 
 
 429 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 The Conchfion of the Sejfion of Parliament. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I got your letter of the 23d Auguft from Loo, which was very Edinburgh, 
 comfortable to me. I had received before all you had written to my S 6 ept ' 2 * 
 fon ; for all which I owe and return hearty thanks. I cannot get 
 much written now, being in haft to write to his Majefty an account 
 of the calm conclufion of this feflion of parliament, which I ad- 
 journed yefterday till the 1 5th of November. The letter which I 
 have written to the King, whereof I have fent a copy to the E. of 
 Portland, which no doubt you will fee, together with the prints here 
 inclofed, will give you a pretty clear account in fo far as you have 
 not had it before. So I fhall add no more now, but that I am heartily, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your very obleidged and affectionate humble fervant, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 State of the Revenues. His great Fatigue this Sefjion. Hap- 
 py that the King is pleafed. ^ueensberry furprifed at Arratfs 
 
 Promotion Hozo Melvil, Leven, and their Followers behaved 
 
 in this Se/Jion. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The parliament is now adjourned ; and I hope his Majefty will 
 be fatisned with what has been done in it. The oppofers do ftili S ep T. 2^ 
 endeavour to bring in ane a&, difcharging all broad-cloath, fing- l698, 
 rums, ferges, and ftockings to be imported ; and ane other acl, 
 for difcharging all filk fluffs to be imported, or worn, except what 
 
 is
 
 43° 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 is manufa&ored within the kingdome. They did alfo prefs for 
 ane habeas corpus law, and a law difcharging all trade with France, 
 except the French did allow our herrings, falmond, and what is 
 the product of this country, to be imported there ; and they did 
 think themfelves fecure to bring moft of thefe to a vote, and at leaft 
 to lay them at the negative: But we have been fo fuccefsfull as that 
 there is no vote paft in either of thefe ; and there is no ads 
 voted but what have received the royall affent ; and all the fub- 
 fidies that we could propofe in the terms of our inftructions are 
 granted : We have the tunnage for keeping off our fhips, which 
 runs for five years ; we have poll-money impofed for two years, 
 for payment of the arrears ; and we have the excile upon brandy 
 altered, fo as that, after the expiring of the prefent tack, it will im- 
 prove his Majefty's revenue L. iooo fter. per year; and we have 
 parted without any heat. I have not fo full acquainted, either his 
 Majefty, or the E. of Portland, with thefe propofals that were pre- 
 pared and defigned againft us ; but you may take your own way 
 to acquaint them with it ; for, from the time of the fitting down 
 of the parliament, till now, I have nothing but toill and an- 
 xiety. It is my great comfort in all this, that we have had fuccefs, 
 and that the King is pleafed with what has been done in his fer- 
 vice. I think it is needlefs for me to tell you of the fenfe I have 
 of my L.Portland's friendlhip ; but he has no body that wifhes 
 his intereft better than I do; and I lliall be faithfull to him to the 
 utmoft of my power. The D. of Queenfberry was a little furprifed 
 with the Earl of Arran's being made D. of Hamilton. The D. 
 of Queenfberry does truly deferve encouragement, and fo does the 
 Earl of Argyle. Melvill and my L. Leven were almoft for all the 
 propofals I have mentioned, tho' they did not appear very much in 
 them above board; and Bailie James Ruthven, Reid, Strouie, and all 
 Melvil's followers, except himfelf and Leven, were againft us in 
 every thing. However, I fhall never be able to give you a full 
 account of our bufinefs, till it pleafe God we meet, and then you 
 fhall know all, and how and in what manner every thing has been 
 managed. This is all from Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND L E T T E R S. * 431 
 
 Earl of ARGYLEto Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Re af on of the Marquis of T<weedale y s giving noDiJlurbance to the 
 
 Parliament. Of Captain Frazer's Tryal. — — Of ivhat pajfed 
 
 betivixt Tidlibardine and Balnegoivan. His Claim of an ad- 
 ditional Honour to his Family. V/ifhes for a Pardon to Captain 
 
 Frazer. If Tidlibardine go on, he uuill make all the High- 
 landers fly to Arms. 
 
 The parliament is now come to a conclufion in calmer and better Edinburgh, 
 
 Sept. 3, 
 
 terms than could have been expected. There are two years poll 1698.. 
 granted for payment of arrears ; and the parliament have pafl a 
 vote, that they will make up to the King what falls fhort of 
 Balheaven's tack. It fell out fortunately an ad: was prefented 
 with profpect to the Lady Dalkeith's jointer, which fome thought 
 might encroach upon entails ; and Marquis of Tweedale thought 
 it might touch him, which occafioned fome debate betwixt the 
 oppofers and us: At length, when it was coming to a vote, Marquis 
 Tweedale defired to be heard by his lawyer, which was like to be 
 denied him. I confefs I love not to hurry matters ; nor do I like 
 to introduce a bad precedent, not knowing where it may hitt one 
 time or other ; upon which I gave way to Tweedal's defire, and 
 all yielded : The act was prefented no more ; but we keept it as a 
 whipe over his head : So that, during the continuance of the 
 parliament, none of that gang durft offer any of ther impertinent 
 acts, which they had flattered themfelves to make us uneafy by; 
 for they knew we could carry that of entails. You will certainly 
 have a particular account from the fecretary, what fell out as to 
 Tullibardine laft week ; and it will not be amifs to introduce the 
 (lory. The Laird of Ballengowan, who is Roffe to his name, has 
 nigh upon as good a command as Athol has; nay, he and theFrafers 
 together are much better. He is married to my aunt; and came 
 over to Edinburgh upon the occafion that Captain Frafer was to be 
 tryed in abfence before the juflice court, for convocation of the 
 
 Hedges :
 
 432 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Hedges : For it is to be obferved, that they dare not purfue him for a 
 rape, or forcing the lady ; for, in that cafe, I do allure you he is 
 content to lift himielf at the bar, and take his fate ; and, which is 
 more, he will adduce no witneffes, but refer all to the Lady Lovat's 
 own oath, if ihe did not voluntarly marry, lent for the minifter her- 
 felf, and, which is more, if what paft betwixt them, in confequence 
 of the marriage, was not as much her inclination as his : All which 
 he will fubmit to her oath. It feems E. Tullibardine underflood 
 that Ballengowan was to prefent a petition to the parliament, cra- 
 ving to be heard by his lawyer, as creditor to Captain Frazer, fince 
 he was ablent"; and that if in cafe, as certainly in abience, judge- 
 ment muft go againft him, then Ballengowan would lofe his debt ; 
 fince all the vifible eflate Captain Frazer has is the lady's jointure. 
 Tullibardine, upon this, went at night with two of his brothers, L. 
 Edward and L. James, and a third perfon, to Ballengowan's lod- 
 aln^s ; afk'd for him. Ke was anfwered, he was not at home ; 
 however he went in ; fearched all the rooms, and fome other 
 people's chambers about, and particularly a clofet which was 
 (hut ; called for the key ; went into it ; and, laft of all, pretended 
 he was looking for lodgings, which was too plain a fham, he ha- 
 ving the lodgings in the Abbay which I ought to have, and an- 
 other in town, which was Bannockburn's. Thereafter, Ballengowan, 
 at the twilight, was Handing at the crofs, when there came a 
 o-entleman to call him to fpeak to one ; and lb the ftory goes on, 
 as you will fee by the figned declaration by Ballengowan. The 
 firft part, of his going to his lodgings, is not in the declaration; for 
 he knew it not till his lanlady told him of it fince : But it can bo 
 proved, and is a circumfiance to make any indifferent perfon believe 
 the reft. You have heard likewife what the commifTioner did upon 
 ig~- /s figned complaint ; how Tullibardine and all the reft 
 
 were let out upon bail; h^wTulhbardine made a heavy complaint of 
 the cornmiflioner feizing him in time of parliament, which the com- 
 mifiioner took up brifkly, as did the president of the parliament : 
 And Tullibardine fell as fimply from his attack as he made it. A 
 
 demon-
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 433 
 
 ftration to inforce the juft opinion the world has now of him; and 
 fince you took notice how oblidging he is to me in all his actions, 
 it feems he has a particular regard for the church; for he is refol- 
 ved you mall make your obferve good to the end. We might have 
 eafily fent him to the caftle, for founding a complaint againft one 
 who reprefented the King; but I laid not a word, thinking calm 
 methods pleafes our mafter bed. The habeas corpus aft, and that 
 ofdifcharging Englifh cloath, were both foregot by Tweedal's 
 fear of the intail-acl:. Now, what my part and fhare in doing the 
 King's bufinsfs at this time has been, I mall not reprefent myfelf, 
 but leaves it to the whole kingdom, who I dare apeal to. I have 
 but one thing to afk, which is, the honour to the family I repre- 
 fent ; which I hope the E. of Portland will not flip this oppor- 
 tunity to obtain for me. Pleafe to read the inclofed, and feal. I 
 have faid nothing of my particular to him ; becaufe I am fo vain to 
 think I deierve to be minded. I am ever your's. Adieu. 
 
 I had almoft forgot to fay my opinion in relation to Captain Era- 
 fer. Since he, by his offer of referring all to the lady's oath, and 
 filling himfelf to anfwer all which can be alledged of barbarity, 
 rudenefs, or call it what they pleafe, towards the ladie, and fince 
 this was what gave countenance hitherto to the feverities ufed to 
 him and thofe of the name, I think the goverment mould not pufh 
 that of the convocation too far; and that often highlanders are 
 ufed to gather together upon flight grounds; and that he had no 
 defign againft the goverment. The King cannot do a more ac- 
 ceptable thing to the generality than fend him his pardon for 
 the convocation : As to what elfe, he will ftand his tryall. If Tul- 
 libardine be allowed to go on, and that if he be not ftopt as I pro- 
 pofe, I proteft I believe it may occafion a deal of bloodfhed ; for, if 
 one begin, all the Highlands will in ten days fly together in arms : 
 And if my advice be took, I mail undertake there fhall not be the 
 leaft difturbance. This I defire you may fay to E. Portland, that I 
 may-be exhonered in giving my advife, fince lam moft particularly 
 concerned in highland affairs. It is to be confidered, that if con- 
 
 1 1 l vocation
 
 4 34 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 vocation is an immediate crime againft the King, none can 
 
 complain if the King forgive a crime committed again!! himfelf. 
 Adieu. 
 
 Lovat's Letter tothe Earl of Argyle. 
 
 Theprefent melancholy Situation of his Family. — — Claims Argyle' 's 
 Protection. 
 
 My Lord, 
 The entire friendfhip which the family of Lovat hatrwith, and 
 dependence upon that of Argyle, grounded upon an antient 
 propinquity of blood, and zealoufly maintained by both, through a 
 tract and feries of many ages, has imboldned me, with feveral of 
 my friends, to addrefs unto your Lordfhip by thefe, giving account 
 of our circumftances, and craving your Lordfhip's advice and affi- 
 itance in the prefent jun&ure. We have gained a confiderable 
 advantage by my eldeft fon's being married to the Dowager of Lo- 
 vat ; and, if it pleafe God they live fome years together, our cir- 
 cumftances will be very good. Our enemies are fo galled at it, 
 that there is nothing that malice or cruelty can invent but they de- 
 fign and practice againft us : So that we are forced to betake us to 
 the hills, and keep fpies at all arts ; by which, among many other 
 difficulties, this is one of the greateft, that my daughter-in-law, be- 
 ing a tender creature, fatigue and fear of bloodfhed may put an 
 end to her ; which would make our condition worfe than ever. 
 They'll have us impeached for a convocation, and making prifoners 
 of the Lord Salton,Lord Mungo Murray, with a half dozen more 
 gentlemen ; for which we were charged by the fheriff, compeared 
 before him, were fined, obtained a difcharge of our fines, and fe- 
 cured the peace. Alfo they'll have my fon and his complices guil- 
 ty of a rape, though his wife was married to him by a minifter, and 
 
 they
 
 AND LETTERS. 435 
 
 they have lived always fmce as man and wife. iMy Lord, if all our e- 
 nemies had defcended to the blackeft cell in hell, and there had ftudied 
 the moft wicked and cruell revenges their malice or that place could 
 invent againft us, it needed not furprife any, confidering that their 
 defign of appropriating the eftate and following of Lovat to them- 
 felves is made liable to more difficulties by that match. We have 
 many advertifements that Athol is coming here in perfon, with 
 all the armed men he is able to make, to reduce us to duty ; and 
 that without any order from the King, or his councill : If he come 
 fo, we are refolved to defend ourfelves ; the laws of God and na- 
 ture, and the laws of all nations, not only allowing, but oblidging 
 all men vim <vi repelkre: And I fhould wifh from my heart, if 
 it were confident with divine and human laws, that the eftates 
 of Athol and Lovat were laid as a prize, depending upon the refult 
 of a fair day betwixt him and me. But thefe times being gone, 
 and the King and his laws coming in their place, (a far better 
 way of preferving the body politick;) we exped that your 
 Lordfhip will employ all your interefts with his Majefty to ob- 
 tain us and all our complices a remiffion and difcharge of all 
 crimes, riots, delicts, and all diligences raifed, or to be raifed upon 
 them, againft us, with an order to fet the pretended heirefs in a 
 neutral perfon's cuftody, until the rights and evidents of the eftate 
 be produced, and the pretence of both parties debated before the CeC~ 
 fion. If this be not done immediately, the pretended heirefs will 
 be married to the E. of Tullibardine's eldeft fon, which will certain- 
 ly occafion much difturbance and bloodfhed in this end of the 
 world, (for we will not be commanded and opprefled by any ftran- 
 ger) ; by which the King will lofe fubje&s that might ferve him for 
 better ufe ; and your Lordfhip will lofe good friends whofe place our 
 enemies will never fupply. Its our misfortune, that the Kino- did 
 not refide within his dominions, and more, that our enemies had his 
 ear : But we are confident that his Majefty being fully informed of 
 the affair, fuch a wife prince will rather prevent the miferies and 
 calamities of his fubje&s, than punifh the inftruments that would 
 
 * * * 2 occafion
 
 436 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 occafion them ; efpecially, your Lordfhip not only giving a true and 
 candid account of the cafe, but alfo obviating all calumnious repre- 
 fentations, which, beyond all peradventure, will be obtruded. If 
 your Lordfhip do not own and defend us now, we are ruined : And 
 really, though we have deep refentments of the friendfhip and kind- 
 nefs fhewed us, and will have perpetually of that and what (hall 
 be done us hereafter ; yet, that we ufe not many profufe apologies. 
 For this trouble, we hope your Lordfhip will excufe us; for, if we 
 be razed and extinguifhed, as the defign is, Who will be more bla- 
 med than the Earl of Argyle, for letting his old relations, faithful 
 friends, and dependents, and fword-vaffals perifh, while the reach- 
 ing out of his hand might (under God) deliver them ? Let me be 
 free to tell, that your Lordfhip is obliged, by the bonds of na- 
 ture, of friendfhip, of fuperiority, and fealty, in confcience, and in 
 honour, to own us as a part of yourfelf. My weaknefs, by age, 
 anxiety, and fatigue, will, I fear, deprive me of the honour to kifs 
 your Lordfhip's hand ; but, when my fon has the freedom to go 
 whither he pleafes, there be feveral material points which he will 
 communicate to your Lordfliip, by which you will be convinced of 
 a fair method for our ftanding, and particularly, of a way by which 
 our old friendfhip may be fortified and perpetuated, and we become 
 more your Lordfhip's than ever, if more can be. Thus refting and 
 repofing ourfelves in a fecure confidence and hope, that God will 
 blefs all our law T ful and honeft endeavours, and preferve and pro- 
 fper all thofe who will concern themfelves for us, particularly your 
 Lordfliip, we do, with all fincerity, refpec~t, and becoming deference, 
 continue and remain ever, 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your Lordfhip's mofl affectionate, faithful, 
 and humble friends, vaffals, and fervants. 
 
 Will. Frazer of Foyer, Lovat, 
 
 W. Frazer of Erchiett, Thomas Frazer of Strug, 
 
 Alex. Frazer of Calduthell, Will. Frazer of Kilbockie, 
 
 Jo, Frazer of Littlegirth, 
 
 T ho. Frazer of Gortuleg. Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 437 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Plagued ivith Solicitations for Places. Lord Rofs has written to 
 
 Mr Caff ares, de firing to be made a Secretary along ivith Seafield ; 
 
 does not deftr<ve it. Has fent him Dalmenie and KelburtCs 
 
 Patents. His oivn Expences at this Time. — — Sends a Memo- 
 rial to Mr Car/lares upon that Subjecl. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I believe I fhall never be able to write fully to you of our affairs Edinburgh, 
 
 . Sept. 6. 
 fo long as I am in Scotland ; for I am now as much taken up with 1698. 
 
 vifits as I was formerly with bufinefs. Every body here thinks the 
 King is well ferved, and therefore they exped: that we fhall have 
 influence ; and fo I cannot get them pleafed with a fair anfwer, as 
 I ufed to do formerly. However, I fhall engage myfelf as little as 
 poffible to any body, and fhall plainly offer my opinion with fub- 
 miffion to his Majefty and the E. of Portland, when it pleafes God 
 they return. The Earl of Tullibardine has been this week em- 
 ployed in profecuting of the Frazers. There are twenty of them for- 
 faulted in abfence. I cannot indeed juftify Captain Frazer in his 
 proceedings ; but yet the rendering of fo many men defperate, is 
 not at all the intereft of the government. The ground of the for- 
 faulture is, that they were feen in arms after they were required to 
 lay them down by the herald ; for, as for all other things, they would 
 not have proceeded againft them in abfence. I find my L. Rofs has 
 written to you, that he may be recommended to the Earl of Portland, 
 and that he may be made my colleague. All the afliftance we got 
 from my Lord was, that, in the firft vote for continuing the forces, 
 he was non liquet, and, in the reft of the votes, he did concur ; but 
 he cannot pretend that he did great fervice by fpeaking ; nor did 
 he influence any body : However, the King is mafter of us all, and 
 may difpofe of his places as he pleafes; but I am very hopeful that his 
 Majefty will allow me to fee him before he make any fettlement of 
 
 this
 
 438 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 this kind. You will receive herewith inclofed the Laird of Dalme- 
 ny and Kelburn's patents. They have both very confiderable e- 
 ftates, and are both men of merit ; and they have ferved the King 
 chearfully and effectually in parliament ; and I am fure the King 
 cannot do better than to give them this mark of his favour ; and it 
 'will engage them both clofely to his intereft. If you pleafe, you may 
 difpatch them again to me, that I may write to them. You may 
 let his Majefty know, that I part from this about Monday or Tues- 
 day night, and that I do part in very good terms with thofe mem- 
 bers of parliament that were afiifting to us ; and I fhall give you 
 an account of the particulars at meeting ; and I may fay, and upon 
 good grounds, that his Majefty has it in his hands, if he pleaies, to 
 govern this nation to his fatisfa&ion. I have had an expenfive time 
 of it ; for my father, my wife, and my fon has been here, and I have had 
 above 30 in family, and about 15 or i6horfes: And I hope none will fay 
 but that I have lived as honourably, and with as much credit as any 
 has had the honour to ferve in thofe ftations I have been employed 
 in. This is only to yourfelf ; and withal, I ftill tell you, that I ne- 
 ver had one fixpence but what I have from the King himfelf, and 
 the dues of my office. Will you be pleafed to read and confider 
 the inclofed memorial, and fpeak of it to the E. of Portland. If 
 any thing could be made of it, my Lord Lyon would willingly give 
 me a fhare of it, and would be thankful to any that would ferve 
 him in it. I mail give you no further trouble at prefent. I am 
 Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Hugh Cunningham to Mr Carstares. 
 In Cyphers. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 Edinburgh, \ had your moft kind letter by the ordinary packet ; but, before 
 ?698*. 6, it came, I underftood (as -you wrdte) that the fecretary had got 
 
 your's
 
 AND LETTERS. 439 
 
 your's on the fame account. I cannot but reckon myfelf much o- 
 bliged to you, 119, 128, 148 having all told me of it. The laft, 
 as I wrote to you formerly, is as much your fervant as the other 
 two, (which you know is enough.) I wifh, either in part, or when 
 you are pleafed to write to me, that you would fignify fome fenfe 
 of his favour to you. 1 1 9 has promifed to do what he can for me ; 
 and 1 28, 1 find, has fpoke fo earneftly upon my account, that he has 
 defired me to prepare a form of a letter in my favours, to be given 
 to 1 19 before he go : A copy of it I will trouble you with. I know 
 you have many accounts of our proceedings, and therefore will not 
 trouble you. As to my own familliar, recommending patience, I fhall 
 obferve it. I fhall only give you an account of a paffage happened 
 yefterday, which you will willingly hear of. 106 has thought fit 
 to appoint a dyet, and nominate 1 1 to be prefes in a court-marfhal, 
 and that he may attend ; 1 1 has refufed, upon this reafon which he 
 gave me, that he was in thefe public pofts, and at prefent fo taken 
 up, that he might expect to be excufed ; and not only fo, but that 
 he would not be in any judicatory where 106 had a negative, but 
 where the King or his reprefentative figned it, there will *be made 
 ufe of his refufal and not obeying. It makes fome noife here, that 
 106 fhould have ufed 1 1 fo; and you will think it ftrange that 106 
 mould have employed me to carry the mefTage, which is amongfl 
 the reft. I did defire 1 1 not to take it ill, which he was pleafed to 
 fay kindly, he did not take it fo as to me ; and was pleafed to fmile 
 this day when I faw him. 149 has not much appeared ; but 12 
 being advanced, gives great alarm that he will be at all. I fhall 
 take care to get the money, though no appearance of getting any 
 thing from Caffils. My wife gives her beft fervices to you; and fhe 
 bids me tell you, fhe has more patience than I. Sir Robert Murray 
 was gone from this a fortnight before I got your's, and I have fent 
 it to London. You were pleafed before to offer to write in my be- 
 half, as I fhould have occafion to afk the favour of the D. of Queenf< 
 berry, and 1 1 , and, if you pleafe, to the Chancellor. 
 
 Lord
 
 440 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord of Montgomery to Mr Carstares. 
 
 AJks his Interejl for the Vacancy in the Treafury^ in ivhich Cafe he has 
 no doubt of Succ efs. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, T/he many proofs of good will and friendfhip which, upon all 
 1698. ' occafions, you have been pleafed to fhow me, makes me give you 
 this trouble, that, in the croud of pretenders to our vacant places, I 
 may not be forgot. I queftion not but the King, in the difpofal of 
 them, will have regard to my Lord Seafield's recommendation ; for 
 his Lordfhip's fervice in the late parliament meriteth more than or- 
 dinary marks of favour, both as an reward, and that in time co- 
 ming it may put him in condition of doing more and greater fer- 
 vice (if that can be) ; for his Lordfhip's very enemies will not de- 
 ny that the King's affairs were carried fo fmoothly, is owing to his 
 addrefs and good management. I believe my L. Seafield will do 
 me the juftice to tell, I give my fmall affiftance with all the zeal I 
 could ; therefore, his Lordfhip will name me to the vacancy in 
 treafury, which I have reafon to think will not be oppofed by our 
 great men. So, Sir, if you will be pleafed to give your concurrence, 
 I have no doubt of fuccefs. If this favour you obtain for me, it's 
 what I hope you fhall not be afhamed to own ; for, by my fidelity 
 to his Majefty's intereft, and diligence in his fervice, I fhall endea- 
 vour to make up my other defects : And I am fure I fhall never fail 
 of all the acknowledgements to yourfelf that is in the power of, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your faithful fervant, 
 
 MONTGOMERIE. 
 
 Lori-
 
 AND LETTERS. 441 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mi-Carstares. 
 
 Of a Reprefentation to his Majefty, propofed by Queensberry and Ar gyle, 
 
 concerning thofe -who oppofed in Parliament. They are jealous 
 
 ofArraris Promotion. Declares his Submiffion to -whatever 
 
 Portland Jhall determine. Of the Frazers and Balnagowan. 
 
 This letter gives us the true Piclure of a Politician, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have been importuned thefe four or five days by the D. of Edinburgh, 
 Queenfberry and E. of Argyle to make a joint reprefentation ^Ifi^ 
 to his Majefty concerning thofe who have oppofed him in parlia- 
 ment ; and it is true, that it is for hisMajefty's intereft to makefome 
 examples ; and I hope I can give him a fatisfying account of all 
 things that has occurred : But I being his Majefty's immediate fer- 
 vant, am unwilling to enter into any concert without his dire&ion; 
 though I mull confefs I do not condemn their opinion, in thinking, 
 that it is fit now to do fomething in that matter, becaufe that party 
 feems to be encouraged by the D. of Hamilton's promotion ; though 
 I know it was what his Majefty could not refufe. I am to meet again 
 with the Chancellor and them, and you mall have what we conclude 
 upon tranfmitted by a flying packet; and, whatever they may perfuade 
 me to do, yet you may be perfuaded that I am entirely fubmiffive to 
 what my Lord Portland fhall determine. I hope I cannot be bla- 
 med to exped, that his Majefty will hear me before he difpofe of the 
 vacant places ; and it is certainly his intereft to fettle all at one time. 
 I go from this upon Tuefday, and lies at my Lord Juftice-Clerk's 
 houfe that night ; and thereafter will make what hafte I can to 
 London. I gave you an account in my laft, that there were twenty 
 of the Frazers forfaulted, and their arms battered upon the crofs- 
 trophy ; and I will write no more of that till meeting. But the laft 
 council-day, the Laird of Balnagowan did infift againft the E. of 
 Tullibardine for reparation of the injuries my Lord had done to 
 
 Kkk him:
 
 442 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 him j fome did propofe that it might be rejeded, becaufe Balna- 
 gowan could net prove what he alledged; but the relevancy of the 
 libel is fuftained, and a committee is appointed for taking the de- 
 pofitions of witnefles ; and the council is adjourned until the i ith 
 of October ; and fo in the mean time this procefs depends. It will 
 be of great ufe to us, if you get Kelburn's and Dalmenie's patents 
 expedc. They were both very ferviceable to us this parliament, 
 and are men that have good eftates. I blefsGod that I part with all 
 the members of parliament who concurred with us in very good 
 friendfhip. And I think that his Majefty 's affairs was never in bet- 
 ter condition in this kingdom. Give my humble fervice to the Earl 
 of Portland. And I am Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 With a Scheme of a neiv CommiJJion of Council and Exchequer, concert- 
 ed by the Chancellor, Queensberry, Seafeld, and himfelf Bold 
 
 and manly. Of his own Title. Recommends Earl Loudon to 
 
 be extraordinary Lord of Seffion in preference to MelviL 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, You had heard fooner from me upon the fubjeft I am now 
 Sept. 14. t0 treat U pon ; but that all of us who are of the treafury has 
 applied fo clofely to it ever fince the concluiion of the parliament, 
 that we have had fcarce the time to concert any thing. Now, 
 moft of what can be done in treafury-bufinefs is over : We 
 have fettled the current fubfiftence of the (landing army and 
 garrifons, and cleared them from the ift of January to the ift 
 of July; and that the Secretary is going to London. The Chancel- 
 lor, D. of Queenfberry, Secretary, and myfelf, have agreed in one, 
 to offer his Majefty a new commiffion of council and exchequer, 
 with fome other humble advices, with all fubmiffion to his Majefty's 
 pleafure : And we do it in duty to his Majefty, judging it moft ne- 
 ceflfary for his Majefty's fervice, to the end his fervants, who have 
 
 ferved 
 
 1698
 
 AND LETTERS 443 
 
 ferved him faithfully upon this occafion, may be encouraged and 
 fupported by his Majefty's countenance to go on; and the oppofers* 
 who I muft call enemies, and who were judged as fuch before the 
 parliament fat, may meet with difpleafure, difcountenance, and a 
 frown from hisMajefty, as they deferve ; which being put in execu- 
 tion, without partiality, I dare confidently fay, fuch as have been a- 
 ble to ferve his Majefty upon this occafion, will be able to do it a- 
 gain. On the other hand, (I muft give my opinion freely,) if 
 the meafure be altered which E. Portland went into of treating peo- 
 ple as they deferved, we may do our endeavours, but we fhall lofe 
 a deal of our intereft, and be rendered incapable to anfwer his Ma- 
 jefty's expectations of us, though (till willing. I need not infift, 
 fince I know your fentiments and mine are the fame. People are 
 mightily puffed up with expe&ations of great matters upon the 
 King's accepting of the Dutchefs of Hamilton's refignation, juft up- 
 on that family's flying in the King's face, and oppofing him. The 
 King is wife; fo I fhall defer my thoughts in the matter: But I muft 
 fay, I fhall think it ftrange if the King fcruple me my title after 
 all that is paft ; and, as you value my family, I muft earneftly re- 
 commend it to you to lay it home. If it be refufed, I wifh I had 
 never afked it : But I confefs I thought the purchafe would have 
 been eafy, fince there can be no objedion to it. I need not fend you 
 any lift of the council or exchequer, fince certainly the Chancellor 
 and Secretary will ; only thus far : The number is ten who we pro- 
 pofe to be forgot out of the new commiftion of council. There 
 is two which were moderate oppofers, and are at bottom honeft men, 
 and who have no penfion off his Majefty; which two are LordRuth- 
 ven and Laird of Grant : They are not pregmatick ; and I think it 
 can do his Majefty's affairs no prejudice, fhould they be continued 
 on the council. The perfons we propofe to be added to coun- 
 cil are E. Crawford, E. Northefk, L. Pollwart, L. Jedburgh, Lord 
 Arbrucehill, and L. Phefdo : Thefe two laft to be in the exchequer 
 as well as council. If any mention be made of Sir John Hume, 
 beware of him, for he'll make mifchief amongft us : And, though 
 
 K k k 2 he
 
 444 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 he went as to the cefs alongft, yet, in the polls, he oppofed us. He 
 is light in the forehead, full of notion, always talking, and moftun- 
 eafy to be in bufinefs with ; — ' remember I told you, — I warned you 
 of it.' The Chancellor propofed the thing; but, by our reafon, feem- 
 ed to be convinced. Thofe that are turned out of council and ex- 
 chequer, certainly their penfions ought to be took away at the fame 
 time. We likewife offer it as our humble opinion, that E. Lauder- 
 dale be put in E. Ruglen's place of the mint. If E. Ruglen be 
 not made an example of, all that can be done will fignify nothing. 
 I think we have given fome proof we can ferve the King in fpiteof 
 oppofition. The more his Majefty is pleafed to countenance the 
 fame perfons, and ftrengthen our hands, the more effe&ually can 
 we ferve his Majefty ; and it is certain, his Majefty cannot employ 
 any of his fubjefts more acceptable to the kingdom in general, nor 
 none that will ferve him with more fubmiffion to his pleafure. As 
 for other vacancies being filled up, we do not prefs till his Majefty's 
 return, unlefs it be advifed from you ; in which cafe, we (hall offer 
 our humble opinion to his Majefty : Only, as to the vacancy of the 
 extraordinary Lord of feffion, I muft defire of you to aflift E. Lou- 
 don Campbell to it. The Secretary is pofitive for him ; and indeed, 
 with fubmilTion, our friend Melvill is not fo capable to difcharge 
 it : The one is daily improving ; the other, I am afraid, declining. 
 I fay this in freedom with you ; for I am very well with all that fa- 
 mily, except the little brother, who voted fpitefully againft all the 
 King's concerns. My molt humble fervice to E. Portland. I am 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Justice Clerk to Mr Carstares. 
 In Cyphers, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Sept. 17. 78 defires you will tell 22 that his of the29thand 6th came fafe to 
 
 hand. Tuesday's night, my Lord fecretarySeafield was at the Juftice 
 
 Clerk's,
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 445 
 
 Clerk's, To far on his way to England. 74 6maq6 tq u6 Z28 qzsmps 
 qp rz7 ruxxuzs mza 2r 8tq bmomzouq6 78 tqm76 22 u6r27 8 4 % 2 
 6oooqqp 73 78 acquainted 74 with what 22 wrote about 8 tq yu 
 z8 but 74 and 78 myq n 28t 326 u8ubq r27 4878 tm6m S7qm8 
 refped for the memory of thexmuS X27P om7p726n98 tu6 62Z u6 
 Z2q dmaq6 ru88 r27 8tm8 3xmoq Z27 r27 mza 8tuzs qcoq38 m 
 3qz6u2z. As to a zqd 02yzu66uz 2r 20 78 pzq6 y268 qm7zq6 
 8xa7qo2yqzp u8 82 22 8tm8 2qu8 tq7 69 Z27 tu6 62Z nq xqr8 
 298, xq8 Z28 22 8tuzw 8tq smyq 62q 6qo97g mz P 7 8 duxx 6ma 
 118 69ympq z 28 8tm8 23326U8U2Z 52s 3mu/8a pup. aq8 52 
 tm& S28 m S22p nm7smuz 2r 8tq 8t7qq 8t296mzp 329ZP n2zp. 
 78 116 zmyqp 82 nq 8tq6y pq3 9 8 1198 u8 tq omzz28 sq8 77 82 
 690oqqp tuy tq duxx 7m8tq7 68mzp 27q rmxx m6 tq u6 ur 22 
 6ma 77 3mu78 uz 54 omzz28 mxx2d 2r 8tm8 xqt 22 mzp 28 
 tq76 7q7qynq7 r2 7 yq 7 6q 7 buoq6 zqu 8tq 7 dm6 tu6 nqtmbu2 9 7 
 62q nmp m6 qbqz 8tq 02978 qcb3qo8qp, 78 u6 02zrupqz8 22 
 duxx 7qyqyng7 77s wuzpnq6 dtqz 22 dm6 m 37u62zq7, dm6 22s 
 rm8tq7 mzp y28tq7 mxubq 8tqad2 9 xp uzuzq du8t 78 uz 8tu6 69 
 u8, ur u8 omzz28 nq m8 37q 6 qz8 duxx 22 pqxma 8tq 8tq67 pq 
 3986 3xmoq r27 m dtuxx 8tm8 8tq mzsq7 yma fcmbq 8uyg 82 oz 
 2xq, r27 8tq 6q66u2z 78 t23q6 22 dux 02z8uz2d r27 67 
 
 suxnq78 qxu28 75 u6 (78 tqm76 r27 78 tm6z28 nqqz 2r 75s om 
 nuz 20) r27 67 suxnq78 n 9 8 r27 tu6 62Z 67 mxqcmzpq7 82 nq 
 oxq7W, Z2d 22 nq 119PS t2dym88q76 d29xp s2q uz 20 du8t 690t 
 8d2 oxq7w6 mb tq mzp pmbup y2Z07uqr, will ye laugh; 22 u6 
 97Pq7 37 2 y u6 q 6 82 nqrjuqzp 95 75 qc63qo86 xgmbg 82 o2yg 
 r27 02978, 78 116 21- mz28tq7 y uz P> r2 7 8t2d tq ng pq6u72g6 82 
 6qq 22 aq8 u8 u6 uz 65 78 wz2d6 zzq 28tq7 m7S97q28 82 37q6 
 dtm8 u6 mn26q 8tqz 82 m6697q 22 tq p2q6 u8 298 2r 879q 
 xzbq 82 43 and r7ugzp6tu3 r27 22. Farewell, 
 
 To
 
 446 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 -To Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of private Affairs. Mr Baird difappointed in not being made 
 
 Keeper to the Signet. A Struggle about the Election of Magi- 
 
 Jlrates in Edinburgh. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, Before my Lord Seafield went from this, I waited of him feveral 
 J6Q8. times ; and I cannot but fay he was very kind : And when he went 
 
 to Ormefton, I was there all night ; and next day I went with 
 him to Hadington, and would have gone farder, if he had not ftopt 
 at Dunglafs, where no lodging was to be had. 128 went that 
 length with him ; and I underftand they parted extremely well. 
 I have been much in the country fince. I had another moft oblid- 
 ging letter from 33, while at that place, and came moft feafonably; 
 for 119 did repeat again, that nothing 33 would afk of him mould 
 be denied; and in the meantime defired ane letter anent my poft, 
 to fecure me in it, fhould be fent up to him ; but 128 would not 
 allow me to do it, but to give it him, and he would do it, as he 
 had fpoke to 1 1 9 about it : And I underftand he has fent it, and 
 oblidged me to give him another to you, which he would fend to 
 you, and write thereanent. I need not tell you the obligations I 
 owe to 128, who is fo friendly : And I am afraid my affair is un- 
 eafy to you from your great defire to do me kindnefs. What I 
 write frequently to you does neither deferve, nor do I expecT: you 
 mould trouble yourfelf writing to me : But I write once a week, 
 which I wifh come to your hand, fearing they may be intercepted ; 
 for I find Mr Baird is much difappointed that he is not made keep- 
 er of the fignet ; and I underftand that 119 is not well pleafed 
 with him. I hear that Lord Kennedy is to be here in a few days, 
 to fettle his father's bufinefs, when I fhall be fure to wait of him. 
 We are much noifed with a marriage betwixt 108 his cldeft fon 
 and 30 his eldeft daughter. You cannot imagine what agreatnefs is 
 
 of 
 128, Ormifton. 119, Seafield. 33, MrCarftares.
 
 AND LETTERS. 447 
 
 of late,betwixt 47 and 30. There is like to be a great ftruggle a- 
 bout our election of the magiftrates in this place : You fhall have 
 account how it goes; for our great folks intereft themfelves much 
 in it. 1 1 9, after I parted with him, has fent a commimon to Com- 
 miffary Elphingfton and Mr James Montgomery, for to officiate in 
 rectifying theabufes of the calling and admitting writers to the fignet, 
 and diftributing charity to thefe of the calling who needs it, untill 
 he nominate a keeper. And from this fome think it is a good ftep 
 as to me ; for CommifTary Elphingfton aimes at no lefs as being 
 Lord of the Seffion. My wife gives her beft fervices to you and 
 your lady. The inclofeds are from the E. of L. and his lady, 
 who are much your fervants. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of quartering Colonel Hamiltorts Regiment in Scotland. — Violently a- 
 
 gainfl it. But, if the King be poftive, propofes a neiv Model 
 
 of the Regiments already there. 
 
 Since I writt the inclofed, we are in this country alarmed with the Edinburgh, 
 
 news of Colonel Hamilton his regiment being ordered to Scotland s 5 pt * 2 7* 
 
 1698. 
 to be entertained; which, if it be, I mail be forry for: And, whoever 
 
 has prevailed on the King to it, did they know the pofture of affairs 
 here, and had been witnefs to the vote pafled in parliament, f Con- 
 tinue or reftrid the prefent eftablifhment, , I am fo charitable to 
 believe they would alter their advice and fentiment. Sure I am, 
 if the adding another regiment to the prefent eftablifhment had 
 been motioned in parliament, in what drefs or model foever, it had 
 inevitably diifappointed the whole. How then will it now found 
 to the country ? It will be thought thofe who had the intereft to pre- 
 vail for what is granted has advifed this, by which we fhall lofe our 
 intereft ; befides, there is not wherewithal!, without reducing 
 thofe that are. But I ftill fay, the name of a regiment added 
 
 will
 
 44§ STATE-PAPERS 
 
 will not be acceptable to the country; and it will be too good a han- 
 dle for the oppofers to make ufe of hereafter, and, at prefent, to 
 difpofe trie country and their reprefentatives to grow jealous and 
 dilTatisfied. But, after all, if the King be refolved, after I have gi- 
 ven my opinion honeftly, it is my part, in the next place, as the 
 King's fervant, and entrufted by his Majefly, to find out the moft 
 proper expedient ; which is this : I do not propofe any retrenchment 
 in the guards or garrifons, even in Inverlochy garriibn, (which is 
 fo abfolutely neceffary.) It may be thought in this I am partial as 
 to guards ; perhaps I am a little, but my reafon prevails. Suppofe 
 there were no other forces, yet ftill all, even the worft amongft us, 
 would allow both horfe and foot-guards : And fince the parliament 
 have treated them at a pitch above even royal regiments, fo called, 
 and have diftinguiihed them, I may fay, within five or fix of being 
 unanimous, it is hoped his Majefty will ever diftinguifh his own 
 guards, who, I hope, mall, upon all occafions, deferve it. For the 
 maintaining a third regiment of foot, I propofe it to be done thus : 
 By the reducing the two regiments of dragoons, and the other two 
 regiments of foot now ftanding in Scotland. The two regiments 
 of dragoons confift of fourteen troops. Reduce ten men a troop, a 
 quarter-mafter, a drum, a ferjeant, and a corporal. Reduce out of 
 the two regiments of foot, confiding in all of twenty-fix companies, 
 their two drum- majors, for none are allowed, as I am told, in the 
 Englifh eftablifhment ; reduce ten men a company, a drum, a fer- 
 jeant, and a corporal. This reduction will amount to yearly in 
 Englifh money L. 9400 Sterling ; which will more than maintain 
 a regiment of the fame ftrength with the other two. And where is 
 the great hurt? for, in a week's time, if need be, they may be made 
 twenty a company ftronger ; and it is eafy in Scotland to get dra- 
 goon horfes at any time. Indeed, were we to reduce cavalry, we 
 muft fend in to Northampton-fhire for horfes of fize, as I have done 
 two days ago for twelve horfes ; for the Yorkfhire horfes are flender 
 and weak limmed; not fuch horfes as I know the King would like 
 to be in his guards. This new model will difpleafe none but L. Te- 
 
 viot,
 
 AND LETTERS. 449 
 
 viot, becaufe of the quarter-matters ; but he has no reafon, fince I 
 propofe not to lefTen the number of his troops. If my information 
 be good, and this matter be on the field, and not too late for my o- 
 pinion to be offered humbly, I fhall be glad it be reprefented to his 
 Majefty by E. Portland in the words I propofe it. I am ever your's. 
 My moft entire humble fervice to Earl Portland. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A curious Piclure of Highland Opprefjion. Earl of Ruglen mujlbe 
 
 turned out. — Earl MelviW s Pretenfions mufl not make Mr Cat fares 
 flack in obtaining the Vacancy in the Seffion to Earl of Loudon. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I received laft pott your's dated the 15th from Loo. I am fatisfied Edinburgh, 
 you will flip no opportunity to do me right ; and, as I have ferved 1698. 
 his Majefty faithfully to good purpofe, I fhall not doubt but his Ma- 
 jefty will countenance me for fo doing. I do depend on E. Port- 
 land ; and you can do me the juftice, I ever did the fame. Upon in- 
 quiry, it is found it was E. Tullibardine's brother L. Edward, who 
 fearched Balnagowan's lodgings, with three other gentlemen with 
 him. The fame Lord Edward was in the fcuffle afterwards, when 
 Balnagowan was fo rudely clofeted. The fecondTuefday of November 
 that matter comes again before the council, the council being adjourn- 
 ed till that day. As to Beaufort, he could not appear, fo is forfeited, 
 with feveral others, by the juftice-court ; which, if not remedied, 
 may render confufion. It is for the convocation they are all for- 
 feited, and nothing elfe libelled ; yet they brought a woman to fwear 
 violence done to the lady, who faw her not for five days after : But 
 there was no pleading ; nor could there any objection be made, 
 fince the party concerned could not appear, becaufe of the convo- 
 cation : But he is ftill ready to fift himfelf upon the fame terms, as 
 
 Lll I
 
 45° 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 I reprefented io my lafr. : If he do net, I plead no favour to him ; 
 but, in either cafes, it is hard fo much ieverity mould be ufed to o- 
 ther gentlemen of the name : For, had they plotted the overturning, 
 of the government, as Marquis of Athol has done fince the revolu- 
 tion, more feverity could not be ufed. If juftice had its juft courfe, I 
 believe there will be a proceis intent againft Marquis of Athol, for 
 convocating his men, before the order of council came, marching 
 them ; and one of E. Tullibardine's companies of his regiment, then 
 {landing, marched, without order from the council, or the com- 
 mander in chief, with one Lieutenant Lamont upon their head, who 
 had been an old inftrument of oppreflion in Argylefhire, formerly 
 under the M. of Athol's command. It can be proved farther, that 
 feveral of the Erazers, who were feized by the council's order, to be 
 brought before the council, were intercepted by M. Athol, carried 
 to Dunkeld, put into a dungeon by Athol, and kept until they grant- 
 ed him fuch bonds as he required, and difnuffed at his pleaiure, 
 without regard to his Majefty's privy council, who had feized them. 
 One of his prifoners died a few hours after he took him out of the 
 prifon ; fo it's more than prefumable, it haftened at leaft, if not oc- 
 cafioned his death. He feizes all people's fervants who come through 
 his country with letters from the north parts ; notices no pafs, fup- 
 pofe it be from the fheriff of the fhire from whence they come ; or 
 pens the letters, and difpofes of them as he thinks fit. Mean peo- 
 ple are afraid to complain, they threaten fo hard, and bites fo fore, 
 without being controuled ; and E. Arran's being D. of Hamilton, 
 frights the better fort, as if his Majefty thought him and his fa- 
 mily abfolutely neceflary to fupport his government. I fpeak not 
 this as my fentiment ; but it is the general notion people has 
 through the kingdom ; and they will, I can affure you, be fo much 
 confirmed in it, that it will be hard to retrieve, unlefs his Majefty be 
 pleafed to take our humble opinion as to a new commiffion of coun- 
 cil and exchequer very foon, which we fent a few pofts ago. I writ 
 to you at the fame time ; and that nothing would conduce more to 
 his Majefty's fervice, and fuit more with the refolutions taken by 
 
 his
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 451 
 
 his Majefty, when we undertook this tafk in parliament, which, I 
 thank God, has fucceedecl, than the turning out E. Ruglen out 
 of his place, if his Majefty incline not to fill it prefently : That I 
 look not on to be fo very effential ; but that he be removed foon 
 as a mark of difpleafure. I do offer it as my opinion, nor would I 
 be rafh in advifing ; but I dare anfwer for it, his Majefty will, in a 
 fmall time, be convinced, the true way to be well ferved, is to pu- 
 nifh heartily, and reward in the fame humour : And his Majefty 
 may do it the fafer, and the more juftly, that he expe&s no fervice 
 of his fubjects and fervants, but in things that are for the country's 
 good, as well as his fervice ; and demands but the fame which the 
 oppofers were for two years ago, when in good humour. Pray, let 
 not E. Melvill's unreafonable pretending to the vacant gown make 
 you flack as to E. Loudon, who, though a younger man, is an old- 
 er, and a more noted prefbyterian than he. Loudon has it in his 
 blood ; and it is a mettled young fellow, that thofe who recommend 
 him will gain honour by him : He has a deal of natural parts and 
 fharpnefs, a good flock of clergy, and, by being in bufinefs, he will 
 daily improve. I am afraid you have forgot what I recommended 
 to you in favours of Captain Menzies, (married to my coufin-ger- 
 man, my uncle Neil's daughter), to be ftore-keeper in the caftle of 
 Edinburgh, becaufe you take no notice of it. I know the Secretary 
 writt to the fame purpofe. I am refolved to flay laft in town, till all 
 bufinefs be over, which will be to-morrow. The Chancellor left 
 town on Saturday the 24th. There is D. Queenfberry, E. Annan- 
 dale, and myfelf only in town. Sir John Maxwell went to the coun- 
 try a fortnight ago ; and, two days after him, the Juftice-Clerk 
 went. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 L 1 1 2 Duke
 
 452 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Wijljes that the prefent J lift ice-Clerk may be made Treafurer-depute ; 
 
 In ivhich caje, earneftly dejires that Philiphangh be made 
 
 Jiiftice-Clerk. His Obligations to him. Recommends Ma- 
 jor Douglas to Mr Car/lares. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 ^"o^ 11 " I had your letter from Loo, and am glad that matters in general 
 
 1698. will not be concerted till the Secretary has feen the King. But I 
 
 am (till of opinion, as I wrote to you laft, that my L. Ruglen's em- 
 ployment fhould immediately be difpofed of : Other employments, 
 fees, and penfions, fall under the general methods already propo- 
 fed ; but this does not, and ought to be diftinguifhed, if it were no 
 more but for example. When hisMajefly fhall think fit to difpofe 
 of the other places now vacant, as I wifh that the Jullice-Clerk may 
 be advanced to that of treafurer-depute, fo I mutt make it my ear- 
 ned deiire that my L. Philiphaugh may fucceed him in his prefent 
 employment : He is a man every way qualified for it, both as to his 
 capac^ and zeal for the government, and is a perfon to whom I 
 owe fuch obligations as I can in no other ways requite, but by en- 
 deavouring to make ufe of what intereft I may have with his Ma- 
 jeftv and friends about him for his advancement, and by alluring 
 any that fhall affift me in it, that they lay me under a perpetual 
 obligation. There is another friend of mine that I take the liberty 
 to recommend to you, Major John Douglas of Colonel Hamilton's 
 regiment ; he is a brave fellow, and a good officer, but withall fo 
 modeft, that if he were to ftarve, he could not afk any thing for 
 himfelf; this makes me the more earneft in his behalf: Now that I 
 hear that regiment is to be broken, any favour done to him fhall be 
 refented as if it were done to myfelf. I beg of you, if poflible, to in- 
 tereffe my Lord Portland for him, and give his Lordfhip my moft 
 humble and faithful fervice. This trouble you have from my houfe 
 
 in
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 453 
 
 in the country, where my private affairs will detain me for fome 
 weeks ; and, though I think not much of other bufinefs here, yet I 
 have a grateful remembrance of the obligations I owe to my friends, 
 and, in no fmall meafure, to my Earl of Portland ; and lhall always 
 be fenfible that I am bound to be your's, &c. So, without ceremo- 
 ny, adieu. 
 
 Hugh Cunningham to Mr Cars-tares.- 
 
 About the Clerk/hip to the Court-Martial. — Elections in Edinburgh. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 
 I had your's yefterday by the flying packet, with one to the Coun- £dInbur S h > 
 tefs of Wymes, which I have taken care of. I am afraid my letters 1698. 
 do not come fafe to hand, as I hinted in my laft ; and now I find our 
 packets are feveral times robbed. In my laft I wrote to you, I was 
 very fenfible of your recommendations in my favours to no were 
 very fuccefsful j and I muft own it of you, when you and he meets, 
 he told me, matters mould be concerted. And I leave them entire- 
 ly to you ; for I will readily ferve him in the way he will propofe ; 
 and, by that time you come to England, I will write to you ; but 
 my good friend here tells me, he will do it upon more accounts than 
 one; I mean that of the clerkfhip to the court-martial, no has 
 promifed he will fee to it ; and I know you will give yourfelf too 
 much trouble about it. I cannot but let you know we have had a 
 great ftruggle about our new election of the provoft. It was wifh- 
 ed by your beft friends, that M. mould be the man ; but Sir Arch, 
 it's faid, has mifrnanaged it. You will get more particular accounts 
 of it from others, and therefore I will not trouble you. IV I v wife 
 gives her hearty fervices to your lady and you. 
 
 Lord
 
 454 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares.- 
 
 Marquis of Annandale defirous to commence a Correfpondence with 
 Mr Carfares. 
 
 S I Px, 
 
 Edinburgh, Since my laft, MrThomfon has been with me, and was very ci- 
 i6 9 8. T2 ' vu an ^ obliging : I told him how well I was fatisfied with his de- 
 portment towards Mr Fowler, and to find him fo well with Mr 
 White's friends ; and that Hume was of opinion, that he poflefled 
 fuch advantages, that, if he fhould purfue them difcreetly, could not 
 want their fuccefs. 13 returned 32 his compliment very honeftly. 
 There was a friend of 1 3*3 with me, who appeared very defirous 
 that Mr Carfe fhould write to him for the beginning of a good cor- 
 refpondence. I told him Mr Carfe had certainly a great value for all 
 9's friends; but 33 was modeft, and would be fhy to trouble any 
 with letters, unlefs bufinefs required it ; and he would be the more 
 my that he perceived any value put on his letters; but Hume, I told 
 him, would not fail, on all occafions, to do Mr Thomfon both ju- 
 ftice and fervice. 32 obferved, that 13 is truly defirous to be well 
 with 33; and would take it for a great mark of Hume's kindnefs, 
 and of his intereft in Carfe, if 32 might move 33 to write : But all 
 this I leave to you, who bell knows the perfons. They write from 
 London, that the King may be back betwixt and the 4th of Novem- 
 ber ; but I believe it fhall not be till mid November. We have now 
 here vacance, no body in town, all quiet, but a very bad harveft and 
 diftrefled country ; God help. I am your's, &c. 
 
 Mr Thomfon, Annandale. Hume, The Advocate. 13, Annandale. 
 
 32, Advocate. Mr Carfe, Mr Carftares, 33, Mr Carftares. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS 455 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Happy that Mr Carfares is ivith the King. Duke of Hamilton 
 
 is to offer his Service to the King ivhcn he comes over. 
 
 'SIR, 
 I long extremely for his Majefty's return ; but it is fome fatisfac- Whitehall, 
 tion to me that you are with him, who I am fure both has, and will ^s. 
 do me friendfhip ; and I hope our correfpondence will be the more 
 firm, that our joint advices has had good effect in his Majefty's fer- 
 vice ; and I hope the greateft difficulty is now paft, for his affairs 
 are in as good order as I could wifh. Colonel Hamilton's regi- 
 ment is not very acceptable ; and all the Lords of the Treafury are 
 for fpeedy orders for reforming the other regiments, or difbanding 
 that of Hamilton's. I have fent to Mr Pringle all the fchemes I can 
 think of in this matter. I have fcarcely time to write. D. H. has 
 been fo long with me, he will ftay till the King come, and will offer 
 his fervice. I can let you know all the projects they have at pre- 
 fent. All I fhall defire is to be heard; and I hope it fhall prove for 
 his Majefty's fervice ; and he is mafter, and may order what he 
 pleafes. I have not time to write more, for the packet is going off. 
 I give my moft humble fervice to my L. Portland. And I am your 
 moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Edinburgh Elections. — Teviot is to be up at London. — Defires 
 to knoiv if Mr Carfares would chufe that any more of their Friends 
 fhould come. — Chancellor 'writes for Earl of Lauderdale tofucceed 
 Ruglen. 
 
 S I R, 
 My Lord Chancellor has carried Baillie Hume to be Provoft Whitehall, 
 
 ' \ Oct. 2 2- 
 
 of Edinburgh, and is extremely pleafed with his fuccefs in that mat- 1698. 
 
 ter.
 
 456 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ter. I have by the laft packet letters from them both ; and I hope 
 it {hall do very well. The Chancellor is in firm friendfhip with 
 D. Q^and E. of Argyle ; and fo there is no reafon to doubt the pro- 
 volt. The Juftice-Clerk does not approve of this choice ; for he 
 thinks he will not fignify, and that there will other inconvenien- 
 cies occur ; but we muft make the beft of it. D. H. is to ftay here 
 this winter, and the V. Teviot will be here this week ; fo let me 
 know if any of our friends mould come up: None of them, except the 
 Chancellor, have any inclination to it : And, if I have but the fame 
 protection and affiftance I had, I am not afraid of all the oppofition 
 can be made. I am fure it is the King's intereft to ftand by thole 
 have ferved him effectually, and at a time when we look for no- 
 thing but famine. 
 
 I have no reafon for defiring the delay and final fettlement of all 
 our places, but for the reputation of it, and that I can give the E. 
 of Portland and yourfelf much fuller accounts at meeting than I can 
 do at this diftance ; but I fhall propofe nothing without advice and 
 concurrence. I find Hamilton's regiment is generally moft unac- 
 ceptable both to the King's fervants andjrthers ; and there is a ne- 
 ceftity to reform the others, or break it immediately. I have another 
 fcheme fent me from Scotland. I fhall compare it with what I fent, 
 and fhall fend it, with my thoughts of it, by my next. The D. of 
 Queenfberry writes moil' earneftly for the two patents in his laft ; 
 however, his Majefty may take his own time. I am glad they have 
 come fafe. The Chancellor writes earneftly for E. Lauderdale to be 
 Ruglen's fucceffor ; and defires I may let this be known as his opi- 
 nion. 1 cannot at this diftance know what are his Majefty's incli- 
 nations ; but, after he has got full information, I fhall acquiefce in 
 his pleafure. The Juftice-Clerk thinks that Brigadier Maitland's 
 regiment can allow of no reform ; for it is the only regiment that is 
 emploved now in time of peace. I could write you an account I 
 have of a particular would fatisfy you, but I referve it till meeting, 
 which I wifh may be foon. I am, moft fincerely, your M. H. S. 
 Pray, give my moft humble fervice to the Earl of Portland. Adieu. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 457 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon Lord CarmichaeVs being made Secretary, and Lauderdale foe- 
 
 ceeding Ruglen. Violent againfi the Juftice Clerk's being made 
 
 a Lord of Seffion ; and againjl Tiviot coming to command in 
 
 Scotland.- Of a report that Tiviot had bribed Portland. 
 
 To gratify fome of the Pretenders to titles, would prevent Quar- 
 rels among their Coachmen. 
 
 I had your's by the flying packet. I think, in our prefent circum- Edinburgh, 
 fiances, his Majefty has chofen very well, in pitching on L. Car- ^ n ' 3I * 
 michael to be fecretary; and it is my opinion E. Lauderdale de- 
 ferves very well what he has got : But I do admire we are kept fo 
 much in the mift as to other matters. I have write, I believe, two 
 meets of paper to the fecretary; which I have defired him to expofe 
 to you, as I did my laft to him. The chief occafion of this is to 
 enter my proteftation againfi: L. Juftice Clerk's being, by any mould 
 can be projected, made an ordinary Lord of the Seffion, or extra- 
 ordinary. We have foul weather enough by L. Whitelaw al- 
 ready; but, if the other come in, we mall have a conftant ftorm. 
 I am not ufed to be pofitive in my opinion, but I have warrand 
 to fay, the Chancelour, L. Queenfberry, and the Precedent of the 
 Seffion, with myfelf, for I will not be out of the number, fhall all 
 be uneafy if the Juftice Clerk be put in that poft, and believe the 
 confequence will be worfe than can be imagined. I thought you 
 had known him ; and, as you value the reft of us, guard againfi 
 that meafure. I fhall wait patiently as to my little pretenfion, and 
 my fute for my brother ; but I hope at laft I fhall be confidered. 
 I admire that the fecretary tells me the King does not incline to 
 gratify me in what relates to Captain Menzies ; it's hard I muft be 
 the unlucky. E. Loudon deferves well, and none fo well, as to what 
 he pretends. I find nothing will make theD. Queenfberry fatisfy- 
 ed, if Vifcount Tiviot come to command. I muft tell you, his crea- 
 
 M m m tures
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 tures has fpread a report in this town, which I am fure is falfe, but 
 its fit I tell you, that he has made up friendfhip with E. P. by pay- 
 ing L. 5000 fieri, to him. It is not whifpered, believe me; and I 
 think ought to be taken notice of; which I (hall, if warranted to it. 
 Yefterday we was at Lady Anne Hall's burial!, where a quarrel ha- 
 pened betwixt E. Lothian and Roxburgh's coachman, anent the 
 precedence, which was very near engaging the mafters, but was 
 prevented. If the King gratify us pretenders, it takes off all thofe 
 difputes. Since I hope the Secretary will mow you my fplenetick let- 
 ter, I need add no more, having mentioned fome particulars in 
 this which I have not in his, which you'll pleafe to communicate to 
 him. I am, Dr Sir, your's, &c 
 
 -To Mr C a R s T A R ES. 
 
 Of the Juflice-Clerk now made Treafurer^depute^ and Lord Car ml- 
 
 chael now Secretary* Wijhcs fome thing may be done for Him- 
 
 f elf and his Son. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your two worthy friends and mine are ported as I could have 
 
 Feb. ' wifhed them ; and, as I commend the one's franknefs in acceptance 
 
 l6 "' without any hefitation, fo I cannot but a little blame the other for 
 
 his unwillingnefs to the poft he is now in. Its true, his unfriends 
 
 (as you may perchance know) ufed all their utmoft pith and power 
 
 to keep him out of the feflion, wherein it feems they think they 
 
 prevailed ; but I attribute it rather to his Majefty's inclinations to 
 
 have him treafurer-depute, as fitteft for his fervice, (which I ever 
 
 was, and ftill am of opinion of), than all the endeavours any could 
 
 have ufed againft his being in the feflion. But, to tell truth, no 
 
 man can lye under greater difcouragement than he does in that trea - 
 
 fury, whereof you cannot be unacquainted ; and the Secretary will 
 
 give you a fuller account of it. Although, Sir, I have got the ball
 
 AND LETTERS. 459 
 
 a little at my foot, and fome good fruit to put in the dim with very 
 bad, yet, till there be a change in the treafury, all is to little purpofe. 
 Rome, I confefs, was not built in one day ; it may take fome fmall 
 time, and by piece-meal, to put us more and more righter than we 
 are. We have had changes of chancellors, and of feveral fecretaries; 
 and, methinks, it fhould be eafier to change a treafury wherein fome 
 has plurality of benefices that needs not, but may very well be fa- 
 tisfied with their mares otherwife. My Lord Secretary, who has as 
 much perfonal courage as any man alive, I am afraid, will need ftrait 
 ftoutning ; if it be thought fit to call up the treafurer-depute, he will 
 take a large fhare in giving his Majefty a moft faithful account of all 
 things. My good Lord Secretary will incline to pleafe every body, 
 •and take as little choking-ftrefs as he can. However, I hope a 
 little time may perfuade him to what is abfolutely neceflary for his 
 Majefty and our poor country's intereft. His colleague will feem 
 very fond of his Lordfhip. His fervants writes down, that their 
 mafter prevailed with his Majefty that my Lord Carmichael fhould 
 be joined with him. I wrote one to you before, that, if we needed 
 a chancellor, the propereft perfon was Lauderdale. It daily appears 
 we will, and does need one ; which I am forry for. I could not wait 
 upon the Secretary to London at this time. I have fent up that gift 
 of my fon's and mine, in cafe the other be out of the way, for I think 
 I am to expecl: little good of my Lord Seafield. Dear Sir, if it be 
 thought fit to call up the Treafurer-depute, and me to bear him com- 
 pany, I fliall be very ready ; and I think this gift may lye unpaffed 
 till I come, in cafe that, by my Lord Secretary's friendfhip and 
 your's, fomething elfe may be found as proper for me. There are 
 a great many new penfions befides the old, which will impede all 
 payments, except thefe who may have favour among the commif- 
 fioners of treafury; fo that thefe that has penfions are more difobli- 
 ged (being unpaid) than if they had none. Now, Sir, to make an 
 end of my long letter, I have recommended my poor fon, the Cap- 
 tain, who was one of my Lord Secretary's captains, and has been 
 fifteen years in his Majefty 's fervice in Holland, (where he began 
 
 M m m 2 with
 
 4 6o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 with a mufket), in Scotland, in England, and feveral campaignes 
 in Flanders, where I had a third fon died there in his Majefty's fer- 
 vice. I know my Lord will do what he can for him ; but, dear Sir, 
 I beg you may mind his Lordfhip to put him in fome employ or o- 
 ther, fince he can be of no other trade; and but, ripining, idles away 
 his time with me. Sir, you fee with what freedom I give you the 
 trouble of all my troubles, but fhall be very loath to give you any 
 unreafonable ftrefs of your infinitely obliged humble fervant. Dear 
 Sir, it being out of fafhion to fign letters, adieu, till you procure 
 me a fummer's campaign. 
 
 Sir, this inclofed is a double of the gift that is in my Lord Sea- 
 field's hands. It differs only in this, that it is conceived in favours 
 of my fon and me, or the longeft liver of us two. The reafon of it 
 is, to give my fon the better title after my deceafe. But the gift car- 
 ries, as you may read in it, All is during his Majefty's pleafure : 
 So that there is nothing pretended to any liferent but during his Ma- 
 jefty's pleafure. So I hope, Sir, it will be thought reafonable that 
 this may be procured, and the former laid afide. You may do with 
 me what my good Lord Carmichael and you thinks fit. I am fine, 
 if ever I had an opportunity to get any good done for me or my fa- 
 mily, now is the time. Again, I fay, adieu. 
 
 Earl of Buchan to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Dif appointed in not fuccee ding Ruglen. — Begs Mr Carjlares to pro- 
 cure him the Arrears of his Pen/ion, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Carinne * kad your's of the 9th, and am forry to find your kind endea- 
 
 Feb. 19. vours for me have proved fo unfuccefsful. I confefs I never doubted 
 
 1 99' "but, if I miffed the mint, I fhould at leaft get fomething more than I 
 
 have at prefent ; but, though I have met with a difappointment, I 
 
 neither
 
 AND LETTERS. 461 
 
 neither trouble myfelf, nor do at all repine at it ; and I have the fa- 
 tisfadtion to find moft people regret my ill fortune, which I hope in 
 God will not be always fo bad. However, Sir, I think myfelf as 
 much obliged to return you my hearty thanks for your concern in 
 me upon this occafion, as if I had obtained my defires ; and I am en- 
 tirely convinced of the fincerity and kindnefs of your intentions to- 
 wards me, which I hope I Ihall always acknowledge as becomes 
 me. Sir, I am afraid this preference you fay is given me for my 
 penfion will not make it effectual to me. I know certainly that there 
 is a confiderable fum rauft be paid to the treafury before any of us 
 can get a farthing ; for the Lords of the Treafury, having been fo 
 kind to feverals as had penfions out of the bifhop's rents, as to caufe 
 pay them out of the treafury, have ordered the receivers of the bi- 
 fhops rents to repay to the treafury what was advanced that way, 
 and none other mould be paid till that were done, which I believe 
 will not be this twelve month ; and, if the preference now grant- 
 ed me fecure me not from that inconvenience, my penfion will be 
 the fame as formerly. I muft alfo tell you, Sir, that there is near 
 L. 900 fterling of my bygone penfion due me ; and I was hopeful 
 you would have obtained me an order for paying at leaft a part there- 
 of, which, if you would be pleafed to do, you'd do me a very great 
 kindnefs. And certainly I have the misfortune to be moft unkind- 
 ly ufed, if, while others that have much of the King already, are ei- 
 ther getting additional employments, or confiderable penfions added 
 to their former offices, I can not fo much as get the juft bygones of 
 a poor inconfiderable penfion paid me : And I am confident, if his 
 Majefty had been but fufficiently informed, by fuch as were the pro- 
 moters of the late changes here, how much was heaped upon a few, 
 while many others, as firm to his intereft, could not get the juft ar- 
 rears of his own free gifts to them, certainly his goodnefs and ju- 
 ftice would have induced him to take at leaft fome other meafures ; 
 But, fince my own experience upon this occafion convinces me, that 
 other advice than your's has been followed, I fhall not ftick to fay, 
 that nothing that is done furprifes me. Sir, I have troubled you 
 
 with
 
 462 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 with too long a letter, which I hope you will excufe to one that can 
 hardly forbear telling a part of his mind to a friend he can truft; 
 and as there is none I could ufe more freedom with than yourfelf, 
 fo I befeech you to believe me to be moil: fincerely, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft obliged, faithful, humble fervant, 
 
 BUCHAN. 
 
 I have written to the Secretary by this poft about my penfion and 
 arrears ; but, though I am not much obliged to him, I have written 
 with all refpec~t imaginable, and have exprefled none of my fmall 
 refentments. 
 
 Lord Cardross to Mr Carstares. 
 Upon the fame Subjecl. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, My f n writ to you fome polls ago, and to my Lord Seafield ; it 
 T<599. 23 ' was anent his bygone penfion ; and I have given his Lordfhip the 
 trouble of one from me on the fame head. It would be a great fa- 
 vour to my fon, though but little to the public : And, Sir, becaufe 
 what you was pleafed fo kindly to propofe for me would not, it is 
 like, be obtained, and this both ; therefore I mould rather be fatif- 
 fied it was paflfed from, if the other was more confiderable. I 
 have a great load, and no eafe, by my fon's marriage, but a confi- 
 derable addition ; and my other children, fome of them who are 
 come to be men, are at a great lofs in their breeding. I remember, 
 Sir, I was once fpeaking to you about my fecond fon, if it was pof- 
 fihle to get a company in fome regiment for him ; he is about 20 
 years, and promifmg enough for his time, and good inclinations, 
 which is a fatisfadion to me : If any favour of that kind could be 
 got, it were well ; but I am afhamed we mould ftill put you to fo 
 
 much
 
 AND LETTERS. 463 
 
 much trouble in thefe things, and none to affift you in what con- 
 cerns us. People in our circumftances have few friends ; but you 
 are not of that humour. It is not thought that my fon's penfior 
 can be effectuate on that fund as the treafury hath ordered it ; and 
 feveral great men hath out of it, who, by intereft, will be prefera- 
 ble. I beg your pardon, Sir, for my fo frequent troubling you, 
 which is uneafy to me to do, though I know your goodnefs will 
 excufe it from, 
 
 S I R, 
 Your much obliged friend and humble fervant, 
 
 K. Cardross. 
 Give my fervice to Mrs Carftares, whom I long to fee. 
 
 Hugh Cunningham to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his own Affairs. Marriage betwixt Hopeton and Annandale's 
 
 Daughter. Lord Rofs, baulked of the Secretary's Office, ex- 
 
 pecls to be confidered for coming twice down from England to 
 ferve the King in Parliament. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I made your excufe to the great folks you named, for not writing Edinburgh, 
 to them ; and all of them took it very kindly. I have got Mr Mur- ^ arch 2 ° 
 ray's precept forth of the treafury, and my Lord Chancellor has 
 promifed it fhall be very foon paid ; and I doubt not but I will get 
 it to anfwer. His bill you mention is drawn on me, though it is not 
 yet prefented to me. Col. Wifhart writes me, that you will fee me 
 minded in the eftablifhment. I wrote to you fully about it ; and I 
 hope you will think it more reafonable I fhould be continued in the 
 eftablifhment, with the additional truft as clerk and fecretary, than 
 Mr Aitken, though I am fatisfied he fhall fhare of it ; [and, if my 
 Lord Teviot defigns otherwife, I never deferved it at his hands ; 
 
 but
 
 464 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 but I will not think it. My Lord Treafurer-depute is ill of a trou- 
 ble in his throat, and has keept the houfe fince yefterday at twelve 
 o'clock : They took blood of him this day : I know not if he will be 
 able to write this night. There is a marriage on foot betwixt Hope- 
 ton and the E. of Annandale's daughter, which I hope will make 
 a better underftanding betwixt them. The flruggle there is about 
 thecommifiary-office makes a great talking. My wife gives you and 
 Mrs Carftares her hearty thanks for your kind remembrance of her; 
 fhe would be glad to have a new occafion to fignify her obligations 
 to you. My Lord Rofs tells me he writ to you, that, feeing he is 
 baulked at this time of what he expected, that the King will con- 
 fider him for coming twice down from England to ferve him in the 
 parliament, and that he may have allowance for it. I muft again 
 mind you about Dalmenie ; and that David Calendar's fon-in-law 
 be not wronged by Mr Ramfay. The papers concerning your bro- 
 ther Mr M'Kie I gave to Mr M'Farlane his doer, which he knew 
 not of till the inclofed was written ; but he has account of them laft 
 week. 
 
 Duke of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Competition in the Affair of the Com?niJJiirs. Leaves his oivn Pre- 
 
 tenfions to be pijloed by Mr Carftares. 
 
 Edinburgh, By tn * s the Ay m g packet goes a letter from the treafury to the 
 March 5. Secretary. In obedience to his Majefty's commands, relating to Com- 
 miflars, we have fent the beft offer by much ; others made offer, but 
 nothing fo advantageous. It is thought by the treafury, that no bet- 
 ter bargain can be made at this time ; and fhould any under-hand 
 dealing be, by making offers at London, as indeed I advertifed the 
 Secretary fome time agoe, that it was jealoufied, would be the refult 
 which, in a great meafure, did hinder frank offering upon the 
 place: I fay, if any fuch thing be admitted there, when we of the 
 
 treafury 
 
 !6 99 .
 
 AND LETTERS. 465 
 
 treafury have done our outmoft here, whofe proper fphere it is to ad 
 in thofe matters, it would, to be plain, anger us not a little, and rea- 
 fonably too. I have not fpoke fo plain to the fecretary ; but I leave 
 you to make what ufe of it you think fitt. I am certainly inform- 
 ed, L. Collonel Wifhart has writt letters to thofe who we incline to 
 preferr to be admitted in the number which they have refufed ; lb 
 you may judge he will not be wanting to grumble at the matter ; 
 and he wants not intereft with L. Carmicheal and V. Tiviot. There 
 is Livingftone and Woodfide have a fmall concern, on purpofe to 
 make all eafy. They were amongft the laft Commiflars, the other 
 fett that made offer, but fell fhorte, were headed by Provoft Hume j 
 which put the chancellor out of humor that he fell in a pafTion 
 before I came to it this morning, whilft none were there but 
 Annandale and Mr Francis Montgomery, and faid, he liked not 
 thefe peoples names nor faces. But indeed no fuch thing paft 
 whileft I was there. I muft tell you, the D, of Queenlberry, An- 
 nandale, Mr Franciffe, and myfelf, were of a mind ; fo the Chancellor 
 figned the letter. lam refolved to write no more to the fecretary of 
 my particular pretenfions, but recommend them to you to pulh 
 him as is proper, and act for me yourfelf as you fee conve- 
 nient. If I afked an unreafonable thing, I were to blame ; but, fmce 
 I can vindicate my pretenfions to the world, I am in amaze at the 
 (land, and muft fancy I know not what. I am, Dr Sir, your's. 
 The treafurer-depute is ill of a fquinnance and keeps the houfe. 
 
 Earl of Argyle *o Mr Carstares. 
 
 In very bad Humour. SeafielcPs neglecl of him in various inftan- 
 
 ces Several Perfons who have Pen/ions, and do not deferve 
 
 th m - His Brothers muft want. 
 
 I had your's by this day's poft, and againft next poft fhall write Edinburgh 
 
 IVl3rcli 1 A 
 
 to E. P. and follow the exad method you advife me. I fend you l699> 
 inclofed a letter I have wreit to Vifcount Seafield, to read, feal, and 
 deliver 5 for I am refolved to wreit no more repining letters to him, 
 
 N n n but
 
 466 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 but fliall take the mod gentle way to prevail on him to do me 
 right. By my letter, and the account he will give you, it is eafy 
 to underftand all I hint at ; and I leave to you to judge if they 
 fhould have fuffered the matter of matter-gunner to be decided, un- 
 till he had informed himfelf of me what grounds I went on : Nay, 
 without hearing further from me, he ought to place fo much truft 
 to my management, as to be perfuaded I would not have imbark- 
 ed in difpute with V. Teviot, unlefs I had gone upon fure ground. 
 If he fancies me one that ventures upon flight grounds, or that he 
 do not yet vindicate my reputation in this matter, and to the King, 
 not with an overly word, but to demonftration ; I fay, if this be 
 not done, indeed my letters fhall not hereafter be troubelfome. 
 I am forry to find my Lord fo eafy when his friend's reputation is 
 at the flake. That which I am afraid of is, he has yeilded to Teviot 
 in this matter before the King ; and he will think it a difparage- 
 ment to himfelf that he was not better informed : But he may blame 
 himfelf. Pray, Sir, do me right in this matter, or indeed I muft 
 give over bufmefs, if a fecretary that is my friend fuffer me tamely 
 to be baffeled, when I am fo much in the right ; and you may fee, 
 by the biginning of my letter, where he has fuffered Teviot to worft 
 me when I have much the better reafon on my fide. I have had 
 3 or 4 letters, one after another, promifing me he was to fee the 
 King fuch a day, and fuch a day, and that he would mind fome 
 little particulars I recommended to him, as my two brothers, who 
 bought their commimons, and enjoyed their places but a fmall time; 
 one of which poffeft not his place a full year : This is a fort- 
 night a go, and never fince does he make the leaft mention to me. 
 I have fuggefled to him, but not regarded, that thofe who are turn- 
 ed out of the government for flying in the King's face keep their 
 penfions, and, except myfelf, who will not fign them their pre- 
 cepts, others have; for indeed I perfume they are forgote. There 
 is that rogue Forbes, fifeteen millings fterling a day net. There 
 is Major Burnet has eight millings a-day ; there is one Dunbar, a 
 cowardly rogue, has eight (hillings a-day; there is the Laird of 
 Glengary has L. 200 fterling a year of penfion, a papift, and in 
 
 Lord 

 
 AND LETTERS. 467 
 
 Lord James Murray's name ; and mean time my brothers muft 
 want, and I not gratifyed in a triffle fmce I came from London. 
 All this I have over and over again reprefented to V. Seafield ; but 
 to no purpofe. I am at a deal of drudgery in writting long letters to 
 him ; but all is loft : And, if you cannot caufe him doe me right, I 
 fhall give over my correfpondence ; and I muft tell you, who I 
 conceal nothing from, I cannot eafily digeft it. He fances me 
 the eafy fool — but it is not I. Sir, pray excufe this from one is 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 -to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A fpirited Letter. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Thefe feveral pofts we have had nothing worth troubling the Secre- Edinburgh, 
 tary with. This day being the day the parliament was adjourned X £I1 * 4 ' 
 to, the councill was called extroardinar, to declare the parliament 
 current. I'm forry it has been two often forgot. We hear of a new 
 eftablifhment coming down; I hope your friend B. Maitland will 
 fuffer nothing by it. — There is one Ramfay was a fervant of my 
 Lord Rath's ; he was in a chamberlaynlhip under the treafury ; he 
 flighted it ; and a very ufefull fervant about the treafury was pre- 
 ferred to it : I gave my Lord Seafield information of it a good 
 while ago ; and his Lordfhip was very oblidging in his return; my 
 Lord Carmichael was fo likewife at parting. So, if that valet-de- 
 chambre come to pifs on the Lords of treafury, it can only be thro' 
 your moyen ; and, ere a commiflion pafs in his favours, the King 
 fhall determine the matter between him and me. This may feem 
 a little brifk to write thus to Mr Carftares; but, while I ferve, I will 
 maintain the poft and the credit of it ; and when ever his Majefty 
 pleafes to difmifs me, there is no man in the government will pro- 
 pofe more eafe to his mind and body both than I can doe. Pray 
 make my excufe to both fecretaries ; for I have nothing worth the 
 
 N n n 2 while
 
 468 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 while to write ; and allow this to give them my moft humble fer- 
 vice. Farewell. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Heavy Complaints agalnjl Teviot, zvho in a letter treats him like a 
 little Enfgn His Son is to be zvith Mr Carjlares foon. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have wreit at length this day by my fon, who is gone for Lon- 
 1699°. J don, as to that affair betwixt Teviot and me. I have proved to a de- 
 monftration, by exact documents, that the King has been in ufe, 
 and has actually granted commiffion for thofe in that poft, difputed 
 fince the revolution ; and I have fent doubles, and the original com- 
 miflion. I have likewife proved, by authentic papers, which I have 
 fent up, which proves themfelves not to be controverted, that it 
 was by virtue of his power of granting acts over all in the army, 
 that he gave an act to Capt. Sletcher's fon, who died lately in that 
 poft. I have fent up a letter or two of his to Capt. Sletcher ; in one of 
 which he treats me like a little enfign, which I will not bear, 
 whatever be the event. When you fee the papers, pray act as you 
 fee juft. I fend inclofed E. P.'s letter open, with the inclofed decla- 
 ration, which you'll pleafe to look upon, and convey it to E. P. as 
 you fee fit. I gave no caufefor this difpute ; but am moft innocently 
 4 attacked. I fhall fay little ; but I am refolved. I am your's. Adieu. 
 I judge my fon may be with you the day after this, if not foon- 
 er. Pray, give L. Carmichael an account of this matter betwixt 
 Teviot and me. I have touched it but in general to him, he having 
 been upon the road when it begun ; and I have referred him to you 
 for particulars. Once more, adieu. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 469 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In a violent Pqffion. Refers Portland to bis Son, ivho can tell his 
 
 Tale pretty well. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I writt you by laft poft a pretty full letter, and fent the Secre- Edinburgh, 
 tary's letter inclofed to you to read, feal, and deliver, with a fmall I f 6 arch " l6t 
 meffage to him. I am by this day's poft, by a letter from him, now 
 fully confirmed in what I feared ; he has yielded all to Teviot's ftub- 
 born, pofitive, refentive humour. (You remember Tullibardine faid 
 he was irreconcilable to me.) The guards are to be burthened be- 
 yond the dragoons. I value the foil in it more than the burthen ; 
 and, mean time,. Teviot fends down a letter to Captain Sletcher, full 
 of infolence, the double whereof I fend inclofed. My fon has the 
 principal, which I took from Sletcher in prefence of the Juftice- 
 Clerk. The Secretary, in this day's letter, advifes me to live well 
 with Teviot when he comes down. I had better not live at all, if 
 the King redrefs me not, or allow me, with his favour, to redrefs 
 myfelf. I have writ to the E. of Portland in general, and refers 
 him to my fon, who can tell his tale pretty well. I muft defire the 
 favour of you to get E. Portland to acquaint the King, that I have 
 bufinefs which requires my prefence at London. I am refolved to 
 write no more ; for my temper has left me, being affronted by my 
 mortal enemies, flighted and expofed to my enemy by my friend : 
 I'll rather chufe to be out of employment than not to fpeak once 
 to the King, who, I flatter myfelf, will do me right, when matters 
 are rightly reprefented. If either I omit what I mould fay, or fay 
 too much, excufe me. I am fo ill ufed, I can bear no longer. I am 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 I fend you inclofed a double of the King's commiffion granted to 
 
 George Calcleugh, immediate predeceffor to Captain Sletcher's fon 
 
 ^who died laft, in whofe place Teviot now has placed one. My fon has 
 
 the
 
 47° 
 
 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 the principal commiflion to mow. If this gives me not advantage 
 enough, nothing can ; and it is time for me to follow fomething 
 elfe. I afk but common juftice, and I will be heard, whatever the 
 event be. You fee how fome people can affert, and how others can 
 be tamely led away to the deftruction of their friend. I mall pafs no 
 further commentary, but leaves it to you to improve all to do me 
 but right. Adieu. 
 
 I caufed Mr Aiken, fecretary of war, Teviot's own creature, to 
 give me a double out of his books of Teviot's act to Sletcher's fon, 
 and a double of an act to an enfign j both are exactly the fame 
 ftile, has the fame narrative, nay, all along the fame but the names ; 
 by which, you fee, comparing them, that he grants the fame act to 
 Sletcher's fon to be mafter-gunner, by virtue of the power he had 
 to grant acts in general, it running in the fame ftile with the en- 
 fign's : And there can be no fhadow, by the inclofed double, that he 
 granted it by any particular inftruction. My fon has the doubles 
 writ by Mr Aiken's own hand. 
 
 Copy V. Teviot's Letter to C. Sletcher. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I thought you underftood your duty better as to difobey or- 
 March ' ders from fuch as command you, which, in time and place conve- 
 l6 "' nient, we mall talk ofj and now only once more command you 
 
 inftantly to place that Crecutt, who formerly was Lieutenant in Sir 
 William Douglas's regiment, to be gentleman of the cannon in the 
 artillery company. It feems the Earl of Argyle will continue to 
 meddle in bufinefs he is not concerned in, which you may tell him, 
 he was not in this. You did very well. Know that a gentleman 
 of the cannon never had the King's commiflion ; and, if it had been 
 fo, it was not the Earl of Argyle's to meddle with. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your fervant, 
 
 (ficfubcr.) Teviot. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 471 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Earl of Ar gyle and Teviot. Dalmcny. 
 
 /• 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have your's, and likewife my L. Seafield's, and mall write to Edinburgh, 
 the E. of Portland as I am defired ; but this night having been kept March 16. 
 out unavoidably till after nine, and being to write not only as a- 
 bove, but to both the fecretaries, and to yourfelf, at fome length, I 
 muft defer till the next poft. My L. Argyle hath told me what 
 farther is done about Captain Stevenfon and Richardfon their de- 
 clarations : That young man is very unhappy to talk fo unadvifed- 
 ly and madly of fo worthy a perfon. I am alfo furprifed at what is 
 fallen out betwixt E. Argyle and V. Teviot ; things of that nature 
 may go to great extremes, which I wifh may be prevented ; but 
 the E. gives the true and full account of the whole matter, and I 
 wifh the Vifcount may confider it. Pray, excufe my not writing. 
 The next poft fhall fupply all. My moft humble fervice to my 
 Lords the Secretaries, I am your's moft fmcerely. 
 
 Dalmeny is very fenfible of your kindnefs, and prays to be ftill 
 remembered. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Again/I Teviot, and in favour of Argyle. A Necefftty for the 
 
 King's giving the Command in Scotland to fome other than Teviot. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I would trouble you oftener with my letters, if fuch extraordinary March lt 
 occafions as brings you this fhould happen. While my Lord Te- 1699. 
 viot continues to treat people here in fo infolent a manner, you can 
 never expect to be free of our complaints. He has now again, in
 
 472 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 a letter to Captain Sletcher, ufed my L. Argyle very cavalierly. 
 You will fee by the copy of it, which my Lord Lorn carries up, 
 what may be expected from that gentleman when he comes here to 
 command, not only contrary to all our inclinations, but after fo 
 many endeavours againft it. You'll alfo be convinced how far he 
 is in the wrong, when you fhall fee that my L. Argyle maintains 
 only the King's right againft an unwarrantable encroachment of 
 his upon it in the office of gentleman-cannon : But of this matter 
 I have wrote fo fully to my L. Seafield, (which I believe he will 
 fhew you), and I know my L. Argyle has wrote fo fully to your- 
 felf, that I need fay no more ; only, I hope that this will convince 
 his Majefty of the truth of what has been reprefented to him, and 
 prevail with him to think of fome other perfon to command here, 
 that his fervice may go on with vigour and unity. There is juft now 
 arrived an exprefs with the King's pleafure about the commiffaries ; 
 but, having not yet feen his Majefty's letter, I cannot give you my 
 thoughts of it; only, this I can fay, that the officers were none of my 
 choice : For, fince theK. thought fit to take that affair out of the trea- 
 fury's hands, I never concerned myfelf in it directly nor indirectly; 
 nor, on the other hand, do I know any juflreafonof the exception made 
 againft them, if they purge themfelves by qualifying according to 
 law. My next fhall be more full ; fo I fhall only now add, that I 
 am your's, &c. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Takes his Correction patiently, — — The Commiffars determined to his 
 Mind; But Teviot difpleafed. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I had both your letter and my L. Seafield's with the flying pac- 
 ^ r 9 ch 2lm ket. I took my correction very patiently; though I muft own i 
 did not a little mortify me, when I confidercd the foot's pay and dra- 
 goons 
 
 :
 
 AND LETTERS. 473 
 
 goons were augmented higher than ever fince the revolution, and 
 the guards reduced to the lowed ; and yet the greateft burden laid 
 on us gentlemen, who muft not work, and do thofe mean things to 
 affift us, which both dragoons may, and does do. I reprefented this 
 my grievance formerly at large, both in treafury and elfewhere. I 
 have been filent, complained of no body, not fo much as of my 
 own misfortune ; and, whilft I was almoft in difpair, fmothering my 
 concern in my own breaft, a bleffing befel me ; for, whilft two par- 
 ties were contending who mould be commiflars, thofe who pre- 
 vailed outbid the others ; and, with one breath, delivered me, and 
 freed the King of any additional charge, and has gone lower than 
 any former offer, and not altered from the method the King incli- 
 ned to accept, in fo far as it tends for the advantage of the forces. 
 They advance the fame fum as formerly offered, take 8 d. poun- 
 dage off the foot, 12 d. off the horfe and dragoons, renouncing any 
 more from the King •, and they are to forage both horfe and dragoons 
 for 6 d. a-day. I hope it will not be took amifs, that I am deliver- 
 ed when the King is freed of an additional charge, and the whole 
 done cheaper than any formerly offered. All here are mightily 
 pleafed ; and I hope none but Teviot will be difpleafed. The com- 
 miffars are Baillie Meinzies, Dean-of-guild Blair, and Mr M'Clel- 
 lan, with their fureties, which the treafury are fatisfied with. Some 
 of Teviot's creatures were the competitors. To-morrow I hope to 
 fign the contract. I have not writ to the Secretary, nor will not, 
 till I fee if he doe me juftice in that affair with Teviot ; for, indeed, 
 I would not have left him at a lofs. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Ooo earl
 
 474 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a Gift for his Son, -married to Sir George CampbeWs Daughter. 
 
 The Advocate and Prefident called up to give their Opinion^ 
 
 in point of Laiv, as to the Maimer of the African Compares taking 
 PojTeffion of Darien. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I could not get leifure the two lafl pofls to write to you ; neither 
 3699. 3 * C3n I now do it fo fully as I defire, and intend to do afterwards. 
 My fon Alexander tells me, that he has written to you about a con- 
 cern of his the fame pofl that he wrote to the V. of Seafield and the 
 L. Carmichael. I defire that you will fpeak to them both, and aflift 
 him as you think reafonable in this affair. I wifh it may be done 
 without any noife. When I matched him with Sir George Camp- 
 bell's daughter, who is indeed both a very good woman, and a very 
 good wife, I paid in a confiderable portion, confidering my fortune 
 and circumflances, to Sir George, for fecuring his affairs ; and he 
 did infeft them for it ; and the portion he gave his daughter in 
 lands out of which they mould have the annualrent. Alexander, 
 fince, finds, that the lands in which they are infeft hold ward, and 
 that their fecurity for their flock will be very loofe, unlefs he 
 get the gift he defires. I did not indeed examine how the land 8 
 held, but treated bona fide, reckoning it Sir George's intereil, as 
 much as mine, to fecure their flock to them. You know Sir George's 
 humour, and I believe have fome guefs of his way of managing : 
 And I will affure you, that what is done for my fon fhall be made 
 no further ufe of, than to fecure to them the money which Sir 
 George is obliged to pay them, and the annualrent in the mean 
 time, till the term of payment, which is long delayed, moil part of 
 it not to be called for while Sir George lives ; fo that his heirs or 
 fucceflors to him in his eftate are to be the payers. I need add no 
 more upon this fubjeft. I have written to both Secretaries what 
 
 in-
 
 AND LETTERS. 475 
 
 information I have about the way our colony took poffeffion upon 
 the Ifthmus of the Darien, which you may fee from them. The 
 Lord Prcfident of the feffion and Advocate were with me this af- 
 ternoon, and will be quickly there. All here are poflefTed of an 
 opinion, that they are called up to maintain in law the juftice and 
 agreeablenefs to law of the colony's procedure and practice. This 
 notion is exceeding pleafing, and renders them very favourable to 
 the people here, who are exceedingly bent upon the profecution of 
 that undertaking; and I believe will flick at nothing in their power 
 to do for that purpofe. It is an unaccountable thing, to find fo 
 great a difpofition in people to go thither as there is ; God knows 
 what fhall come of it. I am going to the country to-morrow, my 
 health very much requiring it. I have not time to tell you what 
 I have written to both Secretaries about the Chancellor's houfe in the 
 Abbay, where I intend to dwell, when in town, finding my living 
 where I did very prejudicial to my health. Give my fervice to the 
 E. of Portland, and make my excufe that I have made no return 
 of the letters I had by Major Paton, whofe bufinefs is done, not 
 without fome difficulty ; but, finding my Lord concerned in him, I 
 did indeed all I could for him, as he will tell you. My own hand 
 ferves me feldom to write ; but, in the country, I will have more 
 leizure, and, I hope, better health ; then I fhall write to my Lord. 
 I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your humble fervant, and true friend. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In his oivn Vindication. — The Generality of the King's Council ivould 
 rather have no Army than Teviot for Commander, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have received your's dated March 23d. I am fully perfuaded April 3. 
 you are my fincere friend. I do believe you to be a man of honour ! "' 
 
 O o o 2 as
 
 47 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 as well as confcience ; and I confide in you as fuch. How I have 
 been ufed by others is too apparent, and the iflue will demonftrate. 
 I am now determined to make no London journey without encou- 
 ragement. I fought no quarrel ; and, being attacked, 1 think, as you 
 fay, I have made myfelf very clearly to have been acting warrantably. 
 If others be countenanced in telling the King falfehoods, and infult- 
 ing ine to the boot, I have no reafon to think myfelf well ufed. I 
 have, as directed, offered my mite to ferve E. Portland : I cannot 
 think but he will pleafe to have fome regard for me. It would ap- 
 pear, by Teviot's offering that exchange with Ram fay, that he 
 looks not upon a forfeiture in thefe days as a good and firm fecuri- 
 ty ; for the one is certainly more valuable than the other. I fhall 
 fay no farther as to that peer ; but I believe the generality of the 
 King's great council in Scotland would rather have no army than 
 him for commander : So, what the confequence may be, time will 
 fhow. I am, dear Sir, ever your's. 
 
 Cockburn ofOrmifton,nowTreafurer-depute,toMr Car stares. 
 
 Of the Prejident and Advocate's Journey to London upon the Darien 
 Affair. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, You have here inclofed a few words of hearty thanks for the let- 
 16Q9. ter of recommendation. You know I'm not good at compliments; 
 
 but this will fay for them, fuch as they are, they are fincere. I 
 thought this day to agone to the country ; but found myfelf a- 
 boundantly wearied with my vifites in the morning ; as our great 
 men are called to court, it was the firft of my going down ilairs 
 thefe ten or twelve days; fo I put off my journey till Thurfday. 
 We have nothing among as here, but that thefe great men are cal- 
 led up about our African Company. Some fpeakes with fear that 
 they will do hurt ; and thefe (land not to exprefs what their refent- 
 
 ment
 
 AND LETTERS. 477 
 
 ment will be upon their return. But all that has fpoke to them a- 
 gree in their defires, that they would ftand up boldly for the main- 
 tenance of that new plantation, on which the intereft and well-be- 
 ing of the nation fo much depends. The prelident was this day a 
 long time prefent at a pretty frequent meeting of the directors, 
 where, after the compliments of recommendation of the company's 
 concerns, he had a full information given him of their procedure. 
 He expreft himfelf with a great deal of affection, and with many 
 good willies for the profperity of the company ; and, if it were in 
 his power to do iervice to its intereft, he would think it hishap- 
 pinefs. The directores named fome of their number to carry their 
 defires to my Lord Advocate, and to compliment him on his jour- 
 ney. — Ex it us affa finobat *. When 7 8mw6 8tq 1298 then 78 duxx 
 
 WZ2d 
 
 April 4. 1699. 
 Ormiston's CYPHERS explained. 
 
 * When the 7 (Advocate) takes the gout, then 78 (Ormiflon) knows all is not 
 right. Ormiflon hopes, that feeing 24 would not keep the Dutch guards, 
 
 it will not fare the worfe with 65 (Scotland's) company. I'm fure this is ftrong 
 fenle. I know not how it will found with 22 (Mr Carftares)-, but, if Ormiflon hear 
 that Carftares bids the Advocate ftand firm, then all is well ; but, whatever 
 come, let Carftares keep 76 (Carmichael) from being brought upon locks now 
 in his firft waiting. The Advocate has not, by this journey, a 41 or 69 to him 
 out. Will Carftares endeavour that 43 (the King) make offer to 83 (the 
 Preficent) of a remiflion to 64 (Lord Stairs) for Glenco ? This will be a recom- 
 pence for the Prefident's journey. Now, after reading this, will Carftares have 
 hopes that Orrnifton will not die at this time ? One poll gives us Teviot to be 
 coming down to command j next poft gives us Ramfay ; and every one fpeaks as 
 he affects ; and Ormiflon holds his peace. 76 (Carmichael) and Carftares. 
 cannot with more fincere affection mind Ormiflon than he minds them. 
 
 
 O R M 
 
 1ST 
 
 O 
 
 N 
 
 's 
 
 A 
 
 L P H 
 
 A B 
 
 E 
 
 T. 
 
 
 m 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 r 
 
 n 
 
 b 
 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 k 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 t 
 
 P 
 
 d 
 
 
 
 
 y 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 u 
 
 q 
 
 e 
 
 
 
 
 z 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 
 b 
 
 V 
 
 r 
 
 f 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 d 
 
 w 
 
 s 
 
 g 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 P 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 y 
 
 t 
 
 h 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 q 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 X
 
 4 y3 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 wz2d nxx u6 Z28 7ust8, 78 t23q6 8tm8 6quzs 24 d29xp Z28 wq 
 
 q3 8tq p98ot I9m7p6, u8 duxx Z28 rmu7 8tq &z"]6 du8t 65 o2y3 
 
 mza I'm lure this is ftrong fence ; I know not how it will found with 
 
 22 ; but if 78 tqm7 8tm8 22 nup6 7 68mzp rujy 8tq2 mxxub dqxx ; 
 
 but whatever ozyq xq8 22 wqq3 76 from nquzs 11729518 b32z X2 
 
 ow6 Z2duz tu6 ru768 dmu8uzs. 7 tm6 Z28 na 8tu6 uz97za m 41 
 
 and 69 82 89 72 298 duxx 22 endeavour that 43 ymuq 2irq7 82 
 
 832ml 7qyu6bu2z 82 64 r27 sxqzo2 8tu6 uz 7qo2y3qzoq 2r 
 
 83 u97za, now after reading of this will 22 hav e t23q6 8tm8 78 
 
 duxx Z28 pyq m 8 8tu6 8uyq. One poll gives us Teviot to be 
 
 coming down to command; next poft gives us Ramfay ; and e- 
 
 very one fpeakes as he afreets ; and 78 t2xp6 tu6 3qmoq. 76 and 
 
 22 omzz28 du8t y27q y6oq7q more o8u2z uzp 78 8tqz 78yuzq6 
 
 8tp7- Farewell. 
 
 Lord Jedburgh to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Vexed that he cannot grant him a favour he ajked. 
 Dear S I R, 
 I had the fatisfaction of your kind letter tother day ; but there 
 was P one thing in it vexed me, and it was your recommending of 
 one to be a quartermafter in my regiment, it being a thing I know, 
 when you receive this, yourfelf will be fatisfied of the impoflibility 
 of it ; and it is, we have fix quartermafters in the regiment, and the 
 order bears but five of them to be broke; and Leutenant Kerr the 
 adjutant, who yourfelf knoweth, is broke likewife. And, to be per- 
 fectly free with you, from whome there is none of my concerns I 
 will keep up, having payed the regiment all this while, and with 
 it done all my particular bufinefs, the leaft I could do in gratitude 
 was to give it him ; and to get it done, to hinder my own particular 
 lofs, if parted with him, I was forced to fatisfy him, who had the 
 right to be quartermafter another way. So, Sir, I humbly beg you 
 will be pleafed to let me know from yourfelf that you are not an- 
 gry
 
 AND LETTERS. 479 
 
 gry for my not complying with your defire in the affair : For, if I 
 be an honeft man, Mr Kerr is fo, and hath been fo ferviceable to me 
 all along, that, if at court any had got that commiffion which 1 be- 
 lieve would have been foon, if not for yourfelf, upon my account, I 
 behoved to have had your affiftance with my Lord Portland to have 
 got it altered. But, not to trouble you any further, upon the word 
 of a gentleman, before I had been forced to have made an excufe 
 to your only defire to me, I had rather loft almoft the regiment ; 
 but I know you believe me unworthy to be, without affectation, 
 dear Sir, your moll affectionate and moil oblidged humble fervant, 
 
 Jedburgh. 
 
 Earl of Leven to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Refufes to comply with an Order of the Council to give tivo Brafs 
 Guns out of the Cajlle to the Earl of Argyle, 
 
 S I R, 
 There was a letter read in council from the King, ordering them June 27. 
 to give out two brafs guns out of the caftle to the Earl of Argyle. l6 "' 
 This made me take occafion to acquaint the council, that my 
 commiffion (as all others that were before me) was to obey only 
 the King ; and that, therefore, although I was far from difputing 
 the council's power, yet, in a matter that was fo effential to the be- 
 ing of a garrifon, as was the difmounting the greateft guns thereof, 
 I thought not myfelf fufficiently authorifed to do fo, without his Ma- 
 jefty's warrant to myfelf; and, therefore, I have prevailed with his 
 Grace to write to the Secretary, that I may have fuch a warrant, 
 which I intreat you to affift me in. Pray, confider what fhail become 
 of me, if this his Majefty's letter mould fall by, or be taken away 
 in a mob, or mifcarry any other way. If I were challenged after- 
 ward, why I gave thefe guns, fince I was obliged to obey none but 
 the King, what could I fay to vindicate myfelf ? for all I can have 
 is a warrand of council ; which, if I had an ill fitting fheriff, I doubt 
 
 would
 
 4 8o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 would not be a fufficient excufe. If I am obliged to obey the coun- 
 cil to give two guns, by the fame rule, if they mould order 
 me to difmount all the reft, and fend them away, or do other things, 
 which I need not name, I were obliged to obey ; and, therefore, it 
 has been always reckoned the intereft of the crown to have the 
 caftle to depend folely on the King : And, therefore, my nicenefs 
 in this will not be mifconftru&ed, but approven, fince I have no de- 
 lign therein but his Majefty 's fervice. I will expert to hear from 
 you by the firft. I am, Sir, your moft humble fervant. 
 
 If it had not been that I am unwilling to be abfent at this junc- 
 ture, I would have made a London journey, to inform his Majefty 
 of the confequences of this. I have wrote to the King of this. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Proceedings in the African Company upon the Return of their 
 
 Commiffioners from Hamburgh. An Application to the Privy 
 
 Council prevented ; but no Poffibility of preventing the Addrefs 
 
 to the King. The Ferment in the Nation. 
 
 SIR, 
 ■ ,. . , I have not troubled you with a line this long time, having indeed 
 
 Edinburgh, J ° ° 
 
 June 29. nothing worth it. I have now been a month clofs at bufinefs in 
 "' town ; and, efpecially, I have plied treafury-bufinefs, going through 
 
 the accompts, which I think no pleafant exercife ; and I think, in a 
 little time, we may give his Majefty a tolerable account how the 
 affairs of the treafury are, and the ftate of them. In other matters 
 of judicatory, little of confideration has occurred: Never fo little bu- 
 finefs either before council or the feffion. The chief caufe of my 
 writing now, is to give you an account of what has pafled upon 
 the return of thefe commiffioned by the African company to go to 
 Hamburgh, and what people's behaviour was upon it, particularly 
 thofe in the government ; which I defire you'll pleafe to acquaint the 
 
 E. 

 
 as 
 a 
 
 AND LETTERS. 481 
 
 E. Portland of. Upon the return, thefe concerned chiefly, fuch 
 are of the council, all repaired to Edinburgh ; and, being met at 
 general council-day, I chanced not to be prefent, being upon the 
 accompts of the treafury with Sir John Maxwell. At the begin- 
 ning of the meeting thereafter I did not go, fmce I was not at the 
 beginning. It feems they chofe E. Annandale prefident ; and im- 
 mediately they run to a great height, I may fay, almoft unanimouf- 
 ly exclaiming againft the' memorial given in by his Majefty's re- 
 iident at Hamburgh, and voted to addrefs the King, and the fecret 
 council to convey their addrefs to his Majefty : This was before E. 
 Tullibardine came out of the country. We were alarmed at this 
 hot and fudden procedure, not knowing what bad confequence it 
 might produce ; and therefore, the D. of Queenfberry and Secretary 
 Ogilvie, and all of us, I may fay, of your friends, did ufe their ut- 
 moft endeavour to pacify them, and get them to a calmer manner 
 of procedure, ufing a deal of convincing arguments; infomuch, 
 that Sir Francis Scott, Drummelzier, Sir William Scott, Mr Henry 
 Maul, and Gosfort, all men of intereft, befides metal, were brought 
 over to ufe the method which is now taking of addreffing from 
 themfelves to his Majefty, without applying to the council, and 
 tranfmitting it privately by the Secretary ; yet fo violent they are 
 in their refolutions, that, if a return come not betwixt and Auguft, 
 they will follow methods which none of us can prevent, a delay 
 being alike deftruclive as a denial. I am afraid the ftile of the ad- 
 drefs will not pleafe ; for a fmoother could not be obtained, fome 
 being abfent, and others of us fearing their heats, did abfent defign- 
 edly : So they chofe L. Yefter prefident, who prefled the affair with 
 heat and violence, as did Earl Panmure, and fome others that I 
 fhould have thought our other fecretary might have had fome in- 
 fluence upon. This occafioned the addrefs to be fo pofitive ; but, 
 of two ills, the lefler is to be chofen. I wifh, with all my heart, 
 his Majefty would, fome way or other, take off the flop ; for, in 
 faithfulnefs to his Majefty, I muft defire you to acquaint E. Port- 
 land, that the kingdom is in fuch a ferment upon it, every body 
 
 P P P having
 
 482 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 having money in it, that I know not how bad the confequence may 
 be, if not remedied. I am afhamed I have got nothing done in 
 your own bufinefs in the treafury ; but L. Q^ Sir John Maxwell, 
 and I are refolved to fight it, as we fhall I ike wife the under fecre- 
 tary's concern, who writt to me about it. I am forry to hear my 
 fon's regiment is in garrifon'; I having feat over 240 recruits, which 
 all the officers will acknowledge was the beft went over. It's pro- 
 bable my fon may go to camp ; but I would not have him flay. I 
 am ever vour's. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Duke of Gordon fit at Liberty. T<wo of the Frazers repriced by 
 
 the D. of Argyle's Inter eft. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh.. You will excufe me for not writing this week, having been fo ill 
 i6 9 7 9 . ' that I was forced to lie above my bed : In the mean time, nothing 
 
 of confequence has occurred but what I have wrote fully of to Mr 
 Pringle. The council were at firft very much incenfed againft the 
 Duke of Gordon, as I wrote formerly ; but he being fenfible of his 
 error, and having apply ed by a petition to the council, in fubmil- 
 five terms, they have now allowed him to be fet at liberty. Mr 
 Pringle will alfo acquaint you with what is defired in favours of 
 the batallion of foot-guards that does duty at Edinburgh. Major- 
 general Ramfay will take it as a fingular favour if it be obtained. 
 His petition to the treafury will acquaint you with the reafons why 
 he defires it. Two of the Frazers that were accomplices and affift- 
 ants to Captain Frazer of Beaufort are reprived : They were for- 
 faulted in abfence, and fo had no accefs to defend themfelves : But, 
 however, according to the law, the Lords of the judiciary did ap- 
 point a day for their execution ; but now they have their reprive 
 till December. My L. Argyle did pufh the reprive, and the grant- 
 ing
 
 AND LETTERS. 483 
 
 ing of it at that time. The Chancellor, the Advocate, and feveral 
 other, were for a delay, becaufe the petition was ill drawn ; how- 
 ever, it was juft enough to allow them time to reprefent what they 
 have to fay for themfelves. The D. of Queenfberry continues ve- 
 ry ill with a pain in his throat, and is going to the country for his 
 health. This is all at prefent from, Sir, your M. II. S. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to MrCarstares. 
 
 About tofet out for the Bath on account of his Health. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I doubt not but you will think ftrange not to have heard from Drumlang- 
 me fince you went beyond fea; but I had too juft caufe to hinder me; 1^99. " S * 
 for, befides that I had very little worth troubling you with, I was 
 not able to do it, having been very much indifpofed this long while, 
 and I am fo ftill, in fpite of all the remedies I have ufed ; which, by 
 the advice of all the phyficians here, obliges me to go immediately 
 from hence to the Bath; which I mould not have thought on without 
 firft acquainting the court : But, being ftill in hopes of finding fome 
 good effedts from fo fine a feafon as we have had, made me put off 
 any refolution of that kind till now, that the feafon for the Bath 
 is too far advanced to admit of any delay : So I defign to part from 
 hence to-morrow ; and fhall be very glad to hear from you, when 
 I am at the Bath, how the affairs of our little world are like to go t 
 for there are very different reports here about it ; but I do not think 
 them worth troubling you with. I had the honour of a very kind 
 and obliging letter from my L. Portland before he went over, which 
 I delayed anfwering, becaufe I have never been fince in a condi- 
 tion to do it with my own hand ; and, therefore, I beg the favour 
 of you to make my excufe for it ; and, at the fame time, to affure 
 his Lordfhip, that no man can have a greater fenfe than I fhall al- 
 ways have of the favours I have received from him, or fhall be mora 
 
 P p p 2 readv
 
 484 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 ready to ferve him, if ever I be fo happy as to have it in my power. 
 If it pleafe God that I recover my health at the Bath, I refolve to 
 come from thence back to Scotland in Odober, unlefs his Majefty 
 mall think fit that I mould attend my duty at court. This is all 
 I fhall trouble you with at prefent, but to allure you, that I mall 
 ever continue, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your real friend and iervant, 
 
 Qteensberry. 
 
 Earl of Seafied to Mr Carsta-res. 
 
 IVi/Jjes to flay in the Country for fomc Weeks. Has called his Son 
 
 after the King and Lord Portland. 
 
 S I R, 
 Cullen houfe, j received your's of the 28th laft night, and it is a very great fa- 
 1699'. ' tisfadion to me, that my Lord Portland does continue to ad: in our 
 affairs. The letter concerning the D. of Gordon I did deliver to 
 my L. Carmichael ; and I believe it was read the council-day after 
 I parted from Edinburgh. It will be very acceptable to all that are 
 concerned in the government, to find that his Majefty does difcoun- 
 tenance thofe public and avowed meetings of the Papifts in con- 
 tempt of our laws. My Lord Duke did indeed grofsly mifbehave 
 when he appeared before the council at firft ; but he was very fenfi- 
 ble afterwards of his error ; and he having behaved with fo much 
 calmnefs on other occafions, they did generally incline to fet him 
 at liberty upon the fubmifuon he made. I have very much to do 
 in this country, and I would gladly ftay three or four weeks here ; 
 and I hope I may do it, feeing that Mr Pringle writes, that the King, 
 in all probability, will not be over before Odober. My wife is brought 
 to-bed of a fon, and I have prefumed to call him after his Majefty, 
 and next to him after the E. of Portland. I would not trouble you 
 
 with
 
 AND LETTERS. 485 
 
 with my domeftic affairs, were it not that you defire it; and I allure 
 you, I am moft. fenfible of the kindnefs you have fhown to me on 
 all occafions. I did ftay at Edinburgh till the laft week of the fef- 
 fion, attending his Majefty's affairs, and fo long, that my wife was 
 brought to-bed before I came here ; and all our ftatefmen are now 
 in the country as well as I. I hope you will continue to let me 
 hear from you ; and, before you can return any anfwer to this, I 
 will be again at Edinburgh. Colonel M'Gill's cloathing will an- 
 fwer to the King for the cloathing of two of the prefent batallions, 
 and the expences of the recruits does not at all lie upon Scotland ; 
 and, if any man had a title to it, it would be Colonel M'Gill him- 
 felf ; fo you was very right in fpeaking plainly in this matter ; and I 
 truly believe that my Lord Teviot would have had as much advan- 
 tage by it as Colonel Hamilton. I have company in my houfe, 
 and fo can write no more at prefent. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon a Report of Lord Portland's abJlraHing hirnfelf from Court. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have forborn of a long time to give you this trouble. Your Auo . 
 diftance from this might at prefent excufe me ; but that I cannot l6 99* 
 longer forbear to regret the noife of your noble patron's abftracting 
 from court more than he had wont to do ; but the fecretary has fet- 
 tled my mind a little, in perfuading me, e're long, that affairs will 
 run in their former channel. Sure I am, if it mould fall out other- 
 wife, it would be a coup de del to both church and ftate in this 
 poor country, whofe intereft he has ever efpoufed, and moft 
 affedionately protected. We hear that he is as much in his Ma- 
 jefty's
 
 4 86 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 jetty's favour as ever, who obliges him ftill to meddle in all bufi- 
 nefs as he ufed to do. If he date himfelf in a downright oppofi- 
 tion to any rifing favourites, it is too great favour done to them : 
 They will vaunt of it, and be proud to cope with fo great a man. 
 Let him remember, that flies are not the eagle's prey. But, if he be 
 relblved to retire, either from choice, or by advice of his friends, I 
 remember the anfwer the late Marquis of Tweedle gave to his 
 friends when they advifed him to retire from following after all 
 public bufinefs, as more advantageous, he faid, " It was very hard 
 for an a&ive fpirit totather itfelf to a melancholy fedentary retreat." 
 He had met with many great difappointments, and a feries for many 
 years of court-difcouragements, whereof none was of his own procu- 
 ring ; fo that he had the more to fay for himfelf. Sir, You may 
 remember, that, when the great advocates of the femon had procu- 
 red their own banifhment, at bottom upon a ftate-intrigue and per- 
 fonal picks, as if the femon could not have been ferved without them, 
 and fo to have baffled the bench, as that hisMajeftyfhould be forced 
 to part with them they levelled at ; and when they found it did not 
 anfwer the end they propofed, the ill blood fell from their heart ; 
 and, by humble addrefling, they were allowed to return, and even 
 truckle under thofe they thought to have foiled. This defign was 
 laid by our greateft ftatefmen. I hope, Sir, this noble, generous 
 eentleman will be far from any thought of retreat for his Majefty's 
 fake for the fake of all honeft men, and for his own fake, who all 
 alongft has fhown fuch prudent and wonderful management a- 
 mongft the confederates, befides his great metal in difcharging fo 
 ticklish an embafly with the French King, upon which the peace of 
 Europe depended ; as likewife his undaunted courage when he was 
 wounded in his Majefty's view at many bloody battles; when milk- 
 foaps did not appear, and are now creeping up and down courte, 
 when there is no fear of war or danger. And mall all this great 
 foul's adions-, either by himfelf, or any other way, be extinguish- 
 ed like the fnuff of a candle ? God forbid. It will make a very bad 
 -exite to future generations in hiilory. Sir, I beg pardon for dip- 
 ping
 
 AND LETTERS. 487 
 
 ping fo deep in fo myfterious an affair. I would fain hope and 
 believe, that all matters, againft his Majefty his return, will be ad- 
 jufted to the heart's defire of all good men : And I am perfuaded 
 you will contribute with all your pith to have it fo. Sir, I am 
 tempted by the fecretaries, but moft efpecially by my L. Seafield, to 
 make a winter-campaign at London : Really my health is growing- 
 uncertain ; it is like I would not be the worfe of a journey, except 
 as to the expence, which I am unwilling to, unlefs they can find 
 fome way to bear my charges. I have fpent fo often fo much at 
 London already of my own, that I am unwilling to do fo any 
 more. My Lord Seafield promifes very fair to find fomething for 
 me. I know not indeed what can make him fo earneft. I confefs, 
 Sir, to fee you once more at London, is my greateft temptation ; 
 for I have many politics to difcharge upon you. I hope, that either 
 to myfelf, or by fome other hand, you will let me know you have 
 received this letter, wherein you will ftill oblige, in the wonted 
 manner, the old gentleman, your moft faithful fervant, 
 
 A. M, 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the fame Subjecl ; and offering to rcfign. 
 
 S I II, 
 
 Tho' I had little to wreit, yet I would not have been fo filent if Auguft 7 . 
 you had been at Loo. I came to Edinburgh fome days before the "*' 
 Vifcount Seafield "went north, and attended till the judicatories 
 were up. There was little paft, fave what I give account of to 
 Mr Pringle before I parted from that place. I do much long to 
 have a return of my laft letters, to hear of my noble friend's refo- 
 lution ; for you know, by what I faid, both to his Lordfhip and to you, 
 how deeply I am bound, and fully determined, if his Lordfhip be not 
 to meddle in affairs; — but having fpoke freely at parting, I need 
 fey the.lefs now. I hope, againft this comes to your hands, you 
 
 may
 
 4 S8 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 may let me know when the King defigns to be in England. My 
 Lord Seafield intends to be at the council the 1 2th of September, 
 and in a week or two to take journey for London. So, Sir, I only 
 wait your advice how to difpofe of myfelf ; for, if I were to flay at 
 London, I would by no means leave my family behind me; and, if 
 otherwavs, y»uknowmg my circumftances, and being a matter of the 
 greateft coniequence to me, I again intreatyou (who I acknowledge 
 has always been the moil concerned friend to me I ever had) may 
 be pleafed to write your advice freely and fully, when you have the 
 happinefs to be with that noble perfon. I beg you may give his 
 Lordmip my mod humble fervice. I am, Sir, unalterably yours. 
 My Lord Seafield and I, when in town, lives together as you de- 
 foe, My fervice to Mr Pringle. I have ordered Watfon to 
 
 fend you feme veries on Darien ; thofe I got are torn, elfe I would 
 have fent them. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The African Company bufy in /ending out Men and Veffels to Caledo- 
 
 n i a% The ivhole Country concerned about the King's Proclamations 
 
 by the Governors of Jamaica and New England. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have not had a line from you of this long time; and I am 
 Auguft 8. , de tQ hear ^ k a j- ne Mr Cunnigham told me he had from you, to 
 
 1699. o J , . 
 
 hear that ye are in health. I am going to the country to-morrow ; 
 but I defign to be here at the councill-day in September; for Sea- 
 field defigns then to part from this for England. We have no news 
 here, only our African Company are bulled in fending men and 
 veffels to Caledonia. The whole directors are at Glafgow upon 
 that account. You cannot believe how great an edge is upon per- 
 fons of all degrees and ranks here for that plantation : How it 
 may thrive I know not; but they and all this country are very con- 
 cerned ; for two proclamations, one by the governor of Jamaica, 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS 489 
 
 and the other by L. Bellmount governer of new England, whereby 
 all the country are difcharged to give any aid, affiftance, or keep 
 any correfpondence with the Scots at Darien ; and the proclamation 
 bears farther, that its by warrand from the King. This doth allarm 
 many; and the King's unfriends endeavour to make great advantage 
 of it. Its faid here, that Albemarle hath got the Dutch guards from 
 Portland, which makes all here think that Portland will not re- 
 turn to court. I bid you heartly adieu. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Determined, by Letters from Mr Carfares, to continue to acl as Secreta- 
 ry. — An affair of the Confervator' s recommended to Mr Carfares. 
 
 S I R, 
 I thought very much long to hear from you, which you will per- Auguft 
 ceive by a long letter I writ a few days before I received your two l6 "' 
 laft letters. They do fully anfwer what I demanded ; for what 
 my noble friend hath faid, and you advife, determines me ; fo that 
 I am refolved, God willing, to carry my wife and family to Lon- 
 don. I intreat you may let me know when you think the King 
 will be over ; for, till you allure me of his time, I will not part from 
 Scotland, becaufe I defire not to be long there before his Majefty 
 comes. Sir, the Confervator, who you know is my very good friend 
 and neareft neighbour, and his lady my near relation, has a bufi- 
 nefs intruded to his care by the royall burrows, with one Vyox in 
 Camphire ; it being the poors money, he is much concerned (as he 
 ought to be) to get it rightly managed. I rauft intreat you may be 
 pleafed to give my humble fervice to Monfieur de Longi, for 
 whom I have a very great efteem. I earneftly defire he may o-ive 
 the Confervator his friendfhip and affiftance in this matter : I fpoke 
 to him about it at London, and he was pleafed, at my defire, to de- 
 lay the getting the King's anfwer to a letter from Camphire, till the 
 Confervator mould know what he had writ. I fhall trouble youno 
 further at prefent, but I am moft fincerely your's. 
 My wife gives her hearty fervice to you. 
 
 Qjl q Lord
 
 49 o S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the African Company. The Nation bent one Way ; the 
 
 King another. Quarrel betwixt Argyle and Crawford. 
 
 Cyphers. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh., Since my laft to you the 4th inftant, I was taken with a great in- 
 
 16^9. ' difpofition ; but I blefs God it is now over, and I am gone to the 
 Gutters, all our courts being up, and all gone to the country. The 
 principal perfons of our African Company are at Glafgow and 
 Greenock, to fend away the Rifing Sun, and fome other (hips, with 
 1200 men to Caledonia. This country is mighty intent on this 
 bufinefs, and our minifters pray as heartily for its fuccefs : But we 
 meet with great difcouragements ; for, firft, the copies of proclama- 
 tions, emitted by the governors of Jamaica and New England in April 
 laft, are come here; wherein, in obedience to his Majefty's orders lent 
 to them by Secretary Vernon, they fay the Scots have fettled in Da- 
 rien without his Majefty's knowledge, and contrary to the treaties 
 with his allies ; and therefore forbid all to aflift or correfpond with 
 them in any fort. And, next, we have news that two of the prin- 
 cipal managers of the colony, one Jolly a broken merchant, and 
 another, Montgomery, have been endeavouring to betray it to the 
 Spaniards, and are fled for it. I am truly grieved at this matter ; 
 the nation is bent one way, and the King is of another perfuafion ; 
 and whether it fucceed or not, it is like to have ill confequences ; 
 for, if it profper, it is but a ftate of war, which we cannot maintain 
 with the Spaniard, but muft foon be exhaufted; and if not, yet much 
 is laid upon it ; and we will be ready enough to blame whom we 
 mould not blame. But, be it as it will, this affair muft take fome o- 
 ther turn before the meeting of parliament, or otherwife things will 
 go very crofs here, which I heartily with may be a good turn for 
 us : In the mean time, I can advife nothing. I wrote to you of fome 
 
 paftages
 
 AND LETTERS. 491 
 
 paffages had fallen out this fummer about the reprive of the two 
 Frazers, the abatements, the conflict of jurisdictions betwixt the fef- 
 lion and exchequer, and Thorn. Bruce the mufter-m after. Our fe- 
 cretaries behave well ; but Secret. Seafield was a while indifpofed, 
 and is now in the north ; and my L. Carmichael was alfo much in 
 the country. E, Argyle, after the fefhon, went to the race at Ca- 
 verton-edge, with fome of our young noblemen, his companions. 
 I hear E. Crawford and he quarrelled, for fome words Argyle gave 
 him in his paffion, when he loft the race ; but, when Crawford fent 
 the challenge, Argyle took it away wifely, by confeffing his excefs. 
 I believe he is gone from that to Newcaftle. D. Queenfberry is in 
 a dangerous ftate of health. E. Annandale is in town : His daugh- 
 ter is to be married to Hopeton. All others are in the country, 
 and the council adjourned till the 1 2th of September. But, leaving 
 thofe things, I mall write of our friends and private concerns : Mr 
 Hamilton's deportment in that concern of Mr Erfkine's was into- 
 lerable ; for it was an affront to Mr Chalmers to caufe him grant 
 what had been fo infolently demanded ; and Chalmers's reputation 
 mould not be proftitute for private picques. 5$ neither does, nor 
 will do good, which 32 is forry for. Mr Campbell, after Mr Hay 
 was gone north, was very earneft for a ftop of what was done Au- 
 guft 24 25 23 34 30 32 37 29 37 38 20 and had almoft ob- 
 tained it; but all are for 32 33 29, and the conteft betwixt 37 21 
 39 34 37 3 2 37 2 5 an d Mr Murray's court muft be helped. 
 29 was too keen in it, and Stewart blew the bellows. Hume thinks 
 9's intereft fo far concerned, that he fhould notice it ; and, if Hay 
 and his neighbour were here, 32 would advife a letter of advice 
 to be given for fettling that matter before the winter ; for it is like 
 to be very prejudicial to White's affairs ; but his concerns are fmall ; 
 and it is happy neither he nor we have more to do. Our harveft 
 is begun, and promifes well ; but we have had broken weather thefe 
 ten days. Secretary Seafield will be in the north till September ; 
 and, till then, we will be very quiet in this place. Were I with 
 
 ,Qji q 2 you,
 
 492 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 vou, I have many things to fay; but, while the main is well and 
 Fe 3 I am eaftly fatisfied. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Seafi eld to Mr Carstares, 
 
 His Tranfaclions with the Members of Parliament to prepare them 
 
 for next Seffton. Gulloden's Pcnfton ntufi be continued. 
 
 Etacco hds agreed for L. 2co per annum. Of the Clergy in 
 
 ht Diocejb. The Importance of Fort-William. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Cnlien-houfe, I mall never loofe courage fo long as you keep it ; and I am fure 
 
 Aug. 17. neither of us needs be afraid to be at court, fo long as the influ- 
 1699. 
 
 ence of the E. of Portland continues. I am glad that his Majefty 
 
 has gratified Major-general Ramiay in granting that warrant in fa- 
 vours of the battalion of guards that are at Edinburgh. I am do- 
 ing all the good I can towards the preparing the members of par- 
 liament for the next ieffion. I find many of them very well in- 
 clined. Culloden has been with me ; and I think, if his penfion be 
 continued to him, we will have his affiftance. I think alio that 
 Bracco will be aflifting : I have agreed with him for L. 200 a-year, 
 and to-morrow he is to fign the difpoiition ; but I think you muft 
 help me to pay a part of the price. Mr Thomas Thomfon, the 
 moderator of this diocefe, has been with me, and I hope to hinder 
 their proceedings againft the protected minifters here ; but Culloden 
 tells me, thefe in Rofs are very violent ; and it is very hard to turn 
 out minifters who have the Irith language in thefe countries, when 
 they are qualified. I had a letter laft night from Br. Maitland : 
 His garriibn is in very good order, and well provided ; and he 
 writes, that, before Martinmas next, the third part of that fortifica- 
 tion will be built of ftone-work. I do think, that, before the next 
 year, it will be advifeable, that it be com pleated with ftone; for the 
 earth does not continue, but crumbles down to nothing. The Papifis 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS. 493 
 
 and Jacobites in this country exped an invafion before the next par- 
 liament ; but I do not believe it, fince the King hears nothing of it. 
 I had almoft forgot to have informed you, that Brigadier Maitland 
 did, upon the receipt of the Chancellor's letter and mine, write for Sir 
 Donald M 'Donald to come into him, and accordingly he did furren- 
 der himfelf to thegarrifon; which, to^fhew the great ufeof that fort 
 for preferving the peace of the Highlands. This is all at prefentfrom, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield, 
 
 Earl of Seafied to Mr Carstares. 
 His Diligence with the Members of Parliament. 
 S I R, 
 I am much obliged to you for the good advice you gave me in Cullen-houfe,, 
 your laft. It is my duty to be thankful to God for the providences I Au S- 3 1 - 
 have met with. I find likewife, that you think the King will not flay * " 
 long after the Duke of Zell returns ; fo I refolve to go from this on 
 Monday, and to make what hafte I can to Edinburgh ; and mail wait 
 the firft advertifement, which I hope you will give me timeoufly, 
 as you promife to do ; and I doubt not but my journey to this 
 country will be ufeful to his Majefty ; for I have had all the parlia- 
 ment-men of the three neighbouring fhires here, and I can afliire 
 you we have loft no ground amongft them. This is all at prefent 
 from, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful and humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Earl
 
 494 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In great Anger with both Secretaries, His Character of Se afield. 
 
 Lord Bafil Hamilton drowned, a mighty Shock to the Grum- 
 
 bletonians in Scotland. — The Miniftry in England unpopular. 
 
 London, \ am feveral letters in your debt. I do not in the leaft doubt your 
 
 1 69 J. 9 friendfhip to me, nor can I blame you to be cautious of breaking 
 
 meafures with either, or both of the fecretaries ; though, at the fame 
 time, I muft tell you, V. Seafield has broke his word, his honour 
 to me, as I can inftrudt by letters under his hand, the one materi- 
 ally contradicting the other ; and he led honeft Carmichael in to be 
 the actor of his treachery, which I will not forget, though he thinks 
 it an eafy talk to pleafe me. D. Q^is gone to the Bath ; and, be- 
 fore he went, underftood Seafield's fcurvy treating of me, fo endea- 
 voured to foften me ; but, if I mould ftand alone, I continue of the 
 fame opinion I gave his Majefty, and fhall ferve him faithfully ; 
 though I can inftrucl:, none can be fafe to ad in conjunction with 
 Seafield, in whom there is neither honour, honefty, friendfhip, or 
 courage. If I thought it were not leflfening of my felf to fay it to 
 a man dares not refent it, I'd fend him as much figned. In thofe 
 circumftances I am, and, were it not my gratitude to the King, I 
 mould rejoice to fee them fplit. Seafield appeared to Whitelaw to 
 be very forward for him ; nor did Whitelaw fpare to give him all 
 encouragement fo to do ; but, in a day's time, a fright takes him, 
 and he writes to me, if D. Q^ be pofitive, all will go to ruin ; 
 and fo importing as much as it were the propereft method to yield to 
 him, fince he believes I defign only the King's fervice, wherein he 
 gueffes right, and therefore muft be firm to my opinion, whatever 
 difcouragement I may meet withal. Carmichael has not fpoke one 
 word to Whitelaw. You have heard Lord Bafil Hamilton is drowned, 
 and Lord Selkrigg looking on. It is a mighty fhoke to that family, 
 and weakens the grummeltonian party in Scotland. As to my fon, he 
 
 has
 
 AND LETTERS. 495 
 
 has been a confiderable time in Lorn ; but, as yet, the lady has not 
 been in a condition to be feen fince her having the fmall-pox. But, 
 on the 1 5th inftant, we are to have a review, and I propofe to make 
 all difpatch. As far as I can underftand the humour in England, 
 generally all over, grows againft the prefent miniftry, and the flow 
 proceedings (at leaft) of the late houfe of commons. Papers to that 
 purpofe are daily printed ; fome whereof Lord Strathnaver will 
 fhow you, who I hope you will affift, and it will encourage him to 
 ferve the King : He is of prefbyterian breed, which makes me the 
 more concerned. I am your's. Adieu. 
 Your laft news was very welcome. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Depofttionof tivo protecled Clergy in the North by the Pref- 
 bytery of Rofs. — Wifhes the Epi/copals ivere not fo much encou- 
 raged to make their Complaints to the Court ; — and that Church- 
 matters ivere left to the Privy Council. — The African Company, 
 
 S I R, 
 I have your laft return the 9th Auguft. I think I wrote to you, Edinburgh, 
 that the prefbytery of Rofs and Invernefs had fallen upon two pro- S ^ pt * I2, 
 tected minifters, the one Forbes, and the other Rofs, and had fum- 
 moned them for immoralities, errors, and fupine negligence ; and, 
 for their non-compearance and contumacy, had depofed them. The 
 two protected men came hither, and brought letters from the Lord 
 Tarbet, and others, that the whole protected clergy took the alarm, 
 and were to complain to the King. I was troubled at what had 
 fallen out, and took advice, and then wrote to the prefbytery, That, 
 thou'gh-k were not provided in the ad of parliament, that the pro- 
 tected men fhonkl be exempted ; yet the parliament, on the other 
 hand, did exprefsly wave the making them fubjedt to prefbyteries, 
 and other church-judicatories; but provided, that, upon their appli- 
 cation,
 
 49 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 cation, the church might affume them or not: And, therefore, it was 
 by my advice that the prefbytery fhould look upon them as per- 
 fons without, and pafs from the judgement and cenfure they had 
 pronounced, by letting it fall to the ground. But this propofal and 
 expedient, though offered by the approbation of perfons mod pro- 
 per in this place, hath had but ill confequence on both hands ; for 
 the prefbytery complain, that their jurifdiction mould be queftion- 
 ed, and fay, that, if it be not countenanced, their authority in thefe 
 parts will be contemned. On the other hand, the protected perfons 
 infult, as if the proceedings of the prefbytery had been condemned. 
 And it is gone that height, that fome that had formerly fubmitted to 
 the committee of the iyiiod of Aberdeen have fince declined ; and 
 Mr George Seaton, of the protected minifters, hath had the con- 
 fidence, or rather iniblence, to write the inclofed letter to the faid 
 committee ; and, therewith, I do hereby fend you a copy likewife 
 of Mr James Ofburne's letter, by which you will underftand this 
 matter more perfectly. The brethren of the faid prefbytery of 
 Rofs fent two of their number here to attend the quarterly, com- 
 miffion of the affembly ; and the com million appointed a com- 
 mittee to meet with them ; but thought it not fitt to bring in the 
 bufinefs to the full commiffion. I wifli the prefbytery had not med- 
 dled with their brethren ; but things may be forborn that cannot be 
 fo well retrieved. All I can do, is to make Mr Seaton underftand, 
 how far he miflakes himielf. But I heartily wiih,for his Majefty's 
 quiet as to thefe complaints, that they might be wholly left to his 
 Majefty's council here, and that thefe protected men may have no 
 encouragement to make their complaints at court ; for you know 
 that they have many in England, who underftand not the circum- 
 ftances of our affairs, to take their part too readily ; but, if all their 
 complaints were barred by this one anfwer, That they belonged to 
 the council of Scotland, it would free the King of much trouble, 
 and keep the protected men within meafures ; and I durft under- 
 take that they fhall get no wrong ; becaufe I think the council 
 would really ftudy peace and edification ; and, when his Majefty 
 
 comes
 
 AND LETTERS. 497 
 
 comes back, that our fecretaries fhall be with him, I hope 
 this matter fhall be better underftood : And I think a letter 
 might be drawn that would keep both fides within their juft 
 bounds : But this may be thought on at leifure. This day Mr 
 James Garden, a perfon who was not an actual minifler under 
 the biiliops, and hath not the benefit of the protection 1695, was 
 conveened before the council : That, though depofed by the church, 
 yet he prefumed to fet up a meeting-houfe at Montrofe, and fuller- 
 ed deprived and unqualified men to preach there, and was a great 
 fomenter of the difaffection of that country : But the council very 
 juftly ordained him to remove from that parifli, and that that meet- 
 ing-houfe mould be fhut up. The man has had the confidence to 
 inform, that he was purfued for giving the communion to his hear- 
 ers ; but he was truly purfued upon the laws againft intruders, and 
 ordaining depofed miniflers to be removed ; and the giving of the 
 communion was only libelled as an aggravation of his intrufion 
 and prefumption, that he, being a depofed minifter, fhould not 
 only offer to preach, but to give the communion in another 
 minifter's parifh ; efpecially, when it is well known, that it 
 was truly intended to conveen all the Jacobites in the coun- 
 try : Put my Lord Seafield, who was perfectly acquainted with the 
 diforder this man hath occafioned in Montrofe, will give the beft 
 accompt of this matter. I have feen what was writt by Mr Prin- 
 gle about the French complaint of our folks in Darien : I was very 
 glade that his Majefty did fo far notice the company ; and the 
 company will give a very clear vindication of that matter ; for the 
 French Captain is but zfrappe, and loll the fhip by evil conduct, 
 and was obliged very much to our colony : But now it feems he is 
 put on to make complaint of it, to give the French an occafion they 
 have long defired, of attempting thefe parts : But the company's 
 narrative will fully fatisfy all men. I long much to hear of my 
 fon's fafe arrival, and recommends him again to your kindnefs. 
 My nephew, James Cultnefs's fon, is got in to be conjunct clerk 
 with the ProvofVs fon, to the town of Edinburgh; and both 
 
 Rr r of
 
 498 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 of them pay well for it. I fhall be always glad to hear of your 
 own, and Mr White's, and Mr Fall's health and profperity. A- 
 dien. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The King much longed for. — Of Keppoch. — The Highlanders in ge- 
 neral difaffecled to the Government. — Darien Colony. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Whitehall, j rece i V ed two or three of your's when I came to this place, and 
 
 Oft. 3. J ' 
 
 1699. am very glad to find that you have hopes to be fo foon over. I 
 
 find, by all I meet with, that his Majefty is longed for with impa- 
 tience ; but I tell them, that he has certainly fomething of import- 
 ance to do, otherwife he would be here. The commanding the 
 Spanifh ambaflador from this place makes fome noife amongft the 
 merchants upon the Exchange, who have their effects in Spain, 
 they being afraid of a rupture betwixt his Majefty and that crown ; 
 but all do acknowledge, that the memorial was fo impudent and 
 impertinent, that the King could not bear it. I fhall write into 
 Scotland this night, concerning the reducing of Keppoch to obedi- 
 ence, and the taking notice of thofe come from France. Our for- 
 ces, and the garrifon at Fort-William, does make the Highlanders 
 peaceable j but I am convinced of their bad inclinations to this go- 
 vernment ; and, therefore, we who are entrufted by his Majefty 
 ought to be very careful. As for Keppoch, I find he has been ma- 
 king fome propofitions to Brigadier Maitland, of which the Briga- 
 dier writes to me in general ; and I expect very foon to have the 
 particulars from him : But I do not think it honourable to treat 
 with fuch a one as he is ; but he meets with very many friends, and 
 has been recept through all the Highlands ; and, if they did their 
 duty, he had been taken before now. A party of the forces had 
 near taken him in the Laird of M'Farlane's lands ; but he efcaped 
 
 bv
 
 AND LETTERS. 499 
 
 by the help of the boat : He had about that time with him above 80 
 men. Mr Secretary Vernon was with me yefterday morning, and 
 read another letter he received by the Weymouth galley, which 
 confirmed the news he had formerly received from Sir William 
 Befton concerning our colony in Darien : But, after all, I ftill think 
 it needs confirmation ; for, in Scotland, they have had no intima- 
 tion of this kind from the colony, but, on the contrary, that they 
 were very healthy, and that they doubted not but to oppofe 
 the Spaniards. I will not now trouble you with an account of 
 what may be the confequences of this, if it holds ; but, at meeting, 
 you fhall know every thing that pa ft upon the fubjecl: when I was 
 in Scotland. Duke Hamilton had a moft fplendid entry ; and there 
 has been a great deal of pains taken to reprefent it here truly great- 
 er than it was. It is likewife faid, that at Berwick he was recei- 
 ved by a double difcharge of all the cannon, and that the drum- 
 mers beat a march as he paft ; and our gazetteer gives an account 
 that at fuch a day he was to fet out for his palace at Hamilton. This 
 is only to yourfelf; and, if you pleafe, Mr Aird may know it; but 
 I fhall inform you more fully at meeting. This is all at prefent 
 from, Sir, your M. H. S. 
 
 I am glad to find my Lord Portland's winter-provifion is laid in, 
 which gives me hopes of his being here with the King, 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 / i 
 
 A particular Detail of the Proceedings of the Darien Company upon 
 
 hearing of the Defer t ion of their Colony. Prompted by the D. of 
 
 Hamilton. 
 
 SIR,- 
 You cannot imagine what a general concern this nation is in up- oaoberai, 
 on the news of our peoples deferting their plantation at Darien. l6 "' 
 The directors did what was pofhble for them upon this emergency; 
 but there was a neceffity of the general council of the company 
 
 R r r 2 their
 
 -TOO 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 their meetting ; to Wednefday laft was appointed. At the laft 
 meeting of the fynod of Glafgow, a motion is made that they appoint 
 fome of their number to wait of the Duke and Dutchefs of Hamil- 
 ton, and welcome their Graces to Scotland : Accordingly, Principal 
 Dunlop, Mr John Dickfon, and Mr Thomas Linnen are lent, who 
 came to Hamilton Thurfday the 12th, the fame day the prefbytery 
 was appointed to meet for regulating the maintenance of the poor. 
 So they went all together to pay the compliment ; which the Duke 
 took very well, and returned them thanks;- then immediatly dif- 
 courfed them upon the fad news of our colony's defertion; that the 
 nation never furTered a greater lofs; and that it was caufe of mourn- 
 ing and fafting; and the church might confider if a day ought not to 
 be fet apart for that end. The minifters leave his Grace, go and 
 keep prefbytery, and. the fynode's deputys with them, when the 
 Duke's propofal is confidered, and a letter agreed on and lent to the 
 moderator of the commimon, to call the commimon, that they 
 might fearch into the caufes of the defertion, and get a day of fafting 
 and prayer appointed. The moderator, Tuefday laft, produces 
 this letter to his brethren of the prefbytery of Edinburgh, at their 
 meeting upon the admimon of a minifter in the Weft Kirk; where 
 they unanimoufly agree, that he mall return them for anfwer, that 
 they had gone too far to write in thefe terms; and, in fhort, put 
 them off with at dilator 1098 y7 72oaq78 daxxuqu6m8 87qn288 
 27 of both the 728U22 uz 6a22pthe rm68 and the xq88q7 82 ^ t( l 
 y2pq7m 827. — To return to the meeting of the councill-generall 
 (which was feared would be very unfrequent, by reafon of the fhort 
 advertifement, and it being vacation-time.) I have not of a long 
 timefeen fo frequent a meeting, t 1° omyq 82 70 8tq night before, 
 and its faidtu6 i^moqtmp d728q ou70Qxm7xq88q76expoftulating 
 
 with 
 
 * Dilator ; but Mr Robert Wylie is at the bottom of both the motions in fynod, 
 the faft, and the letter to the moderator. 
 
 t 10 (Duke Hamilton) came to 70 (Edinburgh) the night before ; and it is faid 
 bis Grace has wrote circular letters expoftulating with members.
 
 AND LETTERS. 501 
 
 with the yqynq;6 82 n88qzp, and every one mew a great zeal for 
 the recovery of the colony; no man would fpare his purfe and en- 
 tered their credit for borrowing money, till it fhould come in of 
 courfe: All were atone in this. But when it was told, that our advan- 
 cing of money would not retrieve the bufinefs, it was at that low 
 ebb, that nothing but King and parliament could do it; fo there be- 
 hoved to beanaddrefs to his Majefty, that the parliament might meet 
 the day appointed in November. This motion had many difficul- 
 ties in it; therefor it was urged, by the Earls of Leven, Annandale, 
 Northefk, Lord Ruthven, prefident of the feffion, and their deputes, 
 that it might be delayed and people might have time to think of it. 
 No ; that could not be granted : Severall things were reafoned upon 
 that might be the work of the parliament ; but, when they were 
 ftraitned in thefe, then they return to the general, to call the parlia- 
 ment, and leave it to their wifdom to fall upon remedies. So, af- 
 ter a long debate, the vote was, " Delay, or proceed to addrefs ? " It 
 carried for the latter; for, except thejabove named, and one or two 
 more, there was none for delay. While the debate was managing, 
 the proclamations of Jamaica and Bofton were mentioned, and then 
 ordered to be read. You may be fure all would agree in one re- 
 fle&ion upon thefe. A committee is named to draw the addrefs, 
 viz. Marquis of Tweedale, Lord Yefter, Lord Bafil Hamilton, Lord 
 Balhaven, Gleneagles ; and, for decorum, they named the prefident 
 of the feffion, and fome would needs add the treafurer-depute ; but 
 indeed the firft five had flood up champions for the addrefs ; yea, no 
 man fo keen as Belhaven, who (tho' a director) has not attended fo 
 much thefe twelve months as he has done this week; ^98 tqu6m xq8S 
 q7ymz. After the commitee was named, another motion is made, 
 that fome be appointed to fpeak with the moderator of the com- 
 miffion,to call the commiffion, that they may appoint a faft upon this 
 exigence; — no ftoping of this current; fo they named 3 or 4. By this 
 time it was upon the ringing of ten at night; fo we parted till next day 
 at four, and the committee to meet in the morning. fYou moft know 
 
 mxx 
 
 * but he is a letter-man. , 
 
 •f- You muft know, all this had been thought of at Hamilton, and agreed to here 
 >>efore the meeting.
 
 5 02 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 mxx 8tu6 tmp nqqz 8t29St8 2r m8 tmyux82z and ms7qqp 82 
 tq7q nqozyg 8tq yqq8uzs. Next morning, all the feven of the com- 
 mitee met, where they reafoned a longtime about this addrefs; the 
 two laft of the nomination agreeing that they addrefs upon the pro- 
 clamations, and ufe their endeavours to have the force and effects 
 of them removed. But, for the calling the parliament, they could 
 not but know the circumflances of the King's affairs could not al- 
 low of it ; and it was highly inconvenient to addrefs his Majefly for 
 that, which, at the fame time, they knew he could not grant. 
 This was too far at fuch a jun&ure, and when fuch a humour was 
 raging in the nation, to lay the fole remedy of our difeafe at his 
 Majefty's door. Well, this cannot be heard ; and the draught of an 
 addrefs is prefented, the petitory part whereof is only craving a 
 parliament. The two above mentioned ftill urge, that the petito- 
 ry part may only relate to the proclamations; for it is again faid, the 
 inconvenience was infuperable, and the method had not many 
 precedents, if any. They yielded to take in the remede of the 
 proclamations ; but that of a parliament they would by no means 
 part with. After two hours moft earneft reafoning, the committee 
 parts ; my Lord Belhaven taking up the addrefs, faid, he would take 
 upon him to adjuft it again afternoon, upon what had been faid. 
 So they appoint three of the clock to meet * 8tqu7 puzqp m8 726- 
 6q6 10, 69, 73 mzp 6qbq7mx 28tq76 dtq7q 14 xmup p2gz nqr- 
 27q 8tqy the mp7q6 mzp 8u6 myqzpqp m6 6mupu6n98 68ux 8tq 
 main thing wqq388 uz, 82 omxx 8tq 54, only the words added 
 where it runs, — to meet the day appointed in November, or as foon 
 as poffibly his Majefty can allow it. The committee meets; but Bel- 
 haven is fome time after the reft, and the Prefident fome time after 
 him ; fo my Lord reads it with his amendments ; and the treafu- 
 rer-deputes afked how he liked it. He faid, he was ftill of his opi- 
 nion 
 * To meet at their dinner at Rofs's. Duke Hamilton, 69, 73, and feveral others, 
 where 14 laid down before them the addrefs ; and it's amended, as faid is; but ftill 
 the main thing keeped in, to call 54 (the parliament.)
 
 AND LETTERS. 503 
 
 nioa as to the lafl: paragraph. No more faid ; but Belhaven caufe 
 write it out in mundo. While he was doing this, the Preiident came 
 in*dt27 8tqa tmp 67228typ r2yuz 8tqr27Z22z 83 dm6 wqqzqzq- 
 9ft n98 dtqz 14 79897zqp with it mxx dm6 6mup b28q 118 82 nq 
 87rnz6yu 88qp 82 8tq 029Zoqx sqzq7mx aqm 27 Z2q, 83 bz8qp 
 Z2Z XU5911P only 78 b28qp z2 ; and fo they went in to the coun- 
 cil-general, where the debate was managed by thefe mentioned of 
 the night before, and Principal Dunlop ; but they made few or no 
 converts. Some warm words now and then paffed among the no- 
 bles. At lafl: it was moved for a vote, ' Whether to coall off that laft 
 article or no ?' That could not be obtained. Then it was moved, 
 to vote the firfb part of the addrefs, wherein we feemed to be 
 more at one. That could not be obtained either. Here I 
 muft make mention of Sir John Hume, who pled much for the 
 laft part, viz. the calling the parliament ; and faid, it was 
 only proper to addrefs for that, at leaft more proper for 
 us to demand than the firft part. Then the vote was, ' Whether 
 to vote the addrefs in whole, or in parts V It carried, * In 
 whole ;'and then it was approven. I need not name them over again 
 who were againft it ; you have them named already. My Lord Bel- 
 haven was, by his party, thought worthy of the chair ; and I believe 
 none elfe envied him of it. He was defired to tranfmit the addrefs 
 in a letter from himfelf to the Secretaries. Then came out* 8tq 7q- 
 68 2r8tq 02zoq78 a motion to addrefs the privy-council. O ! fays 
 another one, let us firft have an anfwer from thofe were appointed to 
 fpeak with the moderator of the commiifion. They had not yet 
 waited of him ; fo they were again ordered to do it next morning. 
 Then to the motion of addreffing the council, 'twas told, that the 
 opinion fix of the privy-council had delivered there, might very 
 well a difcouraged any fuch motion ; for 'twas not to be thought 
 
 that 
 
 * The Prefident came in, whom they had fmoothed ; for, in the forenoon, he was 
 
 keen enough ; but, when 14 returned with it, all was faid was, « Vote it to be 
 
 « tranfmitted to the councel-general, yea or not ?' The Prefident voted non liquet , 
 
 only Ormifton voted, not. 
 
 f The reft of the concert.
 
 5 o 4 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 that beard would go along with that addrefs. " O ! but we'll addrefs." 
 Here my Lord Annandale faid, he would then treat that addrefs as 
 it deferved. My Lord Tullibardine faid, thefe words were not to 
 be endured. Here was heat enough for a while. I thought they 
 ihould have thrown the candlefticks at other; but all ended in a 
 vote, " Addrefs the council, yea, or no?" It carried in the affirmative ; 
 and a committee appointed to draw it ; then adjourned till next day 
 in the afternoon. Next day, many members went out of town ; 
 and,amongft the reft, the treazurer-depute, *62q dtm8 311168 aq6S- 
 q7pm mr8q7Z22Z78 omz228 fubq 22mzq moo8; only I heard they 
 had been waiting of the moderator, and he had told them there was 
 a committee of the commiiTion to meet Tuefday next, and ihould 
 advife with them, ^22 y968 wz2d 8tm8 8tq y72r 68mu7 dm6 37- 
 q6qz8 8tq sqzqzmx 029/zoqx mxx 8tq paq86 372y38uzs 8tq 7qy- 
 nq76 (m8uzs Z28 b6dmx r27 mza 82 nq 37q6qz8 ng8 yqynq/6) 
 wz2d xawdma6 that Tuefday as is omyq 82 70 tq6t29xp mpuzqp 
 d864 n98 6q28 tu6 qco96q m2p 64 bmyq UZ22 dqppqz6pma mzp 
 puzqp d8 10 dtqz 8tqa dq7q mx2zs 8uyq ox26q 82sutq7 and 
 that night 67 umyq6 pmx7uy3xq dm6 wqqz r27 mp7q 66uzs, 22 
 duxx uy3m78 8tu6 82 76 ng8 nq 631T17UZS 21* 7410 tm6 
 82xp tu6 r7uq2p6 tq7g 871118 78 d728 82 74 b32z 8tq 
 pu6 026q7uq 2r 8tq 3x28 82 m 66uzm8 43 8tm'8 10 6t29 xp nq 
 87aqp r27 tu6 xurq and pup 6tqd tuy ymza 2r78sxq88q76 how- 
 ever, there was a motion not very favourable in the council-general 
 concerning 74; he is, indeed, thought not favourable to the com- 
 pany, and people take a liberty of fpeaking even of 43 himfelf, 
 22duxx 7qmp 8tu6 m88 xqz8t 8255 with 78y268 tgynxq 6q7b- 
 uoq. I will make no apology for the length of this. Farewell. 
 
 Lord 
 
 * So what paft yefterday's afternoon, Ormifton cannot give Carftares any account. 
 
 f Carftares muft know, that the Mr of Stair was prefent in the general coun- 
 cel all the dyets, prompting the members, (a thing not ufual for any to be prefent, 
 but members.) Know likewife that Tuefday, as D. Hamilton came to Edinburgh, 
 he mould a dined with Stair, but fent his excufe ; and Stair came in on Wednef- 
 day and dined with him ; where they were a long time alone together j and that 
 
 night
 
 AND LETTERS. 505 
 
 Lord Portland's Secretary to Mr Carstares. 
 Of Duke Hamilton's proving a zealous Presbyterian. 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 I received yefterday your letter, with the inclofed for my Lord, WuuJUbr 
 which I delivered immediately. I give you my hearty thanks for the oa^i. ar ' 
 news, and hope that the King's good fubjecls in Scotland will pre- l6 "' 
 vent that the great ferment there may not be of ill effects. Indeed it is 
 a perplexing affair, and fuch petitions of dangerous confequences. I 
 don't queftion but it muft be furprizing to you, and all others, that 
 Duke Hamilton proves to be a zealous prefbyterian, and that fome- 
 thing of great importance muft lye at the bottom of his turning that 
 way. I'll afk my Lord if he has nothing to acquaint you with, and if 
 he will not write himfelf to you this day or to-morrow ? The Kino- came 
 yefterday before noon to Windfor, and went dire&ly into St George 
 great chappel, dined by their Royal Highneffes, and will hunt this 
 day in the park. My Lord was yefterday at court till two o'clock, and 
 fpoke long with the King, You will know whatpaffes to-day. If any 
 thing of moment occurs, his Majefty will dine to-morrow at Hamp- 
 ton-court, and be at night back at Kenfington. Laft night came 
 here in the Lodge my Lady Eflex and Mrs Howard, from Caftiio- 
 bury. They are to ftay fome days with us. Though the weather 
 is bad, we are all in good health except Mrs Van Dorp, who is a 
 little lame. Believe me your true friend and humble fervant, W. L, 
 
 to the Earl of PortlaxNd, 
 
 My Lord, 
 This day I came here with my family from the country, which Edinburgh, 
 fays I have not much to trouble your Lordfhip with. Only I hear 169*9. 
 
 S f f that, 
 
 night Sir James Dairy mple was keen fcr|addrefTing. Carftares will impart this 
 to 76 (CarmichaeJ,) but be fparing of 74 (Seafield.) D. Hamilton has told his 
 friends here that Ormifton wrote to (74) upon the difcovery of the plot to aflaf- 
 finate the King ; that D. Hamilton fhould be tryed for his life ; and 74 did fhew 
 him many of Ormifton's letters of the King himfelf. — —Carftares will read this 
 at length to $$t with Ormifton's moft humble fervice.
 
 5 o6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 that, if the council had met this day, according to appointment, 
 (but the chancellor not being come, 'tis adjourned), we had got the 
 addrefs about Darien, as alfo an addrefs about the committee of the 
 commimon for a thankfgiving, to which they add fome caufes of 
 humiliation, viz. the great ficknefs and death in all the corners of the 
 land, the fufFerings of the proteftants abroad : And here, they take in 
 among the reft the lad account we have of our colony in America, 
 and the dilappointment of planting the people there. I have not 
 feet! the paper, but am informed it is well enough worded. The 
 minifters did not pleafe thofe were commimoned from the council- 
 general, that they did not either of themfelves propofe a faft only 
 upon that head, or then call the commimon pro re nata. Mr Ro- 
 bert Wyllie minifter of Hamilton came in of pur pole to propagate 
 that defire, but he returned not fo fuccefsful in his errand as the D. 
 was in his. I did write a line to Mr Carftares, which he was to 
 communicate to your Lordfhip, as I doubt not you'll do this to 
 him. We hear the chancellor fent off a flying-packet the 26th ; it 
 is not known for what. I am your Lordihip's. 
 
 The Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Meeting of the Privy Council, and the Schemes of the Com- 
 pany, Lord Portland is J aid to have quitted all his Places. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, # 22 ma y remember 78 djiSq 82 tuy StmS 78 2n6q7bqp 74 
 
 1699. fmbq 9 & 29 moo29z86 2r dtmS 78 d728q 82 tuy 'tis too proba- 
 
 ble 74 dt2 b32z the qz$7a 2rt66 37q6qz8 employment was in full 
 friendship with 10, and mxx8tq rmyuxa 2r tmyux82z did Z28 
 
 wqq 3 
 
 * Carftares may remember Ormifton wrote to him, that Ormifton obferved 74 
 i Seafield) eave 9 and 29 accounts of what he wrote to him. 'Tis too probable 
 Seafield who, upon his entry to his prefent employment, was in full friendfhip 
 with D. Hamilton, and all the family, did not keep matters very clofe, not ha- 
 ving been ufed to do it. However, Ormifton only wrote that to Carftares.
 
 AND LETTERS- 507 
 
 wqq3 ym88qy6 bqya 0x26 not having been ufed to do it; how- 
 ever, 78 only d728q 8tm8 82 22, not to go any further. The 
 Chancellor came to town laft night, and called the council this day 
 at 1 1 o'clock, when the King's letter adjourning the parliament 
 was read, and a proclamation accordingly iigned. The not keep- 
 ing the council Tuefday laft, which was the time appointed by the 
 laft adjournment, occafions feveral reflections here ; and the Chan- 
 cellor writing for all the councillors to be here againft Tuefday night, 
 occafions no lefs difcourfe. 'Tis furmifed here, that, if there come 
 not lbme anfwer to the company's addrefs to the King, there fhould 
 be a defign of getting add re (Tes from all the (hires of Scotland. The 
 Chancellor told me this day in the council-chamber, that Maj.~ 
 Gen. Ramfay told him, my Lord Portland had quitted all his pla- 
 ces, fave his military ones : I told him I mould be forry for it, if it 
 was true. I hear the folemnity ends this night, with a great ball, 
 at Major-Gen. Ramlay's. 
 
 The Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In favour of Lady Rothes and her Family, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Laft poft I was in hafte going to a tryft of a bargain of land ; I Edinburgh, 
 know not if you would make fenfe of what I wrote ; and this night Novemb. u. 
 
 I am weary writing to both fecretaries ; yet I mud obey a lady's 
 commands to excufe her to you for not writing : 'Tis my Lady 
 Rothes, who hopes you will continue your friendfhip for her and 
 her family ; and, if there be any place for obtaining thefe tyths to 
 her family, fhe does perfuade herfelf of your care and afliftance. I 
 know there needs not many words with you ; get a fight of what I 
 have wrote to L. Carmichael ; if better cannot be, we will take the 
 tyths of the parifh of Kinglaflie, and let 46 and 72 try their court 
 
 S f f 2 about
 
 5 oS STATE-PAPERS 
 
 about the reft. * The feflion is not throng yet ; 78 is fmelling fomc 
 things 2r 62yq r2xw6 z2 d29xp Z2S q63qo8 u8 2r 311178^9x1117- 
 xuq 7. tqu6 qc37q66uzs tuy6qxr msmuz68 m 68mzpuzs m7ya 78 
 rqm76 10 tmb 6zyq uzrx9qzoq 1198 Z28tuzs 2r 8ta6 8ux 22 tqmy 
 ro78tq7- Farewell. 
 
 Lord Blantyre to Mr Carstarh*. 
 
 Begging his Aj/iftance for the more regular Payment of his Pen/ion. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I fhall be glad to hear of your health from your own hand. I 
 l6 ° ve ' adventure fo far upon your kindnefs and goodnefs, to give you the 
 
 trouble of this line, to acquaint you, I have not had any of my pen- 
 ficn this two years. I am fure I have done nothing to deferve my 
 being neglected, nor have I been very troublefome about it : Now 
 there is L. 400 owing me, which would be a very great help to my 
 family at this juncture. The King was pleafed to fay to myfelf, 
 that he would take care of my family ; therefore, I hope you will 
 take luch meafures as your prudence and kindnefs will fuggeft. I 
 am fure your getting me helped at this time will be both a gene- 
 rous and kind action. I fhall not prefs you any further upon this 
 account, only expects you will let me hear from you what you 
 think can be done ; for, out of the bifhops rents it's not poflible to 
 be got. If his Majefty will be pleafed to order me payment of my 
 bygones out of the civil fund, it may be done ; and I am fure his 
 Majefty fhall not have reafon to think his favour mifplaced, nor you 
 
 your labour. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your's affectionately to ferve you, 
 
 Blantyre. 
 
 * The' feflion is not throng yet. Ormifton is fmelling fome things of fome 
 folks Carftares would not expect it of ; particularly, he is exprefling himfelf againft 
 a ftanding army. Ormifton fears D. Hamilton has fome influence ; but no- 
 thing of this till Carftares hear farther.
 
 AND LETTERS. 500 
 
 Treasurer Depute to Mr Carstares, 
 Cyphers, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Why was you not fo kind as to fend me the King's fpeech ? 78 Edinburgh, 
 thanks 22 for his freedom uz 7qxm8u2z 82 pmyuqz 22 yg68 1699. 
 qoo96q 78 r727 fubwzs mza mzbdq7 uz d7u88uzs 78 omzz28 02- 
 zpqyz 74 nor 76. 78 tu6 3dz uzoxuzm8u2z6 are for a Sqqoq 2r 
 y2zqa 7in8ty7 m6 m 8u8xq. m6 82 77 let the 37qoq38 nqm7 
 8tq uzox26qp zm7 7m8ubq, and 78 has ground to believe it will 
 be dutifully received ; and I hope it may do fervice ; let u8 nqm7 
 m 37q6qz8 3mayqz8. 43 tm8t qxqbmSqp 8 with tu6 X2psuzs6 
 1198 u8 6 6mup 10 tm6 r97zu897q uz 8tqy and 43 duxx fq8 m 
 xq88q7- 75 tm6 thefe two days been very mzs7a du3t 85, becaufe 
 85 d29xp Z28 busz extravagant moo86 2r 91 s X27P duxx az9 p2q 
 228tuzs du8t 91, m y268 uz6uszuruomz8 ymz. 8 p7ub6 75 m8 
 37q6q28 bq7a tm7p 8tqa m7q n28t tust 632Z u8 m8 37q6q28. 
 75 822W u8 uxx 78 pup not acquaint him ere tq 00196 qp 013- 
 37qtqzp o2xx S7mtmy and 8 this night dtqz 78 mo59muz8qp 
 20 and mywqp 8tqu 7 approbation fmbqtuy m 39rxuow pu6pmuzr9x 
 uanq, but let 43 xma tub ozymzp6 2z fome other 78 u6 Z28 02b- 
 q82g6 2r u8 22 yma w22d u8 3986 22 y2za uz 78 32owq8. 
 
 I have given a touch of 77's affair both to 74 and 76. 
 
 The queries I fent you laft poft are handing about here. I doubt 
 not they will be printed with you. Adieu. 
 
 Trea-
 
 5 io STATE. PAPERS 
 
 Treasurer Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In Cyphers.-— Secretary Vernon has brought much Mi/chief on Scot- 
 Ia?id y and King WilllanCs IntereJ}. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, * ^3 h as n obferve, that the y2 7q 1-11102976 43 o2zrq76 or 8, 
 1699. 8 8s72d6 the more 9269332781x111x9 r27 ru88uz6 moo8 tq zq6q7 
 
 <dmb m8 2zq 12976 3muz6 aq8 tq is the comon advocate r27 m- 
 nm8q7qz86, and juft aq68q7zust8 tq tqo827qp 8tqqcotq59q7 62q 
 that they were neceffitate to pqxma m n966uzq6 'tis true mzp7qd 
 ya7&29z dm6 o2zoq7zqp, fo is 011138 du6tm78 dt2 116 Z2d with 
 you. There is a defign on foot of m zqd mpp7q6 r72yq 8tq 02- 
 73mza 82 43 ; 64 is m8 8tq n2882y 2r 118 this week 78 was 1118 
 m ym7umsq with 83 dtq7q 83 822woccafion to fpeak of it to 78, 
 and told that tq 632wq bq7a r7qq xmzsgmsq 82 55 ; 78 6mup 
 tq wzqd 228tuzs 8tqu 029XP mdd7q6 r27 ny$ 82 fq 88 8tq7q y9Z 
 7qxqq6qp dqqq 3711627^76 du8t 8tq 63mzum7p6, Z2, 6ma6 83 
 pray God help ye xq8 Z28 3q23xq X226 a intereft in their coun- 
 try 82 3xqm6 m 02978. tq7q dqq dq7q omxxqp 82 dinner. 83 
 faid he behoved to fpeak with 78 msmuz, 22 y968 W22d 8196 u6 
 8tq language 2r 7 200, though 7 knows better than to fpeak fo very 
 plain. Juft now I have news of our fhip the Caledonia being re- 
 turned. I have wrote to the Secretary, fo can fay no more. Your 
 man Mr Vernon has brought much mifchief on Scotland, and K. 
 
 W.'s intereft in it. Farewell. 
 
 Earl 
 
 # Ormifton has one obferve, that the more favours the King confers on 8, 
 8 grows the more unfufferable ; for fitting accompts, he never was at one hour's 
 pains, yet he is the common advocate for abatements ; and juft yefternight he 
 hectored the exchequer, fo that they were neceflitr.te to delay buflnefs. 'Tis true, 
 Andrew Myrtoun was concerned, and Capt. Wifbart, who is now with you. 
 There is a defign on foot of a new addrefs from the company to the King. 
 Stair is at the bottom of it. This week Ormifton was at a meeting Avith the 
 Prefident, where the Prefident took occafion to fpeak of it to Ormifton, and 
 
 told,
 
 AND LETTERS. 511 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Concern of the ivhole Nation about the Succefs of the Darien 
 
 Expedition. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have not had time till now to write to you in return to your's Edinburgh, 
 of the 16th. It is indeed a regretable thing, that many honeft peo- i^ 99 , 
 pie mould be fo much impofed upon as they are by fome who make 
 a very bad ufe of what has happened to the colony in America : 
 But thefe perfons difcerning how much many are bent to fupport 
 that project, and what a reckoning they make of it, as that where- 
 in the honour of the nation, and a great intereft of it too, is deep- 
 ly concerned, lay hold upon the occafion, I am perfuaded, with 
 very bad intentions. The humour is abated of late ; for there has 
 been much pains taken to do it ; yet I find plainly that the hope and 
 fancy of the Scots, their being already repoiTefTed, and that we will 
 quickly have an account of it, is what more than any thing elfe 
 makes the mind of men, and, confequently, their motions, more 
 quiet and eafy. The flock and expence is indeed considerable ; 
 and they are many who are concerned as interefted in the project : 
 Yet that is but a fmall thing in refpect of the concern which ap- 
 pears of perfons of all ranks, and even of the meaner people, who 
 are not particularly interefted, and have no fhares in the flock for 
 fupporting and profecuting that undertaking. It is a thing fcarce- 
 ly to be imagined. I will allure you, any that would pretend here 
 to perfuade any body, that the following out that defign may prove 
 
 a 
 
 told, that he fpoke very free language to 55. Ormifton faid, he knew nothing 
 they could addrefs for, but to get their men relieved who were prifoners with 
 the Spaniards. " No, fays the Prefident, pray God help ye, Let not people lofe 
 an intereft in their country to pleafe a court." Here we were called to dinner. 
 The Prefident faid, he behoved to fpeak with Ormifton again. Carftares muft 
 know this is the language of 7 too
 
 in STATE-PAPERS 
 
 a prejudice to this nation, would prevail nothing, but lofe himfelf, 
 and carry the ill-will and difefteem almoft of every one. What the 
 matter will turn to, the Lord knows : But, from the firft, till now, 
 and ftill on fo, there is fuch an earneftnefs and difpofition towards 
 that matter, without any fparing, either of their perfons or purfes, 
 that every obferver muft think it wonderful. I afiure you, Sir, I 
 am in difficulty enough to carry fo as is liecefTary for his Majefty's 
 fervice ; and, if it were not the reflection which I hear people make 
 upon what my circumftances have been in the world, thefe in 
 this kingdom who force a bad conftruction upon every thing, might 
 prevail to make others jealous of me as to w T hat I am fure I am in- 
 nocent of. I pray you let me hear how matters go with Mr Don, 
 and give my hearty fervice to him ; likewife, if Mr Williams fuc- 
 ceeds to any of his factories. Let me know likewife what is Mr 
 Man's part, and whether he ftays or comes. I hope you will fol- 
 low the old way with me, and acquaint me with what paffages oc- 
 cur that come not in the public. I mall add no more now, but 
 that I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your humble fervant and very affectionate friend, 
 
 Marchmokt, 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of one Kennedy apprehended. Lord Bafil Hamilton fent up with 
 
 the Darien Company** Addrefs to the King about Pinkerton, and 
 other Prif oners in Spain, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, This being our thanklgiving-day, the fecretaries will excufe me 
 
 i699. mb " 3 ° I do not write ; only you will acquaint them, that I did apprehend 
 
 Mr Kennedy, Collean's fon, and did immediately acquaint the 
 
 Chancellor, who called him before feveral councilors, and defired I 
 
 might
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 5*3 
 
 might acquaint the lords with the grounds upon which I gave or- 
 ders to feize him. There were prefent the Prefident of council, 
 Es. of Loudon and Annandale, Mr Francis Montgomery, and Sir 
 Robert Sinclair. I was afked by the Chancellor 8t2d 78tmp dmu- 
 8yp 22d May, in the morning; and 82xp tuy dtm8 1729ZP. 
 There was 82 6963qo8 tuy before tliefe lords, particularly whence 
 my information came. I told I had it from the fecretaries ; but 
 having made inquiry in the fouth country about one Scot, whom 
 they named, 1 believed their information miftook the man's name ; 
 for 1 had information from the fouth, that this Kennedy might be 
 the man. He was called in, and examined ; refufed all manner of 
 intelligence, or carrying of letters : There was found upon him a 
 letter from Patrick Graham at St Germain's, which lets fee he was 
 in a correfpondence with him. This letter mentions one from 
 Kennedy, with inclofeds, which Graham promifes to deliver. Mr 
 Kennedy is put under bail for L. 200. *y8 P2986 228 n98 8tq 
 xmpa xm7S2 wzqd mxx ry2y 6r 72nqy8 ngr2yq dinner. 78 is 
 indifferent for tq ub 7q62xbqp 82 yqpxq Z2 y27q uz 8tq6 mat- 
 ters u8 3722bg6 no 6q7buoq 82 the I2bq7yqz8 and 78 nqsq86 
 8tq uxxduxx 2r 8tq6q uz 8tq I26q7yq z8, as well as of the Jaco- 
 bites. I (hall fay nothing of thepu6o297msyqz86 78 7qq86 with- 
 in the 3268 22, &c. forces him into. You will have Lord Bafil 
 Hamilton quickly with you. The general council of our Indian 
 Company met laft night, and voted, that his Majefty might be ad- 
 dreffed in behalf of our countrymen were taken with Pinkerton, 
 and are detained prifoners at Carthagena: No body could be againft 
 this. Next, it was urged, that one mould be fent from the com- 
 pany with this addrefs. The friends of fome young gentlemen, 
 
 * t t wna 
 
 * Ormifton doubts not but Lady Largo knew all from Sir Robert Sinclair 
 before dinner. Ormifton is indifferent, for he is refolved to meddle no more in 
 thefe matters. It proves no fervice to the government, and Ormifton begets the 
 ill-will of thefe in the government as well as of the Jacobites. I mail fay nothing 
 of the difcouragement he meets with in the poll Carftares forced him into.
 
 514 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 who are of the number of thefe prifoners, were very earneft for 
 this : Well, the defire was yielded. Next, who fhould be the per- 
 fon ? Here the allowance was to be firft fpoke of: A hundred pounds 
 is agreed to. Then my Lord Belhaven moved, that the perfon 
 might be inftructed to endeavour, that, according to our laft addrefs, 
 the reflraints laid on by the proclamations might be taken off. 
 Here fome reafoning began. This brought the new proclamations 
 to be mentioned. Inftruclions not only in that parliament, but a- 
 bout the three men of war muft be. f (mxx tmp nqqz o2zoqy8qp.) 
 Next came the perfon to be named ; and Gleneagles names Lord 
 Bafil. His Lordfhip was not prefent, which wayed with fome of 
 us, not to lay fuch a burden upon him, without he was previ- 
 oufly acquainted. However, his three fitters hufbands were all for 
 his being the man. X 22 mav remember 78 dy28 82 a20. 2r a new 
 mp7q6. I fay no more this night. Farewell. 
 
 [The Blank in the Correfpondence from the 30th of November 
 1699 to the 4th of June 1700, is owing to Mr Carftarcs being 
 fent down to Scotland during that period.] 
 
 Earl of Melvil to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The various Schemes of the Friends to the Darien Expedition, par- 
 ticularly upon the Suppofition of the Ki?ig's coming doivn to Scot- 
 land, as ivas propofed. His Thoughts of maintaining a 5 'land- 
 ing Army. Hints at his being neglecled, and his Services ill 
 
 rewarded. 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, You conjured me to write to you ; and I am refolved to do it im- 
 
 e 4. 1 700. partially and faithfully, to the end that, knowing matters of fad 
 
 truly, you maybe the more qualified tofuggeft good meafures, which, 
 
 at this time, is at beft not eafy to be done. The addreflers, to make 
 
 oftentation (which by the bye is needlefs, for it is iufficiently, without 
 
 their 
 f (All had been concerted.) 
 % Carftares may remember Ormifton wrote to him of a new addrefs.
 
 AND LETTERS. 515 
 
 their care> known) of the great concurrence they have, have a fecond 
 draught of the fame addrefs, word for word, going about to get the 
 hands of fuch members of parliament, as either were out of town, 
 or, by fome accident and the fhortnefs of the time, were prevented 
 of figning that which is fent. The vacant places in parliament are 
 filled up entirely (as I hear) with men to their mind, fuch as Glen- 
 ney is, for Dumbarton, and the like. They have had under their con- 
 fideration, how they mould behave, if the King himfelf mould hap- 
 pen to come down. They confidered, that probably men would 
 ftand more in awe to make oppofition in his prefence, than now 
 when he is only reprefented. They have therefore judged it ne- 
 ceflary to fecure and tie the members the more firmly ; in order to 
 this, there are addrefles to be fcnt from all or moft of the fhires and 
 towns to the parliament, of the fame tenor that thefe are that are 
 already prefented againft a ftanding army, and in behalf of Ca- 
 ledonia ; and with thefe, and fome, who perhaps fend no addref- 
 fes, there are to be fent pofitive orders to thefe members that they 
 concur againft a ftanding army, and ftand (as their expreflions are) 
 by the intereft of their country, and particularly of Caledo- 
 nia ; or otherwife, that they need not think of returning home. 
 I fear we may find this ; and, however out of rule this practice is, 
 and however, (if not violent), at leaft over fervent j yet the circumftan- 
 ces, and prefent humour, will not permit it fo much as to be bla- 
 med. This makes the thing more confiderable than it is in itfelf. 
 They ' do alfo talk bigly of the freedom they will act and fpeak 
 with, if the King fhould come here. An eminent man amongft 
 them, who ii either really inclined, or, to pleafe me, owned himfelf 
 mightily difpofcd to a tendernefs and regard to the D. of Queenf- 
 berry, faid to me, that the King would find them, if he were here 
 himfelf, lefs difpofed to comply with him, or to recede from their 
 pretenfions than they now appear to be : That the D. of Queenf- 
 berry had never injured nor offended any man in his adminiftration; 
 and therefore they ihowed at leaft (laid he) a greater calmnefs in their 
 oppofition now, than they would do otherwife. Thefe things fhew 
 a fad and lamentable temper and frame of fpirit j and yet I fear we 
 
 T 1 1 2 ; would
 
 516 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 would find it true. As to the (landing army, I have ferioufly in- 
 ipected into the ftate of that matter. I did think, (and fo you may 
 remember by what paft before your parting betwixt you and me), 
 that the King might keep the guards, and as many forces more as 
 the annexed excife would maintain ; and that he was warranted fo 
 to do by the ads of parliament which gave the excife, viz. the 
 13th and 14th acts firft parliament of K.Charles IF.: And, there- 
 fore, I thought that, unlefs they were now, by a pofterior par- 
 liament, difbanded, the King might, of himfelf, I fay, keep 
 up as many. But, comparing the article of the claim of right 
 tolerating that matter, with the act of parliament for keeping 
 them up, and giving the neceflary fupply, palled in E. March- 
 mont's parliament, I find, that the army cannot (though there were 
 money to maintain them) be kept up after the firft of November 
 next. The words of the claim of right are, 'That keeping a ftand- 
 
 * ing army in time of peace, without confent of parliament, is a- 
 
 * gainft law.' The Earl of Marchmont's act is exactly fitted to 
 this as hand and glove, and framed juft to fuit it. It fays, ' That 
 
 * finding it neceflary to keep them up till November 1700, they do 
 ' therefore confent to it.' From this it evidently follows, that the 
 content of parliament is withdrawn from their being kept up any 
 longer. Another thing is going about here ; and the cafe is put, 
 What if the King confent to let it be voted in parliament, that the 
 acquiring that plantation is legal, and the right good ; and allow 
 what addreftes can be made to him for that purpofe ; only that, 
 for good reafons, he will not confent to an act, feeing that were to 
 engage him in quarrels that he defires to evite, or for other good 
 reafons moving him ? It is anfwered, We can expect no anfwer, but, 
 that it will fare with thefe as with former addrefTes, viz. That no re- 
 gard has been had to them. Next, that, if his confent cannot be 
 had to an act, what can be expected he either will or can do upon 
 an addrefs ? Thirdly, fay they, his reafons do either concern Scot- 
 land, or are exotic as to Scotland. If the firft, let us know them; 
 we will be very ready to comply with his greater wifdom. If 
 
 they
 
 AND LETTERS. 517 
 
 they do not concern Scotland, then, fay they, this gives ground for 
 an unanfwerable argument, that the crowns of England and Scot- 
 land are incompatible, feeing it is not to be fuppofed, that, where 
 the interefl of England and Scotland do irreconcileably interfere, 
 the King muft acl: in favours of England : And the more import- 
 ant the difference is, and the more ftrength the reafons have which 
 move the King, and the more valuable they are, they indeed ex- 
 cufe the King ; but they fortify this argument, by making the re- 
 medy the more impoffible, and putting it further out of the King's 
 power to help it. God help us ! it is an unlucky bufinefs, and we 
 are in a bad ftate. I ever dreaded bad refults from this affair, as you 
 may remember by what I told you I had faid to M. of Tweedale 
 when the matter was a-hatching. Mr Carftares, I have no part in 
 the government that gives me place for giving my advice, or fug- 
 ge'fting matter for it; and, give me leave to tell you, my loffes have 
 been fuch, and my fervices fuch, and have been fo little regarded, 
 as there lies no obligation on me to go out of my road in behalf of 
 it : But I do (what I now do) for your fake ; and I cannot lay afide 
 my good will to the King's fervice, of whom I have ever found, 
 that he was very ready to be juft and kind to me; but you cannot 
 deny, I have been prevented and deprived of the good effects of it. 
 After all, I forfee yet greater matter of heat and conteftation fhall 
 fall out upon the conftitution of parliament, and worfe to be cured, 
 and fuch as I fear the torrent of the populace may carry too far : 
 What I mean, arifes from the adjournments of ufe to be made, (not 
 only now, but alfo formerly), upon the propounding of any caufe or 
 queftion that occurs, by which, fay they, the freedom of debate is 
 moft effectually debarred, the claim of right invaded, and a private 
 power ufurped over the parliament ; which, (fay they, and they fay 
 right), is more than a negative, feeing by it the right and defign 
 of parliaments, viz. to give advice, is utterly prevented and over- 
 turned. I have alfo confidered this matter thoroughly, and turned 
 over all the cafes that I could find relating to it. But I am nobody; 
 
 fo
 
 5 i8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fo I have nothing to fay ; it is out of my road. I wifh you all hap- 
 pinefs. I pray God may direct you ; fo, without ceremony, farewell. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Comniiffioner* s and his own Opinion^ whether the King ought to 
 yield to the Refolve about Caledonia^ or not y &c. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, I ma ll be glad to hear of your fafe arrival, and if the guide I lent 
 J* ne 5- w j t h y 0U took care to have you conducted to Carlyle as he promifed. 
 I was rcfolved to have written to you my own little obfervations and 
 thoughts ; but the commimoner hath ordered me to write and ac- 
 quaint you with his fentiments. His Grace has acquainted the 
 King's fervants of his defign to difpatch a flying packet, and 
 defired them to write their beft advice ; he hath heard ibme dif- 
 courfe their opinion, and feen what fome have wrote ; and, how- 
 ever he may differ in his own judgement from fome things propo- 
 fed by others, yet he is content all be laid before the King. You 
 know the great queftion now is, Whether the King will yield to the 
 refolve propofed about Caledonia, or not ? and, whether his Majefty 
 fhould come here himfelf, or not ? 
 
 His Grace, I obferve, is very defirous the King fhould come ; and 
 has good hopes, if his Majefty were here, he might, by yielding 
 that point, cut off all other unneceflary queftions that fome project 
 to obftruft bufinefs, and eftablifh his government here ; but, if his 
 Majefty's other affairs cannot allow him to do this nation that ho- 
 nour, his Grace thinks, that, upon yielding to that refolve about Ca- 
 ledonia, the King's fervants fhould all be ordered to go on vigo- 
 roufly and unanimoufly to do his Majefty's bufinefs, though there 
 may be difficulty and ftruggle, becaufe of the popular handle fome 
 have had ; yet, if all in the King's fervice go forward hand in hand, 
 there may be fome hopes of fuccefs : And he frankly fays, that if 
 
 thefe
 
 AND LETTERS. 519 
 
 thefe now in the King's for vice are not able to ferve him to pur- 
 pofe upon the juft and honourable terms propofed, he thinks, in 
 honour and juftice, they ought to quit, and defire the King to em- 
 ploy fuch as can do him more effe&ual fervice, and he will fhew the 
 reft an example himfelf. And, if the King yield that point, he thinks 
 it raoft advifable the parliament fhould fit without further delay. 
 But, if his Majefty will not yield to that refolve, there is no hopes of 
 doing any thing at this time in the parliament ; and he dares not 
 fay that the King's own prefence would influence the members to 
 pafs from it ; yet, perhaps they might compound the matter for a 
 vote or addrefs afferting the right to our colony, and not infift for 
 an a£t requiring the royal' affent : For many have been pofitive for 
 an a&, upon perfuafion, that the King would comply ; and proba- 
 bly fuch, if they faw the King truly ftraitened, might be more eafy 
 and traceable on that matter. For what I fee, his Grace does not re- 
 lifh the conference and treaty propofed by fome ; he feems to think 
 it can be of little ufe to the King's fervice, and that it will not be 
 very honourable or fafe for the King's fervants ; and I doubt not, 
 you will eafily perceive the inconveniencies fuch a meafure might 
 bring upon yourfelf and your beft friends. 
 
 If the King fhall think fit (as fome propofe) to break all his 
 troops here, except the guards and garrifons, it is very probable this 
 might adjuft all difficulties ; for feveral of the principal abettors 
 of the refolve have owned they were willing to lay it afide un- 
 til cefs was demanded for maintaining the forces. If the parliament 
 fhall be adjourned before the 20th of this month, the commiffion 
 falls and evanifheth ; and it will be fit to confider well if it will be 
 fafe or advifeable to leave the government fo naked after fuch a ftep : 
 But, if the parliament meets, and is adjourned by the Commiffioner, 
 his commiffion continues during the time at firft appointed ; and, 
 though the King fhould think fit to call his commiffioner, and o- 
 thers, as fome propofe, to wait upon him, yet I humbly think it 
 advifeable, that he fhould continue here fome days after the adjourn- 
 ment, in that character, until the members were retired home. As 
 
 alfo,
 
 5 2o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 alfo, I think it decent that the Commiflioner fhould firft be with the 
 King, before others were called for. 
 
 Now, Sir, I have freely told you of what I know of his Grace's 
 fentiments, with fome of my own weak thoughts, and perfuade my- 
 felf you will make difcreet ufe of both. I fhall add no more but tell 
 you that I am fully perfuaded his Grace has perfect confidence in 
 you, 'and is your firm fincere friend ; and you may be fully affured 
 of my moft faithful fervice, to my power. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 P. S. I forgot to tell you, that I am credibly informed that thofe 
 who are gone up with the laft addrefs have inftru&ions, and gave 
 their parole, not to fpeak with the King a-part, though defired ; and 
 that all the addreffers gave the fame promife and parole : So itfeems, 
 though the King fhould call one or two, they could not go without 
 a difpenfation from their neighbours. 
 
 [The following, and feveral other letters in the fame hand, are from 
 one who figns himfelf J. Stewart. He feems to have been 
 employed by Mr Carftares, as a fpy upon all the different parties 
 in Scotland. He gives his own fentiments with great freedom ; 
 and his letters give us a lively pi&ure of the ftate of the country 
 at that time. ] 
 
 The various Reafonings of Coffee-houfe Politicians about the Effects 
 
 of the King's holding the next Sefjion of Parliament in Per/on. — 
 
 He is againjl the King's coming, but clear for Portland's being 
 
 fent down Commander in Chief and Chancellor for the Time. This 
 
 the only Remedy to the prefent Difeafes of the Country. 
 
 Worthy S I R, 
 Edinburgh, It is believed by many here that the King will come down, and 
 June 8. 1700. p e0 p] e Fe afon varioufly about it. They fay, that, if he be not refolved 
 to afiert the legality of the colony's fettlement in Darien, he will 
 
 return
 
 AND LETTERS. 521 
 
 return (re infecla) ; which is not for his honour. And, if he be 
 refolved to pafs that ad, he needs not come ; for there will be no 
 great difficulty as to any other bufinefs ; in that point only the par- 
 ty is fuperior. Others fay, that, if he fhall come down, and lay be- 
 fore his parliament the difficulties he is under, and danger of that 
 ad, the granting a fubfidy for the fupporting the company in gene- 
 ral, without mentioning Caledonia or Darien, may perhaps difcon- 
 cert them, or, at leaft, divide and weaken them ; which is the fame. 
 This, indeed, had been eafy work for King Charles ; and I hope 
 our King may do it ; but there is a great danger, if it happens other- 
 wife. All the hope I have of this is in my Lord Portland, who, no 
 doubt, will come along with the King. It's true, he will have no 
 intereft with the ill-defigning faction of this party, (they are not to 
 be contented but with the ruin of the government); but I am very 
 hopeful that he will carry off moft of the prefbyterians from them, 
 when they fee the prefent fettlement, both of church and ftate, may 
 be endangered by the meafures they are fallen into, and that it is 
 not poffible for the King to comply with them. Thefe are the rea- 
 fonings of our coffee-houfe ftatefmen. For my part, I am ftill a- 
 gainft the King's coming down ; for, if all this could be got done, 
 yet there is a neceffity of breaking fome part of the army, (if they 
 difpenfe with that act, one way or other, ye muft gratify them ;) 
 and it is inconfiftent with the honour of the King, when he is here in 
 perfon, to break any. And I am afraid it is fcarcely poffible to carry 
 Caledonia and the army both ; and to yield either is dishonourable. 
 Now, fuppofmg the King grant them their Caledonia, fome think it 
 will encourage them to be high on their other demands. The topic 
 is, ' Charge him home, and he will yield.' If it fall out thus, it is 
 well worth the King's while to come down, and he is fure to return 
 with honour ; for, if he affert the right of their colony by his Com- 
 jniffioner, this will infallibly divide them, if they infill on other 
 things ; and, if the King come down, he will carry the prefbyterians 
 to one man. So that I make little doubt but they may give him a 
 liferent-cefs for his army j for they will fee the neceffity of it, there 
 
 U u u being
 
 322 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 being a party who defigns to quarrel with the King at any rate ; and 
 I know no other thing can do it, but fuppofing the King is fo ftated 
 that he cannot confent to that a£t of Caledonia. So the queftion is, 
 What is to be done ? The parliament muft be adjourned, my Lord 
 Portland muft come down General of the army, (and, I think, Chan- 
 cellor of Scotland for fome time). There muft be ten men added to 
 every company of the army. This is a bold ftep, and will enrage 
 the party ; but, at the fame time, it will let the prefbyterians fee, 
 that are joined with them, that they have brought the King to 
 extremity ; and that he is refolved to ftand the worft. Your chief 
 bufinefs is with the prefbyterians; lop them off from the party, and 
 it is gone. The army can yet ftand by law near fix months. Multa 
 cadunt inter calkem fupre?naque labra. (If my Lord Portland were 
 here), they will think twice, before they refolve upon a rebellion. 
 Thefe of that party who wifh well to the government will have time 
 to confider together, whether they will chufe New or Old Caledo- 
 nia. My Lord Portland is the only man can do the work ; he may 
 make ftate upon the prefbyterians, and all the friends of the govern- 
 ment. He will fecure the army to the King againft corruption. In 
 fhort, its he alone can retrieve this nation to the King. Before this 
 be done, it is the cafe of abfolute extremity. The King muft write 
 to his parliament his ftraits as to Caledonia, and fhew them what 
 length he can go in that and other bufinefs ; and if they, after all, 
 infift, then the laft remedy I have fpoke of muft be applied. Thus, 
 now, I think I have diverted you with my politics, (and I think I 
 fee you laugh heartily), as I would have done Mr Newton, had I 
 fent him a problem of geometry. I am, with all refpeft, 
 
 Worthy Sir, 
 Your faithful and obliged fervant, 
 
 J. Stewart. 
 
 The news has been here, thefe five or fix days, that my Lord S. 
 broke open Duke Hamilton's letters upon the road — foreign weeds : 
 
 That,
 
 NfJO. LETTERS. 
 
 5*3 
 
 :'., in the dividend" of the Spanifh monarchy, the States of 
 Holland have got Cuba and Hifpaniola. This makes a mighty 
 
 noue. 
 
 Lord Napier to Mr Carstares. 
 Recommends his Son to him for a Pen/ton or Place.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I was not a little furprifed and troubled, at my return to this place, Edinburgh, 
 to find the divifions and confufions fo great, that I loft almoft hopes J une u ' 
 or being in any tranquility in my own country, my humour dif- 
 fering extremely from thofe people that thinks to fifh in troubled 
 waters; and not pretending to reap any advantage by my journey to 
 London, becaufe of the uneafy circumftances I found the King and 
 his friends in when I was there, I hoped to have help and favour 
 here at my return, from your kindnefs and fenfe of my condition 
 and patience: But, Sir, lince it was neceffary for you to return with 
 the reft, I fub-mit to God's will, who is pleafed to afflict me in moft 
 things. Yet, as it is noways forbid us to ufe lawful endeavours for 
 our relief in neceflities and ftraits, fo I refolved to intreatyour mind- 
 ing of me in what way you think moft feafible to fucceed. My fon 
 hath dedicate himielf to the King's fervice, but entirely upon my 
 own charge. As my inclinations are loyal, fo, while I live,. I will 
 keep him clofe to his duty; and, when I am gone, I hope he will be 
 more capable to (how the principles I have infpired him with. He is 
 to be a peer of this land ; and therefore I beg that he may have 
 fome mark of the King's favour, as others have, who deierves no 
 better than he. I mentioned a penfion for him, becaufe I had L.200 
 a year, and now has only the name of 100 ; but, if that be not fo 
 eafily procured, there is a place here vacant, Mafter of Works, 
 which will be difpofed of to one or other ; and I doubt not but it may 
 be procured him ; for he is now a man, and a very fenfible one. 
 Young people of quality mould be encouraged. I beg, Sir, that you 
 
 U u u z will
 
 5*4 
 
 STATE. PAPERS 
 
 will propofe it to the Secretary, who promised me great favours, and 
 do your own endeavours to make it fucceed ; which will put an e- 
 ternal obligation upon, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your very faithful friend and fervant, 
 
 Napier. 
 
 Lord CARMicHAELto Mr Carstares. 
 
 Wijh.es the King could be brought to yield a little in the Affair of 
 Caledonia, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, * ^ ave ^ een 0Ut °^ t0Wn tms ^ our ^ % ' * ^ * on £ t0 ftear °^ 
 
 June n. y 0ur fafe arrival at London. I know Mr Pringle will give you an 
 account of what I have wrote. If any thing of confequcnce had 
 occurred, I had not failed to acquaint you fooner. The tem- 
 per here is much as you left it ; and, as I can never believe the high- 
 flown party cares not for a good return to their addrefs, if his Ma- 
 jefty could yield any thing, it might undeceive fome honeft men that 
 are gone in that way. I have been lately with the Commiflioner, 
 who is a fincere friend of your's, and the worthieft man ever I knew. 
 My fincere fervice to your Lady, and my duty to my noble friend. 
 I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft affectionate and real fervant, 
 
 Carmichael, 
 
 The 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 525 
 
 The Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a new National Addrefs in the Affair of Caledonia. Of a falfe 
 
 Story /pre ad of his having faidfome thing to Argyle'sDifadvantage. 
 SIR, 
 I was glad to hear, of your fafe arrival. We long for news from Edinbur h 
 you. mzpdu6tq6 8tqa yma nq s22p * This place affords little J une *3- 
 worth writing. You will hear of one Paterfon and one Watfon their I7 °°* 
 being taken up for difperfing and printing pamphlets. The Advocate 
 is ordered to profecutethem. j-no8dtm8 duxxo2yq 2r u878omzz28 
 6ma r27 8tq7q m33qm76 Z2 DUS297 I26qq72yq28 m8 37z6q28. 
 No tackfman of any of the publick funds will at prefent pay a far- 
 thing, pretending all of them to legal deductions ; and this puts a 
 flop to all payments. I doubt my letters would find my L. Seafield 
 at London, is the reafon I do not write. Farewell. 
 
 Thoughyoufentdownfaxq88q7oxm7uzs29so2yyu66upqz82 68 
 mzp yet feeing you thought a xq88q7 zqoq66m7uq 83 and 3tuxxu3t 
 
 * And wifh they may be good; 
 f but what will come of it, Ormifton cannot fay ; for there appears no vigour in 
 our government at prefent. 
 
 X Tho' you fent down a letter declaring 9 (Queensberry's) commiffion to ftand ; 
 yet, feeing you thought a letter necefiary, the Prefident and Philiphaugh think a' 
 new commiffion neceffary: Therefore you have a frefh draught. Ormifton ap- 
 prehends it will not be needed. Seafield's friends are much concerned he be not to 
 draw the letter containing the King's reafons why he cannot comply with the par- 
 liament in his declaration, in cafe of adjournment. 85 fays to 76(Carmichael) the 
 declining to do it here was putting the thorn in Seafield's foot. Carftares knows 
 76 (Carmichael) would not take that well; yet, at the fame time, 85 faid he 
 durft not advife it to be done here, not for all he is worth. 85 and Seafield's 
 friends are in great fear- This day after dinner, I was in the Abbey, when the 
 Prefident introduced Mr Robert Wyllie. I left him with Queenfberry ; they had been 
 a good time together. 8's letters to his lady gave account of all Queenfberry's 
 letters bore. Befides, Seafield's men write to their correfpon dents, all that 
 Seafield writes to Queeusberry, about the King's clefign to have his mind known 
 either by letter or declaration ; and they are making ready to meet either. 
 
 What is on the other paper, you may (hew to the King, if you think fit.
 
 526 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 m9st 8tazw6 azqd o2qyu66u2Z zqoq66m7iig therefore you have a 
 frefh draught 78 m337qtqzp6 u8 dux Z28 nqzqqpqp. 74s 
 
 r7uqzp6 m7g y90t o2zoq7zqp tq nq 398 82 p7tnd 8tq xq88q7 
 containing 43s 7qm6226 dta tq omzz28 o2y3xa wt 54, 27q tub 
 pqoxm8u2z in cafe of adjournment na 20, 8561-nup 82 76 8tq 
 pqoxuzuzs 82 p2q u8 tq?q dm6 398UZS 8tq 8t27z uz 74s T228, 22 
 wz2d6 76 would not take 8tm8 dqxx, yet at the fame time 85 faid 
 tq P9768Z28 mpbu6qu8 82 nq p2zq tq7qnotforall 85 u6 d278t, 
 85 and 74s r7iiqzp6, (78 8qx6 22 msmuz) m7q uz S7qm8 rqn^. 
 This day after dinner 78 dm6 uz 8tq mnnmadtqz83 uz872p9oqp- 
 y7 72nq78 daxxuq, 78 xqr8 tuy du8t 29 8tqa tmpnqqz a good 
 time 82su8tq7- Yefternight there was a meetting at Steel's at 
 
 the crofs-kees; they are forward upon a new national addrefs. Some 
 were for delaying it till the fourth of July. They are meeting again 
 this night. 8s xq88q76 82 tu6 xmpa sbmq moo8 2r mxx 29s xq- 
 88q76 n2m7, nq6up6 74s 2qz d7u86 82 8tqu7 0277q632zpz86 
 mxx that 74 d7u86 82 29 m6298 43s pq6usz 82 tmbq tub yuzp 
 wzzdz qu8tq7 na xq88q7 27q pqoxm7m8u2z, mzp 8tqa m7q ym- 
 wuzs 7qmpa 82 yqq8 qu8tq7- What is on the other paper you 
 may fhew to 43, if you think fit. There is a falfe ftory, they fay, 
 writ to the E. of Argyle laft night of me ; the E. of Crawford was 
 faid to have been the author, and mould have faid he heard me fay 
 the ly: But my Lord Crawford has this day pubJickly vindicate me, 
 declaring he never heard me have any fuch words; nor did he ever 
 give any body the leaft reafon to fay I did. I purfue the thing no 
 further; but wifhes people may not induftrioufly fpread ftorics of me 
 to my L. Argyle. I defign and defire to live well with his Lordfhip, 
 and defires you will give him my humble fervice, as likewife to the 
 E. ofAnnandale. This flying packet mould have come oif yefter- 
 day; but the draught of a new commiffion to his Grace his been 
 the ftop. 
 
 Colo-
 
 AND LETTERS. 527 
 
 Colonel Ferguson to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The ivhole Country in Flame-, and Feuel both from France and Eng- 
 land to feed it. Sends a Copy of afatyrical Poem-, written by 
 
 Dr Pitcairn, upon King William. 
 
 Dr. S I R, 
 
 Since you went from this, things are grown rather worfe than Edinburgh, 
 better; the ferment ftill continues, and new addreffes are daily i^oo. 15 ' 
 coming in from all parts of the country, to be prefented to 
 the parliament, when they fit. God help us, we are ripening 
 for deftruction. It looks very like Forty-one. Yefterday there 
 came an addrefs from the town of Glafgow to Powhill their 
 reprefentative : Its much of the fame nature with the reft ; 
 for redreffing of grievances, a legal fettlement of our com- 
 pany in Darien, and to be eafed of all fubfidies and taxes. 
 There are likewife fome officers who have been defiring the army 
 to addrefs for their arrears. You fee, Sir, what kind of people we 
 are, and how the King our mafter is ferved by us. But God be 
 thanked, there are more honeft men amongft us than knaves : So 
 I hope there will be no addrefs from the army at this time. Mon- 
 day lad was a great day amongft the Jacobites here, being the birth 
 day of the pretended Prince of Wales; and it was folemnized by a 
 great many this year, who never did it before. I fend a poem up- 
 on it, made by Dr Pitcairn. Its an allufion to that fable in iEfop of 
 the frogs defiring a King from Jupiter, who gave them a ftork. 
 There are a great many fatyrical and obfcene reflections upon the 
 King in it. You fee, Sir, that they are now above board with us ; 
 for treafon is become (o common, that no body takes any notice of 
 it. They talk publickly that, unlefs the King will grant them the 
 legal fettlement of Caledonia, that they will addrefs him again with 
 forty thou (and hands at it, and call a convention of ftates. We are all 
 inflame; and I am fure the feuel comes both from France and Eng- 
 land; to keep it up. The Lord prefer ve our mafter and counfell from 
 ought; and let all his enemies be confounded from Dan to Beerfhe- 
 
 ba.
 
 5^8 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ba. I think, Sir, you are very happy and fafe where you are ; but, 
 upon my word, I am not where I am, nor no honeft man. If our 
 mafter be neceffitate to break fome regiments, I hope he will have a re- 
 gard to his old fervants ; for there are four or five younger than that 
 which I have the honour to command, viz. Portmore's, Strath- 
 naver's, Hamilton's, Maitland's and Jedburgh's dragoons; for we 
 were upon the Scots eftablifhment before any of them : Befides, Sir, 
 we have our good fervice to plead for us ; and that we have been 
 honeft and loyal from the beginning, and will continue foto the end. 
 Pray give my moft humble duty and fervice to our noble friend 
 and patron. I have w r rit to him fince you went from this. I hope 
 he will continue his protection and favour to us ; for we never will, 
 nor ever did depend upon any but him, whom I pray God may long 
 preferve Adieu. 
 
 Fab. 2. Lib. I. Phaedri Metaphrafis. 
 
 Ranarum proceres, paludis hujus 
 Et prati indigent, palude cin&i ! 
 Nonne audiftis, avos patrefque veftros 
 Securos potuiffe ftagna circum 
 Exultare fua, et venufta prata ? 
 Rex Ilignus iis dabat beatam 
 Vitam, atque otia non periculofa. 
 Tunc qure me puerum puella Rana 
 Caftis, Jupiter ! ofculata labris, 
 Quot dein rettulit ofculationes, 
 Et cura vacuas metuque trifti ) 
 Quot nunc millia vidimus profe&a 
 Ad ripae ulterioris inquilinos! 
 Quos illic veteres novofque lufus 
 TJnalufimus advenae hofpitefque, 
 A Sole exoriente ad occidentem ! 
 SedRansefuimus; fuit paludis 
 Ingens gloria, laufque clara prati. 
 Ah ! Sors nulla diu poteft placere 
 Ventofo populo ! Sed ipfa tandem 
 Libertas gravis, et graves penates, 
 Ut Saturnia difpliceret Ilex, 
 Qu:c prati indigenis palude cinfti 
 Ranis otia fecerat beata. 
 Irato Jove, coelitumque coetu, 
 Optatuj novus inquiefque rector, 
 Rettorque eligitur Ciconiarum, 
 C^iarum exercitus ales haec pererrat, 
 Haec impune pererrat atque vexat 
 Ranarum patria ac avita ftagna ; 
 
 Nee nos vifere nunc licet cohortes 
 Ranarum per amoeniorafufas 
 Pratorum aequora, et invidenda regna. 
 Obfcoenae volueres, malaeque peftes 
 Stagni ! nonne fat eft vorafle gentem 
 Nobis fanguine moribuiqir-e junctam, 
 Nullae ut jam fuperent in Infula ilia 
 Ranae legibus atque rege junctae ? 
 At vos, O proceres, ducefque noftri, 
 Clari militiae, domique clari ! 
 Si ftirpem veterem, incolamq uc prati, 
 Servatam cupitis palude cincli, 
 Haec gratis animis labrifque c a ft is, 
 Mecum ter memorate verba laeti ; 
 Et nulla audeat hie natare Rana, 
 Quae non haec memoret ter ipfa verba 
 
 Uicis facrae geniale Numen! 
 Quippe te prifcaecolueie Ranae, 
 Juniis, fi nos vetus Arbor audis, 
 Annue votis. 
 Quae tuas ales peregrina Ranas 
 Certat infefto violare roftro, 
 Sedibus noftris abigatur omnis 
 Trans mare magnum. 
 Nos, tua nobis ope reftitutae, 
 Ilicis circum faliemus arani, 
 Principis laudes celebrare gratae , 
 Praticolarurn.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 529 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh, now Lord Justice-Clerk, to Mr 
 Carstares. 
 
 The Commiffioner Duke of ^ueensberr/s Senfe of Mr Carfares* s 
 Kindnefs in procuring himfuch encouraging Letters from the King. 
 Anxious that Seqfield, Argyle^ and Annandale, be fent down; 
 
 particularly the firfl, of ivhom the King's Servants arejea* 
 
 bus. His oivn thoughts of the Meafures proper in the enfuing 
 
 SeJ/ion. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I had your's by the flying-packet. I did not expect fo much Edinburgh, 
 compliment from you; I am forry I was never fo happy as to de- J uneI 9' 
 ferve it ; but you may be aflured I fhall be very ready to ferve you, 
 to the utmoft of my power. I fhewed your's to my Lord Commif- 
 fioner, who was much fatisfied therewith ; and his Grace is fenftble 
 that you have not only done him juftice, but great kindnefs, in your 
 accounts to the King of bufmefs here ; and that you have contri- 
 bute not a little to the procuring fuch encouraging letters from his 
 Majefty. His Grace bids me make his excufe for not writing him- 
 felf ; he bas fo many to fpeak with, and fo much to write, before 
 the flying-packet or exprefs go off, that he cannot poflibly have time 
 to write ; but, he bids me tell you, that it is indifpenfably neceflary 
 that Argyle and Annandale come here quickly ; for, not only may 
 their prefence, being men of great quality and fenfe, add life and vi- 
 gour to the government, but feveral of the King's fervants here 
 are jealous of their being at court; and the Chancellor, Prefident of 
 the Council, Carmichael, and Treafurer-depute, have complained 
 to his Grace, this very day, of their abfence; and plainly told, that, 
 if they do not come quickly, and concur and join hand in hand, they 
 will be very cautious, and leave it upon them to take meafures a- 
 
 X x x bove,
 
 530 
 
 STATE-PAPER S, 
 
 bove, and anfwer for them. And this his Grace wifhes may be fig- 
 nified to the King. I mall tell you alio, as my own thought, that 
 I fufpect, if Seafield flays at court, he needs expect little advice from 
 this about the framing of any papers ; and you'll perhaps fee an 
 unexpected inftance of this by the very packet that carries thefe : 
 So, if he have a mind to take all upon him, he may ftay ; but, if he 
 defires only to take a (hare with the reft of the King's fervants, he 
 rauft be prefent with them. I mail not trouble you with any thing 
 about the return to his Majefty's letter ; I know you'll have full ac- 
 counts of that from others. You were pleafed, in your's, to defire 
 my thoughts about the Commiftioner's going up, and about what al- 
 lowance might be proper for the King to give his Grace, in cafe he 
 thought fit to continue him commifhoner for fome months. I do 
 find his Grace perfectly devoted to his Majefty's fervice, and chear- 
 fully content to ftay here, or go where his Majefty thinks moil 
 proper for his fervice ; and truly, I humbly conceive, its almoft ne- 
 ceflary that he fhould continue here as commiffioner for Tome time 
 after the King {hall publifh theletteror proclamation now propofed, 
 for reafons which you can conjecture better than I can write. But 
 I fhall freely tell you, I perceive the Commifhoner is deiirous, if 
 his Majefty think it fit, to wait upon his Majefty, if it was but 
 eight or ten days ; and, if the King goes not to Holland, this might 
 be, as I humbly think, beft in the beginning of Auguft : But this 
 I truft you'll make ufe of or not, as you fee caufe. There's no hopes 
 of diverting the parliament from infifting on the refolve, by all the 
 reafons the King can give for his not complying ; and fome think 
 thefe reafons may engage more to be for it ; fo there's no doubt, if put to 
 the vote, it will carry by a confiderable plurality, rather almoft an u- 
 nanimity. You'll find its not thought legal, nor fafe, if the parlia- 
 ment meets, to interpofe the negative, fo as to prevent the debate 
 and vote about that refolve. On the other hand, frequent adjourn- 
 ments, and concluding a feflion without an act, is cryed out upon by 
 fome as a novelty, and againft our law and claim of right; and, per- 
 haps, it will not found well with our neighbours : So the only mids 
 
 occurs
 
 AND LETTERS. 531 
 
 occurs to me is, if the parliament mould be allowed to fit and vote 
 the refolve, and if it mould be effayed to bring them to other bufi- 
 nefs ; but there are fo many obvious inconveniencies in this, as well 
 as the other methods, that I dare not propofe or recommend it ; I 
 only fuggeft it ; for, certainly, the parliament muft either meet be- 
 fore November, or the army muft bedifbanded: And I fee little rea- 
 fon to expect that frequent adjournments will alter their minds. 
 And if the army is difbanded without payment of their arrears, 
 which are confiderable, and for which there's no fund, its to be 
 feared fome of their thoughts may alter, and that the government 
 may not only want their fupport, but may find fome more defperate 
 men difaffedted. I can fay nothing as to the allowance at this time, 
 but you may expect my thoughts fully by the next. Dear Sir, a- 
 dieu. 
 
 Original Letters from Pinkerton, and his Felloiv-prifoners at Seville, 
 to the African Company, 
 
 Right Hon. Lords and Gentlemen, 
 Yefterday our caufe was debated, and the fifcal endeavours to Capt. Pink- 
 prove us pirates, and fortifies it by the reafon of the King's pro- ^toa'sl 6 "^* 
 clamation in Jamaica, &c. as alfo by fome words from the King's 
 own mouth to the Spanifh ambaffador in England, which are trans- 
 mitted to the council of the Indies in writing, in which the King dis- 
 owned your undertakings; all which, the forefaid accufer fays, proves 
 clearly, that we had no commiffion from the King ; and, for any other 
 patent or warrant for our proceedings, there appeared none. This day 
 we had this information, by a letter from the conful of this place ; 
 and, notwithftanding of all his defences, he advifes us, that to-mor- 
 row the Sentence will pafs againft us (as pirates, in lofs of lives and 
 goods, &c.) The conful hopes to do better by his appeal above, 
 at Madrid ; there being no minifter of ftate here, nor any to appear 
 in our caufe, makes it dubious. We therefore humbly defire you 
 
 X x x 2 would
 
 532 
 
 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 would be pleafed to fend with all difpatch (in cafe it be too late) 
 the copy of your patent, and a£t of parliament in your favours, at- 
 tended by fome juftice of peace, is what our lawyer requires ; as al- 
 fo, the King's difannulling the Jamaica proclamations ; and that 
 you would be pleafed to fend the copy of our failing orders, feeing 
 that they will not be perfuaded : But we knew we were bound 
 diredly for Golden Ifland, of which we knew not, (as we have de- 
 clared), when we failed from Scotland ; and that ye would be plea- 
 fed to tranfmit them to Sir Martin Weftcomb conful in Cadiz. Thr 
 King's letter has not appeared here. All that at prefent offers. 
 Right Hon. Lords and Gentlemen, 
 
 Your humble fervants in all refpe&s, 
 
 (Signed) Robert Pincarton. 
 
 John Malloch. 
 
 James Grahame. 
 
 Ben. Spenjer, alias Pcnfo. 
 
 David Wit/on. 
 
 Right Hon. Lords and Gentlemen, 
 Publ. papers, The fentence of death is paused againft us all, (the boy excepted); 
 f e n!ini?ons, and we are in irons. This is the third letter we have wrote to your 
 June 19-31. Lordfhips fmce this unjuft fentence is paifed againft us, (and we 
 expect to be feparate every hour.) We have had only one letter 
 from your hands fince our tranfportment to this country, in which 
 ye was pleafed to fend us the King's promife to demand us ; but 
 there wants his performance ; fo we are innocently fooled of our 
 lives, and unjuftly condemned. The conful has appealed to the 
 high tribunal at Madrid, and wants the authentic copy of the com- 
 miflion that conftituted the company, after it was touched with the 
 great feal. The King's demand has not appeared; wherefore we 
 humbly beg ye would be pleafed to fend, fearch, or caufe to be 
 fearched, in the fecretary's office, to know whether the King 
 has fent his letter, to whom, or by whofe hand it fhould be deliver- 
 ed 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 533 
 
 ed to the King of Spain. We have not as yet got a copy of our 
 fentence, which is to us death ; and, as informed, chaftifement to 
 the governor of Carthagena, for not executing or tranfmitting to 
 Old Spain the reft, the (hip Dolphin, and goods efcheat to the King. 
 (And, not fatisfied with an unjuft fentence on fhipwrecked men), it 
 wills his raoft Catholick Majefty to demand of King William, the 
 Duke of Hamilton, Marquis of Tweedale, and Earl of Panmure, 
 (and whom others of that company) eftates fhould be confifcated, to 
 make reparations and fatisfa&ion for equipping of a fleet to the In- 
 dies, and for all other damages, and their perfons to be feized. We 
 humbly recommend to your Lordfhips considerations our miferable 
 ftate, which cannot admit delay. We are, in all due refpe£t, 
 Right Hon. Lords and Gentlemen, 
 
 Your very humble fervants, 
 (Signed) Rob. Pincarton. 
 
 John Malloch. 
 
 "James Grahame. 
 
 Ben. Spencer* 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Illuminations for Caledonia.— > — Meeting at Steel's. Schemes of 
 
 the Oppofition. Dejires he nvillfpur Argyle and Annandale to 
 
 come dozvn. >—OfArgyk and the Treafurer-deputt. 
 
 Dr S I R, 
 
 I had your's by the flying packet, which was moil welcome. I Edinburgh, 
 have been with Mr Hamilton anent the extract of thefe papers con- ^ une 20 * 
 cerning you, and he has promifed them to me this week. Our 
 flame here continues. It is reported we are to have illuminations 
 for Caledonia, without any order from the government, this night. 
 His Grace the D. of Hamilton met at Pet. Steel's, where it was 
 refolved, that a national addrefs of-new fhould be obtained, and that 
 there might be a voluntary fupply uplifted for the fupport of Cale- 
 donia
 
 534 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 donia in the mean time ; but they are to confider on this the 
 night again. They are fo high upon it, that they will not have my L. 
 Commiffioner's commiffion to fubfiftby the letter; and it will be ne- 
 ceflary a new commiffion be given. I was yefterday with my L. 
 Commiffioner ; and I find he is very anxious that my Lords Argyle 
 and Annandale mould come down ; and he expects you will fpur 
 them to it, for he much needs their help. The commiffion of the 
 affembly have done their parts ; for, except Mr Wylie and Mr Lin- 
 nen, with Pardivan and Mr Archibald Dickfon, there was no more 
 voted for the addrefs ; but I know you will have a more full ac- 
 count of this from others. We are in a fad taking here. I was told 
 this day, that, if I had not my windows full of candles this night, 
 there fhould not be a glafs left in them. You will perhaps under- 
 ftand from my L. Argyle, that he has accounts that my L. Trea- 
 furer-depute was lately unkind to him ; and, when I heard of it, 
 I fpoke to my L. Treafurer-depute, who told me, they were liars 
 that would fay fo ; and he has faid fo much to my L. Argyle's 
 friends ; and I know they will write to my Lord that he has faid fo, 
 that there may be no miftakes upon it. And this is not the time 
 that the King's fervants fhould differ. Your plaids are now all fhip- 
 ped, Mr Cochrane tells me ; and I hope you mall have account very 
 foon of their arrival. My wife gives her mod humble fervices to 
 
 Mrs Carftares and you. Adieu. 1 find my Lord Philiphaugh 
 
 experts you will keep a correfpondence with him ; and I muft fay 
 it is worth your while. David Callendar's fon-in-law is to be at- 
 tacked again for his commiffion as chamberlain of Monteith ; he 
 muft be had a care of, for he is a great fervant of your's. 
 
 Duke
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 535 
 
 Duke of QuEENSBERRY,Lord High Commiffioner, to Mr Car- 
 stares. 
 
 Greatly encouraged by the gracious Reception Mr Carfares met with 
 from the King upon his return from Scotland. — The King will not 
 comply 'with the Refohe propofed. — His Commiffion objected to, 
 and mujl be renewed. — Grateful to Mr Car/lares for his Reprefen- 
 tations to the King, and will endeavour to fulfil what Mr Car- 
 fares has promifedfor him. — The King's Service willfuffer, if the 
 Noblemen are not fent down directly. — The great Perplexity of 
 the King's Servants in Scotland ; all timorous, if not vuorfe. — Im- 
 poffible to make Examples of any that are Difaffecled ; for he is 
 told that Money is given by the whole Oppcfition to thofe whofe 
 Bufenefs it is to profecute. — Afraid, if the King gratify Annandale, 
 he muft alfo gratify Argyle and Lothian in their Rretenfions. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I had the favour of your letter of the Joth from Hampton-court, Holyrood- 
 
 and think myfelf extremely obliged to you for the full and free houfe ' J une 
 
 «... '20. 4.P.M. 
 
 account you give me in it or our affairs, which I defire you may 1700. 
 
 continue to do. I was glad when I heard of your fafe arrival ; and 
 am more pleafed to know the juftice the King did you in receiving 
 you fo kindly ; it will always be a great encouragement to his fervants, 
 when they fee that they can be protected by his Majefty in their 
 honeft endeavours for his fervice. I am very forry that the King's 
 circumftances could not allow him to comply with the refolve pro- 
 pofed, becaufe bufinefs is like to be interrupted by it ; and his ene- 
 mies have ftill the handle, by which alone they have, or can here- 
 after pretend to, for obftrudting his affairs ; though I am convinced, 
 at the fame time, that neither the nation nor the company would 
 have any folic! advantage by the granting it. As to the continuing, 
 of my commhTion, you may eafily judge, that I can be no other- 
 wife fond of it, (when it is attended with fuch uneafinefs), than by 
 
 it
 
 536 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 it to be able to ferve the King, when the people have loft the juft 
 regard they ought to have for fome of his minifters, and while o- 
 thers of them are trimming, if not betraying him to his enemies. 
 But I muft tell you, that the angry party does object againft the le- 
 gality of continuing my commimon by a letter ; becaufe, they fay, 
 that the adjournment by proclamation makes my commimon void, 
 which nothing can make up, but another commiflion under the 
 great feal. And, though my L. Advocate fays they are in the wrong, 
 and that I defign to Hand by my letter in the mean time ; yet he, 
 and all our other friends here, think it will be proper to fend me a new 
 commiiTion to the fame effect of the letter, that all fcruples may be 
 removed; for they watch all opportunities that ambition or revenge 
 can prompt them to. I have now fent to my Lord Seafield the 
 draught which the Advocate has made of the new commiiTion, 
 which muft be immediately fent down ; and I have alfo writ to the 
 King about it. I am very forry to hear that his Majefty intends to 
 go to Holland ; for his enemies, both here and in England, will 
 grow the more bold, the more that he is at diftance from them. It 
 would certainly be a great happinefs if his affairs would allow him 
 to ftay in this ifland ; however, he muft be the beft judge in his 
 own concerns. I give you many thanks for the kind reprefentation 
 which you made to his Majefty of my behaviour here in his fervice. 
 I do fincerely intend to do, and venture for him, what you promi- 
 fed in my name ; and fhall always wait with patience his time for 
 any favour he deligns me ; nor would I ever have appeared with fo 
 much concern in that affair, which he has been pleafed to promife 
 me, if I had not thought, that, by it, I might have been enabled to 
 ferve him; and that this country would have looked upon it as a 
 mark of fome regard to them. As to the fending down of the noble- 
 men with you, I am daily more and more perfuaded of'the necefli- 
 ty of it : They are much more forward in the King's fervice than 
 the minifters I am forced to act by here ; and their example would 
 help to raife the fpirits of fome who are funk, and put the chancel- 
 lor to fome eafe, who gives his place for loft, and acts accordingly. 
 
 One
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 537 
 
 One other reafon for their being fent here is, that fome of the King's 
 fervants are not willing to bear all the blame that may attend the 
 ill fuccefs of councils, but would have others chargeable with a part 
 of it ; fo that, every way, the necemty of fending them immediate- 
 ly hither is evident, whether his Majefty mould think fit to call me 
 up or continue me here : And, if they be not with us by the 4th 
 of July, his Majefty's fervice will fufFer mightily by it ; fo pray let 
 them be here by that time, if pofTible. I have written to themfelves, 
 and the King too, of my earneft defire to have them with me ; for 
 I am now in a manner quite alone ; fo, what can be expe&ed that I 
 can do ? Your advice to me of making fome examples of fuch as are 
 notorioufly difaffected to the government, is very juft, and might 
 have the propofed effecls. But I cannot be able to do it, when o- 
 thers will not fecond me, and while I am told money is given by a 
 whole party to fuch as mould profecute them. I am mighty well 
 pleafed with the accounts you give me of my Lords of Argyle and 
 Annandale ; and, as to my L. Seafield, I mail never conceive the 
 leaft umbrage of his behaviour, either with regard to the King or 
 myfelf. You need not make my wife and me any compliments 
 for our civility ; you have deferved better things of us both than we 
 have yet in our power to pay you. When we fhall have done you 
 any fervice, we mail not decline your thanks ; till then, affure your- 
 felf, that nothing but an opportunity is wanting to fhew our juft 
 fenfe of your kindnefs. It was not in my power till now to dis- 
 patch this exprefs, though I have loft no time in the affairs which 
 were recommended to me. The King's fervants have been twice 
 or thrice every day with me, in order to concert matters; but I could 
 hardly find them twice in the fame mind ; fo that papers were 
 drawn and deftroyed almoft as often as we met. All of them 
 here are become fo timorous, if not morofe, that they dare not ven- 
 ture on any advice ; and the beft that can be faid of them is, that 
 they fear to incur the odium of the country, by profecuting the pre- 
 fent meafures : However, fuch advices as they are, I do fend them 
 to my L. Seafield ; but, whether they will pleafe or not, is a queftion. 
 
 Y y y However,
 
 S3* STATE-PAPERS 
 
 However, it is all I could get. If the declaration of the King's plea- 
 fure, with relation to Caledonea, be fent by way of a letter to the 
 parliament, I fee, by the humour of his own fervants, that there are 
 few of them that will offer to vindicate his reafons in it ; fo that his 
 Majefty can expect no fuccefs by that method. If he intends to do 
 it by his council, there mull be two different papers. The declara- 
 tion muft be by itfelf, and contain an order to print and publifh it ;• 
 and the adjournment of the parliament muft be by a warrant apart. 
 In both thefe cafes, they will obey ; but not, if it narrates that it is 
 done by the advice and confent of his privy council ; which, if the 
 King's mind be made known by proclamation, mud be inferted in 
 courfe ; and, if it were offered at fo, I do not believe that a quorum 
 would be got that would confent to the publication of it. So you 
 may eafily judge what a condition I am in, when thefe perfons who 
 I did expect help from in the difficul teft points of his Majefty's fer- 
 vice, do, out of fome reafon or other, abandon his Majefty and 
 me in his fervice. If there be a confiderable adjournment, and that his 
 Majefty can ftay fome time in England, matters muft be otherwife 
 concerted than now is either fit or poflible to be done ; and, in that 
 cafe, it will be proper for me, in fome time after the adjournment, 
 to be called to court ; but this I leave entirely to his Majefty's plea- 
 fure, who is beft judge of his own meafures. Pray, give my moft 
 humble fervice to my L. Portland, and tell him from me, that, as I 
 am proud to believe he has friendfhip for me, fo he fhall always have 
 proofs, where I can fhow them, of my gratitude to him. I do not 
 trouble him with letters, becaufe I know that you will give him ac- 
 count of what I and others can write. 
 
 I have, by my L. Annandale's earned defire, laid his claim to be 
 a Marquis before his Majefty. I could not refufe to do it ; but the 
 King may do in it as he thinks moft convenient for his fervice. In 
 my opinion, fair words, till bufinefs here be fome way over, is 
 beft, otherwife he muft refolve to gratify the Earls of Argvle and 
 Lothian as to their pretentions, or lofe them, which is not fit at this 
 
 time.
 
 AND LETTERS. 539 
 
 time. I expect to hear fully and frequently from you ; and am, 
 with much kindnefs, your's. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A particular Account of the Rabble at Edinburgh upon the 10th of 
 'June 1 700. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I wrote to you on the 19th, and gave my letter to Mr Stewart Edinburgh, 
 to be put up in the commiffioner's packet; but I underftand this I70 o. 
 day it was not difpatched by miftake ; however, I have fent it for- 
 ward under this cover. 
 
 We had, laft night, one of the moll numerous and moft infolent 
 rabbles that has been here of a long time ; the pretended occafion 
 was, that news were come, of the Spaniards making a defcent 
 and an attack upon our colony of Darien, and that our people had 
 rooted and defeated them. Upon this, it was refolved by the meet- 
 ing at the Crofs Keys, (as I hear), that all true Caledoneans (as they 
 call them) fhould have illuminations in their windows ; and this re- 
 folution was handed about; and, without ever taking notice of com- 
 miffioner, privy council, or magiftrate, there were in the evening 
 lights put up in many windows, and fome bonefires fet on. The mofr 
 gathered to hudge crouds from all corners, and fell to breaking the 
 windows that were not illuminated, without diftin&ion of the in- 
 dwellers quality or character ; or, if they made any diltindtion, it 
 was to do molt mifchief and infolence to thofe in the government"; 
 fuch as the Prelident of the council, Carmichael, Treafurer-depute, 
 though you know he is not in the fore-ftreet, (where illuminations 
 ufe only to be required.) And, in fhort, they made havock of all 
 the windows wherein there was no illuminations, but efpecially of 
 fuch as belonged to any that are of the government. And I am 
 told they deftroyed above rive thoufand pounds Sterling worth of 
 glafs. 
 
 Y y y 2 They
 
 54© S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 They attempted twice thrile to get into my Lord Carmichael's 
 lodgings, and they broke in upon the Advocate, and procured a 
 warrant from him to liberate Paterlbn and Watfon ; but others of 
 them had not patience to wait for the warrant, but, by fire, and o- 
 ther means, broke up the tol booth-door, and let all the prifoners 
 out : And, when fome of the magistrates and town-guard went to 
 fave the prifon, they were beat off by a great many in gentlem*ns 
 habits, who came brifkly up to them with drawn fwords. I hear 
 they made particular inquiry after Mr David Blair, and gave him 
 many ill names, as rogue and villain, that did not pray for Caledo- 
 nia, and broke down his windows. 
 
 I am afraid they frightened Lady Seafield too much ; for they 
 were fo rude and barbarous as to throw ftones, long and furioufly, 
 at her windows. I (hall not trouble you further with particulars ; 
 for I think the Advocate is to fend up an account of them, which 
 you will fee : Only, they took the key of the Netherbow-port, for 
 fear the guards mould be brought upon them. But theCommhTioner 
 was gone to bed before an account of the tumult got to the Abbey, 
 and knew nothing of it till this morning ; and then he went up to 
 the council-houfe, and fent about to warn all councillors in town to 
 meet prefently ; and truly they met very frequently on fo fhort an 
 advertifement, and appeared all unanimous and forward in fupport 
 of the government, and for puniihing the authors and abbetors of 
 the rabble when difcovered. The minutes of council will tell you 
 their refolutions. 
 
 Sir, You fee how faft things advance here ; and, if there is not 
 vigour mewed upon this occafion, which may frighten people from 
 fuch abufes and infolence, the government, and fuch as own it, fliall 
 probably be very foon trampled upon. I wiih the officers of 
 Hate may get encouragement from above, to be a&ive and di- 
 ligent in finding out, and vigorous in profecuting the guilty. I 
 doubt not they will do their duty. But I believe thofe with you, 
 when they hear this account, will be anxious, and make hafte to be 
 here, that they may contribute their fhare. 
 
 There
 
 AND LETTERS. 541 
 
 There is great talking and buftle made by fome about the com- 
 miffioner's taking upon him that character after adjournment of 
 parliament by proclamation, whereby they fay his commiffion un- 
 der the broad feal expired, and a letter could be no warrant for con- 
 tinuing that character ; and there have been a great many confulta- 
 tions among them about it. Some of the firft quality do own, that 
 they fhun to come near his Grace on that very account. You may 
 be fure nothing of that nature would deter his Grace from obeying 
 his Majefty's commands ; but he has advice from fome to have a 
 comm-iffion under the broad feal, narrating and approving of the 
 letter ; and, by others, a fimple commiffion in the ordinary ftile, to 
 begin from the fourth of July, and to continue during his Majefty's 
 pleafure, with the ratification of the letter in a paper-a-part, and 
 bearing warrant for affixing the great feal. It is neceffary thefe 
 commiffions be quickly expede, and fent down, leaft, if any fhould 
 happen to difobey his Grace, they fhould pretend to cover their dis- 
 obedience with his want of what they call a formal or legal com- 
 mijfion ; and it is not fit that any thing of that kind be left doubt- 
 full at this juncture. 
 
 I expect you will be fo kind, as you promifed in your's, to write 
 to me fome times at leaft, and let me know if mine come fafe to 
 your hands. You fee I write with great freedom. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh to M^Car stares. 
 
 Of the late Tumults in Edinburgh. The Commiffioner much plea- 
 fed with Mr Car/lares 9 s loft accounts. Of a Jaunt to Cockenzie, 
 
 with which Mr Car ft ares had been alarmed. Of -what Allow- 
 ance floould be given to the Conmiiffioner. The Rate of every 
 
 thing much higher now than formerly. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I cannot give you the particulars of what difcoveries are made as Edinburgh, 
 
 to the abettors and aCtors in the late tumult. I hear the Advocate J une z6 ' 
 
 1700. 
 
 is
 
 542 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 is to write an account to Seafield, which I doubt not you may fee. 
 I fhall only fay, I fee little probability of tracing the matter to the 
 fountain, whence every body believes all the diforders fprung. I 
 have, by the Commiffioner's order, wrote to my L. Seafield fome 
 general hints of the ftate of things here, and which his Lordfhip is 
 defired to communicate to you ; and I have nothing to add, and (hall 
 not trouble you with repetition. I had your's of the 20th laft paft, 
 and communicate it to his Grace, with which he was much fatif- 
 fied, and is perfectly convinced of your fincere and ufeful friend- 
 fhip to him ; and he bids me tell you, that the going to Cockenzi.e 
 was a mere chance, propofed by the two DutcheiTes, to which he 
 complied, and had no more defign of compromiiing with the per- 
 fon named than with the Pope of Rome. And I can tell you, but 
 to yourfelf, I find his Grace does not take it well to be in the leaft 
 jealoufied on fuch points ; for he values himfelf upon being a firm 
 friend, and reckons the deferting of friends a diihonourable thing. 
 I can give you demonftration, there was no compromifion ; for, 
 fince the parliament was adjourned, till Sabbath laft, neither D. Ha- 
 milton, nor any of the chief men of that fide, came near his Grace; 
 and abroad, they forbore, becaufe they would not own him as com- 
 miffioner ; and, when D. Hamilton came on Sabbath afternoon, he 
 made the firft vifit to the Dutchefs, and then afked to fee /my L. 
 Duke ; which method was thought of purpofe to let people know 
 he vifited him as D. of Queenfberry, but not as King's Commif- 
 fioner. As to the allowance to be given the Commiflioner, if his 
 Majefty fhall think fit to continue his commiffion for fome confi- 
 derable time, I think there will be fcrouple made of giving the full 
 allowance till the 4th of July, and during the parliament, if it meet, 
 or for fome days after it bees adjourned ; becaufe it will be necefiary 
 for that time ftill to keep up the fame pomp, until members of 
 parliament and throng of company be gene out of town : After 
 that, indeed, I think there may be a retrenchment of expences, and 
 the allowance may be reftri&ed by the half; that is, to twenty-five 
 pounds Sterling ^r diem. I confefs I hear, that, upon fuch occa- 
 
 fions 5
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 543 
 
 fions, other commiffioners before have got lefs during the intervals 
 of parliament ; but I muft tell you, that not only wines, and other 
 things, are now much dearer, but the whole train of equipage and 
 living is become far more pompous and expenfive among all ranks 
 of people. And his Grace has been, and is daily, at a greater charge 
 than others before him ufed to be ; and any that knows him will 
 readily believe he is not covetous, nor does not propofe to enrich 
 himfelf by this ftation ; and there V no reafon he mould beftow his 
 own money. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Earl of Melvil to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the late Rabble. -The deplorable Situation of the Country. . 
 
 Want of Activity in the Government. Apprehenfve of the Con- 
 
 fequenceS) if the King go abroad. The unsuitable Returns he 
 
 has met with for his former Services. -Among other Infolencies 
 
 of the Rabble, the Mufic Bells played all the Time> Willful Willie, 
 wilt thou be wilful ftill ? 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I wrote to you fince the rabble, which was fuch a contempt of Edinburgh, 
 government as cannot be inftanced. I am not to reflecT: on the ma- ^ une 27 * 
 giftracy, or others ; the magiftrates were ill treated themfelves. I 
 have feen rabbles before, where the magiftrates were put to fhift 
 for themfelves, and feen them compefced too pretty quickly ; but 
 this grew without controul until! the next morning. I have often 
 told you the proper and moft probable way of compefcing them 
 was, the having the caftle well provided, &c. But this, amongft 
 all other things that I formerly fuggefted, was flighted, otherwife we 
 had not been at the pafs we were at this day. It feems only an af- 
 ter-game, if not a loft game. There has been much talking in town 
 thefe feveral days of another rabble, which would be worfe ; but 
 they have not yet adventured on it. But I would hope, if people 
 be not altogether grown mad, that the bringing in of the forces 
 
 may
 
 544 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 may help to prevent it ; though fome were not for this, for angering 
 the town. How this affair will be profecuted, or what will be done 
 to prevent the like, I know not. Though there were a great many 
 gentlemen concerned in this, it's like to be fixed on few. It were 
 to be wifhed that there were more activity and courage amongft 
 us. They have been talking, that, if they had known that this bu- 
 finefs would have been fo much profecuted, (though others think 
 all the vigour of the world is not evident), they would have done 
 more, which no doubt was poffible, if their bufinefs had been right- 
 ly digefted before hand ; for it was but too eafy to have blocked up 
 the caftle. If they had done lb, which could not have flood out above 
 two days, there being no provifions in it, and neither reparations 
 nor guns in good order, nor a fuffieient number of them, being no 
 more men than ferves to keep the ports, and keeps centry. It may 
 come to this yet, if not timeoufly adverted to. 
 
 The humour here grows ftill ; they begin to know their own 
 flrength more than at the down fitting of the parliament. There 
 are not only addreffes upon addreffes, from all parts of the country, 
 to the parliament, but they talk of a general addrefs or remon- 
 ftrance, in high enough terms, as they fay, defigned, if the parlia- 
 ment do not fit. And, it is likewife talked, that, if fo, fi nee they 
 look upon themfelves as the major part, if they cannot fit here, they 
 will go fomewhere elfe and fit. But what may be in this, I know 
 not; but it is certain, whatever number of the parliament they have, 
 they have almoft all the people on their fide. What may be the 
 iflue, when the King goes abroad, God Almighty knows. It may 
 rationally be dreaded, and its hard to know if a man, not of their 
 way, can fecu^ely flay at his own houfe. There is no more fpeak- 
 ing to people now, than to a man in a fever. I can fay little more 
 than what I confufedly wrote to you three or four years ago, upon 
 your defire, which I defired might be burnt. There was enough 
 laid there, if adverted to, to have prevented much of this ; but you 
 may fay, £>uid nunc agendum ? The queftion feems a little too 
 late. The King knows his own affairs much better than we can, and 
 
 what
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 545 
 
 what are his circumftances elfewhere, and what they may require 
 , of him ; and it were great prefumption in me to advife his not going 
 abroad at this time ; but it feems too evident that it cannot be, with- 
 out the hazard of the lofs of this kingdom ; which, though it be 
 inconfiderable in itfelf, but only to do mifchief, as it is now ftated,- 
 yet the confequences of it may be of very great concern: But it is 
 not fit for me to meddle in things above my fphere. The things 
 neceffary fpeedily to be done is, the modelling of what forces there 
 are a-right, and placing fit officers upon them, and the providing for 
 the fecurity of Edinburgh caftle. As for the firft, I mall fay nothing 
 but what I have from the officers the King can moft truft, that it 
 will be found a miftake, if it be thought many of thefe that fought 
 for him in Flanders will fight for him in Scotland, but rather againft 
 him, if it come to a rupture ; but great caution, and a good choice 
 is to be ufed in a change; and poffibly, if I had a vote in it, I might 
 even differ from thofe officers, who may be fufficiently trufted them- 
 felves in the choice, having more reafon and occafion of knowing 
 fome than they have ; but this is out of my fphere. I wifh they 
 may make a good choice. As for the caftle, you may remember 
 your own thoughts long ago how it might have been furprized. It 
 is evident, to a demonftration, were thefe difcontented mafters of it, 
 they would be alio mafters of the kingdom. If any notice be taken 
 of this, it would be provided without noife, whether provifions or 
 men ; and, whatever men be put into it, they would be picked-out 
 men,- and hand-weded. A few guineas will go far upon people 
 that are ftarved upon a groat a day, if their governor were not kind 
 to them. You may coniider the dearnefs of the place. Much might 
 have been faid, if peoples opinions had been timeoufly afked ; and 
 much might be, if folk were prefent, that cannot be wrote. If me- 
 thods could be fallen on to allay the prefent ferment, it would be a 
 happy thing : And, though I dare not take upon me to advife the 
 fitting of the parliament at this time, yet, I think, if it do lit fo 
 long as the King is in Britain, there fccms lefs danger from the fit- 
 ting than from the adjourning ; becaufe all rational things may be 
 
 Z z z propofed
 
 546 S T A T E - P A P E R S, 
 
 propofed for the good of the country which the King can do, and, 
 wherein he may be flraitened to comply with what fome defires, 
 the reafons might be freely told ; which might contribute to the ta- 
 king off of fome engaged, and take off that afperfion of fome men, 
 ■ That it is only humour, wilfulnefs, and favour to the Dutch, that 
 makes him confider fo little the defires and interefts of his people.* 
 Amongft the reft of the infolencies committed at the rabble, the bells 
 were ordered to play, and the firft tune was that called Willful Willy, 
 ivilt thou be willful JIM. Since this was writ, we have the unplea- 
 fant account of the affair at Darien ; what effects it will produce, we 
 know not, as likewife of the time of the King's going for Holland ; 
 which leaves no place for what was faid. I wifh you may be more deli- 
 berate and compofed than we feem to be here at prefent; I pray God 
 direct you and us both. Though a thoufand things might be faid, 
 yet, confidcring my former freedom hath met with fo little fuitable 
 returns, you may think me very imprudent and unadvifed in ufing 
 fo much, which I am fenfible of myfelf. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Changes in the Englijh Court. The Colony has quitted Darien ; 
 
 this makes no Change of their Meafures. Sufpicious that they 
 
 are encouraged by fome, even at Court. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, It being ten o'clock at night before the packet came here, I recei- 
 june 39. ve( j your's, and likewife one that gives me no good news, that the 
 Earl of Romney is* now in my noble friend's poft, which goes near 
 to my heart ; and Jerfey's being chamberlain will give great encou- 
 ragement to thofe here who are allied to him. I have not had a let- 
 ter this feveral polls from the Vifcount of Seafield ; and this is the 
 fecond from you fince parting, which I indeed do excufe, confider- 
 ing how mighty matters you have in hand ; and, by what I can 
 learn, fince the bad news of our colony's quitting Darien j yet they 
 
 who 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 547 
 
 who were for ratifying their former a£t, will ftill infift, by which you 
 may perceive their defign. I wifh they may have no encourage- 
 ment from fome, even at court, (for this change there, will make 
 them magnify upon the intereft they now have). I have not time 
 almoft to read what I have writt. Earl of Kintore and Forglen are 
 with me, who give their fervice to you. My humble fervice to the 
 Vifcount of Seafield ; Kintore drinks his Lordfhip's health and 
 your's. A flying packet is impatiently expe&ed. My fervice to 
 Mr Pringle. You will hardly read this. I am fincerely your's. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In Anfwer to a Letter from Mr Carjlares recommending Vigor. — 
 Wijhes he ivouldfend doivn a Doze of it, for it ivas not to be found. 
 — Of the Commiffioner* s Allowance. 
 
 SIR, 
 I have your's. I ftill heartily wifh the King were not to go ; but, Edinburgh, 
 fince he is to go, no man thinks the parliament can meet in his ab- |"oo. 3 ° 
 fence ; and therefore, neither I nor others can advife its meeting in 
 Auguft. You apprehend that the defeat of Darien and the mob 
 may change tempers ; but, at present, they change neither meafures 
 nor tempers; and his Majefty's going away helps well to keep them 
 up. I write plainly, but, I am fure, fincerely and faithfully. I re- 
 member I wrote in April, that the parliament might be delayed till 
 Auguft, hoping time and events might help us ; and, though I was 
 far from wifhing what hath happened, yet, you fee, lam not mifta- 
 ken; but now the matter is not entire. You do well to recommend 
 vigor, but I wifh alfo you would fend us a good dofe of it, for I pro- 
 teft it is not here to be found. The Commifhoner's Grace preffes 
 very earneftly, and the Treafurer-depute and Advocate do what they 
 can ; other tools we have not ; however nothing fhall be omitted 
 that can be done, as I have wrote to my Lord Seafield. The Com- 
 
 Z z z 2 miflioner's
 
 548 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 miffioner's eftabliihment cannot be changed without his lofs ; others 
 keep tables and entertainments, and now is the time of the feflion; 
 what can he then abate ? till the tenth of Auguft it ought to ftand, 
 and thereafter what fhall be thought fit ; but pray conceive that we 
 are not in an ordinary recefs, and his authority and treating of 
 perfons is as much neceflary as in parliament ; and he declares 
 plainly, he is only upon the faving, and has no thoughts of gain- 
 ing, as he is ready to inftrucl:, and I verily believe. Dear Sir, be- 
 lieve me, I am no more feared than any man at Hampton-court, 
 but I am fure you apprehend not our condition as I fee it ; and I 
 muft again tell you, that I fee not where it will end, till perfons be 
 fent for, and matters adjufted here foon or fyne ; and I am fure you 
 know I fhall be none of that number ; for all left to me, old and in- 
 firm as I am, is, to wiiri well, and do my beft at home. The Lord 
 direct all. Adieu. 
 
 Mr William Stewart, Secretary to the Duke of Queenfberry, 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Apology for the Duke of ^ueensberry. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 Edinburgh, My Lord Duke defires to be excufed for not writing a return to 
 June 30. 12 your's by this flying packet. His Grace has now only written to 
 
 o'clock sit* 
 
 night, my Lord Seafield, which his Lordfhip will fhew you : So his Grace 
 
 thinks it needlefs to repeat the fame things to both. 
 
 His Grace orders me to tell you, that he finds the King is not 
 well pleafed with him for not fending forces to fupprefs the rabble. 
 I do allure you, it was none of his Grace's fault, for he knew no- 
 thing of the matter till next morning, that I told him. It happen- 
 ed to be that night that a flying packet was difpatched; and, juft as 
 I was fealing up the packet, the fervant that waits on the keepers of 
 the fignet, and carries the packet to the poft-houfe, told me what 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 549 
 
 the rabble were doing, which I then gave my Lord Seafield a confu- 
 fed account of; and, by the date of my letter, his Lordfhip might 
 know his Grace would be a-bed. My Lord Duke has ever fince 
 been very angry with me for not waking of him ; which, tho* pof- 
 fibly if I had done it, might have proved of fatal confequence. The 
 ring-leaders of the rabble are like to meet with their deierved re- 
 ward, which may prove more terrifying than to have fuppreffed 
 them in their fury. My Lord Duke defires that you will take an 
 opportunity of informing his Majefty of the true occafion of his not 
 fending the forces to. fupprefs the rabble, as I have now told you it ; 
 and I am heartily forry that my Lord Seafield did not underftand, by 
 the confuled letter I wrote to him, that his Grace was then a-fleep 
 and that I wrote without his knowledge. 
 
 It Ihall learn me a lefTon hereafter, not to write any thing with- 
 out my matter's knowledge ; fince, it feems, it is underftood there 
 his Grace knew the fame things I then wrote. I am, 
 Reverend S I R, 
 
 Your mofl humble fervant, 
 
 William Stewart. 
 
 Earl of Melvil to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A repining Letter. — That the Fever increafes and threatens the Life 
 of the Patient.— -Great <want of Vigor inprofecuting the Rabblers. 
 — As if they had all dropped from the Clouds ; and were carried up 
 again. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have your's of the 26th of June. I wrote twice to you lately ; I J uI y^i7oo. 
 wiih they may have come to your hand ; I can add little more in 
 writing, though much more might be faid. You will hear the fen- 
 timents of others. Its but melancholy enough to think to what pafs 
 our affairs are brought. In fome refpeft it is but folly to reflect up- 
 on what is paft; though you cannot but remember infinuations and 
 remedies were, and would have been timeoufly given, if they could 
 
 have
 
 $$o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 have been liftened to. I am neither to reflect nor cenfure what has 
 been the management, for yefternight cannot be brought back; 
 but it were good things were fo remembered, as ferioufly to confider 
 where wrong fteps have been made, in order to future management. 
 Tho' much or moft of ourprefent unfettlement might have been pre- 
 vented, and that I think eafily, yet all we are to do now is, to look 
 forward. The humour at prefent, for what I can learn as yet, feems 
 to increafe; when this fever will cool, I know not ; if it do not fpee- 
 dily, it feems much to threaten the condition and flate of the pa- 
 tient. It is a folly for one to give their opinion when things are 
 paft ; but, had I been a ftatefman, and my opinion timequfly afked, 
 I would have been for the fitting of the parliament timeoufly, 
 and when the King was in Britain ; for there was lefs hazard in 
 that than from the adjournment. The parliament 1690, in every 
 whit, had as bad an afpect as this, confidering all things, which I 
 {hall not enumerate; but now things are much changed, difcontented 
 people having much time to practice and know their own ftrength. 
 What will become of the bufinefs of the rabble, I know not. It feems 
 a little flrange, a bufinefs fo public, and where there feemed to be 
 fuch a multitude concerned, there mould be like to be fo little made 
 out, as if they had all come out of the clouds, and were carried up 
 there again. The not profecuting former tumults as they ought, gives 
 always occafion for new ones. You were long fince told, that a fuf- 
 fkient providing of the caftle was the beft and moft probable way 
 of fupprefling thofe, and certainly were fo for the future, for we 
 have no certainty of being free of them ; but this may be mifcon- 
 ftrued ; fo I fay no more of it. If time, or other emergents, bring 
 not people to a calmer temper, and to more of their reafon, I know 
 not what is like to become of our country, which grows every day 
 poorer, which occafions more difconte-nts, and makes people more 
 fufceptible of changes. But I know not what thofe, who pretend to 
 be fo great countrymen, can anfwer, that they refufed to do for the 
 good of the poor finking country what might have been dene, be- 
 caufe all could not be done that they would have had. There feems 
 
 little
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 5ir 
 
 little queftion but that there are different defigns amongft thefe who 
 call themfelves" patriots. If thefe could be difcovered, which cannot 
 be done, unlefs by accident, without a great deal both of' money- 
 money and application, it would ferve much to difappoint bad de- 
 figns. Your old friend fpared nothing of this kind, and it pleafed 
 God to make him fuccefsful in it ; and fomewhat of it flicks to him 
 to this day. It were to be wiihed, that the King's return to Britain 
 might be as foon as his affairs can permit, that folid meafures may 
 be laid down for the future. It were much to be wifhed, that any 
 could be fo happy, as to be inftrumental in making a good under- 
 standing between the King's true friends, and thofe who are really 
 concerned for the proteftant religion in both kingdoms, and to re- 
 move miftakes ; for, without this, I cannot probably fee a good iffue, 
 but that things fhortly muft come to a crifis. The King's maga- 
 zines here are empty, money wanting, and the difpofition of many 
 of the forces not good, and thofe who are difcontented undervaluing 
 the government; few in it but they have their cenfures of them. It 
 were good things were timeoufly adverted to. I can fay no more. 
 78 wrote to 76, and inclofed to the Secretary. He wrote alfo to 33* 
 the laft poft fave one, to which he will expect a pofitive anfwer. 
 
 The Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Anxious for the King's fpeedy Return. — His Majefi/s Prefence in 
 Scotland absolutely neceffiary. — Would ivillingly beg of the King, 
 upon his Knees, to give his Office tofome one of the Oppofition, if it 
 break the Party. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 The accounts we have of his Majefty's fixed refolution to go be- Edinburgh, 
 yond leas gives but fmall, or no hopes, that the bad ftate his affairs 1700. 3 * 
 are in here (whereof he is acquainted by feveral of his fervants) 
 will make him alter his refolutions. I hope his Majefty will have 
 
 thoughts
 
 55^ 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 thoughts of returning to Britain, yea to Scotland, before October 
 next ; things call loud for it. I pray God they call not yet louder. 
 It feems the opinion fent to his Majefty by the laft memorial does 
 not pleafe. The commiffioner, on Monday laft, called feverals to- 
 gether, and afked what they would advife the King as to the meet- 
 ing of the parliament the 13th of Auguft. They have unanimoufly 
 agreed, that his Majefty's prefence is moft neceflary, and the moft: 
 probable remedy our diilemper can get at prefent to fettle them. You 
 will no doubt fee the memorial ; there is no other remedy propofed 
 from that meeting ; but I know it has been fuggefted to the com- 
 miffioner, that, in cafe his Majefty cannot come in perfon, he may 
 •fend for fome of either party, viz. 29, 76, 78, 83; for the other 10 
 and 69. I agree to the propofal ; and it will have this effect, as it 
 will create jealoufies among them of the one fide, fo will it of the 
 other too. I muft fay further, that there fe'ems to be an abfolute 
 neceffity of his Majefty's fpeaking with the leading men of the o- 
 ther party. Much might be faid againft this method ; but fo are 
 matters and things circumftantiate at prefent, that I cannot but go 
 alongft with the propofal : Yea, and if the office I bear could take 
 off any of them, and break the courfe of that party, I would beg 
 it on my knees that his Majefty would fo difpofe of it. 
 
 Monday's night, they concluded a new addrefs, which is defigned 
 fhould be as national as poffible ; it's much fmoother than once I 
 heard it was like to have been ; many of the heads of it are in the 
 memorial fent up, fo fhall not repeat them ; they began to fign it 
 laft night ; and, by the accounts we have of the many addrefTes 
 were coming in, had the parliament fat to-morrow, it's not to be 
 
 
 
 doubted they will get a great number of fubferiptions. They are 
 as keen as ever in aflerting the right to Caledonia; the fad news 
 has rather encreafed their earneftnefs in this matter ; and the bufi- 
 nefs of the rabble has not taken one man from the meeting at Steel's. 
 By the expence the troop of guards are at while they attend the 
 Commiftioner, and the allowance the commirTarics have, by a letter 
 from his Majefty I read in the treafury within thefe few days, to 
 
 retain
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 553 
 
 retain in their hands the clothing-money due to the 8th troop, will 
 fo diminifh the funds, that there will hardly be fubfiftence for Oc- 
 tober. * By 8 ? s xmpa 'tis underftood here, that 8 is 228 3xqm6qp 
 r27 6tq 02y3xmuz6 2r 22 and 74. What 8 fays of 78's being 
 uz8u7qxa uz du8t is p2q6 8729nxq 78, 78 wz2dq6 8 fo well that 
 he will neither fpeak nor write of him. Farewell. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In the fame Strain ivith the foregoing. — NeceJJity of the King's ac- 
 commodating Matters. 
 
 8 I R, 
 
 Our difficulties are like to grow inftead of abating. We have Edinburgh, 
 agreed to a very plain and honeft memorial; but there appears a ne- 73 ' l7 °°' 
 ceffity for an accommodation one way or other ; that is, either by 
 his Majefty's prefence here, or his calling for fome to meet him 
 there ; and, if yielding or fiding be judged expedient, I know more 
 than one that would very willingly quit both place and penfion for 
 refettling his prefent diforders. I heartily wifh that the thoughts 
 of accommodation come not too late. All the vigour we can life 
 here is well enough known ; but, plainly, matters are gone fo far, 
 that all the vigour poffible will not retrieve them without a juft ma- 
 nagement elfewhere : But I have writ fo fully, that I am weary to 
 repeat ; cnly, I write the more freely, becaufe I know my own fin- 
 cerity, and that I have neither defire nor defign but to do his Ma- 
 jefty all the fervice that I can, while he thinks fit to require it of me; 
 but reft and quiet was never more defireable. I am your's. 
 
 4A Trea- 
 
 * By 8's lady 'tis underftood here, that 8 is not pleafed ; for fhe complains of 
 Carftares and Seafield. What 8 fays of Ormifton being entirely in with Duke 
 Hamilton does not trouble me. I know 8 fo well, that I will neither fpeak nor 
 write of him.
 
 554 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Letter from Pinkerton and his Felloiv-pr finer s, which blows 
 the Coal 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, By a letter laft poft from Capt. Pinkerton and his fellow-prifon- 
 July 9 .i 7 oo. ers ^ dated at g evil j e in Spain the 27th May, we underftand they are 
 in very bad circumftances, the procefs going on againft them, and 
 the court ready to fentence them to death as pirates. This they 
 found upon the Jamaica proclamation, and fomething the King 
 mould have faid to the Spanifh ambaflador ; a copy of the letter is 
 fent to his Majefty. You may be allured this does not a little blow 
 the coal here. I confefs the ufage is hard. You will have heard 
 of a fhip, in which our company had a (hare, lately come from Gui- 
 nea with fome gold-duft to the value of L. 5000 Sterling : They 
 are feeking to have it coined here, and that the company mould 
 have a mark upon it, as the guineas in England have the elephant 
 under the King's head. I mall be forry this be refufed. We have 
 nothing more of moment ; they are going on with their addrefs, get- 
 ting fubfcriptions to it. They are putting themfelves under a refo- 
 lution to drink no French wine, nor to wear any thing but what's 
 manufactured in Scotland. God fend his Majefty iafe and foon 
 back to us again. Farewell. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Entreats him to have Perfons called up to London from both Parties. 
 ■ An Accommodation more and more necefjary. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, Your letters by the flying and ordinary packet came right to hand. 
 1799. The King's minifters have again given their opinion and advice as 
 
 plain
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 555 
 
 plain as they can, which, in few words, you may underftand that 
 we have only fubfiftence for the forces to the firft of December ; 
 that, after December, even for guards and garrifons, we have but 
 the excife, not exceeding per annum L. 26000 Sterling ; that there 
 is a great fum of arrears due ; that the diflatisfied people grow in 
 their demands and practices ; and that a parliament we muft have, 
 or go to confufion. Men advife all that is decent ; but, in fuch 
 cafes, more muft be underftood. I heartily pity the Commifiioner, 
 who has neither fatisfaction nor concurrence ; and, it is not flrange 
 concurrence fhould be fo backward, when no body can fee what 
 (hall be the iftiie. Some fay, there is no fear of a rebellion ; and I 
 am fure there is not ; but rabbles there may be ; and, if not, yet 
 things may turn fo as the government fhall be infignificant. And, 
 therefore, I entreat with all earneftnefs, let not only the parliament, 
 bi^t perfons, be pleafed, fo far as the fecurity of the government 
 will allow ; and remember, that neceffity and prudence does often 
 fuperfede the points of honour and pleafure. He is certainly an 
 unhappy man that is not in any cafe for an accommodation; and 
 nothing fo wife, juft, or good, as firft to fave and refettle, and then 
 take meafures. I fuggefted from the beginning perfons fhould be 
 called for, and to that it muft come, if his Majefty come not a- 
 mongft us. I have no place either to fear or to feek ; but, had I the 
 beft in the government, it fhould not ftand in the way. Confufions 
 are alfo contagious, and they will not be bounded, either in or to 
 Scotland. I again, therefore, obteft, that things may be juftly con- 
 fidered without delay ; and God direct all. Adieu. 
 
 Sir,tho' the memorial doth only fay, that hisMajefty's prefenceis 
 a probable mean of adjufting; yet it is the opinion of others, as well 
 as mine, that his prefence would be more than a probable mean for 
 adjufting and compofing either one way or another ; and, if perfons 
 muft be noticed, and an accommodation made, his Majefty may 
 incline rather to take that courfe here than to fend for perfons ; for, 
 whatever way things be fettled here, if not by downright yielding, 
 (which, it's hoped, in this cafe, will not be the ftrait), it will always 
 
 4 A 2 be
 
 556 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 be his Majefty's honour and advantage ; and therefore his coming 
 is very much defired. Sir, pardon all this freedom ; for fuch is my 
 fincerity, that, if I were permitted, I think I would fay the fame in 
 his Majefty's own hearing, and, at leaft, obtain his pardon. Thom- 
 fon's good treatment offended very much ; 13 hath neither the 
 merit nor the weight. Carfe and Hay are blamed for this ; but I 
 think 33 'gives him a hint to the contrary; and 32 wiflied firft all 
 well, and then it's time to reward ; for his part, he oft thinks it 
 would be a good reward to be at reft and free of this fatigue ; but 
 9 is juft and good. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh, to Mr Carstarf.s. 
 
 The Parliament imifi meet, or the Army be disbanded. — The King's 
 oivn Prefence in Scotland the only Remedy to the prefent Dijlr ac- 
 tions in that Country. The Malecontents keep a Correfpondence 
 
 ivithfome Members cf the Englijh Parliament. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I received your's of the 4th of this, and defigned upon Tuef- 
 July "* day to have written by the poft ; but I expe&ed a flying packet 
 was to go off laft night or this morning ; and I know the Commif- 
 fioner defigned it ; for he is very anxious to have a plain ftate of 
 the King's affairs laid before him, with a plain and clear advice 
 from his fervants, what meafures are moil: proper for hisMajefty in 
 this juncture ; and, for this end, his Grace has had conference fre- 
 quently with them ; and I believe, with the packet thefe goes with, 
 his Majefty will receive a memorial containing the refult of all thefe 
 
 conferences. 
 
 All I can tell you is, that it feems indifpenfibly neceflary that there 
 be a good correfpondence preferved betwixt the King and his parlia- 
 ment; 
 
 Thomfon, Annandale. 13* Queeniberry. Carfe, Mr Carfhres. 
 
 Hay, Seafield. 3 2 > Advocate. 
 
 1700
 
 AND LETTERS. 557 
 
 1 
 merit; for, without that, the meeting of parliament might be of moft 
 dangerous confequence ; and, without a meeting of parliament, the 
 government cannot be legally fupported for any time, especially - 
 fo many addrefTes for its meeting and fitting. After the ftti fc 
 it is found, that there is but fubfiftence for the prefent fo, 
 December ; and, without a parliament give new funds, and coitfent 
 to their continuance, it is doubtful if by law more forces can be 
 kept up in peace than the inland excife can maintain, which, as I 
 am informed, amounts now but to L. 26,000 Sterling. The rea- 
 fon of the doubt in this cafe is, that though there be no exprefs 
 act difcharglng the keeping up an army; yet, it is one of the rea- 
 ions of the forfeiting King James, and it is one of the grievances re- 
 prefented to the King by our meeting of eftates at the offer of the 
 crown. And the a& of parliament 1698, laying on funds for two 
 years for paying the army, bears exprefsly the parliament's confent 
 for their continuance for that time ; fo it is not to be doubted, but 
 cautious wary men will be fhy to concur any way in the owning 
 or paying of fuch an army after that time, when they have fd much 
 reafon to apprehend the parliament, when it meets, may take them 
 to talk: for it. The only way that the King's Servants can yet think 
 of it to bring us to a defired temper here is, the King's prefence a- 
 mongft us : And, though they will not perhaps take upon them to 
 anfwer pofitively for his Majefty's fuccefs, yet I hope he will no- 
 tice their repeated advice in this matter ; for, if he does not, I am 
 affraid he will have occafion, ere long, to come another errand ; 
 for, truly, with fubmiflion to others, I fufpedt neither his prefent 
 commimoner, nor any his Majefty can employ, will be able to ferve 
 his Majefty in parliament any way to his fatisfaction. Our fond- 
 nefs for aflerting our right to Caledonia does rather increafe as 
 abate ; and it is now talked confidently, that there are afiurances 
 from chief men of both houfes of parliament in England, that, if 
 we Hand firm to that point, they will, at their meeting, ftand by 
 us, and join with us in it. What ground there is for this I know 
 not, but it does take ; and it is believed there is a correfpondence 
 
 with
 
 558 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 with fome people in England. I can allure you, our addrefTes gain 
 profelytes daily, and are fenfible of it, and encouraged by it ; and, 
 to be fure, the fenfe of this will difcourage others ; for, generally, 
 people are loath to incur the odium of their country, or to ftand up 
 againft any thing that feems univerfally acceptable : And I myfelf 
 have obferved feveral members of parliament who appeared firm, 
 when they have been in the country fome time, and heard the fen- 
 timents of their neighbours, they feem to waver ; fo you may be af- 
 fured we are in very ill condition, and have the comfortlefs profpect 
 of growing daily worfe, unlefs the King come and fettle us himfelf. 
 I pray God direct and preferve him. 
 
 What I wrote about the Commiffioner's allowance, was not 
 without his Grace's confent ; and you need not apprehend any mif- 
 take from him in the matter. Some gave other advice afterward ; 
 and, truly, when he gets the utmoft,it is like to be too dear bought; 
 for he is fo fretful and uneafy, becaufe he cannot ferve the King as 
 he would, that it bereaves him of his very fleep ; and I am afraid 
 it do foon impair his health. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Entreats that Mr Carfares ivill inter ceed with the King in behalf of 
 Captain Pinkerton and his Crsiv^ ivho ivere fentenced to Death by 
 the Spaniards. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, I hope this will find you fafe arrived, for we have had the wind 
 
 ll l L 12 ' &** ever ^ ince y° u went * 
 
 The. letters from Scotland bring no further accounts; and I 
 would not have written to his Majefty this night, but that the ac- 
 counts from Spain do bear, that Captain Pinkerton, and thofe of 
 his crew, are fentenced to die ; and, if they fuffer death, it will 
 certainly much increafe the ferment in Scotland, as you well know ; 
 and I plainly think it will be an act of injuftice and cruelty in the 
 
 King 
 
 1700
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 559 
 
 King of Spain, and contrary both to the law of nations and his treaties 
 with his Majefty ; for the true ftate of that affair is, that their fhip 
 fprung a leak, and they ran into Carthagena, which was the neareft 
 more for their fafety. And, when you fpeak of this matter to the 
 King, do it with great concern, and I am hopeful his letters may yet 
 come in time: For, though it were true that they are fentenced, as I 
 am very apprehenfive it is, yet they fay, it is (till competent for them 
 to appeal to the court of Madrid. This is all at prefent from, Sir* 
 Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Lord President to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Againjl calling up particular Perfojis, and *why. The King's per~ 
 
 fonal Prefence the only Cure ; and the hopes of it the only Re- 
 
 fpite to the prefent Diftrefs of the Country, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I know ye are fully informed of our circumftances and opinions Edinburgh, 
 here, both by memorials and private letters, to which I agree. In SSL** ' 
 fhort, the moft probable mean to extricate us, and the King's af- 
 fairs, out of the growing difficulties, were his own royal prefence 
 amongft us. The Advocate hath long thought it neceflary to take 
 off fome of thofe who are diffatisfied, which were no difficult bufi- 
 nefs, if his Majefty were here ; then there would be opportunity to 
 know the fentiments of all ; and, if either heads or tail be fatisfied, 
 the reft muft follow ; and the apprehenfion of the influence of the 
 King's perfon would make them doubt one another, and divide the 
 knot ; whereas, if particular perfons were called for, thefe would o- 
 vervalue themfelves, and go up with engagements and inftruclions. 
 Therefore I entreat you ufe all your endeavours to perfuade the 
 King to come in perfon. Vigour is defired and expected from the 
 King's fervants and government here j but it is hard for you, at a 
 diftance, to underftand every thing that falls in the way. With- 
 out
 
 560 S T A T E - P A P E Px S 
 
 out a good underftanding betwixt King and parliament, there is fmall 
 profpect of protection or outgate. This makes oppofers bold, and 
 fome in the government faint : So thefe that would be more forward 
 muft, in realbn, confider by whom they can ad ; and ten times bet- 
 ter not enterprize, as fail in the execution. If a right underftanding 
 were eftablifhed, all would go well again : The only cure will be, 
 to bring the parliament to a temper. Confider how difficult that 
 mu ft be, without the King's perlbn ; certainly greater conceffions- 
 will be lefs acceptable from another. The Commiffioner is con- 
 cerned, and careful to the laft degree ; and I am fare no body could 
 do more, nor any fubjecl: be more acceptable than he ; but the bun- 
 dles of our company's difcouragements, and the flaming memorial, 
 railed a ferment, and united all that were angry on any account ; lb 
 it requires conceffions, authority, and prudence to fet bufmefs right 
 a°-ain. If our bad humours had no further confequence than our 
 own value, they might be better born ; but we can do more mif- 
 chief than good ; and therefore it is of great importance to fet our 
 bufinefs on a right foot again. We have hitherto grown worfe by 
 delays ; an affurance that the King would come in perfon would be 
 the beft allay in the mean time. The thoughts of thefe things are 
 very grievous here as well as with you ; but it's neceffary they 
 mould be known, that meafures may be taken accordingly. I only 
 add, that I am moft fincerely your humble fervant. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A Proclamation againjl the Refofoe in Steel's. Ah Addrefs font 
 
 through the Kingdom by the Oppofition. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I received both your letters, and did deliver your's to the Advo- 
 l u ^ lu cate that was directed to me. What is the opinion of the King's 
 fervants here, the Commiffioner fends with the flying packet that 
 
 goes 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 561 
 
 goes off this night, which you will have a full account of. The 
 council being informed that there was a refolve paft in Pet. Steel's, 
 that they fhould engage not to wear any foreign cloth or fluffs, nor 
 to drink nor bring home any French wines nor brandy, there was 
 this day a proclamation emitted, which I havefent with this, and like- 
 wife the addrefs that is to be fent through the kingdom, at the Com- 
 miffioner, E. of Argyle, Treafurer-depute, and Mr Francis Mont- 
 gomery's defires. I writt with yefter night's poft to Mr Pringle, 
 that the King may difcharge or recal Prieftmilne's coraraiffion for 
 uplifting the vacant flipends; for people who gets chanty that way 
 are mightily abufed by him, nor can the Lords get a fair account 
 from him ; and though, a good time ago, the Lords difcharged him 
 to act, yet he did ftill intromit ; and now they have fufpended him ; 
 but they think it moft neceffary that his commiffion be recalled. 
 We long to hear of the King's fafe arrival; and I hope this fhall find 
 you fafe at Loo. I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft affectionate and fincere fervant, 
 
 Carmichael. 
 There is a committee of council appointed to enquire after thofe 
 who are engaged in that refolve. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A third Defertion of Caledonia, has raifed the Ferment to a great- 
 
 er Height ; — as has the King's Reception of Sir Paul Rycault. — 
 
 The Cafile viewed. — Lift of Officers not to be trufted.-^-Bad ef- 
 
 fecls of Annandale i s additional Penfion. — No Ties can bind fuch a 
 
 Man. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I received your letter by the flying packet, wherein I find the Holyrood- 
 
 confidence you have in me by your freedom in writing, which I h I on{c '^ ly 
 
 4 B ihall I3 '
 
 562 S T A T E - P A P E Pv S 
 
 mall every way endeavour to make fuitable returns to. The news 
 which our company has gotten of a third defertion of Caledonia, is 
 fo far from cooling people, that it has raifed the ferment much be- 
 yond what you faw it ; and nothing inflames more than the advices 
 from Seville, of the ufage which Captain Pinkerton, and the other 
 prifoners there, have had in their trial ; for, by the inclofed, you 
 may fee, that they have been treated as pirates, and the proclama- 
 tions in the Weft-Indies adduced to declare them fo. There is an- 
 other piece of news, which people here read in the public prints, 
 that does not a little gall, which is, that Sir Paul Rycault was well 
 received by the King : This the difTatisfied people do fay, is a de- 
 monftration of his having done acceptable fervice in the memorial 
 of Hamburgh, which this nation refents more than all the injuries 
 they fancy they have met with. Thefe unlucky accidents makes it 
 almoft impoffible to ferve the King here with any fuccefs. Under 
 fuch unhappy circumftances, you may eafily judge, that I cannot be 
 very eafy, who am anxious in every thing that concerns his Ma- 
 jefty's intereft ; however, nothing fhall difcourage me in the profe- 
 cution of this bufinefs. I had a letter from my L. Seafield, by his 
 Majefty's command, ordering me to intimate to his fervants, that 
 he expected, in this juncture of affairs, that they would concur vigo- 
 roufly with me in his bufinefs here during his neceffary abfence. I 
 have acquainted them with his Majefty's pleafure ; but they do ftill 
 continue mighty fhy and cautious, not only in their public actings, 
 but in private advices. I fhall not fay but they are true to the King ; 
 but, as things now ftand, what out of regard to national arguments, 
 and what out of fear, and profpect of little fupport hereafter, are 
 become fo apprehenfive of the refentments of the people, that they 
 are uncapable of carrying on any vigorous undertaking. In a (hort 
 time I fhall be better able to give my judgement about them. The 
 promoters of the new national addrefs have agreed upon a parole 
 c£ honour to one another, not to buy or drink any French wine or 
 brandy after a certain time, nor to wear any thing that is not ma- 
 nufaftured in this kingdom. Thefe refolutions of theirs, at the time 
 
 when
 
 AND LETTERS. 563 
 
 when they know that they may have the fame things granted them 
 in a legal way, are very infolent, and are noways authorifed by law j 
 and, though the lawyers do fay that they cannot legally found any 
 proclamation againft addreffing, becaufe of the claim of right ; yet, 
 againft fuch proceedings as tend to diminish the revenue, without 
 the leaft colour either from law or the claim of right, they think 
 we are fufficiently founded ta put a ftop to them by proclamation, 
 and to punifh fuch as mail afibciate with them after fuch intima- 
 tion ; and, accordingly, a proclamation was this morning iiiued 
 out; what effect it will have, will be known in few days. The 
 King's advocate tells me, that he has as much in law againft the 
 men that are to be tried on Monday for their actings in the late tu- 
 mult, as many juftly take their lives. But we are fomewhat appre- 
 henfive of the judges. However, it will give us an opportunity to 
 know them ; and, as they fhall act, we fhall take further meafures 
 towards the profecution of that affair. The caftle of Edinburgh has 
 been viewed, according to the King's pleafure, by my L. Car- 
 michael and the Major-General, with my L. Leven. They have re- 
 ported the condition of it ; and orders are given for all neceflaries 
 to it that either our time or money can allow. I have advifed, as I 
 was directed, and with all fecrecy, about the truft that may be re- 
 pofed in the officers of the army. We have had the lift of the whole 
 before us: A great many of the gentlemen in the inclofed account 
 are unknown to me ; but all of them are pitched on by fuch as are 
 well acquainted with their qualifications and principles ; and I be- 
 lieve the report is made with all integrity and due regard to his 
 Majefty's fervice. I was fhy in meddling with my L. Teviot's regi- 
 ment, left the King might think it was the effect of former grudges 
 betwixt us ; but I am fure I have no thoughts of that nature; and, if 
 his Majefty pleafes, he may caufe inquire at my L Teviot, if he 
 will be anfwerable for his regiment, and every one of his officers, 
 if any thing mould happen here; and let him give his own charac- 
 ters of them : But I am credibly informed, that moft of them will 
 not anfwer the truft that is repofed in them. By the inclofed ftate 
 
 4B2 of
 
 j$4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 of the funds of the army, his Majefty will fee, that we are in a lit- 
 tle better condition towards fubfifting the army than we formerly 
 reprefented. We did then think ourfelves to be more indebted to 
 the cuftomers than we found ourfelves to be upon a narrow exami- 
 nation of their accompts ; fo the whole eftablifhment, if the King 
 pleafes, may be fubtifted till the ift of December. The King has al- 
 ready the opinion of his fervants about the meeting of the parliament; 
 for which reafon I have made ufe of the letter to the privy coun- 
 cil, that makes no mention of the parliament. As to what you 
 write to me about my L. Annandale, it was no furprife to me when 
 I heard of his behaviour ; but I wondered much at the King's to- 
 wards him ; for, after the anger which he publicly exprelfed at 
 London, and the boafts, that I know from the perfons themfelves 
 he made there, of his affection to the intereft of Caledonia, for no 
 other end but to gain a handle by it to refent his not being grati- 
 fied in his unreafonable pretentions; I fay, after this, to reward him 
 with an additional pention, ferves only to encourage treachery and 
 infolence : And I (who knows him better than all the world does) 
 can afllire you, that his additional pention, were it ten times more 
 than it is, does not make the King one bit furer of him than he 
 was without it ; for no ties can bind him : And he would have been 
 as honeft to the King's intereft with what he had, as ever he can 
 be with all the honours and pentions that the King is able to give 
 him. And I do allure you, that not only his Majefty's fervants here, 
 from the Chancellor to the loweft of them, are mightily diffatisfied 
 and difcouraged by it, but it brings all thofe who had any preten- 
 tions to be gratified according to their behaviour in parliament up- 
 on my top, who do not flick to fay, that, fmcehis Majefty has be- 
 gun to gratify fuch as were already fufficiently provided by him, 
 he fhould not delay his favours to fuch as have a more real need of 
 them, and ferve with as much zeal, and more truft from the nation, 
 in this, or any other jundure. Though I have no orders from his 
 Majefty to afk any further advice from his fervants in relation to 
 what their opinion has been already tranfmitted about, yet I have 
 
 fre-
 
 AND LETTERS. 565 
 
 frequent conferences with them about his affairs ; and I fend you 
 here inclofed their further thoughts in thefe matters; for I judge 
 it neceffary that the King mould have every thing laid before him. 
 You fee their advice is in two branches ; the firft of which is cer- 
 tainly the beft. But, if his Majefty can comply with neither, I am 
 affraid that they will advife no further in that cafe. If you can 
 think of any thing that can be done otherwife, let me have the 
 King's commands, and I fhall, to the beft of my power, put them 
 in execution. By the inclofed ftate of the funds of the army, you 
 will only fee how long they can be fubfifted ; and, as to the arrears 
 that will be due to them the ift of December, Sir Thomas Mon- 
 crieff could not get it exactly drawn now ; but you fhall have it by 
 next poft. As to your kind offer of endeavouring with the King- 
 to get my allowance continued, I own my obligation to you for it ; 
 but am unwilling that his Majefty fhould be preffed in it, left he 
 fhould think me too much interefted, and might be then apt to judge 
 that I feek myfelf, more than him, in his fervice. If his Majefty 
 fhall be pleafed to order it, I fhall look upon it as a favour ; but 
 fhall be noways difgufted if he does not. I can very well, and with 
 much patience, truft his royal bounty with any recompence that he 
 may defign hereafter for my fervices or expences. After fo lono- 
 and tedious a letter, I can only have time to fay, that you fhall al- 
 ways find linccrely your's, &c. 
 
 I fend you inclofed the Advocate and other lawyers opinion a- 
 bout the King's power in keeping up the army, which is fit to be 
 laid before his Majefty when you have an opportunity. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A very full and plain Account o/Pcrfons and Things. Anxious to 
 
 fee hovu the Judges will behave in the Trial of the Rablers. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 In obedience to his Majefty's commands, I came hither with all Edinburgh, 
 convenient fpeedj and, though I arrived after the day the parlia- | u,y I3 * 
 
 ment
 
 566 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ment had been laft adjourned to, yet there was no lofs, fince no- 
 thing occurred that required my prefence. By what I can under- 
 ftand, the ferment is nothing abated, but people madly infifting ftill 
 to have a ratification of Caledonia, (though not in being); yet I am 
 of opinion, if the charge of the government could for fome time be 
 fupported without them, our affairs and humours would generally 
 return to their former ftate and confiftency. I find his Grace the 
 Commiflioner mightily concerned in affairs, and the fuccefs of 
 them, and moft afhduous : And I am the better pleafed I halted 
 down, fi nee I fee the backwardnefsof moft in the government, indiffe- 
 rence and cowardice they fhow at this juncture. I am glad I dare 
 affure you, that the Prefident of the fefhon and Philiphaugh are 
 the moft forward ; and, did the Advocate's courage fuftainhim, he 
 would do well, and I hope he improves. I have fpoke very plain- 
 ly my opinion of their carriage at this time. I was told I retained 
 ftill the court-air, which I faid fhould remain with me, were I left 
 alone. What difcourages moft the beft inclined, is the danger 
 hereafter of not being protected, (not that they diftruft his Majefty's 
 firmnefs); for, fay they, the funds for maintaining the army are al- 
 moft exhaufted. We faw lately what treatment is to be expected 
 from a rabble, when we want a face to defend us. There is no ex- 
 pectation of a frefh fupply at prefent from a parliament. That of 
 the claim of right, in relation to a (landing army, does not fo much 
 ftraiten them, if fo that the army could be maintained; for all agree, 
 that taking free quarter is a breach of the claim of right. The 
 CommifTioner is to fend an exact ftate of the funds, and a lift of the 
 army, how they ftand affected, which his Grace has concerted with 
 the Major-General, and others of us who wifh his Majefty beft. 
 The enemies of the government I find have been very bufy amongft 
 the forces, and particularly in the core I command. If a fpeedy 
 courfe be not took, it may prove dangerous ; yet, if his Majefty a- 
 gree to the alterations propofed, we dare anfwer for them hereaf- 
 ter. Perhaps, the prcpofal to difband Teviot's regiment may ap- 
 pear to his Majefty as out of pick to Teviot ; but, I do proteft, had 
 
 I
 
 AND LETTERS. 567 
 
 I the command of it myfelf, or any well affected to his Majefty 
 had it, they would defire the difbanding of it, and levy it a-new. 
 They are difagreeable to the country, having been the chief inftru- 
 ments in the former reigns. The ftock of thefe men remains ; and, 
 what betwixt Jacobites and Caledonians, (which I believe will prove 
 the fame to our King), there are not above four officers in the re- 
 giment to be preferved. The moil confiderable of the rabblers are 
 fled, the others feized ; fome of them are to be tried Monday next. 
 We wait with mighty impatience to fee the behaviour of the judges 
 in this cafe. There is a proclamation defigned to be iffued out, of 
 a reward to any difcoverers ; but firft we wait the event on Monday. 
 You may have heard that Pet. Steel's parliament had entered into 
 a refolve about French wines and brandy, &c. exprefsly contrary to 
 law, upon which we have iffued out a proclamation, a copy whereof 
 I fhall endeavour to fend you. In this very ftroke, a deal of back- 
 wardnefs was fhowed, which did oblige me to ihow a little court- 
 air, as they call it. His Grace is refolved to pufh this, and all o~ 
 ther handles for his Majefty's fervice, wherein I (hall act my part 
 faithfully and fervently ; and, whatever the event may be, I fhall 
 act as in duty bound to his Majefty, who reftored me to all I have. 
 I received your's by my fervant, dated the 6th inftant, from Lon- 
 don. As to E. Annandale's additional penfion, it was a furprize 
 to all, and even to me, who had fo lately parted with the Secretary. 
 I am far from envying him ; for, I take God to witnefs, could I 
 have obtained L. 1000 Sterling of penfion for the afking at this 
 time, I had not done it, nor been guilty of it ; and I wifh Seafieid 
 had not humoured him in it ; for I told you both, there was no 
 fear of lofing him when he could not better himfelf. It will do 
 hurt as to others who have received promifes, and one excufe was 
 made to all ; fo that the rule being broke, what can we fay ? His 
 lady proclaims the additional penlion ; nor can we anfwer for the 
 King's affairs, if any Secretary will take upon him, in fo material 
 points, to alter meafures, which I wifh you may exoner us all in, 
 by acquainting his Majefty. I have already had it caft up to me ; 
 
 and
 
 5 68 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and I have no way to apologize, but to exclaim too ; and I am mis- 
 taken if my L. Seafield has not raifed a new florin againft himfelf 
 by it. He has not writt one fylable to me ; and I believe dare 
 not. He has given E. Errol out his penfion for L. 300 Sterling : 
 It is pad in the exchequer, and ought to have been forbore for fome 
 time. I mail be in as good terms with E. Annandale as poffible ; 
 nor mall I ftick at any thing for his Majefty's fervice. E. Melvin . 
 is over the water, and I am told is going for the Bath. It is ftrange 
 he mould ad fo lukewarm a part at this time, when he has the 
 caftle fo near him to retreat to : Sure I am, he owes the King a great 
 deal. Now, I muft conclude with recommending to you the Fra- 
 zers bufinefs, fmce Seafield had not the courage to counterfign it 
 in England, (though, for fear, he has made a bolder ilep fince) : I 
 am fure by it I can gain the King 600 men upon all events. I am 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 It is all our opinions, that it will conduce to his Majefty's fervice, 
 that, at this jundure, Lord Glenorchy be put upon the council. I 
 fend not a double of their late addrefs, having given the Commif- 
 fioner a double to tranfmit. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 If the Account of the Divifwn of the Spani/h Territories prove true> 
 it will ruin all ; becaufe it ivill give the Ki?ig's Enemies in this 
 Country fuch a handle againft him. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have frequently writt to you, and have received your's ; but, 
 July 16. £ Qr Mr p rm gi e) he gives me not one for three. I expeded, at leaft, 
 one of the King's fafe arrival, for I fuppofe he went along with 
 his Majefty. I fent him a copy of a letter that came from Pinker- 
 ton and the prifoners that are at Seville, about five weeks ago, to 
 give to the Vifcount of Seafield, and had no account of it till laft poft 
 
 from 
 
 1700
 
 AND LETTERS. 569 
 
 from my L. Seafield, which is an anfwer to another melancholy let- 
 ter that I fent up a fortnight before this ; and now I fend you the 
 Edinburgh gazette, which will let you know what the council has 
 done for thofe prifoners relief. I muft tell you, there is an printed 
 account come laft poft of the divifion of the Spanifh territories ; if 
 it be true, is moft furprifing here to all the King's faithful fervants, 
 and certainly will be much more to thofe in England ; for it can- 
 not be but it will ruin all ; nor will I believe that it is a true pa- 
 per till I hear from you, which I plead you may let me know as 
 foon as this comes to your hand ; for it is of great concern to his 
 Majefty's affairs, becaufe his enemies has fo great a handle to make 
 an ill ufe of it. Though it be late, I could not forbear but to write 
 of this to you. My L. Lauderdale and my lady give their fincere 
 fervice to you ; and be ^leafed to give my moft humble duty to my 
 noble friend, whofe faithful fervant I am ever obliged to be : Be 
 pleafed to let me know how his Lordfhip is. I remain fincerely 
 your's. 
 
 - to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of an Aff affiliation Plot. 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 A matter of dangerous confequence is writt privately from Scot- London, 
 land, and comes to my knowledge by a miracle. Without inqui- J uly l6, 
 ring further, you know your duty. An old man in the Highlands 
 of Scotland, who is faid to have the fecond fight, has prophefied to 
 one of them who remains of the family of Glenco, that he fhall de- 
 liver three nations. This is pernicioufly underftood ; and it's faid 
 that he has gone with mifchievous complices for Holland. The De- 
 vil is bufy. God prevent the public danger. This is enough at 
 prefent from a well wifhcr, and who is, in trembling, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your faithful humble fervant. 
 
 4C j.
 
 57© S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstas.es. 
 
 The Oppofition talk of a Meeting of EJlates at Perth, if the King 
 
 iv ill not give them a Parliament. But this all Stuff, if things 
 
 go 'well in England. Endeavours to corrupt the Officers. 
 
 Worthy SIR, 
 Edinburgh, j ^ave f ent y OU fa e inclofed, becaufe many were curious to know 
 1700. ' the particulars of this accompt. We are keen for a war with Spain, 
 though I find money come but flowly in to pay their debts, and they 
 are loath to ufe diligence for making the countrey their enemies. 
 The addrefs is making its tour, and is conveyed by fome of the 
 party through the feveral provinces ; they brag that there will be fo 
 many thoufand hands to it, that the King cannot refufe them a par- 
 liament ; and yet one would think it were calculate, rather for the 
 Englifh parliament, than to procure one of our own. If the King 
 do not let them meet, they talk, by way of argument, that Perth is 
 the fitteft place for their convention of eftates; they have Athol,and 
 a part of the Highlands, at their backs ; the town itfelf, and the fe- 
 veral fhires about, their friends, and fear nothing from the army ; 
 for they fay they believe them honefter men than to inflave their 
 native country to arbitrary power and oppreffion. But this is all 
 fluff; if things go right in England, there.is nothing here can hurt 
 us ; all is quiet, and will continue while England firft take fire. The 
 General laft week called for a lift of all the officers of the army. This 
 has alarmed us like an inquifition; and there being fome honeftmen 
 delated, makes me think that this may be a politic of the other par- 
 ty, to give out, they make ftate upon them, on defign to throw them 
 under the fufpicion and jealoufy of the court; and there is nothing 
 vexes an honeft man more than to fufpect him. I doubt not but the 
 General will manage this matter warily. The truth is, he has good 
 reafon to have a watchful eye upon us and the foldiers both. A fol- 
 dier that hath but three-pence-halfpenny a-day may be eafily de- 
 bauched ;
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 57* 
 
 bauched ; and I know there are endeavours ufed to corrupt the offi- 
 cers. They propofe to provide for us in their militia, better than a- 
 ny thing our pay now amounts to. They tell us, we may defpair of 
 our arrears ; the parliament owes us nothing, and the exchequer is 
 fuper-expendec^ They tell us, they know that there is never a captain 
 has had fixty, nor a lieutenant thirty, nor an enfign twenty-four 
 pounds a year, fi nee we came to Scotland. This is too true; (and, tho' 
 I have not a milling to ware), I wilh it were poflible that fome ar- 
 rears were paid. My Lord Commiffioner goes upon Saturday to 
 the country. They fay the Earl of Annandale is coming down not 
 well pleafed. I am fincerely, 
 Dear S I R, 
 
 Your faithful and obliged fervant, 
 
 J. STEWART 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Urges the King's Prefence. Wants much Support in carrying on 
 
 Meafures ivith Vigor. The Trial oj the Rioters put off by a real 
 
 or pretended Sicknefs of the Advocate. 
 
 SIR, 
 Since I wrote laft to you I have had no letters from you; fo I have Hoiyrood- 
 but little to trouble you with at this time, only, to let you know that 19. 1700/ 
 moft of our angry people are gone to the country to get fubferiptions 
 to their new addrefs, which is in fo high terms that, I am told, 
 many are afraid to fign it ; which gives fome hopes of a divifion a- 
 mong themfelves about it. I have had meffages from fome, by 
 which they fay, that they will never pufh things to extremities with - 
 the King, which I mail take care to improve, fo far as I can. Yet, 
 after all, I cannot depend upon fuch general aflurances, fo as either 
 to take or give meafures by them ; and his Majefty's fervants do 
 continue in the opinion already offered, that nothing is fo certain 
 
 4C2 for
 
 572 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 for his Majefty's intereft here, as his own prefence among us. I dare 
 not, indeed, pofitivcly afiure his Majefty, that every thing will go 
 to his mind ; but, in my own mind, I think he would infallibly 
 bring things to a happy iffue ; for his prefence would give life to 
 his iervants, and lay a reftraint on the infolencies of his enemies; be- 
 sides, he will have oceafion to difcourfe with all ranks of people 
 here ; and, I believe, he may foon be able to divide the party ; for, 
 by taking off a few, the reft would become fo jealous and diffident 
 of one another, that they would foon moulder to nothing. Where- 
 as, if he mould call any of them to London, he would call but a 
 few ; and, without doubt, the calling of them would raife their ex- 
 pectations and demands ; and, to be fure, their party would put them 
 under ftrict engagements, not to comply but on their terms ; and, 
 in cafe they mould be brought to yield any thing, without the par- 
 ty's confent, I do not believe it would be in their power to bring 
 the party to yield to their meafures : And, though Duke Hamilton 
 . has helped a little to knit the party, yet I know he is noways maf- 
 ter of it. In this matter of calling of perfons, I do not prefume to 
 offer my opinion to his Majefty ; fo I fhall only tell it to you, that I 
 do not fee any advantage to his fervice by it, but rather a lofs, both 
 of honour and intereft, if it (hould be done without any infinuation 
 from them of waiting upon him. Since the proclamation that I 
 gave you account of in my laft, I do not yet hear of any farther 
 progrefs in the matter of the refolve; and, if I do, it fhall not be my 
 fault if the perfons that fhall proceed in it be net punifhed, as far 
 as the law can allow it. The trials of thofe who are accufed on ac- 
 count of the rabble, was put off from laft Monday till the next, ei- 
 ther by a real or a pretended ficknefs of our friend the Advocate, who 
 was in perfect health the next morning. Such accidents do great 
 hurt, and make people fay that we dare not try them. The diffi- 
 culties that I meet with in thefe matters, by not having the fupport 
 of others in the duties of their offices, lies heavier upon me than you 
 can imagine ; however, I will do my part, with all the zeal and 
 faithfulnefs that I am capable of, I am obliged, by necefTities of my 
 
 private
 
 AND LETTERS. 573 
 
 private bufmefs, and fomewhat on account of my buildings, to go 
 to-morrow morning to my houfe in the country, where I mail not 
 flay above two days ; and I have taken care that my little abfence 
 {hall not ftop any public concerns. It is a great fatisfaction to me 
 to hear from you ; wherefore, pray let it be as often as you can, 
 which will extremely oblige me, who am your's fincerely, &c. 
 
 My Lord Annandale is expected here on Tuefday ; I fhall carry 
 towards him with all the civility that's poffible for me, though, in my 
 heart, I cannot but refent his unworthy behaviour at this time. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont, Lord Chancellor, to Mr Car stares. 
 
 A Defence of his oivn Conducl at this Juncture, againft an Accufation 
 of him to the King, as too J oft and gentle in his Meafures. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am unalterably perfuaded of your good and true friendfhip for Holyrood- 
 me, though I had not got frefh accounts of it from good hands. It ^ l^ooJ 
 is talked by many here, that fome have fpoke of me to the Kin^, as 
 if my way were too foft and gentle for fuch occafions, and fuch a 
 time as we now have in Scotland. But, if ever I be fo happy as to fee 
 the King, I will convince him of the difcretion of my part, and that I 
 have acted prudently for his fervice, as I am able to convince "all o- 
 thers, unlefs it be fuch as are difpofed to find me faulty ; and I will 
 fay, that their charging me with that as an error, in this time, is a 
 greater proof of their want of underftanding, than of any thing elfe; 
 and I doubt not but a fhort time will make it evident, that the 
 King's fervice is at no lofs by the carriage which I chufe. The party 
 here is carrying on an addrefs, and with it a refolve upon parole, 
 which is clearly a league or combination contrary to law, for which 
 they are punifhable by the council, as his Majefty's fervice may re- 
 quire it. I fend you here the proclamation againft the refolve. I 
 
 have
 
 574 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 have not time to write now fo fully as I would, but fhall do it by 
 the next. I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your humble fervant, and true friend, 
 
 MARCHMONT. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Excufefor not attending the Trial of the Rabblers. Fropofes 
 
 fome Alterations in the Miniftry. Wijhes to retire. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, j heard from my Lord Seafield of your parting, and I hope this 
 *7° c . fhall find you fafe and well on the other fide. My laft, under Lord 
 
 Seafield's cover, was plain and full ; at prefent, many are gone to the 
 country, and the addrefs is carried on there ; but in Edinburgh we 
 are more quiet, but no reafon to change any advice hath been gi- 
 ven. The rabblers mould have been tried Monday laft; but the 
 Advocate fell fo fuddenly ill that morning of a fit of the gravel, that 
 he was forced to go to bed ; but, though he fent for the Juftice- 
 Clerk, and prayed the court might only adjourn till the Tuefday, 
 that he might not be called a trowan, yet the Lords adjourned till 
 Monday the 22d, and then the trial goes on. The African compa- 
 ny licenfed a fhip to go to Guinea, with their pafs, for five per cent. 
 The fhip is returned to Leith with about feventy pound weight of 
 gold, which the company hath bought, and petitioned the council 
 to have coined with their mark, the rifingfun, like the pig guineas, 
 that have the elephant under the face. This was foon perceived to 
 be a defign of popularity ; but they being purpofed, either to have 
 their mark allowed, or to fend out the gold uncoined, which would 
 make more clamour, the Advocate, and others, thought it beft to 
 grant the thing as a fmall ceremony; and old 27 and 57 were of the 
 fame minds; but $$ being crofs, the matter ftuck: And, when it was 
 
 faid, 
 
 27,Marchmont. 57, Carmichael. 55, Argyle.
 
 AND LETTERS. 575 
 
 faid, that this was fought only to inflame 32 and the reft, though 
 convinced the refufal would be more inconvenient, yet were filent, 
 becaufe it is eafy to turn and apply events ; but, after fome more 
 difcourfe, the thing was granted. I muft ftill tell you that matters 
 mud be accommodate ; for, if either the parliament meet, or the 
 forces go down, and other things be not done through its not meet- 
 ing, matters will go to confufion ; but it is more and more thought, 
 that, if his Majefty could come amongft us before the parliament, 
 his prefence would compofe matters, for the generality are yet true 
 to the King ; and even the chief of them had rather ferve under him 
 as another : So that, as differences Hand, it is thought both the coun- 
 try and perfons may be pleafed with a little accommodation. I 
 thought, at firft, this might have been done by calling up perfons; 
 but now his Majefty's prefence would do better ; and things are 
 gone too far to be treated elfewhere than here ; and a fortnight in 
 October would, in my opinion, do the bulinefs. It is true, fome 
 change muft be ; and I know fome that, with their heart, would change 
 themfelves out, for a re-fettlement, to his Majefty's fatisfa&ion; 
 fuch as Hume, Neall, and two of Watfon's friends. The adminiftra- 
 tion alfo requires amends, as you have feen ; but a hint is enough 
 in fuch matters : Public matters then a-part. Coltnefs' penfion on 
 the bithops rents is not worth a groat ; that fund is quite wafted. A 
 fmall relief for that family, for all its fufferings,is what I have been 
 begging thefe ten years. I had once his Majefty's favour for 
 L. 1000 fterling, and it failed not on his Majefty's part ; but you 
 know how it failed ; and therefore, I muft ftill mtreat, and hope for 
 his Majefty's kind nefs, either to tranfport this penfion to the civil 
 lift, or for the L. 1 000 was promifed. I fay nothing for my own fa- 
 tigue, fpecially this fummer J but I hope my growing years will bring 
 fome relief, if not a bill of eafe. My dear friend, think on thefe 
 things, and tell me what I may hope for, for I am weary of writing, 
 I envy no man, but muft obferve what favours are done to others, 
 and cannot but judge it a folly to have the name of nothing. As for 
 your friend White, I wifh him well. 52 it is thought may be 2; and 
 
 if
 
 57 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 if 10 would be i, Wat might be Ker, and Wylie is well enough, 
 having ftill 75; or, if 55 could leave Watfon, there is room ; but 
 Harris is mainly wanting; and 40 muft be cared for. If Mr Ellis 
 were 1 , or could be fatisfied, fufficient men might be found for 
 Harris ; and I wifh Dawfon were here, for I pleafe him well ; but, if 
 it muft be one of 94, then 10, 35, or 57 ; but they will not, and o- 
 thers will not, have 13, and for old Erfkin or Hill, or any of that 
 kind, I think it is not come to that. Some would make Hume an 
 old pope; but it is a fcorn; he had rather Campbell would change; 
 but he is wifer. Adieu. 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 Matters do not mend. — The African Company^s Coinage. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, Many of the company have been in this place are gone into the 
 country, few expecting the parliament will meet the 1 3th of Auguft. 
 The treafurer-depute was prefent when the Commiflioner advifed 
 with the officers what the flying packet brought, of the 1 ith in- 
 ftant, and drew out the ftate of the funds; but could not write, being 
 obliged to go ftraight from the Commiflioner to the tide, to bring 
 his lady from Leflie. What the flying packet of yefterday's date 
 brings, I know not, nor was I acquainted with it's going off. There 
 is little to write from this, but to tell you, we are not like to mend. 
 Our treafury is exhaufted. I can fay it, Scotland never had a poor- 
 er treafury ; nor was there ever a time draughts came fo throng un- 
 der a King's hand as I have feen of late. You will hear of an ap- 
 plication to the council from the African company about the coin- 
 ing fome gold they have got from Guinea. They defired a mark, 
 fuch as the company's creft, upon the coin. The council granted 
 this. I am fure, to have refufed it, would have inflamed the rec- 
 koning, as the accounts from Captain Pinkerton and his company 
 
 does. 
 
 July 20. 
 17OO
 
 AND LETTERS. S77 
 
 does. The Commiflioner is gone this day to Drumlanrigg, and re- 
 turns the middle of the week. Farewel. 
 
 The trial of the rabblers was put off Monday laft till Monday 
 next, by reafon the Advocate was taken ill of a colic. I believe his 
 Lordfhip has little confidence that the Lords of Jufticiary will find 
 the crime capital. 8u6z28 aq8 m77ubqp tq tm6 nqqz du8t 66. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Ferment rather abated fince the Arrival of Campbell of Fanab. 
 
 — His Accounts of the Colony. All the Jacobites concur in the 
 
 Addrefs. And thofe at St Germains found their Hopes upon it. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 You will receive a letter from my Lord Commiflioner by this pac- Whitehall, 
 ket, which was fent open to me that I might read it ; and by it you ft y 24 * 
 will perceive, that our ferment does rather abate than increafe fince 
 the arrival of Captain Campbell. He does blame the mifmanagement 
 both of the directors, and of thofe of the colony, for the misfortune 
 that has happened ; and I have feen fome letters from the planta- 
 tions that confirm this report ; but, at the fame time, his Majefty's 
 fervants continue in their opinion, that the parliament mould not 
 meet during his abfence from Britain ; and they do alfo think it 
 needful, that, if it be poffible, that his Majefly hold the next feffion 
 in perfon, for there are a great many other things to be adjufted be- 
 fides that of Caledonia. I forgot, in my laft, to write to the King 
 concerning the refolve which a great many have agreed to, that 
 they would drink no French wine after the iff of January next, and 
 that they mould wear no cloth or filk fhifts but what is manufactu- 
 red within the kingdom, after fuch a certain time. But the Lords 
 of the privy-council having emitted a proclamation againft this re- 
 folve, it has as yet put a flop to it ; but what may be the confe- 
 quences of it afterwards, we know not j for they are in a few days 
 
 4D to
 
 573 S.TATE-PAPERS 
 
 to have a great meeting of the directors, which will certainly be the 
 arife to fome new project or other. It is faid, that the prefbyterian 
 minifters continue very firm in their duty to the King on this occa- 
 fion, and that fome of the trading towns do abftain from the ad- 
 drefs. I am more afraid of the fuccefs of it in the northern coun- 
 tries, there being a more general inclination there towards Jacobi- 
 tifm ; for it is certain that the whole Jacobites concur in it with all 
 their vigor; and I have feen feveral letters from France, which bear, 
 that, at St Germains, they lay all their expectations upon the event 
 of the diforders that are in Scotland. Your laft letter to me was 
 from Amfterdam, and you infinuate in it, that you believe I may be 
 called over to Loo; if his Majefty intends to do it, give me timely 
 advertifement ; and, feeing it is impoflible I can bring any equipage 
 with me, you muft endeavour, fome way or other, to fecure me in 
 lodgings, and I fhall be fatisfied you take the beft, coft what it will, 
 if I be not allowed fome conveniency at the court. This is all at pre- 
 fent from, Sir, your M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of.MELViL to Mr Carstares. 
 
 ^uite difconfolate under the diftracled State of the Country. — A Din- 
 ner at Duke Hamilton's Lodgings ; and tvhat pajfed between him 
 and Lord Leven. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, What with a great cold I have contracted, and grief of mind to 
 \to Q * fee this poor nation grow ftill madder and madder, I have wrong- 
 
 ed my health fo much, that I have not been able either to write or 
 do any thing thefe feven weeks by gone ; and, at laft, I am advifed 
 by my phyficians to go to the Bath for my recovery ; and, in a few 
 days, I defign to begin my journey, if I be able. Sir, I doubt not 
 but you have heard from others with what infolency the King's e- 
 nemies have acted againft his government and minifters here of late. 
 
 I do
 
 AND LETTERS. 579 
 
 I do not think thai ever the like was done before in any place of the 
 world, where there was but the leaft face of a government ; and yet 
 we have not the courage nor the honefty to call thefe rebels to an 
 account for it ; which gives fuch encouragement to others, that, in 
 a little time, I believe the whole nation will throw off their allegi- 
 ance and duty to his Majefty ; for his enemies do daily increafe; 
 and, for my part, I fee few or none take any pains to hinder it. If 
 I durft write names and perfons to paper, you would be aftonifhed 
 to fee with what lukewarmnefs our mafter is ferved by a great ma- 
 ny of thefe who call themfelves his minifters, and are in the govern- 
 ment : They act as if they expected another mafter in a fhort time ; 
 and this I will make appear to you at meeting. I will entertain you, 
 Sir, for no longer with this melancholy fubject, only give you an 
 account of a paflage which happened fome days ago, which is this : 
 D. Hamilton, upon his lady's birth-day, invited the Commimoner, 
 Argyle, and Leven, with fome others, to dinner, where they eat and 
 drunk plentifully ; and the mafter of the feaft being fooner overta- 
 ken than the reft, began to open his mind very freely to my Lord 
 Leven, by telling of him that he loved him, and would do him all 
 the fervice he could, if he would but come into his intereft ; yea, he 
 went fo far as to tell him, that he would obtain a pardon for him. 
 With this my Lord Leven was furprifed, and told him very brifkly, 
 That he did not know what his Grace meant, for he blefted God, 
 that he never acted any thing againft King William to deferve a 
 pardon ; and, as for King James, he would never have one from 
 him, with fome other words to this purpofe ; with which the Duke 
 was a little confounded, and endeavoured to put another fenfe upon 
 it ; and fo, fome company joining of them, the difcourfe was let fall: 
 But, a little after, he called my Lord alide again, and told him, he 
 would to God he would fave his coufin Queenfberry, for he belie- 
 ved him to be a man of integrity and honour. This is, Sir, all 
 truth, and I can prove it. It is true, the Duke was very drunk; but 
 pqfi vinum Veritas. I firmly believe that thefe two noblemen, whom 
 his Grace thought to debauch from their duty, are two of the bell 
 
 4D2 and
 
 5 8o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and mod faithful fubjeds the King has, and would venture all to 
 ferve him. I would to God I could fay there were many fuch o- 
 thers. I fhall trouble you no further; but only offer my humble du- 
 ty to our noble friend and patron, and pray God may preferve his 
 Majefty, and fend you all well over again. 
 
 James Frazer to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In favours of Frazer of Beaufort. — His obtaining his Remiffion from 
 the King ivould fecure that Clan to his Majefly. 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 CoUege! The g eneFOUS difpofition I have always obferved in you to do all 
 
 London, friendly and charitable offices that lay in your power to perfons un- 
 1700. 29 ' d er oppreffion, and in diflrefs, has given me confidence to recom- 
 mend the concerns of Mr Frazer of Beaufort to you, who goes into 
 Holland of purpofe to get that done by your and Mr Pringle's 
 means, which my L. Seafield promifed fo folemnly, in my L. Ar- 
 gyle's prefence and your's, to get done ; but has devolved all on Mr 
 Pringle and yourfelf. What fecret promifes or affurances my L. 
 Seafield is reported to have given to the M. of Athol or Tullibar- 
 dine, that he would not ad in procuring and figning the remiffion, 
 I know not ; but this is certain, that his Lordfhip will not do it con- 
 form to the libel and fentence, though he promifed it, but would fo 
 mince the matter, that the remiffion would not lignif'y any thing 
 without the King's pardoning the confining the Lords as well as 
 the convocation. Sir, you know how neceflary it is to the King's 
 fervice in Scotland, in the prefent pofture of affairs, to gain fo con- 
 fiderable a tribe, with all their alliances and clients, to the King's 
 intereft, which will be effectually done, if his Majefty's intentions 
 and gracious refolution of granting a pardon to the faid Beaufort 
 be performed in the manner that was intimated when you were pre- 
 fent at my L. Seafield's. I have nothing further to trouble you 
 
 with,
 
 AND LETTERS. 581 
 
 with, knowing how well you are informed of what concerns this 
 affair, and that its needlefs to ufe any arguments to prefs you to 
 interpofe your charitable endeavours in a bufinefs where fo much 
 equity and juftice do appear, the fatisfa&ion that arifes from fo 
 commendable an action being inducement enough to a perfon of 
 your Chriftian and generous character ; and I hope it is not the lefs 
 fo, by being earneftly and humbly reprefented to you by one who 
 is, with all poffible refpect and fincerity, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble and obedient fervant, 
 
 James Frazer. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Duke of Glocefter'* s Death, and its Confequences. — Wifhes the 
 King zuould marry, and that both Kingdoms ivere nonxj united. 
 Defires Orders hoiv to difpofe of himfelf in cafe of an Ad- 
 journment of Parliament. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 This morning we received the fad news of the Duke of Gloce- Whitehall, 
 iter's death. He fell fick on Friday ; and they, fufpecting that it was J u, y 3°* 
 a fever, did let him blood, and bliftered him. He died ketwixt iz 
 and 1 this morning ; and, as I hear, there appeared fome fpots up- 
 on his body j and the two phyficians Dr Ratcliff and Dr Gibbons 
 differed concerning his difeafe. Dr Gibbons fays it was a fpotted 
 fever, and Dr Ratcliff, that it was the fmall-pox ; and that the let- 
 ting him blood, and buffering him, prevented them from coming 
 out; and fo the difeafe overcame him. 
 
 It is hard to fay what confequences this may have. The Jaco- 
 bites, and thofe who are for the pretended Prince of Wales, will be 
 higher than ever ; and there is no doubt it is a great lofs to us, 
 who are for a proteftant fettlement. 
 
 I
 
 582 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 I heartily wifh that our King would follow your good advice, and 
 marry, that he may have children. If the Princefs have no more, 
 his Majefty's would reprefent him both as King of Britain and 
 Prince of Orange. I mould alfo think, that both nations now would 
 think of an union. This is only written to yourfelf. I have feen 
 no body of any confequence fince we had the news. 
 
 I have fent oft a flying packet with an account of this to my L. 
 Commiflioner ; for, whatever ufe may be made of it, I thought it 
 fit that thofe of his Majefty's government mould be firft acquaint- 
 ed. 
 
 I wifh his Majefty, before this time, may have figned a letter for 
 an adjournment. It does always anger the members when they 
 get not timely advertifement ; and, if the adjournment had gone 
 down foon, it would have prevented their meeting at Edinburgh. 
 
 I am ftill of opinion, that the time you propofe is too long, for 
 it will be too near to November ; at which time a great part of the 
 forces muftbe difbanded, unlefs the confent of the parliament be ob- 
 tained. 
 
 I hear very many do fign the addrefs ; and I am fure, a great 
 many do neither know nor confider the import of it. I pray God 
 continue his Majefty in good health, and preferve him long for the 
 good of thele nations. 
 
 I now want pofitive orders how to difpofe of myfelf. If his 
 Majefty commands me to go to Scotland, I fhallobey immediately; 
 or, if he call me to Loo, I fhall go there : But I do prefume to think, 
 that, if there be a long adjournment, my going very foon to Scot- 
 land cannot fignify very much. Although, I blefs God, I am now 
 in very good health, yet I am perfuaded it would be of great advan- 
 tage to me, were I allowed to go for a fortnight or three weeks to 
 the Bath, and I fhall go flreight from thence to Scotland poft, and 
 fo may be there about the end of Auguft ; and can be ready either 
 to tranfmit to his Majefty what accounts I receive in Scotland, or 
 return to wait upon him. But, if his Majefty think I could be more 
 
 fer-
 
 AND LETTERS. 583 
 
 ferviceable to him in any other place, I fhall forbear. Whatever 
 anfvver you obtain to me in this matter, let it be very foon, which 
 is all at prefent from, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful and humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 P. S. Whatever orders I receive, I will ftay here until I get an 
 anfwer to this ; for I do not know but the death of the Duke of 
 Glocefter may alter his Majefty's meafures. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord Annandale no friend to Seafield or Mr Carfares, notnvithfiand- 
 
 ing his additional Penfion. He mujl have L. 1 00 to Lord Bal- 
 
 lantyne L. 100 to Pat erf on, vuho brought People into the 
 
 Scheme of Caledonia, as the bejl mean to take them off it L. 300 
 
 of Peti/ion to Earl Marfhal, to bring him under his Direclion 
 
 The Mafter of Works to Sir Francis Scot, upon giving Security of 
 his good Behaviour. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Since my lad letter, I have not heard from you, nor any Holyrood- 
 body about the King. I am daily in expectation of his Majefty's houfe ' J uIy 
 commands with relation to his bufinefs here. When I wrote then, 3 
 I told you, that my private affairs did require my being at home 
 for fome time. I went as I propofed, and ftaid but two days. I 
 gave all necelTary orders for the prefervation of the peace, before I 
 left the town, and obliged his Majefty's fervants not to go out of 
 it till my return. Things here are much in the fame condition as 
 they were when I wrote laft ; if there be any change, it is for the 
 better. Two or three of the members of parliament were with me 
 yefterday, and declared to me, that, fince all hopes of fuccefs in the 
 
 affair
 
 584 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 affair of Caledonia are loft, they are not willing to pufh matters any 
 further, but will reft fatisfied with what the King has irapowered 
 me to grant them ; and one of thefe gentlemen fays, that, in a 'little 
 time, I may exped great alterations in the humours of that party ; 
 but I cannot yet depend upon this. My L. Annandale came here 
 the night before I came to town ; he makes great profeflions of 
 friendlhip to me ; but I find that he has his own grudges againft 
 my L. Seafield and you, though he is fparing to fhew them before 
 me. His additional penfion has not made him much firmer to the 
 fervice than he would have been without it ; and, if his Majefty 
 confiders the time of afking it, and the method of doing it, he can 
 never think him a man that ferves out of honour and principle. I 
 muft intreat of you to fpeak to the King in favour of my Lord Bal- 
 lantyne ; he has continued very firm to his Majefty's intereft, tho r 
 there has been great pains taken to make him otherwife : He has 
 a numerous family, and not much to fupport it ; and, becaufe I 
 know he was a little ftraitened, I have given him L. 100, for which 
 I defire a warrant payable to me : And, if his Majefty would be plea- 
 fed, in the fame paper, and in the fame way, to give allowance" for 
 a gratuity to Mr Paterfon, of any fum not exceeding L. 100, 1 think 
 it may be of ufe. He has been with me feveral times of late ; and, 
 as he was the firft man that brought people here into the project 
 of Caledonia, fo I look upon him as the propereft perfon to bring 
 them off from the extravagancy of profecuting it. I find him very 
 reafonable upon the head ; and he fays, that he is now writing 
 fuch things (which he has promifed to fhew me before they ap- 
 pear to any perfon) as I do hope may create fome temper amongft 
 them : And I doubt not but in time to be able to make a right ufe 
 of him ; and the more, becaufe I know he is well affected to the 
 prefent government : So a little gratuity will not be amifs ; and the 
 rather, becaufe he has not been well ufed by the company with 
 relation to his own private bufinefs. While I was in the country, 
 I received a letter from the Chancellor, of which I fend you a copy 
 inclofed. I cannot yet learn whether the perfon mentioned in it is 
 
 gone
 
 AND LETTERS. 585 
 
 gone to Holland or not. The treafury fcrupled to give the Chan- 
 cellor L. 100 for the man's ufe, becaufe they were neither acquaint- 
 ed with his name nor his bufinefs. I have not feen the man ; but 
 I have made the Chancellor write for him, if he is ftill in the king- 
 dom. The Chancellor fays, that he knows him perfectly well, and 
 gives a good character of him ; fo, if the man comes hither, I think, 
 upon the Chancellor's engagement, I will rather venture the L. 100, 
 than that any thing that may be of ufe for the King's fervice fhould 
 be kept from his knowledge. I rriuft tell you one thing, which 
 you muft. keep very fecret ; I had yefterday a private melTage from 
 my coufin my Lady Marfhall, by which fhe tells me, that fhe does 
 not doubt of bringing her Lord intirely under my direction, pro- 
 viding that fhe may have leave to promife him a pennon of L. 300 
 as E. Marfhall. I have allowed her to do it ; and, if I had the gift 
 in my cuftody, I doubt not of breaking him off from that party ; and 
 I am fure he fhould never receive it till I had certain proofs of his 
 fincerity ; for the knowledge of its being in my power would go 
 ten times further than all the promifes I can make : And, though his 
 intrinfic value is not very confiderable, yet, at this time, he has 
 great intereft with the north-country members, and can do as much 
 towards breaking off that party as any man in the kingdom. I 
 have alfo, from a friend of Sir Fran. Scott's, good ground given 
 me to think, that he might now be taken off by the mafter of 
 works' place ; fo I defire that you would alfo fpeak to his Majefty, 
 that a patent may be immediately fent to me, either blank, or in 
 Sir Francis's name, which fhall not be delivered but according to 
 his behaviour. In fhort, if money could be had, I would not doubt 
 of fuccefs in the King's bufinefs here ; but the low condition of our 
 treafury keeps many things out of my power, which otherwife I 
 could eafily compafs. The King's Advocate has promifed to give you 
 the particulars of the trial of the perfons who were guilty of break- 
 ing open the prifon ; however, I muft let you freely know, that it's 
 impofhble to procure juftice through fuch a channel as we have at 
 prefent j and I am certainly informed, that the Advocate faid lately 
 
 4E to
 
 586 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 to a Jacobite, that was foliciting. him in favours of thofe fellows, 
 that they were all living that he had flain. My L. Argyle and An- 
 nandale have promiied you account of other matters, becaufe I have 
 not at prefent time to fay more to you ; fo (hall only add, that I am. 
 fincerely your's, &c. Adieu. 
 
 The Advocate to Lord Seafield. 
 
 The fiver al Particulars ivhich occurred in the Trial of the Rabblers. 
 
 My Lord, 
 Edinburgh, I have your's of the 27th pair, and am glad that his Majefty 
 f 7 U ocv' concerns himfelf fo much for the liberation of Pinkerton and the 
 
 reft; for they write home they are condemned, and have only a re- 
 fpite of four fcore days. They write likewife a droll paffage, that 
 the council of the Weft-Indies wills the King of Spain to demand 
 of the King of Britain, that D. Hamilton, the Marquis of Tweedale, 
 the E. of Panmuir, and others, fhould be liable for their damages. 
 I faw the copy of the letter in the hands of one of their directors. 
 The Advocate conveenedthe rabblers before the Lords of Jufticiary, 
 and, by the information inclofed, your Lordfhip will know what 
 he libelled, and what he anfwered to their defences ; but, on Mon- 
 day laft, they met, and advifed the debate, and gave the interlocutor, 
 whereof a copy is alfo inclofed. When it was read, the Advocate 
 was furprifed, and faid, that he purfued that affair by fpecial order 
 of the privy council, as a matter greatly concerning the govern- 
 ment ; but the interlocutor was fuch, as he muft take it to ad- 
 vifement; and therefore defired them to continue the court till Wed- 
 nefday. They afkt, what difpleafed him in the interlocutor ? he 
 faid, the whole of it ; and added, that he thought, in a matter fo 
 concerning to the government, before conclufions were taken, he 
 fhould be acquainted, fpecially when they advife the matter not in 
 full court ; and they could not but know but that fuch had been 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 587 
 
 the pradice of that court. They anfwered, to what purpofe ? he 
 faid, to the effect that, if the conclufions did not go the full length, 
 he might at leaft defift, and that no fuch interlocutor might be read, 
 which did more encourage than difcourage rabbles. This, your 
 LordQiip may imagine, did not pafs without fome heat; but the 
 Advocate having acquainted the Commiffioner and others, and find- 
 ing it not a feafon to make any greater noife, although he told the 
 commiffioners, while he fpoke to them a-part, that he knew nothing 
 that hindered why the council might not appoint them aGHTors, 
 and revife their interlocutor, according to the antient cuftom, which 
 was not altered by the regulation 1672 ; yet he proceeded on Wed- 
 nefday to lead his witneffes ; and, tho' two of his principal witneffes 
 mifgave him, and did not depone as they declared in the precogni- 
 tion, yet he proved fufficiently, that Weir and Henderfon entered the 
 tolbooth immediately after breaking up of the gates, the firft with 
 a drawn bayonet, and the fecond with a naked fabre, and that Eaf- 
 toun entered it with a great rung, and that Atchifon was in the 
 prifon, and at the door where the Frazers were kept, with a fword. 
 But all this proof coming fhort of the interlocutor, the Advocate, 
 when he fpeeched the affize, took no notice of the interlocutor; but 
 told them, that he knew their cuftom was to find proven or not, and 
 therefore defired them to return their verdict diftinctly as to what 
 was proven, and what not proven ; which one of the Lords percei- 
 ving, faid, that he faw his defign was to bring it back to them ; to 
 which he anfwered, that it was fo ; for, if he were either for the pan- 
 nels, or upon the affize, he would return the verdict, not one point 
 of the interlocutor proven ; and yet, feeing there was enough pro- 
 ven to infer the pains of law, they could not but be convinced that 
 the interlocutor was defective. But, as the Advocate had directed, 
 fo the affize returned their verdict, finding proven as above : Where- 
 upon the Lords fentenced Weir to be fcourged, and banifhed the 
 realm, and the other three to be taken to the Tron with Weir, and 
 there pillored, and banifhed the liberties of the burgh. The common 
 remark on this fentence is, that the affize have been feverer upon 
 
 4 E 2 the
 
 588 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 the rabblers than the Lords were, and that the Lords fentence is 
 more fevere than their interlocutor. But here your Lordfhip has 
 the true account ; and it is very uneafy to the Advocate, that, when 
 things fail after this fafhion, without any fault on his part, yet it 
 may give occafion to fome to think, that the fault is on his fide ; 
 but your Lordfhip knows both the court of judiciary and the me- 
 thods of it, that I need add nothing. Mitiores poenae are good rnr 
 time and place ; but it hath been always my opinion, that the pains 
 of law belong to them, and the mitigations to the government. I 
 have fent a juft double of this to my friend. I am your's. 
 
 By the interlocutor, affifting with a drawn (word or bayonet in 
 this horible rabble is not found relevant to infer an arbitrary pu- 
 nilhment, unlefs ading be alfo proven ; fo that albeit a man was the 
 raifer of a rabble, and were one of hundreds with drawn fwords, 
 and the greateft mifchiefs aded, yet, if ading be not proven, as well 
 as the affifting with drawn fwords, it does not fo much as infer an 
 arbitrary punifhment. Then, if a rabble arife with rungs or bat- 
 tons only, and burn or break up the tolbooth, and knock down the 
 guards, yet, to be affifting there with a rung only, infers only an ar- 
 bitrary punifhment ; but, in found and in true law, a man's affifting 
 with a drawn fword, or being clothed with a weapon in fuch an ex- 
 traordinary rabble and convention, makes him art and part of the 
 whole, and guilty of death, unlefs he be able duly to exculpate t 
 And this is the true method, in juftice, to reprefs rabbles for the 
 future. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to MrCARSTAREs. 
 
 Of CarmichaeV s new Title. — Whitelaiv and the Treafurer-Depute. 
 — Lord Tillicoultry, Commiffary Elphingfion, &c. 
 
 London, I have writt one fince you went for Holland. Since I have heard 
 
 Au S u from Scotland, though not one word from the Secretaries. I have 
 
 ac«
 
 AND LETTERS. 589 
 
 account, that L. Whitelaw waited on E. Seafield, and has frank- 
 ly confirmed what I faid in his name. It feems Carmichael, who 
 I can't tell yet if he has affumed his new title, ftaid two days at the 
 Treafurer-depute's in the country. When Whitelaw waited on him, 
 he took no notice of any thing concerned Whitelaw, but feemed 
 referved. I know Carmichael is honeft and firm ; but I know the 
 Depute fo well, he has 'Obliged him to be paffive, which fhows 
 the Depute not to be a man of fo difinterefted principles as 
 he would have the world believe, when he profecutes his own 
 particular that length, in oppofition to the King's intereft ; for, I 
 dare ftill boldly fay, he cannot command one vote in the parlia- 
 ment to his Majefty but his own. In time, all this will appear. The 
 new Lord of the fefTion is admitted, takes the title of Tillycoultry, 
 an eftate he has purchafed joining to my lands of Caflle-Campbell 
 in Stirling-fhire. I can fay little as to the circumftances of other 
 affairs in that kingdom ; befides, I delay expecting to hear from E. 
 Seafield or Carmichael, leaft I fhould differ, fince I would not wil- 
 lingly except, where it concerned his Majefty's fervice, which I will 
 prefer to every thing. I underftand Commiffar Elphinfton has ac- 
 cepted of the half of the Receiver's place, though far fhort of his 
 pretenfions. It was my advice to him, to fubmit to his Majefty's 
 pleafure, and to endeavour to deferve better things when occafion 
 offered, by his hearty fervice in time coming. One thing I find 
 he is ambitious of, and what cannot be out of his Majefty's way, 
 to have the title of Knight Baronet ; and I wifh his Majefty may be 
 pleafed to grant it him. This place of the Receiver's being filled, 
 their remains the Deputy-receiver's place, which, though it has not 
 been always in ufe for the King to difpofe of it, yet, by making it 
 go that way, it begets a new place at the King's difpofal, and adds 
 no expence ; nor do I propofe any fallary but what the former De- 
 puty had ; fo may be left blank. I do defire, as I have not been 
 troublefome, that you'll move his Majefty, that Alexander Campbell 
 merchant in Edinburgh may have his Majefty's gift of it, and he fhall 
 give all fecurity can be demanded beyond exception. In this, I do 
 
 acknow-
 
 590 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 acknowledge, I am particular, and may be forgiven, fince I do ob- 
 ftru£t nothing by it, and adds no expence to his Majefty. If it can- 
 not be done without writing to Scotland, and without afking Secre- 
 tary's confent, every one has their little creatures to advance, fo I 
 need not think of it ; nor will I make quarrels with any in compe- 
 tition, becaufe that may be occafion of doing injury to the King's 
 concerns : But I have laid it fairly ; and, if I can prevail, I mail be 
 very- well pleafed ; and I flatter myfelf the King will grant it, if 
 you'll be fo kind to lay it before his Majefty in my own words. I 
 have been in a deal of concern and trouble fince you went from 
 hence, for my fon has been ill abroad, and I impatient for his home 
 coming. Mean time, the young lady, who I propofe to match him 
 with, fell ill of the fmall-pox, was dang«eroufly ill ; but I thank God 
 is recovered, and in all appearance can be little marked, being now 
 got up again. I have fince received letters from my fon at Paris, 
 who I expect at farther!: the 5th inftant ; and I am in hopes yet to 
 overcome all my difficulties. I know your concern in my family, 
 which makes me give you this particular account. The Marquis 
 of Tweedale was expected in this town, had ordered his lodgings'to 
 be took for him, and D. Queenfberry told me he was expected ; 
 fince, I am told, he is gone ftraight to the Bath, where D. Q^ goes 
 within ten days, or thereabout. D. Hamilton is gone to Lanca- 
 fhire, and his lady, above a fortnight ago. The Englifh think the 
 States of Holland's anfwer to the French Ambaflador's memorial too 
 humble. I am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 About the Adjournment of Parliament •, — and the King's going to Scot- 
 land. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 whk haii * am v€r y &* ac * t ^ iat y ou p a ** s y our t * me *"° p^ ea ^ ant ^y at ^ ,o ° ; an ^ 
 
 Auguft 2. it is a great encouragement to us all to hear that his Majefty con- 
 tinues 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 59 i 
 
 tinues to be in fo good health ; I wifh it may difpofe him to marry, 
 and that we may have onedefcendant of him to govern thefe nations ; 
 without which we have nothing but a profpecT: of confufion and 
 difficulties. I am forry that the adjournment is fo very long ; 
 if the parliament had met but eight or ten days fooner, it would have 
 been of very great confequence ; for, you know, the forces are only 
 eftablifhed to the firft of November, which will be fo near after the 
 time of the meeting of the parliament, that it will mightily encou- 
 rage oppofition in this point ; however, if there come any order or 
 letter, as you know I defired by my two former letters, to-morrow 
 or Sunday, it will come in time; but, if not, the parliament will be 
 adjourned. But to every thing elfe, except this, I hope all will be 
 very well ; for it falls well out, that his Majefty will have time to 
 confider matters here before the fitting of the parliament, and that 
 the harveft will be over, for there is great appearance of a good 
 crop ; and his Majefty's declaration will certainly fatisfy many, if 
 they defign no more than the good of the country : But there are a 
 great many that defign not to be fatisfied, particularly, fuch as are 
 for King James or the Prince of Wales, or defigning places and em- 
 ployments . So we may lay our account to meet with difficulties. Be- 
 twixt and Tuefday 's night next, I mall have my thoughts of what feems 
 to be indifpenfibly needful, in cafe his Majefty intends to go to Scot- 
 land. I have not writt any thing of this to any but my Lord D. of 
 Queenfberry ; and you know he was writt to in the fame way and 
 manner I am. I am forry that I cannot obtain fuch a fettlement of 
 his Majefty's affairs as may give him full fatisfaction. I do allure 
 vou I fhall do whatever I can, and none fhall, according to their 
 power, ferve more faithfully than I fhall. In this prefent juncture, 
 none can promife fuccefs; but I do acknowledge, that thefe concef- 
 flons which his Majefty does grant ought to obtain fuccefs. Being 
 obliged to write many letters to Scotland this night, I fhall only at 
 prefent give you full afTurance that your friendfhip is not mifpla- 
 ced ; and I am moft fenfible of all the a&s of kiadnefs you do me; 
 therefore I am moft entirely your's. Adieu. 
 
 I
 
 59 s 
 
 STATE-F*APERS 
 
 I entreat that you may fpeak to Monfieur d'Olonne, and let him 
 know that the convention of burrows have given ftricl: orders for the 
 obfervance of the ftaple-contracl: ; and that there are feverals ap- 
 pointed to be profecuted for the breaking of it : But of this theCon- 
 fervator's letter will inform you more fully. I wifh thofe private 
 papers may be figned ; becaufe, if I go to Scotland, I fhall not know 
 how to pleafe the E. of Argyle without them. The D. of Queenf- 
 berry and the E. of Annandale dine at the D. of Hamilton's upon 
 the Dutchefs's birth-day ; fo this gives hopes of a good agree- 
 ment. 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 In Cyphers. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Ormifton, j was gj a( j { know of your fafe arrival in Holland the 1 2th of 
 
 1 700. * the laft month, but heard nothing from you fince ; neither have I 
 written often fince, by reafon I .could but repeat or tell you, that, in 
 my weak judgement, * 8tuzs6 iy2d6 d276q r27 8tu6 I2bq7yqz8 
 tm8tzqu8tq7 xurq Z27 m98t27u8uq, you will have account of the 
 trial before the juftice-court of thefe concerned in the rabble; 1 78 
 
 duxx 
 
 * Things grow worfe; for this government hath neither life nor authority. 
 
 t Ormifton will boldly fay it, That, fince 83 was made prefident, and join to it 
 the nomination of 20 and exchequer, that is, now, this government has daily de- 
 clined- for the Lords of Seffion would either reduce all to the forms ufed before 
 their court, or elfe carry all matters concerning the government to the feflion, 
 even differences between foldier and officer about their cloathing. On the other 
 hand, the money is exhaufted by precepts for journeys, and needlefs penfions. For 
 management in the treafury, I fee none, but to give away money and places to this 
 nobleman and t'other's friend or fervant. If Ormifton oppofe any of them, and, 
 if he prefles to have the laws put in execution againft thofe liable in paying mo- 
 ney to the King, fome of our Lords are fure to put a flop : So that in all things 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 593 
 
 duxx n2xpx4 6ma u8, that fince 83 dm6 ympq 37q6upqz8, and 
 join to it the zuyuzm8u22 2r 20, and qcotq59q7 tnat is > now this 
 I2bq7yqz8 tm6 pmaxa pqomaqp, for 8tq X2yp6 2r6q66u2z d29xp 
 either reduce all to the r27yq6 b6qp nqr27q 8tquy 02978, or elfc 
 carry all matters ozzoq7zuzs 8tq 12b q7yqz8 82 8tq 6q66ii2z even 
 differences nq8dqqz 62gxpuq7 and 2rruoq7 mn298 8tqu7 0x2m- 
 8tuzs, on the other hand, 8tq y2za 116 qcm968qp na 37qoq386 
 r27 U97zqa6 and zqqpxq6 3qz6u2z6, for ymzmsyqz8uz 8tq 8tq6- 
 m97uq, I fee none, ng8 82 subq mdma y2za and 3xmoq6 82 8tu6 
 Z2nxqymz 27q t'other his r79qzp, or 6q7bmz8, if 78 23326q 
 mza of 8tU7 ; and, if he preffes to have the xmd6 398 uz qcqog- 
 8u2zmsmuz68 thofe liable in 3mauzs y2za 82 43, fome of 297x2- 
 7p6 m7q 697q 82 398 in 6823q; fo that in all things the 2pu9y- 
 y968 xustS b32z 78, 22 duxx X22W632Z mxx 8tu6 m6 ngS 3qq 
 bvv6t 689^, t2dqbq7 78 u6 qzoqqpuzs ixmpq 196 372326mx 2r 
 L. 1500 fterling, m6 m 7qdm7p r27 tu6 6q7buoq6 822wz2q qrr- 
 qo8, only 78 8tuzw6 tq omzz28, nqnxmyqpz28 82 subq that in- 
 defatigable attendance tq 62yq 8uyq smbq22 may tqm7 8tm8 
 78 s qxpq68 62Z u6uz 826q 08 76 qxpq68 pni9st8q7,and 8tq ym- 
 7umsq u6 37232zqp n98, 78 yqq |86 Z28 d8 qzo297msyqz8 ; 
 what event it may yet have I know not, but a good one is much 
 defired by me and mine ; J 78 wiihes 22, without letting 78 nq 
 wz2dz, dm6 m S22p uz6879yqz8 it is like to xz26q yq n28tm- 
 62Z and m durq. Farewel. 
 
 4 F Duke 
 
 the odium muft light upon him. Carflares will look upon all this as but peevifh 
 fluff; however, Ormifton is exceeding glad that Carftares's propofal of L. 1500 
 fterling, as a reward for his fervices, took not place ; only, Ormifton thinks he 
 cannot be blamed not to give that indefatigable attendance he fome times gave. 
 Carflares may hear, that Ormifton's eldeft fon is in love with Carmichael's daugh- 
 ter ; the marriage ispropofed. 
 
 X Ormifton wifhes Carflares, without letting Ormifton be known in it, were 
 a good inftrument; for it is like to lofe him both a fon and a wife.
 
 594 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the Death of the Duke of Gloucefter. Deftres Orders from 
 
 the King about his and his Domejiics Mournings. Has fifty 
 
 Servants to clothe, if public Mourning is necejfarv. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Holyrood- I had yefterday a moll furprizing letter from my Lord Seafield, 
 
 h01 f e o AUS ' acquainting me with the death of the Duke of Gloucefter, when I 
 had not heard of his ficknefs. I do, from my heart, regret the lofs 
 of that poor young prince, and the more, becaufe it will be of great 
 confequence to the world, and will undoubtedly make the party 
 here more infolent. I fhall fay no more on this melancholy 
 fubjecT: at prefent, nor trouble you with any other bufinefs, but to 
 beg that you would receive the KingYorders for me in relation to 
 the manner of my mourning. If I mall only put myfelf and my 
 wife in black, it is a matter of no expence ; but, if it be thought fit 
 that I put my fervants and equipage in mourning, the charge will 
 be confiderable to the King ; for I have at leaft fifty fervants that I 
 rauft clothe, befides my coaches, which I muft have from London, 
 it being impoflible to get them here. I have privately made an 
 eftimate of the prices of things, and do find, that, to have all thefe 
 things as they ought to be, fifteen hundred pounds will be the low- 
 eft it can be brought to ; wherefore, as foon as poflible, let me have 
 his Majefty's pleafure in this matter. I am daily in expectation of 
 his Majefty's commands about his affairs in this kingdom. What 
 orders he fhall be pleafed to give me fhall be obeyed with all faith 
 and zeal. I am fincerely your's, &c. Adieu. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 59S 
 
 Lord Seafiei,d to Mr Carstares. 
 
 That the Commiffioner is now upon a right Plan. — He knows fever al 
 ivho may be dealt with in that way. — Braced s two hundred 
 Pounds mujl be advanced. — Archbijhop of Glafgow. — Cenfures of 
 the Treaty with France. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since my laft I have received one from you, which contained no- Whitehall, 
 thing of confequence, his Majefty being at Dieren when you wrote Au § uft6 - 
 it ; however, it is always a fatisfaction to me when I hear from 
 you, though it were no more but to know that his Majefty is in 
 good health. The Duke of Queenfberry did fend me your letter o- 
 pen that I might read it. I do underftand, from feveral hands, that 
 many of the parliament-men are beginning to think what they are 
 doing ; and the Commiffioner is upon the right way in not begin- 
 ning at the head; and, if he prevail with thofe he names, I know 
 others may be dealt with. I have very great hopes ; however, it is 
 not good to be too confident. Many have figned the addrefs ; but I 
 hear from Forglen, that my Lord Whitelaw has not figned it yet ; 
 what he may do, I know not. I have ground to think that the 
 Laird of Brodie will go no more to their meetings ; and Mr William 
 Brodie has refufed to fign the addrefs. I have alio ground to think 
 that Bracco may be gained by doing a little favour for him ; of 
 which I Hi all write to you afterwards. I doubt not but you will be 
 careful that there be a precept fent to the Commiffioner for the two 
 hundred pound, for you fee that is as good as advanced ; and the 
 blank commiffion and blank penfion ought alfo to be fent. You will 
 fee that he writes likewife of a certain Earl, which is no furprize to 
 me, and I believe it is none to you ; however, we muft overlook ail 
 thefe things ; and I blefs God I have learned fo much patience as to 
 know a great many things and not take notice of them, providing I 
 can get thofe who does me an injury to go on in his Majefty's fer- 
 
 4F 2 vice;
 
 596 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 vice ; and I hope he will a& his part on this occafion ; but I am fure 
 he is not to be relied upon. I have a letter from the Earl of Marr, 
 wherein he tells me, that the Archbifhop of Glafgow threatens to 
 purfue me before the parliament, becaufe that he is continued un- 
 der confinement, contrary to the right of the fubje£t It is true, I 
 did counterfign the letter which put him under confinement ; but 
 yet I have enough to fay for it ; for, you know, he was under banifh- 
 ment ; and it was at his own defire that he was confined, in place 
 of his fentence of banifh merit : However, I mould be glad that I 
 were allowed to acquaint the council, that his Majefly leaves it to 
 them to do in it what they think juft; but I cannot at prefent defire 
 a letter to council taking off his confinement directly. I have not 
 time this night to inform you -concerning what is faid of that trea- 
 ty made with France about the fucceffion to the Spanifh. monarchy ; 
 but, in general, I believe, fome do incline to quarrel it, if they can 
 find a party to concur ; yet, after all, I doubt not but that they 
 will let alone meddling with it till the King of Spain's death : But 
 you need fpeak nothing of this to our friend till 1 fend you a full 
 letter of what I know of that matter. I long to know what are his 
 Majefly's commands concerning me, as I told you before it were 
 neceffary for my health that I went to the Bath ; but, if his Majefly 
 think that his affairs require my being in Scotland, I mall be rea- 
 dy to go upon the firft advertifement. This is all at prefent from, 
 Sir, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 I doubt not but that you have heard from others, that there is an 
 acquaintance of the Chancellor's defigns to go to the King, and de- 
 fires to have his charges borne ; and he has been defiring L. i oo 
 for that end. The Chancellor writes this in general to me, and he 
 did the like to the CommifTioner when he was in the country. I 
 find he has writ to Mr Pringle this night ; and, if he mentions the 
 
 man's name who is a coming, I think I could guefs his bufinefs. 
 
 ■• 
 
 Hodges
 
 AND LETTERS. 597 
 
 Hodges to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Afking his Mediation ivith the King for obtaining three hundred 
 Pounds per annum, for writing in Defence of the Government in 
 the Affair of Darien, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since your parting from this, I have had occafion to mow to my London, 
 Lord Seatield feveral papers befides thofe which you did fee; and 17< £. * 
 have had divers conferences with him about the fervices which I 
 offer to the government and nation, wherein his Lordfhip did take 
 particular confideration of my notions and contrivances relating to 
 national intereft in the prefent juncture ; and, after having given 
 me opportunity to anfvver abundance of objections, he was pleafed to 
 declare to me, that he was fully fatisfied that I merited the encou- 
 ragement of the government ; and that he would fignify fo much 
 to the King ; and that, particularly, he would this day write both 
 to you and to Mr Pringle for that end. I have, therefore, with his 
 allowance, prefumed to give you the trouble of thefe lines, to let 
 you know my fatisfaction that any favour I am to receive fhall 
 come through your hands and mediation, and that I am to owe a 
 large fhare of my obligations to one whom I fo fincerely love and 
 efteem. My Lord was pleafed to alTure me, that the King would 
 allow me fome orefent encouragement ; but did not determine what; 
 neither is it fit for me to queftion the extent of his Majefty's favour; 
 only, I think it proper, on this occafion, to put you in mind, that a 
 too narrow encouragement will neither contribute fo to my reputa- 
 tion, nor allow me to live at that rate, or in a creditable way, to keep 
 fuch converfe as will be neceffary for capacitating me to advance 
 thefe defigns of public good which I have conceived. for the mutual 
 intereft of the government and nation. According to my ferious rec- 
 koning, I think I fhall be pinched in fupporting my refolutions by 
 any allowance under L. 300 a year ; and, if the King {hall be plea- 
 fed
 
 598 STATE -"PAPERS 
 
 fed to allow his favour to that extent, I will do the beft I can to merit 
 it, and to beftow it in his fervice ; and, as my brother did ferve 
 him with his fword, I will endeavour to fupply his room with my 
 ftudies and pen. I beg the favour that you may be pleafed to (how 
 Mr Pringle, that I had once refolved to write to him ; but, after I 
 had confidered that it did not become me to think that he fhould 
 need any follicitations to do me a kindnefs, efpecially when propo- 
 fed to him by my L. Seafield, I thought it better to reft wholly and 
 filently on the affurances I have had from himfelf of his fincere 
 friendmip ; and whereof I am as confident as I can be of that of a- 
 ny perfon of worth and honour, fuch as I know him to be. I am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft humble faithful fervant, 
 
 Hodges. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 T unifhment of the Rabbler s fmaller than his Tyrant Governor inflat- 
 ed upon him for going to play ivithout leave. E. Melvil hike- 
 
 nvarm. Others trim, His Model is to buyfome^ purchafe o- 
 
 therS) and makefome Places vacant, 
 
 I have received two from you, in anfwer to my two letters I had 
 writt by the flying packet laft week, but by miftake I miffed the op- 
 portunity. It will be needlefs now, folate, to give you account what 
 ftruggle it coft in council to have the proclamation anent feizing 
 the principal rabblers worded as it is, fince certainly before now 
 you have it from others. The defign was, to make the Frazers being 
 fet at liberty the chief crime, and, by the narative of it, to make ap- 
 pear that defign chiefly occafioned the rabble. The Advocate brought 
 it in, without mewing it to any but the Treafurer-depute, who, it 
 feems, liked it, notwithstanding it carried that in the frontifpiece 
 which I complain of, not mentioning Paterfon, the difperfer of 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 S99 
 
 the libels againft the government, &c. but I rauft fay, it was very 
 confequential to the Advocate's difcourfe the Monday before in the 
 juftice-court ; and fo came of the trial ; as no doubt but you have 
 heard a punimment inflicted, fmaller than my tyrant governor has, 
 while at fchool, inflicted on me for going to' play without leave. The 
 parliament is now adjourned, and the King's declaration iffued out 
 according to order. We cannot yet fay what effed it may have, 
 fmce the ill-minded mifconftruct any thing ; yet ftill I mud fay, I 
 believe it will make fome profelytes. I remember the King ftill in- 
 clined to do it fooner ; and plainly too lam convinced it had done 
 good ; but I hope it fhall ftill, if rightly improved. Its a fad thing 
 how little people, that eats, I may fay, the King's bread, does 
 concern themfelves upon this occaiion. I love not to make com- 
 plaints ; but it is too apparent : There is our friend the E. of Mel- 
 vin, tho' Preiident of the council, has been in Fyfe ever fince my 
 return from London, came and ftaid two days in town, and now is 
 gone to the Bath. Thofe that ftay here are lukewarm, and play 
 the trim, whilft a very few in number expofes themfelves. When 
 I come to fpeak, even with thofe I am beft with, of making a mo- 
 del to carry the King's bufinefs, by buying fome, purchafing others, 
 and making fome places void for others, tho' thofe be but of the 
 fmaller fort, nor is it yet advifable; any other I meet with, this twtor 
 has this friend to protect, the other has another, which does con- 
 found affairs; and I grieve when I fee matters mifcarry, where I 
 have all the friendfhip in the world. However, though I care not if 
 it be burnt after you read it, I will fend you, for your fatisfaction 
 and mine, a fchedule, by which I'd carry thirty members of par- 
 liament off, and fo carry the affair : But you can never bring all to 
 one in this meafure ; and fo I fear will be the event. I do intend to 
 go to Glafgow ; and am upon a project to begin a party there to 
 counteract other defigns : How far I may carry it, I know not ; 
 however, I fhall continue to acquaint you of what is moft material, 
 from time to time. Adieu. 
 
 I
 
 1700 
 
 6oo S T A ■ T E- P A P E R S 
 
 I am afraid Seafield, for fear, will fniffle Frazer's affair, by not 
 allowing him to be difcharged of his whole libel, wherein the rape 
 was not included ; and, if his Lordfhip value not my repeated con- 
 cern fo much as to go over it, I will have no more to do with him, 
 as I have given him fair warning, as an honeft man ought to do. I 
 I fhall never defpair while the King is well. I pray God, long be it 
 fo. 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 Defires he will vindicate him to the King in Rona/d's Affair. 
 SIR, 
 
 Carmichael * was Obliged to be at ^ ome for fome da ^ S b >T aft > and WaS ° nce 
 
 Auguft 8, ' r efolved to gone for Edinburgh this day ; but the Commiffioner 
 thinks my incoming not neceffary for fome time, but defires ra- 
 ther Tmay come in when all others are gone to the country. I am 
 informed there has been a hot debate in the treafury anent Duncan 
 Ronald and HughCunninghame's commimon; the Chancellor took 
 it up, and has writt to the King about it, and refufes to give it back 
 until he have his Majefty's anfwer, though, by a vote in trea- 
 fury, it was ordered to be put in the clerk's hands. You will be 
 further informed of this by others ; and, whatever the Chancellor 
 has writt, or however it goes, I know you will vindicate me to his 
 Majefty, which I am very much concerned to have done, and the 
 fooner the better. You may judge how many there are to give the 
 Chancellor fuch impreffions at this time ; but this to yourfelf. 
 This is a long adjournment of the parliament. We are all much 
 concerned for the fad news of the D. of Gloucefter's death ; and its 
 believed, and hufhed, that the King may come fooner over than he 
 intended ; which, I doubt not but would be of great advantage to his 
 affairs in this nation, and much contentment to his faithful fervants. 
 All pains is taken to make this new addrefs as national as they can. 
 
 My
 
 AND LETTERS. 60* 
 
 My wife gives her affe&ionate fervice to you. I entreat to hear 
 frequently from you, and am fincerely your's. My moft humble 
 duty to my noble friend the E. of Portland ; you know how much 
 it would quiet my mind to have the hope of his Lordfhip's return- 
 ing to England. Pray give my moft humble fervice to Monfieur 
 d'Ollone and to honeft 
 
 The Duke of Glocefter's death is a matter of fo great confequence, 
 that I long to know what thoughts are with you upon it ; for ene- 
 mies will not be idle at this time. 
 
 Murray of Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares." 
 Nothing lejs than the King's Prefence ivill do, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you the other day by a flying packet, about the Com- Edinburgh, 
 miffioner's mournings. I have little to add, but to tell you, that, f-"^. 8 ' 
 though I think his Majefty's great conceflions ought to fatisfy ful- 
 ly all that love his Majefty or the Proteftant religion, and they 
 may well encourage his fervants to ad zealouQy and vigoroufly in 
 his fervice ; yet I am (with fubmiflion) of opinion, that it is moft 
 fafe and advifeable the King fhould come here himfelf ; for there 
 are fo many people whom nothing can fatisfy, and fome who are 
 eafily milled, efpecially when they have engaged fo far already in 
 a party, that I think it very uncertain, and, to fpeak plain, not 
 practicable, to recover many without the King's prefence. I am 
 fenfible it would be much for the Commiffioner's honour, if he 
 could bring things to a happy conclufion himfelf; but, for all the 
 love I have for him, I muft tell my thoughts freely in what con- 
 cerns the eftablifhment of the government. And I think, when a dis- 
 appointment or defeat is fo dangerous, it is not fafe nor advifeable 
 to adventure things upon uncertain fuccefs, when every body be- 
 lieves the King's own prefence for a few weeks might aiTure him of 
 
 4 G fettling
 
 6o2 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fettling things here to his contentment ; but this from myfelf only, 
 and I truft it to your difcertion. I am juft going to the country, and 
 fhall not have occafion for fome time to trouble you with mock let- 
 ters. So, dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Duke of Queen sberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Concejfions noiv made by the King. What Preparations 
 
 •will be necejjary, if he comes to Scotland. His Coronation may 
 
 be delayed. In the Trial of Rioters, the Judges had not Cou- 
 rage, nor the Advocate Integrity. Of L. I oo to one who of- 
 fers to prove ive have no Right to Caledonia. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Hoiyrood- Since my laft, I have received two letters from you, the one of 
 
 9 ° U i7oo. US the 25th, and the other the 29th of July. I do think myfelf ex- 
 tremely obliged to you for your kindnefs in endeavouring to make 
 my little fervices agreeable to my mafter, and for the full accounts 
 which you give me of bufinefs, which I earneftly defire that you 
 may continue, they being both ufeful and fatisfactory to me. I re- 
 ceived his Majefty's commands about adjourning the parliament, 
 with his other letter to the privy council, on Tuefday laft, the fame 
 day the council met and adjourned the parliament, and appointed 
 his Majefty's other letter to be publifhed. I know not what influence 
 his Majefty's great condefcendence may have on the minds of men 
 who are united together, and many of them not to be fatisfied with 
 any thing that can be obtained : But I hope, if I could get the King's 
 fervants to be diligent and vigorous, fuch as are fincerely well af- 
 fected may be brought to be fatisfied : However, his Majefty will 
 have this advantage, that the world will know his inclinations to 
 make us happy. After all, it is not poffible to promife much ; yet 
 fo many of the members are united by cabaling, and fubfcriptions 
 to feveral addrefles, it is to be feared that many may think them- 
 
 felves
 
 AND LETTERS. 603 
 
 felves engaged in honour not to recede from any of their demands ; 
 and, to be fure, fuch as intend not to be fatisfied, will prefs others on their 
 engagements : For myfelf, I am perfectly convinced that the King's 
 offers are fo honourable and profitable for the nation, that all who 
 ferve and love him may, and ought, to ftand up boldly for the mea- 
 fures propofed, by which they will ferve their country as much 
 as the King ; and, if all in the King's fervants would act their parts 
 with that zeal and diligence might be expected from them, I mould 
 not defpair of fuccefs ; but ftill the fureft way to fucceed, were the 
 King's prefence among us. As for what you write of preparations 
 in cafe of his coming, its not thought fit to take advice ; and I mufl 
 own, that I am very little fkillful in thefe things. But what at pre- 
 fent occurs to me is, that his houfe will need feveral reparations to 
 make it any way habitable for him ; and even thefe cannot be done 
 without obfervation, and fome time : Befides, all who have lodgings 
 in the Abbay muft be timeoufly advertifed to remove, and provide 
 for themfelves, becaufe the lodgings conftantly inhabited are fitter 
 for the court's ufe than the others ; and I believe the whole will be 
 neceffary for him and his attendants. D. Hamilton's lodgings are 
 the warmeft and clofeft ; and certainly the King muft keep thefe for 
 his private bufinefs, and lying there ; and the rooms which I now 
 have, that are called the AVw^'j- apartment ^ for his appearing in public. 
 It will alfo be neceffary to fend furniture fit for the King. If what I 
 have here can be ufeful, hisMajefty may command it. There muft 
 be two ftates provided, one for the Abbay, and another for the Par- 
 liament-houfe ; there muft alfo be greater conveniencies made for 
 horfes and coaches. As to the coronation, I* have had occafion to 
 difcourfe of that formerly, when his fervants were advifing his co- 
 ming; and it was then thought, that his Majefty might advertife the 
 council, that he was only to make a fhort ftay, and that it was more 
 proper to defer his coronation to another feafon, that there might 
 be longer time for fuitable preparations. But, the worft of all is, there 
 is very little public money to make what preparations are neceiTary. 
 If any thing further occur to me, I fhall let you know ; and I beg 
 
 4 G 2 that
 
 6o 4 S T A T E - P A P E il S 
 
 that you would informe me of his Majefty's refolutions as foon as 
 poffibly you can, which I {hall com mimic ate no further than I mall 
 be allowed. If he does come, its abfolutely neceffary that he be here 
 ten days at leaft before the parliament meet. And, if his affairs does 
 not allow of his coming, it is neceffary, for his fervice, that I attend 
 him in England before his parliament here meet ; for I have feveral 
 things to fay that I cannot write, and were not proper, if I could ; 
 therefore, I mould be glad if his Majefty would honour me with a 
 call to wait upon him, if it were but of a week ; and it may be fo 
 ordered, as I may be there fome days before the King, fo as no time 
 may be loft. You muft have heard, long before this comes to your 
 hands, of the lenity which thofe who were guilty of the tumult has 
 met with from our juftice-court : They lay the blame on the Advo- 
 cate ; for, as he contrived it, they fay nothing criminal was proven. 
 On the other fide, he exclaims againft them ; and I am very free to tell 
 you, that the judges had not courage enough, nor the Advocate inte- 
 grity. I never writ my opinion freely of him to any body but your- 
 felf, and I choice to do as an honeft man only to his friend ; and pray 
 take what ways vou think moft proper to make him, if poffible, more 
 eonftant and firm ; for fuch difappointments is a difgrace to our bufi- 
 nefs, and brings contempt upon our undertakings to do juftice. I am 
 told that, yefterday, on the execution of the flight fentence againft 
 thofe rioters, there were fome little infolencies, notwithstanding of the 
 ftricl orders which I had given to the provoft, in the prefence of the 
 Lords of the Treafury, about preventing any thing of that nature, 
 and his engaging for all regularity. I do intend to call the magi- 
 strates before the council, where they fhall not efcape without a fe- 
 vere cenfure. I wrote to you formerly of a perfon that had been 
 with the Chancellor, offering to make difcovery ; I thought, by the 
 Chancellor's difcourfe, that it might be of practices againft the go- 
 vernment ; I have fince feen the man, but am under an obligation 
 not to name him. What he has to fay is, that he can give the King 
 undeniable arguments againft our right to Caledonia, and fuch as 
 may be able to fatisfy all the world, I dealt with him to put what 
 
 lie
 
 AND LETTERS. 605 
 
 he had to fay on that fubjed in writing ; but he refufes to let his 
 reafons be known to any body but the King himfelf. If the King 
 think this worth the expences of L. 100, he fhall be fent over with 
 all expedition: So, pray let me have his Majefty's commands about 
 it. I am juft now told, that there is a vacancy of a company in my 
 Lord Orkney's regiment; which, by the King's orders of preferring 
 the eldeft broken captain, is due to my Lord Crawford's brother, he 
 being the firft of the four that were difhanded out of that regiment. 
 The young gentleman has had one or two put over his head alrea- 
 dy, though he is every way qualified for the fervice, and efteemed 
 by every body that knows him. But, I believe, he has juftice denied 
 him upon the account of his brother's zealous appearance at this 
 time for the King's fervice, contrary to a party which his colonel has 
 a byas to : So, pray let this be laid before the King, and ufe what 
 intereft you can to get juftice done him ; which will be very accep- 
 table to a great many of his Majefty's fervants here. I am very much 
 obliged to you for your concern in my health. I have been very 
 well ever fince I parted with you ; but have now a fmall inflamma- 
 tion in my foot, which I hope will be of no other confequence than 
 that it will oblige me to ftay a day or two at home. I have trou- 
 bled you with fo long a letter, that I fhall only add, that I am fin- 
 cerely your's, &c. 
 
 I cannot yet make any judgement what effect the D. of Glocef- 
 ter's death may have amongft us. It gives a nearer view to the Ja- 
 cobites ; which, in reafon, ought to unite thefe who are well affec- 
 ted to the government, and all good proteftants. I do fend my let- 
 ters from hence by Captain Charles Douglas, who is going to folli- 
 cite his father's bufinefs. If you can find any way to ferve him in 
 the mean while, till our treafury here can be in a condition to do his 
 father and him juftice, I fhall take it as a very great favour. 
 
 Lord
 
 6o6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord MarcHxMont to Mr Carstares. 
 Of his Condutt in Ronald's Affair. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Holyrood- I have your obliging and kind letter from Loo, of the 29th July, 
 
 houfe, Aug. t d fkaH be, to my power, equal to the kindnefs you have 
 
 10. 1700. ' J , . . , 11 -1 1 £• 
 
 for me ; though I have not been hitherto able to give the tokens ot 
 it, which I ever did, and do intend. I have been troubled of late 
 about a commiffion to Duncan Ronald, and Hugh Cunningham, for 
 uplifting blanch, few, and ward-duties and cafualties of his Maje- 
 fty's annexed property, with a fourth part profit to themfelves, be- 
 fides their expences. When I got it from Hugh Cunningham, I 
 foon perceived it to be of a confiderable value, and I wrote to the 
 King about it. But, upon further examination, I difcerned it to be 
 difagreeable to feveral ads of parliament, and likewife, to be of far 
 greater profit and emolument to the havers than at firft I imagined; 
 of which I again acquainted the King ; and that, in my opinion, it 
 mould not come in public ; for, if it did, I am apprehenfive it would 
 turn to a public grievance, and create heat and trouble in the parli- 
 ament ; and there needs no occafionto be given for that. The Earl 
 of Argyle owns to have had hand in the procuring of it ; but, I 
 think, if his Lordfhip had confidered the extent and tendency of it, 
 he would not have defired it for any body. I found it my indifpen- 
 fible duty to inform his Majefty ; and I doubt not, but, when you 
 have opportunity, you will lay the bufinefs before him, as I have 
 written to you. I mall long to hear from you about it. I think the 
 diet of the parliament meeting is well fixed ; for our harveft will be 
 very late, though there be appearance of a plentiful crop ; and 
 it will fatisfy people to fee their harveft got in. I am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your affectionate true friend, and humble fervant, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 607 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complains of the Execution of the Sentence.-— Hard that he is blamed 
 -whether Judges, Witnejfes, or Executioners fail.— His Scheme for 
 a Compromifc. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I had your's with the exprefs that brought the King's letters. Edinburgh, 
 The fame day the parliament was adjourned to the 22d Odober, f,^ *' 
 and the other letters publifhed. What thefe, with the death of the 
 Duke of Gloucefter, will work, time will (how : But I am fure the 
 King's gracious letter over-anfwers the addrefs in all that is reafon- 
 able ; which I both affirm and perfuade all I can. The execution 
 of the fentence againft the rabble Wednefday laft was fo ridiculoufly 
 performed, through the negledof the magiftrates, that both friends 
 and foes fay it was a fcorn put on the government; and the Com- 
 miflioner is juftly fo incenfed, that the magiftrates are cited to ap- 
 pear before the council Tuefday next, to be either reprimanded or 
 proceffed, as the council fhall fee caufe : But the Advocate's part is 
 hard; for, whether judges or witnelTes, or executioners fail, he is, 
 by fome, blamed. I heartily with his Majefty had a better, for I 
 know he does his beft, but is wearied out of meafure. I am think- 
 ing, if, to remove this pretence, that the right to Darien rauft be 
 afferted, or the undertakers judged pirates, it might not be offered 
 them to have the King and parliament's protection for all paft, in 
 refped of their bona fides. I am fure it is all can be demanded ; for 
 the thing is now at an end. The commilTion of the alTembly to 
 the north have depofed two of the indulged by the ad 1695 ; and 
 -here a new clamour : I wiih they had not done it ; but it was done 
 "before heard of here. I do all I can to quiet the men from com- 
 plaining to the council, where,, at prefent, they would not mend 
 themfelves : But I am more apprehenfive of their clamours in Eng- 
 land :
 
 608 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 land : But of this I {hall write you more fully. Harris, the other 
 day, fell in a difcourfe with Hume, of his friendfhip to him ; but 
 that he found both I and 32 were under fome men's miftakes ; and 
 young men were over ready to cenfure old men : Hume anfwered 
 frankly, He was not concerned ; for he believed that neither flow- 
 nefs nor caution were judged his predominants ; but, if other men 
 were difficulted with 32, he knew he was more diflatisfied with 
 himfelf, and would, with all his heart, £ede to any would do better, 
 or might be thought fitter for White's fervice. And, to my certain 
 knowledge, Hume is wearied, if he could help. it. Sir, our foun- 
 dations are out of courfe, and muft be refettled. When that fhall 
 be, we may have a firmer adminiftration, with good fuccefs ; and no 
 fooner. I ftill wilh this might be done by his Majefty's own pre- 
 fence, though his ftay mould be (hort, were it for a fortnight on- 
 ly. His good fuccefs here would be a brave ftep in his return to 
 England. I fometimes wifh Mr Thomfon had got his defire ; 13 
 would foon have broke the graith, or come to other mens pace. I 
 am your's. Adieu. 
 
 Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 Heavy Complaints of the low Authority of Government, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Ormlfton, What I wrote this day fe'nnight, I would have this week frefli 
 
 Augua 10. rea f ons f or repeating it, mould you think it never fo peevifh. Our 
 public meetings are either put off, upon account of fome horfe or 
 other that is to be fweatt; or, if kept, it is paft twelve ere they 
 meet, though appointed at ten; as yefterday, it was nigh one of the 
 clock. You will fee by the minutes of the ill inftant, that a pro- 
 tection 
 
 Harris, Marchmont. Hume, Advocate. 32, Marchmont, Thorn- 
 
 /on, AnnandaJc. 13, Annandale, 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 609 
 
 te&ion was refufed Kippoch *, 9 dmb Z28 37q6q28 ; for which 
 caufe it was moved yefterday again ; | mzp 8t26q 2r 297 Z2nux- 
 U82 dq7q msmuz68 u8 xm68 pma ; for, if Z2d, fo that, in yefter- 
 day's minutes, you fhall fee a protection to Kippoch, who went 
 with a rabble through the Highlands, and is guilty of treafon and 
 murders, and a thoufand ill things ; for which he was juftly except- 
 ed out of all the indemnities granted either by King Charles or the 
 late King James ; and the magiftrates of Edinburgh ordered to be 
 called to the bar, for the mock execution of the fentence upon 
 thole men were guilty of the rabble here. I do confefs it was a 
 mock bufinefs : But what fhall I fay ? every day gives us ftefh in- 
 fiances of the lownefs of the authority of this government ; % 8tq7q 
 m 33q m 70 Z28tuzs n98 37ubm8 pq6uz6 m8 P28827 2r mxx 297 
 ymzmsyq28 mzp dm6 tq zqbq762q uxxm ymz ur tq duxx pq3qzp 
 b32z 2zq 27q 28tq7 2r 29r 27q 7m8tq7 22ss7qm8 yqz, dtq 6tm- 
 xx nq 3728qo8qp, 29 tuy6qxr drci286 Z28 tu6 umo2 nu86, viz. 
 y7 8t2ym6pqmzb and 8tq xmu7p 2r xmsq N98 9p2q6 du8t 29 
 dtm8 tq 3xqm6q6, 8tq7g u6 a difference among 8tq7 and 75 about 
 m. o2yyu66u2z dm6 2ri8muzqp r27 tgst 09zzastmy and p9Zomz 
 72zmxp, 75 822W u8 up and duxx Z28 372p9oq u8 6mabtq tmb 
 d728 82 43 2ru8, tq u6 d72zs 82 wqq3u8 63 n98 7ust8 82 nq 
 msmuz68 8tq sur8 ; it is of an odd flrain indeed, and 78 would ne- 
 ver a confented to it. 9 and 8 tmbq 8266qp 75 mn2g8 r27 u8, 
 
 4H N98 
 
 * 9 was not prefent. 
 
 f and thofe of our nobility were againft it laft day, for it now. 
 
 J There appears nothing but private defigns at bottom of all our management ; 
 and, was he never fo ill a man, if he will depend upon one or other of our, or ra- 
 ther Mr Carftares's great men, he fhall be protected. 29 himfelf wants not his 
 Jacobites, viz. Mr Thomas Deans, and the Laird of Lag ; but 9 (Queenfberry) 
 does with 29 what he pleafes. There is a difference among them and 75 (March- 
 mont) about a commifiion was obtained for Hugh Cunningham and Duncan Ro- 
 nald. Marchmont took it up, and will not produce it j fays he has written to the 
 King of it. He is wrong to keep it up, but right to be againft the gift. It is of 
 an odd (train indeed, and Ormifton never would have confented. 9 and 8 have 
 tofied Marchmont about for it ; but he refufes till he hear from the King.
 
 610 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 N98 tq 7qr9 6q68uxxtq tq tym7 rjzj 43. 78 is going to the coun- 
 try with a refolution not to be much here ; for, in trealury, there is 
 nothing done but granting precepts ; and he fays he fpends many 
 hours, attending to be at council or exchequer, and all is done, he 
 hears, one adjournment till another diet; and that not kept either, 
 after fome have attended hours. I hear 75 has given that o2yyub6 
 i2z to 29, and 29 is prefled by 9 to give it up ; yet 29 has heard 
 fo much againft it, that he wifhes it had not been put in his head ; 
 and 78 wifhes 22 had no hand in procuring it. Now, 78 fays 
 he would gladly you would bid 22 remember what was faid of the 
 Athol men their taking the affiftance of Kippoch when they march- 
 ed againft the Frazers : It was made a mountain of againft Tulli- 
 bardine. Is Kippoch any better now than he was ? Go on, and 
 let *9 have the ufe of this I26q7zyqz8 to drive 9S37ubm8pq6usz6 
 and 3ua9q6 till it ruin; fome of us cannot, nor will not follow 9 nor 
 8 either. One of the three Captains mentioned in the proclamation 
 were concerned in the rabble here, is feized ; his name is Urquhart. 
 I may have occafion afterwards to let you know how he comes off. 
 At prefent he is clofe prifoner, by the Treafurer-depute's order. 
 You have, I know, feen the addrefs ; I doubt not you have likewife 
 feen the refolve at the down-fitting of the parliament in May. 83 
 had it upon parchment, and was then moft forward for it, which, 
 thefe of Pat^ Steel's club fays, firft encouraged them to enter into it. 
 Farewell. 
 
 Earl of SEAFiELDto Mr Carstares. 
 
 Is tofet out dlreclly for Scotland. — Has been to fee the Princefs for 
 thefirfi timcfince he cawe to England. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, I received your letter, that was due Friday laft, upon Sunday; and 
 
 1 too! I3 ' * perceive by it, that, although his Majefty is pleafed to allow my 
 
 going 
 
 * Let 9 (Queenfberry) have the ufe of this government to drive his defigns 
 and purpofes.
 
 AND LETTERS. 6n 
 
 going to the Bath ; yet, that he thinks it would be more for his fer- 
 vicethat I went to Scotland. I fhall always prefer his ferviceto any 
 concern of my own ; and, therefore, I have refolved to take journey 
 to-morrow. The weather is fo hot that I cannot poffibly ride poft ; 
 but I have hired a coach to go to Newcaftle in eight days. I fhall 
 caufe my own coach meet me a day's journey, and I fhall take poft 
 from Newcaftle till I meet my coach. The parliament is now ad- 
 journed, conform to his Majefty's letter ; and every body, except 
 the parliament-men, who have engaged themfelves in addrefles, are 
 fatisfied with the conceffions that his Majefty is willing to grant; 
 and I hope that, in time, others will be prevailed upon : In that 
 cafe, all his Majefty's fervants ought to act their parts fairly and 
 candidly. I hope to make a better judgement of his Majefty's af- 
 fairs, if I were in the place ; and I defire that you may continue to 
 write fully to me from time to time. Captain Douglas is arrived 
 exprefs, and has brought a letter to the King from my Lord Com- 
 miftioner ; and there is alfo another for yourfelf. But he defires that 
 he may carry them, and intends to part from this Thurfday morn- 
 ing, in order to go with the Friday's packet ; and I fhall then write 
 to his Majefty ; and I fhall alfo write more fully to yourfelf. Make 
 my excufe to Mr Pr ingle that I have not written to him. I have 
 no time, being juft now returned from Windfor, where I was taking 
 leave of the Princefs. She is mightily afflicled. I have not been 
 to fee her Highnefs fmce I came to England before ; and, therefore, 
 I thought that this was neceflary. I fhall only add, that I am, Sir, 
 Y. M. H. S. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Candidates for the Vacancy in the SeJJio7i. A particular Nar- 
 rative of the Tranfaclions at Darien. And of the Execution of 
 
 thefentence upon the Rioters. Full of Humour. 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 Excufe my weaknefs, I am pleafed with writing to you, and it 
 coftes you nothing but the pains of reading it; I fhould have fent 
 
 4 H 2 you
 
 612 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 you this three or four pod ago ; but (tho' it be of no importance) I 
 forgot it. Ye know my Lord Merfington is dead ; and this poll 
 brings us news that the Pope has departed this life. So ye may 
 be fure there is nothing now in agitation but intrigueing, bargaining, 
 porting exprefs upon exprefs, for the elevation to the chair and the 
 bench. Who are the candidates and their patrons at Rome, I know 
 not ; but here my L. Argyle and his clan are for CommifTary El- 
 phingfton (with whom Hugh Cunningham your minifter hath 
 promifed in your name to join your forces.) My Lord Prefident 
 and the aunties are for CommifTary Stewart ; my Lord Advocate, 
 out of piety for an old fufferer, Sir Gilbert Elliot; CommifTar Smol- 
 let, with a fquadron of the borrows, for himielf. My Lord Sea- 
 field is for all of them till the parliament fits, and then for his 
 coufin Forglan, when its over. There are feveral more candidates. 
 Their way of pleading is this : If for our fecurity (for they have been 
 nick't with promifes before) ye will depofitate our comiffions in 
 the hands of our refpecliive patrons, till the parliament be over, we 
 will ferve you with all our following ; and, if not, then, vQtrefervi- 
 teur. I have a good mind to put in for the next vacancy my felf. 
 I'll difpenfe with this; for I am refolved to be a Lord of Seffion this 
 reign, or I'll accept of a biihoprick the next; and then up goes 
 Goflipry. Adieu. 
 
 Captain Campbell of Finab, that was fent by the African compa- 
 ny from London, in November laft, with a commiffion to be one of 
 their councill of Caledonia, arrived at Greenock the 1 2th, and came 
 to Greenock the 1 4th inftant. He gives account, that, as he came 
 in to Caledonia, he found the Spanifh fleet, confifting of three ihips 
 of force, twelve fmall veffels, fifteen fail in all, cruiiing off the Gol- 
 den Ifland; and having eafily paft their fleet, arrived at the colo- 
 ny the 1 ith of April. He found them in all the diforder men 
 poflibly could be in; their fort unrepaired, not a tree cut down; only 
 a few huts built for putting them under cover ; and, in fhort, una- 
 nimoully refolved to leave the place in March. The caufe of this 
 diforder is atributed by our people (Captain Campbell is very mo- 
 deft
 
 AND LETTERS. 61$ 
 
 deft in his acounts) to the defertionof the firft colony. Some fay 
 the proclamations frightned them out of their wits, (for they did 
 not want provhlons;) others fay, that they got (of the French mips 
 that was loft there) a great deal of money, which made them 
 weary of the place, and impatient to be gone. Now, this laft con- 
 voy, that went out under the command of Captain Gibfon, Major 
 Lindfey, Lieutenant Veitch, and one Byers were, upon their ar- 
 rival, to take orders from the councill of Caledonia, the company 
 not hearing that the colony had deferted, tho' there was a report of 
 it. They finding the place abandoned, continue themfelves in the 
 government ; and the firft thing they refolved upon after their land~ 
 ing was- to lend 400 of their men to Jamacia, to fave their provi- 
 fions. Captain Campbell gives account, that one Captain Drum- 
 mond, who had been with the firft convoy that deferted, and had 
 returned from Jamacia in queft of this, for he knew they were to 
 follow, remonftrate againft this reiblution, by fhowing them the ill 
 treatment their men had met with in that place; and propofed to 
 go off with a 150, and to fhift among the Spaniards (who had begun 
 hoftilities upon them in the bufinefs of Pincarton.) This propofai 
 is rejected, and the men fhipt. Drummond refufes to obey Lind- 
 fay as a councellor ; fo fall to logger heads. Drummond is put in 
 arreft, where he lay while Campbell's arrival, and in this pofture 
 of affairs he found them at his landing. The mean while, they have 
 an account of a body of Spaniards inarching over land, from Sancta 
 Maria, under the command of the governor of that place. Captain 
 Campbell, two days after he came to more, marched out with 200. 
 of the colony and 40 Indians againft them. The Indians con- 
 dueled him, two days march through the woods, to a place called, 
 in there language Tappo Canti, where the Spaniards were intrenched 
 with pallifadoes, or rather (licks fet in the ground, and woven a- 
 bout with twiggs. Campbell could not, for the woods, make any 
 front againft them ; but came up in diforder to the pallifadoes, (the 
 Spaniard fireing on them,) which they eafily threw down, entered 
 fword in hand, and put them to flight. There were nine of the 
 
 colony-
 
 614 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 colony killed, Campbell and fourteen more were wounded. He 
 cannot give any certain account how many of the Spaniards were 
 killed, for the foldiers fell of plundring their camp, which hin- 
 dred them for purfuing them. Campbell returns back to the fort, 
 and is advertifed by a friend, that Gibfon, Lindfay, and Veitch 
 were fpeaking of capitulating with the Spanifh fleet. Mean while 
 one of the foldiers deferting, gives account of the ficknefs of our peo- 
 ple, fcarcity of provifions, and that the colony was weary of the 
 place, and wanted any tolerable pretext to leave it; whereupon the 
 Spaniards land a body of their people ; Campbell cannot know 
 what number, being all under the cover of the wood ; but, when 
 they took pofTeffion of the fort, they marched in about 500 men. 
 Captain Campbell was ftill againft capitulating : He knew the 
 Spaniards durft not attack the fort; he has a mean opinion of their 
 courage ; and propofed to make a firefhip of one of their (loops, 
 and to try that as the laft expedient. He propofes this to the 
 boatfwain of the Rifing Sun; promifes him, in the name of the 
 company, L. 500 reward, if he can fet the Spaniih Admiral 
 on fire, and to be paid to his order in Scotland, if he dies in the 
 attempt. He frankly undertakes the thing, goes out in the dark of 
 the night, and came very near the Admiral ; but, his heart failing 
 him, tacked about, and returned without doing any thing. Its 
 true, the fleet took the alarm on his going up, fired from all their 
 fhips, and run to their fmall arms. If there was any fign given them, 
 I know not ; but, when they come, there will be dilcoveries made 
 that yet we know nothing of. After this, nothing can flop them 
 from capitulating; they pretend they had then but two months pro- 
 vifions of flour, and wanted ball ; for they were melting down the 
 leads of their cannon, and what pewter veffels they had. The di- 
 rectors here affirm, that they have it under their hands, that they 
 then had no lefs than fix months provifions, and, for ball, they had 
 twenty thoufand ftone weight of lead aboard at their home-coming. 
 They'll be all at logerheads together. In fine, they give out, that 
 
 Camp-
 
 AND LETTERS. 615 
 
 Campbeirs wounds and ficknefs (for he was then diftreft with a 
 flux) had crack'd him, and fo they capitulate without him. 
 
 Thus, That the Spaniards fhould have the fort as it then was, ha- 
 ving four great guns, and two or three fmall pieces : That all prifoners 
 mould be returned on both fides : That, in eleven days, they ihould 
 put themfelves and their effects on board, and be gone : That any 
 {hip coming from Scotland with provifions for fix months thereaf- 
 ter mould have leave to return. Gibfon and Veitch figned the ca- 
 pitulation ; (Lindfay died two days before) ; Campbell would not 
 fign, put himfelf aboard his floop, with thirty men, and, on the 1 1 th 
 of April, fet fail for New- York, and from thence, in five weeks, 
 landed at Greenock the 12th inftant. Adieu. 
 
 If you are for a touch of our town-news, voicy : This week, 
 three or four of the laft mob were put upon theTron ; and a cook, 
 (who truly deferved to have been fricazied), fcourged moft gently by 
 the hands of the hangman ; the mob huzzaing them all along, and 
 throwing flowers and rofes on theTron for their honour; and wine 
 going about like water. This has given the Provoft and town- 
 council great offence, have put their hangman in the hole, and fent 
 for his brother of Haddington to fcourge him for not doing his 
 duty. The poor executioner pled ftrongly for himfelf, That the 
 King's privy council had taken no notice of the Advocate, who be- 
 ing concuffed, but by a few of the mob, figned an order for making 
 open the prifon-doors, and that he himfelf was threatened by many 
 hundreds with death, if he laid on but one fore ftroke. The ma- 
 giflrates, notwithftanding, repel his defence, and order him to be 
 fcourged. The hangman of Haddington, feeing a great multitude in 
 the ftreets, takes the epouvantc, and makes his efcape. Thus, af- 
 ter waiting two hours in the windows, we are difappointed of the 
 {how, and the prifoner returned. The magiftrates of Haddington 
 (fome fay) find themfelves concerned to prefent their hangman, and 
 are to fend to fome neighbour-town for a day's work of theirs. In 
 ihort, the common difcourfe is, that all this buflle is like to termi- 
 nate,
 
 1700 
 
 616 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 nate, in fine, in a perfecution of the hangman hereabouts, and 
 breaking fome few officers (whereof I may be one) of the army. 
 Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 He is for making a Bargain voith Lord Bale arras, before he be per- 
 mitted to return to Scotland, that he Jhall not join the Duke of 
 
 Hamilton. The Commiffioner difpleafeditith the Advocate. 
 
 Againft a Signature in favour of Rojlin. Of one Father Cof- 
 
 mo's Praclices. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, I thought to have writt to his Majefty this morning ; but I find 
 Au g- H« ; t i s impoffible I can have time. I know it would have been good 
 for my health that I had gone to the Bath ; but, feeing that fl un- 
 derstand by your letter, that his Majefty rather defires I mould go 
 for Scotland, I fhall make all the hafte to go there that is poffible 
 for me. I have letters from fome, particularly Lord Philiphaugh, 
 and from the Prefident of the feffion, that, could his Majefty go to 
 Scotland, his Majefty's affairs would be fettled to his fatisfa&ion. 
 There is another thing which they feem to think, which indeed I 
 am not fully convinced of, that is, that his Majefty's coronation 
 might be put off till another time: However, if this can be, it would 
 fave a great deal of expence to his Majefty and to the fubjedts. My 
 L. Commiflloner does likewife write of the other preparations that 
 feems to be indifpenfibly needful. I only add thefe two, that the 
 council-chamber in the abbay and chapel fhould likewife be re- 
 paired ; and all thefe reparations cannot amount to much. How- 
 ever, if his Majefty cannot come, he will find that my L. Com- 
 miffioner defires to come up about the time of his Majefty's return ; 
 and I know feveral other will defire the like, particularly my L. 
 Chancellor ; and, as for myfelf, I fhall be ready to obey his Ma- 
 jefty's commands, and fhall either come up before the parlia- 
 ment,
 
 AND LETTERS. 617 
 
 ment, or flay there, as he pleafes. I have not yet intimate my order 
 for my lodgings; but I will do it; but, for fome time, I muft lodge in 
 the town as before. If his Majefty has any particular commands for 
 me, I fhall be glade to have them about the time I come to Scotland. 
 As for what you write concerning my L. Balcarres, I know his cir- 
 cumftances are fuch as they are reprefented by my L. Loudon; and 
 I do indeed believe, that he will rather do good than hurt to his 
 Majefty's fervice there ; but I would take his promife, in exprefs 
 terms, that he mould neither directly nor indirectly concur with 
 the Ik of Hamilton in the oppofition, but, on the contrary, that he 
 fhould be affifting to us ; and I believe my L. Commiffioner will 
 write to the fame purpofe how foon he receives your letter and Mr 
 Pringle's. I find alfo, that my L. Commiffioner is alfo diflatisfied 
 with my L. Advocate ; but I fhall endeavour to adjuft this the beft 
 way I can, as foon as I come to Edinburgh. My L. Argyle writes 
 moft impatiently for the Frazers remiffion, and my L. Arbrucehall's 
 paper. My L. Commiffioner does likewife recommend to me a fig- 
 nature in favours of the Laird of Roflin : I fhall not oppofe it ; on- 
 ly this you may know, that its worth, by their own acknowledge- 
 ment, 1 800 pounds Scots, and perhaps more : And the treafury of 
 Scotland was never fo low as it is now ; and what makes it yet 
 worfe is, that no body knows what the King's revenues may a- 
 mount to till after the parliament, becaufe they intend to make 
 fuch regulations in the trade as I believe will quite diforder the cu- 
 floms for fome years. I received my laft letters from Scotland by 
 Captain Douglas, who does alfo defire to carry them over ; there- 
 fore I have delivered them to him. I believe he is to give the King 
 an account, that one Father Cofmo, whole true name is Clerk, has 
 been in Scotland, that he did diftribute fome money there, and that 
 he knows where he is now. I do think it very fit that he be taken 
 up, and his papers feized ; perhaps fomething may be difcovered 
 by him. I have fent the King's letter to be delivered by Mr Prin- 
 gle ; and you may do me the favour to let his Majefty know, that 
 I thought it unneceffary to trouble him. I doubt not but upon the 
 
 4 1 firft
 
 618 S T A T E - P A P E 11 S 
 
 fir ft opportunity wis will hear of a new rabble ; for the fentence a- 
 gainft the rabblers has been moft favourable to them ; and the 
 breaking the windows of all in the government has not been fo 
 much as confidered either by the judges or advocates ; and, when 
 the rabblers were ftanding upon the Tron, they had a concert of 
 flutes playing, and the people about were killing their hands and 
 encouraging them. Forglen writes this tome particularly. I mind 
 nothing more than is neceflary for your information at prefent. I 
 know I ihall be much troubled with fplicitations for places when 
 I come there. I entreat you to write me from time to time, which 
 is all at prefent from, Sir, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl of Mar to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Going to the North to keep his Men right. Is in a Pack with Mr 
 
 Carfares' s Friend ; and therefore expecls his Intereft for a 
 
 Place. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, When there's fo many of your friends here who give you better 
 i"<?o. 17 ' accounts of bufinefs than I can, I know my letters will be of no 
 ufe, but troublefome, elfe this mould not have been the firft fince 
 you left Scotland. The council and exchequer are now adjourned, 
 and the Commiffioner has allowed me to go to the country for fome 
 time. I intend to go north before I return to this place, both for 
 fome private bufinefs of my own, and alfo to keep thofe in that 
 country, in whom I am concerned, right, and not to let them join 
 with any that are in parties againft us : As yet they have been pret- 
 ty free of it. We have a (lorry here from pretty good hands, that 
 fome concerned in the Highlands has ordered their men to have 
 their arms in readinefs ; fo its time we fhould look to ourfelves, and 
 keep our own men right ; and I'm fure its good fervice done the 
 King. It will be a confiderable time ere I be in town again, and 
 
 its
 
 AND LETTERS. 619 
 
 its likely any places that are vacant will be difpofing of in the 
 mean time ; therefore, now, Sir, I give you this trouble, to put you 
 in mind of my pretentions I told you of when you was laft in Scot- 
 land ; you may remember its Blackbarony's place. There's abun- 
 dance afking it, I doubt not ; and I know it will be faid, that, at this 
 time, it is a fit bait to take off fome one or other that is againft the 
 King's meafures. If that were the only thing, or any way near it, 
 to make the King's affairs go right, I allure you I would never o- 
 pen my mouth of it ; but fince it is no great matter, and can do 
 the King's iervice little good that way, I hope I may fpeak for my 
 felf. 'Tis very reafonable the King fhould take people off that are 
 againft him, and make new friends; but I hope his Majefty is more 
 generous, and it would not be thought his intereft to neglect thofe 
 who have ferved him faithfully. There is nothing I like worfe than 
 for one to overvalue him felf ; but its known I have ferved his Ma- 
 jefty faithfully according to my power ; and, fince ever I have been 
 acquainted with you, and in a pack with your friends, I am fure 
 there was none more cordial to them, and ftudied more all their in- 
 terefts. All I have of the King is a Captain's pay, which is a 
 very fmall thing, confidering my expences with ftaying for the mod 
 part in Edinburgh about the judicatories. I hope, Sir, my friends 
 defigned to get me fomething more now from the King ; and, if 
 any thing, it could not be lefs than the fallary of that place. 'Tis 
 a poft I the more covet, becaufe my genius lies that way ; and what 
 the King would be pleafed now to beftow on me by way of pen- 
 fion, or any other way, would take off any body fully as well as 
 the place I afk ; and I would value that poft more than any other 
 by which I could make much more profit ; and, befide, it would 
 make the place more confidered afterward, becaufe never a noble- 
 man had it before. I have fpoke of it to the Commiffioner, who is 
 very well fatisfied I mould have it. Sir, fince ever we were ac- 
 quaint, I have been much obliged to you, for you have given me 
 many proofs of your friendfhip and fincerity. I now very much 
 depend on you ; and, if this come not in my way now, I need ne- 
 
 4 I 2 ver
 
 620 STATE -PAPERS 
 
 ver expecl: it afterwards ; for your enemies and mine (you know 
 who I mean) are fo pickt at me, that, if ever it be in their power, 
 they will not fail of doing all they can to ruin me. 1 mail not de- 
 fire this favour I afk to be puttied fooner than our friends thinks 
 convenient, though the fooner the greater favour it would be : But, 
 when thofe things comes to be agitated, I hope I may rely on your 
 friendship ; and, wherein I can few you, or any of your concerns, 
 I affure you there is none more willing, nor will do it with more 
 fincerity; for, I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft affectionate humble fervant, 
 
 M. 
 
 1 hope you know the hand. I have written much to the fame 
 purpofe to my Lord Seafield. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Matters are vuorfe than they were. — The Subjecl of the Humour is 
 cvanijhed; but the Humour continues.— Is for the King's calling 
 up Ormijlon. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, We grow no better. I believe our friend the treafurer-depute is 
 
 Auguft 17, as wear i e d as I am ; but I drudge on, and greatly wanted him this 
 
 I7 ° 0, laft week that he kept the country. I fee no probability of doing 
 
 any thing to fatisfadion, till the King and parliament have a happy 
 
 meeting ; for diforders increafe, and the weaknefs of the government 
 
 is more and more difcovered ; but, in fincerity, for my own part, I 
 
 can do no better ; and I truly pity the CommhTioner, whom I fee 
 
 grieved and vexed, and yet knows not how to help it. Was ever a 
 
 people more unhappy ? The rife of our differences mere humour ; 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS. 621 
 
 and now, when the very fubjecl: is evanifhed, yet the humour conti- 
 nues, and even good men will not fee where it vifibly tends. As 
 to your own affairs, I wifh heartily White would fend for your old 
 friend Mr Dawfon, and that he were with you there ; for I am fure 
 he is able to give you the beft accounts of all our matters. If Mr 
 Fowler return, and matters be not better adjufted, it will be new 
 trouble : But I am truly of opinion, that this is the beft expedient 
 for to determine 9 what to refolve in this juncture ; and Hume pro- 
 tefts, that, if he could either fay or do any thing better, he would do 
 it. He has not fpoke to 27 of this motion ; but he did move it to 
 Mr Lie to fend one, and named the fame perfon ; but 10 is modeft. 
 Mr Niell is at home, in good health. Adieu. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 Speculations upon theprefent Situation of Affairs. 
 
 Worthy S I R, 
 1 had writt fooner, but waited to inform myfelf the beft I could what Edinburgh, 
 influence the King's letter that was publifhed with the adjournment t^io* 7 ' 
 of the parliament might have upon fome people here. There is a party 
 that mock it, as they will do any thing elfe that can be offered for 
 the peace and quiet of the government ; and I am heartily glad they 
 do fo, for thus I hope they will difcover themfelves. Another part 
 of them (thank God, they are now two) are much more moderate ; 
 and yet they fpeak angrily, like peevifh children, that cannot en- 
 dure to be careffed immediately after they have been whipt, and are 
 heartily angry enough : But one can fee there is no malice, wrath, 
 nor defign, in their anger ; a little time and it is over ; and a few 
 good words will make them friends with their father. No doubt, 
 ye have account of all this bufinefs from others ; if they differ from 
 
 me, 
 
 Mr Dawfon. Ormifton. Mr Fo-wtcr, Mr Carftares. 9i the King. 
 
 Hume, Advocate. 27, Carmichael, Lie, Queenfberry. 1 o, Ormifton.
 
 622 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 me, I know not ; but, let them think what they will, I am perfuaded 
 that this letter of the King's will prove the fcourge of that party, and 
 a rod of iron to break them to pieces. Were the colony ilill in 
 being, I know not if it could have wrought fo powerfully : But 
 now the profecution of that bufinefs, exceeding far both their ftrength 
 and hope, I am confident, the more moderate think no more in earneft 
 of it ; efpecially, feeing what the violent party does propofe, imells 
 rank of rage and revenge, and a defign deftrudtive of the good of 
 the country. They openly profefs, that they will never give over, 
 till the King grant them an ad, afferting, that their colony's fettle- 
 ment was legal. Without it, they fay, that they are not fecure in 
 their reprifal upon the Spaniard, from being treated as pyrates by all 
 the world ; and, for the Spaniard, they neither expect, nor will give 
 him quarter. Thus, upon the fecurity of this act, they pretend to 
 take into their fervice all the pyrates that i'warm upon the ocean ; 
 their commiffion being a fecurity to them againft all other nations 
 but the Spanifh. Now, I think I may confidently affure you, that 
 all the moderate party of that faction, not only prefbyterians, but 
 the other friends of the government that were in with them, mock 
 this refolve as ridiculous. They all call it a noble and honourable 
 expedition, worthy the countenance and protection of the King of 
 Great Brirain ; and, as for any defign, by that act, of retaking 
 their Caledonia, they have no hope of any other fuccefs, but throw- 
 ing out their money to no purpoie. And it is much to be doubted, 
 if they had that act, if the fubfcribers would pay in their money 
 (without the laft extremity of law) upon that project. The mode- 
 rate are for making another ufe of their act eftabliihing the compa- 
 ny, than a war with Spain. I am confident to affure you, that they 
 believe the King, upon his letter, that he is in earneft with them, 
 and will give them any encouragement for their trade, "Darien a- 
 part. This, with the habeas corpus act, which they expect, from 
 thefe words of the letter, ^and for the fecurity of mens perfons), doer 
 not a little pleafe thern : So that I cannot make the leaft doubt, (let 
 others philofophife as they pleafe), if things keep right in England, 
 
 but
 
 AND LETTERS. 623 
 
 but the King (hall have a party in this parliament that will be able 
 to vote any thing out of doors. This fix or feven days we have 
 been hourly made to expert an exprefs, with an order for breaking 
 fome of the troops. This fets our politics to work. Thefe who are 
 for Caledonia and a war with Spain, avoweth, that the King dare 
 not break them, not having money to clear them ; and, if he mould, 
 Voila tant gagni pour eux. Others fay, there is no danger in break- 
 ing, if the King give them half-pay till they be cleared. But the 
 two grand points, which are the fubjecl: of our politics, are, The 
 treaty for dividing the Spanifh monarchy, and the death of the Duke 
 of Gloucefter. Here is the fucceffion of both Spain and England, 
 and what they hope the parliament of England will find worthy 
 their confederation : That is their plight anchor, and all their hopes 
 of mifchief are in it. I fhall not trouble you with the impertinent 
 conjectures and chimeras they have about it; but, in general, there is 
 ground to fear, if any differences mould arife between the King and 
 his parliament of England, fo as to come to any rupture or violence, 
 (which God forbid), that this party here, (even after the prefbyte- 
 rians and other friends of the government hath left them), they will 
 join themfelves with any party in England that fhall oppofe them- 
 felves to the King. Therefore, if ye be in earneft for breaking any 
 part of the army, ye muft confider how ye are ftated in England. 
 If ye are right there, it matters not for any thing in Scotland, whe- 
 ther ye break fome few of us or not. But, by all means, ye muft 
 give us half-pay, till we are cleared ; and fome way muft be fallen 
 upon for putting the ferjeants and corporals (upon fome fmall allow- 
 ance above a foldier's pay), into the ftanding regiments. Thefe fel- 
 lows have ftill influence upon the foldiers, and are capable of doing 
 mifchief. This may be done, by adding four or five men to each 
 company ; or fome other way. By this time, if ye have gone thro 5 
 this, ye are weary ; I afk pardon, and am fmcerely, dear Sir, your 
 faithful and afTedionate fervant* 
 
 Lord
 
 624 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord Seafield under much Obloquy. — The Earl oj ' Bare arras. — Charac- 
 ter of Sir Gilbert Elliot, whom he tvi/hes to be Lord of Se/fion. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, I have none of your's to anfwer ; nor is there, as yet, any appear- 
 ^£ 22 ' ance °f alteration in our affairs. I wifhed, in my laft, that fome 
 
 I yOOi » 
 
 perfon were fent for from this, to inform truly and fully of the ftate 
 of all matters, and named Dawfon, your friend. We now exped: 
 my Lord Seafield this week, or the beginning of the next ; and I 
 am glad he is coming, both to fee our matters, and help with his ad- 
 vice. It is true, he is under much obloquy ; but I truly judge it all 
 calumny ; for, I am perfaaded, that, in his ftation, he hath very 
 fingly intended both the good of his country, and his Majefty's fer- 
 vice. My Lord Carmichael came to town Wednefday. I heard 
 the Earl of Barcarras importunes the King for liberty to come homej 
 and I know the King hath hitherto refufed it. This day it was dif- 
 courfed, whether it were fit, or not; and, if fit, in what terms. The 
 council, laft week, ordained the Advocate and Sollicitor to bring in 
 lifts of all come from France contrary to law, and feemed to incline 
 they fhould be all fent back ; which is unfavourable for the Earl's 
 defire; but, if his particular circumftances and ftraits fhould prevail, 
 it was thought by fome, the allowance fhould not be granted, unlefs 
 he qualified himfelf by the allegiance and aflurance : The Advocate 
 faid, he doubted he would ; but, if he fhould, things are fo turned 
 of late, that he could not judge it a fecurity; for, fince May laft, they 
 have qualified themfelves, which, if evened to it a year before, 
 would have faid as much as, am I a dog ? So that, though allegi- 
 ance and aflurance, when refufed, were indeed difcoveries, but, when 
 taken, were no fecurity ; and therefore he thought caution and con- 
 finement neceflary ; but I thought it was more inclined, that, at 
 this time, he might have patience. And I indeed would gladly have 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 625 
 
 the parliament firft well over. We have enough of ill-talkers, and 
 ill-talk was at no time more hurtful. On Tuefday lad, the Lord Mer- 
 fington dined well with a friend iii the Merfe, and went well to bed; 
 but was found dead before four in the morning, his lady in bed with 
 him, who knew nothing of his dying. A warning ftroke ! He was 
 a good honeft man, and is much regretted : But the next care is a 
 good fucceffor, which I earneftly obteft may be an honeft able man, 
 as being the great concern of.the nation. Mr Man and Mr Thom- 
 fon did both feparately name to Hume Sir Gilbert Elliot; and it was 
 Hume's own thought, and he obtefted them, for God's fake, to bide 
 by it ; for the man is true, honeft, alio juft and bold, and hath given 
 good proof. I believe the Prefident of the feftion may be for ano- 
 ther, and likewife a very honeft man ; but, I believe, the firft will 
 have more to recommend him. My dear friend, you know 32's cafe 
 with his daughter; the thing in the world molt afflicted him. If it 
 were poflible, on this occafion, to get the young man into the coun- 
 cil-clerkftiip, it would be a fingular relief; for he dow net fee his 
 daughter miferable ; and you know the young man, and I could an- 
 fwer for him. Pray mind this, as you would do 32 the moft en- 
 dearing kindnefs. I'll fay no more, till I fee Mr Hay. Adieu. 
 
 The good Countefs of Rothes died Tuefday laft, much regretted 
 by all, and very defervedly. The Treafurer-depute is at Lefly. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Not advifeable to fettle the Succejfor to Merfington foon\ becaufe the 
 SeJJton not compofed as it ought to be. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your letter of the fifth from Loo came fafe to my hands ; it re- Holyrood- 
 lates entirely to my Lord Balcarras. The King has done me a great 2 ° U [ e 7 ' o. U£ 
 deal of honour in defiring my opinion in that matter. I thought 
 
 4 K- Jmyfelf 
 
 32, Advocate.
 
 626 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 myfclf obliged to be cautious in my advice ; and therefore, I fpoke 
 to fuch of the King's fervants as are now in town about it. I found 
 them divided in their opinion ; but it was at laft thought fit to de- 
 lay giving their thoughts finally till my Lord Seafield's arrival, who 
 is expected in a few days. I know my Lord Balcarras's circum- 
 ftances to be very bad, which engaged me formerly to be an inter- 
 ceflbr for him ; they do every day plead more and more for favour ; 
 yet I hope that the delay of two or three months, till our parlia- 
 ment be over, will not be of very great prejudice to him ; but, as foon 
 as my Lord Seafield comes, that affair fhall be fully advifed, and 
 you informed of the fentiments of people about it. I am juft: going 
 to my brothers houfe (which is but I 5 miles from hence) for two 
 davs. I leave my Lord Argyle and Major General Ramfay in town, 
 though there is not the leaft profpect of trouble in it : So, upon ac- 
 count of this hurry, pray excufe the fhortnefs of my letter, and ex- 
 peel: the trouble of a longer one foon after my return to this place. 
 I am, with great kindnefs, your's, &c. 
 
 Two nights ago my Lord Merfington died fuddenly ; there will 
 be many pretenders to his place in the feffion ; but it is noways ad- 
 vifeable to difpofe of it fuddenly ; that bench is not compofed as it 
 ought to be ; and, therefore, we muft be wary in our choice : So time 
 is requifite for a juft recommendation to a place of that importance, 
 both to the King and country. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Oppofition divided into Jacobites^ Malcontent s, and Williamites; 
 and hoiv each ivill acl in Parliament, 
 
 Worthy SIR, 
 Edinburgh, * am everv day more perfuaded that the major part of theparlia- 
 A »g- 24* ment will vote the King a fublidy'for his army. I fhall not here trouble 
 you with the particular reafonings and difcourfes I hear upon the 
 
 fub- 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 627 
 
 fubjecl, but give you, in general, the reafon of my opinion. It is no- 
 torious that there are three different fets of people in that faction, (call- 
 ed the Country Party), which oppofe themfelves to the court. There 
 are in it rank Jacobites ; there are malcontents that are not Jacobites; 
 and there is a third, (that are neither Jacobites nor malcontents,) 
 which Icall Williamites ; and thcfe are thofe prefbyterians, and other 
 honeft country-men, in the African intereft, that have nothing before 
 their eyes, but promoting trade, and the good and welfare of their 
 country. Thefe three parties, (though they unanimoufly agree in 
 oppofing themfelves to the court,) yet they had, and ftill have, dif- 
 ferent defigns. The Jacobites bufinefs is, chiefly, to break the army; 
 and more now, fince the death of the Duke of Gloucefter, than be- 
 fore, that, when the King dies, (and neither the Princefs Ann nor he 
 having any children), they may the eafier embroil the nation, and 
 do their own bufinefs. The malcontents that are not Jacobites will 
 " not venture fo far ; their bufinefs is, to retard and hinder the King's 
 affairs in parliament, to difficult his fervants to make themfelves 
 neceflary to the King, and force him to change his minifters to 
 make way for themfelves. The Williamites I fpeak of make the 
 third clafs ; and, I think, they muft be more numerous than both 
 the other two : Their aim folely is, the peace and fecurity of the 
 government, and the good of the country, by an induftrious purfuit 
 of honourable and profitable trade. If the cafe be really thus, now 
 a propos : The King demands a fubfidy for his army, the Jacobites 
 and malcontents oppofe it ; the firft, in good earneft, the latter, on- 
 ly to fhow the King, that they are men capable to promote or retard 
 his fervice, as he does confider them. Now, if the King ftand his 
 ground, and ftick clofe by his fervants, thefe muft give way ; for 
 they will prefentlyfee themfelves left by the Williamites I fpeak of. 
 And, you know, when this parliament fat down, the King's friends 
 would not have been much out-voted : So that, a little addition 
 would have caft the balance on the King's fide. I reckon, now, the 
 whole difpute will be about the number of the army ; (for, I am 
 confident to affure you, that the wife and honeft men think no more 
 
 4K2 of
 
 628 S T A T E - P A P E I 
 
 of Caledonia); and it is not impomble but that they may be prevailed 
 upon to keep all for a year: But nobody can be certain of this. The 
 ordinary way ofreafoning (fince the death of the Duke of Gloucef- 
 ter), is much different from what it was : They begin to afk, when 
 the King comes ? To crie, where is our fecurity without an army? 
 They'll tell you, that they do not know what this treaty, for' divi- 
 ding the Spanifh monarchy, may produce, nor what meafures the 
 Englifh may take, either with refpect to that treaty, or in relation to 
 their own fucceffion : That it is not fafe to difarm the government, 
 (when it depends but on the breath of two or three princes), to fet 
 all the world in war ; and that, perhaps, not far from their own 
 doors. I reckon, fUll, the Williamites the major part, (and they 
 were lately angry with the King, and yet it is over), and this is their 
 way of fpeaking and reafoning of late. Now, I know but one thing 
 that will much difficult the King's fervants in parliament, and it is 
 this : How will ye pay the arrears of the army ? there is L. 40,000 
 fterling owing. The parliament did grant a fund for the whole ; 
 they will grudge exceedingly to make up this deficiency. I am, 
 Dear S I R, 
 
 Your faithful and affectionate fervant, 
 
 J. s. 
 
 My Lord Merlington died Tuefday morning ; my Lord Seafield 
 came in yefternight, and has been all this day at Leith. 
 
 Earl of SeafieldU) Mr Carstares. 
 
 Some of his Majefrfs Servants do little or nothing. — 10 or 12 more 
 would enable them to carry all. — Argyle and Annandale ivill be 
 very angry if he fend not douon Andrew Morton a Patent for a 
 Knight Baronet — Whitelaiv gained. — Archbifloop of Glafgoiv. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I know you will excufe me for not writing to you (o often as I 11- 
 Augua 30,' {ed to do when I was at London ; for I have been very bufy fince I 
 17 ° 0, came
 
 AND LETTERS. 6iq, 
 
 came to this place. I have met frequently with my Lord Commif- 
 fioner, and with his Majefty's other fervants ; and we are preparing 
 a letter to the parliament, and inftru&ions ; and we are refolved to 
 fpeak, particularly, to every man that we can have the leaft hopes to 
 gain. I find, the minifters in the weft, and in this town, are now 
 convinced, that, if affairs do not fucceed in parliament, that all will 
 go to ruin. We will have all the reft of the Jacobite Lords into 
 the parliament, and they are as diligent as is poflible. In the mean 
 time, fome of his Majefty's fervants do little or nothing, and others 
 feem to difpair. I am certain, would his Majefty come here, all 
 would be well ; for that would unite his fervants, and divide and 
 terrify the oppofers. And, as it is, could we prevail with 10 or 12 
 more than thofe we are fure of, we could carry all : But what con- 
 nects and unites the oppofing party is that refolve concerning Cale- 
 donia ; and the argument they ufe is, that, if the right of Caledonia 
 be not declared, the directors themfelves are not fare from being 
 profecute ; for they have got information that the King of Spain 
 will apply to the King, that it may be fo ; and they have got let- 
 ters which gives an account, that Pincarton and his crew were con- 
 demned as pyrates, upon the proclamations in Jamaica. I heartily 
 wifh that we could fall upon fome expedient, that might both pleafe 
 his Majefty, and fatisfy honeft men. His Majefty fhall have our 
 thoughts of it by my next letters. I muft alfo entreat that you may lay 
 before the King, that it does us a great deal of hurt here, that it is 
 generally believed that the company's fhip, called the St Andrew, 
 is detained by Sir William Beefton ; and, therefore, I hope his Ma- 
 jefty will give fpeedy orders concerning this, for I can fay nothing 
 to juftify it. I expect that you will fend me fuch an anfwer as I 
 may fhovv to any of the company. I entreat that you may mind 
 thofe papers that are to be laid before the King; for the Earl of Ar- 
 gyle will turn very angry, and fo will my Lord Annandale, if An- 
 drew Morton's patent, as a Knight Baronet, come not down. I fhall 
 add no more this night, fince I write again on Monday's night, but, 
 that I am, Sir, your M. H, S, 
 
 White-
 
 630 STATE- PAPER 
 
 Whitelaw and I meet very often ; he promifes to ferve the King, 
 and to be a faithful friend to myfelf. He fays, we could have no 
 difficulty, could an expedient be found as to the point of Caledonia. 
 I am again acquainted by feverals, that the Archbifhop of Glafgow 
 intends to complain to the parliament of his confinement; I there- 
 fore wifh, that, by a letter, it may be left to the privy-council to do 
 therein as they (hall think fit. As I wrote formerly, his confine- 
 ment was at his own defire ; for he was at that time under a fen- 
 tence of banifhment. I muft entreat, that you will not engage your- 
 felf to any for the Lord of the Seffion's place until the parliament 
 be over; for I doubt not but you have heard that my Lord Mer ling- 
 ton is dead, and I hope fome will acl: in expectations of it. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Lord Balcarras Jhould be permitted to return^ as an Injiance of the 
 
 folly of Jacobitifm, and a warning to others. Has had Lord 
 
 and Lady Marjhal dining with him. Keeps up a Correspond- 
 ence with Paterfon. He will be very Cautious in laying out the 
 
 Money with which he is to be entrufted by the King. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Hoiyrood- Since my laft, I have received three letters from you, dated the 
 
 houfe, Aug. jgth, 1 6th, and 20th. I have now fully difcourfed the King's fer- 
 vants about miy L. Balcarras; they exprefs all of them a compaf- 
 fion towards him, and a trouble for the fufferings of his family ; 
 but are of opinion, that the favour which his Majefly intends him 
 fhould be delayed till after the parliament : For my own part, I fee 
 no danger or inconveniency in letting him come over immediately; 
 he is an inftance of the folly of Jacobitifm ; and, when he comes, 
 that party may fee in him the fate of their own extravagancies ; 
 wherefore, I am fo far from oppofmg the King's intended goodnefs 
 to that Lord, that I wifh his Majefty would allow it him in fuch a 
 
 frank 
 
 31. 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 631 
 
 frank way as that he may be obliged by it. I have had my Lord 
 and Lady Marfhall to dine with me, fince I had the King's allow- 
 ance to promife him a penfion. I took occafion to fpeak to both 
 of them feparately, but found them yet a little flicking in the af- 
 ferting the right of Caledonia ; for which reafon, I was not fo free 
 with them as I intended to be in a few days, after I have prepared 
 them better by the help of fome of their advifers. As to any other 
 commiflions that fhall come, I do allure you, that none fhall be gi- 
 ven out till after the feflion of parliament, if the good of his Ma- 
 jefty's fubjedts do not abfolutely require it, and that I be very well 
 aflured of the fufficiency of the perfons for his Majefty's intereft to 
 whom they fhall be given. The death of the D. of Glocefter has 
 mightily puffed up the Jacobite party here ; fo that from thence 
 I do flill expect a greater oppofition in bufinefs than ever. I wifh 
 that his Majefty's affairs could allow him to come hither ; however, 
 we have people at work to countermine that party. The African 
 company have appointed a committee of feven of their number to 
 confer with Mr Paterfon, and to concert, and digeft in writing, fuch 
 things as they fhall agree upon as proper to be demanded in par- 
 liament. Mr Paterfon is, in his judgement, againft moving any 
 thing in this feflion about Caledonia ; and tells me, that he thinks 
 he has gained fome coniiderable men to his opinion. The poor 
 man adts with great diligence and affection to the King and coun- 
 try ; and he has no bye-end, and loves this government both in 
 church and ftate. He knows nothing yet of my having obtained 
 any thing for him ; and I am a little embaraffed how to give him 
 what I am allowed for him, left his party in that company fhould 
 conceive any unjuft jealoufy of him, or he himfelf think that I in- 
 tend as a bribe that which is really an adt of charity. I was out of 
 town at my brother's houfe, when my L. Seafield came to this 
 place ; but I returned on Monday before dinner. We have had fe- 
 veral meetings fince with the reft of his Majefty's fervants : We 
 have come to fome refolutions; but people are ftill fo flow and 
 timorous, and fo changeable in their opinions, that it is very hard 
 
 to
 
 632 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 to get them to fix a point : However, I do hope, that, in a pofl or 
 two, I fhall be able to give you fome account of the meafures which 
 we are now concerting. As to what you write about the money 
 that may be neceffary for the King and country's fervice, I fhall let 
 you know my opinion in my next; and, in the mean time, you may 
 allure the King, that, fince he is pleafed to allow me that trull of 
 money, I fhall be as little lavifh of it as I can, and fhall never bellow 
 it where it fhall not be of ufe, and fhall take all the care that I can, 
 that neither his fervice nor money be thrown away. His Majefly's 
 gracious acceptance of my poor endeavours here mufl needs encou- 
 rage me in the profecution of my duty. I fhall do all that's in my 
 power to make returns fuitable to his goodnefs. I have daily more 
 and more a fenfe of the obligations which I owe you, and fhall e- 
 ver continue your's, &c. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a fleeting at the Duke of Athole's. The Projecls of the 
 
 Miniftry. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, \ wro te this letter to you from Leith, tho' it be dated from Edin- 
 i7oo. 3 ' burgh. I have been fo crowded with company, that you can only 
 
 expect an imperfect account from me. The Commiffioner will 
 fend you the draught of a letter, which, if his Majefty pleafes to 
 fign, we think will be acceptable to all honed men in the parlia- 
 ment ; and vou have alfo our thoughts of what inftruclions are ne- 
 ceffary. It is evident, that we have no way of prevailing, but by 
 letting honefl men fee the flate of our affairs ; and that we mufl ne- 
 ceffarily fall into confufion, if we don't agree next feffion of parlia- 
 ment ; and I do find a great many convinced of this ; but they be- 
 ing fo clofely engaged by former addreffes, there is great difficulty 
 in prevailing with them to come and affifl us j but fome of them 
 
 that
 
 AND LETTERS. 633 
 
 that oppofed us are willing to ftay away. They are to have a great 
 meeting at Dunkeld at the Marquis of Athol's houfe, when Lord 
 John Hay is to be married with the heirefs of Lovat. We that 
 are concerned in the government are refolved to go to the country, 
 that we may have the opportunity of fpeaking with the parliament- 
 men ; and I am fure I (hall not fail to act my part with all the care 
 and diligence that is poffible ; and I mail acquaint you if I have 
 any fuccefs. I mall be upon a call, if the King have any fervice 
 for me at London ; but, what we all wifh is, to fee him here ; for 
 his own prefence would certainly give him fuccefs in his affairs ; 
 and, without it, we will no doubt have great difficulty ; though I 
 muft own I have very good hopes, if every one would act their own 
 part fairly. My Lord Carmichael and I have reafon to be diflatis- 
 fied with what the Chancellor has done as to that commiffion was 
 granted to Hugh Cunningham and Duncan Ronald. The leaft in- 
 finuation to my Lord or me would have ftopt it. I did never yet 
 fee it ; but, as the thing was reprefented to me, I did give my con- 
 fent ; and my Lord and I defign nothing by it but the King's fer- 
 vice. The Commiffioner and the treafury has as much reafon to be 
 diffatisned with the Chancellor as we. What I have writt to Mr 
 Pringle, concerning my L. Balcarras and Coats, he will acquaint you 
 with it ; which is all I have time, in fuch a hurry, to add, but that 
 I am, Sir, your M. H. S. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Officers of State are to fet out upon their Mijfions to convert 
 
 Members of Parliament. Wagers that the Parliament ivill 
 
 keep up the Army. A new Projecl on foot for Trade. 
 
 Worthy SIR, 
 My L. Seaneld this day took his journey to the north. This ten or Edinburgh; 
 twelve days that he has been here, the officers of ftate been have for ^ ept ' 3 * 
 
 4 L the
 
 634 s T A ' T E " p A p E R S 
 
 the mod together, and (they fay) have divided the members of par- 
 liament of the other party among them : Each has a clafs of them 
 affigned him, and are to part next week to the country upon their 
 miffion to convert them. If there be any thing of this, my L. Sea- 
 field, I fuppofe, has wrote you. 1 have been ieveral times to wait 
 of him ; but could get no time, for a croud of company, to fpeak to 
 him. It is poffible ye have accounts of the humours and incli- 
 nations of the people much different from mine. I know they brag 
 itill, that they are a fcore of votes fupernumerary for Caledonia, 
 which they can never part with, that being the cement that unites 
 them together ; for, if they quit that handle, they will break loole 
 from one another. I know that they prefume much. The mini- 
 ftry is lazy, and ffirs little in the caufe, (but no body can be free 
 from their calumnies), and that they themfelves are active, and at 
 pains, both with the members of parliament and the nation, in car- 
 rying on the addrefs ; fo that there is, in fome parts, never a plough- 
 man but that they have got to fign it by himfelf, or a notar for him. 
 I know, that, fmce the laft adjournment, there has been circular let- 
 ters fent thro' the members of parliament of their party to keep them 
 fixed. I know they prefume too, (and it may be true), that two 
 thirds of the nation are either Jacobites, or perverted, by thefe mea- 
 fures, in an ill opinion of the government. Yet ye know, that three 
 parts of the members of parliament, (I mean of the burrows and 
 burgefles), are honeft men, and prefbyterians ; and that, although 
 they were angry enough about Caledonia, yet thefe (befides what 
 we may count upon amongft the nobility), will never confent to a 
 change in this government, or (when the cafe is plainly ftated) con- 
 fent to what may firft bring it into contempt, and then to ruin. I 
 have a wadger with you, and it is a bold one ; it is this, let others 
 be as much afFraid as they will : Now, I fay, the African colony is 
 defeat ; the King's letter publifhed, (which, when the parliament 
 fits down, mull be renewed and enlarged, even as to defcend to par- 
 ticular inftrudions); the D. of Glocefter is dead; the fucceflion of 
 
 Eng-
 
 AND LETTERS. 635 
 
 England undetermined ; Scotland unanimoufly refolved to ly bye, 
 and not declare ; the hearts of all good countrymen bent upcn an 
 union with England : All this confidered, my wager is, If the ma- 
 jor part of this parliament be not for keeping up the greateft part 
 of this army (I think I might fay all) for one year, if I had fifty 
 lievs to loie, I'll forfeit them all for a milling of your money. They 
 have projectors now at work making plans and fcheming trade : 
 I have (een. the conftruction of fome. The defign is a national 
 trade ; fo that by it all Scotland will become one entire company 
 of merchants. It propofes a fund of credit, by which, in two years 
 time, to raile above three hundred thoufand pound Sterling. With 
 this ftock they are, 
 
 1/?, To trade to both the Indies, and fettle colonies in the terms 
 of the act eftablifhing their company. 
 
 zdo, To raife manufactories throughout all the kingdom. 
 
 3/io, To purfue their fifhing to greater profit in all the markets 
 of Europe than any other fifhing company in Chriftendom can 
 do. 
 
 4/0, To employ all the poor in the nation ; fo that, in two years 
 time, there fhall not be one beggar feen in all the kingdom, and 
 that without any act of flavery. 
 
 5/0, To pay back to any of the fubfcribers to the African ftock 
 his money, if demanded ; fo that no body can complain of any lofs 
 that way. 
 
 The form and act of parliament they are to demand for doing 
 this mighty work is too long to write ; but, if I thought ye had ei- 
 ther curiofity or time to read them, I mould not fpair my pains. 
 Adieu. 
 
 4 L 2 Earl
 
 636 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 A pleafant Defcription of the Methods nfed to carry their Point in 
 
 Parliament by both Sides. Commiffary E/phinJIon the jitteji Alan 
 
 for a Lord of Seffion. 
 
 SIR, 
 Edmburg , j ^j vour > s w ; t h an account of your fuccefs in that affair recom- 
 17Q0. mended fo eameftly to you. I am now m after of the paper; it 
 
 comprehends all it mould do, and no more. If it were poffible to 
 tie me more than I was already, this one ad of his Majefty's would. 
 Thefe ten days paft, thofe that are forward, of which but few have 
 been very bufy, every one of us has taken our talks. V.Seafield is gone 
 north, I go to-morrow weft, and the Commiflioner ftays in town ; 
 and we have fent feveral emiffaries among the burrows in Fife and 
 Angus, and thereabouts. Few of the barons can be brought to rea- 
 fon, though I muft fay, the method now taken has fo good an a- 
 fpe<St, that I'm in good hopes. None is more foreward than Lord 
 Arbrucehill ; nay, he is brilk and ftout beyond his natural temper. 
 Lord Ruthven begins to have his eyes opened, and fome others ; 
 but I will not give you too good hopes, till I fee a little farther. 
 Some has minifters fet upon them, fome their wives : Some mail 
 have drawing plaifters that are fick at heart ; fo that I am hopeful 
 the fever will over one way or another. You cannot imagine how 
 foolifhly they manage their new addrefs ; fcarce any but a Jacobite 
 has the handing them about ; they caufe all fort of fluff and rabble 
 fign, or fome body fign for them ; and all get titles, if it were a tay- 
 lor,a cottar, nay, the meaneft creature, lchool-boys, whatnot. I gave 
 the Commiflioner a particular account of fundries of this fort in 
 writt, which I prefunae he'll tranfmit to you. We are all now po- 
 fitive that the King's prefence would blow all clouds away. You 
 know there is a vacancy now in the feftion ; I ihall not fay its pro- 
 per to fill it now; but Commiffary Elphinfton is the fitteft man that 
 
 we
 
 AND LETTERS. 637 
 
 we can be lure of. I know others are recommended byfome,who 
 I can demonftrate their carriage at this time proves they are betray- 
 ing the King. Time will convince it more to every body's con- 
 viction ; and I hope to fee the time when his Majefty may treat 
 them as they deferve, which is, as the worft fort of enemies. When 
 any thing occurs worth the acquainting you, I fhall write. I am 
 your's. Adieu. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Earl MarfloaVs Penfion. — Lord Balcarras. — Nevil Payne. — Money 
 neceffary for jecret Services ; how he will difpofe of it. — His own 
 Opinion of the Meafures necefjary for managing the next SeJJwn of 
 Parliament to the King's Mind. — Balcarras mufl undertake for 
 Lord Kelly. — The Money lodged in the Bank to be difpofed of by 
 bimfelf; — he has not communicated any thing concerning it, even 
 to Seafeld. — Has referred the Kifig to Mr Carfares for particu- 
 lars. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I received your letter of the 22d of laft month, with E. Mar- Holyrood- 
 ihall's penfion, and a warrant for two hundred pounds. My Lord ho ^ o Se P* 
 Marshall keeps ftill upon fair generals, and feems to (lick upon the 
 head of Caledonia ; which has made me keep at a greater diftance 
 from him than I intended to have done. He is now going into the 
 country, where Tome of his friends intend to ply him ; for.it is need- 
 lefs to attempt it here, where he is conftantly kept warm by fuch 
 perfons as are pofbed about him by Lord H. and others of that par- 
 ty. However, if he anlwer not expectation, what is intended for 
 him fhall not be given him. By my laft ktter to you, I gave it as 
 my opinion, that I could fee no danger to the King's affairs, by his 
 Majefty's allowing my Lord Balcarras to come home; for he can ne- 
 ver be fo ill a man as to make ufe of fuch a favour to the prejudice 
 
 of
 
 638 S T A T. E - P A P E R S 
 
 of his Majcfty's affairs, when he has already paid fo dearly for his 
 tampering, and is now laid under fuch an obligation. There is, be- 
 sides his cafe, which is a meer acl: of his Majefty's goodnefs, ano- 
 ther, wherein we are likely to be puzzled in parliament; I mean that 
 of Nevil Payne : He has been tortured, and very long impriibned ; 
 and he inclined to apply to the privy-council for his liberation, 
 which I have kept off, till I ihould know his Majefty's pleafure a- 
 bout him. He had a recommendation of parliament formerly to the 
 King, and I am afraid that it is not in our power to keep him legally. 
 He will certainly apply to the next feffion of parliament, and will 
 undoubtedly be fet at liberty then ; and, probably, with fome reflec- 
 tion upon his long imprifonment. I am therefore perfuaded, that it is 
 his Majefty's intereft, either to fend me a warrant for difchargi ng 
 him out of prifon, or, that he ihould referr that matter to his privy- 
 council, who will be fure to let him out: So the frankeft way would 
 be, for the King to do it himlelf ; for it will be impoffible to keep 
 him in till the parliament be over. I know him to be an empty, 
 vain, talking, lyeing fellow ; and is not much worth the while of a- 
 ny government's concern. The vacancy in the feffion, of which I 
 wrote to you formerly, muff by no means be filled up till after the 
 parliament. There are a great many pretenders, and whoever gets it 
 not will be difobliged ; and we muff have time to fee who deferves 
 it beft, and are fitteff for it. As to the money which feems neceffary 
 for the good of the King and the country's fervice, after reflection, I 
 am of opinion, that none ought to be remitted here; but that a thou- 
 fand pound fhould be lodged, as loon as can be, in the bank of Eng- 
 land, and their notes taken for it. There is no ufe for any known 
 name in them, for they are payable to the bearer : So that, a ficti- 
 tious, or any fervant's name, is fufficient. Let thefe notes be fent to 
 me hither. I have already laid out L. 500 ; and, I believe, in a 
 fhort time, I fhall have occafion to difpofe of the reft. I do hope, 
 that his Majefty's bufinefs may be done without putting him to any 
 confiderable expence ; yet more money than what I now propofe 
 may poflibly be neceffary; but I fhall be anfwerable that it fhall not 
 
 be
 
 AND LETTERS. 639 
 
 be fquandered; and I fhall be well affured of fatisfa&ory returns, 
 and doing things effectually before I part with any greater fum of 
 his Majeily's cafh, I would fend you a particular account of the dif- 
 pofal of this ; but I do not think it fit, that the matter of fecret fer- 
 vice be the iubjeclof a letter that may fall into wrong hands j where- 
 fore, I forbear to do it till wee meet, either here or at London. The 
 directors of our Eaft-India company have accounts from Jamaica, 
 that the governor of that place had declared, that, though our (hip, 
 the St Andrew, were cleared of all the debts that are owing upon 
 her account, yet he could not let her go without orders from Eng- 
 land. This, whether true or falfe, does exafperate the people migh- 
 tily. There are alfo in town fome letters, which private perfons 
 pretend to have received from the fame place, which bear, that the 
 governor of Jamaica had feat to that of Carthagena, to congratulate 
 with, him upon the defertion of Caledonia, and to aflure him, that, 
 in cafe his own force had not been able to oblige the Scots to leave 
 the place, that the King of England would have forced them to it. 
 Though this, I believe, is falfe; yet people here are generally incline- 
 able to believe the worft ; and by fuch kind of intelligence, whether 
 real or contrived, their crofs humors are mightily fomented, and the 
 King's fervants find daily new difficulties to ftruggle with. If there 
 is no grounds for thefe reports, proper meafures muft be fallen up- 
 on to difabufe the people here. If there is, it were fit that fome 
 kind of evidence were given, that his Majefty is difpleafed with thefe 
 proceedings ; for, whatever the King's inclinations were, it was cer- 
 tainly imprudent in the governor to have made either of thefe decla- 
 rations. I did formerly let you know, that I judged it for his Ma- 
 jefty's fervice, that I mould have the honour of waiting upon him 
 before the meeting of our parliament. I had nothing in view by that 
 propofal, but to act in conceit with thofe of the King's fervants 
 whom he trufts moft in his buiinefs; and to fay to him, in conjunc- 
 tion with them, fuch things as I believed of importance to his fer- 
 vice, and not fo proper to be written. Befides, in that way, I could 
 make my thoughts more fully underftood, than is poffible for me at
 
 640 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 a diftance. But I do now apprehend, that his Majefty's ftay m 
 Holland cannot admit of fuch an overture; wherefore, I will take 
 'the liberty, by your hands, to lay before him fome things, which I 
 intended only to have fpoken to himfelf of. My Lord Seafield is 
 gone, on his progrefs to the north. Since his arrival here, I have 
 had all the King's fervants that were near this place frequently toge- 
 ther; they have framed fome additional inilruclions, and the draught 
 of fuch a letter as they judge proper to be fent by his Majefty to 
 the parliament at their next meeting. I do not know whether my 
 Lord Seafield may have already fent you copies of them or not ; but 
 they require to be yet a little confidered, and {hall be difpatched in 
 a few days : So that no refolutions can be taken on any copies that 
 may be already fent. As I have formerly told you, I ftill find, more 
 and more, that few folid or firm refolutions are taken when the 
 King's fervants are called and advifed with upon any exigency : 
 Some are often abfent, upon very fmall pretences, when they think 
 any thing of confequence is to be concluded ; others, though pre- 
 fent, are not to be engaged to plain dealing, dreading the confequen- 
 ces of a pofitive opinion; and, generally, they (how little con- 
 cern about the iffue of affairs. This feems to make it neceflary for 
 me to take the more upon myfelf ; and, after advifing with them, 
 and hearing their reafonings, I may take refolutions, both as to the 
 matter and manner of managing ; for I do fee, that they will much 
 more eafily agree to profecute meafures refolved upon, than come to 
 any refolution by themfelves. I am fenfible, if I act thus, I mall 
 put fuch a load upon myfelf, that nothing but the King's fervice 
 could perfuade me to think of; for, if matters do not fucceed, thefe 
 very gentlemen may fay, that they did not advife them : Yet, it is 
 certain that they will never come to fixed refolutions in any thing : 
 So there may be fuccefs the one way ; in the other, there cannot; 
 and I am afraid that the King's affairs have already fufFered by de- 
 pending too much on joint meafures. My fenfe of this was one of 
 the chief reafons that moved me to defire to fee the King, that I 
 might fatisfy him in this point ; for, if he do not think it fit for his 
 
 fer-
 
 AND LETTERS. 641 
 
 fervice, and that he will fupport me in that way of a&ing for him; 
 whatever the fuccefs may be, I am fure that I can have no reafon to 
 engage me to undertake fo great a burden. Since my Lord Seafield 
 came hither, we had the rolls of parliament under confideration ; and 
 every one of us have undertaken to deal with thefe we can beft hope 
 to prevail upon ; and have each taken out lifts of our particular 
 friends, that our diligence and fuccefs may be reported and known* 
 It is incredible how the party is linked together; whenwedo unan- 
 fwerably mow them it is the intereft of the country to follow our 
 meaiures, many of them owns to be convinced, but ftill fays, that 
 they cannot leave their party, and, unlefs all be brought over toge- 
 ther, they cannot deiert them. The Jacobites appear much more 
 bold and firm fince the death of the Duke of Gloucefter, which, in 
 reafon, mould open other people's eyes, who owe their all to this 
 government. There are fome particular perfons, that, in private 
 conversation, give us ground to think that they are fenfible of their 
 error ; but truly, we cannot depend much upon what particular per- 
 fons fay to us of their private ientiments ; for, being once entered 
 into a club, that, as we are informed, are tied, either by oath, or 
 word of honour, they do not follow their own, but the fentiments 
 of their party; and we have been often difappointed by trufting pri- 
 vate fuggeftions. The handle that did at firft unite them, and pro- 
 cure them the favour of the nation, was the bufinefs of Caledonia ; 
 and, though it is now but a ihadow, yet they do ftill iniift to afTert 
 the right of it as much as if it were a real thing, knowing very 
 well, that, if the party fhall break upon that head, they will hard- 
 ly be able, upon any other ground, to ftand before us ; for, though 
 there are many other things pointed at in their addrefles, which 
 would diveft the King of his moft valuable prerogatives; yet, by 
 the conceflions which his Majefty has empowered me to grant 9 
 I doubt not of a good iffue, if the knot about the company were 
 broke : So that, in my opinion, our good or ill fortune depends en- 
 tirely on our fuccefs in endeavouring that point. I have reflected 
 much upon the methods of bringing this about ; which is another 
 
 4M bufinefs
 
 642 STATE-PA P'ERS 
 
 bufinefs which I intended to have digefted with the King, and 
 had his own directions about it, if I had had the honour to wait 
 upon him ; for I have fome thoughts, as to the management, which 
 I have not exprefled to any body but now to you, that you may lay 
 them before the King. If reaibn could prevail, we needed not doubt 
 of gaining our point ; but, there is fuch a prepofleffion, and fo ma- 
 ny engagements to a party who have got a reputation in the coun- 
 try, that few will fufFer themfelves to bear or confider our argu- 
 meet at firft, in direct oppofition to their engagements ; nor can 
 they be made to reflect on the miferies which they are likely to 
 bring on their country. Therefore, it were of great moment, if we 
 could divide them in the method, you may remember, that, when 
 we fat laftin parliament, it was once agreed, that all acts about reli- 
 gion mould be firft treated of, and a committee was appointed to 
 prepare them ; yet, before any report was made in thefe matters, the 
 refolve was brought in, and offered to pafs, even preferably to reli- 
 gion itfelf . It is reafonable to think, that they will follow the fame 
 method again ; for they do judge, that, if we mould fall upon other 
 matters, wherein we might agree, that, in cafe the humours of their 
 party might be foftened, and many of their deluded good men might 
 be inclined to reft fatisfied with the real advantages which they 
 would then fee to have been fincerely intended for them ; and, for 
 thofe reafons of theirs, I do believe, (if we do fee that we can- 
 not otherways break the party), that it is for the intereft of the 
 King's fervice, that thefe inftructed by him fhould endeavour to de- 
 lay any thing that may occafion heats and divifions, and immediate- 
 ly fall upon fuch matters as are of folid advantage to the country, 
 and wherein all good men muft agree. If they do abfolutely refufe 
 this, and carry it by a vote, it is a bad indication of tke temper and 
 influence of the oppofers, and a demonftration that they will not 
 part from the thing itfelf. But, however, they will make it vifible to 
 the world, that they are the obftructers of the nation's intereft. If 
 they divide upon it, which is not improbable, we may reafon- 
 ably hope for greater breaches among them ; and, if they agree, I 
 
 doubt
 
 AND LETTERS. 643 
 
 doubt not of the effect by it which the party was apprehenfive of; 
 for, if other bufinefs be firft done, it is reafonable to expect that our 
 humours will cool, and that members, who would not at firft hear 
 of letting the point of right fall, will be more tradable in the end, 
 when other good things are done. The King's letter, already pu- 
 blished, makes his Majefty's good intentions known, and that he 
 demands nothing of us but for our own fecurity. But, in the order 
 of time, it muft be confidered, neither fupplies, or the other good 
 laws, mould be firft moved ; and, as things are, I am afraid that, 
 if money be firft preffed, it may mifcarry ; for Caledonia will un- 
 doubtedly be brought in, which by all means is to be avoided ; 
 befides, the difbanding the forces, and relieving the nation of cefs, 
 is the point moft popular, and wherein they are moil united, next to 
 Caledonia : So, till other things be done, I am afraid of our fuecefs 
 in that ; and it is obfervable, in Scottifh parliaments, that they M- 
 dom fall out after they have once entered upon bufinefs, which en- 
 courages me to think, that a franknefs in this matter, giving a little 
 at firft, without preflingly afking, is the beft way to bring thofe men, 
 who have nothing but the good of the country in view, to a juft 
 compliance with their duty. It is hard, indeed, that fuch concef- 
 fions fhould be granted, and no affurance of a fupply, to teftify our 
 gratitude, by a dutiful return. And it may very well be argued, 
 that it were better no bufinefs mould be done, than that the King 
 fhould give all, but what is a mere pretence and fhadow, and get 
 nothing at laft. But, it is to be confidered, that this is the worft 
 fide of all our affairs, and yet there is a probability of doing bufinefs 
 by it. It is reafonable to forefee all that can happen, to prevent 
 the worft ; and even, in cafe that after conceflions were grant- 
 ed, that no fupply fhould be given in return ; yet the King will 
 ftill, in fome meafure, be a gainer by it ; for, the parliament having 
 fat and done other bufinefs, there will remain no pretence for a 
 party againft him on account of the claim of right. The King has 
 ftill his excufe for his guards and garrifons, and needs be under no 
 obligation to call a parliament for a year or two, that people may 
 
 4 M 2 grow
 
 644 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 grow better difpofed ; whereas, if the parliament fhould break up, 
 and nothing done, the government, which is already in a very lan- 
 guifhing condition, would be as good as no government at all, and 
 in danger to fall afunder ; for fome of the privy-council are already 
 gained, and others very cold : So the boldnefs and infolence of 
 oppofers would be intolerable, and the arguments they would have 
 on the article of the claim of right, joined with weaknefs and fear, 
 might gain a greater part of us. They will want thefe arguments, 
 and the minds of people maybe calmed, if bulinefs be done. How- 
 ever, all diligence fhall beufed, from the firft to the laft, to fatisfy 
 members of the fincerity of the King's intentions towards the na- 
 tion, of the advantages it may have by a dutiful acceptance of the 
 good which is defigned for them ; and that it will be highly the 
 intereft of the kingdom, not to give ear to fuch as aim at nothing 
 but confufion. If we can fucceed by this, or any other way, we 
 fhall not be put to our laft fhift, which I have already fo much 
 infilled on. But I do think myfelf bound to lay things before the 
 King in their worft afped, that he may be the better able to give me 
 his directions. Pray communicate what I write to you to his Ma- 
 jefty, and let me know if I have exprefled myfelf in fuch terms as 
 to be perfectly underftood, and whether my advices may be accep- 
 table. I can only fay, that the fource of them is from a profound 
 refpecl: to his perfon, and a fincere love to his intereft. I have now, 
 I am fure, troubled you with a tedious letter ; but I am fo full of 
 concern for the King's fervice, now that the time of our meeting be- 
 gins to approach, that I am glad to load other friends, fuch as your- 
 felf , with fome part of the burden of my thoughts ; and it is no 
 fmall eafe to have fuch as you, whom I can with fafety truft, to o- 
 pen my mind to ; and I expect that you will always let me freely 
 know wherein you think me wrong, and give me your advice to 
 direct me better. I am fincerely your's, &c. 
 
 The matter of money I have not fpoken off, even to my Lord 
 Seafield ; fo, you may eafily judge, to no body elfe ; for it is what 
 mud be kept between you and I. Let my Lord Balcarras, before 
 
 he
 
 AND LETTERS. 645 
 
 he conies over, be engaged to ufe his intereft with his fon-in-law, 
 my Lord Kelly, to appear for the King's intereft at this time ; for, 
 though he would have gone along at our laft meeting, yet he has 
 been fo tampered with fince, that, I am lately informed, he cannot; 
 be well depended upon. There are alfo two reprefentatives of bo- 
 roughs in Fife that depend entirely upon him. He mould alfo be 
 obliged to ufe his intereft with them for the King's fervice, from 
 whom he is receiving fuch a favourable acquittance for former faults. 
 The inclofed, to the King, is very fhort, becaufe I referred him for 
 all bufinefs to what I have faid to you : So take your own way to 
 have it delivered as foon as with conveniency you can. I have alfo 
 writt a fhort letter to Mr Pringle, but mentioned nothing of what is 
 contained in your's. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 
 OfFaterforfs Scheme of Trade, — too Metaphyseal ; — but the effort 
 of a great Genius. — The Contents of a Letter jujl come dozvnfrom 
 London. 
 
 Worthy S I R, 
 I know not what Thom. Deans's opinion is of the project I have Ed; . 
 writt. (I would have gladely been acquainted with him, but found Sept. 14? ' 
 him high, and fo gave over) ; but I find Mr Francis Grant has as I7 °°' 
 little hope that it will take as I have. Mr Paterfon is very tena- 
 cious and ftirT, (and indeed he has a good genius); with much ado 
 I have broke him as to his opinion of demanding the tenth boll : I 
 find him extremely ftraitened how to do without it ; (for that branch 
 of trading in grain and corn is indeed a mighty project) ; and that 
 which he fays he muft demand in place of it, I am afraid will ne- 
 ver be granted ; fo there is little hope of the whole. It is eight 
 months cefs for twenty years, which he pretends to prove to the 
 parliament is no more burden to the country than what they muft 
 
 bear.
 
 646 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 bear. However, (if this project do not go on), even fuppofe they 
 paid no cefs at ail, for this reafon, he will prove, that the mainte- 
 nance of the poor coft this nation yearly four months cefs, (which 
 being a dead weight), not only lofes itfelf in fpecie, but its value, 
 for want of improvement, which is the double : So this project, en- 
 tertaining and employing all the poor, does exactly balance the 
 eight months cefs. Thefe notions are very metaphyseal and thin ; 
 and, though I am fool enough to be perfuaded that they are not 
 only true, but pradicable ; yet I am affraid he will find it no eafy 
 matter to perfuade the parliament to give eight months cefs for 
 twenty years ; and, at the fame time, perfuade them they pay no 
 more than if they gave no cefs at all. Then, as to his council of 
 trade, I know not how it is fafe for the King to conftitute fuch an 
 office and jurifdi&ion. Its true, twelve angels might be well e- 
 nough trufted with powers and privileges that are abfolutely ne- 
 ceffary for them to have, but they are too much for men ; for, while 
 they ad in concert with the African Company, and its impoffible 
 they can have different interefts, they are too powerful even for the 
 King. They are in a manner a committee of parliament, conftant- 
 ly fitting, and will be able to determine any parliament ever mail 
 be : They have all the power, ftrength, and treafure of the kingdom 
 in their hand : In fhort, nothing but time and experience can tell 
 us what the confequences of fuch a conftitution may be ; fo that I 
 have no manner of hope that this project will take; but I think ftill 
 that its fit to encourage the projector, who indeed has a prodigious 
 genius, and a vaft extended thought, to go on, — valeat quantum 
 valere poteft. It is poffible the wifdom of the parliament may call 
 out fome things may be of ufe to the country, and a means to ac- 
 commodate matters betwixt the King and his people. 
 
 We have juft now got down a new letter from London ; it is 
 from an unknown hand I have not yet ken: (When I fhall), I mall 
 tranfmit you a double of it. My friend, an ingenious and learn- 
 ed man, has feen and read it, and gives me an account that it af- 
 fures,
 
 AND LETTERS. 647 
 
 im, That my Lord S. [SeafieldJ (fo he fays it is writ) is come 
 down with money and bill to be diftribute among ye know whom ; 
 and that he is to return to London before the parliament fit down, 
 to give account of his negotiation. 
 
 ido, That the parliament of England will canvafs every article of 
 the treaty for dividing the Spanifh monarchy, and oblige the Kin<r 
 to carve and cut out that monarchy otherwife than he has done. 
 
 3^0, That the parliament of England, before they rife, will fet- 
 tle and determine their own fucceffion, and that in concert with 
 Scotland, if any terms can pleafe us: And, therefore, exhorting the 
 honeft party (fo the letter calls them) to ftick together, and ftand 
 their ground againft the bribery and folicitation of the court, as they 
 wifh an everlafting name to themfelves, and the honour and wel- 
 fare of their country for ever. 
 
 All this does not one bit difcourage me ; if God be not againft 
 us, ye will fee we will do our bufinefs in fpite of men. 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Has met with all the Clans, They ivill fign no Paper till they 
 
 fee his Name at it. They ivill not be /educed by D. Hamilton, 
 
 iv ho defer ted them. Of a Count er-addrefs. A Letter from 
 
 McNeil of Bar r a, offering his Service. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I am now in the Highlands, where mod of the clans have met i nverarr 
 me, befides my own people ; they all fay unanimoufly, that they Se P c - *$• 
 will put their hand to no paper where they fee not mine firft ; and ' 7 ° ' 
 even thofe who were in the hills, againft the government, fay, fince 
 they have fwore alledgiance, their dependence fhall be on the court; 
 they confider it their intereft as well as duty ; and, if they could 
 be feduced, it mould not be by D. Hamilton, who received King 
 James's commiffion upon his knees to command them, and yet left 
 
 them
 
 648 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 them to do for themfelves. The Stewart of Appin ufed this ex- 
 premon before others, adding, fays he, I know the two gentlemen 
 who delivered it him. I did often, at Edinburgh, propofe to his 
 Majefty's miniftcrs there, that we might embark into an addrefs of 
 another kind, to counter the mutineers ; but our wile wary men, 
 the Advocate, &c. was againit it; becaufe, they concluded, we could 
 not come up to the other's number, though I offered to begin. I 
 told him, whilft we were ftill upon the defenfive, they attacking, 
 we muft needs be at a lofs. I was for acting offenfively ; but could 
 not prevail. When I go from hence, I am to vifit two or three, 
 who I hope to make proielytes. I do not propofe to be at Edin- 
 burgh before the 6th of October, which will be time enough before 
 our parliament. I find a general fatisfa&ion at the Frazers getting 
 their pardon; it will pleafe the generality, I am fure. I received a 
 letter yefterday from M'Neill of Barra, who lives very far off, fent 
 by a gentleman, in all formality offering his fervice, which had 
 made you laugh to fee his entry : His ftile of his letter runs as if 
 he were of another kingdom. I have nothing to entertain you 
 with but Highland news from this place ; fo (hall bid you adieu. 
 
 There are two gentlemen has promifed me tarmagans again ft 
 next year for E, Portland ; — they ufed to tame them. 
 
 Earl of Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Is about to fet fail, and hopes Mr Carfares will foon follow. — — 
 Anxious that Seaf eld's Account of People's Opinion of the Treaty 
 may be jitji. 
 
 S r ehet * ^ave rece * ve d y our agreeable letter of the 2d, for which I am 
 
 Sept. 15, obliged to you. The manner of writing is the morteft and the ea- 
 fieft; I defire the continuance till we meet again. My yaught is 
 come, and I hope to go with the firft wind after the full moon ; but 
 hope you will follow very foon ; and that the humours in Scotland 
 
 may 
 
 1700
 
 AND LETTERS. 649 
 
 may lay moll of their heat before their next feffion of parliament ; 
 as alio, that my L. Seafield may not miftake in the judgement he 
 gives of peoples opinion concerning the treaty about the Spanifh 
 fucceffion. You cannot expect great news from this folitary place ; 
 but you may be fure that I mall always be intirely your's. 
 
 Marquis of Annandale to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his prefent Lodgings in the Abbay. He ivill not make one of D. 
 
 Hamilton 9 s Retinue ivhen he makes his Entry upon Monday, ivhich 
 iv ill be veryfplendid. In good Terms <with the Secretary. 
 
 SIR, 
 I mould not have been fo long filent after the receipt of your Holyrood- 
 laft, but that my daughter's marriage, the council-week, and be- ^ uf J' Sept ' 
 ing with the Secretaries, has indeed taken up my time intirely. I 
 am fully fenfible, and I give you thanks for it, that you did your 
 beft endeavours for making me eafy in my lodgings. What his 
 Majefty's pleafure is towards me upon any occafion fhall always 
 be received as becomes ; if he may not difpofe of his own houfe, I 
 may bear the want of it ; but I am now lodged in ground-rooms, 
 which are both moft unwholfome and moft inconvenient, and my 
 children lying in garrets ; and thefe rooms which properly belong 
 to my lodgings are empty, and without a rag of furniture ; only 
 it feems to fatisfy fome peoples humour. But I can bear any incon- 
 veniency rather as my mafter mould be uneafy upon my account. 
 I need not tell you, that the houfe is now pofleffed by thofe who 
 brave and he&or the government; more of this will be foon heard 
 of; and it feems hard enough, that thofe who ferve the King cannot 
 be eafy in his houfe, when they that are turned out of his fervice 
 enjoy the beft part of it. Give me leave to fay, and I fhall fay no 
 more, it is not upon my own account, it is for the King's intereft 
 and fervice, my concern. D. Hamilton and Dutchefs came in on 
 
 4 N Mon-
 
 650 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Monday: Mighty pains have been taken to make his entry great and 
 fplendid : I fhall not make one of the retinue. You'll afterwards hear 
 more of this. MyL. Seafield parts upon Tuefday ; he will give you 
 my mind and opinion of things ; for I do freely communicate both 
 with him and his colleague. I am, I do affure you, moil fincerely 
 and moft faithfully your's. 
 
 You'll allow me to give you our young couple's humble fervice. 
 We got our bufinefs over ; but with much want of room, and diffi- 
 culty. You'll let me hear from you when you come to London. 
 I wilh you well there. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his Diligence with particular Members of the enfuing Sejfion of 
 Parliament, and his Succefs hitherto, 
 
 SIR, 
 CuIIen- I have been now eight days in this country, and I blefs God I 
 
 i» U [ e -oo ept ' was never better received. I have had the good fortune to put a 
 ftop to the figning of the addrefs in this fhire ; and I am hopeful 
 that very few will be prevailed upon to fign it in the fhire of Aber- 
 deen. I have great hopes that the parliament-men in this country 
 will be better inclined than they were in the laft parliament. Brac- 
 co, Sir James Abercromby, Sir John Forbes of Craigevar, Sir Sa- 
 muel Forbes of Foveran, Mr James Elphingfton, and the Sheriff of 
 Murray, do all promife very fair ; and, this week, my Lord Salton, 
 my Lord Frazer, and my Lord Pitfligo are to be with me, and I 
 fhall plainly let them know the danger and inconveniencies that 
 will necefiarily enfue, if things be not adjufted in the next parlia- 
 ment. I have alfo written to Fowlis Monro, and to my Lord Rae, 
 and to William Rofs commiiTioner for Dingwall ; and I expect a 
 return from them this week. The Laird of Grant, the Laird 
 of Brody, and Afflea are alfo to be with me the end of this week, 
 
 or
 
 AND LETTERS. 651 
 
 or beginning of the next ; fo that, whatever the event may be, I 
 am fure I could do no more than I am doing, were my life and for- 
 tune depending on it : And this is the only proper time to fpeak ; 
 for, when the parliament meets, they will be lb much hurried by 
 meeting in clubs and cabals, that there will be no place for reafon- 
 ing. The great point that they flick upon, is flill that matter of 
 Caledonia ; and they fay plainly, that, unlefs the King and parlia- 
 ment declare their right of Caledonia, the managers may be profe- 
 cute ; and that therefore their fafety depends on the doing this. I 
 am of opinion, that there mould be an inftru&ion for palling fome 
 ad for the fecurky of the managers and directors of the company ; 
 hut I cannot particularly condefcend upon the words of the inftruc- 
 tion till I return to Edinburgh, and advife with the reft of his Ma- 
 jefty's fervants. It will be a moft unfortunate thing if we break a- 
 gain upon this point ; and, were this over, I am confident things 
 might be brought to an adjuftment ; but, mould they carry a vote 
 upon us in this, it is like it might unite them in other particulars. 
 I mail ftay no longer in this country than I think I can be ufeful to 
 his Majefty ; and I refolve to return by Aberdeen, Montrofe, and 
 Dundee, that I may have the fatisfadion of fpeaking with all the 
 parliament-men in the north ; and I am ftiil more and more con- 
 vinced, that there are too few employed in the north country in his 
 Majefty's fervice. I mall write to you again more fully before I 
 leave this place ; and you may let his Majefty know what I have 
 written. I pray God may long preferve him to us, and make us 
 dutiful to him. This is all at prefent from, Sir, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 I have written frequently both to you and Mr Pringle, that the 
 Bifhop of Glafgow's confinement makes fome noife ; it is therefore 
 fit, that there be a letter to the privy council lodged in my hands, 
 impowering them to take off his confinement, which fhall be pro- 
 duced before, or after the parliament, as is feen neceiTary. 
 
 4N 2 LoRD
 
 652 S T A T E - P A P E 
 
 IX 
 
 1700. 
 
 Lord President to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Opinion upon the prefcnt State of Affairs, and the Management 
 
 the Parliament. His Character of the Commifjioner. He 
 
 expecls, and has a Title, to be confultcd in the difpcfal of the Va- 
 cancies in the Court of Sefiton. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 N. Berwick, I ftill owe the return of your*s from Loo, which I received as I 
 Sept. 17. wag g 0m g- to Greenock with my daughter after the feffion ; hut I 
 fail not to give the commiffioner all the information I can afford 
 from time to time ; and I waited on V. Seafield while he was at 
 Edinburgh ; I know they correfpond more punctually. You fuffi- 
 ciently underftand the prefcnt difpofitions of this nation ; it is no 
 wonder that enemies to the government mould be glad of any thing 
 that may difturb our peace and happy fettlement j but it is furpri- 
 fing that others mould contribute, and that, generally, thole who 
 love that government are fo little alarmed. The commiffioner com- 
 plains, that there is not fuch zeal and concern to be found as might 
 be expecled from the King's fervants. It is long fince I was fatif- 
 fied joint refolutions are very flow and unfteady, and that it was 
 necelfary the Commiffioner ihould take more on himfelf. This 
 will indeed lay a greater weight on his Grace ; and one cannot an- 
 fwer for events ; but the higheft truft is in his hands. His thoughts 
 are continually employed about the fuccefs of his management ; o- 
 thers are abfent or prefent by turns, and not always intent. I ever 
 thought, that all bufinefs of importance was beft directed by a few. 
 Many will follow who are not fit, or not willing, to advife. I do 
 affure you, no body has more clear and diftintt views than the 
 Commiffioner, as appears in all our reafonings. I had lately oppor- 
 tunity to difcourfe fully with his Grace on the prefent profpect of 
 affairs. Ye are better acquainted with his fentiments than I am ; 
 for I know he writes at large. I am fatisfled his thoughts about 
 
 the
 
 AND LETTERS. 65 
 
 > 
 
 the way of management are very juft ; which few have yet entered 
 into ; and this confirms me ftill, he mould do more hy himfelf. 
 
 The bufinefs of Caledonia is at prefent a mere fhadow ; few that 
 are engaged in the addrefs can fay any thing for it, and fome par- 
 ticular perfons feem fenfible of the danger that our diftra&ions may 
 draw upon us. It is to be our care to draw as many to that con- 
 viction as can be ; a few would break the knot, and bring over 
 the reft by the- bulk; but there has been fo many difappointments 
 on private fuggeftions and infinuations, and even affurances, and 
 there is fuch a union by reiterated addreffes, and particular fenti- 
 ments are fo fully given up to a party, that there is no ftate to be 
 made upon what is laid in corners. It will be moft fafe and fecure 
 to take them in fome point, which hath either not been forefeen, or 
 wherein they are not fo united; and they being of fo different inte- 
 refls, if they once divide, they will not fo eafily unite in any thing. They 
 do not put a juft value upon the King's conceffions, which were freely 
 offered before they were demanded ; and for which we cannot be fuf- 
 ficiently thankful : Yet they agree with us, that we have an opportuni- 
 ty to obtain gocd laws ; and, if we have any influence, we will pre- 
 . vail to finifh all that we can agree on firft, before any fubject of de- 
 bate be brought in the field. All who can be perfuaded, that a 
 prefent afierting of our right is unfeafonable, will agree in this ; and 
 many who will not hear of receding, may yet be engaged as to the 
 order to prefer what all agree in : There may alfo be difficulties caft 
 in about thefe laws ; but I hope thefe may be adjufted. There is 
 but one difficulty in this method, which is indeed great and obvi- 
 ous; that, after great conceflion to the diminution of the cuftoms, 
 poflibly the parliament may not be moved to make juft returns. 
 This, indeed, is the word event ; and it is reafonable to forefee all 
 that can happen : But it is to be confidered, that a Scots parliament 
 generally either breaks in the beginning, without doing bufinefs, or 
 not at all : And, if we cannot fucceed in this way, we have fmall 
 ground to hope fuccefs in any other ; for, certainly the parliament 
 will more eafily hearken to give fupplies, and other teftimonies of 
 
 duty
 
 654 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 duty and affection to the King, after good laws enacted, than be- 
 fore ; and, certainly, in all events, the laws intended would turn to 
 a good account, and gain the affections of the nation, which, at 
 prefent, is in a bad condition. The greateft handle they have is 
 the laft article of the claim of right, about frequent meeting and 
 fitting of parliaments, which they ftretch too far, and mention it 
 in the two laft addrefles, though thefe adjournments were only 
 for an opportunity to advife with his Majefty, which was necef- 
 fary; but if, after full deliberation, nothing fhould be done, the 
 nation might take an ill play upon it, unlefs the obftruction arofe 
 from themfelves. There is reafon to believe they did defign to 
 pufh the refult offered in parliament till it fhould pafs into 
 an act, and then endeavour a ftop of all other bufinefs till that 
 were touched. It may be, fome defign the fame thing ftill ; if any 
 fuch thing mould be attempted, I hope they would not fucceed ; 
 and, if they fhould, the world would fee the obftruction lay at the 
 oppofers: For, the royal afTent being free to be given, or not, if they 
 would proceed no farther, an adjournment would be neceffary ; where- 
 as, if the ftop of bufinefs would be laid at the King or hisfervants,the 
 government would yet languifh more, and poffibly the King's fer- 
 vants alfo divide. Thefe things do require the King's ferious con- 
 fideration, and particular direction, before they occur, in my humble 
 judgement ; and, with all fubmiflion, the leaft hazard is, (all things 
 weighed), to begin at good laws, which fhould be made and fra- 
 med to venture the fupplies to the end, when our tempers will be 
 more cool. No body is more fenfible than I am of the great hap- 
 pinefs we enjoy under his Majefty's fhadow, whom God long pre- 
 ferve ! My father's family were entirely, early, and conftantiy, on 
 that bottom ; no variety of favour or difcouragement from the-go- 
 vernment did ever make alteration in any of us, and we will con- 
 tinue firm and faithful in our duty. My Lord Stair went to Gal- 
 loway when the fettling of this parliament was very uncertain, and 
 he did not refolve to return, becaufe b'oth his intereft and inclination 
 leads him to be much there; but, I hope he will return, and I ex- 
 pect
 
 AND LETTERS. 655 
 
 pea to hear from him mortly, and reckon it fure he will come 
 The Commiffioner is fufficiently fatisfied as to his part. I will ufe 
 all the influence I have any where, and contribute all I can for a 
 happy iffiie. I have nothing more to add. Concerning the vacan- 
 cy that's now in the feflion, I know there are many candidates and 
 applicants made to you ; and I would have writt fooner, but I was 
 in the weft when the cafe occurred ; fo others got the ftart • and I 
 underftood the Commiffioner and V. Seafield both wifh that* matter 
 might be entire till the parliament were over ; therefore, I fhall not 
 be very particular, becaufe I would not fay any thing that I had not 
 concerted : But, in general, I do both expeft, and moll earneftly de- 
 fire, to be more regarded in that particular than any other thing 
 whatfomever. I am concerned in it above all things. Ye know in 
 what circumftances I entered into the feffion; I cannot well exprefs 
 to you with how much labour to myfelf peace is keeped among us; 
 which I think is the beft fervice I am capable to do the King or the 
 nation. He was very friendly to me; that's gone. Judge then, if I do not 
 need to be confidered in the choice. I prefume no man has had better 
 opportunity to know mens capacities that way than I have had • and I 
 (hall not, on any confideration, recommend any who is'not of 
 known integrity and capacity, and affedionate to the government. 
 Thofe foundations laid down, I hope my requeft will be thought ve- 
 ry juft. I would be loath to be burdenfome to the King or to my 
 friends at any time, much lefs now. By this time, I have more need 
 to excufe my tedioufnefs than my long filence; I hope you will for- 
 give both, becaufe that ye know that I am fmcerely, and without 
 ceremony, your moft faithful and obliged fervant. 
 
 J. Stewart to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of Pater/on' s Projects.— Good Hopes of the King's Affairs. 
 
 Worthy S I R, 
 Since my laft, of the 14th, I have fee n Mr Paterfon's project in Edinburgh, 
 tnundis, which is nothing like what I wrote to you of in mine of S ! pt * 2I * 
 
 the
 
 656 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 the 7th. I know not what alterations he may yet make in it, for I 
 cannot helieve the Commifiioner will let it be publifhed as it now is ; 
 becalife, to my fmall fkill, it is neither fafe for the King to eftablifh 
 that council of trade; and, tho' he fhould do, I think the parliament 
 will never grant the funds he demands. I know not what accounts 
 my Lord S. and others may fend you of their hopes and fears of 
 this enfuing feffion ; but my little reafon does ftill perfuade, that the 
 King's bufinefs will be got done. It cannot be fuppofed, that people 
 will continue mad, and drive things to extremities, efpecially at this 
 jundure. I have the honour to converfe with fome of the molt eminent 
 lawyers, who know-a great deal of the humours and inclinations of 
 thefe members that are againft us, (feveral of them are their clients) ; 
 and they aifiire me, that, if the King frankly pafs the laws are ex- 
 pedcd he will grant us for the liberty and fecurity of the fubjecl:, 
 and encouragement of trade, they will not only difpenfe with Cale- 
 donia, (that is, at this time, not to infift upon it), but give him a 
 fund for the maintenance of all the army he is to demand ; (for e- 
 very body fays he is to break three regiments of foot, and one of 
 dragoons; and, in my opinion, the court was very unwife to drop 
 that.) This, my friends are confident, the parliament will do, both 
 for their own fecurity, and the honour of the King ; and, the rather, 
 that fome of that party bragg, that the Englifh parliament will be 
 hard upon him ; for, though many of the adverfe party be angry 
 with him, yet they love him ; and, it will be feen, if he be ftraiten- 
 ed in England, the parliament in Scotland (except the Jacobites) 
 will be unanimous for his fervice. I know the Jacobites are nume- 
 rous in the kingdom; but the authority of the parliament is the na- 
 tion. Now, let us fuppofe the worft, (for who knows what Provi- 
 dence defigns in this extraordinary juncture?) that, through ftub- 
 bornnefs, pernicious counfel, and indifcreet management, the parlia- 
 ment, (after the King has granted all they defire, (Caledonia apart), 
 for their fecurity, liberty, and trade), they refufe to give a fund for 
 the maintenance of the army, and, not only fo, but infift and offer 
 a refolve, for the breaking of it; fo that the King be forced to ad- 
 journ
 
 AND LETTERS. 657 
 
 journ them, which I can never bring myfelf to fuppofe; the only ex- 
 pedient left is this. He needs no ad of parliament for keeping 
 guards and garrifons. Thus, he can keep, imo, His foot and horfe- 
 guards. 2J0, A regiment in Fort William and Inverlochy, and 
 its out-pofls. 3ta?, A regiment in the caftle of Stirling, where 
 there mull be caferns built, as in Ireland, for lodging the foldiers. 
 4*?, A regiment in Perth ; fome in the King's houfe there, and the 
 reft in caferns to be built for them. Thus, all the foot he defigns 
 to keep (and it was a mod unwife thing to let it be known the 
 King would part with any ; all yieldings is dangerous in a King) 
 are difpofed of ; and thefe not being quartered upon the fubjecl:, 
 there are eminent lawyers here of opinion, that the keeping and pay- 
 ing them out of his proper revenues (which they fay will do that bufi- 
 finefs) is no ways againft the law. Now, the queftion remains, how 
 the dragoons are to be difpofed of? They fay the King only defigns 
 to keep one regiment •, and, if he mould make them guards, (like 
 the troop of horfe-grenadiers in England), the lawyers will tell you 
 it is no great ftretch of prerogative. This is by Way of fuppofition ; 
 for I am ftill perfuaded, if the King demand no more, (which I muft 
 admire), the parliament will not refufe it. Sir Adam Gordon of 
 Dallquholly, a member of parliament, died here this morning. I 
 am, unfeignedly, 
 
 Dear S I R, 
 
 Your affectionate and faithful fervant, 
 
 J. s. 
 
 Lord Treasurer-Depute to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Coronation; in cafe the King come doivn y iJbhat Lodgings in the 
 
 Abbey are beftfor him. If he is fitting on the Throne^ it ivill not 
 
 be the forivardnefs of a Tullibardine that Men will take Meafures 
 from, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have your's ; and, for the queftion, whether the King's corona- Edinburgh, 
 tion may be put off for this time ? the anfwer is plain : It needs be Se P t - 2 * 
 
 4 but '
 
 6j8 STATE-PAPERS. 
 
 but appoointed at this time, and fome time next fummer may do 
 well ; for it will take fome time to adjuft the order of it ; and the 
 parliament muft think how the expences will be defrayed, and lay 
 on a found for that end. This can be no ftop to his Majefty's 
 coming among us ; for what may be otherwife neceffary, I know 
 the Commiffioner will let the houfe ftand furnifhed as it is. It is pro- 
 bable his Majefty would incline to make moft ufe of little rooms, 
 thefe of his own apartments being large, and not fo warm. There 
 are none fo warm as the little rooms my Lord Annandale has off 
 the gallery, two rooms and a clofet ; and for thefe a little furniture 
 will ferve ; and that, with his Majefty's plate, may come down in 
 a yacht. My Lord Annandale needs not complain; for he has a- 
 bundance of other rooms above ftairs, which have another entry. 
 Coaches may be fo laid, as his Majefty may be here in ten days, 
 and an adjournment to the 29th, upon that account, would do no 
 hurt. This I write to you, being ftill more and more defirous his 
 Majefty mould be once here; and now is the time. I am perfuaded 
 nothing elfe can fave us. And, though I will not undertake, yet I 
 have great confidence, that his Majefty's prefence will difpell this 
 cloud that is gathered fo thick. 'Tis not from the forwardnefs of a 
 Earl of Tullibardine, or a Sir John Hume, that men will take their 
 meafures, when they fee our King fitting on the throne. If his Ma- 
 jefty will come, you will difpatch a flying packet, that we may be 
 in as good condition as we may be. The Advocate has been ill for 
 fome time ; I do really think, the low condition he fees the govern- 
 ment in, does add not a little to his diieafe. Yea, he is fearing he 
 {hall not be able to ferve this fefiion of parliament. I believe he has 
 his own fears that things will go wrong ; but, if he thought the 
 King was to be here in perfon, he would ufe his utmoft endeavours 
 for fo much ftrength to attend ; yea, if he mould die the laft day of 
 the parliament, and, if he fhall not be able to attend 29/s cabinet- 
 council, viz. 83, and 3tuxxu3tm9St, (Philiphaugh), will not make 
 up the want of him. We muft of neceffity have two ftates, one for 
 the abbey, and another for the parliament-houfe. How thefe are 
 
 done
 
 AND LETTERS. 659 
 
 done up, we muft have from England. Excufe me this poft to Mr 
 Pringle. Farewell. 
 
 Philiphaugh toMR Carstares. 
 
 Repeats his Fears about the Succefs of the Parliament. — States the 
 Difficulties about the Order in which Public Affairs ought to be 
 introduced into the Parliament. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since I wrote to you laft, I have ever been in the country, till the Edinburgh 
 other day, I had one from you fince I wrote. I find the Commif- 17S0. 26 ' 
 fioner daily more and more fatisfied with, and engaged to you. He 
 is as fenfible, I am fure, as you could wifh, of your fincere friend- 
 fhip and good fervices to him. I underfland there is a copy of a 
 letter fent with this packet, which, it is defired, the King mould 
 write to the parliament. All I fhall fay about it is, that, where it 
 mentions ' the defire of our fervants,' I humbly think it mould be, 
 ' the defire of our Commiffioner, and other fervants ;' but this was 
 my own thought, and the Commiffioner was very indifferent about 
 it. But furely none can take it ill, confidering his charader, to be 
 particularly mentioned. I fhall not trouble you with repeating what 
 I have faid fo oft about my fears of the fuccefs of this prefent parlia- 
 ment. I am very perfuaded, if his Majefly's affairs could have al- 
 lowed him to have come here, the parliament might have ended to 
 the honour and fatisfa&ion of his Majefty, and comfort of all his 
 good fubjects ; and that, if he had but touched here, without any 
 folemn preparation for his reception, and flayed but two or three 
 weeks, his prefence would have put new life and vigour in all in his 
 fervice, and have brought over many fticklers. But, whatever dif- 
 ficulty appear in the way, I fee the Commiffioner is refolved, as we 
 fay, to fet a flout heart to a flay brae ; and I am fure he will do his 
 utmoft for the King's fervice, with all the zeal and faithfulnefs you 
 could wifh. I find his Grace flraitened in one thing, and that is, 
 
 4 O 2 when
 
 66o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 when the act for cefs {hall be brought into the parliament, fome 
 are for leaving it laft; and fo you'll fee it laft mentioned in the let- 
 ter ; and the reafons they give are, that, if the parliament proceed 
 to do good things to the nation, fome (ticklers may be gained ; -and, 
 if the refolve mould be preffed before thefe good things, it might be 
 the faireft vote could be deviled, whether to infill upon the refolve 
 or thefe good ads. But, if the cefs be early brought in, before 
 thefe a£ts, fome might alledge thefe a£ts were not truly defigned ; 
 and that, after granting cefs, they would be difmiifed without them. 
 Others fay, that, if the cefs is not demanded as early as it ufes to be, 
 it will be conftru&ed, to follow from fear and weaknefs ; and, if the 
 party mould refolve to lay afide Caledonia till the cefs were propo- 
 fed, it might happen, that, after getting all the conceffions the King 
 had granted, the parliament might give nothing for fupport of the 
 government ; and this the Commiffioncr thinks would reflect heavi- 
 ly upon him. I wifh it was laid before the King, and that his 
 Majefty gave his own opinion and orders in the matter. Dear Sir, 
 adieu. 
 
 Lord President to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Propofes afmall Alteration to be made in the draught of the King*s 
 Letter to Parlia?nent, as a mark of refpeel to the Lord Commijfion- 
 er% Lord Stair is to return to Parliament, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, \ g ave y 0U the trouble of a very tedious letter from North-Ber- 
 1700/ ' wick of the 17th inftant, which I hope came fafe to hand ; I need 
 not repeat, and have very little to add. L. Philiphaugh and I have 
 been two days in town, for the moft part waiting on the Commif- 
 fioner : His Grace was pleafed to read over a draught of a letter to 
 the parliament, whereof a double was formerly fent you. He intend- 
 ed to have taken a fecond view of it with my Lord Advocate, and 
 
 pof*
 
 AND LETTERS. 661 
 
 poffibly to have altered fome words of it. But, the Advocate having 
 kept the houfe the fourth night, (for which I am very forry), his 
 Grace fends you another double as it was, becaufe he had no 
 thought of any material alteration. It did occur, that, where it 
 mentions the interpofitions of his Majefty's fervants in behalf of 
 the African company, it fhould bear the CommitTioner, and other 
 fervants. There is indeed a mark of diftinttion due to his Grace 
 for his zeal for the intereft of that company with the King, when 
 there was hope to do it good. I have letters from my Lord Starr 
 fince my laft ; and now I can tell you, with more aiTurance, that he 
 will return to the parliament, though it is both againft his intereft 
 and inclinations to be drawn from his retirement. I am, with all 
 fincerity and afFe&ion, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your mod humble fervant. 
 
 Duke of Queensberry to MrCARsTAREs. 
 
 Sends the Draught of the King's Letter, Complains that he does 
 
 not receive vigorous Ajfijlance from his Majefty's Servants. - 
 
 Writes of the King's coming to Edinburgh. Is anxious for ma- 
 king a Show of Strength at the meeting of Parliament. 
 
 SIR, 
 I have received two letters from you, one without a date, and Holyrood- 
 the other from Loo of the 12th. I alfo faw a third to my fervant houfe ' Se P- 
 
 2 6 I *"OQ 
 
 Stewart. In anfwer to them, I fend you the copy of fome new in- 
 ftru&ions, and the draught of a letter to the parliament, which I 
 formerly told you the King's fervants had adjufied ; but I then 
 thought there might have been fome alterations in bufinefs before 
 now ; but, finding nothing yet fubftantial that needs any change, 
 and that the King's advocate is ftill fo ill, that, at this time, I cannot 
 advife with him in bufinefs, I fend you them as they were at firft 
 
 con-
 
 662 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 concluded on, that we may not be ftraitened ; and I hope there is 
 no time loft. As for what you write concerning the King's fer- 
 vants, I can fay no more at a diftance than what I have formerly 
 wrote to you : Their fhynefs and timoroufnefs, which you might 
 have feen when you were here, ftill continues : They are affraid of 
 a popular odium, and feem to difpair, or, at leaft, not to be much 
 concerned to regain to the King the hearts of the nation. But it 
 it is needlefs at prefent to infift on particulars about them ; becaufe 
 I do not judge this a proper feafon for any remedy. But, in gene- 
 ral, I mufl fay, (and its vifible to the whole nation), that I have not 
 been fo happy as to have that vigorous affiftance from them which 
 others in my ftation have ufually had. As to the King's coming 
 hither, it is not fit to talk of it, unlefs he were fully refolved to 
 come ; fo that I cannot advife with many people about. But I wrote 
 formerly to you, that his fervants here did think, that he could hold 
 his parliament without being fubjeeted to the trouble of a corona- 
 tion, and only appoint fome remote time for that ceremony. You 
 tell me, his Majefty defires to know, what is the fhorteft time in 
 which things abfolutely neceflary may be provided for his coming ? 
 I know not truly what may be reckoned abfolutely neceflary ; you 
 know the condition of the houfe, and the apartments of it. No- 
 thing can be done towards the reparation till the King be determi- 
 ned ; and any confiderable reparation will take more time than can 
 well be allowed in this juncture ; fo he muft either take it as it is, 
 or, if he will be pleafed to let his time of coming be known, all 
 fhall be done that's poflible in that time. I can fay no more upon 
 this fubjecl: than what I wrote to you in a former letter ; only, I'm 
 ftill of opinion, that, if his Majefty do come, he fhould lie in that 
 part of the houfe where D. Hamilton now lodges, as not only be- 
 ing the warmeft and clofeft rooms, but having the greateft conve- 
 niency of clofets and offices. There is no further refolution in re- 
 lation to the enfuing feflion of parliament than what the inclofed 
 papers contain ; nor is it poflible for me to give any certain pro- 
 fpeft of matters till our friends return from the country, and re- 
 port
 
 AND LETTERS. 663 
 
 port their fuccefs. In the mean while, I have many people at work ; 
 and, if the King is pleafed to confider my good intentions for his 
 intereft as acceptable fervice, I have all I wifh for or aim at on 
 my own private account ; but, on his, I have not the half of what 
 my duty and inclination lead me to. If my Lord Portmore were 
 ordered hither, he might not only undeceive people as to himfelf, 
 but be ufeful in the King's fervice, for which I know he has both 
 affection and zeal. I am told that my L. Mevill is gone from the 
 Bath to London ; I intreat of you that care be taken to fend him 
 down, fo as that he may be here fome days before the meeting of 
 parliament ; for much will depend upon the fhow of flrength that 
 we ihall make at our firft appearance ; and, if he does not come 
 home in time, we lofe not only his vote, but that of his fon James, 
 who is with him. My L. Blantyre, in his fenfelefs way, oppofes 
 all reafonable propofals ; he holds a place of the D. of Richmond, 
 as baillie of the regality of Glafgow. If any way could be found 
 to prevail upon my L. Duke to let him know that he intends to 
 turn him out, in cafe of his obftinacy, and continuing to oppofe the 
 King's fervice, it would not only gain us a vote, but take off one 
 from the party. I have nothing more at prefent to trouble you 
 with ; fo, without ceremony, adieu. 
 
 Lord of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Htpes that all honejl Men ivill join the King's Friends. — Advocate 
 /peaks of demitting. — Double Eleclion in the Shire of Galloivay. — 
 Every one at zvork as they have Inter ejl. — Annandale takes it ill 
 that Mr Carjlares does not write him. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have now been returned to this place four or five days ; and Edinburgh, 
 we were very impatient till we did receive this morning, by an ex- I70e 
 prefs, his Majeffy's letter to the parliament, with the inftru&ions. 
 
 I
 
 664 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 I am (till hopeful that honeft men will be convinced that his Ma- 
 jefty is willing to do all that is in his power for the true intereft 
 of the nation. I have fpoke to a great many of the parliament- 
 men feparately in the country, and they did give me very great fa- 
 tisfa&ion, for they feem convinced of the danger of running things 
 to extremes. But, all the hazard is when they return to town, and 
 meets together in parties and cabals : They are led away with 
 the fpecious pretences and fpeeches that are made to them. The 
 greateft encouragement of all is, that honeft men, that have no bad 
 defigns, begin to fee plainly, that the true intereft of the country 
 confifts in perfecting his Majefty's government ; and that, there- 
 fore, until they fee further into the defigns of the oppofmg party, 
 they are defirous that we fhould proceed to the conceffions that his 
 Majefty is willing to give. But it is an unfpeakable lofs to us, that 
 there are feveral of the fervants, who do not gain fo much as one 
 man for the King's fervice ; and the Advocate, who was our great- 
 eft fpeaker, and was otherwife very ufeful, is (I am afraid) a die- 
 ing man ; and he did declare to the commiflioner and me, when 
 we were laft with him, that he would gladly be relieved of all bu- 
 finefs, and told us, that he had fent a kind of dimiflion of his place 
 to the King ; and you will not believe what a lofs this will be ; for 
 a King's Advocate, by virtue of his office, can call any man to the 
 bar that fpeaks undutifully of King or government, and his opi- 
 nion will have great authority. I am alfo afraid, that the King 
 fhall want one as treafurer, and myfelf as fecretary upon the com- 
 mittees ; for there are no letters for us as yet come, though my Lord 
 Commiflioner and I wrote exprefsly for them ; but we are ftill ex- 
 pecting that they will come in time ; for the parliament is now ad- 
 journed, conform to his Majefty's letter, for eight days. The rea- 
 fons that moved the Commiflioner and I to make ufe of the letter, 
 are, that the Earl of Melvil, and fome in England, are not yet come 
 down ; and that the oppofing party, by circular letters, are like to 
 be well conveened againft Tuefday next ; whereas many of our 
 friends would then have been abfent. Befide, we fhall have time to 
 
 fpeak
 
 AND L E T T E R S. v 665 
 
 fpeak to every man that comes to town deliberately ; and it is a 
 great fatisfaclion to his Majefty's fervants, that he be in Britain 
 when the parliament fits : So I doubt not but his Majefty will ap- 
 prove what we have done in this. I believe you will be in- 
 formed by others, that there is a double election in the fhire of 
 Galloway. The Earl of Galloway and my Lord Stairs did lead on 
 a faction for Caftle-Stewart, who is uncle to the Earl of Galloway. 
 He has fixteen votes for him, and my Lord Bafil Hamilton has e- 
 leven votes ; but he has protefted, and objecf ed againft feveral of 
 the voters for Caftle-Stewart, that they had not right to vote. Ac- 
 cording to the account 1 have of it, Caftle-Stewart ought to carry it; 
 but, go as it will, my Lord Stair's family and Duke Hamilton are 
 for once fairly feparate, if they do not fet up again together. I had 
 .arce time to write you this letter ; for I have had feveral parlia- 
 ment-men with me fence I begun, and I think I have made one 
 proielyte, that is, Mac .. saatofl ; for Dyfert and he promifesto bring 
 me in three or four more againft the next week. My Lord Annan- 
 dale fays he has gained Ecciefhields ; and every one is at work as 
 they have intereft ; and, come of this matter what will, I will have 
 this fatisfa&ion, that I have done all that is in my power, and that 
 I could have done no more. I am, Sir, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 My Lord Annandale told me this night, that you never write to 
 him ; and, as I underitand, he takes it ill; fo you may begin a cor- 
 refportdence with him, for he can write very welL 
 
 Earl of Argyle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Elections. Complains of Treafurc-depute, Recommends Com- 
 
 mijjary Elph'injlon. Wijhes the Commijfioner *s hands to be 
 
 Jlrengthened. 
 
 I have forborn writing for fome time, by reafon moft company Edinburgh, 
 
 were out of town-, and nothing new occurring. All has been bu- a ' l8 « 
 
 P 7Q©«
 
 666 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fy in their feveral diftri&s ; and, I am hopeful, to good effect. A 
 little time will fhow ; but, by our calculations, we gain ground. 
 You will hear from others what buftle has been made in Galloway 
 about an election in that county. L. Bafil Hamilton did fet up 
 for it, and threatened fome, others he promifed particular marks of 
 favour to. Nay, that party is grown fo infolent, that they are pro- 
 mifing places to fome, not doubting to force themfelves into fome 
 government or another. In this affair of Galloway, E. Galloway 
 and V. Stair, with the Mafter his fori, and a younger fon, oppo- 
 fed L. Balil, with all his pretended royalty, and have the plurality 
 for, I think, one Cattle-Stewart. The election for Jedburgh is car- 
 ried by Lord Jedburgh, for the King's intereft ; the former was a- 
 gainftit. But, what does us moft hurt, we have rogues amongft 
 us, particularly the Treafurer-depute, who, on all occafions, efpou- 
 fes the oppofers particular intereft, and endeavours tofupport them; 
 and, in a&ions for the government, is luke-warm. This is no fe- 
 cret ; nor do I fpare to fay it, where I have occafion ; and, I hope, 
 in due time, his Majefty will treat all as they deferve. I do not 
 doubt but you have had feveral letters about the vacancy in the 
 feflion. I dare fay CommilTary Elphinfton is the fitteft ; and I 
 can make it appear to a demonftration, he makes the King fix 
 votes at this time. The CommilTioner does own to be for him ; 
 and that he is my friend, I flatter myfelf, mould recommend him 
 a little, fince its obfervable, none of my friends does forfake the 
 King. I hope to regain my only deferter L. Forrefter ; and L. 
 Kello and L. Rutherfoord I have prevailed on. I have alfo carried 
 Barns Hamilton, that he is almofl for turning Campbell. The 
 Commifhoner of late has been very bufy ; but there is one thing 
 I am afraid may weaken his hands, and ought to be fpeedily re- 
 medied ; and, tho' he takes no notice of it himfelf, yet thofe that 
 wifhes his Majefty's authority to continue, fhould put things 
 in a right channel. I remember, when I was laft at London, the 
 King faid he would put feveral powers in the CommifTioner's 
 hands, that he expefted he would, if need were, advife with fome 
 
 of
 
 AND LETTERS. 667 
 
 of his fervants ; but certainly it was ftill underftood, that whilft 
 he continued reprefenting his Majefty's perfon, favours were to be 
 difpenfed more immediately by him. It does now appear that, in 
 profecution of this truft, which his Majefty defigned to lodge in him 
 who reprefents his perfon, feveral blank papers were figned, which 
 ftill remain in the Secretary's hands, which ought beyond all dis- 
 pute be lodged with the Commiffioner, which all of us, the King's 
 fervants, ought to defire ; and it does not in the leaft hinder us to 
 act in our fphere. Pray take your own way to have this fpeedily 
 redrefled, leaft it. prove of worfe confequence to the fervice than I 
 dare guefs. As for my part, it mail be feen I fhall boldly ferve 
 his Majefty ; nor fhall the apprehenfion of fome there thrufting 
 themfelves into the government fright me from my duty. I know 
 the King is too juft and generous, (whatever the event be), to fuf- 
 fer me to be expofed to thofe irreconcilable enemies of his, I may 
 call them. I do not pretend to trouble his Majefty with my let- 
 ter ; but I fhall reft fatisfied, he be informed of true matter of fact, 
 and I have my reward. I am your's. Adieu. Pray give my hum- 
 ble fervice to Earl Portland. 
 
 Duke of'QuEENSBERRY to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Reafonsfor adjourning the Parliament. — Ittuill be very tender of the 
 
 King's Prerogative. Tranfmits three additional In/lrnclions. 
 
 Grotvs in Hopes. Jacobite Defign at bottom of Oppofition 
 
 to the King's Government. 
 
 SIR, 
 I received two letters from you, and two from Mr Pringle, dated H 
 the 3d and 7th ; by them I had his Majefty's letter to the parlia- h °ufe, Oft. 
 ment, my additional inftructions, and a blank commiftion for the * 9 " I7 °°' 
 mafter-of-works' place. I had alfo a letter impowering me to make 
 a further adjournment of parliament, which, after advifing with 
 
 4 p 2 friends,
 
 668 • S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 friends, I made ufe of, and put off our meeting till the 29th. I do 
 not find that this gives the leaft jealoufy of the parliament's not fit- 
 ting, the adjournment being fo fhort ; and the reafons why I took 
 this method were, firft, becaufe it was thought very neceflary that 
 his Majefty fhould be in England before our meeting ; and, then, 
 that the letters for reprefenting the Lord Treafurer and Secretary of 
 State were not come ; and that friends came flowly up. The 
 King's letter to the parliament was written and framed by my 
 Lord Advocate, and adj lifted by the Secretaries. The fecond in- 
 ftrudion is indeed large ; but the reafon of it was, becaufe it was 
 thought neceflary that his Majefty's gracious conceflions with re- 
 lation to every thing elfe but that of aflerting the right of Caledo- 
 nia, might be fo fully expreffed, and made known to people here, 
 ^as to render men that fhould obftruct bufinefs unexcufable to the 
 nation ; and it has no further extent. I fhall, however, be very 
 careful and tender of his Majefty's prerogatives; and I do wifh that 
 they had come to my hand more entire ; they mould not have been 
 fo eafily parted with, but upon more valuable confiderations ; and 
 manv encroachments have been made of late upon thofe that are 
 yet remaining. This, his Majefty may be afllired of, that, fo far 
 as I can comprehend, I (hall keep within the bounds of my reftric- 
 tion ; though I muft, at the fame time, fay, that it will be hard for 
 me to judge what laws may be thought hereafter reftri&ions of the 
 prerogative. I have advifed with my Lord Seafield, Prefident, Trea- 
 furer-depute, and Philiphaugh, after full reafoning upon what was 
 moft likely to fall under the confideration of the parliament. Three 
 additional inftru&ions are framed, and herewith tranfmitted, and a 
 memorial with them, containing the reafons why they were thought 
 neceflary. I fhall be carefull to let you know, from time to time, 
 what happens here, that I may be particularly inftrueted before a- 
 nv new thing be concluded ; for it would be a great prejudice to 
 the King's fervice, if the parliament fhould be obliged to flop for 
 further inftrudions ; for I incline to proceed with as much dili- 
 gence as poflible when once we enter on bufinefs. The Advocate 
 
 is
 
 AND LETTERS. 669 
 
 is fo ill, that I cannot expect him in parliament, nor any help from 
 him. The Chancellor is not very vigorous, and fometimes indif- 
 pofed ; if he mould happen to be ill, my power of naming a prefi- 
 dent of parliament may be called in queftion, though there are pre- 
 cedents for it ; fo, to avoid all ground of difpute, I defire that a 
 blank letter of commiffion may be fent, which mail only be ufed if 
 there be occafion for it. I have received the note which you men- 
 tion in your letter of the 7th ; and it fhall be made ufe of according 
 to advice. The perfons who I employed in the feveral places of 
 the country are not yet come to town ; fo I cannot yet make any 
 certain ftate, though I grow in hopes, as I hear our adverfaries 
 does in anger. The Marquis of Athol, my L. Dunmore, and L. 
 Nairne came lad night to town, and are to come in to parliament, 
 which makes it apparent that there is a Jacobite defign at bottom, 
 and ought to open the eyes of any who has appeared for his Ma- 
 jefty's intereft. I have a dutiful fenfe of his Majefty's goodnefs 
 towards me, and a juft refentment of your friendfhip, and of the 
 firmnefs and franknefs of your correfpondence with me ; and am, 
 without diflimulation, fincerely your's, &c. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Experts a great Struggle. Feiv of the King's Servants in Par- 
 liament to manage his Affairs. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 We are now very impatient *to hear that his Majefty is ar- Edinburgh, 
 
 r • 1 t ; i • ™ Odober 19, 
 
 rived at London, for the news of it would encourage his Ma- I700 , 
 jefty's fervants here. I cannot but have hopes that his Majefty's 
 affairs will fucceed ; but it will be with a great ftruggle ; for there 
 never was fo bold oppofition feen as this is. The heads of the par- 
 ty have no defign to be fatisfied with any thing can be propofed ; 
 and, though many be convinced of the dangerous confequences of 
 
 bringing
 
 6 7 o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 bringing things to extremities, yet they pretend, in point of honour, 
 that they cannot leave or defert their party; and they are Hill po- 
 fitive that they will affert the right of Caledonia : But I am hope- 
 ful that we may carry it by a majority, to begin with thefe things 
 which his Majefty offers. It is our great misfortune that we have 
 no Advocate ; you know he is a man of great fenfe, and is entirely 
 laid afide by ficknefs. The Chancellor has no great authority, and 
 we have no regifter. The Soliciter gives no afliftance j and the 
 Commiffioner will not communicate bufinefs with him. None of 
 the clerks of the council are of the parliament ; and the Prefident 
 of council is not here; however, we mall do all we can. The Com- 
 miffioner does now fend three or four inftrudions, which feems to 
 us to be neceflary'; and, for his Majefty' s information, we have 
 drawn a memorial relative to them. The aft concerning the King's 
 power of impofing taxes on foreign trade is already voted a grie- 
 vance, and the powers contained in it were never exercifed by his 
 Majefty. That concerning the prolonging the privileges of the 
 company is reafonable ; becaufe they have loft fo many years by 
 the misfortunes that have happened to their colony ; and, it being 
 now deferted, fuch an a£t will not in the leaft import the afferting 
 the right to Caledonia; and that inftrudion againftthe marrying of 
 a Popifh King and Queen is alfo contained in the grievances, and 
 fo cannot well be refufed. I intreat, that, at the fame time, you ob- 
 tain the inftrudions, or fooner, if poflible you may procure the let- 
 ters for the Treafurer and Secretary. I am Y. M. H. S. 
 
 0' 
 
 Annandale to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Writes of Heat raifed by African Council Promifes Fidelity and 
 
 Vigour in his fervice. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I can fay little more now than to thank you for your's of the 
 WeN°o d v.4. 24th of Odober, I am very fully fatisfied of your friendfhip and 
 
 kind- 
 
 1700.
 
 AND LETTERS. 671 
 
 kindnefs, and you, and all your concerns, fhall ever feel the effects 
 of it, as often as it is in my power to give evidences thereof. 
 James Dunlop mail be affifted by me in all his bufinefs with all i- 
 maginable concern ; and in every thing you recommend, my fince- 
 rity and gratitude fhall fatisfy you, that I am true to what I have 
 faid. Ufe freedom with me, and try me, and you fhall find me 
 heartily your's. 
 
 You have all the particulars long ago as they pafled in the Afri- 
 can council. That affair was carried on by the managers with a 
 great deal of heat and indifcretion, both towards the King and go- 
 vernment ; and they have propagate fuch a ferment upon it, that 
 they have brought people to talk with very little regard or refpect 
 to both. I hope, if it is as it has been, fuch doings will do fome 
 people's bufinefs effectually. I wifh I could be more particular up- 
 on this matter ; but neither this diftance, nor way of converfation, 
 will well allow of it; otherways, I affure you, I mould ufe all the 
 freedom imaginable. I fhall not fail in my ftation to fhow all the 
 fidelity and vigour imaginable in the King's fervice, fet themfelves 
 in oppofition who will ; and I make no doubt but the King's fer- 
 vants will be able to do his bufinefs in fpite of all practices to the 
 contrary. When any thing worth while falls in, I fhall give it you; 
 and, believe me, without compliment, you have this from your true 
 friend. 
 
 LordSeafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 King's Servants have carried the Committee. — Are perfuaded they 
 have a Plurality. — Oppofition intend to pof pone Bufinefs. — Tullibar- 
 dine difpleafed. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 My Lord Commiffioner being ill of the cold, and being obliged Hoiyrood- 
 to take phyfic, could not write before this evening. He is now hou I fe ' Nov * 
 
 bet-
 
 672 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 better, and, I believe, gives a full account of what has as yet palled. 
 There is nothing material, but that we have carried the committee ; 
 that is, we have carried the nobility and commifhoners for bo- 
 roughs : So that, as to any thing that is committed, we have two 
 to one. On the other hand, they have a great plurality of barons, 
 and they expect feveral members will yet come up. 1 am perfua- 
 ded we have a plurality ; but we can have no more than we have 
 already, except the Earl of Kelly and my Lord Boyle, and Provoft 
 Johnfton of Dumfries. My Lord Boyle has been hindred hitherto 
 by the death of the Laird of Rowallan. I am unwilling yet to fend 
 you up a lift of the parliament till we engage again in another vote, 
 befides that I formerly gave you an account of ; and, if it once ap- 
 pear that we have a fixed and clear plurality, matters will go eafier. 
 What we refolve to prefs in the houfe to-morrow is, that the con- 
 travened election betwixt Lord Bafil Hamilton and Caftle-Stewart 
 be remitted to the committee of elections, for to examine witneifes ; 
 and, if we carry this, it will confirm our intereft very much. I un- 
 derftand that they intend to poftpone bufinefs as much as ever they 
 can, on purpofe that we may loofe the month of November without 
 doing any thing for the advantage of the country, and that it may 
 appear that we are ftruggling for a majority, in order to get a cefs, 
 and do nothing for the country. But, on the other hand, we re- 
 folve to propofe thofe acts that concerns our religion, the regu- 
 lating of trade, and the habeas corpus law, that honeft men may fee, 
 that what his Majefty propofes in his letter will be done, and the 
 Commifiioner will give new aflurances of it ; and then we will en- 
 deavour to. difcufs the aflerting the right of Caledonia, and propofe 
 the giving of fupplies for fubfifting fuch forces as are neceiTary, 
 and let them fee that, if fubfidies be given, all the reft mall be done, 
 And it is impoflible to pleafe the minds of the people, without ma- 
 king effectual all that is propofed. All I can defire you to fay to his 
 Majefty is, that we have hopes, and nothing fhall be wanting that 
 can be done, for bringing things to a good lfTue. They are refoJ- 
 
 ved
 
 AND LETTERS. 673 
 
 ved to propofe a great many proje&s and laws, upon which they 
 think we have no inftrucHons, to the end, that they may break from 
 us thofe of the country-party whom we have gained ; but we fhall 
 advert, as well as we can, to it. I did formerly acquaint you of my 
 Lord Yefter, Gosford, and Stichell, their bringing up of the addrefs ; 
 and I hope his Majefty will find little difficulty in anfwering, his 
 letter to the parliament is fo full and plain, and his Commiffioner fo 
 fully inftru&ed in all that his Majefty can do for the fatisfa&ion of 
 his people. What fecret inftructions my Lord Yefter has, I know 
 not; but, I doubt not but that his Majefty will have regard to his 
 fervants, who are venturing all in his fervice. And his Majefty can 
 never, with great advantage, conclude upon the perfons that are fit 
 to be continued and employed in his government till this parliament 
 be over. However, this is with all fubmiffion to what fhall be hisMa- 
 jefty's pleafure, and nothing fhall make me fail in my duty to him. 
 We reckon that we have 108 of the parliament-men for us, and that 
 they have 95 ; but if this computation will hold, I cannot be pofitive • 
 we have 18 or 19 noblemen more on our fide than they have; and 
 we have alfo a confiderable plurality among the boroughs. Their 
 ftrength lies among the barons. I find, the Earl of Tullibardine, 
 and all that family, are mightily difpleafed for the pairing of Cap- 
 tain Frazer's remiffion. It is not yetexpede at the feak ; but they 
 were with me this evening, and they told me that they did un- 
 derftand that there was a warrant for palling the remiffion at the 
 great feal, per faltum, without being produced in exchequer; and 
 Tullibardine let me fee Captain Frazer's two letters, of which you 
 heard formerly, which were writt by him when he was at the uni- 
 verfity; but, after thefe, Tullibardine employed him as an officer in 
 his regiment; and, until this controverfy fell out, they were not 
 heard of. But of this I fhall write more fully afterwards. In the 
 mean time, I only add, that I am, Sir, your M. H. S. 
 
 4 0^ Earl
 
 674 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Great Reafoning and Debate in Parliament. — He thinks the pretended 
 Prince of Wales more dangerous than the late King was, after he 
 iv as declared to have forfeited the Croivn. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Holyrood- You will guefs, by my not writing often, that I have very little 
 
 houfe, Dec. ^ m£ tQ b e ft ow t h al: wav# \ doubt not but Mr Pringle will acquaint 
 
 you with any palTages which I take notice of to him as I have lei— 
 fure. The meeting of parliament, and of the committees, do fcarce- 
 lv give us time enough for our concerting meetings in private. No- 
 thing is done in the houfe but upon a great deal of reafoning and 
 debate ; till all be ready, there is much time fpent, and it is impof- 
 iible to help it. I fhall be glad to know from you how the ads, al- 
 ready voted here, are liked of by the King's friends there ? and 
 how you think the Duke of Anjou's being King of Spain will be 
 liked of by an Englifh parliament ? and if it is true what is talked 
 here, that he fpoke in fo friendly terms to the pretended Prince of 
 Wales, w r ho, I fear, is more dangerous to us, being the bottom 
 which, I am convinced, our Jacobites now fet up upon, than ever 
 the late King was, fince he was declared to have forfeited the 
 crown ? Write freely to me ; and, fo foon as I can get fiich leifure, 
 I will be fuller upon this fubjed to you; but I have not time now, 
 
 I am, SIR, 
 
 Your affectionate humble fervant, and true friend, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 675 
 
 Earl of Annandale to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Thanks h - doing him j aft ice. — Great Encouragement to the King's 
 
 Set* tsy i thofc about his Majefty give him true Accounts of 
 ivhat pajjcs. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 By this pod, I am favoured with yours of tbfe :6th. I have Edinburgh 
 fcarce any thing from this to give you that is worth while. Our Nov. 21. 
 hot angry people are ftill very affiduous in improving, as much as * 7 
 they can, to the prejudice of the King and government, the late 
 misfortune of the African bufinefs ; but I hope it fhall not be in 
 their power to make any thing of it, fince the vigilance and dili- 
 gence of his Majefty's fervants may very eafily defeat all their in- 
 difcreet and unwarrantable practices; and I muft hope it will be the. 
 great care of all of us fo to do. I am fenfible I lie under particu- 
 lar obligations to my friends for the juftice they have done me for 
 what I did of this kind ; and it is great encouragement to thofe 
 who ierve the King, that there are thofe about him who give him 
 faithful and 1 true accounts of what paffes. I know well the engage- 
 ment I am under to you upon this head ; and, as it is never to be 
 forgot, lb I ihall never weary, when it is in my power, in living 
 you repeated proofs of the fmcereft friendlhip. I have his Maje- 
 fty's letter for my lodging, which I do acknowledge is a fpecial 
 mark of his Majefty's favour, and of my friends concern for me; 
 and as I know well how I have it, fo I cannot fail to make all the 
 fuitable returns I am capable of - r and I am lure I mail ever, with 
 much gratitude, remember your part of it. Give me leave to give 
 you the trouble of my raoft humble and hearty refpe&s to the E. 
 of Portland. No man is more fincerely his. * This from your true 
 friend, A . 
 
 4 Qw 2 Declaration
 
 6 7 5 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Declaration of Captain Pinker ton and James Graham, 1701. 
 
 We the fubferibers, being interrogated by a committee of di- 
 rectors of the company of Scotland trading to Africa and the In- 
 dies, imo, Upon what alledged crime we were tried for our lives 
 at Seville ? ido, Upon what evidence we were condemned to die, 
 &c. ? 3/10, Whether we were liberated upon production of the at- 
 tefted copies of the act of parliament and letters patent, eftabliuV- 
 ing the company, and of the commifhon, inftructions, and failing 
 orders, founded thereupon, or upon the King's letter ? 4^, Whe- 
 ther the King, by his letter, required our liberation as a favour, or 
 in purfuance of the treaties between the Kings of Great Britain and 
 Spain? and, hflh-> What was the reafon that we did not procure, 
 and bring along with us, a copy of the procefs ? We do hereby de- 
 clare, upon our confeience, and to the beft of our memories, That, 
 as to xhzfaji, we were tried as pirates, and for having invaded the 
 dominions of Spain, in failing beyond the Canaries, without leave 
 from the King of Spain, and as having no commiffion from our 
 King : That, as to the fecond. The only evidence adduced againft 
 us, were his Majefty of Great Britain's proclamation emitted againft 
 us in the Weft Indies, and certain words alledged to have been pro- 
 nounced by his Majefty's own mouth to the Spanifh ambaffador 
 in England, by which his Majefty dilbwned all the company's pro- 
 ceedings, or that they have any authority from him to go to thefe 
 parts; which words were (we underftand) tranfmitted in writing to 
 the council of the Indies in Seville, and produced in court againft us : 
 That, upon this evidence only, we were condemned, as pirates and 
 invaders to die, in luch manner as the judges fhould think fit, our e- 
 ftates, and goods (if we had any) to be efcheatedto the King; the fhip 
 Dolphin and cargo likewiie efcheated to his Catholic Majefty; and 
 the o-overnour of Carthagena to be reprimanded for not either exe- 
 cuting all the other perfons taken prifoners with us, or tranfmitting 
 them to Old Spain, in order to have undergone the fame trial as 
 
 we
 
 AND LETTERS. 677 
 
 we did : That his Catholic Majefty fhould, by his meflengers, de- 
 mand and require of the King of Great Britain, that the perfons of 
 the D. of Hamilton, Marq. of Tweedale, E. of Panmure, and all 
 others concerned in the company, fhould be feized, and their eftates 
 confifcated, to make reparation for the damages and expences fu- 
 ftained by his Catholic Majefty, in equipping a fleet for difpolTef- 
 fmg their fettlement at Darien : That, as to the thirds The firft 
 thing that gave* us hopes of our liberation, was advice that we had 
 from the vice-conful at Cadiz, importing, that by the Flamborough 
 advice-boat, then arrived from England, feveral letters did bear, 
 that the Scots colony in Darien had furrendered that fettlement to 
 the Spaniards, upon certain articles of capitulation, in which he 
 faid he doubted not but we were included : That, very foon there- 
 after, arrived the King's letter to Monfieur Schenenberg, his envoy 
 at Madrid, as alfo the attefted copies above mentioned ; upon which 
 the faid envoy wrote to the council at Seville, acquainting him 
 thereof, and that he doubted not but to put a flop to any further 
 proceedings againft us, and to procure our pardon ; but that he re- 
 folved not to expofe the King's letter to the criminal council, or to 
 take any legal courfe for our liberation, to avoid charges, but that 
 he would interpofe, with his Catholic Majefty, in a private way : 
 That, foon upon the back of that again, arrived advice from the go- 
 vernor of Carthagena, by which, we fuppofe, they might have a 
 particular account of the capitulation formerly mentioned; and, 
 tho' the attefted copies above mentioned were, by the council of 
 Seville, tranfmitted to the faid envoy at Madrid, the envoy return- 
 ed word to the council, that he would not produce them, becaufe 
 he would do our bufinefs without them; and, in near about 20 days 
 thereafter, he procured our pardon from the King of Spain, who at 
 the fame time approved of, and confirmed the fentence paiTed a- 
 gainft us at Seville, and fent orders to the preiident of Council of 
 the contravention-houfe at Seville, to deliver us to the Englifh con- 
 ful, upon his giving bond to fend us prifoners to England, in order 
 to be tried there, for any thing that the King of Great Britain 
 
 might
 
 678 S T A T E - P A P E II S 
 
 might have to fay againft us, for" acting without his authority : 
 That, thereupon, the Englifh conful having got us out of priibn, 
 and declared to us, that we were to be prifoners at large until fuch 
 time as he mould receive the King of England's further pleafure 
 concerning us, one of us expoflulated very much with him as to 
 the extremities we had been reduced to, and that, if he detained us 
 any longer there, he mud refolve upon defraying our charges, and 
 intreated that he might fend us to the conful at Cadiz, to be by him 
 difpofed of as he mould think fit ; upon which he did let us go, 
 upon our engagement to prefent ourfelves to the conful at Cadiz : 
 And, when we came to Sir Martin Weftcomb the conful at Cadiz, 
 he told us that he had no order about us, and that we might go 
 what way we pleafcd for him. And, by the bye, we cannot, in gra- 
 titude, but fay, that Sir Martin Weftcomb, the conful at Cadiz, and 
 his vice-conful, Mr James Chalmers, our countryman, were very 
 generous and kind to us in all refpecls, and, by letters, prompted 
 the conful at Seville to appear in our behalf, and engaged to free 
 him of all damages, and clear him of all charges upon our account : 
 So that, upon the whole, we know not whether we were liberate 
 upon the King's letter or not ; for, we are told by the conful of Se- 
 ville, and feveral other perfons in Spain, that the King's letter 
 might probably prolonged to us a miferable life, but that, they be- 
 lieved, it would not have procured their liberation, if certain advice 
 had not been come of our colony's furrender, &c. As to the 4th, 
 We cannot anfwer pofitively, not having feen the King's letter ; 
 but we underftood, in the general, from fuch as we converfed with, 
 that our liberation was delired and obtained as a favour. Then, 
 laftly, As to our not having procured a copy of our procefs, the 
 conful of Seville, when we defired it, told us firft that it would 
 coft a great deal of money ; but, when we delired him not to Hand 
 upon that, for that, whatever were the charge of it, that mould not 
 be wanting, he told us frankly, that he could not underftand for 
 what end we required it ; and that, in regard it might give jealou- 
 fy, and raife ill blood, he would not appear in it, without a fpecial 
 
 order
 
 AND LETTERS. 679 
 
 order from the King his mafter, or from the Englifh fecretary of 
 ftate. In teftimony of all which, we have hereto fet our hands, at 
 Edinburgh, the 4th of January 1701. 
 
 (Signed) James Graham. 
 
 ROB. PlNKERTOWiN. 
 
 Draught of an Acl about Caledonia, 1701. 
 
 Our Sovereign Lord taking into his royal confideration, the 
 many obftructions, infults, and invafions, which the company 
 of this kingdom, trading to Africa and the Indies, meet with in 
 their juft endeavours for the having fettled a plantation and colony, 
 by the name of Caledonia in Darien, on the continent of Ameri- 
 ca, upon pretence that they had no legal authority for fo doing; 
 therefore, our faid Sovereign Lord, with advice and confent of the 
 eftates of parliament, for preventing the like encroachments in 
 time coming, doth hereby declare, That the faid company's colony 
 in Darien, on the continent of America, was a legal and rightful 
 fettlement, precifely in the terms of the act of parliament and let- 
 ters patent, by which the faid company was eftablifhed, and doth 
 hereby ratify and confirm the fame ; and his Majefty and the e- 
 ftates of parliament will aflifb and fupport the faid company in the 
 lawful profecution of the rights thereof, and protect them in the 
 full and free enjoyment thereof. 
 
 Copy Reafons for a DiJJent, &c. 
 
 Forafmuch as the eftates of parliament have, by their votes of 
 the 1 oth and 1 3th of January inftant, pafTed four feveral refolves, 
 nemine contradicente, in relation to the privilege of our African 
 company ; and, in refpect that the lawful application of the faid 
 company's undoubted rights and privileges in their fettlement of 
 
 Caledonia,
 
 68o S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 -Caledonia, can only be afferted and vindicated by an act of his Ma- 
 jefty and parliament, by whom the faid privileges were granted ; 
 and that, without fuch an ad, aliening and vindicating the legali- 
 ty of the faid fettlement, the enemies of our faid company may ftill 
 continue to treat all perfons concerned in, and employed by the 
 fame, as pirates, and unjuft invaders of the dominions of another 
 nation, and, as fuch, may profecute them before any judicatory of 
 this kingdom; and that the fubje&s of this kingdom can, in no time 
 coming, plant a colony in any other part of the world, without the 
 hazard of being treated in the fame manner : Therefore, we de- 
 clare our opinion, that the fubjeefs of this kingdom cannot be fe- 
 cure in their trade, nor the company in the enjoyment of its juft 
 rights and privileges, without fuch an acl ; and do diffent from 
 making any addrefs to his Majefty upon that head, until firft there 
 be an acl; paffed for fecuring the company's rights and privileges, 
 in the aflerting and vindicating of which, the honour of King and 
 parliament is fo much concerned; and, in teftimony of our duty to 
 both, and to the intereft of our country and company, we crave 
 that our faid opinion and diffent be marked, with our names adjoin- 
 ed thereunto. 
 
 Addrefs againjl adjourning the Parliament in the Affair of Caledonia^ 
 1701. 
 
 May it pleale your Majesty, 
 
 We Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burgeffes, and other iubferi- 
 bers, your Majefty's moft dutiful fubjeds of this your antient king- 
 dom of Scotland, having formerly, from an unfeigned zeal to your 
 Majefty's fervice, and to the good and welfare of our country, pe- 
 titioned your Majefty for a meeting of the eftates in parliament, 
 in order to fupport and afllft our company trading to Africa and 
 the Indies, which the parliament, by their unanimous addrefs to 
 your Majefty of the 5th of Auguft 1698, declared to be their own 
 
 and
 
 AND LETTERS. 68 1 
 
 and the whole nation's particular concern ; and your Majefty ha-* 
 ving been graciouily pleafed to allow the parliament to meet on 
 the 2 1 ft of May laft, whereby all your good fubje&s could not but 
 conceive fuitable hopes of its happy iflue for the honour and inte- 
 reft of your Majefty and people, do now beg leave to exprefs our 
 deep concern and forrow for the unexpected adjournment thereof, 
 without being permitted to do any thing towards the wiftied-for 
 end of its meeting ; and do, in all humble manner, concur with 
 the dutiful addrefs lately prefented to your Majefty from the plurality 
 of the members of parliament, reprefenting the inconveniencies and 
 prejudices arifmg to the prefling concerns of the nation from that 
 adjournment, and to the rights and liberties of parliament from the 
 manner of it ; and its our inexpreflible regret, that your Majeftv 
 does feem to have been prevailed upon, by the mifreprefentations 
 of evil counfellors, to haften out proclamations for the adjourning- 
 the parliament from time to time, whilft not only the faid company 
 did ftand utterly in need of the continuance, fupport, and protec- 
 tion promifed to it by your Majefty in parliament, and more efpe- 
 cially upon the misfortunes that have of late befallen it by the fuc- 
 cefs of enemies againft its colony of Caledonia, but, whilft alfo e- 
 ven the nation itfelf did, and ftill does remain under the preffure 
 of fuch grievances as can only be redreffed in parliament. And, 
 to the end that your Majefty may have a juft view thereof, we hum- 
 bly beg leave to reprefent to your Majefty, how indifpenfibly ne- 
 ceflary it is, That the proteftant religion be fecured againft the growth 
 of popery, immorality, and profanenefs ; That the nation's right and 
 title to Caledonia, as holding of your Majefty's crown of Scotland, 
 be afterted and fupported : That the good inclinations of your 
 Majefty, and lucceifor Kings of Scotland, be preferved from foreign 
 influence, as well as from the mifreprefentations and pernicious 
 counfels of unnatural countrymen : That the frequency and fitting 
 of parliament be fecured and afcertained, purfuant to our claim of 
 right : That dangerous influences upon the freedom of parliament, 
 either by gratuitous penfions, or farms of any branch of the reve- 
 
 4 R nue,
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 nue, or annexed property of the crown, otherwife than accords to 
 law, for the necefTary fupport of the government, be prevented ; 
 That the public credit be reftored, and an inquiry made into the 
 application of the fund laid on, and appropriated by parliament, for 
 fupport of the government and payment of the army : That the 
 fecurity and defence of the nation and government be fettled, and 
 a duly regulated force, inftead of a {landing army, fo burdenfome 
 to the country, and dangerous to its liberty, that the particular 
 manner of applying the fecurity, which we, by your claim of 
 right for the perfonal freedom of the fubje&s againft long and ar- 
 bitrary imprifomnent, as well as againft law-fuits upon old and ob- 
 folete laws, be fpecially declared by parliament : That the trade of 
 this nation be encouraged and advanced, by duly regulating its ex- 
 port and import, by difcharging the prejudicial branches thereof, 
 by paying the value of the current money, by encouraging manu- 
 factories, bv employing the poor, and more efpecially your counte- 
 nancing and affifting our faid company in the profecution of its law- 
 ful undertakings. And that all fuch articles of grievances prefented to 
 your Majefty by the eftates of this kingdom in the year 1689, as 
 having not yet been redrefied, together with fuch other grievances 
 as the parliament, at the fitting thereof, find the nation aggravated 
 with, be redrefied in parliament. And your Majefty having, by 
 your royal letter of the 24th of May 1689, been gracioufly plea- 
 fed to declare, and give full aflurance of our reprefentatives in that 
 meeting of eftates which fettled the crown and royal dignity of this 
 realm in your Majefty, thaj we fhould always find your Majefty 
 ready to protect and affift the eftates in making fuch laws as might 
 fecure our religion, liberties, and property, cr redrefs whatfoever 
 might be juftly grievous to us : That your Majefty would ne- 
 ver believe that the true intereft of the people and the crown 
 would be oppofite ; and that your Majefty would always account 
 it your greateft prerogative to affent to fuch laws as might pro- 
 mote truth, peace, and wealth in your kingdom. We therefore 
 reckon it our duty, humbly to defire, and affuredly to expect, that 
 
 your
 
 AND LETTER 
 
 be gracioufly pleafed to fetisfy the looging de- 
 
 edation erf" your people, by allowing the par- 
 
 n 1 to meet a .en n^ to gj ^f^ 
 
 id come to folid rdblmjons in. 
 
 : e nation; and grant fuch in- 
 
 ftr- " enable him to pafe fbch ad* 
 
 the great council nation fliall think moft conducive to the 
 
 e honour of 'ajefty and government, the welfare cf this 
 
 realm, both as to its re. J intereft, and to the foil 
 
 quieting the minds of all yo . e good people. 
 
 Hints to tkc King Carfiar 
 
 .: to your Majefty from Scotland be- 
 ing defigned for a publi : j ion f your mind, it ieems necev- 
 fary it be refled, that nothing may appear to be (aid in it, 
 but what your Majefty is really refblved to do, that the fwmirf** of 
 
 your government may have nothing like a handle for cavilling, as 
 they preiume in their addreh to do, with regard to a letter of your 
 a 1689 ; and, therefore, I prefume to fuggeft the follow- 
 ing /ns in this letter l 
 
 here it is laid, j&md *wc bcimg mq/i •wiSitig to great ™hot 
 '■::.; . '.- - -. ... *::-.; • cc :'r.t ::_ _ . fj ~:v : t '.z~ :_:: :;- 
 cau :• yourieif to everything 
 
 jut parliament fhall judge needful ; and, if any thing they 
 judge to be {o £hould be denied, they will recur to your Majefh 
 promile in this letter. 
 
 1 What is .aid about Capt. Pinkerton may, I humbly judge,. 
 
 :ft effectual methods, both for the iafety and 
 
 ing particular orders tor tint ef; ;": to our minifter at Madrid, aiwl by 
 letter under our royal hand t: tbe rving of Spain in their favours. 
 
 ■•" 
 opinion, thus framed : . 
 
 4 R * a=4.
 
 •6*4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 And, for our company's concerns, we allure you, that we will 
 fo fteadily concur with our parliament in every thing that can rea- 
 fonably be expected of us for aiding and fupporting their intereft, 
 and repairing their lofles, that all our good fubje&s (hall have juft 
 grounds to be allured of our hearty inclinations to advance the 
 wealth and profperity of that our antient kingdom. 
 
 I take the boldnefs to fuggeft this way of your Majefty's expref- 
 fing yourfelf more fully upon this bufinefs of the company, than 
 even the letter doth that is fent by your Majefty's fervants, that the 
 word reafonablie, which leaves your Majefty zjuft latitude, may be 
 the lefs excepted againft. 
 
 Philiphaugh toMR Carstares. 
 
 Parliament have refufed an Acl averting our Right to Caledonia^ car- 
 ried by Twenty-four. A minute Detail of the Debates in the 
 
 Houfe, and the tumultuary Proceedings of the Oppofition. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Edinburgh, Yefterday, after a warm battle, which lafted for feveral hours, and 
 J an " * 5 * wa s pretty clofely fought, the parliament refufed an adt for aflert- 
 ing our right to Caledonia, and voted an addrefs upon 'the refolve 
 about our right. The vote carried by a plurality of twenty-four. 
 And now having told you of the victory, I mail go on after my or- 
 dinary, and give you an account, as I remember, of the proceed- 
 ings Monday and Tuefday. On Monday, the refolve prefented by 
 D. Hamilton was read, and the Commiffioner fpoke to the houfe 
 to this purpofe : That the queftion before them was of great confe- 
 quence, and had been much talked of, both at home and abroad ; 
 that their proceedings upon it would be ftri&ly obferved ; fo he 
 hoped they would proceed with all prudence and circumfpeclion : 
 That he thought fit to tell them, that it was neceffary, for giving 
 their refolutions and conclufions upon this matter a due value and 
 
 reputa-
 
 AND LETTERS. 685 
 
 reputation, that they fhould proceed with all dutiful refpe&.to 
 the King, and with concord and unanimity amongft themfelves : 
 That the want of either of thefe would fpoil the ufe and credit of 
 all they could do upon this occafion. And that they might have a 
 clear and frefh view of the King's fentiments upon this head, he 
 defired his Majefty's laft letter to them might be read ; which was 
 read ; and the Chancellor gave in a draught of a refolve, which 
 you'll fee in that day's minutes. Our friends thought fit, before 
 the right was voted, to lay the view of an addrefs upon it before 
 the parliament ; and defigned, if poffible, to get above it, Approve 
 the refolve prefented by D. Hamilton, or that prefented by my L. 
 Chancellor, that the afferting of the right, and addrefs upon it, 
 might go together; but, after feveral hours debate, they found that 
 complext vote could not be obtained : So there was a refolve drawn 
 relating to their right ; which you'll fee alfo in the minutes : And 
 this was unanimoufly approven. Thereafter, our friends prefled 
 the confideration of the reft of my Lord Chancellor's overture. Jar- 
 vifwood gave in a new refolve, whereof I have fent you a double • 
 and then the debate arofe which of thefe mould be firft confidered • 
 and it was alledged for Jarvifwood's, that it was a further grievance 
 and wound our company had got ; that what was propofed by 
 my L. Chancellor was a remedy ; and it was fit firft to confider all 
 the difeafes and wounds before they came to the remedy. And 
 this was naufeoully inlifted on. Our friends alledged, that the o- 
 ther being firft tabled, and a part of the fame overture whereupon 
 they had already proceeded, it were irregular to interrupt the finifh- 
 ing of that; and other things might be confidered afterwards. 
 There was long wrangling upon this. After all that was to be 
 faid upon the queftion was exhaufted, and things fell into fome dif- 
 order ; for there was about a dozen of members that ftill began to 
 fpeak, and interrupted the putting of the queftion. I love not to infill 
 to lay open our fhame ; but fome appeared to be in a miltake and 
 fancied, that, by the vote propofed, they were to be drawn prefent- 
 ly into an addrefs ; but, when it was cleared, that all the import of 
 
 the
 
 686 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 the queftion was, whether to confider the Chancellor's or Jarvif-- 
 woocTs overture firft ? and that though the Chancellor's fhould be 
 voted firft to be confidered, it would be intire to them to confider, 
 whether they would go into an addrels or an act, or any other ex- 
 pedient. Upon the refolves paft in the houfe, there was then lefs 
 noife ; and, after complaints by feveral of our friends of the difor- 
 der, reprefenting how unparliamentary fuch a method w T as, and 
 inconfiftent with the rules of all focieties, fince thereby a few 
 might obftruct the difpatch of all bufinefs ; at length D. Hamil- 
 ton propofed a ftate of the vote, Whether they would fir ft proceed to 
 confider the reft of the grievances of our company, or the four re- 
 folves paft ? it carried the four refolves paft ; and, being late, the 
 parliament was adjourned till yefterday. And, before they began 
 to bufinefs yefterday, the Chancellor, at my L. Commiflioner's de- 
 fire, complained to the houfe of the diforders that happened laft 
 dyet, and advertifed them he would fee the orders of the houfe 
 ftrictly obferved, to prevent the like thereafter. After reading the 
 Chancellor's overture about an addrefs, the E. Marfhall pre- 
 fented an act afferting the right to Caledonia, and promiiing the 
 company fupport and affiftance in profecution thereof. D. Ha- 
 milton feconded the motion, and made a long fpeech, contain- 
 ing few arguments, but many very zealous expreflions for the 
 company and colony ; and, for prefling the neceflity of an act, 
 he produced a paper, which he defired to be read, and where- 
 by he faid the houfe would be convinced of the neceflity of an 
 act. I fhall, if poflible, fend you a double of the paper with this. 
 When part of it was read, it was found to be a declaration by Mi 
 Pinkerton, and another in his circumftances, upon an examination 
 of a committee of the directors ; and my L. Advocate being fur- 
 prifed with the impertinency of fome of the interrogatories, flopped 
 the reading further; and here began a long wrangling. D. Hamil- 
 ton pretended to have it read as a part of his fpeech ; but he was 
 told that, though he might put his own fpeech in writing, he could 
 not pretend to read other people's teftimonies. At length they came 
 
 to
 
 AND LETTERS. 687 
 
 to fome reafoning upon it, and D. Hamilton declared, that the rea- 
 fon he defired it to be read was, that the parliament might fee the 
 fevere and cruel ufage our countrymen had met with, and that their 
 liberation proceeded from the villainous and infamous treaty of the 
 furrender of Caledonia, and not from any interpofition of our King. 
 My L. Commiffioner thought fit to inform the houfe, that he had 
 by him a double of the King of Spain's order, which was exprefsly 
 founded on our King's interpofition. This filenced D. Hamilton, 
 and fatisfied the houfe. And whereas our friends had oppofed the 
 reading of the paper, left it contradided his Majefty's letters, where- 
 in he declared he had interpofed, thefe that prefled the reading then 
 declared the paper did noways contradict, but confirm it ; and then 
 it was allowed to be read ; but, after reading, our friends did fo ex- 
 pofe the impertinency and ridiculoufnes of the paper, and the guilt 
 wherein it might involve thofe concerned in it, that, I have reafon 
 to think, thefe that prefled the reading would have wifhed they had 
 forborn. After this, they fell upon the debate about the addrefs or 
 act propofed ; and, fOr fome hours, it was managed with great gra- 
 vity and decency, and there was feveral pretty difcourfes : On the 
 one hand, it was pled, An act was neceflary for the fecurity of thofe 
 that had been, or fhould be concerned in that defign, for the honour 
 of the nation, and for fatisfying the people, who, by many addrefles, 
 had fignified their earneft defire for fuch an act ; and infinuations 
 were made, that, by experience, it was found addrefles had little 
 effect. On the other hand, it was urged, That the act 1695, with 
 the refolves now pafled, which was a fentence and judgment of 
 the parliament, approving the application that had been made 
 of the general law, was a fufficient fecurity to all concerned here, 
 (and no act of ours would be regarded in Spain) : That an act, af- 
 fertory of our right, was not proper, nor of ufe, fince it could have 
 no retrofpect ; and therefore it was needlefs to ftraiten or difficult 
 the King in the matter ; and the reafons he had fignified why he 
 could not comply with them in that point, ought to determine the 
 houfe not to prefs his Majefty, where there was fo little need for it. 
 
 D. Hamil-
 
 688 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 D. Hamilton, to take off this laft part, faid he was not for ilraiteu- 
 ing the King, as to the time of giving the alTent ; but that they 
 fliould vote the a£t, and addrefs his Majefty to give the royal affent 
 when his circumftances allowed. But my L. Stairs faid he did not 
 underfland that ; for, if any fuch *a& was voted, it behoved either to 
 have the royal affent thisfeflion,or it evanifhed. L.Belhaven alledged 
 that E. Melvill had touched an ad or two that had been voted the 
 former feffion. E. Melyill afferted they were voted over again in 
 this feffion, and appealed to the minutes. D. Hamilton then made 
 a difcourfe of the alteration of affairs in Europe, and told how he 
 had fpoke with one come from Holland, and what intelligence he 
 had from England; and the conclufion was, that fuch an act would 
 be acceptable to them both. And this made impreffion upon the 
 members. So my L. Commiffioner thought fit to tell the houfe, 
 That they had heard his Majefty's own fentiments in his letter ; 
 that he had never got the leaft infinuation from his Majefty of any 
 alteration of his opinion ; and that he had reafon to believe that his 
 Majefty was more ftraitened, and had greater difficulties in this 
 point than before ; fo he hoped this loyal parliament would be ten- 
 der to ftraiten his Majefty, efpecially fince it was not neceffary for 
 their own intereft. Upon this there was a hum over all the houfe, 
 whereby they filently fignified their fatisfadion ; for his Grace's 
 greateft oppofers do entirely truft his veracity ; and no member of- 
 fered to fecond D. Hamilton's arguments. At length the queftion 
 was propofed, An addrefs or an act ? and D. Hamilton rofe, and re- 
 peated fome things had been faid, and afferted, with great affevera- 
 tions the fmcerity of his opinion ; and had this expreflion, That, 
 if he was to fpeak before the tribunal of Jefus Chrift, he would fay 
 he believed an a£t was abfolutely neceffary ; and fo he behoved to 
 diffent from any vote for an addrefs ; and he offered a paper, con- 
 taining the reafons of his diffent. This had been concerted with fe- 
 veral others ; and, it being dark, many people had flipt into the 
 houfe ; and, after D. Hamilton's fpeech, there was a great cry and 
 
 confufion.
 
 AND LETTERS. 689 
 
 confufion. At length, when the noife was compefced, the Duke 
 read the paper himfelf, and defired it might be marked, and all that 
 diffented. We thought at firft that they defigned to leave the houfe 
 upon this, and, as we hear, this was propofed and preffed at the meet- 
 ing; but feverals who concurred with them for an act, refufed to en- 
 ter into that meafure. Our friends were not all one, what was al- 
 lowable in fuch a cafe ; for fome faid members might diffent, and 
 mark their diffent before they vote, but then they could not vote • 
 others faid they might vote, anddefire their vote to be marked, and 
 enter a proteftation after the vote, which might be recorded. So, 
 after a little buftle, the votes were called, and the queftion put ; and 
 D. Hamilton voted Act, and defired to be marked ; but many that 
 voted fo fpoke nothing of marking ; whether all that voted fo will 
 fign any proteftation or no, I cannot tell. The vote carried as I told 
 you. Some that we reckoned upon left us ; fome run out, and 
 would not be prevailed upon to ftay ; fome declined voting. And 
 now, Sir, you fee we are happily over that difficult paffage, where 
 the parliament ftuck at the beginning ; and I am confident you, and 
 all with you, will be fatisfied, if there had not been great diligence 
 and caution ufed, we mould have ftuck there ftill. And I dare po- 
 fitively affure you, that, if we had begun at this matter, not only at 
 the fitting down of this feffion, but even at their entering on the re- 
 folves about this bufmefs, this pafs had not yet proved impoffible. 
 And you know things have not happened thus by any chance ; but 
 the train and fuite of the defign was laid, and God be thanked it has 
 taken effect. And I am perfuaded this bufmefs is brought to as 
 happy a conclufion as could almoft be wifhed for ; for the refolves 
 of the houfe, wherein the King is not concerned, will, I hope, fa- 
 tisfy the nation, that the parliament, and particularly all the King's 
 fervants, are well affected to the intereft of the company, and that 
 they refufe to do nothing for them, but what can be of little or no 
 ufe to them, and of ill confequence to the King. I hope alfo, by 
 this, the world will fee, that the parliament has ftill a juft and duti- 
 ful regard to our King. I have juft now received two from you by 
 
 4S a
 
 690 STATE-PAP- E. RS 
 
 a flying packet. I have not yet feen my L. CommhTioner, and (o 
 knows nothing of the contents of it. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Supplement to the foregoing Account of the tumultuary Proceedings 
 of the opprfte Party. — WifJjes the King's Friends ivould fludy to 
 have more Votes, and fezver Debates jn the Houfe* 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh, j wrote to you yefterday fuch account as I was able to give of the 
 
 Tune i 6. 
 
 1 701. proceedings in parliament Monday and Tuefday laft. I expected it 
 
 was to go off with a flying packet before the Commiffioner went to 
 parliament; but, as his Grace was difpatching his letters, a flying 
 packet came from you, and he delayed the difpatching his till night, 
 in hopes to make fome return w T ith it; but the parliament fitting 
 till nine at night, and he had not eat a bit all day, he was not able 
 to write, and was apprehenlive he mould hardly be able to have time 
 to write this morning either ; however, he refolved to fend off the 
 flying packet with what he had formerly writ, left you fhould want 
 the accounts of what had paffed too long. I can but give you a 
 very Ihort account of a long federunt yefterday ; and that is, there 
 fell in a debate about the adjuftingof the former day's minutes, and 
 that debate lafted all day over, and there could be no vote obtained ; 
 and fo they parted without advancing one ftep. The debate was, 
 that D. Hamilton and others, who had voted for an act, and dif- 
 fented from an addrefs, defired their names to be infert in the mi- 
 nutes, and that the minutes might bear an order of parliament for 
 recording the reafons of diffent offered. Some of our friends op- 
 pofed both thefe motions, and unwarily engaged themfelves fo far 
 that they could not retreat. The members fometimes fpoke about 
 the inferting of names and numbers of voters in the minutes, fome- 
 times
 
 AND LETTERS. 691 
 
 times about the recording of reafons againft a vote ; but the debate 
 turned molt, for a great while, upon the laft point : At length the 
 Chancellor offered the ftate of a vote to the houfe, viz. Whether the 
 reafons of diffent offered fhould be recorded, yea or no ? Sir John 
 Erlkine of Alva faid this ftate was not full; and he offered this ftate, 
 Whether the reafons of diffent from an addrefs, given in by D. Ha- 
 milton and eighty-three more members, fhould be recorded, yea or 
 no ? It was objected againft this ftate, that it was captious and ab- 
 furd, fince it contained the very queftion in its bofom, and, though 
 the parliament fhould difcharge the recording of names or numbers 
 of voters, by the inierting that ftate of the queftion in the minutes, 
 they would be recorded. There were many members who fpoke 
 very ferioufly againft fuch a diforderly and difingenious method, but 
 all in vain ; for there were ten or twelve of the barons, who w r ere 
 fupported by D. Hamilton, the Marquis of Tweedale, and E. Ru- 
 therglen, who refolved, as I hear, by all means to obftrutl: any vote ; 
 and they plead it as a privilege of the members to give in a ftate of 
 a queftion, and demand a vote upon it ; and, if it did not pleafe, 
 any other might give another ftate, and vote which fhould be the 
 queftion ; and, when others demanded, then, a previous queftion, 
 Whether names or numbers fhould be put in any ftate of a queftion, 
 or in the minutes any manner of way ? The gentlemen fairly 
 told, if a hundred queftions were propofed, they would ftill ad- 
 here to their privilege of having the ftate offered by them one 
 branch of the queftion. And, whenever the Chancellor attempted 
 to call the rolls upon any other queftion, thefe gentlemen and their 
 fupporters made a mighty inceffant noife. At length, my Lord 
 Commiffioner, at the defire of feveral of the King's fervants, and o- 
 ther friends, adjourned till this day. Now, Sir, I hope you fee ftill, 
 that, as I faid, the ftate of things here is ftill ticklifh, and that it is 
 not advifeable or fafe to make debates, but where they are important 
 and neceffary. I have a great deal of deference for thofe who op- 
 pofed the inierting of the names in the minutes; but I muft own to 
 you, though it was a novelty, I did not think it worth half the 
 
 4 s 2 time's
 
 692 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 time's debate; for there was no dilhonour in fetting down an 108 
 for the addrefs,and 84 againft it; efpecially, when the xo8 are con- 
 sidered, they will be found to be men of as good account and for- 
 tunes in the nation as others ; and if this had been once decided, or 
 yielded, our friends fhould not have fallen into the hole-net, as 1 
 hear D. Hamilton called it, and faid to fome of his friends, We 
 have now got them into a hofe-net, let us hold them fail there. I 
 hope, though our friends has loft a day, they are not at a lofs up- 
 on the matter; for all the indifferent world, and even many of their 
 firmeft friends, were diffatisfied with Sir John Erfkine's ftate, and 
 others adhering fo tenacioufly to it ; and I myfelf heard fome of 
 them cenfure him as difm'genuous, and condemned the preparative 
 as dangerous. I mail trouble you no further, but tell you that my 
 L. Chancellor's modeft and eafy temper, and his great patience, in 
 hearing every member, gives fome occafion to obftrucl: and retard 
 bufinefs more than were to be wifhed. But this to yourfelf, to 
 whom I can truft every thought. D. Sir, adieu. 
 
 After the adjournment of the parliament, the Commiflioner gave 
 the parliament a repremand for diforders laft night as unparlia- 
 mentary, and againft the rules of all fociety, and hoped, he faid, 
 they were fenfible of it, and would not fall in the like again. He 
 moved, that the number of the votes for addrefs and acl: mould be 
 both infert in the minutes : And this was acquiefced to. Then 
 the barons, and others above mentioned, infifted, that all the vo- 
 ters for act fhould be named as diflenters ; and this they infifted on, 
 becaule they knew many of thefe that voted fo would not fubfcribe 
 any proteftation or diflent, which our friends prefled. This de- 
 bate was like to turn things into diforder again ; and his Grace 
 thought it not worth lofing time, and that the prefling to have all 
 voters for act concluded as diflenters, without their warrant, might 
 difoblige fuch, and perhaps withdraw them from thefe cabals ; 
 when they faw they made one ftep, they were impofed upon to 
 make two. As for the reafons of the diflent, they were rejected, 
 
 not
 
 AND LETTERS. 693 
 
 not only from being recorded, but even from being fo much as 
 marked given in to the clerk, but only to be mentioned in the mi- 
 nute read by D. Hamilton in his place. After this, the parliament 
 went on to confider, what they would, do upon the three former 
 refolves of the houfe : There was little or no debate about it ; all 
 feemed to be for an addrefs ; but, when a vote was afked, upon 
 that D. Hamilton and Marq. of Tweedale propofed a doubt, that, 
 though they might be for an addrefs on thefe three refolves, yet, 
 having diffented from the fourth about the company's right, they 
 could not join as to the reft, unlefs they were to be in a feparate 
 addrefs ; and fo they, and others, urged a vote firft, Whether a fe- 
 parate addrefs for thefe three or no ? They were told, it behoved 
 firft to be determined, whether the parliament would addrefs upon 
 thefe three or no ? and fo there was a debate like to arife again, 
 which of thefe queftions mould be firft voted ; but, to fave time, 
 this expedient was fallen upon, that, without a vote, it mould be 
 marked in the minutes agreed to, that there fhould be addrefs upon 
 thefe three refolves ; and then the vote fhould be put, Separate or 
 no ? Duke Hamilton, and many others of the difTenters, preffed 
 earneftly the houfe would agree to a feparate addrefs, thatfo it might 
 be unanimous. Our friends reprefented the incongruity of fepa- 
 rate addreffes about the fame affair, and how the addrefs upon 
 thefe three would want a foundation, unlefs that about the right 
 were joined : The queftion was put, and carried, No feparate ad- 
 drefs, but all in one. So here is the cannon turned again ; and I 
 wifh our friends would ftudy to have fewer debates, and more 
 votes, for we are fafe upon a juft and fair ftated vote, and debates 
 lofes time, and introduces many unneceffary queftions, which ftill 
 give the greateft ftruggle. Dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 to
 
 694 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 to the Earl of Argyle. 
 
 Of his Patent as Duke of Argyle. Of Lothian* s and Annandale* s 
 
 as Marqui/es, and Secretary Carmichael as Earl. Montrojc 
 
 and Lady Wigton. 
 
 May it pleafe your Lordfhip, 
 Edinburgh, I hope your Lordfhip has before now received the draught of 
 May 5- your patent ; I kept the double of it befide me, and, upon a review, 
 
 I thought Inverary was wrong placed before Lorn, feeing Lorn is 
 to be the title of your eldeft fon ; in the tranfcribing, let it be pla- 
 ced before Inverary. The noife runs here, that your patent as Duke, 
 the Earls of Lothian and Annandale as Marquifes, and Secretary 
 Carmichael as Earl, are already paft the King's hand ; but I 
 knew it was not fo. The Earl of Lothian's patent is only fent 
 with this poft. I opened to your friend Nicanor, who has a great 
 deal of fenfe of your Lordfhip's clofs and good management in his 
 behalf; and aflures your Lordfhip, that there is nothing that your 
 Lordfhip will undertake for him for his integrity and fidelity to 
 the King and government, but he will bide by it ; for he thinks 
 no perfon will adventure to ftain him upon that head ; and, for his 
 contradictor, he is fure he cannot condefcend upon his fault, nor 
 make no relevant objection againfthim. If humour muft be the rule, 
 it deferves no anfwer ; and he is pofitive he never difobliged him. 
 Whatever difobligements he met with from him which are known, 
 he refers all to your Lordfhip's good conduct, and thinks, if either 
 the King or kingdom's interefts be the rule, your propofal cannot 
 fail ; if it do otherwife, it fmells too much of what is feared that is 
 refolved by his contradictor, to put matters upon an other foot, 
 which cannot work the King's intereft. There is another ftory 
 fpread here, that your Lordfhip has parted with E. Elphifton, pro- 
 viding CommifTary Stewart be not the man, which feems to dif- 
 pleafe bothj I know it is falfe, and did arTure them it was fo. Your 
 
 Lord-
 
 AND LETTERS. 695 
 
 Lordfhip would mind L. Colme Ab. for he mowed a great deal of 
 difpleafure as to what paft anent the copper-plate, as I wrote in my 
 laft, and treated the affize very boldly. The Chancellor and An- 
 nandale are to be here upon Monday next. There is no other thing 
 here worth your notice. As for that fad ftory of Montrofe and La- 
 dy Wigton, he is retired, and fhe is gone home to her fathers ; her 
 hufband conveyed her with her father to Kirkcaldy, and there took 
 leave ; but, lince the tryft was difappointed, Montrofe's friends 
 might have managed more wifely. I will not trouble your Lord- 
 fhip with the long ftory of it, becaufe it went through many 
 hands by the laft poft. My only fon is, fome weeks ago, dead, and 
 my wife very indifpofed, which makes me to be in a little diforder. 
 
 Lord Lovat to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complains that nothing is done for him, Applies to Mr Carfares 
 
 for a little Money to carry him home, having no other Door open. 
 
 Dear SIR, 
 I muft reckon myfelf very unhappy, that my friends here do fo Lond <> n > 
 much neglect me; and I believe my laft journey to England has iy?u°* 
 done me a vaft prejudice; for, if I had been at home, I would have 
 got fomething done in my Lord Elcho's bufinefs, and would have 
 got money before now, that might ferve me to go a volunteer with 
 the King, or maintain me any where ; but my friends at home 
 muft have worfe thoughts now of my affair than ever, having ftaid 
 fo long here, and got nothing done. However, I now refolve to go 
 to Scotland, not being able to fubfift longer here. I have fent the 
 inclofed note, that, according to your kind promife, I may have the 
 little money which will carry me home, and it fhall be preeifely 
 paid before two months ; and I muft fay it is one of the greateft fa- 
 vours ever was done me, not having any other door open, if you 
 
 were
 
 696 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 were not fo generous as to affift me, which I {hall alwife gratefully 
 remember, and continue with all fincerity, 
 Dear SIR, 
 
 Your faithful and obliged feryant, 
 
 Lovat. 
 
 Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Stories of Variance, — Promifes to flick faft to the Friend/hip which 
 the Kingfet up, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Hoiyrood- I have had no letters from you fince that of the 1 oth of May, and 
 
 a JIY'-ok * l° n g t0 ^ ear ^ rom y° u * ^ or k 01 -* 1 t ^ iat » an( * a former of the firft of 
 May, and the freedom ufed in them, were very acceptable to me. 
 I thank you for your care in delivering the three letters I inclofed 
 to you. Let me know if any thing was faid to you concerning the 
 fourth, which you was to deliver. I am much furprifed with fome {lo- 
 ries talked here, of variance amongft friends, to a higher pitch than I 
 hope it is. I wifh they may take heed, for it too often happens a- 
 mong friends, as among the teeth in the mouth, if one drops out, 
 the reft quickly follow. I will anfwer, for one, that, however I 
 may differ a little about fome things, I will ftick faft to the friend- 
 fhip which the King himfelf fet up, and, whoever he be that fails, 
 he will certainly repent it. I do believe you have fome confidence 
 in me, as I have in you ; and I defire there be no breach of that. 
 I do not fear to be deceived ; yet I would rather chufe to be fo, than 
 to deceive any who have confidence in me. What you write freely 
 to me fhall not turn to your prejudice, and cannot tend to mine, 
 
 who am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your affectionate humble fervant, and true friend, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 697 
 
 Duke of Argyle to Mr Garstares. 
 
 Of gaining Whitelaiv. — In this Cafe their Work is half done, — They 
 deprive the oppojing Party of their Senfe, and get into their 
 Bowels. — ^ueensberry is averfe to this. — Philiphaugh is fill the 
 Burden of his Song. — Of a Scheme to gain the Laird of Grant. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have had nothing from Scotland fince your going for Holland London ' 
 
 Tuly 1 7. 
 
 worth the writing. I fhall not fail to tranfmit what accounts I {hall 1701. ' 
 have from time to time, which may be improved to the Kind's 
 fervice. I gave both Secretaries my advice at parting, particularly 
 how to deal with L. Whitelaw, and others of his fquade ; and, the 
 longer I confider on it, the more I am convinced to a demonstration, 
 that, if once we gain Whitelaw, our work is half done ; for by it we 
 fhall deprive the oppofing party of their fenfe, and get into their 
 bowels ; nor will it be in the power of the greater!: of that party to 
 prevent it, and their intereft will vanifh. Did the D. of Queenf- 
 berry but rightly confider his own particular intereft, as well as his 
 Majefty's, and the fafety of all who acted upon the revolution, he 
 would come frankly into the meafure. But, alas ! ftill Philiphaugh 
 is the burden of the fong ; and, to fpeak in Jocky terms, he is his 
 dead weight, as I have often told the Duke in raillery formerly, 
 when he ufed to folicit his Majefty for Carnwath, Broomhall, and 
 the reft of his family. I doubt not but you'll mind what was re- 
 commended to you by our memorial ; and pray take care, if any 
 more be crowded into his Majefty's council, a juft balance be kept 
 in the adding of them, or it cannot anfwer the right end. I re- 
 member there was one thing recommended to you, which V. Sea- 
 field was fhy to move, till he underftood how I mould approve of 
 it, becaufe of my relation. But he had no reafon; for I fhall ever 
 
 4 T prefer
 
 69S STATE-PAPERS 
 
 prefer his Majefly's fervice to any other confideration. He pro- 
 pofed a gift to be procured of the E. of Murray's efcheat, now 
 fallen in favours of the Laird of Grant, as a means to gain him to 
 the King's intereft, the intent being to fecure a debt owing by the 
 E. of Murray to Grant. Upon fecond thoughts, I think it may be 
 yet improved further, which you'll pleafe to reprefent to the King 
 as my opinion : There is the member who reprefents the town of 
 Invernefs in parliament, and two others of the north, who depend 
 entirely on the E. of Murray ; they oppofed laft parliament, and yet 
 endeavours were ufed to foften them. Let the gift of efcheat pafs 
 in my name, the Laird of Grant to be fatisfied out of it; by which 
 I fave my uncle from being oppreffed by the Laird of Grant, and I 
 mall oblige him to caufe thofe members ferve the King, by keeping 
 it over his head ; and, befides, it may be a means to caufe my bro- 
 ther-in-law, L. Doun, take the oaths, which he is not averfe to, to 
 my knowledge, but dares not fhow any inclination, for fear of his 
 father. Befides, if, after all, my uncle do not give way to his de- 
 penders to ferve the King, I fhall fhow a way by which he may be 
 deprived of towards L. 200 Sterling yearly he enjoys of the crown 
 during his lifetime ; and thefe who will ferve may be rewarded 
 without any expence to his Majefty. The gift fo granted mould 
 be fent me over, not to be took notice of till I found matters, and 
 once next month I fhall take a trip to Scotland, and doubt not of 
 doing fome good by my going ; for, to be free, V. Seafield has the 
 misfortune not to be trufted by fome, though I prefume they wrong 
 him ; and I flatter myfelf Grant and fome others will give me fome 
 more credit ; befides, he is my relation. I fhall be ever fond of con- 
 tributing all I can to advance his Majefty 's intereft and fervice; for, 
 indeed, both gratitude and inclination prompts me to it. We are 
 all overjoyed at the repeated news of the Imperialifts fuccefs, in 
 their firft enterprife againft the French, under Prince Eugene's com- 
 mand, who, by his mettle, has mowed the Imperialifts nimbler than 
 the French, a character not afcribed to them formerly. I hope it 
 is an omen of other good things to follow. We long to hear what 
 
 are
 
 AND LETTERS. 699 
 
 are his Majefty's refolutions in the prefent juncture. I pray God 
 preferve him. I know your character obliges you to pray for peace, 
 but 1 aflure you more wifhes otherways. If it prove war, you'll be 
 obliged once more to reprefent the Scots church militant; but be- 
 ware of fkulking in the ditch any more, as you told me. 
 I am, your affe&ionate friend, to ferve you, 
 
 Argyle. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Will not leave his Party ; — but difficult to gratify their Friends 
 
 in Proportion to their Pretenfions.- Mr Robert Stewart made 
 
 Lord o/Sejfion. — Annandale diffatisfed with it, becaufe it will give 
 the Prejident too great Sway in the Sejfion. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I came here upon Saturday laft, and, though I defigned to come Edinburgh/ 
 privately, yet there came out a great company to meet me. I have J uly " 22 * 
 not as yet had time to fpeak with perfons particularly ; however, I 
 find that what occurred at London is well enough known here. I 
 get vifits from both parties at prefent ; but has fpoke of no bufinefs 
 to either ; as, for inflance, I have feen my L. Whitelaw, and my 
 L. Philiphaugh, my L. Tiviot, and Major-general Ramfay; and this 
 afternoon the Earl of Rutherglen was with me. But, whatever o- 
 thers may do to me, I mail not leave the party with whom I am en- 
 gaged ; for I think, the moll certain way to carry on the King's 
 affairs will be by keeping unite amongft ourfelves. I find fome of 
 our friends puts a great value upon fome of their fervices, and raifes 
 their pretenfions much higher than we can anfwer. Of this you 
 fhall have a particular account afterwards. The great difficulty 
 that we have, in all his Majefty's affairs, is, that the cuftoms are 
 
 4 T 2 reduced
 
 7 oo S T A T E - P A P E" R S 
 
 reduced to lb uncertain a flate, that we know not what can he made 
 of them. It would fecure all, if his Majefty could get our trade 
 with France eftabliihed ; and, according to what information I have, 
 it may be done with little difficulty ; for Mr Cuningham, my L. Car- 
 michael's Ion's governor, has fpoke of it, and Monf. Pouffin and he 
 has writ of it to France, and does very qnickly expect an anfwer ; 
 and our merchants here do believe that it may be obtained upon de- 
 manding. We have fent this by a flying packet, that there may be 
 time for fending to this place a letter for a further adjournment of 
 the parliament ; and I wiili his Majefty may do it to fuch a time 
 that there be no need for a further adjournment till his Majefty's 
 return. This day's letters brings an account that his Majefty is to 
 refide at Loo; upon which every body concludes that we are to have 
 no war. When you write to me, I fhall be glad you let me know 
 how his Majefty keeps his health fince he went to Holland; for I 
 am afraid of nothing, fo long as it pleafes God to preferve him, and, 
 without him, I propofe no fatisfa&ion in this kingdom. Mr Ro- 
 bert Stewart has got his letter to be a Lord of Seffion. The Mar- 
 quis of Annandale feems mightily difpleafed with it; becaufe it will 
 give the Prefident too great intereft in the feftion; and there are 
 many others difpleafed ; but it is now over, and we muft make the 
 beft of it. There are particular letters this day from my L. Duke 
 of Queeniberry to feveral perfons; I know not to what purpofe; but 
 he has not written either to my L. Carmichael or me. I fhall trouble 
 you no further at prefent, but that I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 702 
 
 Lord C^rmighael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 E. MarJIoaVs Potfwn dijfatisfying to many ; not Jure if he ivill accept, 
 
 Earls of Mar ■, Loudon, Northejk^fcruple to take their' s ; but 
 
 may be prevailed on, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have not heard from you fince parting, nor from any other, of Edinburgh, 
 your iafe arrival in Holland, which I long to know. I gave you ^ uIy 29, 
 account of what I wrote to the D. of Queenfberry, and I have got a ? ° 
 veryfatisfying anfwer. He gives aflurance of his fixed nefs to the 
 prefent church-government, as the bed: fupport of that caufe for 
 which he fo early appeared, and ventured his all, and given me al- 
 lowance to make the fame known. The Earl of Marfhal's penfion 
 is diffatisfying to many here ; and forae are of opinion it will be to 
 no purpofe, that it will not fix him ; and others think he will not 
 accept of it. The Earls of Mar, Lowdon, Northefk, fcruple at ac- 
 cepting their pennons ; but I judge they will be prevailed with. 
 Thofe of the treafury who are concerned in the feffion are fo much 
 taken up with feflion-buiinefs now, in the clofe thereof, that there 
 are as yet no treafury-affairs done, albeit my Lord Seafield and I 
 have attended every trealury-day. Lady Shufan Cockburn, it is 
 thought, is juft a-dying, which keeps the Treafurer-depute out of 
 town ; which is a great hindrance to council and treafury-bufinefs. 
 The African council has given an odd addrefs to the privy-council 
 and another, which they deliver, defiring it may be tranfmitted to 
 the King : That, if there be any treaty with Spain, none may be 
 concluded till they have reparation of their loffes ; and more to this 
 purpofe. But I have not heard it read, it being delayed till next 
 council-day. I am faithfully your's. 
 
 My wife gives you her humble fervice. 
 
 Earl
 
 702 
 
 STATE. PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 1701 
 
 Of the African Company's Addrefs about aTreatyivith Spain. — Com- 
 miffary Elphinjlon defires to be made a Knight-Baronet. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Edinburgh. This day the African company prefented a petition to the Lords 
 July 29. f p r ivy-council, with an addrefs to his Majefty, defiring their 
 Lordfhips concurrence thereto, and that they might tranfmit it to his 
 Majefty. The addrefs is, that his Majefty may conclude no treaty 
 with France or Spain, till Spain acknowledges the company's right 
 to Caledonia, and make up all their lofles. It was only read, and 
 delayed till the next council-day, that, in the mean time, we might 
 concert meafures ; and accordingly we meet to-morrow at the Ab- 
 bey. Commiflary Elphingfton is defirous to be Knight-Baronet ; 
 and accordingly I fend you the inclofed patent, which you may caufe 
 Mr Pringle to prefent it, and tranfmit how foon you can. I am o- 
 bliged to be with my Lord Kintore and my Lord Carmichael at 
 fupper ; for my Lord Kintore is going out of town ; and have no 
 time to write any more to-night ; but I fhall do it fully by my next. 
 Show what's above to Mr Pringle; and I am your raoft humble fer- 
 vant. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon Engli/Jj Affairs. Whether the Kingfhould try a new Par- 
 liament ? and, if he inclines it^ whether the People foould de- 
 fire it ? 
 
 Edinburgh, As great difficulties, (Worthy dear Sir,) are in view, as can well 
 July 29, b e f U ppofed ; both, whether it be defireable the King mould try a 
 
 new
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 7°3 
 
 new parliament or not ; and, whether it mould be defired of him by 
 the people that he would, yea or no ? As to the former, on the 
 one part, if he do, the choice may be moftly the fame ; and then 
 they return with greater irritation and indifpofition to the King's 
 bufinefs. On the other, if he do not, he is fure of the fame ; and the 
 animofity againft the oppofite party can fcarce be greater, and, too 
 probably, fuch as quite to hinder the King's bufinefs, if, efpecially, the 
 controverfy between the two houfes remain uncompofed. Divers that 
 underftand the nation are of opinion, a new parliament would be 
 much more for the King's fervice, efpecially, if he think fit toexprefs 
 a refentmentof difrefpects and delays from the former ; which is likely 
 to be accompanied with great detriment and prejudice, very fen- 
 fible to the body of the people ; want of trade, price of wool fallen 
 to nothing, &c. If the new trial be not made, the King muft fuf- 
 fer himfelf to be plucked away from his beft friends, againft whom 
 nothing is to be alledged but their known affection to his Majefty. 
 All the world, friends and enemies, account the impeached Lords 
 fuch ; and, that his Majefty was only not ftruck at, as being too 
 high out of reach. Whether it ought to be made the people's re- 
 queft or defire to his Majefty, is a difficulty next to infuperable. Un- 
 to many, full of duty to his Majefty, it will carry the appearance of 
 rudenefs, and an unmannerly prefumption, to advife in fo great an 
 affair of ftate ; wherein, if they be not numerous, they fignify no- 
 thing, if they be, the more prefumptuous. Befides that, his Majef- 
 ty's pleafure and purpofe being unpreknown, if it mould prove con- 
 trary to fuch a petition, the petitioners, in next feffion, muft expect 
 to be torn in pieces. If his Majefty make it his own act, it would be 
 freely followed with congratulatory addreffes ; which would figni- 
 fy much to make it effectual to its moft defireable end. If this be 
 at all ufeful, you know when, and where, and with what circum- 
 (lances of duty, &c. toufeit better than, Worthy Sir, your's, as you 
 know. 
 
 Cock
 
 7°4 
 
 1 701 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Cockburn of Ormifton to Mr Carstares. 
 
 In favours of Mr David Carmichael for the Commijfariot now va- 
 
 can t % Nothing fofjjocking as Earl Mar floaV s getting L. 500 of 
 
 Penfwn. The Marquis of Annandale in a continued Fit of ill 
 
 Humour. 
 
 SIR, 
 Ormifton I wrote to you fome time ago in, relation to the commiflariot of 
 
 July 29. Edinburgh, which might become vacant, one of them being advan- 
 ced to the feffion. To this I had no return ; but, when the Secre- 
 taries came, I understood fome had been named to it at court, and, 
 amongft the reft, Mr David Carmichael ; and I can learn, nothing 
 ftood in his way but his father's fhynefs to do for his own. I find 
 the D. of Argyle is much for Sir Alexander Cumming ; but both 
 the Secretaries are fatisfied it is not for the King's fervice to put in 
 fuch a man ; fo I fent laft poft a new commiffion, which is in fa- 
 vour of Mr David Carmichael, now entered advocate. 'Tis the 
 beft breeding a young man can have ; and I cannot think there 
 needs many words with you, where >any of my L. Carmichael's 
 children are concerned. You know I have not troubled the King 
 with many of my fuits ; yet this one I delire you may lay before 
 his Majefty ; and, if he thinks I either have done, or can do him 
 fervice, he will not deny me this fmall reward. Indeed, I muft fay 
 it, I think my Lord Carmichael has taken a very fmall (hare of the 
 partition ; and he has a colleague is not fhy. It might be expected 
 my Lord mould have more help ; but you have an opportunity to 
 oblige his friends, and, when its granted, let both Secretaries know 
 the favour is granted at my requeft. There is nothing fo mocking 
 to thofe appeared laft feffion of parliament as E. MarfhalPs being 
 of the council, and getting L. 500 Sterling penlion. I love not to 
 dive into meafures ; but,fure I am, we are not under thofe meafures. 
 Honeft men, who have appeared both for church and ftate, can 
 
 think
 
 AND LETTERS. 705 
 
 think themfelves fecure by them. The Marq. of Annandale has 
 been, fince the Secretaries came, in one continued fit of ill humour, 
 which has appeared in every public meeting, to the delaying of all 
 treafury-bufinefs in particular. I mould a been in town this dav; 
 but my wife's health does not allow me ; fhe has been ill of a long 
 time, and is not without hazard. Farewell. 
 
 My fon Charles is at Leyden ; do me the favour to enquire what 
 he is doing, and let him have your beft advice. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 All believe the War to be the only probable Gourfe to preferve our Re- 
 
 ligion and Liberties. Of the Difficulties in fettling the Cu/loms. 
 
 Of a nevj Addrefs from the African Company, vohich the Privy 
 Council refufe to tranfmit. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am very glad to find by your letter from Rotterdam that you are Edinburgh, 
 fafely arrived. We all believe here that the war now is inevitable; \tji} 1 * 
 and I fpeak with no body but who is convinced, that it is the moft 
 probable way to preferve our religion and liberties; and I hope God 
 will preferve his Majefty until the power of France be balanced, fo 
 as not to be a terror to all Europe. I have fpoke with feverals here, 
 particularly with one lately preferred, who agree in fentiments with 
 the D. of Argyle ; but, fince nothing of confequence is to be done 
 in our affairs till his Majefty return, I think it needlefs to trouble 
 you with any thing of this kind, efpecially feeing you have fent 
 me no alphabet as you promifed. I endeavour to carry as fairly 
 and fmoothly with every body as I can ; and you may be fure it 
 is difficult enough, feeing I find every one puts a value upon 
 the fervices they have performed j and they never doubt but 
 that I am capable to procure them any place they defire. The tack 
 of the cuftoms is now under our confideration : I am afFraid it muft 
 be taken off their hands ; and we know not how to difpofe of it 
 trade being fo uncertain, and the French trade not being adjufted ; 
 
 4-U and
 
 7 o6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 and there being fo great appearances of war, all projects of trade 
 are laid afide. The prefent tackfmen will pay nothing to any bo- 
 dy until their abatements are adjufted; and, if they get all their will 
 in thefe, they will have little or none to pay. 1 have fent inclofed 
 to Mr Pringle a copy of a new addrefs from the African Company 
 to his Majefty, which they prefented to the Lords of the privy coun- 
 cil, with a petition, wherein they defire, that the addrefs may be 
 tranfmitted by the privy council to his Majefty. The laft council- 
 day it was only prefented and read ; but no anfwer was given to it. 
 Yefterday, all of his Majefty's fervants who are of the council met 
 at my L. Chancellor's; and we did unanimoufly refolve, that it was 
 not fit for the council to do it. This day the petition was read a- 
 gain ; and no body having fpoke except the Chancellor, who did 
 not fay very much, it was put to the vote, and it was carried una- 
 nimoufly, that it fhould not be tranfmitted by the council. You 
 will eafily conceive the reafon why we were of this mind, when you 
 read the addrefs; and I having writt of it to Mr Pringle, it is need- 
 lefs that I fhould repeat it to you. I (hall write again before I go 
 to the country. In the mean time, I am, Sir, your M. H. S. 
 
 DCKE of QUEENSBERRY tO Mr CARSTARES. 
 
 The Necejfty of making good parliamentary Promifes; it makes a Credit 
 
 ivhich ivill be of great life. Begs he ivill fpeak earneflly to 
 
 the King in favour of the Marquis of Annandale* s Brother. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 London, I received your letter of the 28th paft from Loo. The King 
 
 Aug. i2, being gone to Dieren, where he has more important affairs, muft 
 of confequence occafion a delay in ours. Nothing indeed is fo pref- 
 fing in them as the making good parliamentary promifes, which I 
 do beg of the King to do, as foon as his Majefty can conveniently; 
 for it will hereafter make a credit that may be of great ufe in fu- 
 ture
 
 AND LETTERS. 707 
 
 ture undertakings : And, particularly, I do recommend to you the 
 difpatch of my L. Ballantyne's buiinefs. He ferved in hopes of that, 
 when his relations, in whofe hands his money is ftopt, the intereft 
 of it, thinking, by that means, to force him to a compliance with 
 them. I fend you inclofed a letter, which I received open, from 
 Mr Secretary Vernon ; it was under a cover to Alexander Johnfton, 
 brother to the late Secretary, who being in the country, had it lent 
 to him ; fo it came not into my hands till two or three days ago. 
 I do believe that it comes from my coufin the Marq. of Annandale's 
 brother, who I was kind to while he was a boy, and has, I 
 fancy, more than ordinary truft in me on that account. You no 
 doubt know his ftory : His, and my uncle Dumbarton, when he 
 was very young, gave him a commifTion in his regiment, where he 
 was converted by his priefts : He was one of the revolting Captains, 
 and has ever fince ferved in France with reputation. He feems 
 now fenfible of the miftaken courfe of his life, and may be, if right- 
 ly managed, of ufe to the King. If his Majefty fhall have good- 
 nefs enough to pardon him at the requeft ; and, in confideration of 
 his relations, my L. Manchefter and Mr Vernon are both of opi- 
 nion, that his fuit mould be granted, which I hope will have weight 
 with the King : And they think that his Majefty, by doing this 
 act of grace, will have application made to him by moft of his fub- 
 jects now at St Germains, to be fent into the Emperor's fervice. 
 Pray lay this matter, and the inclofed letter, before his Majefty, as 
 foon as is poffible. I beg that you may fpeak concernedly in it, and 
 let me have his Majefty's anfwer, with leave to write to the gentle- 
 man ; for his circumftances does not allow of any delay, nor can I 
 correfpond with him without the King's allowance. Mind the mo- 
 ney 1 wrote to you formerly of oh account of the fupernumerary 
 troops, for the occafions of the kingdom requires it fpeedily. I am, 
 after the old manner, your's &c. 
 
 3U2 Earl
 
 708 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 Earl oFSeafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 If the Party continues firm, no Difficulty in managing the King's Af- 
 fairs, — Lord Whitela-w ivilling to be engaged ; — butftill Duke of 
 ^ueensberry is pofitive. — The protected Clergy much afraid of the 
 Violence of the Presbyterians. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Though you do not mention the receipt of any letters from me, 
 houfe, Aug. y et I have written frequently. I am now taken up with my dome- 
 l6 ' i?01 ' ftic affairs, and entertaining my friends and neighbours. I havefeen 
 few of the parliament-men here as yet ; only, I find, from all that I 
 meet with, that, if we continue firm to one another, there will be no 
 great difficulty in managing his Majefty's affairs in the next feffion 
 of parliament. I have feen my Lord Whitelaw, and he is indeed ve- 
 ry ready to be engaged in his Majefty's fervice ; and, if what my 
 Lord Duke of Argyle propofed were done, he would ufe his utmoft 
 endeavours to promote his Majefty's intereft; but you know the diffi- 
 culty remains. My Lord Duke of Queenfberry continues pofitive, 
 and divifion would be of very Tatal confequence to our party. I have 
 had with me commiflioners from the protected clergy ; they are ve- 
 ry much afraid of the violence of the prefbyterian rninifters, for they 
 have turned out, lately, two intruders that had taken the oaths ; but 
 I told them, there was no help for that, feeing that they had not a 
 legal right to their churches. I refolve to be at Edinburgh againfl 
 the council day in September, and I carry my wife along with me. 
 My fon would likewife very willingly wait upon you ; but I find 
 him fo very much advanced in his learning, that I am refolved to 
 leave him at Aberdeen. Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonfton and 
 Laird of Grant being here, I have no more time but only to add, 
 that I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moil humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Lord
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 709 
 
 Lord Carmichael to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Great Pains taken to make next AJfembly uneafy, — which may have 
 Influence on Members of Parliament; — but few to be trufled. 
 SIR, 
 
 I was very glad to hear from you, and now I have received three Au S uft l8 
 of your's. In the laft was the cypher you promifed. It rejoices l1 ° U 
 me much to know that the King is better in his health. Though I 
 have met with trouble and difficulties fince I came to this kingdom, 
 yet I am convinced it was neceffary to follow your advice as to my 
 coming at this time, for there are great pains taken to make the 
 next affembly uneafy, and that it may have influence on members 
 of parliament ; but I hope endeavours mall be ufed, as mall make 
 ill defigns ineffectual. There are but few to be trufted; and, fo foon 
 as I can give any clearer account how matters goes, you fhall hear 
 from your lincere and affeaionate fervant. Sir, pardon my fending 
 this fingle page; for, by a miftake, I had writt on the other page of 
 your letter what I was to fend to a perfon in Lothian. 
 
 Mr Alexander Cuninghame to Mr Carstares.. 
 
 An Interview with the Count de Torcy upon the Scottifh Trade with: 
 France. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have attended your commands concerning our trade ever fince Paris Au K 
 I came hither; have been at Marli and Verfailles feveral times; but Q2 ' l ? 01 - 
 the Count de Torfi was never at liberty to receive me till yefte'rday. 
 He alked to fee a power from the King of England, and. could give' 
 no anfwer to the removing their edid till the King of England* did 
 give authority to treat. He allured me of his good intentions to come 
 to a treaty ; the vintage being now at hand, I propofed to him; 
 the fufpending of their ediS for fome time, till Commiffioners could: 
 
 be
 
 7 io STATE-PAPERS 
 
 be appointed. That, he faid, would be hardly procured ; but, if the 
 King of England would appoint CommilTioners prefently, that the 
 treaty might be concluded very foon, and the merchants lofe no 
 time ; and, that the French King would be eafily difpofed to grant 
 to the Scottifh nation their antient privileges, or other new ones, 
 that would be more for the benefit of commerce. Sir, You lee the 
 difpofition of this court towards us ; I cannot queftion their lincerity 
 at prefent ; and, if we do not lofe time, we may obtain what is de- 
 fired as yet. He was pleafed to add, that he would be glad that the 
 treaty might pafs through my hands; but I am now a-going to Ita- 
 ly ; if you think I can be ufeful to my country, or worthy to ferve 
 the King in this or any thing elfe, you may difpofe of me, and af- 
 fure yourfelf that, with all fincerity, I am your moft obedient and 
 
 humble fervant, 
 
 Alex. Cuninghame. 
 
 Mr Alex. Cuninghame to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Tranfaclion with the Court of France upon its Trade with Scot- 
 land. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Paris, Aug. I wrote to you on Monday laft, that I had been with Monfieur de 
 Torfi, and fpoke with him of our trade, and did move to have the 
 edicl: fufpended here prohibiting the importation of our fifh. I told 
 vou how I was received, and that they are willing to enter on a trea- 
 ty of commerce with us, provided it be with the confent and autho- 
 rity of our King ; but, that a fufpenfion of the edicl: againft our fifh 
 cannot be obtained without we give in a memorial, which I had no 
 fufficient power to do. This feems to be a proper time to move 
 in it ; and I think myfelf obliged to let you know where it flicks 
 at prefent. I intend to fet out next week for Italy with my charge. 
 If it be thought fit that I fhould do any thing more in this affair, it 
 
 muftbe by the King's authority ; then I fhall attend it, and receive 
 
 your
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 711 
 
 your commands as marks of honour, and- be directed by them as 
 my only rule. I do not know what way others may take to bring 
 it about ; but, if no progrefs may be made in it, it might have been 
 as well let alone. As I was writing this, your's of July 31ft came 
 to my hand ; for which I return you my hearty thanks. In this, 
 and my former by the laft poft, I gave you advice of what I had 
 done fince I came over; and nothing did hinder me from making a 
 further progrefs in it but my wanting particular inftru&ions, and a 
 power to prefent memorials; by which, perhaps, the edict here might 
 have been Impended till the treaty for trade had been concluded : 
 This was that I propofed to Monfieur Torii as a preliminary ; but 
 he put it off till I could prefent a memorial. Sir, You defire my 
 thoughts of it ; and I am of the mind this court is in a good difpo- 
 iition to treat with us on trade, and to fettle it on as good terms as 
 others have it. I hear our nation is much for it ; and, if I had not 
 been employed irr it, others would, who now fee themfelves pre- 
 vented, by the good intentions of the King's minifters, which are 
 known ; but they do not fufpeft me, or my being with Monfieur 
 -de Torfi. I am of the opinion that it go on ; or, at lead, not to let 
 it reft where it is now, in a mere overture, when they are fo well 
 difpofed to it here. I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your raoft obedient and humble fervant, 
 
 Alex. Cunixghame. 
 
 If you can make it bear the charges to me, I fhall be willing to 
 attend it ; and, though I go to Italy, I will return if commanded, 
 feeing the minifters here told me they would be willing I mould be 
 made ufe of in the treaty. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the State of Affairs in England,. 
 
 Kind S I R, 
 
 I had your's of the 1 9th this evening, which my man brought Tunbrldge- 
 
 me from London, being juft arrived, which had its ufual welcome, w «? 1Is ' Au 2* 
 
 ^ 20. 1 701. 
 
 u e.
 
 7 i2 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 i, e. more than ordinary, not only for the contents, but the perfon 
 from whom I hear the news. I came here laft Saturday night, ne- 
 ceffitated by want of health, (particularly, want of appetite;) thefc 
 waters ufually raife me, and I hope will, through the Divine blef- 
 fing. I dined with my friend the day before I came out of town, 
 and had fpent four days at his country-houfe with him the week 
 before, with moft dear affection, and mutual growing tendernefs. I 
 have heen wanting to myfelf and the public, I have not done it foon- 
 er and oftener. I hope well as to him ; but the change of juftices 
 of peace in Middlefex (many of the King's friends turned out) re- 
 flects on the Lord Keeper, and faddens many. The Lord R — — * 
 Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, is of the like confideration, tho' fome 
 queftion whether he would not do as much mifchief here ; and o- 
 thers, who wiih well to his family, think' it is in order to his fall, 
 and a ftep to his being laid afide. His fpeech to the King of Po- 
 land from Charles II. and other bloody pamphlets, are publifhed ; 
 and, on the other fide, pamphlets that mention my friend as to par- 
 ticulars, wherein he had no concern, being then either abfent or fi- 
 lent. The city is, at the ufual rate, full of lies, and miftaken cha- 
 racters of men, and a falfe notion of things. People who judge by 
 
 my Lord S d's friends conclude for a new parliament fpeedily ; 
 
 it may have ill confequences either way. I durft not ib much as 
 give hints. I had a moft obliging kind letter of condolence from 
 the Speaker before I left London. The buftle which the legion- 
 paper made feems to leffen its influence; and, in general, the late 
 feflion is not fo terribly thought of now as in thefirft heat ; however, 
 to accommodate the difference between the two houfes, is a matter 
 belongs to wifer heads. An hearty effectual war againft France 
 (public money well managed by faithful hands, accountable to par- 
 liament), will certainly pleafe the nation, if the prefent miniflry 
 will ftrike in, in cafe the King fee it needful. His perfonal honour 
 and affection by the people daily encreafeth ; his health and long 
 
 life is more prayed for than ever. What I wrote of Col. D ley 
 
 and the Governor of N. E. I had hoped to have one word about. I 
 
 have
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 7*3 
 
 have fince difcourfed Mr H. and we agree to be neuter in that af- 
 fair, and not recommend any, or write againft any candidate ; as 
 thinking ourfelves too little to meddle in "any affairs of fuch confe- 
 quence out of our way. I cannot add but that my health is imper- 
 fect, though, I hope, fomewhat better fince I came hither. I am, 
 as you can wifh, Sir, your's. 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Defirous to fee the King. — Dark Hints of dangerous Defigns^ivh'ich 
 'would make it ufeful to the King's Service that he be allowed to 
 'wait upon him. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I have been in the country fome weeks by-paft looking after my Holyrood- 
 private affairs, which I had much neglected, and taking the benefit 8.170*1. 
 of my refreshment in that air. It is long fince I had the honour to 
 fee the King; and, if it can confift with his fervice here, I mould be 
 very glad to have an opportunity of opening my mind to him in 
 difcourfe, fo foon as he returns to England ; and much the rather, 
 that I plainly difcern a defign a-working, which, if not obviated, is 
 like to have a confequence of the greater! danger to this nation, and 
 yet is fecretly managed under a mafk, very plaufible, and apt to de- 
 ceive. If you pleafe to acquaint the King of this general, and 
 think it fit to do your endeavour to move him that I may be fome 
 fhort time with him, you fhall find that both his Majefty's fervice, 
 and thefe who are heartily affected to it, will be at fome advantage 
 by what I have to reprefent. I fhall fay no more, but hoping to 
 hear from you when you find convenient to write, I remain, 
 
 ; sir, 
 
 Your, affectionate humble fervant, and true friend, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 4 X Earl
 
 714 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Marchmont to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Perfons who have gone up with Offers of Service to the Queen. 
 Prays that Mr Carfares will write him fully and freely. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Holyrood- Yefterday and this day the Duke of Hamilton, the Marquis of 
 
 houfe, Tweedale, and feveral other lords and gentlemen, have taken jour- 
 
 1702. ney to London, and I do believe will endeavour to tempt the Queen, 
 
 by great offers of fervice, if me will grant them their terms, put 
 
 fome of them in eminent pofts, and diffolve the parliament : I 
 
 hope God will guide her. 
 
 I pray you write to me fully and freely, that I may be the more 
 capable to ferve her Majefty, in fupporting the happy revolution, 
 which did coft the moft excellent King William, of ever glorious 
 memory, fo vaft care, trouble, and hazard. 
 
 I would not detain the flying packet, to write any more than 
 what I fent to the Duke of Queenfberry, which no doubt you will 
 fee before this comes to hand, and which gives as full accounts of 
 things as I could gather. I am, 
 
 Your very affectionate humble fervant, and true friend, 
 
 Marchmont. 
 
 Philiphaugh to Mr Carstares. 
 Of an Aclfor abjuring the Pretender, brought in by Lord Chancellor, 
 and the Reafonings upon both Sides. — The Parliament adjourned. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Philiphaugh, I am ordered by my Lord Commiffioner to give you the trouble 
 July 4- 1702. f t hefe, to inform you of the manner of adjourning our parlia- 
 ment, and what happened about the propofal of an ad* for abjuring 
 the pretended Prince of Wales. His Grace had an inftrudion to 
 give the royal affent to fuch an ad; but he found, pretty early, that 
 the members of parliament would differ about it, and that peremp- 
 torily
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 7^5 
 
 torily too ; fome ailedging that it was neceffary for the fecurity of 
 our prefent fettlement, and preventing difiaffe&ed people coming 
 into next parliament : Others pretending it would be no effectual 
 fecurity, and that it was not proper for this limited parliament to 
 put new limitations upon members of a fubfequent parliament ; but, 
 chiefly, that fuch a flep would carry us fo far into the meaiures of 
 England about the fucceffion, that they would become carelefs 
 and indifferent about the union. His Grace thought fit to 
 acquaint her Majefty, that he found thefe different opinions among 
 the members, and that both fides had considerable abettors ; and de- 
 fired to know her Majefty's pleafure about it. He had a return not 
 to bring any fuch a£t, if it was like to occafion divifion in the 
 houfe ; for that was by all means to be fhunned. After this, his 
 Grace called the chief men of both fides before him twice or thrice, 
 and endeavoured to reconcile them, but in vain ; they both ftood 
 their ground ftiffly, and fet up to propagate their opinions warmly 
 among other members. Thefe that were for the act feemed fully 
 perfuaded, that, if once it was brought into parliament, there were 
 few would ftand up openly againft it. However they reafoned in 
 private conventions, his Grace knew that they were in a miftake, 
 and recommended to them to make a more particular trial amongft 
 the members. And, upon Saturday morning, his Grace called my 
 Lord Chancellor, Prefident of the Council, Lord Privy-feal, Duke 
 of Argyle, Earl of Leven, the Lord Advocate, and Treafurer-de- 
 pute, and Mr Francis Montgomery, who all had appeared defirous 
 of that aft, and laid the matter before them, and afked their opinion; 
 and all of them, one after another, gave their opinion, That, fmce it 
 would make a breach and rent in the houfe, it was not fit to bring 
 it in ; and promifed not to bring it in ; but withal declared, that, 
 if it came in, they would ftand up and fecond it ; only my Lord 
 Chancellor fignified a peremptory refolution to bring it in, unlefs 
 his Grace exprefsly forbid him : Whereupon his Grace, in her Ma- 
 jefty's name, required him not to bring in any fuch ad. My Lord 
 Chancellor made a bow, and went off in filence. So his Grace 
 
 4 X 2 reckoned.
 
 7 i6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 reckoned the matter laid afide, and prepared every thing for an ad- 
 journment. After he came to the houfe, he was advifed to fay 
 fomething before parting ; and, while he was writing a few fen- 
 tences upon the throne, my Lord Chancellor brought in the act, 
 and defired it to be read. This to be fure was a great furprife to 
 his Grace and many others. You'll know by that day's minutes 
 what paffed : That the houfe fplit upon a preliminary vote, 57 to 53. 
 After this, the parties became eager ; and, on Monday's night, they 
 drew to different cabals, and each fide appeared confident of victory. 
 Next day, the abjurers affured themfelves, that, having gained a 
 preliminary vote, they would have a greater plurality when it came 
 to the queftion. The non-abjurors feemed as full of affurance; be- 
 caufe, iaid they, fome of their friends, who were abfent the firft day, 
 would be prefent the next. Befides, they could get what reinforce- 
 ment they thought needful, not only of {even, or eight members 
 who had never been in the houfe, but even of the withdrawers, fe- 
 verals of whom offered to return to vote againft that act. Withal, 
 the non-abjurors had prepared a claufe to be added to the act, and 
 wherein they affured themfelves of the concurrence of feveral of the 
 other fide. It was to this purpofe : That, after the death of her Ma» 
 jefty, and failing ifiue of her body, no fucceffor mould enter to the 
 legal government, until the parliament firft met and declared their 
 right and title. This was new, and wherein his Grace was not in- 
 ftructed. So his Grace, feeing that, if that act was further debated, 
 it would inevitably occafion great heats, and an irreparable breach 
 among the members, and the event was at beft uncertain, but the 
 greateft probability was of its carrying againft it, he thought it ne- 
 ceffary to adjourn : And I can affure you the adjournment was ge- 
 nerally well received by people of all ranks and perfuafions ; for not 
 one fet of people were unanimous for preffing it. The prelbyterian 
 members of parliament, and the very minifters of this place, were 
 divided upon that queftion. 
 
 I was very glad, upon this occafion, to have an opportunity of 
 difcourfmg his Grace about you, and to find that he continues your 
 
 firm
 
 1702. 
 
 AND LETTERS. 717 
 
 firm friend, and has a juft value and efteem for you ; and I hope 
 you will ftill make him fuitable returns. 
 
 This goes by a flying packet, which is juft difpatching ; fo I 
 have no time to tell you my own ftory ; but you may expecl: by 
 next long complaints of your friend my Lord Treafurer-depute, 
 who, I think, has not at this time fliewn fo kind regards to me as 
 I have done to him lately upon feveral occafions ; but I mall fay no 
 more at prefent ; fo, after the old manner, dear Sir, adieu. 
 
 Earl of Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Is glad to hear that the good Party is countenanced at Court. 
 
 I received your's of the 19th of June, and am very glad bufinefs J ul ^ l *' 
 goes well, fo far, in Scotland, and that the good party is fo far coun- 
 tenanced at court ; but the oppofite party is ftrong. If it were 
 backed by the people, interline divifions would be apprehended, 
 which God forbid. The News-letter fays the Queen has received 
 the addrefs; but I do believe it a miftake. I am afraid that 41 37 
 and 38 underftand one another very well, except you have good 
 reafons to believe the contrary. The wind is fair for the fleet; God 
 grant it fuccefs. One would reafonably expert it, if the fummer- 
 feaibn were three months longer. I fhall be very glad to hear of 
 the good end of this feffion of parliament, and the continuance of 
 vour health. 
 
 Earl of Leven to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Oppofition made by the Presbyterians to the Settlement oj the 
 Succejfion. 
 
 Rev. SIR, 
 I have had three from you ; the laft was of the 31ft March. I 
 am very glad the afTembly has carried fo well. I am told that it is 
 
 now
 
 718 S T A ■ T E - P A P E R S 
 
 now attributed by a certain perfon, who was not long ago with you, 
 to the good management and intereft of the Commiffioner, rather 
 than to any great fhare of a fpirit of meeknefs and moderation in 
 the members. That perfon alfo tells, that the prefbyterian party 
 in Scotland are altogether againft the fettling the fucceffion, and 
 that they are very angry with the houfe of Lords meddling with 
 our plot, and with the addrefs to the Queen. If this be true, I con- 
 clude they are infatuate. Did ever any nation refufe help to fave 
 themfelves from ruin ? or, Can any take it ill that England wifli 
 Scotland well, and wifh that they may fettle the fame fucceffor r* 
 Whether is it better to continue poor, and enjoy, our religion and 
 property, or to flop the fettling of the fucceffion, from the imagi- 
 nary hopes of riches by an union ? If prefbyterians be fo fond of 
 an union, let them not complain if, fome day, they get it with the 
 lofs of their church-government. If it had not been for fome folks 
 concerning themfelves in the matter laft year, the union had gone 
 a greater length ; but there is no regard now a-days to any body's 
 opinion ; every man thinks he knows more than his neighbour ; 
 nor is any man refpe£ted, it feems, though fpending his ftrength 
 and eftate for the public ; but they will judge of matters at a di- 
 ftance, which they little underftand, and fo become the occafion of 
 their own ruin ; if fo, their blood will be on their own head. The 
 knife is at our throat, and the queftion is, Whether mail we take 
 it away or not ? Which queftion, I think, mould be eafily anfwer- 
 
 ed. lam, S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Leven. 
 P. S. There is nothing yet done in Scots affairs. 
 
 Mi-Harley to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Duke of Queens berr/s Plot. — Frazer of Lovat, &c. 
 
 Rev. SIR, Friday night, 10 o'clock. 
 
 I am very glad to find by your's, that your inftru&ions had good 
 effect. I think I may venture to fay, They who turn the wheel 
 
 mean
 
 AND LETTERS. 7 i 9 
 
 mean well ; I pray God give his bleffing. I mufl not conceal from 
 you, that it is very grievous to thofe who wifh well, and are able 
 to ad well, to find the chief of the Scots nation fo averfe to any 
 difcovery of the French correfpondence ; and that, when they would 
 ferve that nation, they conceal the means. Nothing is wanting 
 now but Lovat, Frazer (I mean), to be found. Cannot the perfon 
 who knows where he is be perfuaded to let him be found ? 
 
 If you think it worth your time to have me explain myfelf fur- 
 ther, I will not go to bed this night till twelve. 
 
 R. Harley. 
 
 The following letter, from the fame hand, was written after Mr 
 Carftares came down to Scotland. 
 
 Of the Oppofition to the Succeffion in Scotland. — —Important Queries 
 upon that Subjecl. 
 
 Rev. SIR, Jug m jg t 1703. 
 
 I have had many conflicts with my own thoughts, whether I 
 ought to write to you or not. I thought myfelf obliged, both in 
 friendfhip, and by the receipt of two from ytm, to give you the beft 
 teftimony of my refpe&s a letter can convey ; but then, the thoughts 
 of the anger (without any colour or ground) your parliament, and 
 not the nation, have thought fit to exprefs againft the very name of 
 Englifh, made me defer writing, leaft my letter fhould fall into any 
 hands which might make an ill ufe of fuch a correfpondence 
 to your prejudice, as I find they have been very bufy already in in- 
 tercepting letters. 
 
 Though thefe thoughts, Sir, have deterred me hitherto; yet I will 
 venture to trouble you with this, under all imaginable caution, not 
 to write one word fhall give offence, let who will get this letter • 
 and, indeed, to fay the truth, I think it very unfit for any one here 
 to meddle with Scotch affairs, which are fo much out of the way of 
 our comprehending. We have had the fame fpeech printed twice 
 
 m
 
 720 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 in the flying pdft, befides abftracts of ads of parliament, and dail- 
 ies ; and yet I do not find one perfon who pretends to underftand 
 the proceedings. To fay the truth, very few fpeak at all about them; 
 and thofe who do, (I do not mean any minifters of ftate), fpeak with 
 too little concern ; lefs than they do of the King of Sweden and 
 the Pole. I think this is not right ; for, though Englifhmen may 
 not meddle about their affairs, I cannot but have a zeal for a nation 
 fofull of good and learned men, who have, in all ages, given fuch 
 proofs of their learning and courage ; a nation fprung from the 
 fame original, inhabiting the fame iiland, and profefling the fame 
 religion. 
 
 Thefe reafons, Sir, make me a wellwifher and a fervant to the 
 nation, and fill me with grief to fee a cloud gathering in the north, 
 though no bigger than a man's hand. I wifh fome of you would 
 do their endeavour to difpel that cloud : That fome amongft your- 
 felves (for none elfe you will fuffer) would bind up the wound, 
 would fling a garment over the nakednefs of your country. Some 
 papers have made a great noife of the independency of that king- 
 dom ; I cannot imagine to what end, becaule it hath never been 
 thought otherwife, or treated otherwife, fince the days of Queen E- 
 lizabeth. * 
 
 I muft ftill profefs myfelf full of hearty good wifhes for the honour 
 and profperity of that kingdom; and fhould be very glad to be able 
 to anfwer feveral queflions which now and then fall in my way to 
 hear; as, Whether fuch long fittings of parliament will not have 
 fatal confequences, befides the altering that conftitution, if often 
 pra&ifed ? Whether the whole nation will acquiefce in renouncing 
 the houfe of Hanover, and agree with another perfon ? Whether 
 foreign fubfidies will maintain the expence of a King and a court ? 
 Whether a King of their own will ever procure them any fort of 
 advantage' in trade ; and what fhall be given to their neighbours to 
 obtain it ? Whether, under a King of their own, the power of the 
 nobles muft not be increafed, and the liberty of all the reft of the peo- 
 ple proportionally diminifhed ? Whether the prefent conftitution of 
 
 their
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 72r 
 
 their ecclefiaftical regimen can be of long continuance under fuch a 
 government ? and, Whether the hand of Joab is not in all this ? 
 
 I am unwilling to add an objection which ftrikes me dumb ; 
 which is this : Here is a treaty fet on foot by the public faith of 
 both nations for an union ; fo great a progrefs is made in it, that 
 trade, and other things defired, feemed to be agreed ; and, without 
 any regard to public faith or decency, &c. all is laid afide, and Eng- 
 land is to be bound by a collateral act of another nation. Are men 
 in earned? Does any fingleperfon believe this is the way to procure 
 what they feem to defire ? But, Sir, I fear I have faid too much. 
 Pardon the overflowings of my afFe&ion to your country, and the 
 defire of its profperity. My confidence in your well known can- 
 dour, probity, and great prudence, encouraged this addrefs from. 
 Rev. S I R, &c. 
 
 Mr Harley to Mr Carstares. 
 Afpirited Letter, upon the fame Subjecl with the former. 
 
 Rev. S I R, Sept, 16. 1703. 
 
 This fhall give you very little trouble more than hearty thanks 
 for the favour of the 28th of Auguft, which came fafe to my hands 
 September 7th. I cannot but bewail the diftra&ed ftate of that 
 kingdom, and would not refufe to put my fhoulder to the wheel to 
 help, as well as pray, to get it out of the mire. At this diftance, 
 the heat feems to be very great, and, as is ufual in fuch cafes, with- 
 out light. How far the arts of defigning men prevail upon the 
 zeal of thofe who love their country and religion honeftly, to go too 
 far out of their depth, you can beft judge, who are upon the 
 place. 
 
 I mould be very forry that either artifice or paffion mould make 
 them miftake their true intereft. It is a misfortune to which gene- 
 rous fpirits are often liable, to be pertinacious in perfifting in a mif- 
 taken courfe, when once begun, even after the errors are apparent. 
 
 4Y r
 
 722 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 I am heartily glad no body here does any thing to exafperate their 
 minds by anfwering their papers. I hope the reafonable party a- 
 mong them will at length reafon themfelves into the right, before 
 they feel they are in the wrong. 
 
 It is very eafy, by mathematical demonftration, to fhew they are 
 in the wrong ; but that may only irritate the diieafe. I hope they 
 will recover themfelves. A nurfe may indeed convince a froward 
 child it cannot go alone, by letting the child make the experiment ; 
 but the hazard is too great ; it may have a fall which may leave a 
 fear. 
 
 I wonder to hear fo much zeal about trade, when it is not in the 
 right place. You have unexhauftable mines of riches at your own 
 doors ready and practicable ; and you are led affray to rob orchards 
 of green fruit. I hope iEfop's fable of the fpaniel and the fhadow 
 will never be verified in you ; and that you may never lofe by art 
 and credulity that which your noble anceftors have fo long prefer- 
 ved againfl open force and violence, I mean your religion and li- 
 berty, 
 
 Talibus infidiis ■■ ■ ■ 
 
 Credita res, captiqu'e dolis lachrymifque coafti, 
 
 Quos neque Tydidcs, nee LariflUeus Achilles, 
 
 Non anni domuere decern, non mille carina Abilt ! 
 
 There is no perfon is, with more unfeigned zeal, ftudious of the 
 good of Scotland, or with more particular refpect than, 
 Rev. SIR, &c. 
 
 P. S. It were eafy to propofe remedies, if the patient were capa- 
 ble. 
 
 ( Not long after the receipt of this letter, Mr Carftares was called 
 up to London, where he ftaid till the beginning of March 1 704. 
 As moft of his correfpondents were there at the fame time, there 
 are no letters relative to public affairs amongft his papers during 
 that period, but the two following. ) 
 
 Lord
 
 1 
 
 A N D L E T T E R S. 723 
 
 Lord Glasgow to Mr Carstares. 
 
 For nominating a Succeffbr. Againft great Limitations. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 I fhould be glad to hear from you what news occur, and with Edinburgh, 
 what profpect affairs look in England. I am to write to you upon 1703, 
 a fubjed I have neither freely fpoke to any here upon, or writt to 
 any above, fave the Earl of Leven, in whom I have full confidence. 
 will certainly be great matter of thought with every good man, 
 what will be the fitted meafure to be followed in the enfuing {e[~ 
 fion of parliament to quiet the humours and animofities of our dif- 
 affe&ed party in Scotland ; I mean the Jacobites, who impudently 
 affume to themfelves the name of Cavaliers, and are plain enemies 
 at the bottom to Queen Anne's intereft ; and alfo, what is proper 
 to be done to give fatisfaction to our honed revolution-party. That 
 the Queen and the government are in good earned refolved to coun- 
 tenance and maintain that party, who are indeed only her Majefty's 
 friends in Scotland. 
 
 In my humble opinion, after moil ferious deliberation, and con- 
 verfe with perfons of all fides and parties, I do judge it mod ad- 
 vilable that we proceed to the nomination of the fucceffor, failing 
 iffue of the Queen's body ; and that we name the fame fucceffor 
 England has done, under fuch rational limitations, and well digeft- 
 ed, as may be thought proper and expedient. 
 
 For my own part, I am not at all fond of limitations to weaken 
 the monarchy; for it is inevitably our own great lofs and difadvan- 
 tage, if the monarchy fhould be robbed and diverted of its jud pre- 
 rogative, whereby the monarchy fhall be incapacitate to fupport it- 
 felf, and protect us who are fubjefts ; and it is mod proper that there 
 (hould be fuch life and vigour in the monarchy as is fit to curb and 
 bridle our irregular heats and ferments. 
 
 4 Y 2 Sir,
 
 724 
 
 S T A T E - P A P E I 
 
 .\ 
 
 Sir, if the proteftant fucceflbr be not declared in our next parlia- 
 ment, then we will require a great deal of logic to convince our re- 
 volution-party of the contrary, but that the government have 
 an eye to St Germains ; and you know how big-fwelled our cava- 
 lier party is, with the hopes that the Queen and her minifters fet 
 up for the Prince of Wales his fucceffion ; and they will be the more 
 confirmed, if our miniftry continue, who have given fome of them 
 too much ground to their friends for thefe vain hopes. Sir, you'll 
 take this freedom of mine in good part, and believe that I fuggeil: 
 this my judgment, in this weighty concern, from a fincere faith- 
 fulnefs to Queen Anne's intereft in the fight of God. You may 
 
 impart this to the Duke of Q^ y and the Earl of Leven, if 
 
 you find it convenient. I Give my moft faithful and obedient humble 
 fervice to the Earl of Portland ; and am, 
 
 Rev. Sir, 
 Your moft afFe&ionate and faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Glasgow. 
 
 Mr Harley to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Rev. SIR, December 10. 1703. 
 
 1 find my Lord Treafurer, &c. have that value for my Lord Leven. 
 • as is juftly due to his great probity and ability ; if you judge it pro- 
 per, I will wait upon his Lordfhip with you to-morrow, being Sa- 
 turday, at his own lodgings, or elfe at my brother's chamber, No. 
 10. in Series- court, in Lincoln's-inn, at feven o'clock. I leave it to 
 you to direct which of thefe his Lordfhip chufes, or any other 
 way. 
 
 [The
 
 AND LETTERS. 725 
 
 [The following letters are addreffed to Mr Carftares after he came 
 down to Scotland, and was made Principal of the College of E- 
 dinburgh.] 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 Of Lord Rofs and the General Affembly. 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 I hope this mail find you fafe returned to Edinburgh ; and, be- London, 
 fore this comes to your hand, my Lord Rofs will likewife be there, March 4° 
 and he will certainly inform you that I did all in my power to ob- 
 tain the inftructions adjufted to your mind 1 ; fo that I truly think all « 
 difficulties are obviated ; and I hull hope and wifh, that this may be 
 a calm and moderate affembly ; and, if needlefs queftions be not 
 brought in, I believe that affemblies, for the future, may meet with 
 as great facility as they did in King William's time. 
 
 I believe I fhall be here longer than I expected ; and, therefore, 
 I fhall be very glad to hear from you what occurs, and I fhall be ve- 
 ry ready to reprefent it favourably to the Queen ; for I know you 
 will ufe all your influence that nothing be done or acted in this af- 
 fembly but with moderation. I think that fome pains mould be ta- 
 ken on Mr Weflie, Mr Lining, and Cameron, who have influence 
 on thofe that are mofl zealous. And I truly think, that nothing 
 more mould be defired in her Majefty's reign than was obtained in 
 King William's. But I have written with this freedom to none but 
 yourfelf. I am, after the old manner, Your's, &c. 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Sir David Nairne, Secretary-Depute, to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon a Report that the Whigs in Scotland ivere againft the fame Sue- 
 cejfor with England, 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 lam two in your debt; but that you will excufe, when I affure you London, 
 I had no more to fay than acknowledge the receipt of your's. You fi^, . 2 ° 
 
 will
 
 72 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 will have it from many hands how acceptable the quiet proceedings 
 of this affembly were to the Queen ; and I cannot but fay it was 
 much to the advantage of the members of affembly, to have it be- 
 lieved that it was their own inclination to juftice and moderation, 
 and the good management of thofe among them who are known 
 to be well affected to the peace of that country, that induced them 
 to the great duty and affection they mowed to the Queen in their 
 calm behaviour and quick difpatch, rather than the polite manage- 
 ment of a certain perfon : But fo it is, that I have met with, from 
 feverals, that all was owing to the Commiffioner. 
 
 Sir, I hope you know me fo well as to believe me fincere; and 
 
 you have promifed to let me be free to tell you the truth. Then, 
 
 fo many Jacobitifh tenets joining with that called high-church, 
 
 hadalmoft made me a Whig, but for one principle, I hear that you, 
 
 the true Whigs of Scotland, are for ; and yet I will not believe it till 
 
 I hear more of the matter, viz. that you are highly againfl fettling 
 
 the fucceffion as it is in England. Now, I think this is lb op- 
 
 pofiteto your intereft, and fo concurring with our high-church, that 
 
 I cannot be for you. I fpeak not without book : This ftory is told, 
 
 and propagate here ftrenuoufly, fince the rifing of the affembly, and 
 
 I am afraid with no good defign; in fo far that, if it is falfe, I think 
 
 it moil convenient, and fo do others, that you not only write your- 
 
 felf, but caufe others do it, to the Duke of Queenfberry and me, 
 
 in fuch a drain as it may be fhown here; and you may make the 
 
 rife of your writing to be, your hearing that fuch a ftory is fpread 
 
 here; but, in your letters, you need not mention your having it from 
 
 me. Whatever be my private opinion, I am for laying the faddle 
 
 on the right horfe, and not for having any body made active 
 
 inftruments, or rather handles, of doing good or ill againft their 
 
 will. Verbumfapienti. I am your's. 
 
 Sir
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 V-l 
 
 Sir David Nairne, Secretary-Depute, to Mr Carstares, 
 When the Duke of ^ueensberry ivas turned out. 
 Rev. SIR, 
 I had your's of the 23d and 25th paft. Any fervices I was ever Whitehall, 
 capable to do to you, or any body elfe, have been fmall, buc fincere. J une f " 
 However, in all probability, I {hall henceforward have Ids power: 
 than ever-; for, the Duke of Queenfberry being now laid afide, it is 
 not to be expected but any who comes in will chufe his own de- 
 pute ; and truly, none ought to be in this poft but whom the Secre- 
 tary can confide in. I am not yet formally removed, but I expect 
 it ; and, when I am out, will defy any to accufe me of malverfation 
 in office. I believe what I have faid may ferve as a reafon why the 
 paper you mention concerning the Bifhopric of Argyle came not to 
 my hands. I hope no others will obftruct fo good a gift. Your's 
 to the Duke of Queenfberry and to me came two days too late; for 
 
 C 's place was difpofed of on Monday, and we had not your 
 
 letters till yefterday, I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your faithful fervant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 P. S. I hope your fears of lofing your place are groundlefs. I 
 think the old faying, Solamen eft miferis, &c. is ill-natured. 
 
 Mr Harley to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon fettling the Succeffioiu Promifes to fupport him againft 
 
 Johnfton. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 I was extremely fatisfied to fee your hand on the out-fide of a London, Ju- 
 letter; for I was afraid I had fome way or other forfeited your good y 2 
 opinion, which I would not do, becaufe I know you to be fo iuft 
 you would not change your opinion without good reafon, and fo 
 
 much
 
 728 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 much a lover of your country, that you would not be averfe to any 
 one, who is fo great a well-wifher to .your nation, as myfelf. And 
 this principle, I confefs, gives me much concern about Scotland ; 
 for I can aflure you I have no other motive. It is ftrange, and to 
 be wondered at, that men mould run into deftruction with their 
 eyes open : That the only thing which can preferve them,* and u- 
 nite all of the revolution-principles, is the fucceflion ; and yet, be- 
 caufe England mggefts it, that reafon, which were reafon e*ough for 
 it without any other, that muft be given agalnft it. 
 
 The world beyond fea fay the fucceffion is to be kept open for 
 a lame arm to beg by : But, when the Queen offers to repair the 
 Darien lofs, can there be a more general or univerfal advantage pro- 
 pofed; or is not the defign for a few to make the advantage to them- 
 felves hereafter ? Can there be any other point to unite the honeft 
 people of Scotland, but making the partition, who are for St Ger- 
 mains, who are for proteftancy ? Shall one or two incomprehen- 
 fible books intoxicate the minds of fome, who could not otherwife 
 be prevailed with to be zealous for what neither their authors nor 
 readers underftand ? But is there not one man of a thoufand, is 
 there not one man to be found under whofe hands this ruin may be 
 put ? I hope neither difappointments nor refentments will fo far 
 heat any honeft gentlemen, as to make them forget that they are 
 freemen, proteftants, and true Scotfmen. 
 
 As to yourlelf, Sir, I can affure you no ill impreflions are made 
 here of you ; and I am very forry the great perfon you mention 
 mould diftinguifh himfelf fo peevifhly and weakly to your preju- 
 dice. 
 
 I know your wifdom and moderation put you above fuch things : 
 and you may depend upon my vigilancy for your fervice, and all 
 the affiftance and fupport in the power of, 
 Rev. S I R, Tour's, 
 
 R. HA RLE Y. 
 
 P. S
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 729 
 
 P. S. I hope you will pleafc to let me hear from you as often as 
 you have leifure. I never fpoke to the Lord-regifter, formerly Se- 
 cretary Johnfton, fince he was in, nor fome time before, but an ac- 
 cidental compliment, 
 
 Haud melius fperavl ■ 
 
 Cockburn of Ormifton to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of his Introduction to the §>ueen. 
 S IR, 
 
 I gave you account how well the Duke of Q^ y and Orm — n London, 
 
 were ; now, you muft know that Earl of Seafield and Ormifton are Nov ' 4 ' 17 ° 4 ' 
 very well. A friend will be with you fhortly, who can tell you how 
 this came about, and of feveral other particulars. Mr R. Pr. (Robert 
 Pringle) parts in a few days. 
 
 When the Queen came from Windfor, Ormifton went to the 
 Earl of Roxburgh, and told him that he was defirous to have the 
 honour to kifs the Queen's hand, and that his Lordfhip would pleafe 
 to prefent him, which his Lordfhip proffered to do when he pleafed. 
 T'other faid, any time his Lordfhip was going to court, if he would 
 caufe a footman call him, he would go along. This paffed on the 
 Tuefday, and he was called on the Saturday. They went together, 
 and, after my Lord had been fome time with her Majefty, he called 
 Ormifton into the clofet, where he had the honour to kifs her Ma- 
 jefty's hand ; but not one word paffed. Ormifton underftands fince, 
 that my Lord was at no pains to let the Queen know who it was, but 
 faid, a Scots gentleman, Ormifton. Her Majefty fays, me was fur- 
 prifed ; for, when he came in, fhe knew his face, but did not know 
 him by that name, he being always defigned otherwife to her ; and, 
 if fhe had not been under this furprife, fhe would a' given him an- 
 other reception. This is too much for him ; but our Secretary has 
 not much experience yet. They long here to have the Chancellor 
 away ; but the new council is not yet adjufted ; and Yefter is put- 
 
 4 Z ting
 
 73o S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 ting in for to be Chancellor of Fife, in place of Rofeberry. My 
 Lord Rofs has got the regality of Glafgow during life ; but he would 
 have it heritably to his family ; fo he is not pleafed. 
 
 T'other day accidentally one told Ormifton his fort was in the 
 new lift of counfellors, upon which he laughed heartily, and faid, 
 the world muft believe the father to be gone to St Germains, for 
 fure he is a man of more experience than his fon, and was firm to 
 the revolution-intereft. But no more of this at prefent. How our 
 new ftatefmen will do, when they come home, I know not ; but 
 people complain they are not acceflible here. The houfe of convo- 
 cation have divided about their addrefs. The higher would not 
 name Sir George Rook ; the lower would. Nay, the lower were 
 content to do it as overly as could be ; but the higher would not 
 yield ; fo they have no addrefs. 
 
 In the houfe of commons, the Tories run out in commendation 
 of Sir George, and talk of my L. Marlborough's victory as a fmall 
 matter. I think they talk more thefe two days of their heats and 
 divifions than they did, and that the conformity bill will certainly 
 come in : And, if the two houfes come once in heats, God knows 
 what may come in ; but fure the public intereft will fuffer. There 
 is no more fpeaking at prefent of the Speaker. They fay 
 Broomly underftands his high-flyers could not agree upon him; 
 fo he turned againft meddling in that matter. Others fay, it is de- 
 layed till the houfe be fuller, and Sir Edward Seymour comes, who 
 is expected in a day or two. 
 
 Your noble friend, the E. of P. was with me the other day, and 
 defired to give his fervice to you. Our new ftatefmen give out here, 
 that Duke H. is gaining ground every day in the weft country, e- 
 fpecially among the minifters, to be againft the fettling of the pro- 
 teftant fucceflion. My fervice to all honeft men. Adieu. 
 
 The
 
 AND LETTERS. 731 
 
 The Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon being made Chancellor, 
 SIR, 
 Your letter was very acceptable to me, and I mall be very glad to London » 
 
 r . n Nov. 7. I704. 
 
 continue our correspondence ; for no new acquaintance mall make 
 me forget my old friends. And I am moft fenfible, that it were 
 very good that all that are in the government would look forward, 
 and would have no emulation, but who mould ferve beft, and be 
 moft fignificant in fettling our divifions. 
 
 My being here was no choice of my own, I know the difficul- 
 ties of my poft ; but my main defign fhall be, to ferve the Queen 
 faithfully, and promote the intereft of my country. 
 
 I do expecl that you will let me know your opinion of any thing 
 that occurs, and, in particular, if I can be of any fervice to the 
 church. 
 
 I fhall be very ready to ufe my endeavours that way. I am very 
 glad that you are fo well fettled ; but I am afraid it will keep you 
 at home ; and that, therefore, till I come to Edinburgh, I fhall not 
 have the pleafure of feeing you. 
 
 If you incline that I fhould write particular hiftories to you, as 
 formerly, you will fend me a cypher, and you fhall be as fafe as e- 
 ver ; and, as you receive this, fo you will have trouble or not 
 From your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 . Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Reconciliation ivith Ormiftons—It is recommended to Tiveedale, 
 then Commiffioner> to unite ivith the Revolution-party* 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I know not how you have heard of my reconciliation with Lord London, 
 
 ■>Tor. 
 
 7°4- 
 
 Ormifton ; but it is indeed a great fatisfattion to myfelf j and I do r 01 
 
 4Z 2 agree
 
 732 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 agree with you, that the only way to compafs what her Majefty 
 propofes, is to forget our private differences, and to join together 
 in what may be for the good and fettlement of the nation. My 
 Lord Tweedale will now be with you very foon ; and it is re- 
 commended to him, and to thefe who have gone with him, to U- 
 nite heartily with the revolution- party ; and in time we may per- 
 haps fee what is neceffary to be done for the further encouragement 
 of that party, and engaging them to join heartily. You promifed 
 to fend me what«I wrote for, and, till then, I cannot write fo freely; 
 only the divifion here is like to bring in Scots affairs before the 
 parliament, which I am fure will rather hinder than promote any 
 fettlement in our country. I may perhaps write you more of this 
 afterwards ; and, till then, I forbear to acquaint you of feveral par- 
 ticulars that have already occurred here. 1 am, Sir, Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl ofSEAFiELD to Mr Carstares. 
 Lord Whitelauu's Deaths and the Parties in Scotland. In Cyphers, 
 
 Very Reverend, 
 London, T k e ^th of my Lord Whitelaw is truly a very great trouble to 
 
 Decern. 21. * . . 
 
 1704. me ; it is fuch a lofs that I know not how it can be made up. 
 
 I have abundance of refpecl for Mr Pringle ; and I could not 
 have a better friend than he upon the feflion ; but I doubt if it will 
 do at prefent, there are lb many pretenders and different intereils 
 to adjuft. Every one that writes to me from Scotland acknowled- 
 ges, that there is a neceflity for uniting the old and new parties to- 
 gether ; and, in this, no time muft be loft. How Mr Hafty be- 
 haves in his new poft I know not, or how he will do in the par- 
 liament is yet more uncertain. 
 
 Mr Morfe and Mr Corbet are very well together ; but, fince Mr 
 Dobbin writes with freedom, I mall ufe the like. Do you think 
 that it is Mr Morfe his intereft to be at the top ? or, Do you think 
 that Mr Hafty, Mr Mafon, and others, would not return in that 
 
 cafe
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 733 
 
 cafe to their old friends? I agree that Mr Hay meet with all encou- 
 ragement, and that 8k73wy89r be employed, and that Mr Carew 
 (the parliament) have a favourable commimoner. I alfo think it 
 is high time for the whole nation to confider, that all piques ought 
 to be laid afide, and that we difappoint the expectations of France. 
 
 I know not what Mr Carew (the parliament) with you may think • 
 but here they are entirely as one man for the union. I am i 
 Morfe getting juftice done him, and for his friends being regarded 
 and noticed, and for giving him aflurances of future employment* 
 if his friends concur. 
 
 Now, upon thefe matters you will open, and fend me an exege- 
 fis ; it will put me in mind of the old converfations at Whitehall 
 after a mnb4 wyn3kw audience, and you fhall be very fafe. I al- 
 moft had concluded before I told you, that Carew, at leaft iome of 
 them, think, that Mr Stevenfon hath too great a hand with Mr 
 Morfe ; Mr Corbet meets frequently with Mr Banks, &c. All this 
 only to yourfelf ; for truly I know not what power 13 may have to 
 bring about thefe fchemes ; fo that all this is Mr Corbet's private: 
 judgement; which is all from Y. M. H. S* 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Difficulties in fettling the Scotti/Jj Miniftry. The General AJfembly.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The reafon 1 write fo feldom to you is, that nothing occurs whilfl London* 
 our Scots affairs remain before the Englifh parliament. i^oc? 5 ' 
 
 It is thought that meafures cannot be adjufted. The difference 
 betwixt the»old and new miniftry doth not diminifh ; and, with- 
 out the affiftance of both, fuccefs is not to be expected. If we could 
 oblige them both to draw together, is all that we can hope for : I 
 am affraid that Mr Morfe, if he were again employed, would find, 
 that many who are friendly to him, and to his family while he is 
 out of the government, would not be influenced to fupport him in 
 the public meafures ; and the new party would return to their old 
 
 friends 5
 
 734 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 friends ; and fo it would mifgive in his hands ; and, if Mr Hafty 
 be employed, at leaft all Mr Morfe's friends will be againft him. 
 Might it not be more probable, if Mr Morfe's friends were princi- 
 pally intrufted, and he otherwife rendered fatisfied, and that the 
 new and old parties in the government be obliged to co-operate f 
 In that cafe, Might not many concur in hopes, and others, for fear 
 of lofing what they have ? This is faid by fome to be the moil rea- 
 fonable fcheme. 
 
 The objection is the word motefy, and that the one half would 
 counteract the other. Corbet's part fhall be only to explain the ad- 
 vantages and difadvantages of all the fchemes offered, and to act 
 his own part faithfully, whether he be employed or not. 
 
 He that is now Mr Graham will let you know how matters ftand 
 here ; and Mr Corbet expects to. hear from you both how things 
 go there. It is faid 33 is againft an union, and 34 againft both 
 Mr Hope (the fucceffion) and an union : That, in general, the re- 
 fentments are high againft Mr Roberts ; however, we muft not de- 
 fpair. What is fo neceffary muft be attempted. The competitors for 
 Mr Mofman's laft poft are 15, 30, 29, and 7nkb789y; but nothing 
 of this will be determined till the general fcheme be at leaft refol- 
 ved on. You name another that I think as fit as any of them. 
 
 I had a letter lately from him, though not on that fubject ; and 
 I wrote to him again as kindly as I could. Thus you fee our dif- 
 ficulties. If you pleafe to write to me freely again, do it foon, be- 
 caufe I believe the parliament here will be up foon $ and no time 
 
 is to be loft. The aflembly will meet at the time appointed, and 
 they will meet with no difficulty from herMajefty : They will have 
 full protection ; and it is their intereft to be moderate ; and they 
 have no grounds for jealoufy, for all their difficulties were removed 
 in the laft aflembly ; and nothing fhall be wanting on my part for 
 making them fatisfied. Of this you may aflure any of the mini- 
 fters you converfe with. 
 
 You have not as yet writt me up an account of the day it fhould 
 meet upon, and we have forgot it here. I am Y. M. H. S. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS, 73, 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Marquis of Annandale Commijftoner to the AJfembly. He is again 
 
 to acl as Chancellor, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Her Majefty did laft night iign a commiflion to the Marquis of London, 
 Annandale to be Commiflioner to the next General Aflembly ; and ,-q 1 ? IO< 
 I have endeavoured that the letter and inftructions are as eafy, and 
 I hope as fatisfying as any have been ; and, if it is otherwife, I am 
 fure it is what I do not. intend. I intreat that^you'may aflure Mr 
 Wilkie, Mr Meldrum, and my other friends, of my fmcere endea- 
 vours for all that may be for their fatisfaction and the good of the 
 church. 
 
 I can tell you nothing of our changes, nor of any thing elfe, be- 
 ing juft going to my coach ; and hope to be with you before the. 
 meeting of the aflembly. I am again to act as Chancellor in the 
 next parliament, in which I heartily wifh fuccefs. Give my fer- 
 vi'ce to the Juftice-clerk : I hope he, you, and I mail meet in the old 
 manner ; and I aflure you I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your moll humble fei vant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 I have procured L. 400 to pay the neceflaries of the aflembly, 
 
 John Duke of Argyle to Mr Carstares, 
 Mr John/ion laid qfide ; Philiphaugh repotted, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I received your's. Tm fure you'll eafily believe me when I tell London, 
 you nothing could be more pleafing to me than the aflfembly's let- April 5 ' 
 ter; and I can aflure you, your being moderator is a fatisfadion to 
 all honed men, and particularly to myfelf. In return, I mufl tell 
 
 you
 
 73 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 you one piece of news, that will not be difpleafing to you : Yefter- 
 day the Queen was pleafed to lay afide Mr Johnfton, as a proof of 
 her defiring to make fome other fleps. So foon as I come to Scot- 
 land, Lord Philiphaugh is to have his poft again ; and I am hopeful 
 to perfuade the Queen to allow his commiffion to be fent down to- 
 night. I defire to go from hence this night ; and therefore fhall fay 
 no more but that you fhall always find me 
 
 Your faithful friend, and humble fervant, 
 
 Argyle. 
 
 Mr Willi am Hunter Minifter of Banff to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The private Rijlory of Lord Banff* s Converfion fro?n Popery, ivith a 
 Pojlfcript from his Lord/hip. 
 
 Very Rev. S I R, 
 Banff, July My Lord Banff having his feat in this parifh, and taking the occafion 
 «• x 7°5' of fignifying his refolution to profefs the proteftant religion, defires 
 me, by this, to impart the fame to you, and remits you to the Earl 
 of Stairs for further information thereanent ; to whom thefaid Lord 
 Banff (as his Lordfhip informs) has communicated his thoughts in 
 a letter. 
 
 My Lord Banff, upon declaring himfelf proteftant, has a mind to 
 go fouth, and take his place in parliament ; and, withal, becaufe 
 his cir cum fiances require it, his Lordfhip requires your kind influ- 
 ence for his encouragement, that he may undertake his journey. 
 
 His Lordfhip defires fecrecy hereanent, and that my Lord Stairs 
 only fhould be converfed with about this affair; and your anfwer 
 hereto per firft. My Lord's circumftances are but low ; and I could 
 wifh.he might meet with affiftance and encouragement. This, at 
 defire of the faid noble Lord, is humbly fignified by, 
 Very Reverend, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, and affectionate brother, 
 
 William Hunter. 
 
 P. S.
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 737 
 
 P. S. Sir, My Lord refolves to ufe all freedom with yourfelf a- 
 nent his public owning the proteftant religion, and fhuns the doing 
 of it here till he converfe with you ; but, Sir, I could wifh he were 
 more free. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 This is fent you, at the defire, and with the confent of me ; and, 
 if you can ferve me, let me know ; if not, then pleafe return this 
 line again ; which is all from, 
 
 Your humble fervant, 
 
 Banff. 
 
 AJecond Pojlfcript by Mr Hunter. 
 SIR, 
 
 You'll pardon this trouble which my Lord's addrefs and importu- 
 nity obliged me to ; I wifh his defigns and refolutions be fincere and 
 ftedfaft ; and that all poffible means may be taken to reclaim him 
 from his errors. I am your's. 
 
 Will. Hunter. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 The Houfe of Lords have brought in a Bill for repealing the Claufes in 
 the Acl paffed loft SeJJion. — The Scots may noiv make a good Bar- 
 gain. — The Union the only Way to take away all Pretentions from 
 the oppofition to a Country-Interejl, 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 Your letter was yery acceptable to me, and it was alfo ufeful on London 
 this occafion. We have been very doubtful till now of the efFed of N „ ov * 2 ^ 
 our act of treaty and addrefs. We have been at great pains to in- 
 form the leading men of the Whig party, and her Majefty's Eng- 
 lifh fervants have been very affifting ; fo that the Houfe of Lords 
 did yefterday unanimoufly agree to bring in a bill, repealing all the 
 claufes in their acl: paffed laftfeffions, except that authorifing a trea- 
 ty. I believe this may have influence upon the Commons, though 
 
 5 A it
 
 73 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 it will meet with difficulty there in all appearance. If we that are 
 Scotfmen do make but the right ufe of this opportunity, I am confi- 
 dent that we may make a very advantageous agreement, by adjuft- 
 ing our privileges, and fettling the fucceflbr, or by an union. 
 
 And you are perfectly in the right, that there is no other way of 
 taking from the oppofing party their pretenfions of having a coun- 
 try-intereft, but by having a treaty. 
 
 As for what concerns yourfelf, you were never better ftated than 
 you are at prefent. I am perfuaded the Scots fecretaries are as much 
 your friends as you could defire ; and, if you fend up the fignature 
 for your fitter, I fhall heartily concur with the Secretaries for obtain- 
 ing it. I dined at my Lord Portland's the day before I got your 
 letter; I have called at his houfe fince, but have not feen him. How- 
 ever, I fhall not fail to let him know how gratefully you remember 
 his kindnefs to you. Continue to write with freedom to me, for I 
 fhall make no worfe ufe of your letters than I did in the laft reign; 
 and I alTure you I am, with all fincerity, 
 Rev. Sir, 
 
 Your molt faithful, and humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Earl of Mar to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Union. 
 
 London I nave been Wlt ^ y our § 00( * ^ rien ^ m Y ^ or ^ P° rt l an d fince I came 
 
 Dec. 4. k ere j to whom I was always obliged, as our country in general have 
 been, and now are, for he's a hearty well-wifher to us. 
 
 I was very glad to fee your letter to the Chancellor on the great 
 affair of the treaty which is now in agitation. You would hear that 
 the Lords fent down the repealing bill to the Commons laft week ; 
 and they are to be on it to-day. I have not heard yet what they have 
 done, for they are yet fitting ; but I hope it will meet with the fame 
 fate there it did from the Lords ; and fo there will be no flop to the 
 
 treaty ; 
 
 1705
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 739 
 
 treaty ; which, I am hopeful, will fet the two nations upon a folid 
 right foot, both one way, and remove all ground of complaint. 
 
 The Englifh franknefs in this affair, by doing more than we our- 
 felves propofed, I think, mould make people in Scotland in good hu- 
 mour ; though I doubt not there are people who endeavour to lef- 
 fen it ; but I muft fay, their country is little obliged to them. 
 
 Scots bufinefs is delayed, and at aftanduntil the Duke of Queenf- 
 berry come up; fo we long mightily for him; and I hope by this 
 time he is come off. Lord Rofs is working all he can to be Commif- 
 fioner to the general aifembly, and fays to every body the minifters 
 will be difobliged, if he be not; and that they prefs him to pufh it. 
 Since my Lord fays this, I fliall not doubt of fome of their Writing 
 to him : But, I fancy it is hardly a plurality, or a great number of 
 ye; and I hope, if he fucceed not in his pretenfions, it will not be a 
 mortal quarrel. However, I write this but to yourfelf. I wifh you 
 could bring it io about, that it might be known here that there are 
 others would be as acceptable to you. I am fure by this I have no 
 defign againft the church ; but otherwife. 
 
 I mail be glad to hear from you fome times, whether you have 
 bufinefs to write or not ; and I affure you I fmcerely am, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your real and humble fervant, 
 
 Mar. 
 
 The Earl of Loudgn, Secretary of State, to Mr Carstares. 
 
 "Of the Union, and Lord Rofs folliciting to be Commiflioner to the Af- 
 fembly. 
 
 SIR, December 4, 
 
 I have your's of the 24th of the laft month, which I read to the 
 
 Earl of Mar. He was appointed to carry to the Queen yefterday 
 
 the laft of the papers for .his month ; amongft others, he carried the 
 
 £ift in favours of Mrs Dunlop ; which he fends you by this pofi 
 
 5 A 2 Though
 
 74 o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Though this is an affair of fmall moment, I hope you'll take it as a 
 token of both our inclinations to ferve you. 
 
 Our affairs went in the houfe of Peers as we could have wifhed. 
 The Commons have this day had under their confideration the bill 
 which the Peers fent.them, repealing the difagreeable claufes of their 
 act for a treaty. They have given it a firft reading, and ordered that 
 it mail have a fecond upon Saturday. I hope the frank and friend- 
 ly proceedings here will difpofe all honed men in Scotland to enter 
 cordially into fuch meafures as may be for the good of our country, 
 and bring us at laft to a happy fettlement of the proteftant fuccef- 
 fion. I have the good fortune to wait fome times upon our friend 
 the Earl of Portland, who mows a great deal of inclination for the 
 good of our country. 
 
 My Lord Rofs follicites very earneftly that he may be Commif- 
 fioner to the next affembly ; which, he fays, he defires not fo much 
 on his own account, as on account of the church, who, he fays, 
 have laid it upon him, that he ufe his utmoft endeavours that he 
 may be fent to them with that character. I have told my Lord, that, 
 at prefent, I could not engage to do him any fervice in that affair. 
 You may be fure we will take care that whoever is employed in that 
 poft be a man of known good affection to the church : But, I can- 
 not help believing that there will be feverals as acceptable as his 
 Lordfhip to you. I'll take it as a favour that you entertain a frank 
 correfpondence with me. I am, 
 
 SIR, 
 Your real friend, and humble fervant, 
 
 Loudon, 
 
 Sir David Nairne to Mr Carstares. 
 Upon the fame Subjecl ivith the foregoing. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Yefterday I had your's of the 29th paft, with the copy of a gift in 
 
 favours of . By mine wrote to you, you will find, that 
 
 there-
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 74* 
 
 there was no reafon of giving yourfelf any trouble upon that 
 head. 
 
 Now, Sir, to prefumeupon the friendmip I hope from you, Imuft 
 beg leave to enter a little upon the politics with you, and which part is 
 indeed properly within your fphere. And what freedom you exprefs 
 yourfelf in fhall never be ufed to your difadvantage. You know 
 the time of the general aflembly now approaches ; and, no doubt, 
 but there will be many pretenders to the honour of reprefenting the 
 Queen in it. One, who at prefent is very bufy making his intereft, 
 is my Lord Rofs. Perhaps, if I mould tell you the ways and means 
 he ufes, it might leflen your efteem of him ; and that is not to be 
 done, leaft he have fuccefs ; fo mail only tell you the argument he 
 ufes : As for the profit, he defpifes it, not having faved a groat of 
 L. 700 he had laft time, though the ordinary allowance ufed to be 
 L. 400 ; but, he fays, all the minifters prefs him to it ; and, if he 
 have it not, they will think it is for want of afking ; and that is 
 mowing a difregard for them : That moft of the minifters to be in 
 this affembly are young men, and were his cotemporaries at fchools 
 and colleges : That nobody knows fo well how to manage them 
 as he does : That they told him laft time none but he could have 
 managed them fo well. If all this is true, I think he has a very jufl 
 call. 
 
 But I cannot forget, that, after his coming hither, when he was 
 laft commiflioner, he faid, moft of the prefbyterians in Scotland 
 were againft fettling the fucceflion ; and, as I remember, I wrote 
 of it to yourfelf, for he faid fo to me ; and, upon this, I thought he 
 had loft a great deal of favour with you. 
 
 If this is otherwife, and that you are now all fo ftated with him, 
 as he fays, I am afFraid people will put a wrong conftruc~tion on 
 the caufes. If, at your leifure, you will let me know your thoughts 
 upon this fubjed:, it will be a great mean to determine my wifhes. 
 As for my fervices, they are to be commanded ; yet I muft fay, 
 when I am doing a thing that I believe will be a fervice to them I 
 am doing it for, it goes on with a better heart than otherwife it 
 
 would,
 
 742 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 would. I hope all things here will go on as we could wifh towards 
 a treaty of union ; and, if we have that, we mall be better than we 
 deferve. 
 
 I faw a letter from you to my Lord Chancellor fome time ago 
 on that fubjeft, which was very agreeable, and, I dare fay, the fenfe 
 of all who have regard to the peace of the kingdom, and the pre- 
 fervation of the proteftant religion. I beg pardon for being fo te- 
 tiious ; and am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moll obliged humble fervant, 
 
 David Nai rne. 
 
 Earl of Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Union. 
 
 Monfr. 
 
 Whitehall, j e cro irois vous faire tort en vous demandant la continuation de 
 
 x^X votre amitie ; puifque je m'en crois afleure, vous connoiffant de trop 
 
 long terns incapable de changement. D'ailleurs, vous favez combien 
 
 je Peftime ; ainfi vous pouvez juger de la joye que j'aye d'apprendre 
 
 votre fante et profperite (que le bon Dieu de fa grace continue long 
 
 terns) par celle que vous m'avez ecrite. Le digne ami qui me la 
 
 rendue, m'a fait plaifir a le voir fe porter fi bien. Je croyois, qu'a- 
 
 prez une union totale, la fucceffion etoit etablie d'ellememe. La 
 
 manier franche et genereufe dont ce parliament en a agi envers 
 
 I'Ecoffe, et ce que j'entend dire au gens, me fait croire, que Pon 
 
 attend une union totale ; et qu'une union en partie, et les propofi- 
 
 tions des avantages dans le commerce fans cette union, aigriront les 
 
 efprits ici, et les alieneront des bonnes difpofitions ou ils font ; et, 
 
 en ce cas, comment obtiendroit on aprez une entiere union, quant 
 
 cette bonne difpofition qu'il y a ici feroit perdu, d'autant plus que 
 
 peutetre il ne manque pas des gens ici, comme ceux, dont vous 
 
 parlez en EcofTe, qui ne fouhaitent pas Punion, ni Peftabliffement 
 
 de
 
 AND LETTERS. 74$ 
 
 de la fucceflion ? Eftant hors des affaires, je vous parle ignoram- 
 ment, et peutetre improprement. Ce que je fuis feur, que je ne 
 feral pas, quant je vous affeureray, que je fuis tres fincerement, 
 comme vous m'avez connue toujours, 
 
 Monsieur, 
 
 Votre tres humble ferviteur, 
 
 Portland, 
 
 Earl of Mar to Mr Car stares. 
 
 Upon the fame Subjecl. — 7— The Engli/h ivill give no Terms, except 
 upon the footing of an entire Union. 
 
 SIR, 
 I had your kind letter laft poft, for which, I affure you, I think Whitehall, 
 my felf obliged to you. I believe you did not underftand me clear- t *o$-6?' 
 ly in my laft concerning the treaty, which might be occafioned by 
 my writing in hafte. Since ever the Englifh repeated their threat- . 
 ning claufes in their ad, we always told them, that we feared the 
 difficulties of an entire union, and that fome people might make it 
 a pretext to flop fettling the fucceflion ; therefore, we wifhed they 
 would treat of terms as well as an union, that there might be no 
 delay in that matter ; and fo the parliament of Scotland would take 
 which they liked beft ; and, probably, when they faw either of them 
 in their offer, they would fooner make choice of the union, as be- 
 ing a more fecure and folid foundation. But, if an union only was 
 treated of, they would be the fonder of the other, becaufe denied 
 them ; and angry people would join together upon this pretext, to 
 defeat the defign in our hands, and to poftpone the fucceflion': But 
 this has very little weight with your friends here ; and they tell us 
 plainly, they will give us no terms that are confiderable for going 
 into their fucceflion, if any, without going into an entire union ; 
 and, if we infift upon that, they will never meet with us ; for they 
 think all the notions about foederal unions and forms a mere jeft 
 
 and
 
 744 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 and chimera. I write this freely to you, though it is not fit this 
 fhould be known in Scotland, for fear of difcouraging people, and 
 making them defpair of the treaty. You fee that what we are to 
 treat of is not in our choice, and that we fee the inconveniencies of 
 treating an incorporating union only. But, when our friends 
 come up, efpecially thofe who are againft, or not clear for an in- 
 corporating union, they will either, I hope, perfuade their Englifti 
 friends, or them. However, we muft certainly propofe to treat of 
 terms as well as an entire union ; and I wifh the Englifh may treat 
 of them both, and conclude them, that fo we may not come down 
 to the parliament with only one fcheme. This I thought fit to let 
 you know, that you might have a clear view of the affair, and make 
 the bed ufe of it you can. 
 
 I hope you are pleafed with the people the Queen has made 
 choice of for the treaters. The Chancellor, Lord Loudon, and I, 
 wrote all three to the Juftice-clerk as preflingly as we could, and 
 told him, that the Queen expe&ed that he certainly would come up. 
 The Duke of Queenfberry and I are to fpeak to any of the Whig 
 Lords, who are his acquaintance, to write to him ; but the Duke 
 thinks none of them are fo well acquainted with him that they will 
 do it. I am afraid my Lord Treafurer will hardly do it ; however, 
 I hope he will hardly decline coming, if his friends in Scotland are 
 earneft with him. It is needlefs to tell you of any of the commif- 
 fions that are fent down by this poft, becaufe you will hear of them 
 as foon as you get this ; and I am very weary of writing a great 
 many letters; but I hope you will approve of what we have 
 
 done. 
 
 My Lord Glafgow's commiflion and inftru&ions will be fent 
 within a few pofts ; I am preparing them ; and if there are any in- 
 ftructions you would have added, you would write in time. I fup- 
 pofe you now know my hand, fo I will not trouble you always with 
 figning my name ; and I defire you may do fo with me. You'll 
 fee by the votes what the houfe of commons have done upon Sir 
 
 Rowland
 
 March 9. 
 
 AND LETTERS. 745 
 
 Rowland Gwyn's letter : The houfe of peers have done the like, 
 and ordered an addrefs to her Majefty upon it. 
 
 The parliament will be prorogued next week; which is all I'll 
 now trouble you with. Adieu. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Marquis of Annandale> and Marquis of Montrofe y and other 
 ■ Changes, 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 I muft challenge you for writing too feldom ; but I acknowledge London, 
 
 • 1 lVl3.r0 1 
 
 very little has occurred, either here or with you. You certainly ,_ o6> 
 know that the Marquis of Annandale has had, in the mofl obliging 
 manner, offers made him of continuing in his poft as Prefident of 
 Council. He had time to confider, until we came to think of no- 
 minating the treaters ; and, before it was difpofed of, feveral of the 
 Whig Lords fpoke to him, and advifed him to accept of it. My 
 Lord Treafurer and my Lord Marlborough did likewife fpeak to 
 him ; and my Lord Loudon Secretary, then in waiting, was fent 
 to him by the Queen, to let him know that fhe was willing to em- 
 ploy him in that ftation, if he pleafed; but he ftill refufed; and the 
 Secretaries and I were unwilling to oblige him fo far as give him 
 any of our pofts ; but we were very willing to have ferved in con- 
 junction with him. He is gone to the Bath, and lies this night at 
 Mr Johnfton's houfe at Twittenham, where it is like new game 
 may be projected. The Marquis of Montrofe is made Prefident of 
 Council, and I hope will be found very ufeful to her Majefty in that 
 ftation. I heartily wifh that my Lord Juftice-clerk may come up to 
 the treaty ; for I think it will be much for the Queen's fervice. I 
 have wrote to him, though I have done fo to few of the treaters. 
 
 The Earl of Leven has his commifTion as Commander in Chief. 
 My Lord Carmichael has his father's regiment. The Juftice-clerk 
 
 5 B was
 
 74 6 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 was the firft that fpoke to me of this, and I have heartily concurred 
 in it, fmce I knew the Earl of Hyndford delired it. The young 
 Laird of Grant has the Earl of Mar's ; and my Lord Glafgow is to 
 be Commiflioner to the General AiTembly. I am perfuaded he will 
 be acceptable to you, and his inftrudions will be the fame with Lord 
 Rofs's and Lord Annandale's ; fo that I am confident no difficulty 
 will occur. 1 had a letter from Mr Meldrum, but have not time to 
 write to him this night. 
 
 This is writt only for your own information, and with the old 
 freedom, and to afiure you that I continue, with all fincerity, 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 P. S. I forgot to tell you the Earl of Weems is Lord High Ad- 
 miral. 
 
 The Earl of Mar to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the D If pofal of Places. — Earl of Buchan. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, I had your's this poft, for which I give you a great many thanks, 
 
 ^6. h 25 ' and for your kind concern for my colleague and me. I have writ- 
 ten by this exprefs to my Lord Glafgow, and fent him all the papers 
 relating to the Afiembly, with which I hope you and your brethren 
 will be pleafed. I have not time to write fo fully to you (it is now 
 fo late ;) fo I refer you to my letter to my Lord Glafgow, to whom 
 I have written to communicate it to you. 
 
 My Lord Halcraig's death is really a lofs; we heard it on Thurf- 
 day by an exprefs Forglan had fent him ; but not by the ordinary 
 poft till this day. As foon as the Queen was told of this, which 
 was fome days ago, me declared me was engaged to give the firft 
 vacant gown to Sir Alexander Ogilvie. We found the Treafurer 
 
 engaged
 
 AND LETTERS. 747 
 
 engaged in it too, and that Sir Alexander had letters from him up- 
 on it a long while ago, and before fome of us were in the Queers 
 immediate fervice. 
 
 The Queen was pleafed this day to fign Sir Alexander's letter; fo 
 there's an end of that affair. She has alfo been pleafed to make my 
 Lord Galloway a Lord of the Treafury, in place of Sir John Hume. 
 There had been engagements given him, before the Queen's fer- 
 vants left Scotland, for another employment ; but things happened 
 fo that he was difappointed of it, by fome who had given en- 
 couragement for giving thofe engagements turning their thoughts 
 another way, upon an accident which is too long to write; 
 and, to make up this difappointment, we were obliged to go into 
 the meafure, which if we had not done, we would certainly have 
 loft him, and feveral others of his friends, betides the difobliging of 
 thofe who had made him thofe former engagements. I trouble you 
 with this ftory the more particularly, becaufe of a friend of your's 
 and mine who had a defign upon this place, and had, I believe, fome 
 aifurance given him of it, I mean my Lord Buchan ; but his lofs 
 was, thofe from whom he had the aflurances, having given over to 
 meddle in our affairs very foon after we came here, his pretenfions 
 could not be thoroughly urged till now, that it was too late. But this 
 is not fit to be told plainly. I have written to him, > and begged that 
 he may not be angry at the difappointment, and to have but pati- 
 ence till I come down ; and. I am fure I can convince him, that it 
 was not poftible for us to have ferved him in that affair at this time. 
 
 And I allured him, that it was not the D. of Q^ y's fault that 
 
 he was difappointed, though he might conjecture fo by a friend of 
 his geti ng the place. But, if my Lord Galloway had not got it, 
 another had before him, which was really ^true ; and I can truft you 
 with it, though I would not defire to fay it to another; nor did I 
 tell Buchan the man ; but it was Eglinton. I fhould be very forry 
 if Buchan is difobliged at me* or any of the Queen's fervants here, 
 and that we fnould lofe him, efpecially fmce we all defign him fa- 
 
 5 B 2. vour.
 
 748 S T A T E - P A P E R S 
 
 vour. Therefore, Sir, I beg you may be at the pains to fpeak to 
 him of it, and, probably, he will mew you what I have written to 
 him. 
 
 You are very juftly concerned for what my Lord Lothian has 
 done, as you may be fure we are all. He has done himfelf a vaft 
 deal of harm by it ; and I'm afraid the Queen will not eafily pafs 
 it over. It does harm alfo to others of his friends in their affairs. 
 His commiffion is not yet given up to the Queen, though this day 
 we were forced to tell her of it, it became fo public. I fancy the 
 Duke of Argyle will give it up one of thir days ; for he fees not 
 how Lothian can now retreat : But I'm to fee the Duke of Argyle 
 to-morrow ; and, when any new thing fhall happen concerning it, 
 you fhall hear it. I am afraid Lothian has loft himfelf and his pre- 
 tentions, which were very good : But I hope he will ftill continue 
 of the principles he profeffed, and, by good and faithful fervice, re- 
 gain this ftep. 
 
 I'll write to him one of thir days. I have not yet delivered his 
 letter to the Queen, for which he'll probably be angry with me ; 
 but I think I did more friendly in keeping it up. However, if the 
 commiffion be given up, I muft of neceffity give up the letter too. 
 My Lord Annandale is now at the Bath, and was feveral days at 
 Mr Johnfton's, as he went ; which has done him no little hurt with 
 his friends here ; for they did not know nor believe that, when he 
 was here, they were together every day. 
 
 I am really forry he has behaved fo, notwithftanding all the flo- 
 ries he faid of me here. I know my Lord Loudon has written of 
 feveral particulars to you ; fo I will not trouble you with them. I 
 am very glad the Juftice-Clerk is to be here. We long now for our 
 friends who are on the road. I wifh you a good, quiet, fhort, af- 
 fembly ; and I hope you'll do me juftice with your brethren in ta- 
 king off the bad impreffions fome people have been pleafed to give 
 them of me ; which is all I'll now fay ; fo, good Sir, adieu. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 749 
 
 Earl of Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Succejfton and Union compared, 
 
 MONSIEUR, April 11. 1705-6. 
 
 Je laiffe touttes proteftations a cofte; nous fommes tout deux aii 
 deffus de la neceffite d'en fair. Je fuis fache d'entendre qu'il y a 
 tant de mauvaife volonte, et de pouvoir enfemble a craindre autre- 
 fois, il me femble, que Ton ne vouloit pas de la fucceffion ; parce 
 que n'eftant pas eftablie, cela porteroit les Anglois aconfentir a Tu- 
 nion. Et a Pheur qu'ici Ton y eft porte, Ton ne veut plus de l'u- 
 nion, mais on retourne au premier. J'ay grand peur que l'humeur 
 et la faction ne ruine le publique. J'ay efte alfez long temps en 
 affaires, pour :es plaindre; mais il y a trop long temps que j'ay 
 quitte, pour les connoitre. Je crois la fucceffion eftablie une chofe 
 tres bonne ; mais je crois Tunion meilleure, parce qu'elle comprend 
 la fucceffion, qu'elle eft a Tadvantage des deux nations, dont elle 
 previent tous les difFerens a Padvenir; elle coupera pas la racine 
 une bonne partie de vos divifions domeftiques ; et remediera peu a 
 peu au manque d'argent dont l'Efcoffe fe plaint. Je vous aye deja 
 dit, que je ne comprends pas bien le bon effet reciproque des 
 deux royaumes d'un foederal union, ni les moyens d'y parvenir ; 
 et fuis tres de ce que vous avez fujet de craindre les abus, meme 
 
 des mieux intentions. 
 
 Je ne puis que fouhaiter ardemment le bien des deux royaumes, 
 et de la religion ; et vous affurer que je feray toute ma vie, avec la 
 merne fincerite et candeur, 
 
 MONSIEUR, 
 
 Voftre tres humble ferviteur, 
 
 Portland. 
 
 The
 
 75 o S T A T E - P A P E R S . 
 
 The Earl of Stairs to Mr Carstares. 
 Ajks his Advice as to the Treaty. 
 
 I am glad your affembly hath ended fo well pleafed with her Ma- 
 jefty's Commiffioner, and he with you. We are here coming in ear- 
 ned to bufinefs; and I hope (hall mortly come to a conclufion. I 
 have by this given you an account of fome difcourfes that patted in 
 a meeting of the Scots commiffioners amongft themfelves, that you 
 mayconfider what's beft for you to advife us in time. 
 
 The refervations being mentioned which we were to afk for 
 North Britain in the cafe of the Union, one faid, c Thefe were our 
 church-government; laws and judicatures were to be continued for 
 ever with us as they are now eftablifhed.' Another faid, 'Our 
 church-government was fufficiently fecured by the claim of right, 
 and by the hedge about it ; and that our commiffion had reftrained 
 us, that we could not treat of any alteration in the church-govern- 
 ment; therefore it is beft to fay nothing about it.' The other re- 
 plied, 'That, though he was none of thofe who believed any of the 
 form's of government unlawful, yet, it was juft and honourable to 
 fecure the form of our government to ourfelves by an exprefs article 
 in the Union, otherwife it might be altered by the parliament of 
 Britain, whereof the greater part would always be inclined to their 
 own forms;- and, whatfoever the claufe in the inftrument of govern- 
 ment againft epifcopacy and the hedge might import in Scotland, 
 v yet, after the Union, every thing would be fubjected to the pleafure 
 of the parliament of Britain that was not fpecially ftipulatcd in the 
 Union not to be altered ; and, though both parliaments had that re- 
 gard for their own forms, that they had reftricted their Commiffion- 
 er from contenting to any alterations in their feveral church-govern- 
 ments, fo as they could do nothing to their prejudice, yet that could 
 never retrain them from fecuring and fixing their feveral govern- 
 ments from all future alterations.' 
 
 I took the more notice of this difcourfe, that I found afterwards 
 an eminent perfon of the Inglis commiffion very earneft with me, 
 
 that
 
 AND LETTERS. 7S t 
 
 that nothing might be mentioned in our treaty concerning church- 
 government, both being already fecure, becaufe that would give a 
 handle to the Tories, and high-church people, to reflect upon or 
 oppofe the treaty in their parliament. 
 
 Sir, I muft tell you further, the perfon who managed the argu- 
 ment not to mention church-government, was both a man of fAife 
 and your friend. We know not how long it may be before this 
 matter fhall recur. If you think it as much your concern as I do, 
 you will not delay to fignify your fentiments where you think it 
 may be ufeful. 
 
 Your affectionate and humble fervant, 
 
 Stair. 
 
 Earl of Leven to Mr Carstares, 
 Upon the fame Sub] eel. 
 
 Rev. S I R, April 27. 
 
 The treaty goes, now on apace upon the foot of an entire union • 
 we are preparing fuch refervations as we judge neceffary, fuch as 
 our laws and fome of our judicatories ; thefe muft be ftipulate as 
 fundamentals. Now, here is like to arife a great divifion among 
 us ; for fome of us think, that the church-government mould be 
 here mentioned j but others are of opinion, that we 'cannot fo much 
 as name it ; becaufe, fay they, the act: of parliament appointing the 
 treaty, and alfo the commiffion for it, do exprefsly difcharge our 
 meddling with the church. The Juflice-clerk is pofitive of this o- 
 pinion ; for my part, I do differ from them. But I will endeavour 
 to convince, or be convinced ; for we muft not differ ; for, if we do, 
 we (hall appear to be a very infignificant party. What occurs to 
 me is this, that the act of parliament, and commiflion for the trea- 
 ty, can never be otherwife underftood, than that we had not a 
 power to alter the church-government. 
 
 But
 
 75* 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 But I can never think that therefore we cannot declare the fame 
 a fundamental ; and, indeed, that I reckon our great fecurity ; for, 
 nothing being upon record in the acl: of treaty, what can we fay for 
 it afterwards ? for, no doubt, every thing may be altered by the par- 
 liament of Britain, except fuch things as are declared fundamentals. 
 
 Its true, the church-government may be excepted, and narrated 
 in the a£t of parliament that eftablifhes and ratifies the union ; but, 
 whether that, or being put in as a fundamental, is bed ? is the que- 
 ftion. And I defire you may advife with my Lord Advocate, and 
 whom elfe you pleafe, and let me have your opinions. 
 
 You may confider alfo, if it be delayed till the acl: of parliament 
 ratifying the treaty, whether or not that may not be reckoned as 
 an addition by the Englifti, it not being in the treaty ; and fo be 
 the occafion either of a delay or a refufal. This is all that occurs 
 on the head. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant. 
 
 Earl of Mar to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the treaty of Union. Lord Buchan. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, By our meetings on the treaty, and fome other bufinefs, I could 
 1706. 30, not write to you till now, fince I had your laft. I am very glad that 
 your affembly came to fo good a conclufion. My Lord Loudon 
 and I are obliged to you for the favourable account you gave of us ; 
 and I hope, by our carriage, we mall be found to anfwer what you 
 faid of us. My Lord Glafgow is not yet come here ; but we ex- 
 pect him to-day. The treaty goes on very well ; and I hope we 
 fhall agree, and come to a conclufion. But we refolved to keep fe- 
 cret what we do until all be concluded ; for, when a part is only 
 known, it may look odd to people who know not all ; and fo peo- 
 ple
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 753 
 
 pie might be prepoiTefTed againil it. The Engliih appear very rea- 
 fonable, fo far as we have gone ; and I really believe they are hear- 
 ty in it, as I hope we all are too. It is hard to tell how long we 
 will be of ending ; but I hope the next month may do much to it. 
 I have written the inclofed to the Earl of Buchan, which I fend you 
 open, that you may know the better how to fpeak with him. 
 
 Marr. 
 
 Earl of Leven to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Complaints of fever ah againjl the Presbyterian Clergy for the Se- 
 verities to the Epifcopals. Of the Scots Reprefentation by the 
 
 Treaty of Union, 
 
 Rev. SIR, 
 There has been feveral reprefentations from people of quality, June i 
 particularly from the Duke of Athol, to the Secretary of ftate, com- 1 7 ° 6 ' 
 plaining of the feverities of the prefbyteries in feveral (hires againft 
 the epifcopal clergy, both in churches and meeting-houfes : This 
 the Secretaries were obliged to acquaint the Queen of; but did it ve- 
 ry favourably ; and told, they could give no opinion, having heard 
 only one fide ; and that they were perfuaded nothing would be done 
 but in moderation, and conform to law : In which her Majefty is 
 perfectly iatisfied. Now, I muft fay, that its a great neglect that 
 there is no information given here to any of your friends when any 
 fuch procefs is intented, that fo we might know whether they are 
 intruders or not, whether qualified or not : The want of which makes 
 us at a lofs how to anfwer. I believe the Earl of Loudon is to 
 write to the Advocate, that matters may be managed with modera- 
 tion at this time ; but this, I believe, you will be as much for as he 
 or I : But, however, this is no way to hinder that juft -profecution 
 that may be neceffary, both for the. vindicating of the legal efta- 
 blilhment of the church, and the discouragement of the infolency 
 of intruders. The Secretaries have obliged me to write to you, 
 
 5 G which
 
 754 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 which I willingly yielded to, that I might have an opportunity to 
 acquaint you, that the treaty of union goes on very well. We are 
 now upon the reprefentation, which is like to be very fmall ; but 
 I hope we fhall not break on that point. I think there will be no- 
 thing fpoken of the church, for your friend is wilful to the laft 
 degree, and its not fit to difagree. 1 hope to fee you the beginning 
 
 of next month. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 L. 
 
 J. Sh. to Mr Carstares. 
 i 
 
 Of thefecond Addrefs of the Commijfton of the General AJftmbly. 
 
 The Tumults in the Wejlern Shires at the Time of the Union, 
 
 The Commijfior? s Letter Jigned by Mr Carfares. The Conducl 
 
 of the Church of England njoith refpecl to the Union. 
 
 Rev. SIR, 
 
 I am very glad to hear, by the letter you honoured me with of 
 the 7 th inftant, that mine to your Lady and to you had not the fate 
 that fome of mine had whilft I was in Scotland. I was very well 
 fatisfied, before I had the pleafure of being afTured of it from you, 
 that the fecond addrefs of the comraiffion was perfectly againft your 
 inclination ; and fo were all your friends. Baron Schutz, amongft 
 others, who defired me, when I wrote to you, to give you his humble 
 fervice, faid, he believed Mr Carftares had not given his vote for that 
 addrefs. I told him that, though he had found me too forward in 
 undertaking for the prudent behaviour of the kirk, yet I would 
 ftake all the little credit I had left with him, that he had pafled a 
 right judgment concerning you. And I am very glad to have it 
 under your own hand, what I had the pleafure to fee by other letters, 
 that you oppofed it in the commifTion. You may eafily imagine, 
 Sir, what an unfpeakable concern it has been to me, in common 
 
 with
 
 AND LETTERS. 7 $ 5 
 
 with all honeft men, that the kirk was not to he perfuaded. And, 
 indeed, after I had faid fo publicly, and with fo much affurance, that 
 I believed no methods, how fpecious foever, would be able to make 
 her alter that prudent conduct I had been a witnefs to ; I was con- 
 cerned upon my own account, as well as their's. However, you 
 may be affured, Sir, that I have not been wanting to excufe all this, 
 as well as I could, to all my friends, and only friends cf the Queen 
 and of the H. of Hanover, that they don't take this conduct to be 
 any mark of her difaffe&ion to either ; though, how me can be 
 excufed from the groffefr. miftake, and the moft narrow views ima- 
 ginable, her beft friends are not able to tell. But 'tis difficult to 
 make any confiderable difference between thofe who have been anv 
 ways concerned in thefe tumults, and the open enemies of the go- 
 vernment; and, therefore, we can't but be unfpeakably grieved that 
 the weftern mires have been the only feditious mires ; and efpeci- 
 allythat any, whofe bufmefs is peace, mould, have been fo inftru- 
 mental in making them fo, though fome were without defign ; and, 
 therefore, it has given an univerfal fatisfaction to find the commif- 
 fion declaring her mind fo fully againft all fuch illegal proceedings. 
 That letter will ferve to hide the former conduct of the church from 
 the eyes of thofe who are not very exact, and will convince thofe that 
 are, that, tho' the church did remonftrate againft an effential part of 
 the union, yet me is for flopping there, and that me woift accom- 
 pany thofe of her body who go farther. I am very glad that your 
 name is to that letter ; and I hope the kirk will take all further me- 
 thods that can be thought of to prevent thefe diforders, or at leaft 
 to mew her abhorrence of them. I am very glad to hear that the 
 eyes of many are more open. I think the inftance you are pleafed 
 to give me of it, befides the letter you did me the favour to fend me, 
 a very good fign. If that happy temper fhould increafe, I wifh it 
 were poffible to think of fome expedient by which the kirk might 
 retrieve her character, and might yet have the honour of being zea- 
 lous in promoting this union, which I make no queftion but will be 
 the lading felicity of both thefe nations. 
 
 5^2 Our
 
 ^56 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Our clergy here have taken a quite different turn ; and have 
 prayed in their addrefs, that the Queen may long reign over an u- 
 nited people, to the furprife both of high and low-church, which 
 has happened by a furprife upon the high-church in the lower 
 houfe of convocation ; where, as foon as the addrefs came from the 
 upper houfe, it was approved by two high-churchmen, who fpoke 
 earneftly for it, in hopes to get two vacant preferments by that 
 means. The other high-churchmen in that houfe were amazed 
 and difconcerted ; and fo it paflfed nemine contradicente ; for which 
 their enemies laugh at them, their friends are angry with them, and 
 they are ready to hang themfelves, and thofe two treacherous bre- 
 theren. I have not feen Mr Taylor fince I had the honour to re- 
 ceive your's. As foon as I do, I will be fure to deliver your meffage 
 to him. I am, with all imaginable refpect, 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful and very humble fervant, 
 
 J.Sh. 
 
 All at Hatton-Garden are very well, and are very much your 
 humble fervants and Mrs Carftares's. You may be fure, Sir, 
 your kind remembrances of them are very grateful. I have taken 
 care that the letter you lent me mould be printed in the Poft-boy 
 and Flying-poft. If things of that kind had ever been in the Ga- 
 zette, the E. of S — nd — rl — d would have inferted it there, to whom 
 it was highly acceptable. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 [This Letter probably from Mr Ha r ley.] 
 
 PreJJing him to obtain from the CommiJJion of the Church a Declara- 
 tion approving of the Union y in order to prevent the bad Effects of 
 their fccond Addrefs to Parliament. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 The treaty of union being now very near agreed to by your par- 
 liament, we can't but think it highly neceffary for the commuTion 
 
 of
 
 AND LETTERS. 757 
 
 of the church to take fome method to fhew her approbation of it in 
 exprefi terms, before therifingof the parliament. 
 
 For it mud cei tainiy be very diflerviceable to her to be thought averfe 
 or indifferent to a treiv; y : , which is to be the lading foundation of our 
 government. For a government that fhall entertain that opinion of 
 the church, will be more or lets jealous of it ; efpemth T . con-fiderij 
 that, if this averfion or indifference to the union continue, it.wili 
 remembered, that it arofe from the opinion which the church enter- 
 tained of the thing itielf, and not from any want of regard fhewn to 
 the church in the management of it ; every thing having been pro- 
 mifed and done for her fervice that could be done, confidently with 
 the union, as things flood at the time of its being agreed to in Scot- 
 land. On the other hand, it muft be of a lading advantage to the 
 church of Scotland to be known to have wifhed well to the union, 
 and to have promoted it ; for that will always procure her the con- 
 fidence and countenance of all governments that mail underftand 
 the true intered of the united date. 
 
 Befides, the fird addrefs from the cominiflion to the parliament 
 having contained feveral tacit declarations in favour of the union, 
 and the commiffion having fince, by her third addrefs, and her cir- 
 cular letters, been eminently ferviceable in promoting it, it is necef- 
 fary that the church fhould now, in exprefs terms, declare her ap- 
 probation of it, and of what has been done purfuant to her requeft* 
 not only to ad: confidently with her true intered, but with her for- 
 mer proceedings. By this means, it would appear, either that the 
 fecond addrefs was not intended as a declaration againd the union 
 by all thofe who voted for it ; or that, at lead, it was carried by the 
 heat of fome againd what the commidion had done in her fird ad- 
 drefs j but that they being now gone home, had carried all the 
 heat and inconfidency which appeared too much in that unhappy 
 addrefs along with them, and had left that calmnefs and prudence to 
 govern there, which was fo vifible in her fird addrefs, and now, of 
 bte, more efpecialiy in the circular letters.. 
 
 And.
 
 75 8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 And, it is our opinion, that, if fome exprefs declaration was made 
 in the commiffion in favour of the union, that the unhappy conduct 
 of the church, in her fecond addrefs, would be hid from all but a 
 few who are at the pains to make exact enquiries into public trans- 
 actions. Of fo much fervice to the commiffion has your diftance 
 from hence been, together with the firft and third addrefs, and 
 their circulat letters, which have amufed the generality to that de- 
 gree, as to make them believe the commifhon to be rather for the 
 union than againft it. And, as fuch a declaration would in all pro- 
 bability entirely hide the unhappy conduct of fome of the minifters 
 from all but the moft curious and inquifitive, fo it would retrieve 
 the reputation of the commimon withthofe who know the w T hole of 
 your proceedings. And we take the liberty, Reverend Sir, to give 
 it as our opinion, that an addrefs from the commimon to the parlia- 
 ment, juft as it is breaking up, returning them thanks for the great 
 care which they have taken of the civil and religious concerns of 
 Scotland, in the whole courfe of their management of this treaty, 
 and affuring them that you will endeavour to fatisfy the people, as 
 you hav« opportunity in your feveral ftations, of their wifdom and 
 faithfulnefs to their truft in this great affair, or any other way of 
 giving your atteftation to this treaty, which you in your prudence 
 fhall think more proper, would anfwer all thofe good ends which we 
 hope for, and propofe to you, by your exprefling your good opinion 
 of this weighty affair. 
 
 And, we cannot but think, that many who were for addreffes of 
 
 another fort, whilft they had hopes that their remonfl ranees might 
 
 have put a flop to the treaty, will npt oppofe this, when it fhall be 
 
 moved by thofe who have all along wifhed well to the union, now 
 
 that they fee that 'tis what they muft in all probability fubmit 
 
 to. Your concerns, Reverend Sir, are fo near our heart, both as 
 
 they are your's, and as in confequence they are ours, that we hope 
 
 it will excufe this liberty which is taken, with all fubmiflion to your 
 
 better judgement, entreating you to believe it to proced entirely from 
 
 our unfeigned defire of the public welfare. I was defired to write 
 
 thus
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 759 
 
 thus much to you by feveral of your friends, to whom I afterwards 
 read it ; and they de fired me, after hearing it, to fend it as their 
 fenfe, and in their name, though you will eafily know it to be the 
 fenfe too of, Reverend Sir, him who is, with all imaginable refpe£t, 
 your moft faithful, and moft humble fervant. Our great men have 
 feveral times told me that an addrefs of this nature would be of un- 
 fpeakeable fervice to you, and us, and the common caufe. 
 
 to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Debates in the Committee of the Houfe of Lords about the Union. 
 
 The Sentiments of the Archbifhop of Canterbury^ and the other 
 BifhopS) upon that Subjecl, 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 I heartily congratulate you upon the finifhing ftroke the union- London, 
 bill received on Thurfday. That bill has been the moft darling bill , M ^ c . h 8 ° 
 the Whigs ever had in their pofTeflion, and as mortifying, on the o- 
 ther fide, to the Tories, who have all oppofed it in both houfes ex- 
 cept thofe who are under the awe of the court, or of the Scots na- 
 tion, by reafon of their neighbourhood ; on which account, fome 
 northern Tories in the H. of Commons voted for it. But there has 
 not been one Whig that has voted againft it in any queftion in ei- 
 ther houfe. When the adt for fecuring the true proteftant religion 
 and prefbyterian church-government was debated in the committee 
 in the H. of Lords, feveral Lords, and four Bifhops, fpoke very 
 warmly againft ratifying* approving, and confirming it, though 
 they were not againft giving the Scots a fecurity that it fhould be 
 maintained among them. But the A. of Canterbury faid, He had 
 no fcruple againft ratifying, approving, and confirming it within 
 the bounds of Scotland : That he thought the narrow notions of 
 all churches had been their ruin ; and that he believed the church 
 
 of
 
 7 6o STATE-PAPERS 
 
 of Scotland to be as true a proteftant church as the church of Eng- 
 land, though he could not fay it was fo perfeft. Several of the Bi- 
 fhops fpoke very much in the fame drain; and all of them divided 
 for ratifying, approving, and confirming the church-a&, except the 
 four that fpoke againft it, and the Bifhop of Durham, who went a- 
 way before the vote. The other high-church Biihops were not at 
 the houfe that day. I don't queftion but the Queen's fpeech has 
 given great fatisfattion to all friends to the union among you. If 
 we have but the temper her Majefty recommends in that fpeech, the 
 union will be the greatefl: blefling that Almighty God ever bro 
 
 Providence to this ifland. Thurfday night did not end with- 
 out many demonftrations of joy. Nor would it have ended without 
 more, if care had not been taken to prevent 'em, left the expreffion 
 of too great a fatisfacYion might have been mifconftrued by thofe 
 who don't wifh well to the union in Scotland. For which reafon, 
 the bill hung longer in our parliament than it needed to have done. 
 I hope our having made no alterations in thofe that were made in 
 Scotland, will convince the nation that we defign to make this union 
 as much, and more, for their advantage, than our own. I am, Rev. 
 Sir, fince Thurfday, more than ever, upon the only new tie that 
 could have bound me more than I was before. 
 
 All in Hatton-garden are your moft faithful and very much your 
 humble fervants, and your Lady's. You may aflure her, too, that 
 there is but one more fo than I am. I had like to have forgot to 
 tell you, that the high-church Lords and Bifhops feemed to be as 
 much concerned that you had not ratified our church-act, as that 
 we were going to ratify, confirm, and approve yours j for they 
 would not allow the general claufe in your act of ratification, where- 
 by you leave us at liberty to eftablifh the church of England as we 
 pleafe, by any means to amount to a ratification. 
 
 Sir
 
 AND LETTERS. 761 
 
 Sir David Nairne to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the fame Subjecl with the former. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am very glad that the Queen took not fuch meafures as might Whitehall, 
 have been ufed, for publifhing a thankfgiving, to be kept on the AprU T ** 
 firft day of May in Scotland, as is to be in England. Her Majefty 
 confidered the ill impreflions that were made of an union of the 
 two kingdoms, by the enemies of both, upon many people there, 
 and fome of the clergy ; therefore, only commanded me to let her 
 defire (of having a general thankfgiving through the whole ifland) 
 be known, and left it entirely to her fervants there to confider of 
 the reafonablenefs of declaring it ; and, tho* fhe ftill wifhes it could 
 have been ; yet her Majefty is far from propofing, much lefs ordering 
 what may offend. Sir, you will do me juftice if you believe, that, 
 for fix months paft, I was obliged, every poft-night, to write more 
 letters than I could with any exa&nefs ; yet thefe from whom I had 
 letters took it ill when I did not give them fome anfwer ; and that 
 prevented fome trouble to you, when I itched to tell you of the mif- 
 taken notions of fome of your brethren. But, the union being 
 now happily concluded, I think all ill humours ought to be laid a- 
 fide by one, and forgot by the other. I do allure you, the Queen is 
 very fenfible of your fervices, which fhe had feveral times infor- 
 mation of from me, by the Duke of Queenfberry and Earl of Marr's 
 commands. I was always pleafed to ferve you or your friends, and 
 I fhall always value myfelf, if you will believe me to be, as I truly 
 
 am 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft obliged humble fervant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 5D Earl
 
 762 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 Earl of Marr to Mr Carstares. 
 Profeffions of Regard to the Church of Scotland. 
 
 .SIR, 
 Your's of the 1 9th was very acceptable to me. I am very glad 
 the affembly proceeded fo calmly, and is now come to fo good a 
 conclufion. 'Tis not the firft time the church of Scotland has been 
 obliged to your good counfel. I hope your brethren will now be 
 in good humour, and preach peace to their hearers, and endeavour 
 to undeceive them of the wrong impreflions they got of the great 
 affair which is now come to pafs. I'm fure it will be their own 
 fault, if they live not now in more fecurity than ever. The Queen 
 is as well inclined towards them as they can wifh, and Pm perfua- 
 ded will continue fo, if they act with diicretion, as I hope they 
 will. I am obliged to you for making my excufe in fo good time 
 to the Moderator, for my not writing to him at that time. Hurry 
 of bulinefs, and anxiety for my poor wife, has given me very little 
 time, and made me very unfit for writing, ever fince I came here. 
 I have now wrote to him, which I hope will make up my neglecting 
 It before. I hope I need not now tell you, that I'll be very ready 
 to ferve your church, in any thing that lies in my way ; for that, I 
 believe, you doubt not of. There is not much bufinefs yet done 
 fince we came here. When there is a great deal to do, you know 
 it takes time. 
 
 Earl of Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Invcifion in 1708. — Lord Leven blamed, the Man he would 
 have leajl fufpecled. 
 
 Dans Fapprehenficn ou j'ay efte pour le publique, pour noftre Ste 
 religion, liberte, et tout ce qui nous eft cher, vous pouvez eftre 
 
 afleure,
 
 AND LETTERS. 763 
 
 afTeure; Monfieur, que je fouvent penfe a vous. La bon L>ieu foit 
 eternellement loue qui nous a delivre de ces craints. L'on ne peut 
 penfer au confequences des meaux, qui nous menacoit, fans trem- 
 bler. J'efpere que le danger que Ton a efchape par la prote&ion 
 divine rendra les gens fages pour prevenir un pareil mal pour ad- 
 venir. J'advoue qui'l eft inconceavable que de proteftants auroient 
 favourise un invafion des papiftes et de Francois, de telles gens peu- 
 vent pretendre d'eftre proteftants, mais dans leur coeur ils ne la peu- 
 vent eftre, mais font pires que les papiftes. Les lettresde France difent, 
 que Fourbin, dans fon rapport, c'eft fort plaint des Ecoflbis, et de 
 ce que fon Roy avoit ete trompe, qu'il avoit ete au firth d'Edinbourg 
 un jour devant Sir Geo. Bing ; qu'il avoit fait les fignaux dont on 
 luy avoit dit etre convenu, mais que Ton ne avoit pas repondre ; et 
 qu'il ne avoit pas uni ami qui euft paru pour eux. Peutetre le dit 
 il pour fe juftifier luy-meme. J'ay ete furpris d'entendre blafmer 
 my L. Levin, £a conduitte, et fa bonne intention, dans cette occafiou. 
 Je vous pris de me mander ce qui eft ; car c'eft l'homme que je 
 connoifle que j'aye j'amais le moins fufpecle; et s'il y a raifon de 
 douter de fon zele et de fa fincerite, je ne fcay fi je puis me fier a 
 moy-meme. Je vous prie de croire que je m'interefle toujours en 
 tout ce que vous touche, puiffeque je fuis a vous de tout mon 
 coeur. 
 
 Portland. 
 
 Earl of Glasgow to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Invafion^ and Adjournment of the AJJembly. 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 
 I received your moft fatisfying letter, and am heartily glad that London, 
 the national faft was got fo well managed. Pm heartily forry for Marc ^i3 
 the prefent diforder you will be all in upon this invafionj but I hope 
 
 5 D 2 you
 
 7 6 4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 you will in a fhort time deliver us from our troubles and fears. Its 
 feared here, that, upon the landing of the French, there will be fuch 
 a confufion in Scotland that the affembly cannot meet; and, in that 
 event, you will confider of the moft decent way of an adjournment 
 for a month or two, as to the Queen's part, and of fuch a method as 
 may give univerfal fatisfadion to the church. I hope you'll allow 
 me your thoughts on this fo foon as poffible ; and I ever am, with 
 
 great refped, 
 
 Reverend SIR, 
 Your moft faithful and moft humble fervant, 
 
 Glasgow. 
 
 Sir, The Queen is perfectly well pleafed with your good conducl: 
 and management in the commiflion of the affembly, and will never 
 be wanting, during her reign, to give the church her countenance, 
 and full and hearty prote&ion, Adieu. 
 
 The Earl of Sea-field to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Invqfion, and the Behaviour of the Presbyterians upon that 
 Occafion. — The Danger now over, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 London, All the prefbyterians, and you in particular, have been very hap- 
 
 ^S* 2? " py of having this opportunity to teftify your zeal and loyalty to her 
 Majefty's perfon and government, and your fixed refolutions to 
 withftand and oppofe the popifh pretender. This has rendered all 
 the prefbyterians very acceptable to her Majefty, and has alfo fecu- 
 red to them many friends here. My L. Glafgow is fent down to 
 be commiflioner to the enfuing affembly, and the letter to it and 
 the inftrudions will give fatisfadion. I am very glad that, when I 
 acquaint you with this, I can alfo inform you, that our danger from 
 
 this
 
 AND LETTERS. 7 6 5 
 
 this invafion feems now to be over ; for we have certain accounts 
 that feventeen of the French fleet are returned to Dunkirk, and now 
 we have been two days without an exprefs from Scotland. If in 
 any thing I can be ufefui to you, before I leave this place, let me 
 know ; for I am, with great fincerity, 
 
 S I R, 
 Your moft humble and moft faithful fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 I was exceedingly pleafed with the addrefs from the Univerfity 
 of Edinburgh. 
 
 Lord Portland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 After the Invafion, and in Anfwer to ivhat Mr Carfares had written 
 concerning my Lord Lev en. 
 
 Comme jen'ayrien dans ce monde qui ne foit plus agreeable que la Bulftrode, 
 continuation de fouvenir d'un vieux amie, que j'eftimeplus que dix Ma ^ J 7- 
 nouveaux, vous pouves croire, Monfieur, que vos lettres me doivent 
 eftre tres agreeable. Vous auries plus fouvent de miennes, fi je 
 pouvois vous mander des nouvelles ; mais je fuis icy comme un 
 homme civilement mort, ou qui fouhaitte feulement fa tranquillite, 
 la feurite de notre fainte religion et de nos loix. Je fuis tres aife de 
 voir la zele que toutte voftre affemble general a temoinee en cette 
 occafion, comme il a paru publiquement par la belle adreffe qu'elle 
 a prefentee a la Reyne, et que Ton dit qui eft de voftre plume. Vos 
 membres qui ont eftes contre Punion, font voir leur intention, et 
 qu'elle eut eftes abufe. J'efpere que Ton prendra foin de fe pourvoir 
 contre un pareil dangereux accident pour Padvenir comme la pru- 
 dence le veut. J 'ay eu bien de la joye de voir ce que vous me 
 mandes touchant my L.Leven, quoyqueje ne croyois nullement ce 
 que Ton vouloit infinuer de luy; tout au contraire, le gens dont 
 cela procedoit me faifoit croire ia fauffete de leurs calomnies ; j'ad- 
 mire feulement leur impudence. L'on mande de Paris, que le Roi 
 
 de
 
 7 66 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 de France a ete fi mortrfie de voir fon grand projet manque, qu'il 
 
 ne fongera pas aifement a un autre ; mais ce n'eft pas fur quoy ii 
 
 faut s'endormir en feurete, fi ne que fur i'affiftance divine, qui a paru 
 
 fi manifefte. Le bon Dieu veut que nous ne neligions pas les moi- 
 
 ennes qu'il nous a mis en mains pour noftre feurete, mais que nous 
 
 implorions fa benediction et afliftance fur les caufes fecondes. J'ay 
 
 croi que ches vous tout eft en mouvement pour fe faire elire mem- 
 
 bres du prochain parlement, comme on l'eft ici pour l'eftre de la 
 
 chambre baffe. Je vous fois bien oblige de vos bon fouhaits pour 
 
 ma famille, qui eft, graces a Dieu, en bonne fante. Je fuis d'un cor- 
 
 diale fincerite entierement a vous, 
 
 Portland. 
 
 Mon fils eft choifi pour la ville de Southampton, et il efpere de 
 l'eftre pour la province de Hampfhire dont V election doit eftre ter- 
 minee cette femaine pafsee. Je vous prie de faire mes compli- 
 mens a my L. Leven, et autres vieux amis. 
 
 Bien des honeftes gens in Hollande font de fentiment que la Reine 
 et Peftate devroit temoigner leur reflentement au pape, d'avoir con- 
 tribue de l'efpargne de ces predecefleures pour cette invalion. lis 
 croient que T Empereur, et d'autres prov. Cath. Romains dans F al* 
 liance Tapprouveroit, eftant irrites contre luy a. caufe de cela. 
 
 Earl of Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Oath of Abjuration. The Invafton> and the taking away of 
 
 the Privy-council. 
 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 Your letter, which commemorates our old friendfhip and corre- 
 fpondence, was very acceptable ; I would have anfwered it fooner, 
 but that I know you will excufe me, fince I have been taken up 
 with public affairs. The word limitations in the abjuration which you 
 write, occafions fome difficulties and fcruples ; I am fure they were 
 very needlefs ; yet, the act of regency, which is now paft, has fully 
 
 fettled
 
 AND LETTERS. 767 
 
 fettled that matter as you would have had it; and, after all, the ab- 
 juration is not as yet required within Scotland, except of the parlia- 
 ment-men. I know not what may be thought fit to be done ; but, 
 whenever it can be required, that word is left out : This I hope 
 will give univerfal fatisfadion to fuch as had that difficulty. I am 
 very glad that the faft which was appointed was fo well obferved by 
 all the prefbyterian minifters ; and I am confident they fincerely 
 wifh fuccefs to his Majefty's arms, and thofe of her allies, againft 
 France. We are alarmed with the news of a French invafion; but I 
 hope it will be disappointed, for we have twenty-five men of war 
 ready in the Downs, and the Dutch will join us with fifteen or 
 twenty more by the firft fair wind ; fo that, I think, they will not 
 venture an invafion when we are in fuch readinefs. Befides, the I- 
 riin forces are ordered to the north of Ireland ; and, if we be mailers 
 of the feas, we can want no affiftance. I was againft taking away 
 the privy-council in my opinion. In the infancy of the union, and 
 during the war, we had a confiderable party that joined with us ; 
 but, the whole Tories, and iome of the Whigs joining, we were out- 
 numbered ; fo that the bill is paft, and I heartily wifh it may have 
 no bad confequence. This is all that I ill all trouble you with at pre- 
 fent ; but, I'll write to you again when the affairs of the afTembly 
 comes under confideration j and I am, 
 Rev. S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant. 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Lord Advocate to Mr Carstares, at London. 
 Upon the Oath of Abjuration^ and Juftices of the Peace. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The commifnon of the kirk are met here this week, and fome of Edinburgh, 
 them have been with me upon the fubject of their two grievances ; Se P^ 3°* 
 one about the abjuration, and the other, about the juftices of the 
 
 peace.
 
 7 68 STATE- PAPERS 
 
 peace. I reafoned with them about the abjuration, and told them 
 plainly, that I faw no ground of fcruple ; and the exception againft 
 the as had neither the reduplication nor extenfion that was imagi- 
 ned ; but all of us agreed, that, fince the people's fcruples could not 
 be removed, and had manifeft inconveniences, it might be fairly ef- 
 fayed what could be done ; and thus they wrote to you upon that 
 fubject, whereof I have inclofed to you a copy. Sir, this is truly a 
 lamentable affair ; for the fcruples are not only groundlefs, but I am 
 afraid, when thefe fcruples mould be removed, others would remain 
 or arife, fo humorous we are become. I know the parliament of 
 England did at length indulge quakers in the matter of fwearing ; 
 and I alfo apprehend, the Britifh act about the abjuration may come 
 to be explained ; for now, it reaches only all officers, civil and mili- 
 tary, and debates arife with us daily about counfellors, deacons, 
 and electors, which are all contained in our Scots act 1695, for the 
 allegiance and the affurance : So that it feems neceilary, either to ex- 
 tend the abjuration to all in public truft, civil or military, church- 
 men remaining ftill excepted, or otherways, which I like far better, 
 to reftrain this abjuration, in place of the allegiance and affurance, 
 to officers, or office-bearers only, fo as to leave out counfellors, dea- 
 cons, and electors, and many other branches contained in the Scots 
 act. But I wifh there were once an end both of fwearing and per- 
 jury, which I never look to fee ; and my opinion to the brethren 
 was, that they might write to you. But, withal, I feared you would 
 be difcouraged to meddle, the fcruples are fo light, and our people 
 become fo humorous, againft fo fair and juft an act. However, you 
 may effay the matter in your difcretion. As to what they write a- 
 bout the juftices of the peace, it is more material ; but nothing more 
 difficult than to get a good nomination for both places; and men are 
 unknown ; and fo, not only miftakes may happen, but even thefe 
 concerned may be of contrary opinions ; and therefore, I can only 
 wiih, that the juftices of peace may be better named, and more care 
 taken about it ; for, even this day, I had along complaint from Fife, 
 that a minifter there is malicioufly informed againft to thejuftices of 
 
 the
 
 AND L E T T E ft,. S. 769 
 
 the peace, as a flanderer, for words fpoken in his fermon, and 
 preaching to the people ; which, if it proceed, will iurely alarm all 
 the minifters, and revive the old debate. in Mr David Black's cafe of 
 the prima hiftantia. I have inclofed the doubles of the churchs's let- 
 ters to you, and alfo, a double of the reform which they would have 
 made of the oath, which might have been made more congruous ; 
 but I will not touch it to help it; fori fee not any probability to get 
 the matter mended j only I know you will again take their letters in 
 good part, and do what can be done, and give them the beft an- 
 i'wer. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 Your moft humble and affectionate fervitor, 
 
 Ja. Stewart. 
 
 Sir David Nai rne to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Allowance to the Judges on the Circuits, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since my laft I have been with the Earl of Seafield and Sir Tho- Whitehall, 
 mas Frankland ; and, to tell you the particulars of what paffed, 1?0 8. 
 would be tedious, and of no ufe ; fo I fhall only tell you, that the 
 Earl is clear there is no need of any parliamentary authority ; and 
 promifes to fay fo to the proper perfons. Sir Thomas fays, if it is 
 fo, the affair fhall be difpatched next week. They were not toge- 
 ther when I faw them ; but, if they both hold, I doubt not of the 
 difpatch ; and, if either alter, I will try another way. And you may 
 depend upon it, I will flick to it till it is done. I cannot tell what 
 will oblige; but I could do no more to evidence my defire of doing 
 fo, than in what I have done for the circulating judges, and thefe 
 concerned in the circuits. My Lord Treafurer has ordered a warrant 
 immediately for every farthing of the account as my Lord Advocate 
 has fent it ; and I have obtained an equal proportion for equipage 
 to my Lord Juftice-clerk, (who was at no expence that way), with 
 
 5 E the
 
 77 c S T A T . E - P A P E R S , 
 
 the receipt, who laid out money 5 and I do think it juftice, for he did 
 the fervice as much as the ethers. I have writ pretty fully to my 
 Lord Advocate on this fubjed ; and I would not trouble you on this 
 head, but that you wifh that what were done for the judges might 
 be by me, I fuppofe becaufe you think it would recommend me to 
 Iheir favour. I fhall only fay, that I believe no Scotfman will fay 
 they have for fome time fpoke of the bufinefs befides myfelf ; and, 
 when I procured the warrant this day, without remitting the account 
 to be revifed by his fecretary or clerk, he made me the compliment 
 to tell me, that he did it, becaufe he knew I had promifed, in his 
 name, that the money mould be remitted as foon as the accoun- 
 tants came to know the quantum ; and was pleafed to thank me for 
 the fervice he faid I had done to the Queen. And bare thanks 
 from thence is all I ever propofed for my labour. I am, with great 
 
 cfteem, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft obliged humble fervant, 
 
 David Nairne, 
 
 Earl of Loudon to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of taking aiv'ay the Frh>y-council, and the Inconveniencies of if; — 
 but agrees with Mr Carfares in thinking it dangerous for the 
 Church-courts to meddle with it. 
 
 SIR, 
 Whitehall, I am afhamed that, by one accident or other, I have been hinder- 
 ? 7 e o8. 3 °' ed till now from acknowledging the favours of your's of the 16th. I 
 am very much of your opinion, that the taking away of the council 
 in Scotland, efpecially at this time, will be inconvenient ; and I da 
 not wonder that many of the mmifters feem to think that the re- 
 dreffing of fuch grievances as the church may have will berendered 
 the more difficult by the want of a council in Scotland ; but, at the 
 fame time, I agree perfectly with you in thinking, that it is not pro- 
 per
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 77* 
 
 per for the enfuing commiffion of the affembly, or any ecclefiaftical 
 judicature, to interpofe in thefe matters. That is a road fo dangerous 
 for the church-judicatures, that any probability that there may be of 
 good confequences from an addrefs in the prefent cafe, is not e^ 
 nough to anfvver the hazardous, if not pernicious confequences that 
 the meddling in things of thatkind may in courfe of time have. lam 
 far fromdefigning thistodifcourage any of the minifters of the church 
 of Scotland from writing their fentiments upon this, or any other 
 iubjecl, to their friends and acquaintances. I think letters from 
 particular men ought to be very well received ; and I can't doubt 
 but they wall. To return to what concerns the council, though the 
 arguments that are ufed for taking it away are pi a ufi hi e and popular 
 here, fuch as, that of coming immediately into the Englifh confti- 
 tution; yet, I can't but hope, that the manifeft and evident inconve- 
 niences of, at leaft, the precipitating of this matter, will come to 
 have their clue weight with the members. You know that, by the 
 flow forms of panning bills here, there is good time given to mem- 
 bers to confider well of arguments which, at firft appearance, may 
 feem to have more ftrength than after they are well confidered. 
 This gives me hopes that things may be fo managed that the coun- 
 cil may be continued for one year ; which will leave room for the 
 next parliament to reconfider this matter. I have talked with the D. 
 of Queenfberry, Earls of M. and J. and they are of my opinion, 
 both as to the application from the commiffion of aiTembly, and 
 that from particular perfons. I believe the E. of G. has already writ 
 to you upon this fubjecl. I have only one word more to fay upon 
 this matter, which is, that there will be greater inconveniences in 
 any thing that can be fubftitute in place of the council, than if the 
 council were continued ; I mean of thefe kinds of inconveniencies 
 which are objected to it by thofe who are for taking it away. And, 
 if we confider it upon the other, I don't fee that any thing can be 
 fubftitute in its place, which in the leaft can fupply the lofs of it. tn 
 fhort, any thing of that kind will, in the prefent circumftances, have 
 all the bad effeds that are obje&ed to it, and none of the good. As 
 
 5E2 to
 
 772 S T A T E - P A P B R S 
 
 to Mr Stirling, the dependance of that affair concerning the college 
 of Glafgow keept him long here. I doubt not he has acquainted 
 you that we at laft procured allowance from the Queen, that the E. 
 of Mar fliould write him a letter, by her Majefty's orders, importing 
 a promife from her Majefty in relation to that matter. As to the o- 
 ther affairs you write of, I believe he'll be glad to take a leffon 
 from you ; and I think he is not a bad fcholar, if he can learn but 
 part of what you can teach him. This letter, which is writ in free- 
 dom and hafte, is only for yourlelf ; and I (hall end it without the 
 ceremony of fubfcription, but with the affurances of any fervice or 
 friendfhip that may be in my power to do you. 
 
 Mr Pringle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Conducl of the Epifcopal Party in Scotland. Their Jetting 
 
 up the Liturgy. The Danger of the Presbyterians being too 
 
 violent in their Oppofition to this Step, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Whitehall, I muft afk your pardon for delaying fo long to give a return to 
 Aug * 27 ' your's of the 7th; but I have been fo much taken up, that I was o- 
 bliged to put it off from poft to poft. I do perfectly agree with 
 you in what you write about Dr St Clair. I am heartily ibrry there 
 is any occafion for the other part of your letter, though it was al- 
 ways to be expected, that party would omit nothing that might 
 procure them patronage and countenance here, or provoke others 
 to do that which might be liable to be miftaken : And, in my hum- 
 ble judgement, it will prove a point of very great nicety and diffi- 
 culty to many of the eftablifhed churches in the north, how to ma- 
 nage themfelves on this occafion, with that real concern which is 
 confonant to thefe principles, expected from them ; and with that 
 difcretion and prudence which may prevent the caufe of the o- 
 ther being efpoufed here, or, at leaft, weaken the affiftance a great 
 many may be difpofed to give them ; though all thinking men, ei- 
 ther
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 773 
 
 ther with you or here, may be fully fatisfied, that it is not a matter 
 of confcience in itfelf with thefe who perufe it, and that they are 
 known to be diffaffe&ed to the prefent conftitution of the ftate ; yet, 
 if they qualify themfelves, as the law requires, and fhew themfelves 
 ready to give full obedience to the civil government in any teft is, 
 or mall be impofed on them for that end, what obje&ion can be 
 made to their claims of the fame priviledge and liberty as diffenters 
 from the eftablifhed church in the north, that the diffenters from 
 the eftablifhed church here are allowed ? And, for my own part, if 
 ever their pretentions, to this come to be formally talked in parlia- 
 ment, I am much affraid they fhall be found of weight ; and, it is 
 not to be doubted, but that party will endeavour this ; and, the 
 more notice is taken of them in the way of oppofition and cenfure, 
 the better handle they have for trying the intereft and ftrength of 
 their friends here ; and, therefore, I cannot but think, but that the 
 lefs notice the church takes of thefe people who fets up the Englifh 
 liturgy, the better. I do not believe they will gain many profelytes 
 to that way in that country ; and, when the prefent fet of thefe mi- 
 nifters is worn out, which they muft do daily, I do not believe the 
 plentiful allowance has been made for them fince they were turn- 
 ed out of their churches has tempted many to qualify themfelves 
 to continue a fucceffion to them. This is my own private opinion ; 
 for, I have as yet had but very little occafion to know the fentiments 
 of others on this head. I think the commiflion taking notice of it 
 to the niiniftry here abfolutely right; and I think the letter writ on 
 this occafion by the moderator unexceptionable. But, I confefs, I 
 cannot be of the fame mind as to the printed acl: of the commiffion 
 which you was pleafed to fend me, but muft think it had been bet- 
 ter to have forborn it. The next day after receipt of your's, I 
 waited on my L. Prefident, and delivered the moderator's letter to 
 his Lordfhip, which he read before me : He feemed to apprehend 
 much there might be a concert with fome here, and that, as at fet- 
 tling the union, they had found the greateft difficulty to have 
 the propofal of a toleration for the diffenters in the north laid afide, 
 
 fo
 
 77 4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 fo he apprehended much, if it mould be again fet on foot, they 
 mould find it a very hard talk to diflappoint it. I believe he is per- 
 fectly well difpofed to go into any meafures may be for the fecuri- 
 ty of our e&ablimed church. The E. of Sunderland has been for 
 fome weeks in the country ; but, as I fent the letter from the mo- 
 derator to his Lordlhip, and wrote to him myfelf in relation to the 
 fubje£t of it, fo I received a return from him, wherein he defires 
 me to write to the moderator in the way I have done by the inclo- 
 fed, which I leave open for your perufal, and muft recommend to 
 you to caufe it be delivered, after fealing. I take your employing 
 me in the delivery of thefe letters very kindly ; and, as none 
 wifhes the profperity and peace of our eftablifhed church better than 
 I do, fo I allure you, in whatever ftation providence places me, I 
 {hall think it my greateft honour, if I can contribute in the leaft to 
 it. I this day received your's of the 20th, and had occafion almoft 
 at the fame time to fee Mr Chamberlain, to whom I did communi- 
 cate the contents of it, as you defired. I (hall only add, that I am, 
 with much fincere refpect, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Ro.Pringle. 
 I find I muft delay writing to the moderator till next pofl. 
 
 Mr Harley to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of the Perfonal Injuries he has fujfered. Complains of the great 
 
 Progrefs of Deifm and Infidelity ; and that Preferments go in that 
 Channel. 
 
 Rev. SIR, 
 
 Sept. 12. I muft leave it to your candour to excufe my not anlwering your 
 
 I7 ° 9 ' laft moft obliging letter ; and I refer it to your wifdom and penetra- 
 
 tion to think of the true reafon, which it is not proper for me to 
 exprefs in a letter. 
 
 I
 
 AND LETTERS. 775 
 
 I do mod humbly and thankfully own the mercy of God, whofe 
 unmerited goodnefs refcued me from the fnares which were prepa- 
 red for me. 
 
 My foul has been among lyons, even the fons of men, whofc 
 teeth are fpears and arrows, and their tongues fharp fwords ; but I 
 learn how good it is to wait on the Lord, and to poffefs one's foul 
 with patience. And I thank God, I do not only heartily forgive 
 them, but I do' not look on it as their actings, but fay, they are 
 thy hand ; and, though I have never offended them, yet I know I 
 daily offend my great Sovereign, and can fay, he afflicts me lefs than 
 I deferve. 
 
 I beg, Sir, you will excufe me thus far opening my foul to fo 
 good, fo prudent a friend. I cannot forbear now to mention a fub- 
 iect, though it be a very melancholy one, of which I have as often 
 fpoken to you as I have been happy in your converfation ; that is, 
 the imminent danger to this nation from that diffolution of manners* 
 and abandoning of all principles, fo that people unite themfelves 
 now by fetting up againft what I take to be the only bond of friend- 
 ship, and fecurity of any government, I mean religion : But, now, 
 what ufed to fkulk in corners, and fhelter itfelf under the names of 
 latitude and free thinking , they publicly own; and deifm is the bond 
 of their fociety, and fufficient to recommend the pro feffors of it to 
 preferment, without any other qualification. From hence it flows, 
 that all the notions of right and wrong are confounded f and the 
 practice is accordingly. Public injuries and breach of faith are 
 joined to private violations of right ; fo that foreigners fay publicly, 
 I mean our own allies, that we are a perfidious nation ; and, fince 
 we have violated our treaty with Scotland, and laugh at the notion 
 of fundamental and inviolable articles, there is no great wonder if 
 we treat other nations as we do. 
 
 It is but a few days fince it was openly urged, that the deifts, or* 
 to ufe their own words, ive dei/ls, (naming fome great men), are 
 the only fupport of government. We keep the epiicopal and pref- 
 byterian parties in awe, who would elfe and devour and difturb all 
 
 others.
 
 77 6 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 others. I muft frankly own to you, that I cannot fee to what end 
 all thefe endeavours are, and the great charge fome people are at to 
 propagate irreligion, if popery be not at the bottom, defigned by 
 fome cunning head. And it is plain, that the book called The rights 
 of the Church points at an infallible judge upon earth; and I could 
 give you more, even amazing, proofs of fuch a defign, both againft 
 the proteftant religion in general, and the fuccefTion, as eftablifhed, 
 If it were proper for a letter ; but I leave that till it pieafe God I fee 
 you, which I hope will be next winter. 
 
 In the mean time, give me leave to fay, that it will be neceflary 
 for your countrymen to think better of their conduct, if they mean 
 either to render themfelves considerable, or to preferve themfelves 
 and their country from unreafonable and mifchievous attempts. You 
 are my witnefs, that I have always had a very tender regard for 
 that country ; and now I have a fort of intereft in its peace and 
 welfare, having difpofed a child there; fo that you will excufe my 
 zeal, and believe me to be, with very great fincerity and regard. 
 Reverend Sir, your's, &c. 
 
 Earl of Sunderland to Mr Carstar.es. 
 
 Of the Engli/h Liturgy. The Queen approves Mr Carfares' s 
 
 Conduct in that Affair. 
 
 SIR, 
 Windfor, I have received the favour of your*s of the 1 3th inftant, and ac- 
 
 1706. 25 * quainted the Queen with the contents of it, who has commanded me 
 to let you know how fenfible fhe is of your care to keep all quiet 
 in your parts, and how well fhe takes this inftance of your zeal for 
 her fervice, in relation to what was propofed of having the liturgy 
 ufed in Brigadier Whiteman's regiment, whofe conduct in this par- 
 ticular her Majefty does very much commend, and has ordered me 
 to tell him fo. I am alfo commanded to afTure you of her Maje- 
 fly's intentions not to fuffer any thing to be done that might give 
 
 any
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 777 
 
 any difquiet to thofe of the eftablifhed religion in Scotland, which 
 it is her Majefty's fixed refolution to fupport and maintain, What- 
 ever happens from time to time in your parts, of this kind, or a- 
 ny other which you fhall think it for her Majefty's fervice (he 
 fhould be informed of, I defire you will acquaint me with it, and 
 I will not fail to lay it before her Majefty, and let you know her 
 pleafure ; and, in whatever regards your particular intereft, you 
 may depend upon the beft fervices of him, who is, with great truth 
 and efteem, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 Sunderland. 
 
 Mr Pri ngle to Mr Carstares. 
 Of the Introduction of the Englifh Liturgy, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I had, the other day, your's of the 1 3th inftant, with one for the Whitehall, 
 E. of Sunderland, which I delivered to him that minute ; and, as ? 7 %! 7 ' 
 he has had occafion to lay it firft before the committee of Lords, 
 then fitting at his office, and afterwards before the Queen at Wind- 
 for, the inclofed returns, with a copy of my Lord's letter to Bri- 
 gadier Whiteman, will fatisfyyou, that your's has been acceptable; 
 and I am more and more confirmed, that fuch attempts as have been 
 of late with you to introduce thefe innovations, will find no encou- 
 ragement from any of the miniftry here ; and, fo long as it is fo, 
 I think we have nothing to apprehend from them. Without all 
 affe&ation, the Earl of Sunderland has a very great value for you, 
 and you may ufe all pofiible freedom with him, which I am con- 
 fident will be acceptable to his Lordihip, and of ufe to your coun- 
 try. I mall only add at this time, that I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful humble fervant, 
 
 R. Pringle. 
 5 F Mr
 
 7 ;B STATE- PAPERS 
 
 Mr Pringle to Mr C^rstares. 
 
 With Mr GreenJJoield' *s Letter to him, and his Anfwer. 
 
 SIR, 
 Whitehall, I take the liberty to fend you a copy of a letter I had the other 
 1709. ' oay from Mr Greenfhields, purely for your own information, that 
 
 you may fee how that matter is reprefented by the party concerned, 
 and not in the leaft to engage you to intereft yourfelf any way for 
 him, becaufe he pretends to be my relation ; for, I look upon this 
 as a public concern, which is to be managed with a view to the 
 public peace and quiet, and leaves no latitude for that appearance 
 which relation might demand in other cafes ; and, therefore, I have 
 given him this general return, of which I likewife have taken the 
 freedom to give you the trouble of a copy ; for I fhall always very 
 much value Mr Carflares's approbation. I am affraid the magi- 
 strates of Edinburgh fhall find difficulties in this matter, if he con- 
 tinue obftinate in refufing that deference to their orders which they 
 demand. I wifh heartily that place were delivered from fuch trou- 
 blefome incidents. I can give you no news. We expect the D. of 
 Marlborough every day, after a fuccefsful and glorious campaign ; 
 but cannot yet judge if it fhall pave the way to a peace. The ap- 
 pearance of fome commotions in the north, which perhaps may o- 
 blige thefe princes to withdraw their troops from the amftance of 
 the allies, encouraging the King of France rather to hazard the con- 
 tinuing the war than to fubmit to the conditions impofed upon him. 
 I give my humble fervice to Mrs Carftares, and am, with much re- 
 fpe£t, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your moft faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Ro. Pringle. 
 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS, 
 
 Earl of Ilay to Mr Carstares. 
 
 77* 
 
 Of the neiv Attempts of the Epif copal Clergy in Scotland.- Dejires 
 
 Mr Carfares' s Advice and Dircclion, in cafe of any Attempts for a 
 Toleration. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since I came here, I have enquired as well as I could what the London, 
 opinions of people are here in relation to the fubject I defiredyour t^. 8 ' 
 advice upon fome days before I left Edinburgh. The news of the 
 determination of the Lords of theSeffionin Greenfhield's cafe made 
 at firft fome noife ; but, upon right underftanding the matter, I find 
 even our enemies are pretty filent about it, and our former friends 
 feem very zealous to fupport us in this, and all other matters 
 wherein our church is concerned ; fo that I don't apprehend any 
 danger from this feflion of parliament, efpecially confidering the 
 great appearance of quiet in all other affairs ; for, as the real fpring 
 of the new attempts of the epifcopal clergy arifes from reafons ve- 
 ry foreign to the matter in debate, fo, whenever that difpute receives 
 any extraordinary turn here, it will be for other defigns, and when 
 projects are moving at the fame time. I muff, confefs I fhould be 
 very unwilling to let many of your brethren into this fecret of 
 our prefent fecurity, for fear it fhould increafe their zeal more than 
 their prudence, and make them forget the nicety of our circum- 
 ftances, and fancy that the affairs of this world are to be perfectly 
 learned in their refpective parifhes. However, upon hearing that 
 my L,rd of York is come up to town, on purpofe to make what 
 clamour he can, fome of our friends have propofed to have a meet- 
 ing, in order to confider the proper meafures to fupport the intereft 
 of our church; and, in particular, if any thing mould be attempted 
 tending towards a toleration, as I told you formerly, I muff trou- 
 ble yeu again, to dell re your directions and advice from time to 
 time* and that you would furnifh me with any materials that can ■ 
 
 5F2 be •
 
 780 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 be of ufe upon this fubject. I could wifh that I had the number 
 and names of thofe epifcopal minifters who have been continued in 
 their parifhes fince the re-eftablilhment of prefbytery, with their 
 feveral places of refidence ; as alfo, a particular account of the be- 
 haviour of all thofe minifters in meeting-houfes as to their having 
 taken the oaths, and praying directly for the Queen. I luppofe I 
 need not tell you of how great ufe it is in any public aifembly to 
 be perfect in matters of fact, and what advantage it gives one over 
 ignorant complaints ; fo that I hope I need make the lefs apology 
 for this trouble I give you. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your obedient humble fervant, 
 
 Ilay. 
 
 Lord Seafield to Mr Carstares. 
 About public Prayers for the Princefs Sophia. 
 
 Rev. SIR, 
 
 London, ^j ie i on ~ f r i en dfhip that hath been betwixt us, and the mutual 
 
 Dec. 31. ... 
 
 1709. confidence we have ufed in public affairs, encourages me to give 
 
 you this trouble, which I hope you will excufe, fince it concerns 
 the intereft of the church. It hath been informed, that the minifters 
 of the church of Scotland do incline to pray for Princefs Sophia 
 exprefsly in their public prayers, if there were any intimation given 
 by her Majefty for them fo to do. This, no doubt, would be very 
 acceptable to her Majefty; and, therefore, I defire your opinion how 
 fatisfying this would be to the church, and after what manner fuch an 
 intimation ftiould be made; but, if you think they would rather in- 
 cline to do it without an intimation, I am confident it will be delayed. 
 I expect your anfwer as foon as you can ; and whatever you write 
 to me lhall not be known to come from you, except by your own 
 allowance. I am, with great fincerity, 
 Rev. SIR, 
 
 Your mod faithful and humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 Earl
 
 AND LETTERS. 7&1 
 
 Earl of Ilay to Mr Carstares, 
 
 Upon the fame Subjecl. 
 
 SIPx, 1709, 
 
 I writt to you fome days ago, and muft now trouble you again 
 upon a queftion which was afked of me lately by a great man, whe- 
 ther our church would be willing to have fome fort of hint given 
 them for the praying for the Princefs Sophia as they do in Eng- 
 land ? I own the queftion is a little ambiguous ; but I fuppofe it 
 means, whether it would be agreeable to our intereft and inclina- 
 tion, that the Queen mould, in fome manner or other, make fome 
 rtep towards the advancing the obfervation of praying for the E- 
 le&refs ? I thought I could not admit letting you know this, that, 
 according as I am informed by you, I mail be the better able to dif- 
 courfe with fome here upon that fubject. I fend you inclofed the 
 two fermons which have made fo much noife here, and for which 
 Doctor Sacheverell is impeached. I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your obedient humble fervant,. 
 
 Ilay.. 
 
 Mr ChamberlaynE to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Inveighs againjl the Presbyterians in Scotland for their bigotted Zeal 
 againf the Eng/i/h Chaplains ufing the Service of the Church of 
 England in their Regiments.. 
 
 Reverend and dear SIR, 
 'Tis fo long fince I have had the happinefs of a few lines from London,. 
 you, that I have quite forgot the date of your laft letter, which, how- Feb - '4~ 
 ever, is carefully laid up among my moft valuable papers, having 7 
 been ftrft anfwered with that refpecl: that is due to it ; fince then, a 
 
 great
 
 782 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 great many things have happened, upon which I had fo much to fay- 
 to you, that I fhould have tired you with letters and queftions, were 
 it not that the worthy Mr Dundas, the fecretary of your excellent 
 fociety, is like to relieve you by his feafonabk arrival in our parts ; 
 for I flatter myfelf with a great many tete a tete conferences with 
 him before he leaves London ; and, as I expect to meet with a great 
 deal of candour and ingenuity on his fide, fo I defign to open my 
 my heart very frankly to him upou a great many fubje&s that have 
 lain very heavy there ; becaufe I know not how to difcbarge it of them 
 fooner. They relate chiefly to the ftate of the proteftant religion in 
 Scotland, the affairs of your fociety, correfpondence with our's, 
 &c. ; in all which I have interefted myfelf with fo much zeal, (and fo 
 little difcretion, at leaft, in the opinion of fome of my fellow mem- 
 bers), that I have acquired the glorious nickname of the Scotch A- 
 gent ; which, as I have noways deferved, neither in their fenfe nor 
 my own, fo I efteem it too great an honour for me. I fay, Sir, I 
 mail be as free with Mr Dundas on the above mentioned heads, as 
 I hope he will be with me. And therefore, when he returns to 
 North Britain, you may give entire credit to fuch things as he fhall 
 report from me ; and which I believe you will foon be convinced 
 could not be otherwife communicated to you. However, Sir, I 
 cannot help, in the mean time, to lay before you an extract of a 
 letter from a gentleman to a friend of mine ; which has the greater 
 weight with me, becaule there does not feem a jot of the fpirit of 
 high-church through the whole ; a fpirit which I deteft in all reli- 
 gions where-ever 1 meet it ; a fpirit which I fhall always oppofe, e- 
 ven in my own party, (when I difcover it), as much as in my ene- 
 mies ; a fpirit, that is the only foundation of that faying, tantum re- 
 ligio poterat fuadere malorum ; a fpirit, fo very oppofite to that glo- 
 rious defcription of the Chrifxians, pure, peaceable, gentle, eafy to be 
 intreated, &c; a fpirit, in fhort, like the tongue defcribed by St 
 James, that is fet on fire by hell, and is itfelf fufficient to fire the 
 world. Sir, you will fay, perhaps, Quorfum hnec? and why to me? 
 &c« Firft, becaufe the inclofed account of the great feverity cf your 
 
 church
 
 AND LETTERS. 783 
 
 church againft chaplains of Englifh regiments, for reading the litur- 
 gy to their own people only, (if the fa<3 be truly ftated), is fo like 
 the inquifition, that it muft needs raife an indignation in the minds 
 of good Chriftians. And, fecondly, I fay it to you, becaufe I am fure 
 I fay it fafely, becaufe I know I fpeak to a man of my own principles, 
 who is as much ridiculed for his moderation in Scotland as I am in 
 England; and, laftly, who will either join with me in extinguishing 
 fuch a fpirit, if he can, in both countries ; or, at leaft, fincerely in de- 
 ploring the fad effe&s of it, and in begging God daily, that all fin- 
 cere proteftants in both churches may keep the faith in unity of 
 fpirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteoufnefs of life. Sir, as I 
 told you above, my zeal has tranfported me beyond difcretion ; and, 
 therefore, it is high time I mould put an end to this long letter, by 
 afluring you, that I am, with great truth and efteem, 
 Rev. SIR, 
 
 Your moft humble fervant, 
 
 John Chamberlayne* 
 
 Extracl of a Letter from an Englifh Officer at Edinburgh to his 
 Friend at London, &c. 
 
 I was all my life a moderate man as to the difpute between the 
 two grand parties, and could at any time have heard a good fermon 
 from either ; but really I have feen fo much violence and invetera- 
 cy from the prefbyterian party here, againft the church of England 
 in particular, and nation in general, that it almoft turns my ftomach ; 
 and, if any thing makes me a high flyer, it will be the unreafonable 
 bitter invectives, and prodigious imprecations which I have, with my 
 own ears, heard from fome too zealous prefbyterian clergy in their 
 pulpits here, againft the church of England. I wifh they would 
 manage with more Chriftian moderation ; for, while both parties 
 run fo high, we can never expect a union in all its parts. Though 
 our chaplain was here, yet he was not Suffered to preach ; which is 
 what we were never denied in the moft rigid Roman catholic coun- 
 tries.
 
 ^ 4 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 tries. The epifcopal party here being fuppreffed, or difaffeded to 
 the government, and moft of their clergy refuting to pray for our 
 gracious Queen Anne, fo palls my inclinations towards them, that, 
 for the future, I refolve to flay at home, and pray in private ; or, at 
 leaft, make a congregation of my own company, and pray with and 
 for them, till God is pleafed to fend a better and more public fpirit 
 into mankind ; until which time, and ever, I will remain, &c. 
 
 Mr Robert Pr ingle to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of a Toleration, in Anfwer to one from Mr Carjlares upon that Sub- 
 jecl. 
 
 SIR, 
 Whitehall, i rec eived yefterdayyour's of the 16th, and do think your thoughts 
 T709-10. about a toleration very juft and reafonable ; and, lam very fure, fuch as 
 a great many very confiderable perfons here will fall in with, who are 
 acquainted with the difpofition of the people with you ; but, if ever 
 this matter comes to be fairly ftated in parliament, the great argument, 
 from the difaffection to the ftate of thofe who promote and feek a to- 
 leration, is taken off, by their offering to qualify themfelves ; which 
 is the only evidence the government can demand of their owning 
 and adhering to it, though we may be fenfible how weak a tye it 
 proves to too many ; and, therefore, I muft think with the inclofed, 
 that, if it be poffible, it were to be wifhed the motion could be kept 
 off and waved ; which, perhaps, if made, will not be eafily rejected. 
 I doubt not but, upon firft fight of the inclofed, you will conclude 
 it of my procuring ; but, ingenioufly, it entered not into my 
 thoughts ; and, two days after the affair of Greenfhields had been 
 under confideration, my Lord Sunderland propofed to me to take a 
 draught of a letter to you from himfelf, in which I followed his 
 own fenfe, as I could draw it from the difcourfe we had together 
 on this fubjed ; and he has writ to the fame purpofe to the Earl 
 of Marchmont. Without all exaggeration, none can have a greater 
 
 opinio*
 
 AND LETTERS. 7 % 5 
 
 opinion of one's prudence and moderation than he has of your's ; 
 and you may write to him with all poffible freedom, and without 
 anyreferve; and he is perfectly well difpofed to the fupporting of 
 the eftablifhed government with you ; not only on the foot of juf- 
 tice, as what has been fo folemnly fecured to us by the union, but, 
 alfo, as a fecurity of the peace of thefe parts, and the liberty of the 
 whole ; but is very fenfible, from the obfervations, the bufmefs of 
 Greenfhields has enabled your friends here to make, how hard tins 
 may be, if not afTifted by a prudent and cautious conduct with you. 
 I mall trouble you no further, but only affure you, that I am, 
 S I R, 
 
 Your mod faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Ro t Pringle. 
 
 Earl of Sunderland to Mr Carstares. 
 
 [Written about the time of Sacheverell's Trial.] 
 
 Againjl the Church of Scotland' s unnecejjarily offer ting her Authority 
 and Privileges, leaft it bring upon them the Evils they mofl dread- 
 ed from the Union. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 When the flying packet was difpatched from hence, in return to Whitehall, 
 that which was fent hither from the general aflembly, I had no more May 2Z ' 
 time than to acknowledge the receipt of the letter I had from the 
 moderator, and to acquaint him with her Majefty's refolution to 
 comply with the aflembly's defire ; and I have been hitherto hin- 
 dered by bufinefs from giving a return to your letter of the 10th I 
 then received. I hope the affembly will be very fenfible of her Ma- 
 jefty's goodnefs in condefcending to interpofe the civil fanction to 
 their ad ; for which it muft be owned there was no occafion, the 
 gvernment not having been wanting hitherto in any thing necelTary 
 for promoting either the civil or religious concerns of the people ; fo 
 that, if we could fee into the views of fome who, perhaps, have been 
 
 5 moft
 
 786 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 moft adtive and zealous for this ftep, we fhould probably find them 
 different from what they appear to be, and to fall but too much in 
 with the like humour here, which has already raifed fo great a fer- 
 ment ; and which, if not diverted, muft neceffarily end in the diftur- 
 bance of the quiet both of church and ftate. And, I dare not pro- 
 mife you, if the aflembly fhould offer again at the like ftep, that they 
 will meet with the fame eafinefs and compliance in the govern- 
 ment : And- therefore I hope it will be the care and ftudy of the cau- 
 tious and prudent of the ministers to keep them as much as pof- 
 fible from unneceflarily afferting of their authority and privileges, 
 which is what their enemies defire above all things they fhould ; 
 and which cannot fail to bring that upon them they feem fo much 
 to apprehend from the union. I am fure you do not doubt of my 
 fincere inclinations for your church's enjoying all its juft freedoms 
 and privileges, which makes me the more defireous that their own 
 wife and prudent management fhould contribute to it, as I am fen- 
 fible it is abfolutely neceffary ; and I believe you and I do not dif- 
 fer in our fentiments of thefe matters, as yours appears by your let- 
 ter, and which her Majefty does very much approve of, to whom I 
 read it. I fhall only add, that I am, with great truth, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your moft faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Sunderland. 
 
 Earl of Ilay to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Of bifinnations that his Brother and he are taking Meafures contrary 
 to the Inter -eft of Presbytery and the Revolution. — Jitftifies their 
 Conducly and hopes Mr Carftares will take their Part. 
 
 S I R,\ 
 
 London, \ have heard lately from Scotland, that there are fome very bufy 
 
 1 7 io. in infinuating that my brother and I are taking meafures againft the 
 
 intereft of our church and revolution-eftablifhment. I was always of 
 
 opinion
 
 AND LETTERS. 787 
 
 opinion it was very obvioufly our intereft not to mingle ourfelves 
 too much with the factions here, I mean as Scotchmen ; for, it 
 being very plain that no party here has our country much at heart, 
 the exafperating any fide here might, at fomeconjun&ureor other, 
 draw both upon us, and crufh us at once. The Queen has been 
 pleafed to remove the Earl of Sunderland, as 'tis faid, for behaving 
 himfelf difrefpe&fully towards her ; and fome are fo Bold as to pre- 
 fume to cenfure even her Majefty's making that ftep ; I, for my 
 part, think it my duty to approve of it, as I lhall of any other altera- 
 tion fhe may happen to make; and think our intereft, both of church 
 and.ftate, as fecure under thofe fhe may employ as it has been hi- 
 therto. I write thus freely to you, that you may judge better of 
 the matter. I flatter myfelf that my brother and I have not been 
 the leaft zealous for the maintaining the rights of our church, where 
 they have been concerned ; and we dare never (though there were 
 no other reafon), enter upon any other fchemes ; becaufe, to fpeak 
 plainly, we know very well, and I am fure our forefathers felt it, 
 the mercy of our enemies. Sir, I hope, as you have occafion, you 
 will be fo kind to take our part, if any of thefe malicious reports 
 mould reach your ears. I am glad the affair of the chaplain is fo 
 well fettled to your mind ; and I take a little pride to myfelf in ha- 
 ving aflifted in it. I am, ' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Ilay. 
 
 Earl of Mar to Mr Carstares. 
 
 His Brother made Juftice- Clerk. Jujlifies himfelf. Great Pro- 
 
 feffions to Mr Carfares and the Church of Scotland, 
 
 SIR, 
 I have defigned for fome time to write to you, and begin a cor- Whitehall, 
 refpondence, which nothing but my being out of bufmefs interrupt- July "' 
 
 5 G 2 ed ;
 
 7 $8 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 ed ; and I hope you know me better than to think I am capable of 
 altering to you; but thefe times I have been in town a late, I was fo 
 taken up with one thing or other, that I have always put it off till 
 now, and I would do it no longer, fince this port brings a commif- 
 fion for my brother to be Juftice-clerk. Some people are at pains 
 to give out here, that the change the Queen has thought fit to make 
 will give your brethren fome difcontent ; but I hope they will be 
 wifer than to fhow any diflike to what the Queen, to whom they 
 have been fo much obliged, thinks fit to do for her fervice either 
 here or there. They owe the Queen more, peribnally, than any 
 minifter ever fhe had, and it would be an odd requital for all her 
 favours, to fufpeft her inclinations to them now. 'Tis in no body's 
 power to hurt them but their own. There is nothing but the con- 
 tinuance of that favour the Queen has always fhewn them defigned 
 to them ; and, if they lie quiet, and be not made tools of by fome 
 people, for their own bye-ends, they will be as fafe as ever. As I 
 have told you often, I wifh them well, and the continuance of their 
 church-government ; and this makes me the more concerned for 
 them upon this jun&ure. I know, as they may, your prudence, 
 from a long tra& of experience ; and I wifh they may take your 
 advice in behaving themfelves with that duty and fubmifiion to fo 
 good a Queen, who I may fay has eftablifhed them, even beyond 
 what their beft friends could have expected. They need not be af- 
 fraid that her Majefty will ever go into high or violent meafures. 
 You are acquainted with fome of thofe Who are talked to be not 
 well in her Majefty 's favour, and have known them long; and I 
 am fure you are fenfible how reafonable and moderate that perfon 
 is who I mean. I hope my brother will not be unacceptable to your 
 brethren, nor their friends; I hope you will find him an honeft man; 
 and I'm fure he defires never to fee the government altered. If it 
 lie in my power to do you and that intereft any fervice, you may 
 rely on it fo far as I am able ; and I hope you can bear me witnefs, 
 that I ufed not to make profefhons but where I am fincere. My L. 
 Ilay will be with you foon, who I am fure will explain matters to 
 
 your
 
 AND LETTERS. 789 
 
 your fatisfa&ion ; fo I will not trouble you with faying any more 
 on this head, fince he can do it much better. I'll be very glad to 
 hear from you ; and am, fincerely, 
 SIR, 
 
 Your real and moft humble fervant, 
 
 Mar. 
 
 Earl of Ilay to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the Oath of Abjuration, Honv the Affair of Greenjlnelds 
 
 went. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I. cannot now write to you fo much at large as I defign in a poft London, 
 or two, but think it my duty, upon many accounts, to defire you i 7 u. 
 to difcourfe your brethren ferioufly upon the fubjeft: of the abjura- 
 tion. I know very well how nice a firing that is to touch ; but I 
 muft, on the other fide, fay, that, if they will continue their fcru- 
 ples, where the whole diffenters of England make none, it may 
 give fuch an advantage to the epifcopals in Scotland, as to prove 
 fatal to us. As to the affair of Greenfhields, the bufmefs was in- 
 deed carried by furprize, though there was certainly a confiderable 
 majority againft us, the one fide being very zealous for their church, 
 and the other fide being very paffive in the matter. I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your faithful humble fervant, 
 
 Ilay. 
 
 Marquis of Annandale to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Ujpon Church- Affairs. 
 
 S I R, 
 
 I return you my thanks for the kindnefs and favour of your's. I London, 
 soTure you I fliall improve all occafions that may be in my hand t F^ l2 ' 
 
 for
 
 79° STATE-PAPERS 
 
 for the intereft and good of the church of Scotland. I cannot for- 
 get the fuccefsful afTiftance you gave, the laft occafion I had of this 
 kind ; and I am very much encouraged and perfuaded of good ef- 
 fects this next affembly, from the aflurance you give me of the 
 continuance thereof. It was very acceptable to Mr Harley, to whom 
 I ufed the freedom to read your letter this evening, and which I 
 hope you will forgive me, fince I did it with a very good intention, 
 and that it was very well received. I have very good reafon to 
 think my inftructions (hall be as full and fatisfying as any has yet 
 been ; and, had I not been fully fatisfied of the fincerity of the 
 Queen and her minifters intentions to fupport and maintain the 
 government and eftablifhment of the church in all its rights and 
 privileges, I fhould never have undertaken this affair ; fo that I am 
 perfuaded, if the proceedings of the minifters of the church fhall 
 be, with the fame prudence, difcretion, and duty that I have obfer- 
 ved in former afTemblies, it will entirely baffle the defigns and pro- 
 jects of their inveterate enemies ; for, believe me, nothing can hurt 
 them but themfelves ; and I hope they fhall never be capable of 
 that. From the return to the prefbytery's letter, I hope you will 
 be fatisfied there was little ground for the furmifes and jealoufies 
 that have been induftrioufly fet about to alarm at this time ; and, 
 before the affembly meet, you will yet be more convinced of this. 
 So foon as I receive my laft orders, I fhall part from this, which I 
 think may be Thurfday or Friday fe'ennight, fo as I hope to be at E- 
 dinburgh the 4th or $th of May. I defire, and I hope you, and all 
 the minifters of the church, will do me the juftice to believe me to 
 be the fame in every refpect towards the true intereft of the church 
 of Scotland that I have ever profeffed myfelf ; and that I fhall, up- 
 on all occafions, give the mod fincere and faithful proofs thereof. 
 And I wifh I may have an opportunity to renew the affurance, that 
 I am, 
 
 S I R, 
 
 Your true friend and humble fervant, 
 
 Annandale.
 
 AND LETTERS. 791 
 
 Earl of Ilay to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Upon the Acl of Toleration, and the Oath of Abjuration. 
 
 SIR, 
 I received your's. I am very glad to find you fo much of my o- London, 
 -pinion. I laid it before you fhortly and plainly, as I thought it my March 30. 
 duty to do ; and I am always of opinion, where one means well, and 
 has a mind to acl; with fincerity, there is little ufe in many words. 
 I fhould not now mention any thing paft, were it not in order to 
 judge the better for the future. There ftands at prefent a toleration 
 in Scotland, decreed by a fentence, and unlimited either in point of 
 faith, or other qualifications whatfoever ; and that very acl: of tole- 
 ration, we fhould be glad and juftly reckon it a victory now to ob- 
 tain, before the affair of Greenfhields, would have been fo far from 
 any difficulty, that, if any of us had at that time had power to pro- 
 pofe it, it would not only have eafily paffed, and obviated the fen- 
 tence, but have been to our honour efteemed an impartial and ge- 
 nerous conceffion. I muft own I was furprifed, when I was in Scot- 
 land, to find fo few of your brethren diftinguifh in the leafl be- 
 tween what they thought reafonable, and what might appear in its 
 nature pra&icable ; but, for my part, I did then, and fhall always 
 lay before them my fmcere advice, and then fubmit to any meafures 
 they think moft proper for me to ferve them in. When they afked 
 my affiftance in the matter of Greenfhields, or the toleration, I, 
 without any helitation, af lured them faithfully of it ; but, when I 
 was to give my opinion, what I could judge would probably hap- 
 pen, I always was certain, as far as I could be in any thing fo pre- 
 carious in their own nature as human occurrences, that the tolera- 
 tion, in whatever fhape it fit ft appeared, would prove irrefiftible ; and 
 I knew very well that our Englifh friends would never be our 
 champions, but when at the fame time they were their own, and 
 promoted their own intereft as well as ours. Thus all their bifhops 
 
 left
 
 792 
 
 STATE-PAPERS 
 
 left us, and the reft declared it was none of their bufinefs ; and 
 when I moved a delay, which might poffibly have been of fome 
 ufe to us, they all left my brother and me to debate againft the 
 whole houfe. They k,new the lofs of the caufe would do them 
 more good in their politic conjunction than an affirmation of the 
 decree ; judging very right, how irreconcilable the Tories would 
 make themfelves to the Prefbyterians, by making a flretch in that 
 tender point, and that they might eafily fave their own reputation, 
 by faying they were overpowered. But, to return to that which I 
 have obferved as to your brethren, it is indeed unfortunate, that the 
 only family which can now, (pardon the vanity of the expreffion), 
 as it were ftand in the gape, mould have fo little credit with them, 
 as to be diftrufted, in fome meafure, till the blow is given. In my 
 former letter, I called their fcruples about the abjuration fatal ; I af- 
 fure you I had made ufe of a fofter word, and if I had not thought 
 it my duty to fay what I have the misfortune perhaps to forefee, 
 'tis very true, limited ; for, as it is limited, is an inconfiderable alte- 
 ration, and, for that very reafon, our enemies will fay it is unnecef- 
 fary. I'll take another opportunity, in a few days, to inlarge upon 
 this fubject to you. I am forry it is my fate to differ with fo many 
 of my church. Poffibly I apply myfelf too much to the affairs of 
 the world ; I wifh they do not too little, and, with an affectation of 
 a rigid performance of their duty one way, neglect it another. Par- 
 don this freedom ; I mean it well. 
 
 I am, your's, &c. 
 
 Ilay. 
 
 Earl of Seafi eld to Mr Carstares. 
 
 Compliments him upon ivhat the AJfembly had done with refpeft to 
 the Protefiant Succejfion. 
 
 London, Very Reverend, 
 
 May 24. j t was a g reat f a tisfa<Stiori to me when I heard that you was 
 
 chofen moderator ; for I was confident that the affembly, being 
 
 under
 
 AND LETTERS. 
 
 793 
 
 under your direction, would fail in their duty to the Queen, and, at 
 the fame time, would do fomething that would be of confequence 
 for our religion, and which has accordingly happened ; for what 
 the afTembly has done in favours of the proteftant fucceffion in the 
 Houfe of Hanover, is thought by all that are well afFe&ed to the 
 conftitution to be of the greateft confequence in the prefent jun&ure; 
 and it pleafes me that the honour of doing this is given to yourfelf. 
 I know you have much to do, and therefore I cannot expect to 
 hear frequently from you; however, this I affure you, that it is of 
 fome importance to you to let me have an account of any thing of 
 importance that pafTes in this afTembly, and this you'll be convinced 
 of when I have the happinefs to wait on you. I heartily wifh for 
 a happy conclufion to the aflembly, and I will ever continue, with 
 the fame fincerity as formerly, 
 Very Reverend, 
 
 Your moft faithful and humble fervant, 
 
 Seafield, 
 
 A P P E N D IX. 
 
 NUMBER I. 
 Affi of Parliament in favour of Mr Gar stares. Anno 1690. 
 
 To his Grace their Majefties High Commiffioner, and the Right Honourable 
 the Eftates of Parliament, The PETITION of Mr William Car- 
 stares, 
 Shewing, That whereas the petitioner, in the year 1683, 'was, upon fufpicion 
 of a plot, apprehended in England, and, in exprefs contrariety to known law, 
 after fome weeks imprifonment, and application to the Court of King's Bench, for 
 being brought to trial, or admitted to bail, was tranfported to Scotland, where, after 
 a fevere torture and frequent threatenings of reiterating thereof, fo long as he 
 breathed, he was brought, upon certain terms, to reveal fome propoials concerning 
 the fecurity of our religion and liberty, againft popifh and arbitrary councils, which 
 they called a plot. Likeas, this his confent was upon articles granted to him by Lord 
 Melfort then treafurer-depute, in the name and authority of the privy-council, of 
 which this was one, That he mould never be adduced as a witnefs himfelf, nor any 
 thing he. faid produced in evidence againft any perfon, or before any court. 
 
 Notwithstanding whereof, his depofitions, as they were called, were made ufe 
 of as an adminicle in the trials of feveral honourable and worthy perfons, whofe 
 proceffes and decreets of forfeiture are now juftly reduced. 
 
 S H
 
 794 APPENDIX. 
 
 And, feeing the breach of thefe conditions was not only a ftain upon the nation, 
 and an irreparable wrong to others, but alfo a manifeft injuftice to the petitioner, 
 whereby his name and fame hath been brought in queftion, which will appear by 
 the records of council, if they are not induftrioufly abftraaed : 
 
 Therefore, craving it may pleafe the eftates of parliament, for the petitioner's 
 juft vindication, and in teftimony of their abhorrence of fo foul a breach of the pu- 
 blic faith, the facrednefs whereof is the liability of government, that the petitioner's 
 forefaid depofition be razed and for ever delete out of the records of thofe courts, 
 where, contrary to public faith, they were made ufe of ; and that the petitioner 
 may have an extrad of an ad of this high and honourable court thereupon. Which 
 petition being confidered, and the fame being found fufficiently inftruaed and ve- 
 rified by a declaration under my Lord Tarbat's hand, of the date of thefe prefents, 
 and other testimonies, they hereby declare, that the petitioner was highly inju- 
 red therein, contrary to the public faith -, and therefore ordered, and hereby or- 
 ders, the above petition and this deliverance, with a letter written by the petitioner 
 to my Lord Raith treafurer-depute, of the 8th day of July inftant, to be recorded 
 in the books of parliament, and books of adjournal, and any other court-books, 
 wherein his teftimony was made ufe of j and that an extract hereof be given to the 
 petitioner, for his own full and plenary vindication. 
 
 NUMBER II, 
 Overture for fettling Church-government in Scotland. Prefented 
 to the Parliament by the Duke of Hamilton Lord High Commif- 
 
 fioner^ upon the Zld of July 1689. 
 
 Forafmuch as the King and Queen's Majefties, and the eftates of parliament, by 
 their Ad of the firft of July inftant, ab.oiifhing prelacy, &o did declare, That they 
 would fettle that church- government which is moft agreeable to the inclinations of 
 the people ; and, confidering that church-government by general, provincial, and 
 prefbyterial aflemblys, with the feffions of the kirk, as it was eftablifhed by the firft 
 ad of the 12th parliament of king James VI. holden in June 1592, is moft agree- 
 able to the inclination of |the people ; therefore, the King and Queen's Majefties, 
 with the advice and confent of the eftates of parliament, revive and renew the faid 
 ad of parliament, in all the heads, points, and articles thereof, with this exprefs 
 declaration (that the neceflity of occafional aflemblies be firft reprefented to his Ma- 
 jefty by humble fupplication) ; and ftatute and ordain, that^it fhall be lawful for the 
 prefbyteries of this church, to admit minifters, upon prefentation from the law- 
 ful patrons, or jure devoluto, which fhall happen hereafter, or into churches which 
 fall not under patronages, but were menfal and patrimonial churches belonging to 
 thebifhops: And ordain all minifters in this kingdom to fubmit and conform to 
 the church- government eftablifhed by the forefaid a&, and to take the oath of al- 
 legiance, under the pain of being deprived of their churches and lofing their be- 
 nefices. And it is declared, that all minifters that fhall fubmit and conform to 
 the forefaid church- government, and take the oaths of allegiance, without being 
 obliged to take any other oath, fhall enjoy their churches and benefices, &c. in 
 fuch manner, and as freely as they ought or might have done before by the a& in
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 795 
 
 the year 1592, and to do all and every thing which before pertained to prefbyters, 
 and were exercifed by bifhops, exceptfor fcandal or infufficiency : But, in regard there 
 were feveral minifters deprived of their benefices fince the year 1662, for not con- 
 forming to prelacy, and others fince the year 168 r, for not taking the teft ; there- 
 fore, feeing that now prelacy is abolifhed, and all acts relating thereto, it is but 
 reafonable that thefe minifters fhould be reftored ; therefore, the King and Queen's 
 Majefties, with the advice, &c. ordain the faid minifters, &c. to be reftored. 
 And the King and Queen's Majefties and eftates declare, that they will take care to 
 provide thofe minifters now ferving the cure at the faid churches, with other bene- 
 fices, as occafion fhall offer, they fubmitting and conforming, &c. And, it is 
 further declared, that intrants to the miniftry fhall not be obliged to take any other 
 oaths at their admiffion, than that of allegiance and the oath de fideli. And, in 
 regard, that many confufions and fcandalous frhifms have happened by minifters 
 meddling in matters of ftate, their Majefties, with advice, &c. do hereby difcharge 
 all minifters of the gofpel to meddle with any ftate-affairs, under pain of being held 
 difaffected to the government, and to be proceeded againft accordingly; and declare 
 that the jurifdidtion of the church confifts only in preaching the word of Jefus 
 Chrift, correcting of ill manners by ecclefiaftical cenfures, and adminiftration of 
 the facraments, conformable to the 69th act of James VI. parliament 6th. And 
 to prevent that nothing be treated in the church-judicatories that concern affairs of 
 ftate or civil matters, it is declared that their Majefties, if they think fit, may have 
 always one prefent in all the provincial and prefbyterial afTemblies, (as they have 
 their commiflioner prefent in general afTemblies), to inhibit the proceedings in any 
 fuch affairs, if it fhould be offered at, untill their Majefties and privy-council be 
 firft acquainted therewith. And for that there are many things to be fettled in re- 
 lation to the difciplinc of the church, &c. their Majefties declare that they, with 
 the advice, &c. will enact fuch rules as fhall tend moft to the curbing vice and 
 advancement of true piety and religion, and the prefervation of peace and uni- 
 ty, &c. 
 
 NUMBER III. 
 Acl of Parliament for fettling the §>uict and Peace of the Church, 
 12th June 1693. 
 Our fovereign Lord and Lady the King and Queen's Majefties, with advice and 
 confent of the eftates of parliament, ratify, approve, and perpetually confirm the 
 5th act of the fecond feffion of this current parliament, entitled, < Act ratifying 
 « the confeffion of faith, and fettling prefbyterian church. government, in the 
 * whole heads, articles, and claufes thereof :' And do further ftatute and ordain, 
 that no perfon be admitted, or continued hereafter to be a minifter or preacher, 
 within this church, unlefs that he, having firft taken and fubferibed the oath of 
 allegiance, and fubferibed the affurance in manner appointed by another act of this 
 prefent feffion of parliament, made thereanent, do alfo fubferibe the confeffion of 
 faith, ratified in the forefaid 5th act of the fecond feffion of this parliament, de- 
 claring the fame to be the confeffion of his faith, and that he owns the doctrine 
 contained therein to be the true doctrine, which he will conftantly adhere to : As 
 
 5 H 2
 
 796 APPENDIX. 
 
 likewife, that he owns and acknowledges prefbyterian church-government to be 
 the only government of this church, and that he will fubmit thereto, and concur 
 therewith, and will never endeavour, directly or indirectly, the prejudice or fub- 
 verfion thereof : And their Majefties, with advice and confent forefaid, ftatute and 
 ordain, that uniformity of worfhip, and adminiftration of all public ordinances 
 within this church, be obferved by all the faids minifters and preachers, as the 
 fameo are at prefent allowed and performed therein, or fhall be hereafter declared 
 by the authority of the fame; and that no minifter or preacher be admitted or con- 
 tinued for hereafter unlefs that he fubfcribe to obferve, and do actually obferve, 
 the forefaid uniformity. 
 
 And, for the more effectual fettling the quiet and peace of this church, the e- 
 ftates of parliament do hereby make an humble addrefs to their Majefties, that they 
 would be pleafed to call a general affembly for the ordering the affairs of the 
 church ; and to the end that all the prefent minifters, poffeffing churches not yet 
 admitted to the exercife of the forefaid church-government, conform to the faid 
 a£t, and who fhall qualify themfelves in manner forefaid, and fhall apply to the 
 faid affembly, or the other church-judicatories competent, in an orderly way, each 
 man for himfelf be received to partake with them in the government thereof; cer- 
 tifying fuch as fhall not qualify themfelves, and apply to the laid affembly or other 
 judicatories, within the fpace of thirty days after meeting of the faid firft affembly, 
 in manner forefaid, that they may be depofed by the fentence of the faid affembly 
 or other judicatories, tarn ab officio quam a beneficio : And withall declaring, 
 that, if any of the faids minifters who have not been hitherto received into the go- 
 vernment of this church, fhall offer to qualify themfelves, and to apply in manner 
 forefaid, they fhall have their Majefties full protection ay and while they fhall be 
 admitted and received in manner forefaid : Providing always that this aft, and the 
 benefit thereof, fhall be no ways extended to fuch of the faids minifters as are lcan- 
 dalous, erroneous, negligent, or insufficient, and againft whom the fame fhall be 
 verified, within the fpace of thirty days after faid application ; but thefe, and all 
 others in like manner guilty, are hereby declared to be fubjed to the power and 
 cenfure of the church, as accords, &c- 
 
 NUMBER IV. 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament af- 
 fembled The humble Reprefentation of William Carftares, Thomas BJack- 
 well and Robert Baillie, Minifters of the Church of Scotland, concerning the 
 Bill for Reftoring Patronages, now depending before your Lordfhips. 
 
 TT is with all humble duty and fubmiffion reprefented unto your Lordfhips, that 
 this depending bill feems to be contrary to the prefent conftitution of our church, 
 fo well fecured by the late treaty of union, and ioiemnly ratified by the ads of 
 parliament in both kingdoms : That this may be more clear, it is to be obferved, 
 that, from the firft reformation from popery, the church of Scotland hath always 
 reckoned patronages a grievance and burden, as is declared by the firft and fecond 
 books of difcipline, publifhed foon after the faid reformation, fince which time
 
 APPENDIX. 797 
 
 they were ftill judged a grievance, till at length they came, by law, to be abolifh- 
 ed. 
 Thefe patronages having been reftored with epifcopacy, in the year 1661 and 
 
 1662, did continue to the year 1690, that epifcopacy was abolifhed, and prefby- 
 -terian government again eftablifhed ; and though the adl: of parliament 1690, re- 
 fettling prefbyterian church-government, was founded upon the a& of parliament 
 1592, which bears a relation unto patronages -, yet the faid aft of parliament 1690, 
 doth exprefsly except that part of the old a£t, and refer patronages to be thereafter 
 confidcred, which accordingly was confidered in the fame parliament 1690, 
 whereby it is plain, that the abolition of patronages was made a part of our church- 
 conftitution, enacted by the acT: 1690 ; and that this a& 1690, with all other ads 
 relative thereto, being exprefsly ratified, and for ever confirmed by the aft for fecu- 
 ring the proteftant religion and prefbyterian government, and ingroiTed as an ef- 
 fential condition of the ratifications of the treaty of union, paft in the parliaments 
 of both kingdoms ; the faid adl: abolifhing patronages muft be underftood to be a 
 part of our prefbyterian conftitution, fecured to us by the treaty of union for ever. 
 
 Yet it is to be particularly confiHered, that the fame parliament 1690, was fo 
 tender of the civil rights of patrons, and fo fincerely defirous only to reftore the 
 • church to its juft and primitive liberty of calling minifters in a way agreeable to 
 the word of God, that they only difcharged the patrons power of prefenting mini- 
 fters to vacant churches; but as to any thing of their civil rights, did make the con- 
 dition of patrons better than before, not only by referving unto them the right of 
 difpofal of vacant fhpends, for pious ufes* within the parifh, but alfo for giving un- 
 to them the heritable rights of the tythes, reftricling the minifter, who formerly had 
 the faid right to ftipends, much below the value of the faid tythes: Notwithstanding 
 which advantageous conceifion to the patrons, by the parliament, this bill takes 
 back from the church the power of prefentation of minifters, without refloring the 
 tythes, which formerly belonged to her ; by which the patrons came to enjoy both 
 the purchafe and the price. This being the true account of our legal fettlement as 
 to this matter, it appears to be evident, that the reftitution of patronages, as to the 
 point of prefentation, can only gratify a few, while, on the other hand, it muft 
 neceflarily difoblige a far greater number, that are now freed of that impofition : 
 And indeed, it cannot but teem ftrange, that this bill fhould be fo much infilled, 
 upon, when there are fo many patrons, and thofe too of the moft confiderable in 
 Scotland, that are againft fuch a reftitution. It is alfo apparent, that prefbyteries 
 muft come under many difficulties and harafhips, as to their compliance with this 
 innovation, and that many contefts, dilorders, and differences, will probably enfue 
 betwixt patrons, prefbyteries, heritors, and people, befides the known abufes where- 
 with patronages have been attended, even in their moft fettled condition ; where- 
 of many inftances might be given j efpecially, that thereby a foundation was laid 
 for Simoniacal factions betwixt patrons and thofe prefented by them ; and likewife, 
 minifters were impofed upon parifhes by patrons who were utterly ftrangers to 
 their circumftances, having neither property nor refidence therein. 
 
 It is therefore, with all fubmiflion, expected from your Lordfhips juftice and 
 mature deliberation, that a bill, as we humbly conceive, fo nearly affecting the
 
 79 8 APPENDIX. 
 
 late treaty of union, in one of its moft fundamental and effential articles, refpec- 
 ting the prefervation of the rights and privileges which our church at that time 
 was pofiefied of by law ; for the fecurity of which the parliament of Scotland was 
 fo much concerned, as not to allow their commiflioners to make it any part of their 
 treaty, but referved it as a thing unalterable by any judicature deriving its confti— 
 tution from the faid treaty, fhall not be approved by your Lordfhips, efpecially, 
 while the nature of the treaty itfelf {hews it to be a reciprocal tranfaftion between 
 
 the two nations. 
 
 W. Carstares. 
 Tho. Blackwell. 
 Ro. Baillie. 
 
 NUMBER V. 
 
 Remarks upon the Reprefentation made by the Kirk of Scotland con- 
 cerning Patronages, 
 
 OUR reformation had its firft legal eftablifhment (as fome fay) in the year 1560, 
 and others, in 1567 ; but, be that as ir will, our reformation made no invafion up- 
 on the ancient rights of patrons. The firft parliament we meet with in our print- 
 ed acts, that regards the reformation, is in the reign of King James I. Anno 1567. 
 where, cap, 7. we find the right of prefentation to churches referved to the pa- 
 tron; and, in the year 1592, when prefbytery had its firft legal eftablifhment, the 
 right of patrons is ftill referved and approved in that very fame a& which eftablifti- 
 ed prefbytery ; and from thefe days, down to the year 1690, no man was ever 
 judged to have a legal title to any church or benefice, unlefs he had a prefentation 
 from the patron : And, as this was the undoubted law, fo was it the conftant prac- 
 tice, both of the prefbyterian and epifcopal eftablifhment in their different turns. 
 Under epifcopacy, the perfon prefented by the patron was collated by the bifhop ; 
 and, under the prefbyterian eftablifhment, the perfon prefented by the patron was 
 collated by the prefbytery. It is true, about the year 1647, wnen the church had 
 fhaken off all duty to their prince, and got the afcendant over all ranks and degrees 
 of men, they began to bring popular elections in vogue, and ufe their endeavours 
 to abolifh patronages, which they accomplifhed in the year 1649. But w hat au- 
 thority was this ? King Charles I. was then dead ; I need not tell you how, nor by 
 whom, and King Charles II. was then in foreign parts, and a great many of the 
 nobility and gentry, at the mercy of the church, for the unlawful engagements. 
 The plain ftory is this : A certain number of the nobility, gentry, and burgeffes, 
 met together, without any countenance or authority from the king, and modeftly 
 called themfelves a parliament ; and, by their own authority, (a fufficient one it 
 was,) abolifhed patronages. And this was all the pretence in law that was ever in 
 this church, from the reformation down to the year 1690. But now, what fays our 
 reprefentation to all this ? Primo, we are told, that patronages have been always 
 
 looked upon as a grievance to this church, as appears by the firft and fecond book of 
 
 difcipline, the fiift whereof is approved by the privy-council. It had been more 
 to the purpofe to have laid the parliament, if it had been true ; but the parliament
 
 APPENDIX. 799 
 
 knew their intereft better, than to facrifice mens rights to fuch weak pretences. 
 If fuch reafoning as this be allowed, the parliament had beft abolifh the Queen's 
 fupremacy, her power of calling and diflblving genefal aflemblies, and appointing 
 fails ; for all thefe either are or have been looked upon as grievances by the pref- 
 bytery ; and, no doubt, this is their right, becaufe they look upon them as grie- 
 vances. 
 
 But, Secondly, we are told a very fad ltory, that this act of abolifhing patron- 
 ages is a part of the prefbyterian conftitution, and confequently, fo fecured by the 
 treaty of union, that it is unalterable. But how comes this about ? For I can- 
 not find in all the articles of the union any thing about patronages, but where 
 they are excepted from being a part of it. The act 1592, eftablifhing prefbytery, 
 is ratified in all its parts, except that part of it which aflerts the rights of patrons j 
 by which it is plain, neither the parliament nor the treaty of union meant to make 
 it any part of the prefbyterian conftitution, but paiTed a bill of exclufion againft it. 
 All that can be inferred from the treaty of union is, that prefbytery, and all laws 
 made for the fecurity of its government, worfliip, and difcipline, are inviolable. 
 I will be obliged to our truftees from the kirk, to tell me, under which of thefe 
 heads they clafs popular ele&ions. I think the act 1592, which eftablifhed pref- 
 bytery in all its parts, and yet aiTerts the right of patrons, cuts off any pretence to 
 this. This ad abolifhing patronages, was made merely to amufe the people with 
 an imaginary power, and never intended for the fecurity of the prefbytery. 
 
 Thirdly, We are told, popular elections are agreeable to the word of God, and the 
 juractice of the primitive church. Be that as it will, it is nothing to the purpofe - y 
 for we have no fuch thing at this day in Scotland as a popular election ; the act a- 
 bolifhing patronages does only transfer the power of prefentation from the patrons 
 to the heritors and elders. Alas, the poor unthinking populace have no more 
 power than before. Indeed this whole matter is a cheat put upon the heritors and 
 people; for, when a vacancy happens, the prefbytery carefully confiders how 
 many heritors there are in the parifh, and are fure to create fo many elders as will 
 outnumber them ; and thefe elders (I am afhamed to tell you what kind of gentle- 
 men many of them are) do blindly follow the inclinations of the prefbytery j fothat 
 the prefentation is inthehands of the prefbyteries ; and if that comes to fail, they are 
 ftill judges whether the perfon prefented be fit or not, which he is as they pleafe. 
 Now, what power have the people at this time, which they had not with their 
 patronages ? No man could come to a benefice upon a prefentation from the pa- 
 tron ; if the people refufed him upon competent grounds, the patron mufl prefent 
 another qualified perfon, againfl whom there lies no competent objection. 
 
 Fourthly, Our reprefentation goes on and tells us, that patrons are put in a bet- 
 ter condition than they were formerly, by having their tithes appropriated to them. 
 1 think it is not much to the honour of prefbytery to tell us, that, to procure this 
 ad abolifhing patronages, they confented to rob the church of her inheritance • 
 but I much queftion if the patrons be benefited by that act. I know many of them 
 do not think fo ; nor did the parliament think/o either, otrjerwife they would ne- 
 wer have obliged the heritors to pay thirty-three pounds as an equivalent for the
 
 goo APPENDIX. 
 
 patron's right, which yet was fcarce ever delivered by the heritors, or received by 
 the patron : So far it is from being true, that the patron had both the purchafe and 
 the price; for the church had the purchafe, and the heritors the price. 
 
 Fifthly^ We are told, that this will encourage Simoniacal pactions. There are 
 indeed few conftitutions but are liable to fome exceptions and inconveniences, 
 though our laws has made all reafonablc provision againft any fach tranfa£UonS; 
 but furely there can be no danger of this at this time, for a prefbyterian minifter 
 is a better man than to be guilty of Simony. I would advife our patrons to lay to 
 heart this heavy charge that is laid chiefly againft them. 
 
 Sixthly, We are told this will difcontent many of the people of Scotland. I 
 take this to be bullying. How often were we told in the cafe of Mr Greenfchields, 
 that, if be were not call, Scotland would not bear it ? This terrible ftory was a- 
 gain renewed in the cafe of the toleration ; and time has fhown in the one cafe, 
 and will in the other, that thefe are calamities put upon the people of Scotland, 
 not by their enemies, but their friends, upon no other defign, it would feem, than 
 to frighten the legiflator. If they be the better heard, we are indebted to them 
 for fo ufeful a leflbn. I fliall then rnunrlly tell our parliament, Take care you put 
 no hardfhips upon the epifcopal party of Scotland ; they will not hear it ; and it is 
 not feafonableto difoblige them; they are fuch avaft body made up of the nobility 
 and gentry, the bold highlanders, and all the northern counties : But this is only 
 a fpeech without doors. 
 
 After all, I muft own, this reprefentation has advanced a great truth in the 
 clofe of it, that the reftoring patrons to their ancient rights will occafion great' 
 contefts between the patrons and the prefbyteries : Of this I make no doubt ; no 
 man will willingly part with what he has ; and feeing, as matters ftand, the 
 church has the fole direction in the choice of a minifter, it would give her no 
 fmall difquiet to difpoflefs her. It is here the pinch chiefly lies ; but here I appeal 
 to the teftimony of our reprefentatives in this place, if the little regard the church 
 has fhewn upon all occafions to the nobility and gentry, in the choice of their mi- 
 nifters, and their arbitrary proceedings in thefe matters, has not bred a general 
 difcontent ; and it will give as general a fatisfaction, to fee the church put under 
 fome reftri£Hons in the exercife of a power they have fo much abufed. 
 
 I will not take upon me to offer my advice to our prefbyterian brethren ; perhaps, 
 after what I have faid, they may fufpedt my fincerity 5 but I truely believe it their 
 intereft to come into this bill, which will rectify and better their conftitution, and 
 make it more palatable to the nobility and gentry. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 :* 6 a 6
 
 University of California 
 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 
 
 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 
 
 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. 
 
 9L APR o 7 2003 
 
 - 
 
 L-9 
 ,' 43(5205) 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 UN] ALIFORNfcA 
 
 x^o iUNVrtLiJES
 
 I llll II llll Hill 
 
 3 1158 00864 
 
 U 
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRAI 
 
 D 000 000 9