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 https://archive.org/details/seafieldcorrespoOOseaf 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY 
 
 NEW SERIES 
 
 VOL. 
 Ill 
 
 SEAFIELD CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 March 1912 
 
SE AFIELD 
 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 FROM 1685 TO 1708 
 
 Edited, with Introduction and Annotations, by 
 JAMES GRANT, LL.B. 
 
 COUNTY CLERK OF BANFFSHIRE 
 
 EDINBURGH 
 
 Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable 
 for the Scottish History Society 
 1912 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 The Chancellor Earl of Seafield, James Ogilvie, second 
 son of James, third Earl of Findlater, and of Lady Anna 
 Montgomery, eldest daughter of Hugh, seventh Earl of 
 Eglintoun, was born on 11th July 1663. Apart from his 
 own undoubted ability, he was able to command that 
 influence which, in the age of autocratic and aristocratic 
 government two centuries ago, was a necessary aid to a 
 successful public career in Scotland. Assistance came from 
 both sides of his house, for the relatives of his father 
 and of his mother were numerous and influential. 
 
 The Ogilvies, Earls of Findlater, were descended from 
 Sir Walter Ogilvy of Auchlevyn and of Deskford, a cadet 
 of the Ogilvies of Airlie, who about 1436 acquired the 
 estates of Deskford and Findlater in Banffshire, through 
 his marriage with Margaret, heiress of Sir John Sinclair. 
 Sir Walter's grandson James married Agnes, daughter 
 of George, second Earl of Huntly, head of the powerful 
 house of Gordon. James's son Alexander married, 
 before 21st June 1509, Janet Abernethy, second daughter 
 of James, third Lord Saltoun, and, secondly, Elizabeth, 
 natural daughter of Adam Gordon, Dean of Caithness, 
 founder of the Earldom of Sutherland, and son of Alex- 
 ander, first Earl of Huntly. Sir Walter Ogilvie, great- 
 grandson of Alexander, married, in 1582, as his second 
 wife, Marie Douglas, third daughter of William, fifth 
 Earl of Morton, and of Agnes, daughter of George, fourth 
 Earl of Rothes. He was created on 4th October 1616 a 
 
viii CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Peer of Scotland under the title of Lord Ogilvie of Desk- 
 ford. Their eldest son James was created on 20th Febru- 
 ary 1638 Earl of Findlater, thus obtaining, though a cadet, 
 precedence over Lord Ogilvie of Airlie. He married as 
 his first wife, Elizabeth Leslie, second daughter of Andrew, 
 fifth Earl of Rothes, and had two daughters. His second 
 wife was Marion, fourth daughter of William, eighth Earl 
 of Glencairn. 
 
 Having no male issue he procured a second patent from 
 the crown carrying the honours of his earldom to his 
 distant blood relation, Sir Patrick Ogilvie of Inchmartine, 
 Perthshire, who had married his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, 
 with precedence as if Sir Patrick had been his eldest son. 
 This condition was strongly challenged by the Earls of 
 Airlie ; and by reason of an explanatory letter granted by 
 the King, Airlie succeeded in getting his name enrolled 
 before Findlater' s in the rolls of Parliament, an act 
 which gave rise for long to systematic protests on behalf 
 of the Earls of Findlater. The following letter from the 
 Earl of Eglintoun to his daughter, the Countess of Find- 
 later, refers to this question of precedence. 
 
 Edr. 9 ii Dbr. '65. 
 Honored Doghter, — Having hard yt the Lord Ogelvie 
 is to give ane neu warrant to the Comissioner from his 
 Matie to pas his fathers patent of presedensie to your 
 Lords prejudis, I have acquentted him yt he may cum hire, 
 and I shall be als cairfull as I can in the tyme I am hire 
 yt your Lord sustine no wrong. Bot ye toune is so 
 prejudiall to my helth, being becum werie bressie, yt I 
 cannot stay long, so wishing to hire of your welbeing and 
 your children, I am, Your most affectionat father and 
 servant, Eglintoun. 
 
 The first Earl's second daughter Anne married, c. 
 5th April 1637, William, ninth Earl of Glencairn, Lord 
 High Chancellor of Scotland. Sir Patrick, whose mother 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 ix 
 
 was Anne, third daughter of Sir Duncan Campbell of 
 Glenurquhy, ancestor of the Earls of Breadalbane, suc- 
 ceeded as second Earl in 1652. He died between the 2nd 
 and the 31st days of May 1659, his son, the third Earl, on 
 that latter date writing to his grand-uncle, Alexander 
 Ogilvie, laird of Keith, with the tidings of his father's 
 death. James, third earl, had married, probably towards 
 the close of 1658, Anna, daughter of the seventh Earl 
 of Eglintoun, and widow of Robert Seton, younger of 
 Hailes, who died in 1655 leaving a son by her called 
 Robert. On 7th May 1659, Anne, Duchess of Hamil- 
 ton, writing from Beill to her cousin, the Countess of 
 Findlater, congratulates her on her 4 safftie and being 
 with chyld and heartellie wishes ' her a 4 hapy deleverie.' 
 She sends her ' 2 rouls of the salve for sore breasts,' and 
 adds, 4 what I humblie conceaved usfull to be tacken 
 for your selff or chyld you will fynd in the recepts.' 
 
 Two Ogilvies of Findlater had contracted marriages 
 with Marion, daughter of William, sixth Lord Livingston, 
 c. 30th October 1558, and with Agnes, daughter of Robert, 
 third Lord Elphinstone. Daughters of the house of 
 Findlater had, before 1660, married into the families 
 of the Earl of Buchan, the Lord Forbes of Pitsligo, the 
 Lord Gray, the laird of Grant, Urquhart of Cromarty, 
 Dunbar of Westfleld, and Munro of Fowlis, etc. The 
 Ogilvies of Findlater were also chiefs of the Ogilvies of 
 Boyne, and of the Ogilvies of Banff, who became, on 
 31st August 1642, Lords Banff. 
 
 If James Ogilvie had powerful relatives and connections 
 on his father's side, he had, if possible, more powerful 
 ones on his mother's side of the house. Anna Mont- 
 gomerie his mother was the only child of Hugh, Lord 
 Montgomerie, afterwards seventh Earl of Eglintoun, by 
 his first wife, Lady Anna Hamilton, daughter of James, 
 second Marquess of Hamilton. In this way he inherited 
 
x CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 the strong influence of the powerful house of Hamilton. 
 As Lady Anna Hamilton's contract of marriage was dated 
 7th and 13th April 1631, and as she died at Struthers 
 in Fife on 16th October 1632, his mother, Lady Anna 
 Montgomerie, must have been born sometime that latter 
 year. Lady Anna Hamilton's two eldest brothers were 
 the first and second Dukes of Hamilton. James, the 
 first duke, fought as a Royalist in the Civil War, and 
 was beheaded in Palace Yard in 1649. Her brother 
 William, the second duke, fought for King Charles at 
 Worcester, and died on 12th September 1651, nine days 
 after that battle. Her sister Margaret married John, 
 seventeenth Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, and had 
 daughters, Anna, who married John, Earl, afterwards 
 Duke of Rothes, Christian, who married John, Earl 
 of Haddington, and Elizabeth, who married David, 
 Earl of Northesk. These three ladies, influentially 
 married, were therefore first cousins of Lady Anna 
 Montgomerie. They frequently corresponded with her, 
 especially Anna Lindsay, wife of the Duke of Rothes, 
 who during the reign of Charles the Second was a power- 
 ful Scots politician. 
 
 Writing on the 9th of November 1664 from ' Halirud 
 hous ' to the Countess of Findlater, A. Lindsay, as she 
 signs herself, says : — 
 
 Sine ye are pleased to inquyr if my Lord be Chanseler, 
 I shall tell you it hath plased his Magestie to apoint my 
 Lord to keep the seill till such time as on be nominat ; 
 and for sume time hath ordened him his Comitionar, ther 
 being ane Asemblie to sit in sume munthes. Such a 
 weghtie charg his frindes could have wished he had not 
 layne onder ; bot he hath submited to the King's comands. 
 The Lord derect him, for he never stoud in more neid of 
 help from God. 
 
 Anne, eldest daughter of the first duke, and cousin of 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xi 
 
 Lady Anna Montgomerie, succeeded William, the second 
 duke, as Duchess of Hamilton in her own right. On 
 29th of April 1656 she married William Douglas, Earl 
 of Selkirk, who was at the Restoration created third 
 Duke of Hamilton. The duchess's letters to her cousin, 
 the Countess of Findlater, show that both she and her 
 husband the duke were tinged with the strict religious 
 views of the West of Scotland, and that he, though anxious 
 for place, had little influence in the councils of Charles, 
 and James. At the Revolution he supported William, 
 and his influence then became supreme in the government 
 of Scotland. Her letters also show that she and the 
 duke fully recognised the claims of kinship, and that they 
 were ready to use, and did on occasion use their influence 
 on behalf of James Ogilvie. 
 
 Duke William's eldest daughter Anne, who was one of 
 the beauties at the Court of Charles Second, married in 
 1664 Lord Carnegie, afterwards third Earl of Southesk. 
 The interest attaching to one who figures in Pepys's 
 Diary and in Count Grammont's Memoirs may excuse 
 the inclusion of the following family letter from the 
 duchess to her cousin at Findlater. 
 
 Hamilton, 25 Septr. 1665. 
 Dear Cousen, — The concerne you express for our 
 uncles daughter 1 is verie acceptable to me, as also I 
 take verie kindlie y r Lords carrage in itt. But alias as to 
 her she is rueined on so menie accounts, that I cannot 
 tell you on which most ; for that of y r brother in law itt 
 is long since itt hes bene talked, but with y r owne brother 
 she has sufered more in her honner. She is at present 
 at Keperington with her sister Killmars ; 2 but what her 
 carrage now is since she went to that place, which is 
 about a month agoe, I know not. Itt is long since she 
 past my power ; but the perticulars of this is to teadeous 
 
 1 Anne Hamilton, Lady Carnegie. 
 
 2 Elizabeth, wife of Lord Kilmaurs, eldest son of the Earl of Glencairn. 
 
xii CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 to writt, and besides a verie unplesent subject, so I shall 
 leave itt, and lett you know that my sister was verie wel 
 in France the last time I heard from her. She is with 
 Queen mother, and I blese God in verie much reputation ; 
 and tho we ar all so farr distant on from another, yet I 
 doe not dispare of all our metting heire againe, which 
 that itt may be sone I doubt not but that you will joyne 
 in the wishing with, deare cousen, Your most affect, 
 cousen and servant, Hamilton. 
 
 Duke William's third daughter Mary was three times 
 married : first to the Earl of Callander, then to Sir James 
 Livingston of Westquarter, and third to James, third 
 Earl of Findlater. 
 
 The Eglintoun connections were also large and powerful. 
 Lady Anna Montgomerie's grandfather, Alexander Mont- 
 gomerie, son of Robert Seton, first Earl of Winton, married, 
 on 22nd June 1612, Anna, eldest daughter of Alexander, 
 first Earl of Linlithgow. Her father, Hugh, was a learned 
 nobleman. Both grandfather and father were zealous 
 Royalists and suffered in that cause. 
 
 Writing to Ladie Anne Montgomerie from ' Bredicke ' 
 on 6 11th Apriell 1651,' in answer, the Duchess of Hamil- 
 ton says : — 
 
 Deare Cousen, — I have receved both yours, and must 
 tell you that I have a part of your grefe, you shoulde 
 not be senceablie of what has befallen your gran- 
 father. I can not wishe but to be so affiected as I 
 finde you are, may ofende the Lord, who even in this 
 dispentation has showed great mercie to you. Your 
 father tho takein yet itt plessed the Lord to delivere 
 out of thare hands, and your granfather is alife ; and if 
 the Lord thinke fett he will allso deliver him. And, my 
 deare cousen, submite to the Lord who doth all thinges 
 for the best to them that love him ; and in so doien you 
 shall finde comfort in your greatest troble, etc. . . . 
 
 Her uncles, Colonel James Montgomerie of Coilsfield 
 and Major- General Robert Montgomerie, also fought on 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xiii 
 
 the Royalist side in the Civil War. Her aunt Margaret 
 married, as his second wife, William, eighth Earl of 
 Glencairn. By his second wife, Marie Leslie, eldest 
 daughter of John, sixth Earl of Rothes, Hugh, seventh 
 Earl of Eglintoun, had a numerous family : two sons, 
 Alexander, who became eighth earl in March 1689, and 
 Francis of Giffen ; and five daughters, who all made in- 
 fluential marriages. Mary married, on 4th September 
 1662, George, fourth Earl of Winton. Margaret married, 
 on 30th April 1667, James, third Earl of Loudoun. 
 Christian married, on 16th February 1672, John, fourth 
 Lord Balmerino. Helenor married David Dunbar, 
 younger of Baldoon. Anne married first, c. 30th December 
 1675, Sir Andrew Ramsay of Waughton ; and second, in 
 the last week of December 1682, Sir Patrick Ogilvie of 
 Boyne, Lord Boyne. 
 
 In his rising these manifold family relationships, with 
 their intricate intercrossings, were of great advantage 
 to James Ogilvie ; and when he had attained political 
 greatness they were much urged in return as reasons 
 why favours should be granted by him. It will be seen 
 in course, that those relationships mentioned do not 
 nearly exhaust the tale of his relatives. They may be 
 taken, however, as James Ogilvie' s own estimate of what 
 he considered most influential in his own family con- 
 nections. Years afterwards, in 1704, when he had reached 
 the proud position of Lord High Chancellor of Scot- 
 land, round his portrait he had engraved the names 
 of the following noble families with whom he was con- 
 nected, the Duke of Hamilton and the Earls of Morton, 
 Glencairn, Rothes, Linlithgow, Broadalbin, Eglinton, and 
 Findlater. 
 
 James, third Earl of Findlater, figures largely in the 
 following correspondence, and abundant light is thrown 
 upon his character and pursuits. He was a nobleman 
 
xiv CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 of genuinely religious instincts and of scholarly tastes, his 
 book bill forming a considerable item of his yearly ex- 
 penditure. He was a keen sportsman and a kindly 
 neighbour. Like most Scots nobleman of his time, he 
 was in deep chronic money difficulties. He and his 
 countess were devoted parents to their large family. 
 
 A few notes on the family culled from the Seafield Corre- 
 spondence prior to 1685 may be of interest as amplifying 
 the account in the latest Peerage of Scotland. Their 
 first-born seems to have died at birth in 1659. Writing 
 to the countess on 14th July 1660, her cousin, Anna 
 Lindsay, wife of the Earl of Rothes, says how pleased 
 she is to hear of her 4 safe delivre of a liveing chyld.' 
 This was Walter, Lord Deskford. The inscription on 
 the monument in Cullen Church, placed by his son, the 
 fifth Earl of Findlater, gives James's birth as 11th July 
 1663. Two years later Patrick, their third son, was born. 
 On 31st May 1665, the Duchess of Hamilton writing from 
 Hamilton to the Countess of Findlater, says : — 
 
 Deare Cousen, — I was verie glad to heire of yr beien 
 safe delivered, none of y r friends beien more concerned 
 in you then I am. When you did me the kindness to 
 send heire I was then lyin in, which I beleve my La. 
 Margret Kennedie accquainted you with. I will now say 
 but lettell to you, knowing that itt is best for you to faver 
 yr eyes much for a while after y r bearing a child, etc. . . . 
 
 Hamilton. 
 
 A daughter was born before July 1666, but did not live 
 long. Writing from Lesly on the 2nd December 1666 to 
 the Countess of Findlater, Anna Lindsay says : — 
 
 I ame sorie for the bad news that y r leter broght me of 
 the remowall of yr suit litell lady. The Lord santifie that 
 trayell to you, for to part with a beloved chyld is no small 
 deficoltie. 
 
 In the summer of 1667 the children came safely through 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xv 
 
 the hazard of smallpox ; and somewhat later that year 
 another daughter, named Marie after the Countess of 
 Eglintoun, was born. In July 1668 a son was born, and 
 was named Hew after the Earl of Eglintoun. In 1669 
 the countess writes of having four sons and one daughter. 
 Later that year, about July or August, she had another 
 child ; and in December she writes of the death of some 
 of the children. Who these were can only be surmised. 
 They were not Lord Deskford, James, Patrick, nor Marie. 
 About June 1670 she had a daughter, probably Anna. 
 Before 19th April 1672 she had another son ; and in 
 February 1673 she had a son, named Robert after her 
 uncle, Robert Montgomerie. Lady Findlater was a care- 
 ful mother of great good sense, whose time was much 
 taken up with the care and upbringing of her numerous 
 children. 
 
 In 1673, while the earl and she were in the south visit- 
 ing their relations at Loudoun and Cassillis, the children 
 were left to the care and teaching of Mr. Patrick Innes, 
 a clergyman who continued for some years to act as tutor 
 to them, and who afterwards was presented by the earl 
 to the charge of Banff. In May 1675, Walter, Lord 
 Deskford, and James Ogilvie were sent to the University 
 in Aberdeen. They were accompanied by their tutor, Mr. 
 Innes, under whose care they remained. Over all three 
 a general oversight was entrusted to the Rev. Mr. George 
 Meldrum, a clergyman of Aberdeen, a lifelong friend of the 
 family, whose voluminous and sanctified letters to the 
 countess, with their many quotations from Scripture and 
 crabbed writing, give every information except what one 
 wishes. We find from the registers of Marischal College, 
 Aberdeen, that Lord Deskford and James Ogilvie, his 
 brother, entered that University in 1675. Lord Deskford 
 distinguished himself in sport, winning in 1676, the 
 Archery Prize, a silver arrow. 
 
 b 
 
xvi CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Mr. Patrick Innes, their tutor, thus speaks of them 
 and their entering College in 1676 : — 
 
 To LO. FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — . . . Your LoP s children, blessed be God, are 
 in health, and diligent at their books. My Lord Deskfoord 
 is desirous that the peace for the silver arrow be made ; 
 and I cannot imploy anie in it, till I receive that fancie 
 and motto your LoP would have on it. I intreit your 
 LoP will send it with the first occasion. William Thomson 
 tells me there are some of your LoP s books come to Leith, 
 and he expects them shortlie in this town. ... I have 
 entered the children to the Colledge, where they were 
 entertained with much respect and great protestations 
 of kindnesse from all the masters. The Councill of Abd., 
 upon Baillie Molisones desire, hes appointed the marriage 
 desk in the old church for their seat. I am satisfied to 
 see how respectfull the carriage of all in this place is to- 
 ward them, and on the other hand how obleidging they 
 are. . . . Mr. Pat Innes. 
 
 Abd., May 12, '76. 
 
 Next month Mr. Meldrum reports thus favourably on 
 them. 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Madam, — . . . Your noble and hopefull children are in 
 good health and very carefull to improve all meanes of 
 their education, as much as the meanest in the place. . . . 
 
 Mr. G. Meldrum. 
 
 Abd., June 3d, 1676. 
 
 They returned presumably for their second session in 
 December 1676. 
 
 To LO. FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — . . . They are in health, and have sustained 
 no prejudice by their journey ; they are diligent at their 
 book, and have allreadie neer come up to the rest of their 
 classe in the logicks. Mr. Pat Innes. 
 
 Abd., Deer. 14, 1676. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xvii 
 
 The following letter from Mr. James gives a glimpse of 
 life at the University of Dugald Dalgetty : — 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Abd., Januarie 3, 1677. 
 Madam, — . . . I intreat that your La. may send in the 
 horses for us the nixt week. I asure your La. I shal give 
 no les pans to my book when I am in Cullen then I doe now, 
 but rather more. Thier has been a pley in the Marischal 
 Colledge leatly ; and, when the masters were going to 
 punish them that were fighting, the old town colledginers 
 came over to the new town with swirds and pistols, and 
 did take the lads that should have been punisched over 
 to the old town with them. I shal leave off to truble 
 you any more, but that I am, Your La. most deutiful and 
 obedient sone. James Ogilvie. 
 
 The following letters show that they attended Mari- 
 schal College at least a third session, and that they did 
 not neglect dancing. 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Abd. 9 March 1, 1677. 
 Madam, — . . . I think I have not forgot my dance as 
 yet, for I am sure al the dances I danced before Hacknie [?] 
 I danced them as weal as ever I did in my life. . . . 
 
 James Ogilvie. 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Madam, — Your noble and hopefull children arrived here 
 yesternight about 5 aclock at night, when we were not 
 expecting them ; and though their coming was very 
 refreshfull to me, yet the joy was somewhat diminished 
 with the fear they might be prejudged with the rayn they 
 gott. Bot I found, blessed be God, they valued it not ; 
 and were no whit worse, and are this morning in good 
 health. . . . 
 
 I find . . . your Ladyship hath been very f ordward to 
 send them in seasonably to the colledge, which was very 
 comendable, and doth shew your affectionat desire of 
 their company, and your satisfaction therin, to be ruled 
 
xviii CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 by reason, and that you preferre their good education 
 therto. . . . Mr. G. Meldrum. 
 
 Abd., J amy. ii., 1678. 
 
 These were the days of Regents in the Scots universities, 
 encyclopaedic teachers who usually in turn carried their 
 students through their whole curriculum from start to 
 graduation. A Regent's prelections, included logic, 
 physics, arithmetic, geometry, moral philosophy, and 
 economics. The University registers do not show 
 whether Lord Deskford and James Ogilvie graduated or 
 not. 
 
 In June 1680, James Ogilvie was in Edinburgh. The 
 following letters to his mother and father, if they do not 
 disclose what he was following after, show the everlasting 
 dependence of youth. 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Edenbrugh, June ii., 1680. 
 Madam, — ... I intreat your La. would speak to my 
 Lord to send me some mony, as soon as he can ; for the 
 expense I was on the rod, and the buying of my cloths has 
 spent the litle money and gold I had of my own when I 
 came from Cullen ; and, if I get not money sent me 
 shortly, I will be forced to cheang some of your La. gold. 
 . . . Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 To LO. FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., July the 1, 1680. 
 My Lord, — ... I have litle or no money at a, and 
 I have no expectatione of geting money from Boin; for 
 although he promised once to give me some money, yet 
 since that time he has gone to the west, and has left no 
 word to me from whome I might expect the money. And 
 I know I wil get none from him, for he has very many 
 seeking money from him hier that has goten none. I hope 
 your Lo. wil take some speedy course for geting me money, 
 for I have none. Their is no neus in this toune ; and 
 we expect none til the Duke of Rothes come. I shal 
 leave to your Lo. any furter bot that I am, Your Lo. most 
 obedient sone, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xix 
 
 Whether James Ogilvie was then studying law or not 
 the correspondence does not disclose, though very favour- 
 able accounts of him were sent north by his relatives in 
 the south. On the 20th of December 1681, A. Lindsay, 
 Duchess of Rothes, announcing to her cousin the death 
 of the duke after thirty-three years of wedded life, speaks 
 of Mr. James as 6 your son a youth so hopefull in my 
 opinion as I sie few so well qualified of any condision.' 
 His parents' ambition for him and for Lord Deskford 
 was the army. The two following letters of 30th March, 
 1682, from the Duchess of Hamilton and her son, Lord 
 Aran, show this : — 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Hamilton, 30 March '82. 
 Deare Madame, — Yrs of the 20 instant was verie 
 wellcome, and the more that y r son did me the kindnes 
 to come heere with itt. And I am verie glad to see him 
 so hopefull a young man. . . . My son Jeames is heere, 
 who professes all the inclinations posseable to serve y r 
 sons my Lord Deskfourd and his brother in what you 
 propose ; but that regement whereof the Prince of Orang 
 has given him the comand is an old on, and att present 
 all full of officeers, but if you think fitt to lett them come 
 thare, when James is in Holland att which time you shall 
 be advertised, he will doe all he can for there serves, in 
 which if he failed none should blame him more then I. 
 But, what fault soever he has, he is not guilty of un- 
 concernednes in his friends, when any way in his power 
 to serve them ; and heere- after men for the levies may 
 come in better session then att this time, where they have 
 almost gott up what they wanted. ... I doubt not but 
 you have heard of the death of my deare son Will. . . . 
 My Lord is not yet come home. He has ben most of this 
 session att Ed. . . . Adieu. 
 
 For THE COUNTESSE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Hamilton, March 30, 1682. 
 Madame, — I can't but think I ame oblidged to give 
 
xx CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 yow manie thankes for the kind offer your Lord and yow 
 meakes me, in suffering your sone my Lord Deskford to 
 taike a shaire of my fortune in the worlde ; and ther is 
 nothing I regrait more then not beieng able to serve him 
 as he deserves and as I incline. The regiment that is to 
 be under my comand in Holland is of ane old standing, 
 and the recrutes that I ame now meaking are onlie to adde 
 to the companies that are alridie ther ; soe I have it not 
 in my pour to disposse of anie companies, but ther being 
 manie Dutch in my regiment will meak me indeavour, 
 when I ame upon the place, to gett them some otherwayes 
 provided, and by that means I may be able in some 
 measure to serve my freindes. But that will be the 
 worke of some tyme, tho you may be suir nothing will 
 meak me soe sollicitous in effectuating this designe then 
 the serving thos I love so weel as your childirine. I ame 
 not to be thanked for this, since it is so naturall to me love 
 what is come of a Hamilton soe well beloved by my 
 grandfather. If, when I ame in Holland (of which yow 
 shall not faill to be aqwanted), yow will send your sones 
 ther, they may assure them selves of all the service I ame 
 capable of shoieing them and yow that I ame, Madam, 
 Your La. most affectionat cusing and humble servant, 
 
 Aran. 
 
 I can't but again returne your Lord thankes with assur- 
 ing him of my constant service. 
 
 Whether Lord Deskford went to Holland is not specific- 
 ally stated. Writing on 26th June 1683 to his niece, 
 Lady Findlater, Robert Montgomerie says : 8 I wes most 
 glade to hear that yor sonne had gotten a company in 
 the States service and everie on commends him as a fyne 
 gentleman.' It is certain that Mr. James was in Holland 
 at that time, and he may be referred to. The following 
 letter shows that he did not remain long abroad. 
 
 To LA. FINDLATER 
 
 Edr. } Septr. 2, 1683. 
 Madam, — I doubt not bot befor this time your La. hes 
 heard of my being come home. I would have writtne 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxi 
 
 to your La. immediatly after my landing, bot that I 
 thougt to have been in the north sooner then any letter 
 could come to your La. hands. Bot having the occasione 
 of Mr. George Meldrume goeing north, I having resolved 
 to delay my jorney until my Lord Boyn goe, ... I 
 thoght it my dutie to let your La. know that, blissed be 
 God, I am come safe this lenth, and nothing the worse 
 of my woage. I would have come by London, bot that 
 since the conspiracie ther are none comes from Holand 
 bot are immedially sent to prisone, and when they are att 
 London they most have ther pass under the Great Seale 
 othewayes they will be stopt att evrie willage. . . . 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 After his return from Holland he pursued his legal studies 
 in Edinburgh. His aunt, Lady Loudoun, writing to his 
 mother on 2nd April 1684, speaks of him as a 4 credit to 
 al his relasions, and a confort to you in your ould eage, 
 for I never hirde a yong person so generallie estimed.' 
 In January 1685 he was admitted an advocate. 
 
 The following Correspondence, which commences in 1685 
 and ends in 1708, is published for the first time. It is 
 only a contribution to the numerous published letters 
 written by, to, or concerning the Chancellor Earl of Sea- 
 field. In the Car stares State Papers and Letters more 
 letters from Mr. James Ogilvie are printed than from any 
 other single correspondent. Many Seafield letters are 
 published in the Marchmont Papers, and in other publica- 
 tions dealing with contemporary statesmen. The Histor- 
 ical MSS. Commission has twice made drafts on the 
 correspondence at Cullen House, and the letters pub- 
 lished, especially in the Fourteenth Report, Appendix, 
 Part in., are of special value. The present collection has 
 been divided into chapters synchronising with the various 
 important periods of Mr. James Ogilvie' s career. The 
 letters touch on many varied interests, and are written 
 by many persons. In editing them the thinnest narrative 
 
xxii CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 setting, and annotations on the less known correspondents 
 and persons and events referred to have been introduced 
 to illustrate the varied subject-matter. Only the briefest 
 summary, therefore, of the principal incidents treated is 
 necessary here. 
 
 During the comparatively obscure reign of James the 
 Second, where fresh material is always interesting, Mr. 
 James Ogilvie was in Edinburgh building up, with the 
 assistance of his relatives, the Hamiltons, Eglintouns, and 
 Sir Patrick Ogilvie, Lord Boyne, his practice as an advo- 
 cate. Apart from the current family news about the 
 Findlater family and their relatives and acquaintances, 
 including suchlike matters as the negotiations for Lord 
 Deskford's marriage with the Archbishop of St. Andrews' 
 daughter, the rupture between Lord Boyne and his lady, 
 referred to by Lord Fountainhall, and Mr. James Ogilvie' s 
 own marriage and his mother's death, the political incidents 
 of Argyll's rebellion, the opposition of Parliament and the 
 country to the Romanising policy of the King, and the 
 landing of William of Orange are illustrated in the Corre- 
 spondence, mainly from a Banffshire point of view. In 
 William's reign similar northern views are given of incidents 
 in the rising of Dundee, and in the subsequent pacification 
 of Scotland by General Mackay. The same local colouring 
 characterises many of the letters throughout the collection, 
 and, apart from its general Scottish interest, gives it an 
 interest specially peculiar to the north of Scotland. 
 
 On 1st March 1689, Mr. James Ogilvie was returned to 
 the Convention Parliament as Commissioner for Cullen. 
 Later that year he was knighted. In March 1693, aided 
 by his relative the Duke of Hamilton, William's chief 
 minister in Scotland, he entered the Government of Scot- 
 land as Solicitor-General. In that position, and in various 
 higher ones, he held office continuously down to the union 
 of the Parliaments in 1707 and later. His career thus 
 became identified with the political history of his time, 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 xxiii 
 
 and the Seafield Correspondence, besides illustrating con- 
 temporary political history, affords material for a revised 
 and higher estimate than the common one borrowed from 
 Lockhart and other contemporary political annalists, of 
 his worth and integrity as a patriotic statesman. 
 
 In the letters of the period when he held office as Solicitor- 
 General interesting references are made to the last romantic 
 episode of Dundee's rising, the siege of the Bass, to the 
 struggle for sea power between England and France, to 
 depredations on Scots sea-borne commerce by French 
 privateers, to threatened invasion of Scotland from France, 
 and to Jacobite intrigue in England and in Scotland. 
 Much information is given of the slow abandonment of 
 Episcopacy, and of the consequent slow establishment of 
 Presbytery in the north of Scotland, a settlement which 
 was not completed when Queen Anne came to the throne. 
 Many matters of ordinary administration are mentioned, 
 and an old world reference to trial for witchcraft may be 
 noted. References during this and subsequent periods to 
 the use of influence or 4 moyen,' with judges to bias their 
 decisions, are notable, as showing that our law-courts have 
 now reached a more detached and impartial position. 
 
 The great continental struggle with Louis xiv. was still 
 in progress when Sir James Ogilvie, who as Solicitor- 
 General had visited London more than once, and who had 
 favourably impressed King William, was promoted in 1696 
 to the important office of Joint Secretary of State for 
 Scotland. With his advancement to that office commenced 
 his long, voluminous, and important correspondence with 
 Carstares, King William's chaplain and confidential adviser 
 in Scots affairs. With that same year came the outburst 
 in colonising and trading activity in Scotland associated 
 with the incorporation of the African Company. The 
 expedition to Darien followed, with its subsequent politi- 
 cal complications and ill-fated ending. Fresh light is 
 thrown on various phases of this tragic episode in Scots 
 
xxiv CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 history, whose most redeeming feature was its compelling 
 effect on a corporate union of England and Scotland ; and 
 Seafield's intervention in the matter of Darien was all 
 through probably more patriotic than his contemporaries 
 allowed. A necessary outcome of the wars of William 
 and Anne was the development, for the defence of the 
 growing sea-borne commerce of Scotland, of the Scots navy, 
 one of the least -known subjects of the history of the 
 period, and several important notes on the small Scots navy 
 of these reigns are scattered through the Correspondence. 
 
 The policy of an incorporating union, so urgent on 
 account of the complications arising out of the Darien 
 episode, was handed on to his successor by William, whose 
 sudden death in the spring of 1702 is graphically described 
 by the Countess of Seafield. In Queen Anne's reign Sea- 
 field, unlike most of William's ministers, maintained his 
 position, and amid the many changes necessary in the 
 troubled negotiations that preceded the union, he was 
 continuously in office, occupying as circumstances dictated 
 the positions of Secretary of State or Lord High Chan- 
 cellor. The tragic incident of Captain Green and his crew 
 in 1705, which is voluminously discussed, finally impressed 
 on Scots and English statesmen alike the absolute neces- 
 sity of an incorporating union, and Seafield, with his 
 suave and diplomatic methods, contributed as Lord High 
 Chancellor more than his share towards that great con- 
 summation. Various jarring incidents of administration 
 which followed the union are mentioned ; and this Corre- 
 spondence ends with an original contemporary and partly 
 official account of the French invasion of Scotland in 1708. 
 
 During his public career Seafield had at his command 
 the faithful services of several assistants, for whom in turn 
 he secured promotion. Nicolas Dunbar, Sheriff-Depute 
 of Banffshire ; John Anderson, Depute-Clerk to the Privy 
 Council of Scotland ; James Baird, Writer to the Signet ; 
 Alexander Ogilvie, Deputy Keeper of the Signet, after- 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 XXV 
 
 wards Lord Forglen ; and John Philp, his private secre- 
 tary, were amongst these, and their numerous letters on the 
 public and private affairs of the time enhance the interest 
 of the collection. 
 
 Amid all his public work Seafield did not neglect the 
 interests of his family, or his own interests as a landlord. 
 His courteous and considerate treatment of his father, 
 who had early handed over to him the burdened family 
 estates, is notable, as was also the care and attention he 
 and his countess bestowed on the education of their son 
 Lord Deskford. At the same time, his moderation in 
 pressing the advancement of the material interests of his 
 relations was remarkable in such an age. In the manage- 
 ment of his estates he had the able and wise assistance 
 of his wife and of William Lorimer his chamberlain, and 
 many of the letters illustrate a bygone phase of land- 
 ownership, when rents were mostly paid in kind, and the 
 proprietor had to engage in the pursuit of a grain mer- 
 chant, exporting bere, oats, and meal to Leith. Scotland 
 was then miserably poor. Many of the letters contain 
 little more than requests for loans, and for the repayment 
 of money lent. Land, the chief wealth of the country, 
 seems generally to have been mortgaged to the hilt, and 
 many landowners, with no adventitious means of increasing 
 their wealth, were falling into decay and were being sold 
 out. Sir Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne, on whose park at 
 Boyne Portsoy, Seafield, his brother Patrick, and young 
 Boyne had played long gauff in 1690, was one of many 
 such proprietors. On Boyne's fallen fortunes Seafield, 
 who had out of his handsome official salaries redeemed his 
 own family estates, extended his holding in land, and with 
 other purchases, such as Kempcairn in Keith, refounded 
 the extensive domain of Seafield. Similarly Braco, an- 
 cestor of the Duke of Fife, was then building up the 
 extensive Fife domain, and we have a glimpse of the 
 process in his purchase of the Airlie estate in Banff, which 
 
xxvi CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 the Earl of Airlie, whose sportsmanlike letters, with their 
 references to his falcons and airie, have an old-time note, 
 was forced to relinquish in 1700. The Correspondence 
 throws light on many other phases of the domestic history 
 of Scotland in those days not touched on here, and illus- 
 trates in many ways the condition of the country and the 
 manners and customs of the time. 
 
 In editing the letters no alteration has been made on 
 their text except the use of modern punctuation, and the 
 substitution of capital letters for small ones, according to 
 modern usage, and vice versa. A very few conjectures 
 filling small gaps in the letters are enclosed in square 
 brackets. The annotations are in smaller type. 
 
 A very few of the papers and letters published are, 
 where stated in the notes, taken from State Papers of 
 Scotland in the Record Office, London. 
 
 I desire to convey my best thanks to the Countess - 
 Dowager of Seafield for the unrestricted use of the original 
 letters, and gratefully to acknowledge the valuable assist- 
 ance in transcription and advice I have received from 
 Miss Norah Kerr, London. I desire also cordially to thank 
 Dr. Maitland Thomson, Honorary Secretary of the Society, 
 for his ever ready advice and help. 
 
 JAMES GRANT. 
 
 Banff, September 1911. 
 
 The above note of thanks was written before the 
 lamented death of the Countess-Dowager of Seafield at 
 Cullen House on 6th October 1911, a lady of innate 
 modesty and singleness of purpose and very charitable, 
 who for twenty-seven years managed the extensive Seafield 
 estates with great wisdom. J. G. 
 
 Banff, Uth October 1911. 
 
SEAFIELD CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 LETTERS DURING THE REIGN OF JAMES, 
 from 1685 to 1688 
 
 On the 6th of February 1685 Charles n. died at Whitehall. 
 On the 11th the Duchess of Hamilton, writing to her cousin, 
 refers to the King's death, and to her children's prospects in 
 the following letter : — 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FENDLATOR 
 
 Holyrud House, 11 Feb. 1685. 
 Deare Madam, — I have receved y rs and has seen y r 
 letter to y r brother ; as also y r sister since I came heire 
 has tould me y r condition, which I am verie senceable of, 
 and the more that I know so littell how to helpe efectually 
 those presing defeculties you ar lying under. I beleive 
 my Lord Boyne may doe more then others to prevail with 
 y r Lord ; but in any way you judge fettest I shall be most 
 willing to use my indevores for y r serves, and therefore 
 while I am in toune that I may heire from you, which itts 
 like may not be so long as was thought, for the sad news 
 of the Kings death has put a close to that Part 
 that was to have satt in March. My Lord has not ben 
 well of laitt, and on the account of his health will stay as 
 short while heere as he can. He presents his humble 
 serves to y r La. My son Aran has ben so unhappy as to be 
 in France at this time, and so not waiting on the King in 
 his sicknes and death, which will be a verie great grife to 
 him. I have three sons besides him in France. My too 
 youngest ar att the coll edge at Glasgow. My daughter 
 Susan is maryed to my Lord Cochran ; and I have only 
 
 A 
 
2 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 my youngest daughter Meg with me. I heire y r daughters 
 ar verie handsume wemen. I should be verie glad to see 
 you and them ; and hopes we may yet have a happy 
 metting, notwithstanding all the defeculties that lyes in 
 the way. — So, deare cusen, adieu. 
 
 The Scots Parliament was called sooner than the Duchess of 
 Hamilton had anticipated, and the 23rd of April saw its down- 
 sitting in Edinburgh. Five days later George Leslye of Burds- 
 bank, representative of the Royal Burgh of Cullen, gives his 
 impressions of the session in the following letter to his friend 
 and neighbour the Earl of Findlater. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 Edr. Ap. 28, 85. 
 
 My Lord, — I acknowledge my owersight and neglect off 
 my duty, that till now I have newer giwen you the trouble 
 off ane lyne since my heircomeing ; ffor till now I had 
 little qrwith to trouble your Lop. Your sone my Lo. 
 Deskfoord is weill ; and I assure your LoP, ffor any thing 
 I can find or see, caries wery weill, liwes handsomelie yet 
 saweinglie, and hes abundance off ffawour from his noble 
 relationes and ffrinds heir, and sail not want all the en- 
 curradgement ffrindship and serwice in my power. The 
 first day ther wes little done in Partiat, the rolls called, 
 the Commissioners commissione read, the Registers 
 patent as Wiscount of Tarbett read and published, the 
 Articles settled, ther being non benorth Tay on them, 
 and all members took the test. Yesterday the Pariatt 
 satt qn many off the contrawerted elecns wer cleired. 
 Some shyres, to witt Air and Merse, are ordered to elect 
 off new. Pitmedden 1 and Pittrichie 2 caries for Abd. The 
 Protestant religione is secured by ane act off fywe or six 
 lynes, all fformer acts made theranent being ratified and 
 approwen. The excyse setled till the first of Aug. 
 enseweing as it wes institute in Midletouns Parliatt ; and 
 therefter it is ffor ewer annexed to the croun, to this 
 
 1 Sir Alexander Seton, Lord Pitmedden. 
 
 2 Sir Charles Maitland. 
 
1685] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 King, and to his lauoll airs and surs qtsoewer, with this 
 qualitie that its collected according to the act in the last 
 Parliatt, only to be lewied from off the breawers, the 
 commissioners and land rent being to be free. This is 
 all that is done as yett. The Parliament sitts on ffryday 
 againe att ten acloack. Ther is ane anssr drawen to the 
 Kings letter to be sent to his Majtie. The present taxmen 
 are endeawouring to farm the excyse off the whole natione ; 
 and it is only continowed till Aug., till they settle upon 
 it. Ther wes ane great traitt that night, efter the Parliatt 
 wes ridden, giwen by the Commissioner to the members 
 off Parliatt who wer invited, to qch I wes ane witnes and 
 partaker, and did see particularlie how things wer ordered ; 
 bot most tell your LoP this Parliatt hes not that splendour, 
 as your LoP and I both hawe seen, and ther way now is 
 farr unlyk to the deportment off thes who are now away 
 and gone. I presume on your Lo s ffawour in respect I will 
 by this tyme be scant off strae att Banff, that qn James 
 Cock sends my hors to your LoP ye will doe me that kynd- 
 nes to permitt him runn in your park till I come home. 
 My Lo. Airly looks not so weill upon it, and says he will 
 be north this summer. Its thought the Parliatt will sitt 
 all May. The fforfaulters are to be in shortly. I offer 
 my humble duty and service to your LoP and to my Ladye, 
 and by conveniencie att some tymes qn sure occasiones 
 offers your LoP sail have account off the transactiones 
 heir from, My Lord, Your Lo s very affec w nat and oblidged 
 servant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 I fforgot to tell your LoP how ffor honour off our good 
 toun off Cullen I did ryde the Pariiatt. I wes prest to it 
 by severall frinds. I did it on little expenss, and wes weill 
 mounted on ane hors off S r Wm Sharps. 1 
 
 This day the Lo. Gosfoord 2 is gone ffor London, w* ane 
 return to his Majties letter ; and the Burrows this day 
 haveing mett are to putt in to be reponed to ther old 
 priviledges . . . 
 
 1 Of Stonyhill, brother of Archbishop Sharp. 
 
 2 Sir Peter Wedderburne, Commissioner for Haddington. 
 
4 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 A reference to the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland shows 
 that some of the Lords of Articles chosen had interests benorth 
 the Tay, and that the reference to Merse is inaccurate. 
 
 On the 2nd of May Argyll sailed from Holland on his ill-fated 
 expedition. On the 6th he anchored near Kirkwall. Meantime 
 the King, exercising his dispensing power, had appointed the 
 Earl of Dumbarton Lieutenant-General of Scotland, and the Duke 
 of Gordon to the command of the heritors of Aberdeen and 
 Banffshire, though both were Roman Catholics and were legally 
 incapable of holding office. The following letters to the Earl of 
 Findlater from Bailie John Gordon of Banff, Captain of the Burgh 
 militia, from the Duke of Gordon, from James Cock, Town Clerk 
 of Banff, and from Sir Patrick Ogilvie, Lord Boyne, who was as 
 ready to serve in the field as on the bench, throw light on the 
 preparations made in the north to suppress this rebellion, and on 
 the proceedings of the Parliament which sat through the rising. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONNOBLL THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I am to have a rendevouz of my companie 
 of millitia foott att Banff upon Monday nixt be ten 
 acklock, confof to orders receaved yester night from the 
 Earle of Erroll and my Lord Boyne, which cam from 
 Ednbrh by Major Hay. I judged it theirfore my dutie 
 to aquaint yo r Lo. of the day and place, houping yor Lo. 
 will be a good example to the rest of the shyre in sending 
 yor men weill mounted in new hats reid coats shoes 
 and stockings wt lininges conform, but above all weill 
 fixed armes. Yor Lo. knowes the nesessitie, the King and 
 cuntries interest being at the stake, which wt my most 
 humble service presented to yor Lo. my Lady and all 
 yor children is all att present, but that I abyd, My 
 Lord, yor Lo s most humble servitor, Jo. Gordon. 
 
 Banff, 9 May 1685. 
 
 I must beg yo r Lo. to doe me the favor to caus ane of 
 yor millitia men intimat this to the magistrats of Cullen, 
 and any others concerned neir yor Lo' s bounds. 
 
 Auchmeden being heir att meiting intreats yor Lo s 
 
1685] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 5 
 
 prescence att Banff on Monday nixt to concur with the 
 rest of the comissioneres of the shire, who are to meett 
 heir on Monday nixt be ten acklock, off which meetting 
 the Shireff 1 hes given Duke Gordon advertisment pr expres, 
 and is to send over all their names yt does not meett to 
 the Counsell. 
 
 For THE EARLL OFF FINDLATERR 
 
 My Lord, — Yesterday I receavd the favor off a letter 
 from y r Lo. I designd befor that, as now I doe, to give 
 y r Lo. acount that the Cuncell has been plesd to ordder 
 that I shuld assemble the heretors off Banffshyr, and com- 
 mand them when itt shuld bee orderd to march. I have 
 apointed a randevus at Huntly Tuesday nixt, wher 111 ex- 
 pect the honnor off y r Lo. company. Y r Lo. would dooe 
 weell to thinck agan that tim, off whom y r Lo. will mack 
 use for commanding a trupp off w h y r Lo. is to bee capptan. 
 I humbley kiss my Laddy Findlaterrs hands, and I am, 
 Yo. Lo. humble servant, Gordon. 
 
 20 May 85. 
 
 Y r Lo. will dooe me a pleseur to lett me have the use off 
 the prospeck I gave y r Lo. to trey an experiment. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATTER these 
 
 Banff, 20 May 85. 
 My Lord, — Being hurried with tyme I cannot so ffullie 
 wreit to yow as I wold ; but ffinding youer Lo. bearer hear, 
 I could not omitt to let yow know, that just now I received 
 ane ler ffrom Burdsbank, who desyres me to tell youer 
 Lo. that my Lord Deskffoord is werie weill in health, and 
 Burdsbank desyres to be excused that he has not written 
 to youer Lo. He wreits there past 5 acts in Parliament 
 the oyr day, 1, that all Protestants are oblidged to take 
 the test ; 2, is ane act ffor eight moneth cess yearlie dure- 
 ing the Kings lyffe tyme, qch is 3 moneth yearlie by what 
 is alradie imposed ; 3, act anent perscriptiones ; 4, anent 
 
 1 Sir James Baird of Auchmedden. 
 
6 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 
 
 [may 
 
 cetationes and interuptiones ; 5, ane act ratifieing the 
 justices off pace priviledges. There also past three ffor- 
 faltures the said day, wiz. the fforfaltur off Hamiltoune 
 off Monkland, Jereswood, and Argyll. This is the greatest 
 off the newes I have ffrom him. Youer Lo. may be pleased 
 to rei[d] the inclosed proclamatione, qch is to be intimat 
 at all the paroches church nixt Sabath preceislye, as also 
 this inclosed ffrom Ballzie Gordone. Being in haist, I 
 am, My Lo., Youer Lo. most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Cock. 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I am just now, being about 3 in the morning, 
 com to Banff, and shall, God willing, sie yor Lo. att 
 ffordyce tomorrow. Meanetyme I beseech yor Lo. cause 
 intimat to ffordyce, Cullen, and Deskford tomorow att 
 the churche, that our reidgment is to march upon Monday 
 the first of June ; and theirfore all the leaders are to send 
 out good bodies of men, weell furnished with sufficient 
 armes red coates hates stockings etc., and tuentie dayes 
 pey in money, and iff any faill they will be seveirlie 
 punished. — So till meeting I abyd, My Lord, Yor Lo. 
 most humble servantt, Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Banff, 23 May 1685. 
 
 My Lord, yor son will be home this night. 
 
 Lord Findlater was not long in choosing his lieutenant in 
 Alexander Gordon of Laquochie, now Dufftown, in the Lordship 
 of Balvenie, Banffshire. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Laquochie, the 26 May 85. 
 My Lord, — I was informed by my cousine, Mr. Gordon, 
 my Lord Duk's maister husald, that your Lo. disired him 
 to speake to me to be your Lo. leivtenant, and that your 
 Lo. would give me pay ; and if so be your Lo. be still of y* 
 oppinion, their shall non be mor ready to serve your Lo. 
 then my selfe ; and if not, I disir your Lo. to advertis me 
 by the bearer, y* I may dispose of my selfe otherways. 
 
1685] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 7 
 
 If yo r Lo. has gott the list of the troupe, I hope you will 
 have the goodnes as to let me knowe, if his Grace has con- 
 tinued the Balvenie gentelmen in y r Lo. troupe as they 
 listed themselves, that I may cause them order their 
 bagage ackordingly. — W th my dutyfull respects, I am, My 
 Lord, Y r Lo. most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 A. Gordon. 
 
 The three following letters recount the plight of Mr. William 
 Joass of Colleonard, sometime minister of Alvah, a Banffshire 
 heritor, who was unable to take the field, and was therefore 
 compelled to employ an approved substitute. 
 
 ffor THE VERY NOBLE EARLE MY LORD FINDLATER 
 
 these 
 
 Colleonard, May 30, 1685, 
 from my bedsyde. 
 My Lord, — I have just now seen a lyne from yor Lo: 
 to the minister of Bamff, proporting some things anent 
 my out going at this tyme, and insinuating that you would 
 suffer to imploy a man to list in my Lord Bamff his troup, 
 so y* I would give yor Lo. so much money, though it would 
 not be well taken if I should list yr in persone. In trueth 
 my Lord Bamff never spok to me on that head ; nether 
 resolve I ever by myself or myne to turne back to yor 
 Lo s interests nor willingly stand under anothers banner, 
 nor will I give mony that I may be sufferred to doe so. 
 For I resolve not both to give my money and turn my back 
 on such a noble freind, but truelie so that yor Lo. will be- 
 freind in this bussines I wil be very willing to be very 
 thankfull ; and if James Ogilvy be shye I will come, if 
 I can, provyded w* another man who hes given ample 
 prooff of his dexteritie in such exercises. And if he be 
 rejected, I shall follow, though I should be carried in a 
 cart or on a litter, as at this tyme I can not otherwyse be 
 transported considering my present conditione. And I am 
 confident my Lord Duke himself will pitie me on sight. 
 I did not indeed speak to my Lord Bamff on that head, 
 though yr was some litle indirect encouragment given, 
 
8 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 but I did not much believe it. Now, dear my Lord, if 
 you can befreind a distrest servant for the tyme, I 
 beg it of yor Lo., and let me have some significatione 
 of it, for I can not come the lenth unless I would 
 resolve to ly at Cullen till the day of the rendevouz 
 come, for I can nether ryd stand nor walk. Yet I am 
 resolving to ingadge, though I should never returne ; 
 and truelie I am expecting to ingadge in a warefaire of 
 which yr is no discharge, befor wee need fear any feild 
 fighting. — This beeing all my present resolution and 
 request, I rest, My Lord, Yor very humble and very much 
 obleidged servant, W. Joass. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — My brother in law continues sick, and is 
 not able to get out of bed, far more unfitt to travail with 
 the forces ; and I am sure it is not the will of Councill 
 in their proclamation that sick men go to the fields, nor 
 can they reasonably be given up as deficient, if they send 
 any in their room. My Lord, he would get severals to goe 
 for him for a peece of money, and seeing himself was 
 unable to travail and necessitated to give money to an- 
 other to appear for him, I intended that the money given 
 that way should, as much of it as could, come to your 
 LoP s use ; and if I could have got the designe effectuated 
 I thought it was no disservice to your LoP, and Walter 
 Ogilvie being to goe however, I conjectured the pitching 
 on him might promote that designe. If Walter be not 
 engaged for another, Colleonard will allow him besides 
 the five peeces I formerly wrote of, w ch your LoP may 
 imploy as you will, twentie pounds scots ; and if he be 
 engaged, my brother in law will employ another whom 
 my Lord Duke and your LoP shall approve as qualified ; 
 but I shall not wish this, for indeed, my Lord, as I have 
 said, I would wish the money come your way. My Lord 
 Boynd thinks this proposal reasonable and for your LoP s 
 interest, else I should not have offered it again. If 
 Colleonard be able, he will yet come in person and attend 
 
1685] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 9 
 
 your LoP ; neither had he any designe to list himself or 
 any that should serve for him under any other then 
 your LoP. I beg your LoP s answer by the bearer, that my 
 brother may know what resolutions to take. — I am, My 
 Lord, Your LoP s most humbly devoted servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat Innes. 
 
 My Lord, your LoP will assure Colleonard that he shall 
 not be delated as deficient, otherwise he cannot to no 
 purpose bestow charges and expence ; and that being 
 given, no more can be expected but the horse during that 
 service. 
 
 Banff, June 1, 1685. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord,— Being very credibly informed that Mr. W m 
 Joasse of Colleonard is tied to a sick bed, and altogether 
 unable to take out with the present forces, and yet, I hear, 
 very willing to bestow what can be rationally expected 
 for the outing of another in his place, it is my opinion 
 that you imploy your own man Walter Ogilvie for that 
 use ; and as for a little money more then has been offered 
 already (wch is known to yourself and the minister of 
 Banff), a single peace or thereabout, it will be also given. 
 And this being done I persuade myself, on the ministers 
 testimony of his condition, you will get him off at Duke 
 Gordon his hands, and can give him assurance thereof. 
 Master William is an obleidging man though little made 
 for fighting ; and if Walter Ogilvie be otherwise engaged 
 any other whom he shall offer, if qualified, cannot be 
 refused considering his circumstances ; and though he 
 were able, it were fitt for your LoP to have rather a pretty 
 man to back you, than a man only bred a schollar. This 
 overture I hope you will not the more unwillinglie consent 
 unto, that it is the desire of, My Lord, Your LoP humble 
 servant, Patrick Ogilvie. 1 
 
 Banff, June 1, 1685. 
 
 1 Lord Boyne. 
 
10 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 On the 3rd of June the Duke of Gordon had not begun his 
 march south. 
 
 For THE EARLL OFF FINDLATER 
 My Lord, — I sent sum days agon to know the Cuncells 
 orders as to the gard off the cuntrey in the ab. off the 
 heretorrs. I expect the return verry shortly, off w h y r Lo. 
 shall bee informmd at metting. I know nothing off the 
 cavallrie marching south. Doun 1 has particular com- 
 mission from his Majesty to command the Murray heretors 
 in plac off Duff us. I know nothing considderable off newes. 
 I kis my Laddy Findlaterrs hands, and, I am, Y r Lo. 
 most humble servant, Gordon. 
 Jun. 3, '85. 
 
 On the 9th of June the Duchess of Hamilton, writing to her 
 cousin from Edinburgh, describes the movements of her family ; 
 and indicates the troubles and difficulties of the time. 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FINDLETOR 
 
 Ed., 9 June 85. 
 Deare Madam, — I would have wreten to you with y r 
 son my Lord Desford, but his goeing away was so suden 
 as did not alowe me time to doe it ; and now I am also 
 stratened being, if itt please God, to goe aborde this day 
 in a yaught with my Lord for London. We thought to 
 have gone by land, but our sons Aran and Charles came 
 sudenly, to whom my Lord gave his horses, and takes this 
 occasion, which I hope by the blesing of God shall be more 
 easie then if we had gone by land. Thes is a time of great 
 trobles, but God is alsofeshint ; and truly amongst meny 
 perplexing def eculties I am under I doe not f orgett to beare 
 a share with you in y rs . And thus in meny disorders, 
 deare cousen, my Lord is y r humble servant, and I am 
 with much kindnes so to all y rs , and hopes we may yet have 
 a happy metting. Adieu. 
 
 The northern levies under the Duke of Gordon, having moved 
 south, were concentrated mainly on Stirling, the strategic key 
 to the situation in Scotland, should Argyll gain headway and 
 
 1 Lord Doun, eldest son of the Earl of Moray Secretary of State for Scotland. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 11 
 
 advance on Edinburgh. On the 18th of June Lord Boyne dictated 
 the following letter from Stirling to the Earl of Findlater, who 
 was operating under the Duke of Gordon against the rebels in 
 Dumbartonshire. The day before, Argyll and the royalists were 
 within musket-shot at Killearn. In the night the rebels, 
 distracted by contending factions and bad leadership, melted 
 away on the moor of Killearn without striking a blow ; and 
 when Lord Boyne wrote, Argyll was a prisoner on his last 
 journey to Edinburgh. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFIN LATER thes 
 
 Sterling, Jun 18, 85. 
 My Lord, — I have not had occasion to wreat much to 
 you sine we pairted, but wold not neglect this occasion. 
 I can give no news from this pleace save we wer expecting 
 the rebells hear this two days bygon ; but its lyk befor 
 this reach your hands yow will know better then we wher 
 they ar. I intreat to hear how all freinds are with yow, 
 and that yow will present my service to Duck Gordon. — 
 I am, My Lo., Your most humble servant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 I wrot to my son last day. 
 
 On the 30th of June Argyll was beheaded. Next day news 
 came to Edinburgh that his lieutenant, Sir John Cochran, second 
 son of the Earl of Dundonald, had been captured, and was on 
 his way to the tolbooth of Edinburgh. On the 6th of July 
 Monmouth was defeated at Sedgemoor, and the rebellion in 
 England stamped out. He and Lord Grey were taken prisoners ; 
 and with short shrift on the 15th of July Monmouth was beheaded 
 on Tower Hill. This news had in part filtered through to the 
 north of Scotland, when ' Eliza Gordon,' who may have been 
 Elizabeth Howard, Duchess of Gordon, second daughter of the 
 Duke of Norfolk, wrote on 24th July the following letter to her 
 neighbour Lord Findlater. 
 
 fFor THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATERE these 
 
 Gordon Castle, the 24 Jully 85. 
 My Lord, — Upon Fry day last my Lord begun his jorney 
 for London, and intended to be theire upon Munday. He 
 
12 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES LJULY 
 
 has noe designe of making any long stay, but when peeple 
 goe soe far off, they can hardly be sairtaine of their diett. 
 It is true that S r John Cocharan on hopes of his life 
 plays the good bairne as well as posibly he can, but it is 
 not yet known what will become of him, or what dis- 
 covereys hee has made. The Duke of Monmouth and Lord 
 Gray are both in the Tower. I expect by the next to 
 heare what will become of them. It is said our states men 
 goe up in August, soe after that its like newes may be 
 expected, but as yet theire is noe other, then what I have 
 told y r Lopp. If I can doe you any further service, I shall 
 be glad to show y r LoPP how much I am your LoP s humble 
 servant, Eliza: Gordon. 
 
 Sir John Cochran and Lord Grey ' played the good bairne ' to 
 such purpose that, after giving evidence against their accomplices 
 and paying heavy fines, they received full pardon. 
 
 Mr. James Ogilvie was early engaged in unravelling his father's 
 pecuniary entanglements. These alone seem to have given him 
 extensive legal practice. Writing home on the 13th and 21st of 
 November 1685, after referring to those debts and to his father's 
 taking the test in accordance with the act of Parliament, he 
 details the current political and family news. The revocation of 
 the Edict of Nantes in November 1685, though the Pope on 
 political grounds opposed it, drove the Huguenots from France, 
 and greatly stiffened English opposition to the Romanising policy 
 of King James. The Parliament of England, which met on the 
 9th of November, took a strong stand against the King's breach 
 of the last test act in employing Roman Catholic officers. The 
 Commons addressed the King on the subject, and Parliament 
 was prorogued in consequence. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., Nov. 13, 1685. 
 
 My Lord, — Having the occasion of James Ogilvies 
 servant going north, I have presumed to give your Lo. 
 y e trouble of this letter. Mr. Ramsay hes assinged my 
 bond to one Mr. Hamiltoune, who threatnes to use diligence 
 both against me and y e cationers ; and unless I get him 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 13 
 
 ane thousand merks immediatly he will not att all delay. 
 It is nou time that we knew what are your Lo. resolutions 
 concerning the test ; so I intreat your Lo. will be pleased 
 to wreat to me anent it, that, if your Lo. resolve to take 
 it, their may be time to apply for ane commissione. I am 
 this evening to wait upon my Lord Carse 1 to speak annent 
 your affair with Brigtoun, so with the nixt post you may 
 expect some accompt of it. I find old Pourie hes not as 
 yet given that claim which he hes against your Lo. to his 
 sone, so I am not so free for submitting it as I was formerly ; 
 bot I have condescended to meet with him once the nixt 
 weeke, and he is to choise one advocat and I another, 
 and we are to have ane commoning befor my Lord Boyne. 
 I hope your Lo. will be deligent in seeking of money against 
 the nixt terme, for we have verie mutch to doe with it. 
 
 As for neus their are non save that the Duke and 
 Dutches of Hamiltoune are safe come doun, and that the 
 Duke is made one of the Secret Comity, and hes got ane 
 regement of horse in England secured for his sone the 
 Earle of Arran. It is not as yet known what is the Kings 
 pleasur concerning our stats men, only it is surmised that 
 the Chanclour 2 is lyke to carie it. The Parlament of 
 England sate doune upon Moonday last. The Protestants 
 persecution in France still increses, and it is heer reported 
 that the Pope hes caused harbour a great many of them 
 in his territories. My aunt, my Lady Baldoun, is dead 
 and was buried this last Thursday. I hope your Lo. will 
 not surprise your Lady with the neus of it. I know it will 
 be ane great trouble to her. The bearer scearsly aloues 
 me so mutch time as to wreat this letter ; so I hope your 
 Lo. will make my excuse att my Lady my mothers hands, 
 that I have not writne to her, your doing of which will 
 be ane verie great obligation upon, My Lord, your Lo. 
 most obedient sone and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. O GIL VIE. 
 
 1 Sir Patrick Lyon of Carse. 
 
 2 The Earl of Perth. 
 
14 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. '85 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER ATT CULLEN IN 
 BANFFSHEIR with cair 
 
 Edr., Nov. 21, 1685. 
 
 My Lord, — . . . As for neues, it is certain that my 
 Lord Chancelour is turned Popish, and that the King hes 
 turned off the Councel the Duke of Ormund, the Earles 
 of Halifax and Bridgwater, and the Bishops of London 
 and Eli. His Majesty in his speatch to the Pari anient 
 does vene freely declair that he will make use of souldiers 
 not qualified according to the tests in England, and lyk- 
 wayes declaires that he finds it absolutly needful that he 
 have more forces, and theirfor desirs ane subsidie. The 
 Popish lords gave in ane bil that they might have liberty 
 to sit in Parlament, which was refused them. The Parla- 
 ment hes made ane adres to his Majesty to remove all the 
 Popish officers out of the army, it being against ther 
 lawes they should be in itt, and have as is reported refused 
 the subsidy, and have desired the King in y e first place 
 to secure ther religion. The Marquis of Athol hes got 
 three thousand pounds out of Hardens fyne, and the 
 Earles of Strathmor and Kintor have got ane considerable 
 soume out of the Muray fynes. The Earle of Dumbarton 
 hes goten the Laird of Saltons esteate. Sir William 
 Bruce is made General of the Mint, and it is to be opned 
 when ever he comes to Scotland. Your Lo. hes now both 
 ane ful accompt of your affairs and of the neus. I shal 
 not therfor give you any further trouble att present, bot 
 that I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and most 
 humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Patrick Innes, minister of Banff, in the following 
 letter refers to the same events in England. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — The inclosed came to my hands yester- 
 night late ; and I finding no occasion of a bearer for 
 Cullen, and not knowing of what importance these may be, 
 
jan. '86] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 15 
 
 have sent my boy with them. I doubt not but, if they 
 be of a later date, your Lop hes an account of any current 
 news, particularly that the Parliament of England is 
 prorogued to the tenth of February. I cannot tell if 
 your Lop hes seen the addresse of the House of Comons 
 to the King w ch hes occasioned, as is said, the prorogation 
 of the Parliament. I gott it yesterday from Glassaugh, 1 
 and have sent it here inclosed. I according to my bound 
 dutie wish your LoP your Lady and children all happi- 
 nesse, and am, My Lord, your LoP s most humblie devoted 
 and obleidged servant, Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Deer. 4, 1685. 
 
 The f peaper/ referred to in the following letter, ' got as ane 
 great present from one of the Papists/ was probably a print of 
 two papers found in a strong box of Charles Second in the hand- 
 writing of that monarch, detailing arguments in favour of Roman 
 Catholicism. These papers King James had published. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., Januarie 5, 1686. 
 My Lord, — I did admier, when I sau my brother 
 Deskfoord in toune compleaning, that by my negligence 
 I had put him to a great dale of trouble in travling in so 
 bad weather, wheras it was in my pouer to have hendred 
 it by geting him ane commission for taking the test in 
 the north. Your Lo. knowes that I wrot to your Lo., 
 that he could have been in no hazard, since none that are 
 in his circumstances have as yet taken it. Houever 
 since he is hier it is fit he take it. My Lord, I am much 
 concerned that your Lo. will not be att so much pains, as 
 to search for thes peapers that concern Pouries proces, 
 for he is immediatly to insist, becaus he believes not you 
 can instruct your grounds of compensation ; and if he 
 once obtain decriet it will be harder redusing it then nou 
 stoping it. I have done litle in your affairs since my last 
 letter, bot that I have keept up Balizie Scrumsiers proces 
 for mails and diuties thes tuenty dayes, and hes litel or 
 
 1 Mr. John Abercromby of Glassaugh, Banffshire. 
 
16 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 nothing to say against it nou when I most return it. Bot 
 houever I will use my endeavours to get it cassen over 
 for this session, that so we may have this summers respyt 
 for doing what we can for geting money to satisfy your 
 creditors. I doubt bot, if your Lo. consider your condition, 
 you will be diligent in endeavouring to provid money 
 against the nixt term. If your Lo. could assure us of money 
 att the terme, I would immediatly goe treat with all your 
 creditors, for I find them worse to setle with then they 
 wer the last year ; and I am affraid they grou alwayes 
 the longer the worse. We have no neues in this place 
 bot that this day the Laird of Saltoun was forfaited, and 
 that thes that are laitly come from court say that the King 
 certainly comes to Scotland the nixt spring. Sir William 
 Sharp is dead ; and my Lord Pitsligo is werie ill. Their 
 is a vene great mortality hier by reason of the open 
 winter. I pray God may prepair us for what is His will. 
 Receive this inclosed peaper which I got as ane great 
 present from one of the Papists. You most not contra- 
 dict it, for you see the King ouning it and his subscription 
 att it. I was sorie to read in your Lo. letter that you was 
 ill of the cold. I pray the Lord may recover and preserv 
 you in your health, which is all att present from, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. most obedient son and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 On the 24th of December 1685 the Chancellor Perth returned 
 from London a convert to Roman Catholicism, and at once estab- 
 lished and attended the public celebration of Mass in Edinburgh. 
 On the 31st of January and on the 1st of February 1686 the 
 Puritan populace rose in riot, threatened to pull down the Mass- 
 house, and threw mud on the Chancellor coming therefrom. The 
 following copy of the King's letter to the Council dealing with 
 the incident was sent north by James Ogilvie to his father the 
 Earl of Findlater on the 22nd February 1686. 
 Suprascribitur. 
 
 James Rex 
 
 Right trusty and Right weel beloved Cussing and 
 Counselor, Right trusty and inteirly beloved Cussings 
 
1686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 17 
 
 and Counselors, Right trusty and Right weil be- 
 loved Cousins and Counsellors, Right trusty and weel 
 beloved Cousings and Conselors, Right trusty and 
 weill beloved Counselors and trusty and weil beloved 
 Counselors, — 
 
 Wee greet yow weil : Having bein extreamly sur[pry]sed 
 to hear of the insolencies eomitted by a tumultuous rable 
 in o r city of Edinburgh, whilst yow and our uther judi- 
 cators wer in ye place, and y* ther insolency should have 
 gon the lenth of affronting o r cheif minister, and yet so 
 much lenity showin in punishing a cryme so imediatly 
 touching o r Royall Person and authority, wee have now 
 thought fitt to let yow know that wee have not only ye 
 character but lykwayes the person of o r Chanclour so much 
 in o r particular care, as wee will suport him in despyt of 
 all ye attemps or insolencies of his enimies, and therfor 
 doe require you to take y* care of his persone and have 
 y* respect for his character, as may convince us of your 
 affectione to us and obedience to o r comands. In the 
 nixt place wee heirby requir you to go about the punish- 
 ing of all y* wer guilty of this tumult w* ye outmost rigour 
 of our lawes. Nor can wee imagin any either remiss hes 
 bein or will be in ys, except those who have bein favorers 
 of yr rebellious] designe. But above all is o r express 
 pleasur y* yee try into y e bottom of this matter, to try out 
 those who have eyr by worde insinuatione or utherwayes 
 sett on ys rable to ys villanus attemp, or incouradged 
 ym in it, and y* ffor ye finding of ys out ye spare no legal! 
 tryell by tortur or uyrwayes, this being of so great im- 
 portanc y* nothing more displeasing to us or mor danger- 
 ous to our Government cd posibly have bein contryved, 
 and wee shall spar no expence to know ye rise of it. Wee 
 again comand yow again to be diligent in ffinding out 
 ye whole matter and punishing the guilty, as lykwayes 
 to use your utmost endeavours for preventing ye lyk 
 vilanies for ye futur. Efter wee shall hear what ye nixt 
 post shall bring, yow shall know o r ffurther pleasure in ys 
 matter. In ye meantym wee bidd yow heartily fare weil. 
 Givin att our Court at Whythall ye 9 th day of ffebry 1686 
 
 B 
 
18 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 and of o r reing the 2 d year. By his Maties comand, 
 Subscribitur, Morray. 
 
 Sir George MacKenzie, Lord Advocate, was at this time sus- 
 pected by the King and Chancellor of being opposed to the repeal 
 of the penal statutes, and was dismissed next May. His successor 
 was then temporarily found in Sir George Lockhart Lord Presi- 
 dent of the Court of Session. 
 
 The negotiations regarding Deskford's proposed marriage with 
 Anne, eldest daughter of Arthur Ross, the last Archbishop of St. 
 Andrews, are characteristic of this and of later periods. 
 
 Edr., February the 22, 1686. 
 
 My Lord, — That I did not wreat to your Lo. with William 
 Innes was, becaus I did not know of his going until he was 
 gone. I had sent Morisone sooner north, bot that Pourie 
 prest me verie hard to have ane mee[ting] with him 
 annent your business. Bot after I had consulted the 
 Kings Advocat Sir John Dalrympel and Sir David 
 Thors, and had caused them draw ane information, and 
 was ready to have informed my Lord Harcars 1 and my 
 Lord Kemny, 2 who wer to have given their opinion of your 
 affair, he t[he]n did not proceed any further in it ; bot gave 
 it over until the first of November, becaus we did found 
 one of our grounds of compensation upon the contract 
 past betuixt your Lo. and your uncle Murie 3 att Edr. 
 Bot in the mean time he is to rais and cause excecut 
 his sumonds against you this session, and he hes promised 
 the nixt year to offer your Lo. peace providing you will 
 submit your affair. I am hopful this delay may prove 
 very advantagius to your Lo., becaus, if my brother 
 Deskfoord mary, it will be easie for us to get all the dili- 
 gences against your Lo. estate bought in, and will be able 
 to exclud all personal creditors, and so we may the less 
 valou what be the event of Pouries process against your 
 Lo. I could have wished that my brother had advertised 
 me of his sending his man north, for I had not only 
 writne to your Lo. of my brothers intentions to mary the 
 Primate of Saint Andues daughter, bot lykwayes had 
 
 1 Sir Roger Hog of Harcarse. 2 Sir George Nicolson of Kemnay. 
 
 3 William Ogilvie of Murie, brother of the second Earl of Findlater. 
 
i686] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 19 
 
 given your Lo. ane accompt of what wee may rationly 
 expect he may get with her in portion, which both my 
 Lord Boyn and I conjecturs may be about fourtie thousand 
 merks. And the reason wee have for thinking this is 
 because the Bishop did give to Major Balfour who maried 
 his second daughter thirty thousand merks ; and the 
 Bishop did promise to my Lord Boyn to extend him selfe 
 as far as he could. The Bishop is nou gone to London, 
 and so I am afraied that befor his return their can be no 
 thing done in my brothers mariage. As for Scrumsier 
 he hes nou called his sumonds for mails and duties. I 
 compeared my selfe, and denyed his lybel, and craved he 
 might condeshend upon his modus probationis, which he 
 did, viz. by the tennents oths which I found relev*, and 
 got commission for taking their oths in the north, and hes 
 gotne the first of Nor for reporting the comission ; so I 
 think wee will have this sumer f[or] setling of your Lo. 
 affairs. In the mean time your Lo. would doe weel to be 
 providing money against the nixt term, that, in cais my 
 brothers mariag doe not succeed, your Lo. may houever 
 be able to doe your oun affairs. As for John Innes his 
 bargan with your Lo., I intreat your Lo. may neither give 
 it over nor perfite it until my Lord Boyn and I com north, 
 and then your Lo. perhaps may make ane better bargan 
 then nou you can. I am informed that the book your Lo. 
 desired me to get for you is forbiden to be sold. You 
 may easily conjectur the reason. I have bought the 
 garden seeds your Lo. wrot for confor[m] be the inclosed 
 not. A[s] for the other things your Lo. wrot for, I shall 
 endeavour to get them for your Lo. befor my north going. 
 As for neus it is certain that the Chanclour hes got from his 
 Majesty 8000 punds sterling. My Lord Athol hes got 
 2000 pound. It is talked that the Duke of Gordon hes 
 got Locheil his estate, bot this yet needs confirmation. 
 Your Lo. hes no doubt heard of the foolish tumult we had 
 in this place, so shal not trouble your Lo. with ane accompt 
 of it ; bot by this inclosed letter of the Kings you will find, 
 hou it hes been represented to him, and what is his 
 Majesty s opinion annent it. Duke Gordon my Lord 
 
20 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 Register 1 and the Laird of Grant part from London once 
 this week ; and what neues after ther aryval is reported 
 your Lo. shal have ane accompt. It is thought that the 
 Parlment will not meet the day appointed, bot will cer- 
 tainly meet within ane very short time ther after. It is 
 not yet knowen who will be comiliioner ; bot many are 
 in the opinion that Duke Hamiltoun is fair for to cary it. 
 I have nou given your Lo. the trouble of ane long letter ; 
 and therfor shal add no more att present, bot that I am, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Writing on the same date to his sister the Countess of 
 Findlater, Francis Montgomerie mentions the death of their ( two 
 dear sisters Loudon and Baldune.' Lady Loudon therefore died 
 before the 22nd of February 1686. 
 
 Further details of Lord Deskford's proposed marriage are given 
 in the following five letters. In the end it came to nothing. On 
 the 7th of June 1687 the Archbishop's daughter married, as his 
 second wife, Lord Balmerino. 
 
 For THE EARELE OFF FINDLATER thes are 
 
 Edenburge, 13 [Feby.] 1686. 
 My Lord, — Your Lordship will perhaps thinke strainge 
 that I send my sarvant to you in such heast ; but when 
 yee read my letter I hope it will satisfie you. My Lord, 
 the reasone that makes me send this expresse is of some 
 importance, blissed be God for his goodness to me att 
 this occaisione in this affair. This day I was seekinge 
 the Duke of Hamiltons advice concerning a match betwixt 
 my Lord Sant Andarous his daughter and me, which did 
 satisfie his Grace very much ; and he did desire me to 
 send my sarvant to you in all heast, because the Primat 
 hath got a call from the Kinge, and is to goe this inshomnge 
 week too the court. He will give a considrable porsione 
 which, as I am informed, is about 40 or 50 thousand 
 markes. I desire your blissing and concent, which will 
 incourage me very much. It is my judgment yee will 
 neither be so unjust to me and so pregiudiciall as to deny 
 
 1 Viscount Tarbat. 
 
1686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 21 
 
 this petitione, that is for your advantage and also mine. — 
 Being in heast, I rest, Your obedient sone, Deskfoord. 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FFINLATER thes 
 
 Edb., March 9, 86. 
 Madam, — Your son Desford being gon north to have 
 your La. and my Lords advyce and assistanc in this desyn 
 of his, which I am hopfull (if it tak effect) will tend to his 
 satisfaction and the preservation of your familie, your 
 son will be fuller in the particulars ; only I shall presum 
 to say that, if your La. doe not at this tym show your 
 kyndnes to your son in renuncing som considerable pairt 
 of thes lands yow ar infeft in, it will not be possible to 
 give any joyntur to yowr sons ladie, without which its 
 not to be imagined the desyn can tak effect. And, if it 
 f eall on that syd, I know it will be werie trowblsom to yowr 
 son, who I hop shall deserve the extraordinarie cares your 
 La. hath had of him, and will be found to have greater 
 capacities for many things then many did apprehend. I 
 hop yowr La. will not mistak my offering my oppinion in 
 yowr concerns ; sine, if this occasion be neglected, I am 
 affraied ther will be hardly ane other so convenient for 
 the interest of yowr familie found. — I am, Ma., Yowr 
 most humble servant, Patrick Ogilvie. 1 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., March 9, 1686. 
 Madam, — I could not be so far wanting of my dutie as 
 not to wreat to your La. having so sure ane occasion as my 
 brother Deskfoord, who by the advise of most of his friends 
 is att this time gone north. He hes nou very near secured 
 himselfe of ane match, by which the family may be put 
 in ane beter condition then it hes been nou of a long time. 
 He hes very good reason to expect ane good portion with 
 her ; and I knou nothing that can nou hender his mariage, 
 unless it be that wee be not able to make her ane suitable 
 lifrent. Yet I am confident both my Lord and your La. 
 will doe all that lyes in your pours for effectuating this, 
 
 1 Lord Boyne. 
 
22 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 reserving alwayes to your selfs ane competency both to 
 your selfs and childeren to live upon. I need not nou 
 trouble your La. with ane accompt of your relations, seing 
 my brother Deskfoord can sufficienly inform your La. of 
 them. I nou put my selfe in the hops of having the 
 honor to see your La. very shortly, the session being nou 
 very near ane end. I shall nou add no mor ; bot that all 
 hapiness may attend your La. shal be the continual prayer 
 of, Madam, Your La. most obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I give my humble service to my brothers and sisters. 
 
 Edr., Merch 9, 1686. 
 Dear Sister, 1 — Thogh I have not had the good fortune 
 to hear from yow of a long tyme, yet to convince yow 
 that nothing shall alter me from that affectione to which 
 I ame obleidged both by nature and inclination, I have 
 given yow this trouble with my Lord Desford, who will 
 give yow ane accompt of his desinge of a match with the 
 Archbishop of St. Andrews doughter, for which I feind 
 ane inclinatione from himselve and from severall of his 
 relationes hier, which they thinke will be a mienes ; of 
 frieing your family of many incumberances to which it 
 is at present lyable. And it is expected yow will grant 
 the same favore to him yow formerly consented to for the 
 good of your family, and especialy to him for whom I 
 know yow have so much keindnes, which otherwayse I 
 ame affray ed maye put a stop to his mariadge. My wyfe 
 giveth her humble service to yow, as we doe both to your 
 Lord and children. — I rest, Dear Sister, Your affectionat 
 brother and most humble servant, 
 
 F. MONTGOMERIE. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., March the 10, 1686. 
 My Lord, — Having the occasion of my brother Desk- 
 foord going north I thought it my dutie to wreat to your 
 Lo. this letter, by which you may be pleased to know that 
 
 1 The Countess of Findlater. 
 
i686] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIEL1) 
 
 23 
 
 seing he hes gained the Primats daughter her affection, 
 and lykwayes hes goten the Bishops Ladys consent, and 
 that nothing does hender my brothers mariage bot that the 
 Primat is not yet returned from London, it is thought fit by 
 all his relations hier that he should goe north, and indeavour 
 against the Bishops coming to Scotland to be in some 
 capacity to give ane jointur and lifrent sutable to what 
 portion the Primat shal be pleased to give with his 
 daughter. I doe not in the least doubt bot that your Lo. 
 will doe all that lyes in your pouer for the standing of your 
 family ; and I doubt not bot my brother by this mariage 
 may put it in ane very good condition. I doe not question 
 bot my Lady my mother will goe ane great lenth for 
 furthering of my brothers mariage, it being evident that 
 it is the interest of the family, and will be very much for 
 my brothers advantage, the Lady being both witie and 
 discreit. As for the portion may be expected, and what 
 lifrent may be desired by the Primat for his daughter, 
 I shal leave that to my brother himselfe to give your Lo. 
 ane accompt of. I have nothing more to wreat to you 
 anent your affairs then what I wrot in the letter I sent 
 with Morison, which I doubt not bot befor this time is 
 come to your hands. The session will nou very shortly 
 be over ; and I resolve, God willing, immediatly after to 
 be north. I shal not trouble your Lo. any further att 
 present, bot that I am and shal alwayes continou to be, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I doe not question bot, as at this time your Lo. will look 
 to the standing of your family, so you will be mindful of 
 the interest of the rest of your childeren, and will see us 
 som way secured att the puting my brother in the fee of 
 your estate. 
 
 The following manuscript newsletter from London is given as a 
 sample of these anticipations of the modern newspaper, almost 
 the only printed paper of this period being the London Gazette. 
 In this newsletter and in others of this reign accounts are given 
 of the progress of European and domestic affairs. 
 
24 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 London, 18th and 20th of May 1686. 
 Our French letters say that the Kings ulcer is broke up 
 again. 
 
 Yesterday Doctor Turner Bp of Elie took the oaths and 
 test. 
 
 Yesterday the Queen Dowager went to Windsor, and 
 after that goes to reside at Hampton Court this summer. 
 
 The camp begins on Saturday in Whitsun-week. The 
 difference between the French and Spaniard is concluded 
 for 250,000 crouns to be paid this summer and the like 
 summe the next year. 
 
 The French have at sea 39 men of warre from 40 to 
 70 guns, 8 gallies, 9 fireships, and five small friggots. 
 They are fitting out 20 sail more at Rocthfoord, and it is 
 said are designed northward, wch putt the Dutch in some 
 fear of their East India fleet. 
 
 The Duke of Lorrain having leave of the Emperour 
 is gone to the army, and its said will open the campaigne 
 with the siedge of Buda. 
 
 We have letters from Algiers w ch say that Sir Thomas 
 Soams his late Majesties ambassadour to the Grand 
 Segniour was arrived there and kindly received by these 
 corsiers, who declared to him that they would inviolably 
 keep the peace concluded w* England. 
 
 Our Venetian letters say that the Grand Vizier was 
 parted from Adrianople with 16,000 Spachies and 6000 
 Janizaries to joyn the army, wch its said will be very 
 numerous agt the Christians this summer ; that the 
 Venetian fleet appearing before Constantinople made such 
 a terrour among the people that the Grand Segniour had 
 sent for him with his forces to keep his people in quiet- 
 nesse. His Majesty hath ordered 47,000 libs to be sent 
 unto Mr. Grossiers hands towards the paying the late 
 Kings debts to his servants. 
 
 Cope of a private letter from E clr , May 26, 1686. Being 
 Weddensday the P;lrlt sat this day, and therein were 3 acts 
 past, one for dissolving some forfeited lands from the 
 crown ; another appointing the magistrats of Ed r to lay 
 
i686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 25 
 
 down such methods as the streets and turnpiks may be 
 keept clean, and driving out of beggars, vagabonds, etc., 
 and impowering the Lords of the Session to impose such 
 a stent on all the inhabitants as may defray the charges 
 yrof, and they are to see the same duly applied ; another 
 act declaring all recognitions to be burdened with the 
 ground of an prior inhibition duly executed. The 
 acts anent the summer session, and for ingathering of 
 supplies, and anent the subscriving of all the executions 
 and interloquitors were this day by an particular letter 
 from the King touched with the scepter, and the Parliat 
 adjourned till Friday. There was a comittee of 12 
 appointed for drawing the act anent moderation, etc. 
 They mett several times but concluded nothing till yester- 
 day ; and there was a scroll drawn by the Arch Bp of S* 
 Andrews and the Bp of E dr allowing them private exercise 
 of yr religion in families. It was expected to have come 
 in Parliat but came not, but its beleeved the same will 
 be sent up, and receive the Kings pleasure yranent. 
 
 I doubt not but you have heard Dr. Sibbald is returned 
 Protestant to the satisfaction of some and displeasure of 
 others. 
 
 London, May 22, 1686. 
 
 The incampment in Holmsley heath will be opened 
 on the 9 th of June. 
 
 They write from Geneva that the magistrats of that city 
 out of fear of being attacqued by the French and Savoyards 
 keep gairds a leg round the citie, that the Switzers in their 
 general assembly have resolved all the 13 cantons to de- 
 fend Geneva in caice it be attacqued. They have made 
 a reveiw of 16000 men, w ch they have dispersed in several 
 encampments in the countrey of Vaux. 
 
 The Queen and Princesse being indisposed hindered 
 his Majesties coming hither yesterday. Her Majestie not 
 being well stayes at Windsor. 
 
 |p From Holland they write that on the 27 th their fleet 
 sailed from the Texel consisting of 8 men of warre and 
 S fire ships. They adde that great fire and lightening 
 
26 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 falling on the church and steeple in Tarvar in Holland 
 destroyed it to the ground. 
 
 It is written from Ed r , May 29, 1686, that the double 
 of the act anent the penal statutes, as it is prepared by an 
 Comittee of the Articles for the Articles and Parliat, is as 
 f ollowes : — 
 
 That Papists shall be under the protection of his 
 Majesties government and laws, and shall not for the 
 exercise of their worship and religion in private houses 
 (all publick worship excepted) be under the hazard of 
 any sanguinary or other punishments contained in the 
 acts of Parliat. It is alwayes hearby expresly declared 
 that this immunity and forbearance to Papists shall not 
 import allowance or approbation of the Popish religion, 
 nor evacuate nor take away the laws agt them, but that 
 they shall remain in full force excepting in so farre as they 
 are heirby innovated and restricted. 
 
 Several estates being forfeited and dissolved from the 
 crown, the estate of Torwoodlie is gifted to the General, 1 
 and the estate of Kennedy of Grainge to the Provost of 
 E dr . That yesterday a letter from his Majesty was read 
 ordering Sir Geo. Lockart to be president and advocate 
 both, whereby he may attend his Majesties concernment 
 and interest in all places, that his prerogative suffer no 
 detriment. 
 
 The three following letters from Mr. George Leslye, com- 
 missioner for Cullen, give account of the proceedings in the 
 Scots Parliament. The feeling soon became so strong against 
 the remission of the penal statutes against Roman Catholics, 
 that a measure to remove these disabilities, though supported 
 by the King, was not even tabled by the court party ; and Mr. 
 Leslye expressed the prevailing opinion when he declared in his 
 letter of June 12 that 'this Partiatt is the most renowned Parhatt 
 hes bein heir thir many yeirs, ffbr ther resolutiones in standing 
 fixt to ther religione.' 
 
 The date of Lady Balcarres's death referred to in Mr. Leslye's 
 letter of May 29, 1686, does not seem to be otherwise noted. 
 
 1 General Drummond. 
 
i686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 27 
 
 ffbr THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 Edr., May 27, 1686. 
 My Lord, — My sone going north, with him I have 
 givine your Lordship this trouble, and to give yow ane 
 accompt of our yesterdays acts of Parliament, which ware 
 four. The 1 act is wherin all forfeted lands holding of 
 uther superiores then the King are disjoyned from the 
 croune and patremoney thereof. The 2 act is ane 
 gift of Earlstones forfeter with some other lands in 
 fawores of ane Sir Theophelus Ogillthorpt and Maine, 1 
 Inglesh men, for ther servece done att Boduellbridge. The 
 3 act is wherin all inhebitiones dulie execute in tyme 
 coming doeth afect lands for proper debt therin contained 
 against ward and taxward wasels lands, althogh the 
 samen bee disponed in wholl or for the most pairt without 
 the superiors consent, notwithstanding of anie regog- 
 nitione may folowe therupone. The 4 act is ane act 
 maide appoynting the magistrats of Edr. by the consent 
 and owersight of the Lords of Sesione to uphold and 
 rectefie the streets and laines of the citie, and to cause 
 cleinge the samen, and allso to purge the samen of wago- 
 bonds and beigers, anent which act ther was great debeat. 
 They are obleidged yeirly to doe this under the failzie 
 of ane thousand pund, and they are to impose upon 
 the toune and inhabitents for what may defray this 
 nesesary expens. Dewk Hamiltoune and maney with 
 him wold have had it comitted to the owersight of the 
 Lords of the Secret Counsell, and not to the Lords of 
 Sesione. It was first woted, and the Lords of the Sesione 
 caried it by tuo wots only. It was woted againe by Dewk 
 Hamiltons intersesione, aledging the wotts not to have 
 beine right marked by Sir Alexander Gibsone, and wold 
 have had Sir William Patersone to have owerseine the 
 marking of the wots ; and being againe receited they fell 
 to be equall, and so sisted at the Chanclers woll, who 
 disyded it in fawores of the Lords of Sesione. Ther was 
 5 acts yesterday tucht by the sheptore, the act anent 
 
 1 I'he Acts of the Parliaments of 'Scot 'land ', vol. viii. pp. 323 and 586. 
 
28 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 the summer sesione, the act anent the yooll wacuence, 
 the act anent the subscryving wittness, the act anent the 
 subscryving of all interloquiters pronunced be all judges, 
 and the act anent his Majesties supplie. This with the 
 former account givne to your Lordship is the sum of all 
 as yet done. The Parliament againe sits the morow. 
 Ther is [no]thing as yet come in anent the penull statuts. 
 I am informed that Deuk Hamiltone and the Chancier 
 does not agree so weill upon that poynt, which with my 
 servece to your Lordship, to my Lady, and all your famelie 
 at present is all from, My Lord, Your Lordships werie 
 affectionet and obleidged servantt, 
 
 Geo. Leslye. 
 
 Turn over. 
 
 My Lord, — In my letter sent yow last week by Arnbaths 1 
 man I gave your LoP some account off your son my Lo. 
 Deskfoords mariadge, qch stands in the same terms I then 
 wreit off to your LoP, and I apprehend it will nott goe 
 forward. It is fitt your LoP both wreit to your sone and 
 to my Lord Boynd theranent. I am not wanting (as in 
 duty I am oblidged) to give my Lo. Deskfoord my weak 
 adwyse swa farr as I am capable ; and will not, so farr as 
 I can, consent to any thing that may reflect upon him, 
 or baffle him ; and desyres him to be encurradged not 
 to have any mor thoughts that way, since I find obstruc- 
 tions. Iff your LoP be weill stored wt grass this yeir in 
 your park, I intreit the ffawour that my hors may have 
 libertie in it a whyle, till I come home and prowyd for him ; 
 and this will be additione to former obliga°ns your LoP 
 hes been pleased to shew me. My Lo. Boynd and Mr. 
 Oswald 2 now understanes other pretty weill ; and er long 
 I hop wee all may come to ane full cleiring. This morning 
 I am told the King is acquanted wt all our precedours, 
 and who are his ff rinds and who nott. I sail labour by 
 the Saterdays post to give your LoP ane account off our 
 acts and newes qch passes to morrow. I had allmost 
 fforgott to tell your LoP how — Mill, Provest off Linlith- 
 
 1 Alexander Hay of Arnbath, Fordyce, Banffshire. 
 
 2 James Oswald of Fingaltoun. 
 
i686] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 2i) 
 
 gow, last night now hes declaired himself in oppositione 
 to the passing off the penall statuts, or to any thing that 
 looks lyke ane tolleratione to the Papists, both to the 
 Commissioner and Chancellour ; and ffreely told them 
 he wold divest himself off all his publict imployments 
 befor he consented that way. And I doubt not bot your 
 LoP hes heard off Doctor Sibbald conversione, who this 
 last Sabbath wes in church, and is willing to subject him- 
 self to any pennance our clergie will putt upon him for 
 his apostatiseing. 
 
 George Leslye's ' sone ' was Patrick Leslye of Melross, Banff- 
 shire. On 10th September 1703 he was appointed conjunct Sheriff 
 Clerk with his father. From 1705 to 1714 he was County 
 Collector. He died between 13th August and 1st September 
 1714. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 Egr., May 29, —86. 
 My Lord, — Bot the other day I gawe your LoP the 
 trouble off ane letter by my sone, q ch with thes I suppose 
 all may come to your hands about on and the same tyme, 
 and sail referr your LoP much to that letter as to our news. 
 Yesterday ther past only tuo acts in Parliatt, the first 
 ane gift off Torwoodlies ffortune and forfaulter in ffawours 
 off Generall Drummond, the second ane gift off Grange 
 Kennedies estait in the present Prowest of Egr his 
 ffawours Sir Thomas Kennedie. Its said to be bot ane 
 small thing. The Parliatt is adjourned till Wedensday 
 nixt, my Lady Ballcarras 1 corps being to be interred on 
 Tuesday. Ther is nothing as yet come in as to the penall 
 statuts ; bot yesternight I did see from ane wery noble lord 
 off good intelligence, ane relatione off your LoP, the draught 
 of that bitt actie so termed now heir, who told me he 
 thought it wold come in not by the Articles, bot rather 
 by the Commissioner 2 by wertew off the Kings prerogatiwe 
 power. By the nixt your LoP sail hear further ; and iff 
 I can sail send yow the double off that act. Your sone 
 
 1 Jean Carnegie, eldest daughter of David, second Earl of Northesk. 
 
 2 The Earl of Moray. 
 
30 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 my Lo. Deskfoord is in good health. His first designs are 
 now altogither giwen over ; and some off his noble ffrinds 
 are thinking to engadge him some other way, qr he may 
 hawe ane ffarr greater competencie to his qualitie, in qch 
 I think he should be encurradged, and off qch mor efter- 
 wards iff any such thing be proposed. M r Oswald hes 
 been so taken up wt his wyff this tuo or three days being 
 in childbirth, that he cannot be spoken too ; bot I think 
 the nixt week may putt ane close to that effeir. Ther are 
 great solemnities heir this day, and the Provest off Egr 
 is to giwe the Commissioner ane great treat. — So being in 
 hast this is all save that I am truly, My Lord, Your Lo s 
 wery affec°nat and oblidged serwant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 Egr., June 12, — 86. 
 My Lord, — I hawe the honour off both your letters, the 
 on off the 24 May last, the other off the dait the 4 current 
 by this bearer, and am glade to hear that your Lop and 
 familie are weill ; and I doubt not bot befor this tyme 
 your LoP hes my former letters sent yow both by my sone 
 and post. I can say little further as to John Innes effeir, 
 till it pleas God wee all be north, and I hop all things 
 sail terminat then to your Los. and all our satisfactions, 
 who may be concerned in that matter. I hawe not as yet 
 cleired fully w* Mr. Oswald. I have fully compleited him 
 in moy, except that qch concerns my Lo. Boynd his 
 exemptions with some militia receipts, all qch will certeinly 
 allow. Bot the truth is dureing this sessione off Parliatt 
 all have been so hurried and tist, that I cannot gett all 
 things so instantly exped till this heat be ower, qch I hope 
 will now be wery shortlie. And I think since maters are 
 so Lyfftennant Sharp needs not exspect from our shyre, 
 except it be ane complement ; ffor I am necessitate to 
 supplicat the Lords off Theasourrie to gett allowance off 
 thes things, considering all things and some little differ- 
 ences and mistaks being betuixt the receiwers, so that I 
 cannot gett them to meett to cleir wt me ; but if the 
 
1686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 31 
 
 Parliatt wer ower I hop wee sail soon cleir all thes things. 
 The Parliatt sitts on Moonday, and its thought then will 
 adjourn or rather dissolwe. The Commissioner is to goe 
 up once the nixt week. I sail referr your LoP to the in- 
 closed ane account of the acts of Parliatt past since I 
 wrote last and prior to this daite. Muretoun wes knighted 
 att Dinnibisle last day, and now called in rolls of Parliatt 
 Sir James Callder. My Lord, pardon the trouble to caus 
 deliwer the inclosed to the Baylies off Cullen. This 
 Parliatt is the most renouned Parliatt hes been heir thir 
 many yeirs, ffor ther resolutiones in standing fixt to ther 
 religione, qch I hear is much approwen by our nighbour 
 natione England. I giwe my humble duty to your LoP 
 to my Lady, and to all your ffamilie. — So being hasted att 
 the tyme, this is all from, My Lord, Your Lo. wery affec°natt 
 and most humble serwant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 My Lord, just as I wes to seall this letter I had yours 
 by fforskans 1 sone. 
 
 Henceforth James, in England as well as in Scotland, ruled 
 without a Parliament, freely using his prerogative in carrying out 
 his policy. 
 
 The key to the disagreement between Lord Boyne and his 
 Lady disclosed in the following letters of 1st, 2nd and 26th 
 October l68b", and more incidentally referred to in the letters 
 of the 27th of November and 21st of December 1686, is found in 
 Fountainhall's note of 11th March 1686: e Campbell of Calder, 
 younger, invades and affronts Ogilvie of Boyne at 12 o'clock, after 
 he had come of the bench (being Lord of the Session) and spat 
 in his face in the High street of Edinburgh. The cause was, 
 he was said to have lyen with Boyne's lady, daughter of Earle of 
 Eglintoun.' On the 27th April following, Lady Boyne's brother, 
 Francis Montgomerie, in a letter to his sister, writes: ' Sine 
 the sad breach betuixt my Ladie Ann and her Lord is too notour, 
 I only express myself trulie afflicted therwith and wishes heartilie 
 an reparation.' 
 
 1 William Gordon of Farskane, Rathven, Banffshire. 
 
32 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FFENLATER 
 
 Boyne, 1 day October 1686. 
 Deir Sister, — The suden surpryse of ye death of my 
 neise Lady Margrat Montgomerie hes exceidinglie troubled 
 me, who dyed of a fever fyve weiks agoe. I trusted to 
 my Lord Boyns promese in seinding to Abd. to bring a 
 meidwyfe to bring me to bed, in a chaire ; and now when 
 I expect he should doe it will not condiscend, so I 
 send [thr]ie dollers and intraits ye will send a fott man 
 with this inclosed to my Lady Abd., who will send ye 
 meidwyfe, as she wrets in her letter qch I have sent to you. 
 My Lady Abd. is at Abd. and not att Colley. 1 I regrat ye 
 conditione of my Lady Mary ; bot I hope it will [not] be 
 ane stop to my satisfactione in seing yow, qch I long for, 
 for ye gellding ye use to ryde on is redy to wait on yow 
 when ye please ; and I have seall simptoms that I cannot 
 be long befor I be brought to bed. Ye thrie dollers are 
 to hyre a horse to ye medwyfe, and ane other for ye chair. 
 Hopeing yt I shall hear good neuse of my deir neises 
 being better and ye confort of sieing yew, I shall not 
 give farder troublee at present ; onlie if ye have any love 
 for me ye will obey this desyre, for I am her who is Your 
 most affectionat sister and humble servant, 
 
 Anna Ogelvie. 
 
 Octob. 2, 86. 
 
 My Lord, — I cannot expres the trowble my wyfs deport- 
 ment hath occasoned me sine I saw yow ; but I most 
 endevor to bear all the best I can. I cannot rationally 
 mentin to be in a hows with her, sine burning is the least 
 she threattins ; and banish myself from my owen hows 
 I cannot ; but she most resolve to goe somwher and be 
 brought to bed. I shall not spair monie on her expenc, 
 but in my hows she shall never com. I wish som of her 
 freinds deall with her to goe to som convenient pleac, 
 and not expos herself mor then she hath done, to be the 
 talk of all who hear of her. Sine yowr Lo. wes pleased 
 to call for me this day I judged it my dewtie to let yow 
 
 1 Kelly, now Haddo House, Methlic, Aberdeenshire. 
 
i686] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 33 
 
 know my thoughts in this affair. — I am, My Lo., Yowr 
 most humble servant, Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 Banff, Oct. 26, —86. 
 My Lord, — I hawe presumed to giwe your Lop this 
 trouble, tho perhaps it come unseasoneablie to your hands, 
 and thought ffitt to tell that my Lady Ann, Boynds Lady, 
 is now heir att my hous. I am sory I hawe not accomoda- 
 tion for hir, that is suitable to on off hir qualitie ; but 
 as it is shee is wery wellcome to it. It wer tedious to giwe 
 your LoP account of all the passadges off this day, and I 
 sail only modestly say shee meetts with a little seweritie 
 and hardship. Shee is heir on hir road ffor Abd. ; and this 
 same night I hawe taken the ffreedome to wreit to my 
 Lord Boynd, to qch letter I caused Achmedden 1 (who is 
 att this place as yet) subjoyne ane post script. And both 
 off us are pressing with Boynd to come in heir to morrow, 
 and speak wt hir, and bot consent that ane midwyff ffrom 
 Abd. be sent for by some discreet person to be brought 
 hither. Its lyk maters may be composed, and off all 
 ewills the best is to be chosen ; and on thir terms probablie 
 shee may be perswaded to stay in this toun, and rather 
 in the ministers hous heir then in any place els. Wher 
 ffor since shee cannott be att the Boynd, she will stay in 
 no place qrin he is interested ; so iff my Lord Boynd come 
 in and consent to hir propositione its lyk maters may be 
 settled. And iff not I find hir positiwe shee will goe 
 forward to Abd. tho shee trawell bot ane myle in the day 
 on ffoott. So since your LoP is to be att the Boynd to 
 morrow morning, my weak opinion is, that ye wold be 
 a little the mor tymelie, and truly tho Boynd wold dissent 
 to come in, I wold adwyse your LoP to perswad him to 
 come in, and to come alongst wt him, and I doubt not 
 bot Achmedden being heir this effeir may be taken up by 
 adwyse and the mediatione off ffrinds. I sail leawe thes 
 to your LoP s consideratione ; bot I think it necessarie ye 
 
 1 Sir James Baird, Sheriff-Principal of Banffshire. 
 
 C 
 
34 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 come in and bring my Lord Boynd alongst wt your Lop, 
 for both prudence, and I may ewen say charitie is to be 
 obserwed in such caices. I think it not ffitt my Lord 
 Boynd see this letter, or know that your LoP hes hard 
 from me, but let all flow simply as from yourself. — And I 
 am in all duty, My Lord, Your Los. very affec°nat and 
 oblidged servant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 In the following letter Mr. James Ogilvie, writing to his mother, 
 gives her the current social gossip of Edinburgh. 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr. 9 Nor. the 27th, 1686. 
 Madam, — I received the honor of your La. letter with 
 very great satisfaction ; because it gave me the assurance 
 of your being in good health, and I was exceedingly 
 affrayed it had been otherwayes, considering the pains 
 and trouble your La. was att about us when wee were 
 unweal. The Dutches of Hamiltoun is in the toun, and 
 I did neaver see her look better. Your sister 1 is come to 
 the toune, bot her child is not as yet christned, neither is 
 there any appearence of of ane reconciliation betuix her 
 Lord and her. Your uncle 2 the Major General's lady 3 is 
 maried 4 to one liftennan Douglas, 5 ane brother of Kil- 
 heads, which will certainly be much to the prejudice of 
 her children. There hath been ane report here that my 
 Lady Mountrose was to be maried with John Bruce, Sir 
 William Bruce his son, bot I hear this day that she hes 
 discharged him her lodgings. Since the Dutches of 
 Hamiltoun and several others of your freinds are in toune, 
 if your La. wreat to them, I shal deliver your letters. Your 
 brother, Mr. Francis, does frequently ask kindly for you. 
 I have nou nothing more that is worthy of your notice to 
 
 1 Lady Boyne. 
 
 2 Robert Montgomerie, fifth son of the sixth Earl of Eglintoun. 
 
 3 Elizabeth, daughter of James Livingstone, first Viscount Kilsyth. 
 
 4 The Scots Peerage, vol. iii. p. 450, places this marriage 'before 24 January 
 1688.' 5 George Douglas. 
 
1686] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 35 
 
 give your La. ane accompt of. — So shal only add that I am, 
 Madam, Your La. most obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I give my humble service to all my brothers and sisters. 
 
 In the following letter we get a glimpse of the ways and means 
 of upholding the post in Scotland. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFIND[LATER] 
 
 Banff, Nor. 27, 86. 
 
 My Lord, — I had the honour off yours this morning. 
 My wyff and I are weill, and att your Lo s serwice ; and 
 both off us are oblidged to wish all health to your LoP 
 and prosperitie to your ffamilie. Immediatlie efter 
 receipt off yours I sent to inhibite James Gordon from 
 goeing to Cullen till Tuesday nixt as your LoP desyres. 
 Ther are nott any news come to this place by our last post, 
 the postmaster Mr. Mill being gone to Edr., bot I suppose 
 by the nixt wee may have some. James Baird wreits 
 to me that Lady Ann is not yet com ower ffrom the 
 North Queens, and that hir child is not as yet christened. 
 Our post is now lyk to decay and will not goe to Abd. 
 againe bot once, till he againe be reestablished. I wold 
 be glad to hawe your Lo s opinione in this, or iff you be 
 content to contribute ffor another yeir. Boynd befor 
 he went away told me he wold contribute, and wold hawe 
 it to continow. Iff ther be any difficultie it will be by 
 this toun, who scruples a little, yet I apprehend they 
 will be perswaded to continow as formerly. Sir George 
 Mackenzie hes putt on the goun againe as ane ordinary 
 adwocat. I will wait on your LoP once the nixt week. 
 Till then and airways I am bound to be, My Lord, Your 
 Lo s wery faithfull and oblidged servant, 
 
 Geo. Leslye. 
 
 In 1685 London, notwithstanding the King's wish, had cele- 
 brated the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot on the 5th of 
 
36 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1686 
 
 November in the old style. This year bonfires had been 
 reluctantly omitted. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I receaved yo r Lo s leter to yo r son Mr. 
 James, and shall be carefull to delliver it to him out of 
 my oune hand. I tak jorney from hence on Tuesday 
 morning be day is light (God willing). Kindlie saluting 
 yo r Lo., my Lady, and all yor noble familie, I am, My 
 Lord, Yo r Lo s most affectionat and humble servant, 
 
 Jo. Gordoun. 1 
 
 Banff, 31 Nor, 1686. 
 
 Last newes leters beare that the 5 of Nor. was punctualie 
 observed at London, but no bondfyres. The princes 
 was at sermon in the chapell royall. 
 
 With his relative Sir Patrick Ogilvie, Lord Boyne, on the bench 
 in those days of influence and f moyen' Mr. James Oglivie's 
 practice at the bar grew rapidly. We had besides the backing 
 of other powerful relatives in the Hamiltons and Eglintouns ; and 
 the following letter to his mother shows that these and other 
 influences were being worked. 
 
 For THE COUNTES OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., Deer, the 21st, 1686. 
 Madam, — I received the honour of your La. letter, and 
 did deliver the inclosed to Mr. Francis Mountgomerie, 
 who promised to wreat to your La. I had the honour 
 to see the Dutches of Hamiltoun this day. She did ask 
 very kindly for your La., and desired me to tel you she 
 wondered that you did not wreat to her. And when 
 your La. does it, I intreat you may be pleased to desir 
 her Grace may speak to the Duke to countenance me, for 
 his countenance would be of great use to me. I am this 
 affternoon to see the Archbishop of Santandrus who is to 
 give me his imployment. I am to be this vacance with 
 Tillibody, 2 for he hes very kindly invited me to the 
 
 1 Bailie of Banff, and captain of the burgh militia. 
 
 2 George Abercromby, cadet of the Abercrombies of Birkenbog, and ancestor 
 of Sir Ralph Abercromby. 
 
jan. 1687] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 37 
 
 countrey. I have presumed to send your La. two duzen 
 of limons. They are not worthy of your La. acceptance, 
 bot I sent them because I know you can make good use 
 of them. My Lord Boyn and his Lady are not yet recon- 
 ciled. All the rest of your La. relations are weal ; and 
 having nothing more worthy of your La. notice to give 
 you ane accompt of, I shal only add that I am, Madam, 
 Your La. most obedient sone and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 In pursuance of his religious policy, James, on 25th December 
 lb'86, had, with unusual finesse summoned Sir John Dalrymple, 
 though a whig, to London. That supple politician returned to 
 Edinburgh King's Advocate on 11th February 1687. With 
 strange perversity the King, on 7th January 1687, accentuated 
 the opposition to himself in England by depriving his Protestant 
 brother-in-law Lawrence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, of his office as 
 Treasurer of England. These and other matters are referred to 
 in the following letter. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER, ABD. TO BANFFE 
 
 Edr., January ISth, 1687. 
 
 My Lord, — Since I wrote last to your Lo. I have had the 
 honour to receive tuo letters from you ; and in obedience 
 to the first I shal deliver your Lo. letter to the Earle of 
 Strathmor, and shal end business with him whenever 
 he comes to the toune. I shal lykwayes obey your Lo. 
 commands in the second in advanceing the money due by 
 the toune of Cullen to ye Exchequer. I have nothing 
 to wreat to your Lo. concerning your affairs more then 
 I have writne formerly ; bot probably by the nixt occasion 
 your Lo. will get ane accompt hou your money in Mour- 
 tons 1 hand will be disposed of. 
 
 Wee have no neues in this place, bot that Sir John 
 Dalrympel is called to court ; and it 's expected both his 
 father and he will be in favour with the King. The 
 Tresurary in England is put out of his place, and it is 
 
 Sir James Calder of Muirton, Inverness-shire. 
 
38 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 1687 
 
 turned in ane commission. Liftennan Colonel Windrom 
 is Lifennant of the Castel in Major White's place. The 
 Chancelour hes been dangerously ill of the colick, and is 
 not as yet fuly recovered. It is nou talked by thos, 
 who understand the affairs of the court, that Pitmedens 1 
 place will be bestoued upon Mr. Malkom 2 ane advocat. 
 Wee have no more neues hier att present, bot when 
 they occur your Lo. shal have ane accompt of them ; so 
 att present shal give your Lo. no further trouble, bot 
 shal close when I have wished your Lo., my Lady and my 
 brothers and sisters ane happy neu year, which is all 
 frome, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient sone and most 
 humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The recall of the commissions of the Privy Councillors and of 
 the Judges of the Court of Session concentrated more power in 
 the hands of the King, making the members more amenable to 
 court influence. This policy was characteristic of Charles 11. and 
 of James. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Inshmartin, May 3d, 1687. 
 
 My Lord, — I could not let this bearer goe without 
 performing my duty to your Lo. in wreating to you and 
 giving you ane accompt of our jorney. My Lord Boyn and 
 I came both together to Pourie, and I blees God none of 
 us the worse of our jorney ; and he then went for Edr., 
 and I came here. I shal not trouble your Lo. with business 
 til I be att Edr., and then you may expect ane ful ac- 
 compt of your affairs by the first sure occasion. I have 
 heard no neues bot that the King hes recaled al the 
 comissions to the Prive Counsel and Session, and is to 
 send down neu comissions to such of them as he hes 
 
 Sir Alexander Seton of Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, Lord Pitmedden. 
 Alexander Malcolm of Lochore, afterwards Lord Lochore. 
 
jan. 1688] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 39 
 
 service for. I beg pardon for this trouble and I am, 
 Your Lo. most obedient son and faithful servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 In August 1687 the Countess of Findlater died. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATERRE 
 
 My Lord, — I ame verie sorie of your Lordships loss of 
 my dear sister, and I ame sure nixt to you and your 
 children non cane be more sensible of our misfortune 
 then my-selve, haveing loosed so keind and ane affec- 
 tionat sister. I intreat your Lo. wold be pleased to give 
 my humble service to all your children, and belive I shall 
 alwayes continou to wish you and them all happines and 
 shall ever remaine, My Lord, Your Lo. affectionat brother, 
 and most humble servant, F. Montgomerie. 
 
 Inshlesty, Agust 15, 1687. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Hamilton, 18 August 1687. 
 My Lord, — I received yours with the notice of your 
 Ladys death which my wife and I does heartely regrate, 
 and are very sory for the great lose y r Lo. and your f amely 
 has by the want of so fine a lady. If it be in our pouer 
 to controbute any thing to you or you famelys interrest, 
 y r Lo. may friely comand us. My wife remembers her 
 humble service to yow, and I am, My Lord, your Lo. most 
 affect humble servant, Hamilton. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., January 14, 1688. 
 My Lord, — Since I wrote to your Lo. with Mr. David 
 Cuming, ther hes nothing occured concerning your Lo. 
 affairs worthy of your notice. I have according to your 
 Lo. command sent you north some books. I have sent 
 you one that was not in your commission to Mr. Ogstoun. 
 It is the Amours of the Duke of Munmouth and my Lord 
 
40 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 Gray. Wee have no neues bot that it is thought that if 
 Collentoun 1 die, my Lord Advocat will get his place, and 
 Sir George Mackenzie will be reponed to his oune pleace. 
 My Lord Milfort's daughter is maried to the Master of 
 Strathalan ; and yong Boyn within ane week or tuo 
 is to be maried with Mistres Anna Arnot. I have sent 
 you your stafe. I doe not know if it will pleas your Lo., 
 bot it hes been trice meade. — This is all the trouble att 
 present from, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and 
 most humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The anticipations regarding Sir George Mackenzie in course 
 materialised, as will be seen from Mr. James Ogilvie's letter of 
 the 20th February 1688. 
 
 John Drummond, second son of James, third Earl of Perth, 
 created on the 14th April 1685 Viscount, and on the 12th August 
 1686 Earl of Melfort, was Secretary of State for Scotland 
 during the reign of James. He was a zealous convert to Roman 
 Catholicism, and afterwards followed his King into exile. His 
 daughter Elizabeth married William, who became second Viscount 
 of Strathallan. 
 
 James Ogilvie younger of Boyne, eldest son of Lord Boyne, 
 duly married Mrs. Anna Arnot before 20th February 1688. 
 Returned as one of the Members of Parliament for Banffshire in 
 1702, he strongly opposed the Union. He was active in the 
 Jacobite movements of 1707-8, and was in consequence out- 
 lawed. He was also out in the '15. We shall hear more of him 
 hereafter. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 Edr., January 30, 1688. 
 
 My Lord, — The accompt I had from the chamerlan of 
 the continuence of your Lo. wealbeing was ane very great 
 satisfaction to me. He gave me lykwayes ane accompt 
 of your Lo. frugality in manadging your family, which does 
 clearly shou hou much your Lo. has been formerly abused 
 by your servants. I have been seeking for ane cook to 
 your Lo., bot as yet I can find none that can both serve 
 in the kitching and beakhouse ; houever I shal doe what 
 
 1 Sir James Foulis of Colinton, Justice-Clerk. 
 
1688] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 41 
 
 lyes in my pouer to get one befor my northcoming. My 
 Lord Northesk is desirus wee transact with him ; and if 
 I kneu of any money in the north that might be raised 
 att Whitsonday nixt I would end with him, for I am in- 
 formed that his phisitians does not rekon that he can live 
 above ane year, and if he wer dead ther would be no 
 possibility of transacting with his sone, he being a minor. 
 I expect to hear from your Lo. anent this. For all that 
 I know yet, ther is nothing will hender me from coming 
 north just affter the session ; so I desir your Lo. may send 
 over Anderson against the beginning of the first week of 
 March with my oune horse, bot I resolve to buy one for 
 my servant to ryd uppon. Ther is great talking hier that 
 the Duke of Hamiltoun is to come doun Tresierer, and 
 that Sir John Harper is to be one of the Lords of the 
 Session. The King of France and Parlament att Paris 
 have declared that the Pope is only first Bishop, and hes 
 no pouer to excomunicat bot for maters mierly ecclesiastik, 
 and that his excommunicating of Leuarden is most 
 redicolus and unjust. Ther is no other neues att present, 
 bot what the bearer will give you ane accompt of ; and ther- 
 for I shal give your Lo. no further trouble att present, bot 
 add that I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and 
 most humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The struggle for place with an autocratic King was incessant. 
 The letter of the 20th February shows that Hamilton was at this 
 time unsuccessful in this pursuit. 
 
 Edr., Februar 20, 1688. 
 My Lord, — I beg pardon for detaining your footman 
 so long ; bot the true reason of it was that I was att Boyns 
 mariage for five dayes altogether, and it being the throng- 
 est time of our session I had no time for providing what 
 was writtne for til nou. Your Lo. will receive from the 
 bearer ane periwig and ane pair of blak gloves conform 
 to your order. I have caused help your Lo. suord. I 
 would have givne it ane neu handle, bot I could see none 
 better then whatt it had befor. I have lykwayes sent 
 you the garden seeds conform to the not your Lo. sent 
 
42 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 me. I have not as yet setled with Northesk, for his 
 Lady's death did hender his coming to the toune. As for 
 neus wee have none bot that the Countes of Weems is dead 
 and the Earle of Southesk and my Lady Semple did both 
 die this last week. Sir John Dalrympel is made Justice 
 Clerk, and Sir George Mackenzie is made Advocat ; and 
 it is reported that the Earle of Marr is to be reponed to 
 his place in the Castel of Stirling. The Duke of Hamiltoun 
 is come doun, but it is not thought that he hes great court* 
 I am nou hopful shortly to see your Lo., for I expect my 
 horse against the third of March ; and if your Lo. have any 
 further commands for me, I expect them with Anderson, 
 and they shal punctualy be obeyed by, My Lord, Your 
 Lo. most obedient son and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Mr. James Ogilvie, probably early in June 1688, married Anne, 
 daughter of William Dunbar of Durn, a neighbour of his father in 
 Banffshire. The following letter refers to this event and to the 
 Earl's purpose, afterwards carried out, of conveying his estate past 
 Lord Deskford, who had become a Roman Catholic, to Mr. James 
 his second son. 
 
 ffor OUR LOVING SON MASTER JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 The 18th of Junie '688. 
 Loving Son, — I heave receaved ane letter from your 
 Lady in ansuer of one I sent hir, to see hou she was. I 
 will troulie say I did not expect to had seen one of hir 
 breeding wreat such sence in such well connected tearmes. 
 I did see three other letters of hirs all of different subjects 
 to verie good purpose. God Almightie bliss her to you, 
 and grant that ye and she may be to my familie as Jacob 
 and Rachell wear to the Isralitts. I heave at this time 
 little to wreat to you, butt heaving so sure ane occasion 
 I cannot butt desier you to remember to consult your 
 bussines of the convayence of my esteat in your person ; 
 for although Walter be nou in my house, yett be his still 
 frequenting the Popish chappell and continouing in odd 
 and most unacountable actions, ther can be no good 
 
1688] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 43 
 
 expected of him, so ye need to be the mor circumspect 
 in garding your selfe against his evell. I am verie sorie 
 the victuall sent south with the chamberland came to 
 so litle effect. I pray you take course with the rest of 
 it. I intreat you gett monie from my Lord Boind, and 
 putt my doughters outt of murning, for poore things 
 I will not discourage them. Any letters ye wreat to your 
 Lady, if they come to my hands, I shall transmitt them to 
 hir ; for I intend frequentlie to send to see hou she does. 
 I pray you present my service to my Lord Boind and to 
 his son and his Lady, and lett me knoue when they are 
 expected north. I thinke verie long to hear from you. 
 So wishing the Lord to bliss you in all your just under- 
 takings, I shall add no more butt that I am Your loving 
 father, Ffindlater. 
 I reffer severall things to the bearer. 
 
 Rumours of a descent on England and Scotland by the Prince 
 of Orange reached the north before the expedition finally sailed 
 on the 1st of November 1 688. On the 5th of October Sir George 
 Gordon of Edinglassie and Carnousie, conjunct Sheriff- Principal 
 of Banffshire, writing to the Earl of Findlater gives him an account 
 of a false but prevalent report, that William had landed on the 
 coast of Yorkshire ; and recounts other news of the day regarding 
 the situation in England, and the measures taken in Scotland 
 to cope with the threatened invasion. 
 
 My Lord, — I receaved your Lops this morning, and 
 you may bee sure wherin I can I will serve you. I had 
 advertisment from my Lord Aberdein this morning, which 
 maks mee delay taking journey while Wednsdays morning. 
 For news I have account that the Dutch are landed at 
 Brilington Bay and are on ther march for York. Ther 
 number is said to bee fourtie five thousand fighting men — 
 Prince Orange generall, cald genrall of the Protestant 
 League, and Marishall Shomberg livetenant generall. 
 The Lord Dartsmouth was ordered by the King to put 
 the fleet to sea and to feght them, tho ther number wer 
 double ; but he told the King that he neither found oficier 
 souldier or sea man willing to doe ther dutie. Nether 
 
44 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 was the navie in conditione for it, though ther number 
 had bein equall, which account troubled the King verie 
 much ; and it is talked that the fleet is nou come in again. 
 By a leter from Melfort to the Councell it is enformed that 
 the Dutch intends 15 of ther fleet for Scotland, fiftie 
 other ships with 10 or 15 thousand men, so that he ad- 
 vised the Counsell and Session to remove to Stirling. Ther 
 is on Captan Wallace appoynted with tuo companies of 
 foot to guard Drumond Castle. The King efter christning 
 of the Prince declared solemnly in Councell that he was 
 the Queens chyld, requyring the Queen douager with many 
 Protestant witnes to depon upon ther having sein him 
 born, which accordingly they did. The King is to bee at 
 the head of his armie himself and to keep them neir 
 London. Queensberie and Castles are called to sit in 
 Councell. I am, My Lord, your Lops most faithfull and 
 obedient servant, G. Gordone. 
 
 Carnoussie, 5 Odor. 1688. 
 
 William landed at Torbay on Monday the 5th of November. The 
 following letter of the 22nd November from the Minister of Banff 
 gives an account of the news that had then reached the north 
 regarding the invasion, and the measures taken earlier that month 
 in England and Scotland to meet the crisis. The reference to 
 Balfour of Burleigh, one of the assassins of Archbishop Sharp, and 
 to William's relations with him, is of interest. 
 
 Forr THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I would have according to your LoP s direc- 
 tion by our post have sent an expresse, if we had received 
 any news of import. The black box was said to have 
 been taken out Dumbar, and so we had no news with the 
 last post. I saw a private letter, w ch gave account that 
 though the Prince of Orange was certainly landed, yet 
 the place where and the number of his forces is not given 
 account of. I am jealous, if matters were going with the 
 court partie as they desire, we should not be keept in the 
 mist as we are. It is said the King hes displayed his 
 standard ; and on the 9th of November, when at night 
 
1688] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 45 
 
 he gott the news of the Dutch landing, he sent of a battalion 
 of Irish to the west of England, comanded the forces 
 that had gone to the north to countermarch to the west, 
 and called for the Mair and Aldermen of London and 
 desired them, if he should happen to fall in battell, that 
 they should proclaim the Prince of Wales King ; but 
 we heard nothing of their answer. It is reported Philips- 
 burg is retaken by the Germans. The French lost many 
 of their nobilitie in the taking, and in the Germans re- 
 covery of it ; and the Dauphine is sore wounded. This 
 is said to have been reported by a Leith skipper, who 
 very lately came ther from Holland or France, I know 
 nott whiche. There is a proclamation issued out by the 
 Councill of Scotland inhibiting the reading of the Prince 
 of Orange manifesto and the declaration of the States of 
 Holland, and prohibiting the telling any news to the 
 disheartening of the Kings subjects, so that vera dicer e 
 est periculosum, if it be against the court interest. We 
 had an account that one of the murderers of the Primate 
 of St. Andrews, Balfour, being fordbid the company of 
 the Prince of Orang, who told he would have no known 
 murderer in his service, is arrived in Scotland, and hes gott 
 together in the south wast about a thousand men, on what 
 designe is not known. What truth is in this we expect 
 to know by this nights post. If he bring any considerable 
 news, I shall send an expresse to your Lop. with them. 
 We have a sad breach in this place this morning by the 
 death of William Fife one of our bailies, who was worth 
 many in this place. I heartilie commend your Lop. and all 
 your noble familie to the divine grace, and am, My Lord, 
 Your LoP s most humble devoted and faithfull servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Novr. 22, 1688. 
 
 By the 22nd of November the north and west of England 
 had risen in William's favour. Rapidly the bulk of James's 
 officers and army deserted, and he was forced to return to 
 London. After fruitless negotiations with William, on the 11th 
 December 16*88, he left the capital for France ; and his reign 
 
46 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 came to an end, William becoming King de facto in his stead. 
 England forthwith allied herself with the European combination 
 against King Louis of France. 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 LETTERS DURING THE REIGN OF WILLIAM AND MARY 
 from 1689 to 1693 
 
 On the 7th of January 1689 the Scots noblemen and gentlemen 
 in London met at Whitehall under the presidency of the Duke 
 of Hamilton, and two days later requested William to call a Con- 
 vention of the Estates of Scotland, and meantime to undertake 
 the military and civil administration. The Duke of Hamilton, 
 now in political power for the first time, drew his relative the 
 Earl of Findlater to the side of the revolution settlement, and 
 got him commission to embody and command the fencible men of 
 Banffshire. The following letter to the Earl from Patrick Steuart 
 of Tannachy, Banffshire, an ancestor of the Steuarts of Auchlun- 
 kart, shows the commission in course of execution. 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Not being at home when yor Lop's letter cam 
 to my house, I hav sent this to let yor Lop know that I 
 can not conveniently get the cuntrie rendevowed this week 
 by reason of the Elgin fair, which drawes most of them 
 away ; bot God willing on Munday next I shall conveen 
 the western parte of Rathven paroch, and on Tuysday 
 therafter Bamffshire parte of the paroch of Bellie, and 
 therafter yor Lop shall hav ane acompt. I now daylie 
 expect our Duk home, and if I by this post get aney 
 assurance of his dyet yor Lop shall hav ane accompt from 
 Ydr Lop most obedient srvand, P: Steuart. 
 
 Tanachy, ij feb. (89) 
 
 The Duke of Gordon did not come north, but remained in 
 Edinburgh in command of the Castle, which he held for James 
 until 13th June 1689. 
 
 There was surcease of justice in the Court of Session from 
 
1689] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 47 
 
 November 1688 to November 1689 ; and Mr. James Ogilvie 
 advocate and his wife during part of that time were in resid- 
 ence at Pittulie, a small estate west of Fraserburgh, belonging to 
 the Cumines of Lochterlandich Mortlach, now represented by the 
 Cumines of Auchry, Aberdeenshire. Mr. James Chalmers, 1 re- 
 commended in the following letter for the vacant charge of 
 Cullen parish, was chaplain to the Earl of Erroll. He was the 
 son of Mr. William Chalmers minister of Fettercairn. He was 
 admitted minister of Cullen on 8th May 1689, and was deprived 
 in 1695. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 Pittulie, febru. 16, 1689. 
 
 My Lord, — I just nou received tuo letters in favours of 
 Mr. Chamers, one from the Countes of Marischal and ane 
 other from my Lord Boyn. I find, if your Lo. pleases to 
 place Mr. Chamer in your church of Cullen, it will be taken 
 kindly by ane great many of your relations ; bot since 
 he has such recommendations att least your Lo. should 
 hear him preach, and if he pleas you, I think you cannot 
 bestou your church onn any so generaly commended. I 
 have inclosed my Lady Marshal's letter to me, by which 
 your Lo. will see so eanrest as my Lady is, that you grant 
 the presentation presently. I am resolved shortly to 
 wait onn your Lo. att Cullen, and therfor att present I 
 shal not trouble your Lo. any further, bot shal only add 
 that I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and most 
 humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 My wife gives your Lo. and my sisters her most humble 
 service. 
 
 Through his father's influence James Ogilvie was on the 1st of 
 March returned commissioner for the Royal Burgh of Cullen to 
 the Convention of Estates, which met in Edinburgh on 14th 
 March. This was his first election to the Scots Parliament. 
 He was not a member of the 1681 Parliament as stated by some 
 authorities. 
 
 Dr. Cramond, The Church and Churchyard of Cullen, p. 78. 
 
48 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 For MASTER JAMES OGILVIE son to the EARL OF 
 FINDLATUR att Edr. 
 
 to be delivered with car 
 
 March the 29, 1689. 
 My Deaejst, — Your leatter did give very much satis- 
 faction to me, and your resolution of coming horn ; for 
 as I still beliued my self unhappy when you was from me, 
 so nou I think I haue mor reason then ever to think so, 
 when you are in a pleas wher ther is so much confousion 
 and danger. I wish the Lord may preserve and protat 
 you ; for I beliue ther was never a tym wher in popel 
 had mor reason to diseyr that ernastly then nou. I 
 shall not trubl you longer, but to intreat that you may 
 not chines your resolution, but com horn hou sun you 
 can, and that I am till dath, Dear heart, Your most 
 affectionat and fathful Anna Ogilvie. 
 
 On the 4th of April James Ogilvie is said to have voted against 
 the resolution of the Convention declaring the throne vacant and 
 settling it on William and Mary. 1 
 
 On the 18th of April, in view of Dundee's activity, an act was 
 passed for a levy of five hundred horsemen out of the several 
 shires of Scotland, of which forty-four were apportioned to Banff- 
 shire and to Erroll's part of Aberdeenshire. These were put under 
 the command of the Master of Forbes on 22nd April. The follow- 
 ing letter from the Sheriff-Clerk of Banffshire details the procedure 
 taken in that county. Major Hugh Buntein of Kilbryde, Ayrshire,, 
 was muster-master of the whole levy. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FINDLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 My Lord, — I have received ane act from the Conven- 
 tione of Estates, wheirby I am ordoured to give advertis- 
 ment to all the comssrs. of militia and outputters of horse 
 theirto within this shy re to meete att Banff upon Thursday 
 nixt the 2 d of May for outreicking the ffourth horse of the 
 ordinar militia, and that they be ready to be presented 
 heir agt the 9 th of the sd month with ten dayes provision 
 
 1 Anderson's Scottish Nation, vol. ii. p. 215. 
 
1689] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 49 
 
 to Major Bountin or any whom he shall appoint, the horse 
 being att the raite of ten pounds sterling and the armes 
 and equipage att mve pounds. This, as is appointed me, is 
 intimate to your Lo. by, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble 
 servant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 Banff, 26 Aprile 89. 
 
 If James Ogilvie did vote against the resolution regarding the 
 settlement of the crown, he soon afterwards fell into line with the 
 government. On the 23rd of April he was appointed one of 
 twenty-four Commissioners to treat concerning the union of the 
 two kingdoms. 1 
 
 Meanwhile Dundee was in the north levying war for James. 
 The Estates adjourned on 29th April, and next day the Com- 
 mittee appointed by the Convention issued a commission to the 
 Earl of Findlater and to Sir George Gordon of Edinglassie, joint 
 Sheriff Principal of Banffshire, to call together the fencible men 
 in that county, and to take orders from Major-General Mackay. 2 
 The following letter of F. Ogilvie from Innes, Morayshire, to the 
 Earl of Findlater gives account of Dundee's second ride to the 
 north in his last great campaign, and of the current rumours of 
 the time. 
 
 ffor MY LORD OFF FINDLATER 
 
 heast 
 
 Innes, 2 Maij 1689. 
 My Lord, — Your Lo. shall know that my Lord Dundie 
 went by Elgin yeisternight to Forroes after sevin houres 
 at night. He had about 60 hors. My Lord Dumfarling 
 was halff our behend him. He had about 16 hors and sex 
 bagedg hors. Ther is on Makay foiling them w* two 
 redgments off hors and foot. He was yeisternight at 
 Wheytloumes or therby. My Lord Dundie did intersept 
 ane packet off letrs that was comg over the Carne to the 
 Master off Forbes with ane comission to reas men and 
 severall other letrs and newes, which gave my Lord 
 Dundie so heastie newes to remove for his auin saftie. 
 They talk ya* the newes thay got in the packet caries va* 
 my Lord the Dewck off Barrick is landed in our eyls neir 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 60. 
 
 2 Ibid., Appendix, p. 2. 
 
 I) 
 
50 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 Mackin cleans lands, which holds treu or not I know not. 
 This is all at present from, My Lord, Your humbell 
 servant, F. Ogilvye. 
 
 Whitelums is in the parish of Gartly, Aberdeenshire. On the 
 8th of May the Committee of Estates sent out a new commission 
 to the Master of Forbes i for raising his Troop, in ' place of the 
 former which was intercepted/ 
 
 When the Convention met again on the 5th of June, James 
 Ogilvie is entered in the rolls as Sir James Ogilvie. There is a 
 subsequent entry in the rolls of Parliament for the new session 
 beginning 15th April 1690, where he is designed ( Mr. ' ; but he 
 had received the honour of knighthood before that date. In the 
 sederunt of the Convention of Royal Burghs, which he attended 
 on 2nd July 1689 as the representative of Cullen, he is entered as 
 Mr. At a particular Convention held on 14th August he was 
 designed Sir James, and was appointed one of three commissioners 
 to proceed to London, to present an address to the King to have 
 the grievances of the Royal Burghs especially as to trade redressed. 
 Sir James Ogilvie proceeded to London, and met the King. In 
 the written reply of his Majesty, dated 27th September, he is 
 called Sir James. 1 His territorial designation of Churchhill the 
 editor has been unable to identify. 
 
 Killiecrankie was fought on the 27th of July. On the 1st of 
 August Parliament authorised the Privy Council to call out all the 
 heritors and fencible men within the kingdom, with their best 
 horses and arms and forty days' provisions. On the 3rd of August 
 James Ogilvie, who was then heartily in sympathy with the 
 government, sent his father the following account of the state 
 of affairs and of the defensive measures taken after Mackay's 
 defeat. The letter dated 7th August from John Innes, laird of 
 Edingight, refers to the levy ordered on 1st August. 
 
 Edr., August Sd, 1689. 
 My Lord, — I received your Lo: leter with one inclosed 
 for General Major M c Kay, bot he being with the army, I 
 could not get his letter delivered to him. I therfor went 
 to the Commissioner, 2 and did read to him both the Generals 
 letter and mine, and did hold out to him the steat and 
 
 1 Records of the Convention of Royal Burghs, 1689, pp. 99-104. 
 
 2 William. Duke of Hamilton. 
 
1689] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 51 
 
 condition of the shire ; bot in respect that Edenglassie 
 hes shouen himselfe so forward from the begining of this 
 revolution, it is the Duks opinion that your Lo: doe not 
 trouble your selfe with the command of any pairt of the 
 shir, bot you may doe it or not as you find convenient 
 for your selfe and your freinds ; bot as for what you have 
 done the Duke hes promised that neither you nor the 
 gentrie you had under your Lo: command shal sustain any 
 prajudice. I am confident you have all been much 
 alarumed with the accompt of the feight att Gillechranke ; 
 bot bleessed be God it was not so as was att first reported, 
 for although more of the common souldiers wer killed 
 onn our side then onn Dundees, yet all our ofiiciers are 
 safe returned except Collonel Balfour and Lif tenant Colonel 
 M c Kay, who they say are taken prisoners. Dundee and 
 Pitcur and several others of qualitie are killed onn the 
 other side ; and since ther hes been ane ingadgement 
 att St. Jonstoun att the place wher Hendrie Wen fought, 
 wher the Hylanders wer totaly defeat and the toun 
 retakne from them. The Earle of Argyl is nou att Stirlen, 
 and ther will be of horse and foot in it and about it of 
 English and Scots horse foot and dragoons near twelve 
 thousand, and most of them are marching towards the 
 enimy. The Parlament is adjorned til the eight of 
 October ; and ther is ane order come doun from the King 
 discharging all to goe out of the kingdom, bot thes that 
 are trafecting merchants. Its thought houever shortly 
 the Duke of Hamilton will be aloued to goe to court. I 
 have many more neus to wreat, bot since I resolve, God 
 willing, to be north verie shortly, I shal only add that I 
 am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I give my humble service to all freinds with your Lo. 
 
 ffor THE EARLL OFF FFINDLATER 
 thes ar in heast 
 
 Graing, 7 Agust 1689. 
 My Lord, — I have sent your Lo. the inclosed intimatione 
 which is sent be the shereif and was intimat at the church 
 
52 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 this day, to let your Lo. consider it, and yt wee within this 
 paries may knou your Lo. mynd what way wee shal 
 behave. Wee being within your Lo. division, all of us 
 resolvs to wait upon your Lo. command. The heritorfs] 
 desyrd me to send this expres to your Lo. ; so what com- 
 mand you put upon us shal be obeyed. — Waiting your Lo. 
 ansuer, I still remain, My Lord, Your Lo. reall freind and 
 houmble servant, Jo. Innes. 
 
 By the 15th of August General Mackay was in Strathbogie 
 opposing the Jacobites under Cannon at Auchendoun in Banff- 
 shire. The two next letters from Alexander Ogilvie of Kemp- 
 cairn Keith to his relative the Earl of Findlater, throw light 
 on that part of the campaign. The Kempcairn Ogilvies were 
 cadets of the Findlater family. The first of them, Alexander, 
 was second son of the first Lord Ogilvie of Deskford and brother 
 of the first Earl of Findlater. He died before 1669. The 
 writer of these letters was probably his son. The reference 
 in the letters to his ' wife ' and the ' litle bell ' seems a kind of 
 Jacobite cypher. In February of next year the Town Council 
 minutes of Banff bear that four indwellers were fined for ( con- 
 celling and abstracteing there horses efter they were ordained to 
 have them in radienes ffor convoyeing the persones of Charles 
 Lord Oliphant and his Ladie, the Laird of Kempcairne, and uyrs 
 presoners.' They were arrested as Jacobites by a party of Colonel 
 Livingstone's dragoons on 18th February 1690. 
 
 These are 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 15 August 1689. 
 My Lord, — The laudable desire your Lop. hade to in- 
 formation prevented my dutifull inclination ; and hade 
 not humane reason moved a guardian against the present 
 surprise (altho uncertain), omission of dutie hade appeared. 
 Information from the camp at Straithboggie informes of 
 no foot or horss auxiliaries ; and the forces too consist of 
 1500 horss. My information from Dundies armie hes 
 been impeded ; only they lye inteir at Achindown and 
 Glenfiddigh. Edinglassie hes two dayes bypast been 
 maggotishly stout in scouting ; but the 3d tym is feared, 
 in respect the last escape was so narrow. Till too morrow 
 
i68 9 ] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 53 
 
 I ask your Lops, pardon to subscrive that I am ever, My 
 Lord, Youres as becometh Alex r Ogilvie. 
 
 Turn over. 
 
 My Lord, — James Hamiltoun in Keith was taken be 
 Edinglassie at Lochpark, and one Tho. Duncan tayler 
 at Upper Achannassie. Thomas Duncan is liberat. The 
 samen day being Wednesday last, Dundies armie took a 
 page of the Inglish officiers. No forces were or past any 
 way at Fochabers, neither hath Leslies regiment removed 
 from Inverness ; no joyning of Grants or Straithneavers 
 forces. The Master of Forbess troup being well horssed 
 and all accordingly joyn'd on Tuesdays night. 
 
 My Lord, my wife is so confusedly affrighted that I have 
 resolved the use of her to your Lop., as I will be ansuerable 
 to the smallest toull of the ringing the litle bell any part 
 of Straithilla. 1 
 
 These are 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FINDLATER 
 
 Haughes, 17th August 1689. 
 My Lord, — 'Twas not want of dutie, but rather want 
 of certain information, which occasioned such delay ; 
 neither could my information engaged me to these hade 
 not dutie oblidged. Pardon then this truble with the 
 comon report, which is that the Hyland armie is now in 
 and about Lumffanan ; and if wee shall credit those that 
 pretends to be hearers, Mackay sent a desire be sound of 
 trumpet invi tinge a 2 d ingagement, whose return was in 
 like manner answered, that they waited their motion and 
 bid their cause give him and all concerned a defyance. 
 'Tis expected this night, a removeall of the horsss armie 
 from Straithbogie to the Enzie. Keithmore Duff hes dealt 
 very treacherously, which he is like to suffer for by the 
 Hy landers. Edinglassie hes been foollhardie adventerous 
 in scouting and hes escaped, but the nixt essay is much 
 feared. The consternation of the Straithboggie forces is 
 much talked of by overseers. My last imported the designe 
 of recomending the use of my wife to your Lop., but now 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. Appendix, p. 7. 
 
54 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 'tis resolved that by the influencing charme of the har- 
 monius litle bell necessity will be supplyed by your Lops, 
 recomendation to, My Lord, Your oblidged faithfull ser- 
 vant, while Alex r Ogilvie. 
 
 My L. Turn over. 
 
 My Lord, — Altho I have been loath to write of what 
 the good expectation is, viz. that your Lop. will furnish 
 a regiment of well armed goodly foot, and a troup of your 
 Lops, freends horsmen, which is like from Straithboggie 
 may be required and is publickly talked off ; yet if a 
 simple presumable thought may be ushered in (as formerly 
 so now should be) untill greater luminaries appear without 
 eclipse, recomend these to your Lops, reading and then 
 burning. 
 
 Sir George Gordon of Edinglassie 1 was second son of Sir John 
 Gordon of Park, Banffshire. In 1665 he married Marie, daughter 
 of Sir Alexander Abercrombie of Birkenbog. In 1669 he first 
 appears in the suite roll of the barons and freeholders of the 
 county for Edinglassie in Mortlach. In 1681 he was knighted, 
 and on the 24th of August that year he was appointed joint 
 Sheriff-Principal of the county with Sir James Baird of Auch- 
 medden. In 1681, and again in 1685, he and Sir Patrick Ogilvie 
 of Boyne were elected commissioners to the Scots Parliament for 
 Banffshire. At the revolution he early acquiesced in the new 
 regime, and vigorously supported it in the field, practically super- 
 seding his more peaceful coadjutor in Banffshire, the Earl of 
 Findlater. Early in June, before Killiecrankie, Dundee regarding 
 him as a renegade, Gordon burnt his house of Edinglassie, and 
 naturally in August Edinglassie was eager to retaliate. General 
 Mackay, in a letter to Secretary Melville on 31st October 1689, 
 strongly recommended him to the King for the command of a 
 troop of Dragoons, vacant through the death of the laird of 
 Blair, 2 and he received the commission accordingly on 18th 
 December. 
 
 Alexander Duff of Keithmore, 3 Mortlach, ancestor of the Duke 
 
 1 ' Banffshire at the Revolution of 1689,' by the editor, in Banffshire Field 
 Club Transactions , 1906, p. 78, etc. 
 
 2 Mackay's Memoirs, Appendix, p. 293. 
 
 ' Banffshire at the Revolution of 1689,' by the editor, pp. 85, 86, 87, etc. 
 
1689] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 55 
 
 of Fife, held Keithmore in wadset of the Duke of Gordon. During 
 the Commonwealth he began to acquire land in Banffshire, thus 
 laying the foundation of the extensive Fife estates. In 1650 he 
 bought Succoth, in 16*57 Lettoch and Alldachlaggan, and in 1660 
 Pittyvaich and Fittie, all in Banffshire. Later he acquired part 
 of the lordship of Balvenie and the estate of Braco. For long he 
 was Baron Bailie to the Duke of Gordon in Auchindoun. His 
 wife Helen Grant was daughter of Alexander Grant of Allachie 
 of the Ballintomb Grants, cadets of the Chiefs of Grant. He 
 first appears in the suite roll of the barons and freeholders of 
 Banffshire at the Michaelmas court of 1 675, where he is entered 
 for the lands of f Lettach and Auldachlagane.' At the Pasch 
 court of 1678 he appears also as superior of Buchrom and Millne- 
 towne of Balvenie, which had formerly been held by his father- 
 in-law. Additional light is thrown on Cannon's treatment of 
 Keithmore in the records of the Scots Parliament of 1695, where 
 it is related that in August 1689, old Keithmore then seventy 
 years of age was taken by the rebels out of his house of Keith- 
 more, which was plundered and destroyed, and was kept in a 
 starving condition until he was 'necessitat to pay a ransome for 
 his relief.' 1 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABL THE EARL OF 
 FINDLTUR 
 
 Pittuly, Siptem. 2, 1689. 
 My Lord, — It is a very great trubl to me that you are 
 in so great a fere in the Boyn. I wish the Lord may 
 disconfit all them which is the occation of it, that we all 
 may injoy our formar peace agan. I belive my father 
 will wat on your Lo. the end of this week, but as for me, 
 my parans will not let me stir from Pittuly till Mr. James 
 return, which I wish may be very shortly. I shall add 
 no mor but that I am, My Lord, Your most obedant 
 dag ht and devoted servant to dath, 
 
 Anna Ogilvie. 
 
 In November, with the re-opening of the Court of Session, Sir 
 James Ogilvie resumed his practice at the bar. 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 447. 
 
56 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 The laird of Grant's regiment was concentrated at Elgin in 
 November, owing to a rumour from Inverness, where Sir James 
 Leslie commanded for William, that the Jacobite Highlanders were 
 again rising. The writer of the following letter was probably Sir 
 William Hope of Kirklistoune, 1 who on 25th April received from 
 the Convention a commission as captain of a troop of horse A 
 troop of dragoons was then stationed at Elgin. 2 The Earl's 
 daughters were the Ladies Mary and Anna. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OF FINDLATER ATT CULLEN 
 
 these 
 
 Elgin, Nov. 20, 1689. 
 
 My Lord, — When I received yours last night we were 
 all dancing very mirrilie in my Lord Duffases, and wanted 
 nothing to make our mirth alltogather compleat but the 
 pleasant companie of your two fair daughters, for whom 
 I assure you I have a very great respect, and wisheth 
 them all imadginable hapines, which I hope your Lo. will 
 doe me the favour to lett them know as from me. I con- 
 fess I am so much beholding to your Lo. kindness, that I 
 am affraid it shall not be in my pour to repay it ; but 
 wheir opportunity offers you nead not in the least doubt 
 of my inclinations. I thank your Lo. most kindly for the 
 trouble you have given your selfe in sending to see how 
 I was. I thank God for it, we are all heere in very good 
 health, and if our allarums prove noe truer then the last 
 shall I hope likwise be but in very little hazard. I doubt 
 not but you have heard, that the rise of it was from the 
 contention of some Healanders who desired to steall ; 
 but it seems Sir James Leslie took the allarum to hottly, 
 and expected that they were drawing all togather in a 
 body, and desined to fall doun upon him, which was the 
 occasion of his giveing the forces thes false allarume. 
 When we shall have another, or whither it shall be as false 
 as the last, that I cannot tell, but for my oun part I wish 
 it may. I confess altho we meet with discreet people 
 heer and that our quarters are not very bad, yeet I shoud 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 63, 64. 
 
 2 Mackay's Memoirs, Appendix, pp. 299-304. 
 
1689] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 57 
 
 be satisfied to be ordered to my old quarters again at 
 Bamf, which when it shall please the commanding officer 
 to doe I shall not faill to pay my respects, as is my duty, 
 to your Lo. I need not write you ane acount of the last 
 posts news knowing that you have gotten them already ; 
 and therefore untill I have the honour to waite upon you 
 again, I remain, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble servant, 
 
 Will. Hope. 
 
 By 18th December James Ogilvie had rejoined his wife at 
 Pittulie. His neighbour in Buchan, William Earl of Buchan, 
 referred to in next letter, had come from Ireland to Lochaber 
 in July with Colonel Cannon, and was present under Dundee at 
 Killiecrankie. He was included in the process of forfeiture 1 insti- 
 tuted by Parliament in May 1690 against the heads of the 
 rebellion, and on 13th June the libel was found proved against 
 him. On 1 4th July the Lord Advocate intimated that as the Earl 
 had lately been taken prisoner, he did not then insist on his 
 forfeiture. He was confined in Stirling Castle, and died in 1695. 
 Charles, fourth Lord Fraser, brother-in-law of Lord Buchan, also 
 had Jacobite leanings. He was in arms in 16.90, and surrendered 
 in October of that year. Alexander, third Lord Forbes of Pitsligo, 
 died in December 1690. His wife, Sophia Erskine, daughter of 
 John Earl of Mar, whom he married in 1676, was a close friend 
 of the Countess of Findlater, to whom she frequently wrote. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 Pittulie, Deer, the 18, 1689. 
 My Lord, — I shal, God willing, wait onn your Lo. att 
 Cullen onn Tuesdays night, and shal come provided for 
 what you need for the cess. I shal have all things readie 
 pact upp for the horses against Moondays morning. I 
 find the Jacobins in this countrey in very good humor, 
 and my Lord Buchan appears openly both in my Lord 
 Frasers house and in Pitsligo, bot I have not seen his Lo. 
 I find I most stil be troubelsom to your Lo., for my wife 
 just nou tels me that her woman hes no syde sadle to ryd 
 bnn, and ther is none to be boroued in this countrey. If 
 their be none in the house, I intreat James Walker may 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. Appendix, pp. 52-59. 
 
58 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1689 
 
 endeavour to borou one. It shal not be the worse, and 
 after this I shal be better provided. It most be sent 
 with the bagadge horses. I shal not trouble your Lo. 
 any further att present, bot shal only add that I am, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 My wife gives her most humble service to your Lo. and 
 my sisters. . 
 
 The manning of William's navy was occupying attention in 
 Scotland. The Burgh records of Cullen show that early in 
 February 1690 the Earl of Crawford, President of the Privy 
 Council, acting on a Royal proclamation, wrote to the town 
 council requiring them to levy seamen for the English navy. The 
 writers of the following letter, who were Bailies of Cullen, refer 
 to this matter. 
 
 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF 
 CHURCHHILL, ADVOCATE AT EGR 
 in all haste thes 
 
 ffor ther Majties speciall service. 
 
 Cullen, ffebry ii, 1690. 
 Right Honble, — The many proofes wee have already 
 hade of your Ho. kyndnes to us, hes made us presume to 
 give your Ho. this trouble, to delyver the inclosed report 
 to the Counsell, which yee may read and seall. Wee 
 intreat, in caice ther come any press, since yor Ho. 
 knowes qt kynd of persones wee have to doe wt, yee 
 may indeavour to gett the petitione in the close of or 
 letter granted. As lykwayes, since the place is not able 
 to advance money for the transporta w ne of these men to 
 be pressed to any port qr they are to be shiped, wee are 
 hopefull yee will advert to it, and endeavour to gett us 
 ane order for als much of the excyse of any place nixt 
 adjacent, as wee shall use upon the forsaid accompt more 
 yn or oun will amount to. So your Honours care in this 
 will add ane furder obligatione upon, Right Honourable,. 
 Your Ho. most obdient and most oblidged servants, 
 
 Ja. Sanders. 
 
 John Ogilvie. 
 
June 1690] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 59 
 
 The writer of next letter was probably an officer in the laird 
 of Grant's regiment, part of which may then have been holding 
 Gordon Castle. Sir Thomas Livingstone, who commanded for 
 William in the north, had on 1st May gained the battle of 
 Cromdale over the Jacobite Highlanders under General Buchan. 
 Bellachastill, near the Haughs of Cromdale, was later called 
 Castle Grant ; and Ballindalloch, ten miles further down the 
 Spey, was in the possession of John Grant, who was one of 
 Dundee's most active lieutenants, and who was forfaulted the 
 same year. 
 
 fFor THE EARLE OFF F FIN LATER 
 
 Gordone Castle, 9 May 1690. 
 My Lord, — I hade one from Leivistoune yesternight. 
 He left him at Bellachastill one Wedinsday last. He told 
 me yt it was reported in the camp befor he came away, 
 that yr were some Hyghlanders lying at Bellnadalloch, 
 and that S r Thomas Leivistone desyned to goe ther yester- 
 day ; and I asure your Ldp ther wes noe ingadgment in 
 Badenoch, onlie S r Thomas went yr and seased Clunnie 
 and severall other gentlmen. Soe except the Highlanders 
 have been at Bellnadalloch, when they came ther, which 
 wes yesternight, ther hes been noe laite rancounter since 
 Cromdell. As for what hes been at Breamarr, I hear 
 nothing of it neither pro nor contra. I expect notice 
 from the camp this night ; and if I can get occasione, if 
 ther be anie laite bussines yt is worth the writeing to yor 
 Lop., I shall give yor Lop. ane accompt. — Being in hest, 
 I ame, My Lo., Your Lops, most humble serv*, 
 
 George Grant. 
 
 We have seen that Sir George Gordon of Edinglassie had 
 practically superseded the Earl of Findlater as joint commander of 
 the Banffshire levies. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBL THE EARLL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I wonder much to sie you at such trouble, 
 for what is not worth your pains to put pen to paper. I 
 am so ill stated for wreating that, wer not the respect I 
 ow you, I wold not have wretn so much for all the bussines 
 in hand. I can not goe and come upon my orders efter 
 
60 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 once agreed on. If any prove refractorie they may be 
 made comptable for it. — I am, My Lord, your Ldps most 
 humble and obedient servant, G. Gordone. 
 
 Ednglassie, 6 Jun. 1690. 
 
 On the 14th of June the Burgh records of Cullen bear that 
 an order was produced from Sir Thomas Livingstone on some of 
 the Banffshire heritors to have fourscore horses and sacks at 
 Gordon Castle on the 17th to carry provisions for their Majesties' 
 army. Next letter deals with the provisioning of the troops. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I beleeue most of the baggage is already 
 gon, and the sacks ar ordered to be at Gordon Castle to- 
 morrow morning, and the horses on Tuysday's morning ; 
 nor knowe I any that will give a recept unles thes of the 
 forces give it, who ar to be their guard. As for this Ldp, 
 the lists being called, the horses of the deficients wer 
 doubled, and the owners poynded besids by the dragoons ; 
 bot I heard of no recept, only that nottes wer taken. 
 Ferguson's landing has been rumor' d of a long tym, bot 
 as little assurance as yet, for what can be learned by, My 
 Lord, Your Lop's obedient seruat, H. Gordon. 
 
 15 Juny, 90. 
 
 Ferguson was probably not the Plotter, but Major Ferguson, 
 who was then carrying out an expedition from the Clyde to 
 occupy Inverlochy in order to overawe the western Highlands. 
 The Dartmouth of the Royal English navy, under Captain Pot- 
 tinger, ' with the rest of the squad e under his commands/ acted 
 as his convoy. 1 
 
 This month of June the town council of Cullen allowed Sir 
 James Ogilvie, advocate, as their commissioner for attending the 
 Convention of Estates, and for attending Parliament and the 
 Convention of Burghs, £100 Sc. in satisfaction of his expenses. 
 
 The eighth Earl of Eglintoun in 1676-7 entailed his estates on 
 
 1 Mackay's Memoirs, Appendix, pp. 322-324. 
 
1690] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 61 
 
 his eldest son, Lord Montgomerie, with remainders, but under 
 the reservation of an annuity to himself of 6000 merks. 
 
 For MY LORD MONTGOMERIE these 
 
 Edr., July 14, 1690. 
 
 My Lord, — I find your father hes consulted in order 
 to bring in ane proces against you befor the Parlament. 
 I know in lau he can get nothing from you ; yet in this 
 Parlament wee find ourselfs not strictly limited by lau, 
 and therfor the event of this process might be dubius. 
 Its the opinion of all your freinds hier that you advance 
 my Lord ane thousund merks, and give your consent to 
 the filling of ane clerks place, which is vacant in one of 
 your jurisdictions. This will cost you no money, and its 
 what you cannot refuse to grant, seing my Lord during 
 his life hes the administration of the jurisdictions. Its 
 verie fit in my opinion that your Lo. shun hearing with 
 your father, seeing you can have your peace att so easie 
 ane rait. I aknouledge this to much prasumtion in me 
 to priescrive ruels to your Lo., bot its the respect I have 
 for you and your familie hes made me wreat so freely, and 
 I hope youl pardon me for it, seing I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lo. most affectionatt cousing and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Since wreating my letter, I find the clerkships of both 
 your jurisdictions are vacant, and the Commissioner, 
 Advocat, and all your relations thinks it proper your Lo. 
 subscrive consenter to both commissions. If this be 
 refused, I know your father will immediatly goe onn in 
 his process ; and you can have no honor to be heard with 
 him since you may agree so easilie. 
 
 The nominations to the vacant clerkships were of value, because 
 these and many other judicial appointments were in those days 
 bought and sold. 
 
 The story of Montgomery's plot is detailed in all Scots his- 
 tories. The abbreviations in the following letter may be thus 
 filled up : An. the Earl of Annandale ; R. the Lord Ross ; Sk. 
 
62 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 Sir James Montgomery of Skelmorlie; D. Q. the Duke of Queens- 
 berry ; M. A. the Marquis of Athole ; M. the Earl of Melville ; 
 L. G. D. Lieut. -General Douglas; and D. H. the Duke of Hamilton. 
 The handwriting is that of Sir William Hamilton, Under-Secretary 
 of State for Scotland, and one of the commissioners sent by the 
 Convention of Royal Burghs on 14th August 1689 to interview 
 the King in London. He was subsequently appointed a Judge of 
 the Court of Session, and took the title of Lord Whitelaw. In 
 1697 was made Lord Justice-Clerk. 
 
 ffbr SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 
 Sir, — I caused severall tymes speak to Buchan about 
 that money. He sayes he shall get it as soon as he can, 
 and pay arent therfor till that tyme ; for the toune of 
 Edr. was oweing him money. I caused tell him wee 
 wold not let that money ly on arent, and I have spoken 
 to the provest and George Sterling, that the toune may 
 advance alse much of what they owe to Buchan as will pay 
 us. If I had not been concerned myselfe I could have 
 craved harder for you. I spoke lykewayes to the provest 
 and George about the tounes gratifica°ne which was pro- 
 mised. They said they had taken course with that, and the 
 thesaurer wold shortlie give me ane accompt therof ; and 
 you may assure yourselfe you shall soon therafter be 
 acquainted therof by me. 
 
 ffor newes it is alse confidentlie said as ever that An., 
 R., and Sk. were upon the plott for bringing back the late 
 King. Sk. is still on his keeping. An. mist narrowlie 
 been taken at the Baith by a messinger. B. was closs 
 prisoner in the Tower, but now he hes gotten more libertie 
 therin. The Ladyes R. and Sk. take journey for court 
 the nixt week to see what they can doe there for their 
 husbands. The breach betuixt the tuo Dalrimples and 
 M. is greater then ever. Young D. they say hes joyned 
 with D. Q. and M. A. for beating doune of M. and presbytrie 
 together ; and yisterday eight dayes they sent away 
 Douglas of Gogar to the King to negotiat with Leivetennent 
 Generall D. in their behalf e with the King. The morrow 
 after W. Carstairs was sent by M. to counter them. Wee 
 
1690] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 63 
 
 hear since, none of them went to Ireland, but that they 
 went from Portpatrick to Chester to meet the King, who 
 was to returne from Ireland upon Sunday last, for Watter- 
 foord is surrendered to him and L. G. D. hes taken Athlon 
 by storme. Blair the postmaster who came here yisterday 
 from Ireland saves the accompt he got as he returned of 
 the slaine at the watter of Boyne was ten thousand at the 
 least, for their were many discovered dead in the boigs 
 since the break. It is expected that both the Dutch and 
 English fleets will at sea before this, and that the ffrench, 
 who have lyen upon the coast of Sussex this whyle by- 
 gone, dar not now land their men, when the fleets are 
 out, and the King comeing home. Your freind D. H. is 
 come to toune, but continues very ill of the gravell. I 
 wish that he and M. were in a good understanding. You 
 have a good lyfe, who hes your ease in the countrey whill 
 your old collegue is troubled with the comissiones. But 
 whether he be at leasure or not, he is constantlie, Sir, 
 Your most humble servant. Adieu. 
 Edr., August 2, 1690. 
 
 Two days earlier the English and Dutch fleets had engaged the 
 French off Beachy Head. Owing to the cowardice of the English 
 Admiral Torrington, the allies were driven into the Thames. 
 This naval defeat opened England to a French invasion ; and 
 General Mackay was ordered from Inverlochy to the Lowlands of 
 Scotland to be in readiness to march into England. In August 
 the Jacobites under Cannon and Buchan were therefore able to 
 make headway in the north, and to drive 'the Master of Forbes 
 and Colonel Jackson into Aberdeen. Mackay, reassured from 
 England, soon took measures for the defence of Aberdeen by 
 marching north again. Sir James Abercromby, laird of Birken- 
 bog, in next letter deals with the situation thus created in 
 Aberdeenshire. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE 
 OF FINDLATER these ar 
 
 Abdn., August 22, 1690. 
 My Lord, — I received your letter, and renders your Lo. 
 many thanks for y e truble ye haue ben at, in sending in 
 
64 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 vour man heir to see houe we are. As for neues, we dare 
 not wreat them for fear of being intercepted, becaues y r 
 are no lers that pases without breaking up. The Tuesdays 
 ler brought in no neues that was remarkable. Ther cam 
 in neues to the toune this morning that Inverei was taken, 
 and twelf more with him. They report that Dumferling 
 is about a thousand horse and eight hunder foot besids 
 the clans, and that M c Kaie is four thousand foot and 
 one thousand horse ; but your Lo. cane haue a suerer 
 accompt of that then we, becaues as we heer they are 
 but a litle aboue Strathbogie yet. If your man could 
 have stayed till Saturday ye might have had ane fuller 
 account. We are expecting in two thousand of M c Kaies 
 foot this night, and we hav Kenmures regment alreadie 
 heire. My Lord Banf is prisoner heire, although he hath 
 the Counsels pass. So wishing your Lo. good health, I 
 still remaine in all sincerity, My Lord, Your most aff ectionat 
 godsone and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Abercromby. 
 
 My wife and I gives our good wishes to your Lo. and the 
 young ladies. Likways offer my service to Sir James, and 
 I will chaleng him one his promise when we meet. 
 
 John Farquharson of Inverey, Deeside, known as the Black 
 Colonel, was not so easily taken. 
 
 James Ogilvie, younger of Boyne, with a Latin quotation from 
 Ovid's Heroides, invites his cousins from Cullen House to play 
 long gauff on the sea braes, near Boyne Castle in Banffshire. 
 
 Boyne, the ij of September 1690. 
 
 Sir, — -I have sent order for the trees my Lord has 
 written for, and have sent the news. My father is gone 
 towards Carnustie this day ; and ife Mr. Patrick and you 
 have a mind for a touch at long gauff tomorrow lett 
 me know this night wher I shall waitt on you with a 
 second, or if yee would doe me the honour to come this 
 lenth, because the links ar better, and we shall see ife ye 
 cannot make better use of a club in this countrey then ye 
 
1690] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 65 
 
 did at Eden. This is not that I doubt but ye made good 
 use of your short putting club ther. So hoping ye will 
 give my humble service to all the Ladies and Lords with 
 you, I remain Yours, James Ogilvie. 
 
 Nihil mihi rescribas attamen ipse veni with Mr Patricke. 
 
 Carnoustie or Carnousie in Forglen, Banffshire, was the property 
 of George Gordon of Edinglassie. 
 
 Of the few north of the Grampians, who from the outset actively 
 supported the revolution, no one was more convinced of its 
 justice or more influential than Ludovick, eighth laird of Grant. 
 Elected commissioner for Inverness-shire to the Convention, he 
 supported the settling of the crown on William, and was one of 
 the select committee nominated to settle the government. When 
 Dundee broke north, General Mackay at once concerted measures 
 with him. In consequence the laird of Grant hurried north to 
 raise his clan, embodying it in a regiment under his own command. 
 It did excellent w r ork for William in the north during the whole 
 rising. The following letter is to his brother-in-law Lord Boyne. 
 
 ffor MY LORD BOYNE thes 
 
 Ballachastell, the 22 September 1690. 
 My Lord, — I have returned the mear ye wreat off, and 
 if any more off your servants horses can be gott tryel off 
 in this country they shall not want them ; but for what 
 is off them in Badinoch I canot serve you in that, for 
 I want a hundered horse went from this with Collonell 
 Livistoune, and I supose the greatest pairt off them ar 
 with my nighbours off Badinoch. But wherin I can be 
 off use comand me as being, Your affectionat brother and 
 humble servantt, Ludouick Grantt. 
 
 The act abolishing patronage on condition that patrons were 
 compensated was passed on 19th July 1690. On 7th June 
 16'90, Parliament established Presbyterian church government, 
 but the actual settling of the church on its new basis in the 
 north took several years. 
 
 E 
 
66 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 1690 
 
 The 6th of Octobr -690. 
 
 Verie Loving Friend, — I intreat you doe me the favour 
 to send me north with this bearer the leat act of Parliement 
 taking away the patronages, with the act of retention 
 passed in the last session of Parliement, and what they 
 cost you my son James shall pay you. I intreat you 
 likways doe me the favour to heave all my peapers that 
 are by you readie to deliver to my son, which will verie 
 much oblidge Your verie reall friend, Ffindlater. 
 
 The following is one of several letters from Edinburgh book- 
 sellers showing the Earl of Findlater's taste in reading. 
 
 My Lord, — According to yo r Lo. orders I have sent 
 Beaumonts and Fletchers plays, w* ii 1 of the best taileduces 
 I have ; and w 1 the first occasione shall send to London 
 for Don Quixot and ye 2 d p* of Chardins Travells, if ther 
 be such a book, for yo r Lops use; and when Sir James 
 comes to toune, to receive yo r Lops further comands shall 
 be the honor of, My Lord, Yo r Lo. most humble servant, 
 
 Wm. Johnston. 
 
 Edr. 7 Octor (90). 
 Turn over. 
 
 Beaumont and Fletcher's plays 
 
 18 00 00 
 
 S largest taileduces — viz.: 
 1 Kings statue 
 1 Seige of Buda 
 1 Discors concordia . 
 1 Ld Maitland . 
 1 Q. Mary 
 
 1 Dauphin of France 
 1 Dutches of Cleveland 
 1 Ld Russell 
 1 7 Bishops 
 1 K. W m 
 
 01 10 00 
 00 18 00 
 00 18 00 
 00 14 00 
 00 14 00 
 00 14 00 
 00 14 00 
 00 08 0 
 00 08 0 
 00 08 0 
 00 08 0 
 
 1 Honslow heath camp 
 
 25 14 00 
 
 Meaning n, as the list shows. 
 
feb. 1691] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 67 
 
 The handwriting of the following letter regarding the upholding 
 of the post in Banffshire is that of Mr. Patrick Innes minister of 
 Banff. It is no doubt written to his patron the Earl of Findlater. 
 
 My Lord, — I knew not till yesternight that there were 
 any letters brought by the last post, directed to your 
 LoP. Our magistrats have been at the expense of keeping 
 up the post this long time, and they have no help from 
 the shire, whereupon besides the postage to Abd. they 
 have resolved to take 2s. sc. for every single letter from 
 Abd. to Banff ; and this I am informed is the reason they 
 keep up any letters directed to any in the shire. But I 
 shall endeavour yt in after time none of your LoP s letters 
 shall be stopped, for I shall call for them how soon ever 
 the post comes on, and send them with the first bearer to 
 Cullen, and if I cannot have one, shall send an expresse 
 with them. There came no considerable news with the 
 last post to this place : They write of great preparations 
 on all] hands for the next campaigne. The Gene[ral 
 Assembly of the Presbyterians is adjourned till Novem 
 [ber next]. I am grieved to hear that my Lady Anna's 
 [dist]emper continues. The good Lord recovjer her]. 
 
 Banff, Novr. 29, 1690. 
 
 With the assistance of his brother, Robert Ogilvie, born c. 
 February 1673, was about to begin his career as a cavalry officer. 
 Later in this year, on 30th July, he applied to Sir James for a 
 charger. 
 
 For MASTER ROBERT OGILVIE son to the EARLE 
 OF FINDLATER 
 
 Roben, — I nou think it time for you to come south. 
 You shal be recomended to thes who have the disposal 
 of anie of the vacant places. If my Lord Boyn pleases 
 to advance you five pound uppon my Lord my fathers 
 recept, I shal compt with my Lord Boyn att meeting. 
 You may come by your majors house att Fyfe, and he 
 will inform you wher your troup lyes. This is all att 
 present from Your affectionatt brother, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Edr., Februarie 2d, 169i. 
 
68 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 Wee James Earel of Findlater, Lord Ogilvie of Deskfoord 
 and Inshmartien grants us to heav receaved the within 
 mentioned fyve pound sterling from my Lord Boind, 
 which soume forsaid we be these oblidge us to hold count 
 for to Sir James Ogilvie of Church-hill. Given under our 
 hand at Cullen the ij th of feby -69i Ffindlater. 
 
 The letters concerning Charles, seventh Lord Oliphant, of 10th 
 February and 25th April 1691, show that he had fallen into strait- 
 ened circumstances. He married, c. 17th October 1678, Mary, 
 daughter of John Ogilvie of Milton Keith. Newmilne is in the 
 parish of Keith, Banffshire. 
 
 These are 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 
 Newmilne, ffebr. 10th, 9i. 
 My Lord, — The Lord Oliphant is remowed from this 
 countrea with his Ladie and familie, so y* I cannot give 
 your Lo. anie ansuer from him unlesse I could hav spoken 
 with him myselff ; bot I fear he is not provyded to give 
 your Lo. monie at this tyme, and I may say I know so 
 much by exsperience in ane affair of my own. It is lyk 
 I may sie your Lo. som day this weick, and I shal use mor 
 freidome in this affair then now I can doe ; n r think I y* 
 your Lo. may mowe much in this session. And I know he 
 does realie desing your Lo. satisfaction, though he be not 
 prepared for the tyme ; yet I judge it is meit your Lo. and 
 he should meit and cleir things, y* he may endeavor to 
 doe busines at the nixt tearme. And this is all I can say 
 for the tyme, bot y* I am, My Lord, Your Lo. humbel 
 servant, Jhone Ogilvye. 
 
 The following extract from a London newsletter shows the 
 danger of foreign invasion following on the loss of sea power by 
 the defeat at Beachy Head. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONLL THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATOR thes 
 
 London, 7 Apryl 1691. 
 Letters from Brest of the 3 d say, the day before the 
 
1691] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 69 
 
 7 men of warr with 28 transport ships sailled hence for 
 Ireland, yr being Monsr St. Ruth and diverse other 
 French officers with 1500 souldiers on board, and are 
 charged with some important designe, its whispered to 
 retake Kingsaill or Cork, ther being instructions sent to 
 Tyroniell to bring down ane bodie of Irish. Before the 
 letter Monsr Torveill is come down with his last ordors 
 to hasten the grand fleet to sea. 
 
 Plymouth 5th tell us, a day before a Dutch shipp arryved 
 here from Bilboa. She says she came thence 8 dayes agoe 
 in companie with 16 English and 14 Dutch capers, but 
 yt 4 French men of warr, 3 of which were of 60 guns each, 
 fell in with them, upon which the merchants were making 
 yr escape and the men of warr were preparing to f eight. 
 This day two French ships, having French goods on board, 
 were sent in there by the abovesaid capers, and say when 
 they cam away the said capers and the Hanniball were 
 hotlie engaged with the 4 French men of warr ; that 
 before they cam away the ffr. hade taken 7 English mercts, 
 and yt when they were out of sight they continowed to 
 heir smart shooting. Ther was a report that the Hanniball 
 was taken by the sd men of warr, as also 6 or 7 more of 
 Bilboa fleet, and were in chase of the rest. The Lord 
 Colchesters regment of hors now quartered at Worcester 
 is ordored furthwith to march in ordor to imbarq for 
 Flanders. 
 
 Wee hear yt hir Miitie hes sent ordors to the Deputtie 
 Levi's of the seall counties boarding on the sea coasts to 
 have the millitia in readieness to march upon some houres 
 warning. One of the last weeks packett boats from 
 Holland is still wanting, and thought to have been taken 
 by the ffr., with diverse passengers on board, among 
 whom are thought to be Doctor Scott and Doctor Grote. 
 
 Wee have just now ane accompt att io acloak that a 
 fyre broke up suddenlie at Whythall, which made the 
 Queen walk on foot to St. Jameses with a guard. Some 
 say it began in Dutches of Portsmouths lodginges, but 
 being so late we cannot give yow more confirma°ne till 
 the next. 
 
70 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 ffor THE EARELL OFF FFINDELATORE 
 
 thesse 
 
 Aprill the 25, 69i 
 My Lord, — I receved your Lo. immedeatlie, as leak- 
 wais anie line from Park 1 the outher day conserning 
 that affaire, and I hope your Lop. knowes I was alwaies 
 willing to doe what was just and incumbent for me ; 
 and accordinglie I am resolved to send anie espress, God 
 willing, the begining of this inshuing week for my peapers 
 to Edbr. from my Lord Pittmeden, whereby I may be in 
 a condishione to treat w* S r John, q ch w l my wyfe hir 
 service and myne presented to your Lo. and famellie 
 is all from, My Lord, Your Lo. humbell servant, 
 
 Oliphant. 
 
 For MISTRES ANNA MURAY daughter to LIFTENNANT 
 COLLONEL JAMES MURAY, Governour of the Castel 
 
 OF EDR. 
 
 Cullen, April 30, i69i. 
 
 Madam, — The former experience I have of your La. fav- 
 ours hes incuraged me to praesume to give you this trouble, 
 and to desire ane favour from you for my sister Anna, 
 which is to choise for her ane gase head dress with ridans 2 
 conform, and to cause some of your servants putt it upp 
 cairfuly. My faithers chamerlan will wait onn your La., 
 and give out the money for it att your direction. I hope 
 youl pardon this trouble givne you by, Madam, Your La. 
 most faithful servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 My sister gives you her humble service. 
 
 James, second Earl of Airlie, writer of next letter, had at this 
 time his chief seat at Banff, where part of the ' Hoose of Airlie ' 
 still stands in the gardens of Duff House. In common with many 
 Scots noblemen of that period, he was in straitened circumstances, 
 and in 1700 Alexander Duff of Braco, son of Alexander Duff of 
 Keithmore, bought his Banffshire estates. 
 
 Banff, 19 May, 1691. 
 My Lord, — I hear your Lodps airie holds this year, 
 which I am glade of, seeing your Lodp. once was pleased 
 
 1 Sir John Gordon. 2 Probably miswritten for ribans. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 71 
 
 to promise me some ; and if ye could allowe me ane 
 falcon or tuo at this tyme, I shall cause haulk one of yfn 
 for your owen use, y* ye may knowe the goodnes of your 
 airie ; and when they are fitt to be herried, upon your 
 Lodps advertisement I shall send my man for ym. This 
 favor I hop ye will not refuse to him who is, My Lord, 
 Your Lodps most affect°nt cousine and humble servant, 
 
 Airlie. 
 
 Alexander Ogilvie, 1 younger brother of George, third Lord Banff, 
 in next letter writes from Allardes in Kincardineshire, the home of 
 his first wife, Mary, eldest daughter of Sir John Allardes of that 
 Ilk. Related to the family of Findlater he was a frequent corre- 
 spondent of theirs, and several of his letters are included in this 
 collection. Apart from the facts disclosed in these letters, it may 
 be noted that he was probably born in 1660. Through the 
 influence of his cousin, Seafield, he was appointed in 1699 Deputy 
 Keeper of His Majesty's Signet. On 13th March 1700 he got 
 sasine of the family lands of Forglen and part of Inchdrewer. 
 In 1701 he was created a Baronet. He represented the royal 
 burgh of Banff in the Scots Parliament from 1702 until the Union 
 in 1707. On the 29th of March 1706 he was made a Judge of 
 the Court of Session, and took the title of Lord Forglen. He 
 actively supported the union of the Parliaments, and was appointed 
 one of the commissioners for the treaty. In the troubled times 
 after the death of Queen Anne and down to 1723 he took an 
 active part in the county government of Banffshire. His 
 grandson Sir Alexander Ogilvie became seventh Lord Banff. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL, 
 Adwocat, edr. 
 
 Allardes, 15 July '91. 
 Right Honobll Sir, — The Earle of Craufoord having 
 stoped resignation to be made upon ane disposition be 
 my Lord Bamff to me, upon the pretence that my Lord 
 Bamff was in the rebellion, qtch is a mistacke, for my 
 
 1 4 Banffshire Roads,' by the editor, in Banffshh'e Field Club Transactions, 
 1905, pp. 81, 82; and The Scottish Peerage, vol. ii. p. 23. 
 
72 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 Lord being in his north goeing at Forvie was by ane partie 
 of the Hilanders caried to there camp, qhare he stayed 
 hardlie halfe one day, and thereafter at Aberdein by 
 Jacksone was detained upon inconciderat expressiones, as 
 Jacksone alleadged and my Lord Bamff still deneyed ; 
 and I belive all proceed from my Lord Bamff his being in 
 drink as I uas credablie informed, I have wreaton to the 
 Veicecount of Arbuthnot to represent the caise to the 
 Earle of Crauford, and deall with his Lo. that I may be 
 aloued the comon course of justice, and I intreat, Sir, ye 
 may be pleased to goe withe the Veicecountt to the Earle 
 of Crauford and speack with him, and if that faill then 
 by ane bill represent the mater to the Lordse of the Ex- 
 chequer. I am hopefull the Veicecount will prevaill with 
 the Earle of Crauford ; for q^ever expenses or deflculties 
 I am putt to, all will returne upon the Master of Bamff 
 for relief e out of the fie ; and concidering Arbuthnot his 
 relation to the Master, I believ he will doe all he can to 
 prevent his harme, concidering the estate is brought werie 
 lou ; and if there be ane stop upon the disposition, it 
 being butt a corroborative right of the adjudecationes, 
 I shall infeeft myselfe upon them, butt I desyre not to 
 accumulat expenses, and I am still, Sir, Your humble 
 servant, Alex r Ogilvie. 
 
 Colonel Jackson was driven into Aberdeen in July 1690 by 
 Colonels Cannon and Buchan. Robert second Viscount of Arbuth- 
 nott married, c. March l()58,Lady Elizabeth Keith second daughter 
 of William seventh Earl Marischal. Their grandson Robert was 
 the Viscount Arbuthnott of the letter. The Master of Banff's 
 mother was Jean third daughter of the seventh Earl Marischal. 
 
 ffor SIR JAMES OGILVY OF CHURCH HILL 
 son to the EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 The 28th of Jully, -69i. 
 Dear Son, — Heaveing the occasion of Master Baird 
 I wold not butt acquent you that your Lady and son are 
 verie weall. Your sister Anna is at Pitterhead , . . well, 
 
i6 9 i] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 73 
 
 for against my will, I admier ye heave given me no 
 advyse about the plantation of the Kirke of Deskfoord, 
 for its said it must be planted against the 10th of August 
 nixt. I intreat your advyse with the first post. I shall 
 add no mor, but that I am Your loving father, 
 
 Ffindlater. 
 
 Master Baird was James Baird, 1 Cullen, afterwards secretary to 
 Sir James Ogilvie, and founder of the family of the Bairds of 
 Chesterhall, Midlothian. He is the writer of several letters in 
 this collection. 
 
 SIR JEAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH HILL 
 thes 
 
 Duns, july th 30, 169i. 
 Loving Brother, — I having the occation of this berer 
 thoght it fit to acquant you that I stand in very great 
 nid of ane horse, and Captan Johnstoun is in toun. If 
 you place to give him muny he wille affourd me ane horse, 
 that he wille oblidg himself for ; therfor I humbly 
 intreat you may dou me this great kyndness amongst the 
 rest of the favors you have dun me. No more at present 
 but that I rest still, Your most humbel and obedient 
 brother and servant till death, Robert Ogilvie. 
 
 James Brodie, laird of Brodie, commissioner for Morayshire in 
 the Convention of 1689, favoured the revolution settlement and 
 the establishment of Presbytery. The following letter to Sir 
 James Ogilvie deals with the settlement of the parish of Dyke, 
 Morayshire. 
 
 Much Hond. and Dear Coosing, — You gave us your 
 concurrance at ... in that call, qch this parish of Dyke 
 gave to Mr. Allex r Forbes, and y[ r hav]ing still an interest 
 amongst us, [and] being fulie persuaded of your goo[d] affec- 
 tion to vhat is the real good and interest of this parish, ve 
 have sent this express to you entreating you may concurr 
 
 1 Genealogical Collections concerning the Sirname of Baird, 1870, pp. 95, 96. 
 
74 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 1691 
 
 yet furder vith us, and subscrive this pr6 d ne and varrant 
 to yo r frind Whitereath or Mr John Campbel or both of 
 them to appear befor the Sinod of Glascow, for discussing 
 an appail that lyes befor them anent Mr. Alex r Forbes 
 his transplantation to Dyke. Ther has bein a great deal 
 of difficultie to effectuat this mater, and nou al depends 
 vpon the right managing of this appail, and I am hopful 
 that all vil goe veil anuffe. I shal say no more, bot my 
 service to your Ladie, and good vishes to both of you, 
 and I am stil, Yo r affectionat freind and coosing and 
 serv*, J. Brodie. 
 
 Brodie, 25 ?br. '91. 
 
 Sir, — you may be pleased to brake open my letter to 
 Whitvreath or Mr. Campbel, in caice it com sealed to 
 from Elgin and seal it again. 
 
 Frasor, the writer of next letter, was Charles, fourth Lord Fraser. 
 Inverallochy, who was either Simon Fraser or his son William, was 
 unsuccessful in his suit. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONARABELL SIR JAMS OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCHIL 
 
 Carnbulg, 12 Oct. 91. 
 Right Honarabell, — I hawe just now reseived ane 
 sumons of laborrus from Docktor Gordon, who heath 
 reased a most fals and envidius laybell as ever was, but 
 I hoop we shall put him to trubell and expens wirth his 
 pains. Invralachie is much dejected he heath not the 
 happines of a lien from my Lady Anna, but all he can 
 meet with will not make him desist. I hoop ye will 
 resolev upon allowing me the fawor of mor then on night, 
 when ye cum to this cuntray, which is much longed for. — 
 Right Honorabell, Your most affectionat humbell serwant, 
 
 Feasor. 
 
 My wif and I giwes our serwice to my Lord Findlatur 
 and all your good cumpanie. 
 
 John, second Earl of Dundonald, died on the 17th of May 1690, 
 leaving three young children and a widow, Susannah, sister of 
 
jan. 1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 75 
 
 the Duke of Hamilton. This relationship accounts for the Duke's 
 writing to Sir James Ogilvie in the interests of the Earl's heirs. 
 
 Hamilton, 26 Octo r 91. 
 Sr, — My Lord Duke Hamilton is informed that there is 
 a process depending at y e instance of my Lady Cochran 
 aga* S r John Cochran of Ochiltry, which will tend to 
 the prejudice of the Earle of Dundonalds heirs. Therfor 
 his Gr. desires you as their agent to adwert to it, and 
 take it up to be seen by their adwocats, so that what may 
 be to their prejudice may be prevented. Which is by 
 his Gr. command from Yo r most humble serv*, 
 
 Da. Crauford. 
 
 Much Honored,— The particular Conventione of Bor- 
 roues qch satt at Edr in October last haveing receaved 
 informatione that ther wer indeavours used at court by 
 scall psons both Inglish and Scotts joyntlie in obtaining 
 a patent for erecting a manufactorie of linnen cloath 
 uithin this kingdome, and that the double of the sd patent 
 was produced to the sd Conventione, which in respect of 
 the infrequencie of ther meetting, and that the sd project 
 was of ane gratt concernment to the wholl Royal Borroues, 
 it was ther opinion that the said affair should be remitted 
 to the consideratione of a mor gnall meetting of the 
 Borroues, qch they appointed to conveen at Edr the first 
 Wednesday of ffebry next : These are therfor requyring 
 your Burgh to send ane comissioner to the sd gnall meetting 
 at the day and place forsd sufficientlie instructed in the 
 premisis. And to the effect yor Burgh may be fullie 
 informed as to the nature of the said project, receave the 
 inclosed double of the said patent certifeing yor Burgh 
 that, if it send not a comissioner to the sd meetting, to be 
 look upon as Burgh not regairding the interest of the 
 Royall Burghs, and be lyable to such fynes as the said 
 meeting shall impose conforme to the act of the sd pariar 
 Conventione daited the 22 day of October last. This is 
 signified to you by Your most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Rocheid. 
 
 Edr., the, Slh day of Jafij. 1692. 
 
76 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 The circular letter of Sir James Rocheid, Clerk to the Conven- 
 tion of Royal Burghs, had the desired effect. The patent was 
 stopped, and the two Secretaries of State for Scotland with the 
 Under Secretary, Sir William Hamilton, received gratuities 1 from 
 the Burghs for their services. 
 
 George Leslye, besides being Sheriff-Clerk of Banffshire, was 
 Collector of Excise for the county. In the following letter he 
 threatens to exact tax from brewers whether they brew or 
 not. 
 
 ffor JAMES LAWTIE OF TOCHIENEILL to be comunicate 
 to BAILLIE ORD IN CULLEN 
 thes 
 
 Banff, 2dffebry. 92. 
 Sr, — I received your letter yesternight and Baillie 
 Ords this day, and am not satisfied with either of your 
 lers, though I cannot but confess both of your selfs are 
 fair as to your owen pairts, and thinks yee have done verie 
 fairlie in offering to others what yee did ; and since they 
 are so obstinate and ignorant as not to compley with 
 favours offered to them, lett them be att there hazard, 
 and for there contumacie and contempt for lying drey, 
 doe me the favour to shew ane and all of them that they 
 may be assured I shall be even with them, and upon there 
 expenss. Continue on your selfs. Yee shall find all the favour 
 my power. And for these who have proven contumacious, 
 they may be perswaded they shall pay drey excyse att 
 the highest rate, whither they brew or not. This tell them 
 from me, and that they shall never find me where they 
 left me ; and if the pairty which I have here from Bellen- 
 dallach were not allreadie ingadged and imployed other- 
 wayes and upon some other persons, they should have 
 imediatlie have bein sent to Cullen, ffor I see that poeple 
 are so daft that I must give them some divertisment. All 
 these I leave to your owen caire, and desyres that with my 
 ffathers man who comes to Boyndie to me on Thursday 
 nixt ye lett me have your return of this from him, and ane 
 
 1 Records of the Convention of Royal Burghs, 1692, pp. 146*15 1, 
 
1692] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 77 
 
 list of these who intends to ley drey. — And this is all 
 from, S r , Your humble servant, Geo. Leslye. 
 
 John Grant of Ballindalloch was in arrear with his land tax, and 
 a party of soldiers had in consequence been quartered on his 
 lands. 
 
 ffor THE LAIRD OF DURN, ELDER 
 
 the 18th offebruary -692. 
 
 Much Honored Sir, — The greatest pairt of the northern 
 forces being to march southward the close of this weeke 
 and the nixt occasions me to trouble yu with this line, 
 intreating you to favour me with the lean of fyftie merkes 
 scots, which shall be faithlie restored agaien with the 
 interest from this deat. I hope er long not onlie to pay 
 you, butt likways manifest the sinceritie of my respect to 
 you. — I am, Your oblidged servant, Ffindlater. 
 
 The fyftie merks delivered bee Mr. Patrik. 
 
 Sir John Dalrymple, Master of Stair, one of the Secretaries of 
 State for Scotland, in the following letter refers to Sir James 
 Ogilvie's appointment as Sheriff of Banffshire, his first step in 
 political preferment. 
 
 For Sr JAMES OGILVY, ADVOCAT 
 
 London, March 8, 1692. 
 Sr, — Sine my last, I hav taken occasion to intertain his 
 Maj l > r upon that subject you wer pleased to propose to 
 me of the sherifship of Buchan, and now I hav incourag- 
 ment to desir you to transmitt to me a signater of that 
 office, such as yow desir it. The King givs no offices bot 
 during pleasur (excep to the Lords of Session), so yow will 
 not desir it in other tearmes ; bot his Maj 1 ^ hath retained 
 many that did not deserv it at his hands, yett he hav 
 givin us no example that he threw out* any man that did 
 not deliberatly oppose him, so I conclud as to yow, it 
 will be the sam thing as for yr life, for I persuad myself 
 yow will never do anything unworthy of yr honor nor his 
 Majtfs favor. — And I assur yow I am sincerly, S r , Yr very 
 humble serv*, Jo. Dalrymple. 
 
 The County Records of Banffshire bear that ' in July jmvjc and 
 ninety ane yeirs Sir James Baird of Auchmedden Shirreff Prinll 
 
78 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 of Banffshyre dyed, and there was a vaccancie of the Shirreff Court 
 and Surcease of Justice in the Shyre till ffebrii jmvjc and nyntie 
 thrie yeirs, At qch tym Sir James Ogilvie of Churchhill obteined 
 a Comissione to be Shirreff Prinll of Banffshyre, and on the second 
 of ffebry 1693 the Earle of ffindlater, his father, presented his 
 Comissione, with a Comissione by Sir James to Nicolas Dunbar of 
 Castelfield of Shirreff Depute of Banff, and opened the Court/ 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Ballachastell, the:15 Aprile 1692. 
 Right Honoll, — I was werie unueil at Edinbrugh, 
 uhich keeped me a longe tyme so that I cam not home 
 till Saterday last. I am useing my indevore in what 
 you advysed me as to Gordonstouns affair, and when 
 your conveniencie can alloue you to keep a meiting I 
 shall wait one you ; but my affairs in Wrquhart ar in 
 such a condition, and my land altogither weast, that it 
 oblidges me to goe ther imediatly, wher I take my wyffe 
 with me to stay for some tyme ; but I will be home against 
 the terme, so that how sone I returne I shall acquant you, 
 and I hope ye will alloue us two ore three days er ye goe 
 south to see if it can be taken avay. I shall not descend 
 one anie affair till I have the good fortoune to see you. 
 My wyffe and I give our humble deuty to the Earle off 
 Findlater, your Ladie and all with you. — I am, in much 
 realitie, Sir, Your most affectionat cousine and humble 
 servantt, Ludouick Grantt. 
 
 Castle Urquhart, on Loch Ness, was held by a garrison for 
 William during the revolution, but Glenurquhart, which belonged 
 to the laird of Grant, was otherwise open to the raids of the 
 Jacobite Highlanders. Sir Robert Gordon was laird of Gordon- 
 stoun in Morayshire. 
 
 The following is one of many letters characteristic of times 
 when landowners' rents were paid mostly in kind, and when 
 most Scots noblemen were wholesale grain merchants. Other 
 letters the same year bearing on this subject include those from 
 Alexander Fella, dated 3rd, 9th, 12th, and 17th May. Alexander 
 Leslie, Provost of Banff, 1 690-91 and 1695-99, was laird of 
 Kininvie, Mortlach. 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 79 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVY OFF CHURCHHILL 
 thes 
 
 Bamff, 22 off Apryll 1692. 
 Rt Honll, — Provest Leslie hes bein telling me, that 
 yee have vse for ane bark about fyftein chalder to com 
 to Portsoy within this fourtnight. I have my bark heir 
 wch is just fyfteine chalder, and shall bee reidie (God- 
 willing) against Satterday com eight dayes to come to 
 Portsoy to serve you, wind and wether serveing. Thee 
 fraught is ten punds scotts per chalder, with ane boll 
 of meill and ane boll of malt. So y or Honor may caus 
 Andrew Craik draw tuo charter pairttyes, and I shall 
 caus the skipper whos nam is Allex r Norry subscryve yo r 
 doub 11 and returne it to you. I wish it wer in my power 
 to serve you to any better purpose, and I only add that 
 I am, Rtt Hon** 1 , Your Honores most humb 11 ser tt; , 
 
 George Ogilvy. 
 
 Next letter throws light on the methods of the two Aberdeen 
 Universities, Marischal College (New toun) and King's College 
 (Old toun), in beating up for students. The writer, William Black, 
 was probably an Aberdeen lawyer, who afterwards practised in 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE Sr JAMES OGILVIE 
 OFF CHURCH HILL thes 
 
 Right Hono ll , — 
 
 Among vyr troubles I give yow, I prosume to wreit 
 something in ffavovr of your Alma Mater. Mr. Allexr Moir 
 on of the regents of the Newtoun Colledge, haveing the 
 Bejane class this yeir, is lyk the important sturdie 
 beggars useing all methods to gett schollers. Among the 
 rest, he hes hops of some ffrom your toun of Cullen, viz., 
 the sone of on Bailzie Ord ; and, if ye have any influence 
 that way (q ch I doubt not ye have), it will doe him a 
 singular kyndness if yow recomend him; or at least, if 
 your affair w* the Old toun Colledge hinder, that ye wold 
 not concern yourself (if ye should be importuned by any 
 of the masters of the Old toun Colledge) ags* him. I hop 
 
80 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 ye will pardone my useing this ffreedome, ffor I am, 
 Right Hono 11 , Your most oblidged and humble serv 1 , 
 
 Wm. Black. 
 
 Abd., 25 Aprill 1692. 
 
 The following letter endorsed, 'The Chancellour Tueedell's 
 letter to Grant to stay in his own cuntrey for keepeing it in 
 ordor/ arose out of the then threatened French invasion, which 
 was frustrated by the naval engagement of La Hogue fought from 
 the 19th to the 24th May. The subsequent letters of 9th, 12th, 
 17th, 21st, and 28th May all refer to the apprehended invasion. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LAIRD OF GRANT 
 
 ONE OF THEIR MAJESTIES MOST HONOURABLE PrIVIE CoUNCILL 
 
 Sir, — By ane express wpon the apprehensiones of a 
 descent ffrom ffrance the Councill wes ordored to be 
 called, and frequentlie to meet and consider the meanes 
 for putting the countrey in a postoure of defence neccessary 
 on such ane exigent ; for which end it wes thought needfull 
 all the Privie Councellors should be present heir upon 
 Thursday the fyfth of May att ten in the fforenoon, to 
 take such resolutiones as that affair may require, whereby 
 your presence would also have bein required, if the Councill 
 had not considered your continwance and stay att home 
 within your ouen countrey to be of neccessary use for 
 their Majesties service : Therefore yow are desyred to 
 give all dilligence for keeping the countrey in peace, and 
 for observeing and causeing execute such commands as 
 the Councill shall send yow, and that yow make report 
 of the state of the countrey to the Councill from tyme 
 to tyme, and yow shall be accquainted what farder occures 
 in this matter. This by ordor of Councill is signified to 
 yow, By, Sir, Your humble servant, 
 
 TWEEDDALE CANCEL. 
 
 Edr., 27 Apryle 1692. 
 
 Sir John Dalrymple's recommendation of Sir James Ogilvie to 
 the King, bore fruit in the following warrant issued from the Hague 
 on 30th April 1692. This gift, however, does not seem to have 
 been acted on. 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELI) 
 
 S! 
 
 WART. 1 for a gift of the office of Shirefship of BAMFF in favo J 
 of SIR JAMES OGILVY of Advocate 
 
 William R. 
 
 Our Soveraign Lord and Lady Considering that the 
 office of Sheriff of the shire of Bamff is now vacant in their 
 Ma ts hands and at their gift and disposall by and through 
 the decease of , and being 
 
 sufficiently informed of the loyalty abilities and other 
 good qualifications of Sir James Ogilvie of 
 advocate, Therefore ordain a letter of gift to be 
 made and past under their Ma ts great seale of their 
 ancient kingdom of Scotland giving and granting, likeas 
 their Ma ts by these presents give and grant unto the said 
 Sir James Ogilvy of advocate, 
 the office of Shirefship of the said shire of Bamff during 
 their Ma ts pleasures only : With power unto him to exerce 
 possess and enjoy the said office, as fully and freely in all 
 respects and conditions, as the same was formerly exerced 
 possessed and enjoyed by the said deceased 
 
 or any of his predecessors Sheriffs of the sd 
 sherifdom of Bamff, or may be exerced possessed and en- 
 joyed in any time coming, and to uplift the haill profits 
 emoluments priviledges and casualities whatsoever belong- 
 ing thereunto : And particularly with power to the said 
 
 to nominate and appoint 
 deputs and substitutes in the said office (for whom he 
 shall be answerable) and all other members of court need- 
 full, excepting the clerk of that court : Provided always, 
 likeas by the acceptation of this comission, the said 
 
 is to be answerable for the 
 uplifting, compting for, and making payment unto the 
 Lords Com rs of their Ma ts Treasury and Lords of Ex- 
 cheq r of the ffew duties, retoures and blench duties, and 
 other duties and casualities belonging to their Ma ts for- 
 merly and now used and accustomed to be uplifted, 
 compted for and paid in manner foresaid, and for per- 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland), Warrant Books, vol. xv. p. 121, in Record Office, 
 London. 
 
 F 
 
82 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 forming the other duties and services that the Shireffs of 
 shires are obliged to by lawes of the said kingdom, and 
 the nature and duty of their office : Promising to hold 
 firme and stable all and whatsoever things that the said 
 
 or his deputs or substitutes 
 shall lawfully do in the exercise of the said office. And 
 their Ma ts ordain the said letter of gift to be further 
 extended in the most ample and best forme with all 
 clauses needfull, and to pass their Ma ts great seale afore- 
 said per saltum without passing any other seale or 
 register : In order whereunto these presents shall be to 
 the Directors of their Ma ts Chancellary and their deputs 
 for writing the same, and to the Lord High Chancellor or 
 Lords Comissioners appointed for keeping the great seale 
 for the time being, for causing the same to be appended 
 thereunto, a sufficient warrant. Given at the Court at 
 the Hague the last day of Aprile 1692 and of their Ma ts 
 reign the 4th year. 
 
 May it please your Mats, 
 
 These contain your Ma ts war 1 for a letter to pass (per 
 saltum) under the great seale of your ancient kdom of 
 Scotland giving and granting unto Sir James Ogilvie of 
 advocate, the office of Sherifship of the 
 shire of Bamff during your Ma ts pleasure only, with power 
 to him (ut anted). Jo. Dalrymple. 
 
 The two next letters fix the date of the birth of Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Sir James Ogilvie, between the 4th and 6th of May 
 1692. She afterwards became Countess of Lauderdale. 
 
 For ALLEX R DUMBAR, MERT IN ELGINE, 
 and in his absence to HIS WYFFE these 
 
 Cullen, 4dh May 1692. 
 Sr, — Being affrayed that my wyffe surpryse me in being 
 brought to bed befor I gett such things as are necessarie 
 for hir, have sent the bearer to yow to desyre that yow 
 and your bedfellowe may doe me the favore to buy such 
 wyne and the uyr particulars, as are contained in the [note] 
 heir incloased, and that with all possible dispatch. I 
 would hade sent yow money, bot know not whatt they may 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 8:5 
 
 amount to ; bot send me the accompt with the particulars, 
 and I shall give the money to your good sister Elspett : 
 Which is all from, Sir, Your assured freind, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I in treat yow dispatch the bearer. 
 
 For THE MUTH HONLL SR JAMES OGILVIE, 
 Sreff Prin ll off Banff 
 
 Banff, Maij 6 : 92. 
 Muth Honll, — Acording to you comands I delyvered 
 the inclosed to her G., qroff receave the anssr. On Mon- 
 day her G. is going to Gordoncastl, and will see you all in 
 her bygoing about four aclok. In the afternoon her G. 
 will dyn heir, and will stay somtym at Cragaboynd. My 
 humble service to my Lord ffindlater and all the hon 11 
 familie. — I am, Muth Hon 11 , Your most obedient and 
 humble servant qll, Jo. Stewart. 
 
 I wish you muth joy off your yong Eliza. 
 
 Cragaboynd, where the Duchess of Gordon was to stay, was the 
 older name of Boyne Castle, Sir Patrick Ogilvie's residence. 
 
 Alex 1 ' Fella, the writer of the three following letters, in 1687 
 was tenant of the farm of Lichiestoune, in Deskford. He was Sir 
 James Ogilvie's agent in Leith for the disposal of his grain. 
 Besides giving prices, he gives the current political news about 
 the threatened French invasion, and the measures taken to cope 
 with the situation in Scotland and with the bogus Jacobite con- 
 spiracy in London called Young's plot. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILWIE OFF CHURCHHILL 
 to be found at CULLEN these 
 
 Leith, 9th May 1692. 
 Honored Sir, — Haveing the occasione of this bearer 
 George Watsone, I thought fitt to acquant yow about 
 your wictuel, espeattie the weshell that is not come vp as 
 yet. I am meassring ower to the merchants the meall, 
 and am affraid that it shall goe in, but the bearer shall 
 give yow ane accompt of it. As for master Gairdner and 
 Charles Robertsone, they are not lyk to tak noe mor of 
 your beir nor fyve hunder bolls. I am asking for merchants 
 
84 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 for the rest of it, and will not ingadge with me till it come 
 vpon the place, that they may sie the sufficiencie of it. 
 The best beir that is come from our countray is sold at 
 four pound the boll, and noe readie money. The Orknay 
 and Cathnes beir is sold for four merks the boll heir, and 
 is daily falling and espeattie the meall. As for the money 
 that I have gotten for thes meall, I have it in readines ; 
 and noe thing hinders me now but onlie waiting for that 
 weshell, and the longer she is comeing vp I fear the mercat 
 for her loadning will be the worse. I offered it to your 
 merchants till Mertimes for fyve pounds, and will not 
 accept of it, and hes taken it to advyse. They alleadge 
 that ye have gotten a wery great pryce for that fyve 
 hunder bolls beir, and are repenting wery sore. As for 
 your meall, I wish it stayed home, although it hade lyen 
 these four years to come in the girnels. What ye will 
 ordour me to doe with your moey I have gotten, I shall 
 obey your Honors comands. As for newes, ther are soe 
 maney goeing heir that some of them are uncertan ; but 
 yeasterday at Edr and heir all betwixt sixtie and sixtein 
 were mustered ane myle distant from Edr, and what 
 the event yrof may prove I can not tell. Ther is a great 
 talking amongst the Gillichrankies that King James is 
 landed in England, but noe certantie for it ; but yeaster- 
 day, after the English fleett sayled from this with the 
 souldiers, ther went ane express to them, after they were 
 the length of the mouth of the firth, to land them in the 
 first English ground they touched at ; and if the wind did 
 not srve them, to come vp and land them heir ; and 
 what the meining yrof is I can not tell. The meall is 
 compleatlie meassred, and is intaked six firlots and two 
 pecks less nor the bill of loadning ; and whither it be the 
 metsters fault or imbazlement in the ship I know not. 
 I never took such paines in attending said wictuel my 
 liftyme as I have done this ; and the ingaing and badnes 
 of the mercat is ane anger and greiff to me; this being 
 all at presentt save onlie that I rest, Honored Sir, Your 
 humble and obedient srvant whill I am 
 
 Alexr. Fella. 
 
I 
 
 1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 85 
 
 My Lord Sy forth is escaped out of Edr and gone for 
 the north, at which escape thir is ane great vproar heir, 
 and makes the mercat for wictuel worse nor it wold be. 
 
 Att closing heirof I receaved ane lyne of the fourth of 
 this moneth dated from yow, wherin ye desyre me to 
 wreat to yow, and accordinglie since I cam heir I have 
 written four letters to yow, and marvels that they are 
 not come to your hands by reason I sent them with sure 
 bearers, that they might not be miscaryed. 
 
 The Earl of Seafortli as a ' profest papist ' was on 18th May 1689 
 superseded as Sheriff-principal of Ross-shire. 1 His uncle Mr. Colin 
 M Kenzie was on 14th July I69O forfaulted as having been in the 
 rebellion with Dundee. 2 In I69S Seaforth himself was charged 
 with high treason. 3 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILWYE OFF CHURCH HILL 
 at CULLEN these 
 
 Leith, 12th May 1692. 
 Honored Sir, — Haveing the occasione of this bearer, 
 James Mackye in Newmilne of Keith, since I wrot to yow 
 last, I have been treying for merchants to buy the super- 
 plus of your beir. I expect to gett fyve pounds for every 
 boll of it till ane day, and seven merks in hand moey, if it 
 were heir vpon the place ; and it is ane great hinderance to 
 me to stay vpon that weshel, seeing I have noething to doe 
 heir more. I desyre your Honor most earnestlie to let me 
 know what I shall doe. They are mightilie affrighted heir 
 with the drought. That is that makes the beir give more 
 nor it hes bein formerlie. As for newes, wee hear them 
 daily, but can not give trust to them. And ther is ane plot 
 latlie discovered at London, that soe maney Earles Lords 
 Squaires etc. were vpon ane conspiracie to tak the Queens 
 lyff and to burn the Citie, and ane considerable number 
 of them apprehended and are in the Tower, as this dayes 
 newes letter mentions. As also the newes letter gives ane 
 accompt that King James forces in France comeing for 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland^ vol. ix. Appendix, p. 33. 
 
 2 Ibid., p. 61. 3 Ibid., p. 74. 
 
86 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 England were all shipped at Brest, and are stopped ther 
 by the English and Dutch fleets ; and it is just now 
 presentlie reported heir, that ane considerable number of 
 the fleett are called in to England, to witt the comanders 
 of them who were suspected to be partakers of plott, and 
 are in the Tower. Haveing noe more at present to trouble, 
 but requests your Honor to send the weshel heir, and 
 sooner she comes it may furder your advantage, for pryces 
 of wictuel are vp the one day and doun the vyr, is all at 
 present from, Right Hono 11 , Your Ho. most humble and 
 obedient srvant till death, Alexr. Fella. 
 
 The moey of the meall I have gotten, and knowes not 
 what to doe with it, as I told yow in my last sent with 
 George Watsone, this being four or five tymes I have 
 wfine to your Honor, but hes never gotten ane lyne from 
 yow but one. 
 
 Remember my lowe and kyndnes to my Lord and 
 master. 
 
 Though several of the officers of the fleet were strongly suspected 
 of Jacobitism, the Queen, who was acting in the absence of her 
 husband, did not send them to the Tower, but successfully appealed 
 to their patriotism. 
 
 For THE MUCH HORED SIR JAMES OGELVIE OFF 
 CHURCHHILL att Cullon off Boynd 
 these wt care 3d 
 
 Leith, ye i7 May i692. 
 Much Hored, — I ame very anctiouss to be relleivd, 
 but sees no apearance off that weshall as yett, and the 
 pryces falls evry day, and troubles and confusion incresses 
 heer and lyk to be over all. Its thought the fleets have 
 mett by this tyme ; but litle neues can be hade in regaird 
 some pacquets are taken, and some lers qn they come 
 are keept ore burnt. Ther is seall great men and officers 
 in Ingland secured. Most off nobillety and gentrie heer 
 hes ther horsses and armes all seazed, and the wholl 
 forces is to be incamped this week in Gladsmoor. My 
 Lord Seaforth haveing absented from Edr is aprihended 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 87 
 
 att Pancatland, and brought in yesterday. As for y e 
 orders concerning the forces off y e north, it will be att ydr 
 hand beffor this. Its still expect the sumer session will 
 not be much, iff att all. Iff y e bear wer heer I expect 5 lb 
 to a day, ore 7 merks raidy mony ; but non will barguen 
 till they see it. John Strachen advysed me rather to 
 y e 7 merks rady mony. Merchds are very affrayed to 
 medle at this tyme. Those that hes meall is expecting 
 it be seccured for y e publicqe. As for yor Hors mony, 
 I have about therteen hundreth merks, but knows not 
 what to doe with it. The tymes are so troublsom, that 
 I ame affrayd to carie it north utout yor Hors spetiall 
 comand. I offered it to sealls coming north, but they 
 wold not medle ut it, So lett me have comands in this 
 and qt elss concerns ydr Hdr heer, and they shall be 
 observed by Ydr Hors most obedient servant, 
 
 Alexr Fella. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCH[HILL] 
 
 Right Honourable, — I have sent inclosed all the news 
 that are come with this dayes post. There came only one 
 print proclamation for secureing the peace in the northerne 
 shires ; and the clerk depute is to cause proclaim it at 
 the crosse, and tells he must keap it for his warrand ; 
 but I have sent inclosed an exact double of it. I had from 
 Abd account that the whole English and Dutch fleets 
 were on the coast of France, and it is thought by many 
 that they and the French fleet have ingaged by this time, 
 that Doctor Sprat, Bishop of Rochester, is seized as 
 being on the plott, that the execution of the designe of 
 the plot should have been the 12th of May, if God had 
 not prevented it by a timous discovery. The Earle of 
 Seafoorth, who lately upon the news of the invasion 
 escaped from Edr, is again apprehended. What further 
 account of news comes to this place I shall send them to 
 Durne, and the Laird of Durne hes promised imediatly to 
 dispatch ym to the Earle of Findlater and your Honour. 
 
88 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 I am to My Lord, to your Honour, your most worthy 
 Lady, and all the noble familie a most obleidged and 
 most humble devoted servant, Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, May 21, 1692. 
 
 Two days before the minister of Banff wrote the sea-fight of 
 La Hogue which lasted until the 24th began. It was fought and 
 won before Francis Montgomerie uncle to Sir James wrote. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 Dear Sir, — I have giwen my Lord your father the trouble 
 of a letter, intreating he wold help me with haukes this 
 summer. All I had are dead, so I intreat your help and 
 assistans to prucure some from him, or from any of your 
 friends and relationes. I doubt not bot yow hawe heard 
 the newes of ane intended inwasion on Britane by French 
 and Irish ; and had not the weind prowed long cross to 
 them, it had bien in all probabilitie before much prepara- 
 tion had bien made at sea or land to oppose them. Both 
 fleets are now at sea, and a feight is dayly expected. Ther 
 hath bien a great discovery made of a plott in Ingland, 
 wher severall noblemen and others are apprehended and 
 many fled, amongst whom are the Earles of Midletone 
 Newbrugh and Dinmore my Lord Forbes and Sir Andrea 
 fforrester. Begging your pardon for this trouble, and 
 intreating yow wold give my humble serwice to your Lady 
 and brothers and sisters, I rest, Dear Sir, Your affectionat 
 uncle and most humble servant, 
 
 Ffr Montgomerie. 
 
 Winton, Maye 28, 1692. 
 
 Charles, second Earl of Middleton, a staunch Jacobite was 
 imprisoned for a short time in 1692. After his liberation he went 
 to St. Germains. He was tried in absence for treason, and was 
 outlawed by the High Court of Justiciary on 23rd July 1694. In 
 exile he was principal Secretary of State for James. Charles 
 Livingstone, second Earl of Newburgh, was a state prisoner in the 
 Tower from l6th July to 15th August 1690. He died in 1694. 
 Lord Charles Murray, second son of John, first Marquess of Atholl, 
 was created Earl of Dunmure on 1 6th August 1686. He was 
 Jacobite in sympathy, and on the l6th May 16*92 was committed 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 89 
 
 to the Tower on a charge of high treason. He was admitted to 
 bail of £13,000. 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE, Aovocatt thes 
 
 Ballachastell, the 9 : July 1692, Munday. 
 Right Honoll, — I had the inclosed from Gordonstoune 
 Saterday last, wherby I perceave he desyns south. I am 
 to-morow goeing for Urquhart and from that to hold 
 courts att Killichumen, so that it is not possible for me 
 to goe to Edinbrugh at this tyme. Therfor I have sent 
 yow inclosed the Chancellors letter to me, which I judge 
 warant sufficient to stay at home till called ; and at least 
 I think the Councel will doe nothing against me till they 
 alloue me a day to apear. I have sent yow a blank 
 letter, uhich yow will be pleased to fill up for the Chan- 
 cellor, for I refer the wording off it to yow. If ther be a 
 necessitie for my comeing, I will one your call come ; but 
 if it be possible I wold wish it might be delayed till Novem- 
 ber. My confidence is in yow, and I hope ye will excuse 
 this truble, since from Your affectionat cousine and humble 
 servantt, Ludouick Grantt. 
 
 Ye may wryt to me by the post, and lett it be directed 
 to Invernes. 
 
 Ludovick laird of Grant was Sheriff- principal of Inverness-shire. 
 Killichumen after 1746 was known as Fort Augustus. The Chan- 
 cellor's letter, dated 27th April 1692, has already been given. 
 
 Sir Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne in next letter refers to the 
 intended marriage between Lady Anna, sister of Sir James Ogilvie, 
 and George Allardes of Allardes, Arbuthnot, Kincardineshire, which 
 took place in the autumn of this year, the marriage contract 
 being dated 20th October 1692. 
 For [SIR] JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL, Advocat 
 
 AT EDB 
 
 Boyn, July 20, 1692. 
 Sr, — I have wreat the inclosed to Brigtown 1 as yow 
 desyred me. I will endevor to perform, tho yow know I 
 
 John Lyon. 
 
90 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 have much busnes on my hand. All yowr freinds ar weill. 
 I am told ther is propositions from Ardes to yowr sister 
 L. Anna. If his circumstances be as they ar represented, 
 I dout not it pleas all freinds. Yowr northcoming is 
 longed by all yowr freinds, and particularly by, S r , Yowr 
 affectionat cusing and humble servant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 I have wrott to Mr. Jams Elfingstown, 1 if he have any of 
 my monie undisposed off, that he send it north with yow> 
 which I hop yow will caus your servant cary. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHILL 
 Banff heast heast 3d 
 
 Edr., the i5th of Sptr. 92. 
 
 Right Honorable, — . . . I expected befor this tyme to- 
 haue had commission from you for taking of Ladie Annas 
 nesesaries, but in that you may dou a[s] you thinke fitt. — 
 I trou[b]lie you no farder, but that I still ame, Sir, Your 
 most affectionat and humble srt, Ja. Dunbar. 
 
 Turn over. 
 
 For neues ane Ostende ship cam to Lith last day, who was 
 but four dayes betuixt Holand and this. He gives ane 
 accoumpt that befor he cam off the wholl Confedirat armie 
 had invested Dunkirk be land, whell a great manie of the 
 Inglish and Duch flitts wer bombarding it by sea. This" 
 is both the greatest and leatest neues we haue heir. 
 Adeu. 
 
 James Dunbar, Younger of D'urn, was brother-in-law of Sir 
 James Ogilvie. Late in July William and the Confederates were 
 defeated by the French at Steinkirk, and Dunbar's news about the 
 bombardment of Dunkirk points to the date of the letter being 
 1694. 
 
 Martha Stevensone, bookseller, Edinburgh, continued to supply 
 the Earle of Findlater with books. 
 
 Eden., Sept. 22d, 1692. 
 My Lord, — According to yowr Lordship's order I have 
 
 Of Logie, commissioner for Aberdeenshire. 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 91 
 
 deliverd the books yow writt for to Mr. Creake. I have 
 no new books that I can give yowr Lordship an account 
 of att present, only the Duke of Lorrains life, and a discours 
 on natruall and reveled religon by C. Nursy. I have ane 
 deffence of Episcopasy by D. Maurice. I have given a 
 commission for some book, and I expect the fift volum of 
 the Turkish spy. I have sent as your Lordship desired ane 
 account of the whole. — Your Lord[ships] humble servant, 
 
 Martha Stevensone. 
 
 1692 The names and prices are these : — 
 
 lib. s. d. 
 
 ffeb 10 th 15 Mercury's bd in calf leather . 05 08 00 
 
 Aprile 18 th Charins travells folio, voll 1 th . 16 16 00 
 
 Gentelmans recreations, 8 V0 . 04 16 00 
 June 11 th Bohun's geographicall dictionary, 
 
 8 vo . . . . 05 08 00 
 
 Temple's memoirs, 8 V " . . . 03 02 00 
 
 Don Quixot folio . . . 10 04 00 
 Dr. King's state of the Protestants 
 
 in Ireland, 8 vo . . . .04 04 00 
 
 Turkish spy in 4 voll. . . 09 12 00 
 
 Suma 60 00 00 
 
 Sir William Hamilton, Advocate, Under-Secretary of State for 
 Scotland, in next letter discusses the political situation in Scotland, 
 and the race among Scots politicians for place. 
 
 ffor SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 
 Sir, — I was much refreshed by your letter, and with 
 the good account your servant gave me of your health, 
 for I longe much for November, when I hope to have the 
 happyness to see yow. ffor newes about courte affaires, 
 noe wonder yow have many uncertaine reports therof 
 with yow, for ewen here the different factiones vent 
 different newes very confidentlie. These that are in court 
 think never to be out of it ; and these that are out are 
 
92 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 still hopeing to be in. It is thought by some that their 
 will be some alterationes when the King returnes. This is 
 hoped and feared by different pairties. On Munday last 
 Breadalbin and Tarbet went for London. The reason of 
 their so sudden departure was that their came a letter 
 to the Chancelour that post, which he was to intimate to 
 the councellours, commanding them not to leave Scotland 
 without the Kings particular warrand. Cullodin went to 
 courte with Secretarie Johnstoune. Polwart is to take 
 journey presentlie for courte. The behawiour of some 
 folks here, when the invasione was feared, is thought 
 will be the subject of informatione against them at courte. 
 What the ewent therof will be, I can not prognosticate by 
 this letter, but I hope againe wee meet some things will 
 be plaine, which are now mysteries to us. Give my humble 
 service to your Lady and to my Lord your father (tho I 
 have not the honour of their acquaintance) ; and doe me 
 the justice as to reckon me, Sir, Your obleidged and 
 obedient servant, Will. Hamilton. 
 
 Edr., Setter 23, 1692. 
 
 James Cock, Town Clerk of Banff and County Collector, gives 
 Sir James Ogilvie an account of the results of the first essay in 
 Jacobite intrigue of James Ogilvie Younger of Boyn. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONLL SR JAMES OGILWIE OFF 
 CHURCH HILL these 
 
 Banff, 3 October 92. 
 
 Right Honll, — There is ane great pairtie come heir 
 yeasternight off Collonell Buchans regiement, consisteing 
 of ane captaine lyvetenent ensigne s^all subalterns 
 cadies and 60 sentinells, who have something in hand 
 besyde the cess, there being noe more resteing but 
 this last Lambas terme, being 2875 lbs. 10s ; and 
 it wes never heard in this shyre that ane pairtie wes 
 soe soone emitted, there being noe preceidings resteing. 
 The captaine off the pairtie went out this night, by wirtue 
 of ane warrand ffrom the Councill, with 24 men to appre- 
 hend youer ffrend young Boyne ; but I presume unles he 
 
1692] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 93 
 
 be werie vnffortunat, he is out of the way, being ffor- 
 warned. This youer Ho. may keep to youer selfe. And 
 now I have sent youer account of resteing cess to you, 
 qch must be here this night preceislye, vyrwayes I 
 cannot exeem the lands ffrom ane pairtie. Your Ho. will 
 send the wholle sume required ; ffor youer Ho. will 
 ffind the 100 fbs. peyt by the daills sent, and 29 fts. dew 
 by my Lord youer ffaither. This is peremptor, so that 
 youer Ho. will excuse this ffreedome ffrom, Right Honll, 
 Your Ho. humble srvant, Ja. Cock. 
 
 Colonel John Buchan of Auchmacoy, Aberdeenshire, was brother 
 of Major- General Thomas Buchan the Jacobite leader. 
 
 Next day James Cock writes : e The pairtie that went out last 
 night as I told your Ho. in my last hes missed yr mark and are 
 returned. I wish God that bussines were done away, and that 
 youer Ho. were at Edr/ 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Dear Sir, — Im sory to hear y r bussines should make it 
 uneasy for you to doe my cussine the favour to be att 
 hir mariage. I hope you 11 gett it so ordered as to come 
 one Tusday. All of us intreats it ; and I particularly beg 
 it, for Im pleased w* all occasions wher I can have the 
 good fortune to waite one you, and mey convinc you hou 
 intyrly I am, Drst Sir, Y r most affectionatt humble servant, 
 
 Keith. 
 
 Inverugie, Octr. 23, 1692. 
 
 Lord Keith was William, afterwards (16.94) ninth Earl 
 M arise ha 1. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATIRE 
 
 My Lord, — I shall be glad of any thing I can doe to 
 serve yr LoP and famely, and have sent yr LoP the drinke 
 for the head ack, which is to be warmed a litle, and half an 
 English pint drunke at night iust going into bed, and as 
 much the next night in the same maner. I am sory to 
 heare S r James's Lady is soe indisposed. I send her some 
 histerick water as desired. She is to take but the one 
 
94 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1692 
 
 half at once, when she finds the fit come one her ; the other 
 half may be laid by till the next day or next occation 
 therafter. If I can doe yr LoP or her any furder seruice 
 none shall be more willing ; and the next weeke I hope to 
 receave yr comands and tell you how much I am, My 
 Lord, Yr LoP s humble serv*, Eliza: Gordon. 1 
 
 last De r . 92. 
 
 A second royal warrant 2 for a gift of the office of Sheriff of Banff 
 in favour of Sir James Ogilvie was signed at Kensington on the 
 23rd of December 1692. Drawn in similar terms to the one given 
 at the Hague on the 30th of April 16Q2 it ends as follows : — 
 
 May it please your Ma ts , — These contain your Ma ts 
 warrant (upon the considerations above mentioned), for a 
 gift to be past (per saltum) under the great seale of your 
 ancient kingdom of Scotland nominating and appointing 
 Sir James Ogilvie above designed Sheriff Principall of the 
 sherifdome of Bamff and bounds thereof, during your 
 pleasures allenarly, giving and disponing to him the said 
 office of Sheriff Principall, with all fees casualities emolu- 
 ments and profits belonging thereunto, with full power 
 to nominate deputs one or more, sergeants officers 
 procurator fiscalls and all other members of court needfull 
 (except clerks) for which he shall be answerable, and to 
 performe all other things belonging to the said office and 
 jurisdiction, with equall right liberty and priviledge as 
 the deceased Sir James Baird of Auchmedden and S r 
 George Gordon of Edinglassie, conjunct Sheriffs thereof, 
 or any other Sheriff Principall within your said kingdom 
 exerced, or might have exerced the same in any time 
 bygone. 
 
 Given at the Court at Kensingtoun the 23d day of 
 December 1692 and of their Ma ts reign the 4 th year, 
 
 Jo. Dalrymple. 
 
 The County Records of Banff bear that the new Sheriff's 
 
 1 See letter at pp. 11, 12. 
 
 2 State Papers {Scotland), Warrant Books, vol. xv., in Record Office, London. 
 
jan. 1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 95 
 
 commission was presented by bis father, the Earl of Findlater, 
 at Banff on the 2nd of February l6f)3. It would thus seem that 
 the earlier commission of 30th April lu'92 had not been acted on. 
 
 Sir James Baird fifth of Auchmedden was appointed Sheriff- 
 principal of Banffshire on 4th February 1664. In October l66'8 
 he was elected along with Sir Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne com- 
 missioner to Parliament for Banffshire. In 1()72 his son James, 
 who predeceased him, was appointed conjunct Sheriff-principal 
 with him. Sir James died in July 1 691 . 
 
 The letters of Martha Stevensone, bookseller, Edinburgh, dated 
 12th January and 28th March 1 693, throw further light on the 
 literary taste of the Earl of Findlater. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINLADER 
 
 My Lord, — I have sent yor Lop with the bearer the 
 Duke of Lorrains lyfe, Norris practical discours, Sir Will 
 Temples essayes, which is all the new bookes I have at 
 this tyme, which I think fitt to send to yo r Lop. I have 
 sent a commission for London for others viz., L'Estranges 
 paraphrase of Esops fables, Drydens translation of Perseus, 
 Burnetts pastoral care, Temple's observations vpon the 
 Netherlands, Sherlock on death, idem on judgement, idem 
 on Haven and Hell, and some others which if yor Lop. 
 have a mynd for shall be sent when they come. And as 
 for the Mercuries, the November and December Mercuries 
 are not yit come out, and vntill they come furth wee doe 
 not bind the whole tuelvemoneth vp, bot after they come 
 furth the whole shall be sent. As for the order yow have 
 given Sir James for my payment I thank yo r Lop. I 
 have not yit called for it at Sir James, because he is so 
 thronged with bussines. Besydes the three bookes above, 
 I have lykewayes sent with the bearer at this tyme Each- 
 ards description of Ireland, Christian prudence by Bishop 
 Santcroft, Eachards geography, which vpon second 
 thoughts I did lykewayes think fitt to send. These are 
 all at present from, My Lord, Yor Lop. most humble and 
 most oblieged srv*, 
 
 Martha Stevensone. 
 
 Ediribur., Jary. 12, 1693. 
 
96 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 Pryces of the books sent : — 
 
 Duke of Lorrains lyfe 
 Norris practical discours 
 Temples essayes 
 Eachards descript. Irel. 
 Christian prudence . 
 Eachards geography 
 
 lib. sh. d. 
 
 3 06 0 
 2 08 0 
 
 4 16 0 
 
 1 16 0 
 
 2 08 0 
 1 10 0 
 
 16 04 O 
 
 There is lykewayes sent at this tyme to yo r 
 
 L°p 5 th vol. Turkish spye . . . 02 08 0 
 
 Sum. tot. 18 12 0 
 
 I expect shortly down the sext vol. 
 
 The Master of Stair in next letter refers to the two commissions 
 granted to Sir James Ogilvie appointing him Sheriff-principal of 
 Banffshire. 
 
 For SR JAMES OGILVY, Advocat 
 
 London, Janry. 19, 1693. 
 Sr, — I hav yrs, and am glad any thing I can serv yow in 
 is acceptable to yow. The thing itself is not valuable, 
 bot it imports that by the Kings givin yow that mark of 
 his favor formerly and renewing it now, that he retains no 
 displeasur nor suspition against yow, which is all yow can 
 wish for. Bein of yr capacitys and quality in a good 
 lucrativ imployment in this age, wher ther ar so few 
 eminent men for the publick, yow may be sur yow will 
 be brought in bef or it may be advantageous for yow ; for 
 in a privat imployment a man becoms better founded, 
 and as weill reworded as oftims he can expect in the 
 publick. I do asur yow, that good fortun and prefeerment 
 may attend yow shall be allwys the wish of, S r , Yr very 
 humble servant, Jo. Dalrymple. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 97 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 LETTERS DURING THE REIGN OF WILLIAM AND 
 MARY from 1693 to 1696 
 
 Sir John Dalrymple's anticipation on 19th January 1693, that 
 Sir James Ogilvie would soon be brought into the government, 
 was immediately realised, when on 31st January he was appointed 
 Solicitor to their Majesties. The two next letters refer to this 
 important advance in his political career. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 Edr., Febry 28, 1693. 
 My Lord, — I doubt not bot your Lo. hes ane accompt 
 of my being made Sollicitor, and I have five hundreth 
 pound of pension. It will keep me some time longer in 
 this place then I intended. It 's thought our Parlament 
 will sitt. Wee have no other neus. I intreat that the 
 magistrats of Banffe be leatne understand that I will 
 look to the Kings interest so long as I am Shirife, and will 
 not alou them to incrotch ; and if it wer not that I have 
 kindness for them I would inquier affter what is done 
 alreadie. It will also be fitt Alexr Grant know that all 
 who have acted in any publict station may be chalenged, 
 if they have not qualified them selfs ackording to lau ; 
 bot if once it pleas God I come home, I will inquier further 
 in this matter. — I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 son and humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 Edr., March 8, 1693. 
 My Lord, — I cannot promise as yet for some time to 
 come home. My imployment keeps me hier, bot as soon 
 as possiblie I can, I resolve to be with your Lo. I know 
 not bot I may be necessitat to goe to London, bot if I 
 doe I will stey bot verie short, while I shal wreat to your 
 Lo. from time to time. I have not yet sold my victual, 
 and I will endeavour to doe it to the greatest advantage. 
 
98 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Wee have no neus, bot what the bearer will give you ane 
 accompt of ; and I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 son and humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Sir James, as he anticipated, was in London soon afterwards, as 
 appears from his half-brother Robert Seton's letter to him of 6th 
 July 1693. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINLADER 
 
 My Lord, — I have sent with this bearer Norris essayes, 
 Nurcyes essayes, Sherlock on death, Sherl. on judgement, 
 Bp. Burnetts pastoral care, Norris Christian blessednes, 
 descript. of Savoe. As for L'Estranges Esopes fables, 
 Dryden's Juvenal, there was but one of a sort sent to me, 
 they being dear, and I could not get them keept, since I 
 was uncertain of ane occasion wherby to send them to 
 yo r Lop. I am to have them and some other new bookes 
 shortly, and I thowght fitt to acquant yo r Lop. of these 
 tuo bookes. The pryce of L'Estranges Esope is 14 lib, 
 and Drydens Juvenal is 13 fib. 4 sh. ; so that if yo r Lop. 
 be satisfied with the pryces, let me have a lyne that I 
 may keep them for yo r Lop. As for the 6th vol. of the 
 Turkish spye, it is not yit come heir, bot it is out at London, 
 and I will have it shortly. As for the volume of Mercuries 
 I have not them bound vp at this tyme, bot with the first 
 occasion they shall be sent. According as yo r Lop. told 
 me that yow had ordered Sir James to pay me, so I sent 
 to him ; bot he told that he behooved to send the dowble 
 of the accompt to yo r Lop. first, that yow might see it. 
 I have sent the dowble of it heirwith, that if yo r Lop. 
 think fitt yee may appoynt Sir James to pay it. It comes 
 to nyntie eight pound tuo shill. scotts, and I doe not exact 
 one farthing more from yo r Lop. then what I sell to others 
 for reddie money. These are all at present from, My 
 Lord, Yo r Lop. most humble servant, 
 
 Martha Stevens one. 
 
 Edinburgh, march 28, 1693. 
 
 The Earl of Findlater had not up to March 1693 attended any 
 of the sessions of the Parliament of 1689. In common with most 
 
i6q3] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 99 
 
 north of the Tay he supported the Episcopal form of church 
 government, which was displaced in 1()90 for the Presbyterian. 
 In the following letter his son, now a minister of the Crown, gives 
 him advice as to his attitude on public affairs, if he is to attend 
 the coming session of Parliament. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 thes 
 
 My Lord. — I find nou the Parlament will sitt. If you 
 have inclinations to come over you may doe it, and I 
 will as mutch as I can assist you with money ; bot it will 
 be needless unless you resolve to comply with the Pres- 
 biterian interest, and to concurr with the circumstances 
 of the times in evry point. If you can think of this, 
 Secritarie Johnston will be hier, and I will doe whats my 
 diutie to your Lo. Lett me quicklie hear annent this, and 
 I will order bussiness ackordinglie. . . . My Lord, Your 
 Lo. most obedient son and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Edr., March 29, 1693. 
 
 Parliament sat on the 18th of April 1693, with the Duke of 
 Hamilton as Commissioner, though Alexander Duff of Braco, 
 one of the representatives of Banffshire, did not know of its down- 
 sitting. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATOUR 
 thes 
 
 My Lord, — I have been extrordinarlie unweill, and 
 now, praised be God, I am som way recovered ; and I am 
 anxious to know from your Lo. if you have laitlie heird 
 from your sonne Sr James, and if your have certaine 
 intelligence that the Parliat is sitteing ; and if it be sitteing, 
 if your Lo. have anie commands for him, they shall be 
 delyverd within thir few dayes by Your Lo. most obedient 
 and humble servant, A. Duff. 
 
 N either milne, 24 Apryll 1693. 
 
 On the 25th of April Parliament enacted that several members 
 including Sir Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne and Alexander Duff 
 of Braco, the commissioners for Banffshire, who had not 
 
100 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 signed the assurance, should do so before the 5th of May, failing 
 which their places would be declared vacant. 1 On the 28th of 
 April Sir Patrick Ogilvie was fined 2 for his absence. On the 2nd 
 of May Duff of Braco took the oath of allegiance and assurance ; 3 
 but the laird of Boyne, who did not do so, was deprived. On the 
 15th of May his fine was remitted on the ground that he was 
 absent by reason of his private affairs. 4 Coubin, referred to in 
 next letter, was Alexander Kinnaird, whose estate of Culbin, in 
 Morayshire, was devastated by sand in 1695. 5 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FINDLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 Edr., May 6t, 1693. 
 My Lord, — It is with great difficultie I have got your 
 absence excused ; bot houever it is fit that you wreat to 
 the Commissioner and give him ane accompt of your in- 
 disposition. I will send with the post ane commission to 
 you, that you may depon in that affair of Coubins. I 
 have some discharges which I will cause double, and if 
 moie be peyed you may give your oth theranent. You 
 may drau ane bill on me for fifteen pieces peyable affter 
 the term, and I shal ansuer it ; and then my brother 
 Deskfoord should be provid of what he needs. We want 
 nou ane comissioner for our shire. My Lord Boyn and 
 you would advert that some fitt person be elected. If 
 Sir James Abercrombie would accept, I think him fitter 
 then any I know. It is fitt that the accompts diu to the 
 shire be sent over, that they may be staated by the Parla- 
 ment. I know Durn hes some of them, and if James Cok 
 or Burdsbnk have any of them, let them be sent. — I am, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient sone and humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Mr. Francis Mountgomerie desirs to have some of the 
 haulks, if they hold. 
 
 The freeholders of Banffshire followed Sir James Ogilvie's advice 
 and elected Sir James Abercrombie of Birkenbog commissioner 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 249. 2 Ibid., p. 250. 
 3 Ibid., p. 251. 4 Ibid., p. 261. 5 Ibid., pp. 452, 453, 479. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 101 
 
 in room of Sir Patrick Ogilvie, on the 23rd of May 1 6.9.3. Durn 
 was Sir James's father-in-law, William Dunbar. 
 
 The Presbyterian settlement of the church north of the Tay 
 was so far advanced in April 1689, when the Convention appointed 
 all parish ministers under pain of deprivation to pray by name 
 publicly for William and Mary. Many Episcopal clergymen, who 
 were extreme Jacobites, disobeyed; and the ensuing deprivations 
 and placing of Presbyterian ministers in the vacancies paved the 
 way for the Presbyterian settlement. On 22nd July 1689 Parlia- 
 ment abolished prelacy. Early in the session of 1690 the surviv- 
 ing Presbyterian ministers who were f outed' after 1st January 
 1 661 were restored ; and later in the session Presbytery was formally 
 established. Many moderate Episcopalian clergymen conformed ; 
 but the progress of Presbytery in the north, where the people 
 were attached to Episcopacy, was very slow. Its ultimate estab- 
 lishment was only accomplished by Parliament on l6th July 169-5 
 allowing the nonconforming Episcopal clergymen, who took 
 the oaths of allegiance, to remain in their charges, and by 
 settling Presbyterian ministers as these died out. Many of the 
 Seafield letters, besides the following one and those of 26th June, 
 17th and 19th July, and 2nd August 1693, throw light on the 
 settlement of the Scots church. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCH HILL their Majesties Solicitor 
 these 
 
 Right Honourable, — Though it may be thought rude- 
 nesse at such a time, when you are imployed in weightie 
 matters to give you any diversion by a trifling line, yet 
 having myself been allowed accesse to you, when you have 
 been much busied, I presume this will not be rejected. I 
 am refreshed with the account I have of the pains you 
 take in behalf of the ministerie in the north, and the great 
 civilities you have shewed to some of their representatives. 
 I hope your Hor. will never repent your endeavours to make 
 a good understanding betwixt the differing parties ; and 
 seeing God hath raised you to a station wherein you can be 
 instrumental in this, I persuade myself your pains heerin, 
 as it doth not passe unobserved by men, so neither will it 
 be unrewarded by God. The procuring union in the 
 
102 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 Church is an honouring God, and them that honour him 
 he will honour. 
 
 I am informed Robert Stewart the messr hath an unjust 
 action against the Lady Abergaildie, and in this place he 
 hath boasted of your Hors. owning him, w ch having come 
 to the ears of one of her neer relatione heer, hath occasioned 
 her grief ; but I have assured that I so well know your 
 just temper, that that man hes spoken only at random. The 
 cause of a widow is the work of a King to hear and redresse ; 
 and I am sure such a solicitor as now their Majesties have 
 will never have occassion to do any thing oppressive against 
 such. I heartily wish you successe in all your under- 
 takings and affairs, and a greater increase of honour 
 temporal and eternal ; and pleading you will pardon this 
 unseasonable addresse, I subscrive myself, Right Ho 11 , 
 Your Hors. most obleidged and faithfull servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, May 30, 1693. 
 
 The Lady Abergaildie was probably Euphemia Graham, 
 daughter of Robert Graham, the laird of Morphie, widow of 
 Alexander Gordon, eighth laird of Abergeldie. 1 Mr. Patrick 
 Innes, minister of Banff, was the first in Banffshire to conform to 
 Presbytery. He and five ministers of Aberdeenshire were the 
 clerical nucleus of the Presbyterian Church government of these 
 counties, which met in Aberdeen on 11th July 1694. 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie, the writer of next letter, third son of the 
 Earl of Findlater, was born in 1665. In 1690 he was appointed 
 a Commissioner of Supply of Banffshire under the designation 
 of ' Pittenbringand ' a part of the Findlater estate near Cullen 
 House. In July I692 he was resident at Cairnbulg, near 
 Fraserburgh, an [estate which he acquired in 16"95 from the 
 Frasers. William Baird, in his Genealogical Collections concerning 
 the Sirname of Baird, says that he married Elizabeth Baird, 
 daughter of Sir James Baird of Auchmedden, and widow of Sir Alex- 
 ander Abercrombie of Birkenbog, to whom she was married on 
 22nd August 1666, and by whom she had Sir James Abercrombie, 
 Mr. Alexander Abercrombie of Tullibody, and several other chil- 
 dren. By her second husband, he says, she had one daughter, Lady 
 
 1 The House of Gordon, New Spalding Club, by J. M. Bulloch, vol. i. p. 92. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 103 
 
 Tyrie (Fraser), who was probably the 1 chyld ' mentioned in next 
 letter. Patrick Ogilvie married a second time, probably in 1708, 
 his first cousin, Elizabeth, daughter of the Hon. Francis Mont- 
 gomerie of Giffen. He died at Inchmartine, on 20th September 
 1737, in his seventy-second year. Considerable detail about him 
 will be found in the Seafield letters. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARL OF 
 FINDLATER 
 these ar 
 
 My Lord, — I haue giuen your Lo. the trouble of this 
 letter, to let you knou that my wife and chyld and my 
 self is saf com hear. I long to knou hou your Lo. and al 
 the rest of the famlie is. We giue your Lo. our houmble 
 douty, our seruice to my sisters. — So wising you all good 
 halth, I continou, My Lord, Your Lo. affectionat son and 
 houmble seruant, Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Jun 8, 1693. 
 
 William, Lord Inverurie, eldest son of Sir John Keith, first 
 Earl of Kintore, was out with the Jacobites in 1690 ; but having 
 received a remission on 27th November that year, he seems there- 
 after to have lived at peace. 
 
 For THE RIGH HONBL THE EARLE OF FINDLATERRE 
 
 thes 
 
 My Lord, — In obedience to my fathers commands I 
 am forced to give yo r Lo. this trowbel, that yow may 
 be pleased to doe him the favowr to help with the cariage 
 of some lyme to Keithhall. Yo r sone the laird of Patten- 
 bringand will tell yo r Lo. the pleas from whence the 
 lyme is to be caried, and the time. I beg yo r Lo. pardone 
 for this trowbel, and yow shall alwayes find me, My Lord, 
 Yo r Lo. most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 Inverurie. 
 
 Kendall house, 9 June i693. 
 
 My Lord, anie retwrn you are pleasd to give this, let it 
 be sent to yo r sone Mr. Patrick. 
 
 The sea victory of La Hogue of 19th to 24th May 1692, which 
 reduced the power of France in battleships and made invasion 
 
104 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 impossible, encouraged French naval efforts in fitting out priva- 
 teers. These preyed on the commerce of England and Scotland, 
 and the remote waters of the Moray Firth even were not immune 
 from their attacks, as the following letter from three Bailies of Banff, 
 another, dated 25th June, from Patrick Ogilvie, and several other 
 letters show. These privateers were popularly known as capers 
 or keapers, kaper being the Dutch term for privateer. 
 
 ffor SIR JAMES OGILWIE OFF CHURCHHILL there 
 Mattys Solicitor 
 these 
 
 Right Hono il , — Wee have presumed to trouble your 
 Ho. in giving yow this following accompt, that ther ten 
 or twelve dayes bygone ther hes been priviteirs on this 
 coast under French cullors, who took last week ane ship 
 off off the back off fhndhorne belonging to one Turnebull in 
 Borrowstonness loaded with goods to Muirtone, who wes 
 forced to ransome her ; and one Saturday last in Gamry 
 Bay in wiew off this place took one Wm. Hay in Abdn 
 goeing to Spey ffor wictuell, and caryed the ship with 
 them, the men having run ashoaer ; and what is become 
 of the pryze wee knowe not, butt the ffriggett wes seen of 
 this place yeasterday about four acloak in the afternoon. 
 This ffirth is soe pested with priviteirs, that noe ship can 
 goe alongs the coast. Wee judged it therfor fitt to acquant 
 your Ho. heirwith, being that you are not onlie connected 
 with the countrey, but also that ye have your owen 
 victuell goeing south, which may alse soon incurr the 
 hazard of taking as vthers, that yow may be pleased, if 
 ye think it fitt, to procure som frigott or vyr to cruize 
 one this coast and the Buchan heads, vy r wise it will be 
 impossible to ships to travaile. But this wee leave to 
 your owen consideratione, and subscryves, Right Honoil, 
 Your wery humble srvants, Jo. Gordonn. 
 
 Alex. Wallace. R. Sanders. 
 
 Banff, 12 Junij 1693. 
 
 On 19th June the Earl of Findlater qualified himself to govern- 
 ment, in accordance with the act of Parliament of 19th May 
 1693. That same day, writing to his son Sir James, he says, 'I 
 am glead to hear of the well-being of your Lady and daughter.' 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 105 
 
 There seems ;it that time to have been a recrudescence of 
 Jacobitism in the north-east of Scotland, though Sir James Ogilvie 
 treats it lightly in his letter of 26th June. 
 
 ffor OUR LOVING SON SIR JAMES OGILVY OF 
 CHURCH HILL 
 
 Boind, the 20th of Junie 93. 
 My Dear Son, — I was yesterday in Bamffe taking the 
 oath of aleagence and singing the insurance, and adminis- 
 trating them to others. I can not at this time give you 
 ane acont of the condition of this shier, many are so puffed 
 up wth the aprehension of King James landing, and 
 they conclued King William gon, that troulie King Williams 
 friends are a litle discouraged. God that created the 
 wordle, and is the Lord of hosts secour and protect the 
 Protestant interest, and bring order out of our confusions. 
 I long exidinglie to sie yu ; and that the Lord wold be 
 propitious to you and preserve you from all inconveniencie 
 whatsoever, is the daylie prayer of Your loving father, 
 
 FFIND LATER. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARL OF 
 FINDLATER thes ar 
 
 My Lord, — This is to let you knou that we ar all will 
 hear, and longs to hear the lyk of you and my sisters. I 
 was at the Slans on Fryday, and my La. Erll told me that 
 ther was a wessel that belonged to Sir Jeames Ogilive 
 was chesed in to the Buller of Buchon with a caper, and 
 was werey nir taken, but blised be God he wan frei. Ther 
 is just nou wrey maney keapers on this cost. Your Lo. 
 will excuse this trouble, and beliue me to be, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. affectionat son and houmble seruant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 My wife and I giues my sisters our houmble seruice 
 Carnbulge, Jan 25 1[6]93. 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., June 26, 1693. 
 My Lord, — I received your Lo., and I am glaid your 
 
106 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 Lo. hes qualified your selfe in the terms of the act of Par. 
 I wish all our ministers may give obedience, and if they 
 doe they will be protected. I am nou keept hier till the 
 Councel rise, which will be once this week ; and I wait 
 for my meal bark, and am ordering my bear, bot the 
 nixt week, God willing, I will be home. Wee have no 
 neus, bot expects dailie to hear of action ; and for your 
 Jacobin intelligence its not worth noticeing. — I am, My 
 Lord, Your Lo. obedient son and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The act referred to was passed on 12th June I69S 'for setling 
 the quiet and peace of the church.' 
 
 The English merchantmen trading to the Mediterranean, called 
 the Turkey or Smyrna fleet, left England in June I69S, to the 
 number of nearly four hundred, under a strong English and Dutch 
 naval convoy. Thinking they had left behind them in Brest the 
 French Atlantic squadron, the two English senior admirals returned 
 on 6th June to the Channel, leaving Rooke with a small squadron 
 to continue the convoy. Meantime the French Atlantic and 
 Mediterranean squadrons had joined forces, and before Robert 
 Seaton wrote on 6th July, had encountered Rooke near the Straits 
 of Gibraltar, destroying many of the merchant-men and driving 
 him back by way of Madeira to Cork. The two letters dated 11th 
 August also refer to this disaster. 
 
 For SR JAMES OGILVIE his Majesties Sollicitor 
 
 TO BE LEFT ATT THE POST MASTERS HOUSE IN EDINBURGH 
 
 these 
 
 London, July the 6th, 1693. 
 Dear Brother, — Thogh yow soe absolutly forgett me 
 yet I can not yow. I have writt severall times to yow, 
 but can not have the favour of a return, which trubles me 
 more then I will express in this. I am sorrie my wyfe 
 should take notice that my f reinds never wryte to me, nor 
 inquire efter me. Noe body hes a trewer love and 
 esteem for their relations then I have, but to be soe verry 
 absolutly neglected is verry hard. When yow parted 
 from this place, yow promissed me a correspondence, which 
 would be verry acceptable to me. Lett me beg of yow to 
 give me ane accompt of my Lord Findlater and all my 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 107 
 
 brothers and sisters and other relations. I heare Cap 1 
 Mountgomerie, 1 Lord Eglintons son, is dead, and that my 
 Lord Mountgomerie was verry ill. I long to heer a litle 
 news. I live as thogh I had not a ffreind in the world 
 but one, who I thank God I yet have, but was verry neer 
 loasing of her within this forthnight. She hes a great 
 esteem for yow makes me concerned to see yow show soe 
 litle respect. Both she and I hes been in great hopes 
 of seeing yow heer. Pray give both our humble services 
 to all relations. I have a verry trew honour for Mr. 
 Francis Mountgomerie and his Lady. Accept of all kynd- 
 nes and freindship from, Dr. Brother, Y r aff u humble 
 servant, Ro. Seton. 
 
 1 I shall know by the return of this if acceptable. Direct 
 to me, for Robert Seton in St. Jameses Street, neer St. 
 Jameses Gate, Pall Mall, London. 
 
 Turn over. 
 
 We heare noe news of our Turckey fleett allarums our 
 marchants and the whole exchange. Taxes heer are 
 verry hie. King W m is expected heer speedily, and it is 
 reported he will goe on w* the desent. Noe fight yet in 
 fflanders. We have had a great deall of raine and thundr, 
 but not neer soe much heer as in fflanders. If yr Lady 
 be w* yow, give both our humble services. If this place 
 affords any thing I can serve yow in, pray command me. 
 The picture I told yow of before, would be verry acceptable. 
 It would be easily sent by the black box. I never see my 
 father makes me more curious to have his picture. Con- 
 cludes hastily yours in all things. R. S. 
 
 The following letter to Sir James Ogilvie from his old friend 
 in Aberdeen, the Rev. George Meldrum, refers to the settlement 
 of the parish of Deskford. 
 
 Much honored, — I did expect to have seen you in this 
 country, and wish to you a comfortable meeting with your 
 Lady and other relationes, who long for you. I left them 
 all well on Saturday, and parted with them, especially 
 
 1 John, third son of Alexander, eighth Earl of Eglintoun. 
 
108 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 with your worthy Lady and sister, with much reluctancy 
 on my part as well as theirs ; bot I was so circumstantiated, 
 that I could not well stay. Now I presume by this lyne 
 againe to commend unto your favour Mr. David Meldrum, 
 my nephew. He hath been with me in Murray, and hath 
 the kindnesse of the Presbyterian ministers there. If 
 you be pleased to continue your favour to him, and design 
 his setlement at Deskfuird, on a lyne anent it and your 
 desire for his return to him and me, he will come and wayt 
 on you. I hear yf is one Mr. John Murray preacheth 
 there, and as a prelaticall deacon baptizeth and marryeth, 
 which office we doe not allow ; and I find the Presbyterian 
 ministers in Murray not well pleased with him, and some 
 of thes with whom he adwysed desired him to forbear 
 anent this and some other things. My cusing 1 will dis- 
 course with your Lo. at more lenth then I can writ. 
 Only I expect your favour to me and mine, and I hope it 
 shall not be to the ingratle. I give my service to my 
 Lord Findlater and the Lord Deskfoord and your sister 
 Lady Mary and your own worthy Lady, for whom on so 
 little accquaintance I have a great honer. I comend you 
 and all yours to the favour of God, and subscrywe that 
 I am, Sir, Your Honors much oblieged servant in the Lord 
 Jesus, Mr. Geo. Meldrum 
 
 Banff, July 17, 1693. 
 
 The many letters to Sir James Ogilvie, their Majesties' 
 Solicitor, from John Anderson,, depute-clerk to the Privy Council 
 of Scotland, throw light on the proceedings of that body as well 
 as on the current political events of the time. These letters 
 were chiefly written when Sir James was absent from Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH HILL, Advocat, 
 ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr. i7 July 1693. 
 Right Honbll, — Ther hes bein no Councill nor meitings 
 of statesmen here since ye went off ; only on Thursdays 
 
 The Rev. Patrick Innes, Banff. 
 
1693] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 109 
 
 morning Mr. John Guthrie slter wes secured till he wes 
 examined anent some things contained in a ler wreitten 
 to him by Sir Aineas Mcpherson, 1 and his papers wer 
 searched, and having cleared himself wes dismist upon 
 bale. The Secretary is this morning gone for Carmichaell, 
 wher he stayes till the nixt post lers come to hands, which 
 will determine him anent his goeing off or returning here. 
 Ere he went off he receaved such papers anent Mr. Peyne 
 and Duke Gordon 2 as he called for, which wer in my 
 custodie. Receave the inclosed for newes from, Right 
 Honll, Your most humble servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Next letter on the settlement of the Church of Scotland in the 
 north-east of Scotland is most probably to Mr. James Steuart 
 younger of Coltness, Lord Advocate. 
 
 Cullen, Julie 19, 1693. 
 
 My Lord, — Nou when I am deprived of your Lo. 
 companie, I most intreat when you have leasure that you 
 will alou me the satisfaction of hearing from you. I 
 find this countrey verie peaceable ; bot almost the whol 
 Episcopel clergie have refuised the oths, bot most of 
 them continou to preatch in ther churchis. They are 
 desirus to know if they can doe this safely. I told them 
 I thought they could not, seing the certification is depriva- 
 tion ; and likwayes by the act all preatchers are ordained 
 to take the oths. I desire your Lo. may let me know 
 what measurs the Councel will probablie take with them. 
 Ther are some would yet comply, if they wer sure to keep 
 ther churches. If your Lo. have any service for me in 
 this place, putt your commands onn me, and they shal 
 be punctualie obeyed by, My Lord, Your Lo. most obleidged 
 and most humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I long to hear if ther be returns from the King from 
 Flanders. 
 
 1 Sheriff Court Records of Aberdeen, New Spalding Club, vol. iii. pp. 104, 105. 
 
 2 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 323, and App. , 
 pp. 92 and 93. 
 
110 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 The oaths were those of allegiance and assurance enacted on 
 19th May 1693. 
 
 On the 25th of July 1693 Sir James Ogilvie's sister, Lady 
 Allardes, had a son. 
 
 For SIR JEAMS OGILVIE thes 
 
 Dearest Brother, — It having pleased God to send uss 
 ane good acompt of ye fruts of our labors, therfor I 
 have mead you bothe ane unckle and godfather ; and I 
 wissh we may see the same effects of your present works, 
 for ye have got a long berething time, so that I hope all 
 things will work togither for yt effect. I shall be wery 
 glead to heare of your safe aryvel, and how ye have 
 kiped your health since ye camme home ; and I ever am, 
 Deare Brother, Your most effectionat and obedient ser- 
 vant, Geo. Allardes. 
 
 I beg ye will give my humble duty to your Lady. 
 
 Allardes 25 July 93. 
 
 David Ross 1 of Balnagowne, Ross-shire, favoured the revolution, 
 and co-operated with the laird of Grant in supporting General 
 Mackay in the north. His letter to the Sheriff of Banffshire and 
 those of 18th and 26th August 1693 are typical of judicial 
 methods, when ' moyen ' counted for much. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Right Honoble, — Ther is a flieeing report com to 
 this cuntrie [that] on Donald Ross whos parents ar my 
 tenents, and who him[self] hes srved honestly in Bamff- 
 shyre thes 13 yeires, is nou in prison in Bamff, in order to 
 underly ane seize, for alleidged stealling of horses out of 
 my Lord Lovats lands. 
 
 Sir, I am a stranger to the affaire, and so will not medle 
 to propon thos legall defenses which in law ar proper ; 
 bot because I am in certane knowledge of his innocence 
 as to the stealling of thes horses (as I am credibilly in- 
 formed), therfor I intreat you to doe me the favor not 
 
 1 Mackay's Memoirs, passim ; Old Ross-shire, by W. MacGill, passim ; The 
 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. App. pp. 13, 33. 
 
1693] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 111 
 
 to asysze him, bot giue him any arbitrarry punishment 
 ye please, onlye saue his ]yff and credit by not pannalling 
 him. Sir, I confess my confidence in this demand borders 
 with indiscretion, bot the poor man being my kinsman, 
 and being to be tryed wher I haue n* the benefit of ac- 
 quantances saue yorsf, that forces me to giue you this 
 trouble ; and iff you favor me in this request it sail oblidge 
 many to srve you, and in speciall, Right Hono 11 , Your 
 most humble sertt, Dauid Ross off Balnagoune. 
 Balnagoune, 1 Augst 1693. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH-HILL, Advocat, 
 ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., 2d August 1693. 
 Right Honll, — Receave the inclosed newes. I ame 
 sorie they are so ill, but ther is great talking here that 
 by ane efter engadgment the ffrench wer routed. Yours 
 for the Lord Secretary wes delivered to Henry Douglas, 
 to be saifflie convoyed (wth the other lers for him) under 
 his covert. My Lord Advocat receaved your line, and 
 gives you his respects, but delays wreitting till the Councill 
 day be over. I will putt it in my Lord Advocats memoriall, 
 to cause extend the warrand for the Aberdein ministers 
 taking the oath the wholl bounds of the diocese, in case 
 ther be any motion of Councill anent it. I have spock 
 Sir Thomas Moncreiff, 1 who gives you his respects, but 
 protests he cannot, nor knowes not howe to gett you 
 payed, for he cannot gett money to pay the charitie 
 precepts, nor cane he propose a fond, unlesse ye could 
 find out some good Sreff iEqs to be made. James Moncreiff 
 sayes he will be lyable in a ballance which he will endeavour 
 to bring your way, but Moncreiff fears it will not prove 
 effectuall. Duncan Ronald hes bein out of toun, but is 
 noue returned, and promises to exped my Lord your 
 fathers newe precept as soon as cane be, and I shall send 
 it north. I have gott in a report of most of the valuans 
 of those fyned to be presented to Councill. The lers agt 
 
 Clerk to the Treasury. 
 
112 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 Lovat Mr. of Tarbat Bedindalach and others in the shyre 
 of Rosse Innevernes and Murray will be call'd to morrowe, 
 and the lers agt Inverey and Doors being in Rot Stewarts 
 hands will be continued. Ye shall have all newes I cane 
 gather for you, and shall ever have the humble duty and 
 affection of, Right Honll, Your most humble st, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Landen, the engagement referred to, was fought in Belgium on 
 the 19th of July 1693, when William and the allies were heavily 
 defeated by the French. The letters of 4th, 7th, and 11th August 
 all refer to this engagement. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE SR JAMES OGILVIE, OFF 
 CHURCH-HILL ther Maties Solicitor att 
 
 FlNDLATER 3d 
 To THE CARE OF THE BaMFF POST 
 
 Right Honorable Sr, — I understand by John Ander- 
 sone that he sends yow the publict letters ; so I judge it 
 is rather a trouble and expence to yow then any thing els 
 to send them, so shall only tak occasione (as I promised) 
 to give yow aco* of any thing I heir of import. No doubt 
 the actione in fflanders hes been considerable, but persons 
 talk of it here as they affect. Some say that the Con- 
 federat army are irrecoveably routed, and that the Kings 
 wound is mortall, and that the ffrench have taken Brussells, 
 that most of the Inglish and Scots omciars and redgmts 
 are lost, pariie Lo. Geo. Douglass. Uyrs who are better 
 affectit to ther Maties governm* say that the ffrench loss 
 is double ours, and that the King is perfectly weell, that 
 his army is incamped near Brussells, and that he needs 
 no reinforcem 1 haveing only lost 4000 men, q r of only 1300 
 of his oun subjects, that Lo. Geo. Douglas is alyve, 
 and many uyrs, who wer said to be killed, have comm to 
 the camp haveing gott off saffly. Its further added 
 that his Matie had the knott of his scarff shot away by a 
 cannon ball on the on syd, and the lock of his periwig 
 by the shott of a cannon on the uyr, and yet preserved ; 
 
i°93] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 lis 
 
 and its thought ther will be a second boutt, ffor the Con- 
 federats are resolv'd to keep closser as ever. Ther wes 
 litle don yesterday in Counsell. John Andersone told me 
 he wold send yow the minuts, so shall not repeat them. 
 I give yow my most humble service, and shall only trouble 
 yow with a letter, when I hear any privat accots that are 
 not in the publict ; ffor I am, Right Hono 11 S r , Your 
 most oblidged and devouted serv u , Wm. Black. 
 
 Edr., Uh August 1693. 
 
 The reference in next letter by the Lord Advocate to the old 
 Scots navy is interesting. On the 3rd of March 1692 the Duke 
 of Hamilton received from the King a warrant for the gift of the 
 office of Lord High Admiral of Scotland/ hence the Duke's objec- 
 tion to the Lord Chancellor's proposals. In 1689, in face of the 
 troubles with Ireland, 2 two frigates had been placed on the 
 western coast by the Scots Parliament ; but since the commence- 
 ment of the war with France nothing had yet been done on the 
 east coast to ward off French privateers. Scots seaborne com- 
 merce on the North Sea had depended entirely on the protection 
 of the English navy. 
 
 To SR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHILL to the 
 
 CARE OF THE BaMPH POST 
 
 3d Edr., 7 Aug. 1693. 
 
 Sr, — I have tuo of yours. The Lady Achlunckart was 
 not called. I was passive in the mater at your desire, 
 but she had freinds that urged it as much as I could, 
 but there was no place for it. We had three diets of 
 Councel, but did litle bussiness. All petitions from the 
 late prisonners were barred by what was told them before- 
 hand, that at this season and untill the Kings minde were 
 knoun, there was nothing to be done. There were also 
 feu petitions ; but the bussiness took us up was in the 
 verie entrie a proposal was made by the L. Chancoll r for 
 a ship to defend the cost, but D. Hamilton moving that 
 its comission must be from the Admirality, and the Chan- 
 
 1 See State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xv. p. 118. 
 
 2 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 1 7, 24, 25, 43, 44, 53, 
 58, 67, 79, 85. 
 
 H 
 
114 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 coll r not naming the D. on the committie, occasioned a 
 mistake that spent time and frustrat the mater, the D. 
 contending that it was a mater of charges and belonged 
 to the Treasurie. Then the Register moved a complaint 
 agt Mr. Anderson for publishing the acts of Parliat with- 
 out his leave, but this was only se defendendo, for the 
 woman had printed nothing save on the princ 11 warrants 
 from himself, and he had a corrector of the press, and 
 she gave him the first stitched copie on Tuysedayes night, 
 and then on the Wednesday she gave me one ; but I per- 
 ceaved at the verie opening, that the act anent the Justice 
 Court not touched was printed, and the act anent the 
 fines and forfeitures touched was not printed, and several 
 other errours, and finding 12 copies abroad told D. Hamilt. 
 and then the Register. But E. Annandale, L. Justice Clerk, 
 and L. Poluort getting also copies, the Register was greatly 
 perplexed, and hath recalled the copies he could get, and 
 is printing a neu impression ; and you may easiely judge 
 this would make noise eneugh. I thank you for y r ace* 
 of the clergie. The Councel could not give a neu day. 
 The neues from Flanders are still better. We have lost 
 the point of honour, but the Frensh the strength of their 
 armie at lest 2 for one. Portland is well, and the Secre- 
 tarie well arrived and receaved. More nixt, for I am 
 interrupted. You knou I am, S r , Y r most humble and 
 most affectionat servit r , Ja. Steuart. 
 
 The Councel adjurned till 5 Sept r . 
 
 James Steuart was appointed their Majesties' Advocate on 20th 
 December 1692. 
 
 The ' Minutes of the Privy Council/ the ' Siege of the Bass/ 
 reprinted in Miscellanea Scotica, The Memoirs of the Rev. John 
 Blackadder, by Dr. Crichton, The Melville Papers, and State 
 Trials are authorities relied on by John Hill Burton in his 
 account of the siege of the Bass between June 1691 and 
 18th April 1694, when this, the last Jacobite stronghold in 
 Great Britain, was surrendered on terms to the Government 
 of Scotland. The following letters give some account of 
 the progress of the siege and the negotiations for surrender. 
 The three men referred to in next letter were captured ashore, 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 115 
 
 were convicted of high treason, but were included in the indemnity 
 granted at the surrender. Four and not three names are given in 
 the Memoirs of Dundee, viz. : Captain Alexander Haliburton, 
 Captain William Fraser, Mr. William Witham, and Mr. William 
 Nicolson. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Edr., 9th August 1693. 
 Right Honll, — Receave the inclosed newes. I ame 
 making readie the indytment agt the three men that 
 came out of the Basse, who are to be tryed befor nixt 
 Councill day. My Lord Advocat hes all the papers anent 
 Seaforth 1 under his hands to be considered, in order to 
 a proces agt him. Ther is no Scotts newes here. I ame, 
 Your Lo. m[ost humble servant], Jo. A[nderson]. 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 
 To THE CARE OF THE POST MASTER IN BaMFF 
 
 Edr., 11 Aug. 1693. 
 Sr, — I have yours of the i Aug. The Smirna fleet had 
 certainly a bad rencontre ; and tho the worst of it fell 
 on the Duch, yet the Inglish do complain much. Our 
 last letters say that Admiral Rook and his men of war, 
 and a great number of the Smirna fleet are come to 
 Kingssale in Ireland. The engagement in Flanders was 
 a verie severe one. By the Secretaries ace* and a line from 
 Mr. Carstaires out of the camp, I am assured that the 
 King lost only the point of honour, that the Frensh have 
 lost 2 or 3 to one, that our loss is not above 5000 men. 
 Lord Geo. Hamilton is safe, but there are several prettie 
 felloues of our captains killed, as Ava, 2 capt. Arch. Hamilton, 
 capt James Denham and others. The Secretaries uill 
 not agrie ; but Secretarie Jonstoun hath bloun off all the 
 dust was cast on our actings in Parliat, and I am told 
 that they are by all approven except Nottingham, who 
 belives only what another sayes ; but in a word I con- 
 ceave Secretarie Jonstoun to be verie well at court. The 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 323. 
 
 2 Sir James Erskine of Alva. 
 
116 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 Kings armie is stronger then ever, and seeks to fight Luxen- 
 burg. The States dealt generously uith him, for upon the 
 first ill report they wrot to the King not to be discour- 
 aged, and that they would stand by him while they had 
 a farthing. They have also done another noble thing 
 in declaring the loss of the Smirna fleet to be a publick 
 loss, and that they uill repair these concerned. All things 
 quiet here. We are to have a neu impression of the acts 
 of Parliat, or the former amended. As for your three 
 robbers, if you please to keep them till the nixt Councel, 
 I shall move for a commission, and if it be refused they 
 shall be ordered here. I am goeing on with the Bass men, 
 and E Seaforth ; and there are other crimes also wherein 
 you may be sure I want you, but I willingly dispense 
 with it for your ease ; and y r assistance was so great and 
 steadable while here that I were unjust, if I did not nou 
 allou you a part of that ease you then gave me. I doubt 
 not but you will let me knou hou maters goe there, specially 
 as to y r clergie. They have a storie here, that the Mr. of 
 Staires should have given passes 1 to 8 Inglish papists goeing 
 abroad to scoles and monastries, that this should be 
 challenged, and may be found an ill thing, but I only hear 
 it ; and I shall be glad hou oft you give me the occasion 
 to write to you, and to tell you hou much I am in sin- 
 cerity, D. Sr, Y r most humble and affectionat servit 1 ", 
 
 Ja. Steuart. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE SR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OFF CHURCH-HILL ther Maties Solicitar ffor pnt 
 Ffindlater 
 
 To THE CARE OF THE BANFF POST. 3d. 
 
 Right Honorable, — S r , I receaved yours, and caused 
 deliver the inclosed to my Lord Advocat and the vyr to 
 John Andersone. My Lord Advocats letter wes opin, 
 but I sealled it before deliverie. Ther wes no fforraign 
 maills last post, and so the news not considerable. Onlie 
 the Jacobits alledge that the Dauphin and Prince Lewis 
 have ffought on the Rhyne, and that Prince Lewis armie 
 
 1 Car stares Stale Papers and Letters, p. 189. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 117 
 
 hes mett w* the same ffate that the Confedcrats have met 
 w*i They still look bigg, and talk much mor of the ffrench 
 victorie then perhaps is true. They alledge that Luxen- 
 burgh suped in K. Williams tent, and wes served w* his 
 pleat wtin two hours after the battell, that all the baggage 
 ffell in the ffrench hands, and sixtie peice of cannon. 
 Ther is a noice of a descent ffrom ffrance, and that the 
 redgnits that wer goeing ffor fflanders ffrom Ingland are 
 ordered to stay, and three redgnits to com ffrom Ireland 
 and two ffrom Scotland to help to defend the Inglish 
 costs. The Jacobits pretend that ther is use for all thes 
 redgnits in fflanders, but that the Inglish will not suffer 
 them to goe over. Its said that Ruck is in Kingsaill with 
 ffiftie sail of the Smirnae ffleet. Thes are all that are 
 passing. If thos newsletters I sent be not the same that 
 Jo. Andersone sends, and if they bee not too expensive 
 ffor postage lett me know, and if ye desyre them they 
 shall be sent every post with what vyr accots passes. I 
 give yow my humble service, and shall only ad that I 
 am, Right Honorable, Your most oblidged and humble 
 serv 1 , Wm. Black. 
 
 Edr., 11 August 1693. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH-HILL, Advocat, 
 ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Sent from the ler office of Abd 19 August 93 per Walter Merson 
 in charge. 
 
 Edr., 16 August 1693. 
 Right Honbll, — Receave the inclosed. My Lord 
 Justice Clerk promised to wreitt to you on Fryday. Sir 
 W m Hamiltoun 1 is in the west countrey. Your ler wes 
 sent to him. The three prisoners that came from the 
 Bass have receaved ther indytment to the 4th of Septem- 
 ber. I have imployed a messr to summond the witness 
 in the countrey, -and hope ther shall be no blame as to 
 what relates to your office. The ler I sent expresse to 
 the Chancelar on Mondays morning wes one that Henry 
 
 1 Under Secretary of State for Scotland. 
 
118 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 Douglas hade neglected to send by the Chancelars servant 
 on Sabboth day, Henry being taken up at the comunion 
 in the west kirk ; so it appears to have contained no 
 extraordinary thing, for ther hes bein neyr Councill no 
 committies since. — I ame, Your Hos most humble sft, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 The two following letters continue the story of Donald Ross. 
 The writer of the second, Marie Huntlye, Marchioness-dowager of 
 Huntly, daughter of Sir John Grant of Freuchie, and widow of 
 Lewis, third Marquess of Huntly, married James, second Earl of 
 Airlie, in 1668. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONOLL SIR JAMES OGILVIE, 
 Shirreff off Bamff thes 
 
 Bain: 18 Agust 1693. 
 
 Right Honoble, — The kyndnes ye express and hes 
 testified to me put a great difncultie on me, how to suittably 
 recent it ; bot I sail attend all occationes to repay the 
 obliga°nes I owe yow. 
 
 Sir, by the longsonenes of the bearer of my last letter 
 to yow, I find sentence of death is past on that poor 
 fellow Donald Ross upon his confession off on dittay ; 
 so he is in yor mercies, and I hope and earnestly intreat 
 that y or mercie be not sumum jus. Blissed ar the mercifull 
 for they sail find mercie, qch I pray may be y or and my 
 lott. 
 
 Sir, farr be it from me to plaide for any thing y* is not 
 consistant with justice mixt with mercie, without hazard 
 or reflection on yor jurisdiction ; bot in my humble 
 oppinion, yow may saiflie keep the sentence in record 
 and in force against the pannall, and superceid execution 
 therof till ane uther dittay be found agst him, and in the 
 meanne tyme giue him voluntar banishment out of y r 
 shyre. This will be a meane to saive both his soul and 
 bodie, uheras his unnaturall death may mine both. I 
 haue found much peace in doeing the lyke, and it is much 
 preferrable to presume on the law of nationes then on 
 Gods law as to the punishment of theft, especially ther 
 
1693] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 119 
 
 being hot on single act. Nixt his ingenuitie in confessing 
 his guilt, and I hope his penitencie, with resolution never 
 to comit the lyk, crys for mercie. Wishing the merciefull 
 God in whoes hand all our lives ar to direct yow, I continou, 
 Right Hono 11 , yor most humble servant, 
 
 Dauid Ross off Balnagoune. 
 
 My wyff who joynes with me in this adress giues yow 
 hir service. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Banff, 26 Agoust i693. 
 
 Right honorabill, — Being informd that by yr pro- 
 coorment and pouar a pour man callid Donalld Ross had 
 gott his lyff effter he ves condemid, bot vith this cauiatt, 
 that he sould remoue out off this kingdoom agenst the 
 begining off Septembar, I most intret this faueor of yow, 
 that you will be pleasid to recall his benishment, and suffer 
 him to stey heir vithout hesart or dengar, he beheueing 
 himselff honestlie and vithout blem all tyms heirefter — 
 for vhich he will geat honest and responsell men vho is 
 his frinds to be shourtie for him. And sins yow haue 
 bein so chiritabill and mersifull to him hitherto, I hopp 
 you vill grant me this requyst that I mak to you be 
 yilding to my diseyr, and allouing him the libertie that 
 he mey stey vithin the kingdoom in anie place vhar he hes a 
 mynd to be in. And tho I beagg pardon for this trubill, 
 yit I am confident that yr honor vill condishend to my 
 diseyr, which vill much oblidge, Right Honorabill, Your 
 Honors most sinserlie affectionet cusein and most humbill 
 seruant, Marie Huntlye. 
 
 My Lord Airllie giuis you his humbill seruice, as I dou 
 to yr Honor and all the nobill famellie, to vhum I am a 
 most humbill servant and hartie veil! visher. 
 
 The Lord Advocate, in his letter of 30th August, recounts the 
 political news of the day. No General Assembly of the Church 
 of Scotland had been convened since 1690, and adjournments 
 by royal warrant caused some conflict between the extreme 
 
120 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 covenanting section of the church and the royal prerogative. Mr. 
 Robert Calder, 1 a deprived Episcopal minister, was tried on a 
 charge of high treason. 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Edr., 30 Aug. 1693. 
 Sr, — I have yours of the 23. We had Councel yester- 
 day and three letters from the King. Jon Anderson uill 
 give you an accompt of what past there. We were just 
 a quorum and no more. The King is expected over shortly ; 
 he uill leave Flanders in good case. The French on the 
 Rhine are reteared to Philipsburg. St. Briget is takin and 
 makes way to the taking of Pigneroll, which its hoped 
 uill succeed. The whigs in London have lent money, 
 an sheued such good affection as restores maters there. 
 When the King comes he uill make changes in England. 
 D. Hamilton hath got liberty to goe to court, but the 
 Kings other letter shall, I hope, keep all others at home. 
 It pleases well above that we put off the meeting of the 
 Assembly the 16 instant. The King will call one this 
 winter. Ill men make liis and say the brethren took in- 
 struments at the kirk door, and met and appointed another 
 Assembly, but all is false. The Bass men are to be tried 
 Munday, and Mr. Rob 1 Calder 1 on Wednesday the 6 7 r . 
 There are also a murder and a rapt to be tried. I shall 
 be glad to see you in eit r . Commiss. Dalrimple is come. 
 I have only sein him, becaus he went imediatly out of 
 toun. I have not yet heared him on the politicks, but I 
 perceave the Secretaries are quite brock. I wish you 
 much satisfaction at home, and a happie return hither. 
 Jon Anderson will write you about the robbers. You 
 may think if it were not better to try them there by com- 
 mission. My nixt shall give you Seaforths witnesss. I am, 
 D. S r , y rs entirely, Ja. Steuart. 
 
 1 See The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 250, and App., p. 74, 
 and Cars tares State Papers and Letters, p. 194. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 121 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH-HILL theb 
 Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., 30 August 1693. 
 Right Honbll, — Receave the inclosed for forraigne 
 and privat newes. ffor Scots newes, ye have bein putt 
 to some expense in sending posts throwe the countrey 
 to bring in councelours to make a quorum, who when 
 they mett read the Kings ler adjourning the Parliat till 
 the 9th of January. Another ler dischairging all persons 
 in public trust or office to goe off the kingdome without 
 the Kings leawe. A newe proclama°n is past anent the 
 beggars. All these are this day proclaimed, and are to 
 be printed and dispersed with diligence. The Kings ler 
 read signifeing his pleasure that the toun of Glasgowe shall 
 have the imposi°n granted them on aile by the Parliat 1 
 for the space of 13 years, the Parliat having left that to 
 the Kings pleasure. The Magistrats of Edr, Justices of 
 Peace and Sreffs are to meit with the committe of Councill 
 on Monday anent the highway es. Tarbat is appoynted 
 to revise the report anent takeing the oath of alleageance 
 and assurance, and to make report theranent agt nixt 
 Councill day. Irvine of Stank a man that hes bein long 
 a closse prisoner is liberat : James M'Gill your pensioner, 
 and Mr. Pat Smiths son are allowed oppin prison. 
 They speik anent transporting your Haked Stirk 2 and 
 liis accomplices. The Chancelar or Advocat will give a 
 warrand, when ther names are sent up. This is all the 
 Councill did. The Basse men are to be tryed on Monday, 
 and Mr. Robert Calder on Wedensday nixt. — I ame, Your 
 Hos most humble servant Jo. Anderson. 
 
 The Scots Parliament was adjourned from time to time, and 
 did not meet again until 9th May 1695. 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCH-HILL, Advocat 
 ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., St September 1693. 
 Right Honbll, — Receave the inclosed. The court 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 328, 329. 
 
 2 See The Chiefs of Grant, by Sir William Fraser, vol. i. pp. 281, 282 ; and 
 historical Papers, New Spalding Club, vol. i. pp. 21, 22. 
 
122 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 satt upon Mr. Robert Calder, and his affaire wes fullie 
 debate by my Lord Advocat and Sir Pat Hume, and 
 adwised with oppin doors ; and the Lords by ther inter- 
 loquitor ffind that the manifesto mentd in the indytment 
 does containe treasonable matters, but ffinds that the 
 pannalls being the framer or wreitter yrof does not inferre 
 the cryme of treason agt him, unlesse he hade showen or 
 divulged it to some person befor it wes seazed on amongst 
 his papers, yet ffind the same relevant to inferre ane 
 arbitrary punishment. My Lord Advocat became highlie 
 displeased with the interloquitor, and reclaimed agt it 
 befor and efter pronunceing, and would not insist farder, 
 and the pannall wes sent to prison and the matter con- 
 tinued till the 9th of Octor. Ther being some materiall 
 witnesss agt the rebells from the Bass absent, and Sir 
 Pat Hume being prepared for a long debate, that affaire 
 is also continued till the sd 9th of Octor. The court is- 
 nowe sitting upon the sogor for killing a woman in Leith, 
 and I think will condemne him ere they ryse. The Council! 
 is adjourned till the third of Octor. I will send you by 
 Mondays post a note of all that wes befor them, it being 
 impossible nowe to doe it, I being in court. But this 
 in generall, ther hes bein no great matters befor them. — ■ 
 I rest, Right Hon 11 , Your most humble and obedient 
 servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 The following letter detailing the questionable methods resorted 
 to by the Commissary-General to provide forage and provisions 
 for the cavalry of the Scots army should be read along with 
 the circular letter, dated 15th December 1693, to Sheriffs from 
 the Commissioners of the Treasury, which aimed at correcting 
 abuses. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE SR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCH-HILL ther Maties Solicitar 
 
 Right Honorable, — Beeing this day in company w fc 
 W m Livingstoune, who is comissary appoynted ffor fur- 
 nishing the dragouns corn and strae ffor ther horses, I 
 understand that some troups are lyk to ly in your shyre, 
 and I beleive my brother as on of his deputs will be 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 123 
 
 sent ther to order the magazins. Thos that have been 
 ffurnishing vyr magazins have great deficulty in getting 
 them made up, some beeing unwilling to sell althoe vpon 
 ready money, and vyrs who will sell will not cary the 
 corn and strae to the magazin, becaus ther is 32 ston of 
 strae to be provyded ffor each boll of corn, q ch hes occa- 
 sioned some complaints (both on the souldiers part and 
 the countries) to the Counsell, who have ordered letters 
 to be direct to all the shyres recomending to the Shiriffs 
 to nottice that the provisione to the fforces be sold at the 
 current rates, and (if any refuise) to give acco* of the 
 recusants to the Counsell. But its thought that this will 
 be still uneasie, and therfor the comissarie is to use his 
 indeavors in the severall shyres wher the troups lyes to 
 gett the gentlemen to condiscend to a voluntar localetie. 
 This is already done in Merns, and I beleiv will be thorowed 
 in the shyre of Aberdeen ; ffor they considering that 
 troups will ly ther and that they must be ffurnished, they 
 think it mor equall to consent that each should bear a 
 part of the burden, then that thos nixt adjacent to thos 
 places wher troups may be quartered should bear the 
 wholl, ffor no doubt wher provision is it must be sold 
 at adequat pryces. And as to the cariage, albeit they 
 knew that they wer not oblidged to cary, yet they con- 
 sidered that, if the souldiers should cary y r own fforrage 
 ffrom the place it wes bought at, they might oppress 
 ther tenrits w t great measure of oats and greater quanteties 
 of straw then is allowed, and albeit the oats and strae 
 wold be payed by the comissarie, yet they might fforce 
 ther dyet gratis, and evin mak the tenrits glad not to 
 complien. So they rather thought convenient that ther 
 terints should cary eight or ten myles to each magazin, 
 and receave ther pay* ffrom the comissarie deput vpon 
 delivery, then to have any thing to doe with the souldiers. 
 As this will be a great ease and advantage to the comis- 
 sarie, so it will be litle trouble to the countrie. And if 
 this could be thorowed in your shyre of Bamff, Mr. Living- 
 stoun wold use all his indeavors that your interest should 
 be als ffree as posible. S r , he is convinced this is in your 
 
124 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 power, and your influence on the comissioners and 
 interest in the shyre will cary any thing that will not 
 wrong them. He tells me ther may be two troups only 
 ther ; but if the shyre consent to a localetie they must cast 
 on als much mor as serve transient quarters, q ch superplus 
 may be applyed ffor releiff of your interest if the tenhts 
 think it a trouble to cary. As ffor the pryce it will be 
 payed immediatly vpon recept at the rate the comis- 
 sioners setts vpon it, q ch in Merns is 4 lb ffor each boll of 
 corn and 32 ston of strae conform, q ch is verie cheap. Hov- 
 ever he will pay such reasonable rates as the comissioners 
 in your shyre will appoynt. And in respect yow will be 
 both at trouble and expence in calling and attending 
 thes meetings of the comissioners, that may meet ther 
 anent, Mr. Livingstoune is resolved (if the localetie be 
 thorowed) not only to ease your interest all he can (in 
 case they think it a trouble), but will give yow any gelding 
 yow ffancie to the value of twenty guineys, and tho yow 
 ffancie on worth ffyve mor he will not complean, but will 
 think all verie weell bestow'd. Mr. Livingstoune is a 
 ffreind of the Major Generalls, and a verie good ffreend of 
 myn ; and what ffavor and kyndness ye show him in this 
 affair will oblidg him to a suteable resentment. I humbly 
 beg pardone ffor useing this ffredome, but the many 
 obligations I still meet with on all occasions imboldens me 
 to mak addresses ffor my ffreends, q ch I presum will not 
 be misconstructed, seeing it is ffrom on, who will be ever 
 bound to acknowledg himself, Right Hono 11 , Your most 
 oblidged and humble serv*, Wm. Black. 
 
 Edr., 8th Septer 1693. 
 
 Sr, — If thes can be done, I intreat ane acco* by the nixt, 
 becaus ther must be provisione laid in befor the troups 
 march ; and if ye could gett the shyre oblidged to cary 
 to any place (tho without the shyr) at ten myls distence, 
 it wold be som advantage, becaus perhaps half a troup may 
 ly at Turreff, q ch I judg is in Abd shyre. 
 
 The three next letters give an account of the death funeral and 
 executry of Sir James Ogilvie's youngest brother, Robert Ogilvie, 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 125 
 
 cornet of dragoons. The writer of the second, Andrew Lo<rie, 
 was an Aberdeen lawyer. Lady Marie Graham, the writer of 
 the third, was the mother of the laird of Allardes, Sir James's 
 brother-in-law. She was the eldest daughter of John Graham, 
 Lord Kinpont, and sister of William Graham, second Earl of 
 Airth and Menteith, who died on 12th September 1694. 
 
 [FOR] THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 these 
 
 Edr., 'mh Octobr i693. 
 My Lord, — I knowe befor this tyme yow have hade ane 
 accompt of the death of your sone, and which no doubt 
 is ane great afflictione to yow. Bot, since the Lord who 
 gave him to yow hes taken him from yow, it is yo r Lops, 
 deuty to submitt to providence. It may be your satis- 
 faction that he died sencible and penetent, and was 
 weill caired for the tyme of his sickness. I was fullie 
 resolved to have wittnesed his interment, bot the multi- 
 plicity of my affaires, and being somewhat undisposed by 
 reasone of the surpryseing account I hade of his death, 
 necessitats me to stay heir. Hovever I have ordored 
 money to be advanced to Allardyce, and hes lykewayes 
 sent him his scutchion and brenches, and by ane letter 
 have inveited the Provest and Baillies of Montrose to be 
 present the day of the buiriall. I have ordored his horses 
 north, till they can be conveniently and to advantadge 
 disposed of, and I have allowed his srvant to stay with 
 them for this insheweing halfe year. I have lykewayes 
 wreitten to Aberdein to looke after what he hes ther in 
 ane ordorly maner. I can wreit no more att present, 
 bot I wish your Lope comfort of your childrine that 
 remaine, and I ame, My Lord, Yours Lops, most obedient 
 sone and humble srvant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 fforTHE RIGHT HONO LL SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF 
 CHURCHHILL ther Matties Solicitor 
 these haist 
 
 Right Hono ll , — In pursewance of the desyre of your 
 letter anent your deceist brothers exerie (which I received 
 
126 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 onlie the tuentie-sevine instant late at night), receive the 
 inclosed inventar subscrived by Conir Patersone off all 
 those things which wer found in your brothers quarters. 
 And Cairnbulg 1 tells me that ther wes ten guinies found 
 in his pocket, and some litle money which, except the 
 tuo guinies mentioned in the inventar, hes all spent on 
 his funerall, to wit for ane shear cloath and to the doctors 
 and other pettie debursements to beddalls, etc. And he 
 gave in the inclosed accompts, which one John Allardes 
 (now one of our baillies) haid furnished at your brother 
 in lawes desyre, which extends to 133 lb i4 s. 4d. scotts ; 
 and ther will be of small accompts (which John Gatt 
 acknowledges to be true) resting to the dragoones and to 
 his servant, who wes also a draggoon, besyde the i2lfe qch 
 ye desyred I might give John Gatt, above eightein dollors. 
 However I perceive ther will be no loss by medling, ffor 
 it appears by all the informa°ne I cane get, that your 
 brother hes been rayr a comone lender yn borrower. 
 His cloathes and furniture ar split new and fyne ; and 
 it is Comr Patersones opinion als weill as myne (as it is 
 also the comone practice in such caices), that the whole 
 compleit sute (to wit, the coat vest clipe carabine belt 
 padrontash baganet and belt), be all put to a roup 
 among the officers, who will give more for them then any 
 other ; and for that end it wer proper ye should writ to 
 your brother Cairnbulg not to dispose of those things 
 wherwith he medled, becaus they break the compleat sute. 
 His haill linens it seemes were at Allardes, and many other 
 things qrof ye will get acompt. And as ye desyred, I 
 have sent the two truncks with ane fine broad sword to 
 ffindlater locked and sealled, qrof receive the keyes 
 inclosed. The cloathes may moth if not taken care of. 
 I have not, neyr resolve I to pay a farthine to any, vntill 
 I have your warrand. Neyr will what I have pay all that is 
 owing, except the Dm . . . 2 money be got, and he alleadges 
 most of it to be payed. The dragoones furnitur is detained 
 in your brothers quarters, vntill Captain Johnstone come 
 
 1 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Paper torn. 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 127 
 
 to towne, so vt I desyre to know how to carrie thcranent. 
 It is not of much value except to the dragoon himself, 
 who (if he get it) may quite his wages, qranent ye may 
 writ to Captaine Johnstone ; and whatever ye order 
 anent the premiss, prestable in toune or countrey, w* 
 me, God willing, as it is my duetie ther shall be nothing 
 neglected, and it will be ane hor conferred vpon, Right 
 Honoll, Your most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 And. Logie. 
 
 Abd., 30 Octer 1693. 
 
 Cofnr Patersone gives yow his humble service. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILLVIE, his Magistis Soliseter 
 Eden thees 
 
 Allardis, 8 Novr, 93. 
 
 Right honorable, — My son received yours on Fraday, 
 and sent a seruant northe as you ordored ; and Forglen at 
 my entrety went to Mantithe wt him, which was a great 
 prowidenes, for he was going horn this day. That man on 
 all ocations is redy and his doun great thinges for this 
 family. And now, Sir, I am impatient to hear of my 
 poor brothers condition, that I presum to beg you will 
 lete me know ife he be dead, which ife I had not feared 
 I should agon myself tho I had never com back. And 
 it is so remot from this that, till ther return, I can have 
 no certinty, that I expect a line from you w* the first 
 post, what you hear of my brother. Your brother died 
 werie happily and his last words was to me, after som 
 eleadgiations, he had good neues to tell me, the great 
 God was comes for him. And he was cairfully atended 
 by his fititions. I crave pardon for this truble, and 
 subcrives my selfe, Right Honorable, Your most oblidged 
 and humble serant, Marie Grahame. 
 
 Your sister is taking the sackrement, and not at horn. 
 Inbenoin this is wryten in my bed at 3 aclok in the 
 morning. 
 
 Endorsed — My Lady Marie Grahams Ife with ane 
 account of qt gold and money was in Cornet Ogilvies 
 pocket when he dyed. 
 
128 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE, Advocat, Their maties 
 Solicitor and Shirreff Depute of Bamffe-shire 
 these 
 
 Edr., 15th Becemr: 1693. 
 
 Sir, — Whereas their Ma ties for the good and ease of their 
 subjects have authorized us, and wee have agreed with a 
 comissary generall, who is obleidged to provyde all their 
 Ma ties horse and dragoones both in locall and transient 
 quarters, with grass straw and oats upon the terms and 
 allowances contained in that contract, yet his Ma tie 
 being informed that in many places the comissary and 
 his deputes had not made provisions accordingly, bot 
 that the former abuses still continued, by the troopes 
 being quartered upon the country and demanding locali- 
 ties and provisions to be caryed to them, which his Ma tle 
 is firmly resolved to have redressed : Therefore he hath 
 comanded us to enquyre into the matter, and to obleidge 
 the comissary and his partners to the punctuall perform- 
 ance of their dueties by registrateing of their contract 
 and exacting the penalty, and that wee see reparation 
 made to the country, where they have suffered by being 
 obleidged to furnish or cary, or where they have not 
 received payment for what they furnished. Therefore 
 wee desire that with all convenient diligence (after receipt 
 of this) yow may conveen the comissioners of supply of 
 yo r shire, and comunicat this our letter to them, that 
 wee may know from them and yow, how the troopes have 
 been quartered in yo r shire, since our contract with S r 
 Alex r Bruce of Broomhall (which wes in May last) have 
 been provyded, and in what manner it is done at present ; 
 that in caice the comissaries have failed in their parts, 
 or that punctuall payment hes not been made to any of 
 yo r shire, who have suffered by haveing souldiers quartered 
 on them, or they obleidged to provyde or cary straw or 
 oats, or who have not received payment therefore. This 
 being of so universall good to the nation, and consequently 
 to yo r shire in particular, wee doubt not bot that both 
 the comissioners of the supply and yow will take care to 
 
1693] FIRST EARL OF SKAFIELD 
 
 129 
 
 return us a full and speedy account of this matter. — Wee 
 are, Yo r affectionat ffreinds, Tweeddale cancel 
 
 Linlithgow, 
 Raith. 
 
 Endorsed— 15 Dec. i693. Letter wretten by the Comssrs 
 of the Thesrie anent the Conissrs of the arme. 
 
 Now in office, Sir James Ogilvie began to acquire the wealth 
 that was in time sufficient to enable him to cut through the many 
 pecuniary entanglements of his father, redeem the paternal pro- 
 perty, and build up the extensive Seafield estates in Banffshire. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., Deer 25, 1693. 
 My Lord, — I am sorie Park and Cokstoun 1 have dis- 
 apointed your Lo., bot you need not be anxius, for I know 
 you will get that money att last, and it will doe you as 
 good service then as nou. I will this year be somwhat 
 straitned for money. All your debts comes onn me 
 together. I most pey John Ogilvies reprasentatives. 
 Baberton and I are near setled. Liteljohns executors 
 pratends you rest them fifteen hundreth pounds by bond. 
 Let me hear from you of this. Blakhils insists vigoruslie 
 and Lintush is most rigorus. If it wer not I gain money 
 and hes credit, I could not be able to pey so great soums 
 without woodsetting or selling. Lest ther be yet any defect 
 in my securitie, as I judge ther is none, yet it is thought 
 fit your Lo. grant me ane bond to be the foundation of 
 ane adjudication, and you most be charged to enter air 
 to your father mother grandfather or grandsher, and 
 I will take my infeftment on both. I know you will not 
 refuse this, and it shal be no further used, bot for securitie 
 of my lands disponed. I have sent the bond. Subscrive 
 it befor wittnesess and transmitt it by the post. I resolve 
 home immediatlie affter the session, and then I shal give 
 your Lo. all the assistance I can, and in the mean time 
 I am, My Lord, Your Lo. obedient son and most humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Sir Alexander Innes. 
 
130 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Alexander, eighth Earl of Eglintoun, in next letter tells his 
 success in getting a pension secured on the forfeited estate of 
 Sir William Wallace of Craigie, Ayrshire, who espoused the cause 
 of James at the revolution. Sir William came from Ireland with 
 Cannon to Mull as a colonel of horse, and was present at the 
 engagement of Dunkeld. On 14th June 1690 he was again in 
 Ireland. He ultimately escaped to France, where he was in July 
 1695, when a remit was made by Parliament to the Justice Court 
 to prosecute him and several other Scots rebels in France for 
 treason. 1 
 
 Thes 
 
 To SIR JAMS OGELVIE, ther Majistis Solicetor 
 
 London, Mrch 6, 94. 
 Dear Nephew, — I heve bean hear near thes four months 
 soleseting the King for the performing of his promes ; 
 and nou it is conclouded by the great asistans of my 
 great and good freand Secrator Jhonston, that the King 
 wil give me a pension of tuo hainder pound a year, to be 
 paied out of the first and rediest of Sir Wiliam Walas of 
 Cragie his rents. Al my freands hear advaiseth me to 
 take a comishon or a factore for the rents of that estat. 
 They think it wil pot me in a probabil waie for the gift 
 of forfatrie, when it is forfated. The Secrator hath 
 disaiered Mr. Stevenston to draw several artikils, which 
 he disayereth to be cleared of, which is to be derected to 
 Mr. Heugh Cuningam ; bot my whol troust is in your 
 kear of this afear. If I get a comishon for upliftin thes 
 rents, I know I most faind beal to be countabel to the 
 Lords of the Thesorie for the superplus, which I wil doe 
 by them I apoint factor ; and al charges whatsomever is 
 to be aloued to me in my acounts. The Secrator advaiseth 
 me to goe to the King tomoro and give him thanks ; and 
 told him that I will leave the manashment of that 
 afear to him, that he maie remember his Magistie to sain 
 it the nixt month, when he is in wating. I most intrait 
 you to asist Mr. Cuningam in dispatching an ansuar to 
 the Secrator to thos things he disayereth to be informed 
 of ; for the King is sertanly to goe for Flanders in the 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix., App, pp. 54, 56, 57, 1 15. 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 131 
 
 begining of Apraiel, and if it be not doon ther wil be an 
 other years rent lost ; and if it be doon, I shal com doun 
 to Scotland, and return you most hartie thankes and 
 aknouladgments for thos manie singular favors and kaind- 
 neses you heve shain to, Dear Nephew, Your obledged 
 wnkil and houmbel servant, Eglintoun. 
 
 Mr. Stevenson was an official under the Secretary of State for 
 Scotland. He is several times referred to by Secretary Johnston 
 in his letters to Cars tares of 1693. 
 
 Towards the end of March Sir James Ogilvie went north to 
 Cullen. During his stay of two months there he received 
 accounts of the doings of the Privy Council, and of the General 
 Assembly, with other political news of the day from James 
 Steuart younger of Coltness, Lord Advocate, and from John 
 Anderson, depute clerk of the Privy Council. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 3d. 
 
 Edr, 23d March i694. 
 
 Right Honb tl , — Ther hes nothing occurred since ye 
 went from this worthie of any notice. I have delivered 
 ordors of Councill to Sir Thomas Livingstoun to cary John 
 Trotter to Castletoun to be hanged ther on the 28 instant, 
 and sent another to the Sreff to see the sentance putt to 
 execution. Sir Thomas Livingstoun hes also receaved ane 
 ordor of Councill for carying Cap* James Midletoun to the 
 Bass, and alloweing him to enter the rock upon sending 
 out two hostages for him, and ther to treat for surrendering 
 the Bass, and the lives of all condemned for it and of those 
 in custodie ; and all those who are in the Bass are to be 
 free upon surrender, and they are to be allowed to goe 
 wher they please. They say the Generall Assembly will 
 certainllie sitt the nixt week. The present ler is worth 
 nought. Ye are to have ler and gazet by Mondays post. 
 I hope ye have hade a saiff journey north. I pray for 
 your health, and rest, R. Htt, Your most humble and 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Serjant Park wes assolyed and sett free from the barr. 
 
132 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 John Trotter 1 of Mortonhall, Midlothian, was condemned for 
 assisting the defence of the Bass. His brother, Alexander, 2 was 
 included amongst the Scots rebels in France who were proceeded 
 against in July 1695 for treason. Sir Thomas Livingstone was 
 Commander-in-Chief in Scotland. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d. 
 
 Edr, 28 March 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — This morning John Trotter hes bein 
 taken to his sade journey to Castletoun, and will never 
 make another. The Lord Carmichael ther Majesties Com- 
 missioner, and my Lord Justice Clerk, 3 and the heads of 
 the ministers have bein closse with my Lord Advocat all 
 this forenoon. The Assembly sitts doun to morrowe. 
 Ther is [no] other newes here, nor any councill called. — 
 I ame, Right Honb 11 , Your most humble and obedient 
 servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 The General Assembly which met on 29th March was the 
 second in William's reign — adjournments having been made 
 through the years l6pi, '92 and '93. 
 
 Edr, 30 March 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — Yesterday the Generall Assembly satt 
 doun. Mr. Crichtoun ther former Moderator preached. 
 They mett in the efternoon, and the Commissioner made 
 a speech to them relative to the Kings ler, which wes 
 read. The King promises them protection, and presrives 
 to them modera°n, and will not have them midle with any 
 of the Episcopall clergie who are in ther chairges, tho 
 they have not complyed with the government ; ffor he 
 and his Councill will take course with them, and ease them 
 of that trouble. Mr. John Lawe is choisen Moderator. 
 Mr. Rule, Mr. Blair, and old man called Hamiltoun (not 
 any of the Hamiltouns in Ed r ), and Mr. Pat Sympson 
 wer in the leit with him. They have appoynted a com- 
 mittie to drawe ane answer to the Kings ler, and other 
 committies for bills and overtures. The Councill hes sitten 
 
 1 Memoirs of Dundee, etc., 1818, p. 76. 
 
 2 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. App. p. 115. 
 
 3 Adam Cockburn of Ormistoun. 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 133 
 
 since ij aelock this day, and have appoynted another ship 
 presentlie to be outricked, under the command of Cap* 
 Boswell in Kirkcaldie, for cruising with Cap* Burd for 
 stoping provisions for the Bass. Trotter was hanged at 
 Castletoun on the 28 instant. A fyre ship is ordored to 
 goe allonge with the convoyes and transport ships for the 
 newe levies, for they fear hazard from Dunkirk men. 
 Some reports wer made from the committie anent pressed 
 men, both agt sojors and countrey men. Some sojors are 
 remitted to Sir Thomas Livingstoun to be punished, and 
 some countrey men appoynted to be cited. . . . 
 
 [Jo. Anderson.] 
 
 The feeble blockade of the Bass by the Scots navy, under the 
 directions of the Privy Council of Scotland, came to an end on 
 23rd April 1694, when the rock was surrendered on terms honour- 
 able to the defenders. 
 
 The two next letters approximately fix the date of the death of 
 George, eighth Earl M arise hal. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCHHIL these ar 
 
 Dear Brother, — I am glad to hear that ye ar com 
 horn, and is in good halth. I hop to se you hear on 
 Wadinday, if ye be to com to my Lord Marchels burial ; 
 fore I woll assoure you ye shall be hertly welcom to a dish 
 of broth and somthing after it, and I woll promise ye shall 
 be wated on by him who is, Dear Brother, Your affectionat 
 brother and most humble seruant, Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 My wife and I giues our seruice to all our frinds. 
 Carnbulge, March 31, 1694. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF MARISCHAL thes 
 
 Cullen, April 1st, 1694. 
 My Lord, — When I received the honor of your Lo., I 
 was fullie resolved to have waited upon you, and to have 
 performed that diutie I oued to your Lo. father ; bot I 
 am called about pressing affairs to Elgin, which could 
 admitt of no delay, and therfor I hope your Lo. will excuse 
 
134 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 my absence ; and att all occasions I shal be readie to evince 
 that I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most faithful and humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE [of that Ilk, Thefi Majesties 
 Solicitor, Banff] 
 
 Edr, Uh Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — Yesterday the Councill satt, and a 
 ler from his Majestie in favours of my Lord Justice Clerk, 1 
 impowering him to nominat and subsitut clerks to the 
 Justice Court, and investing him with all the priviledge 
 belonging to his office wes read. The Bass rebells wer 
 reprived till the first Fryday of May nixt by the Chancelars 
 casting vote. M'Lauchlan, the teacher of ane Inglish 
 schooll at Glasgowe, wes tryed, and appoynted to be 
 scourged throwe Ed r this day, and banished to the 
 planta°ns ; but the Councill have this day chainged the 
 scourging to the standing on the pillorie here this day, 
 and at Glasgowe this day eight dayes. His cryme wes 
 the seduceing and persuading sojors to desert ther chairge. 
 Troyilous Balyie ane ensigne recomendit to the Thesaurie 
 for apprehending one W m Gledstons, a Bass rebell, to 
 receave 20 fib, st. A ler ordored to be wreitt to the King 
 anent the tuo frigotts appoynted to cruise about the Bass 
 and anent a fyre ship, and anent ther paymt. The ler 
 wes this day read and appro ven. This day his Majesties 
 lers adding the Lord Yester 2 and Sir John Hall 3 to the 
 number of the Privie Councelours wes read, and they 
 appoynted to be acquainted therwith. A proclama°n agt 
 deserters and ther recepters, mostlie relative to the forces 
 presentlie to be imbarqued, wes read voted and past ; 
 but the forces who craved it litle esteeme of it, as it is 
 drawen and mendit. Ther wes much discourse upon com- 
 plaints, both anent pressed men deserters and deficients, 
 and these things are to be taken to generall consideraon 
 befor the Councill ryse at this tyme. I have ordor to 
 
 1 See p. 132, note 3. 
 
 2 Lord Hay of Yester, Lord High Treasurer in the Parliament of 1695. 
 
 3 Sir John Hall of Dunglass, commissioner for the Burgh of Edinburgh. 
 
1694] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 135 
 
 citt some of the forces to answer befor the Councill to 
 morrowe, parlle LeTt Steuart for refuseing to give up 
 pressed men notwithstanding of the eommitties ordor. 
 The E. Hume, Oxfurd, Drumcarnie, Ednam, Gledstons, 
 Gairltoun, 1 and other prisoners of the government are 
 liberat upon caution to answer when called, and tuo myles 
 confinement to ther houses, and the Councill then ad- 
 journed till to morrowe at 3 aclock efternoon. The 
 Generall Assembly also sitts. I hear not much they have 
 yet done but answered the Kings ler, and appoynted 
 eommitties, and that they are about retrinching the 
 number of ther lay elders, so as ther may be four 
 ministers for one elder, and that they are to take away 
 the 'priviledge claimed by the toun of Ed r of [calling] 
 and getting any ministers they please from any par[ish in 
 Scotland]. Culodin is working amongst them for geftting 
 a number of] ministers to the Highland of Invernes, Ross 
 . . . Prinll Patersons ler to James Baird will give mor 
 [information than I] knowe. . . . — Right Hontt,)Your . . . 
 
 [Jo. Anderson.] 
 
 Hume, Oxfurd, and Drumcarnie were old Jacobites. Charles, 
 sixth Earl of Home, and Robert, second Viscount of Oxfuird, had 
 been arrested in July 1(589 on a charge of being implicated with 
 Dundee in a plot against the Orange government. 2 Sir John 
 Murray, Lord Drumcairne, Court of Session judge, had been cited 
 on 13th and 17th May 1689 by the Committee of Estates to give 
 an account of his correspondence with Dundee at Scone on 11th 
 May 1689. 3 
 
 James Baird 4 was the eldest son of John Baird, bailie of Cullen, 
 a descendant of the Bairds of Ordinhivas. About this time he 
 became associated with Sir James Ogilvie as his servitor and 
 secretary. On 26th November 1696 he was appointed Clerk to 
 his Majesty's Wardrobe in Scotland. 5 On 1st July 1697 he mar- 
 ried Margaret, eldest daughter of John Anderson, depute clerk 
 to the Privy Council. On the 19th day of the same month and 
 
 1 Sir George Seaton. 
 
 2 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scot/and, vol. ix. , App. p. 131. 
 a Ibid., App. pp. 19, 30. 
 
 4 See also Genealogical Collections concerning the Sirname of Baird, pp. 95, 
 96, 97. 5 State Papers {Scotland) War-rant Books, vol. xvi. p. 297. 
 
136 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 year he was admitted a member of the society of Writers to the 
 Signet. He was three times married. He died on 27th April 
 1746. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE of that Ilk, ther Majesties 
 Solicitor. Banff. 6d. 
 
 Edr, 6t Apryll 1694. 
 
 Right Honbll, — The Councill satt yesterday, and 
 examined Leit. Coll Stewart for disobeying the com- 
 mitties commands for rendering up a countrey man 
 taken up for a sojor ; and not being able to justifie himself 
 he wes committed to prison, publictlie reproved, and is to 
 lye in prison till the man be delivered, and longer during 
 the Chancelars pleasure. 
 
 Sir Donald M'donald of Slait, the laird of M'Leod, 
 and Countes of Seaforth, upon petitiones given in be 
 them are allowed to send up their deficient men to Stirlin 
 agt the S t May nixt. 
 
 The Commissioners of Justiciary for the Highlands are 
 appoynted to meit at Invernes upon the 22d of May nixt. 
 
 Stewart of Alpin, a disaffected prisoner at ffortwilliam, 
 is ordained to be transported prisoner to Ed r . 
 
 Robert ffyff, prisoner for not taking the oaths liberat. 
 
 Belachans bill for libertie refused. 
 
 Andrew Brown watchmakers bill for his penaltie refused. 
 
 Seaforth vncle who wes at Stirlin, allowed confynmt to 
 his owne house and tuo myle about. 
 
 The Skinners of Ed r ordained to see and answer a bill 
 offered for some, who crave a manufactory for dressing 
 leather. 
 
 M'Lauchlan, the schoolmaster at Glasgowe, having 
 uttered some unseemlie expressions when on the pilorie, 
 is to be farder tryed. 
 
 Evan M'Grigors bill craveing liberty to use his name 
 read, and allowed as to bygones preceeding the act 1693. 
 
 A Quaker being sent in by Quenisberry as one of his 
 levie men, the Chancelar appoynted to wreitt to him to 
 send another. 
 
 Old Belintolme excused from being a commissioner, 
 and his son named in his place. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 137 
 
 Leit Aikenhead challenged anent pressing men, remitted 
 to the committie. 
 
 The vaicand stipends of Prestonpans and Elie gifted to 
 the resve parroches. 
 
 The Countes of Errols papers, that wer at London and 
 are sent doun to Mr. Hugh Dalrymple, appoynted to be 
 putt in the Councill clerks hands. 
 
 Robert mnnieson, late servant to Oswald and Dunlop 
 Collectors, being a-dyeing, a committie appoynted to 
 examine him anent some publict rests. 
 
 Lers appoynted to be sent under the Advocats hand to 
 all the shy res of the kingdome, to send in ther deficients — 
 these on this syd Tay to Glasgowe the 28 Apryll, and 
 those beyond it to Perth the 8t May. This with the 
 proclamaon anent the deserters necessarlie calls for 
 expresses to be sent thro we all the kingdome, for Shirriff 
 deputs clerks and heritors are readie to load others with 
 ther owne neglects. 
 
 The Assembly are upon appealls, and prepareing ther 
 other matters. This is all at present from, Right Hon 11 , 
 Your most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 I think the expresse I shall send with the circular lers 
 anent the deficients shall reach you as soon as this, for I 
 hope my Lord Advocat shall this efternoon signe the lers. 
 Yet, least it should not, I putt you to the farder expense 
 of this line. 
 
 Sir Donald M'Donald, younger of Sleat, Stewart of Appin, and 
 Patrick Stewart of Ballachan, chamberlain of Athole, were active 
 supporters of Dundee. They were included in the treason pro- 
 cess instituted by government in I69O against the principal rebells 
 in Scotland. 1 On 15th June 1693 Parliament passed an act 
 setting up a Justiciary for the Highlands to suppress depredations 
 and robberies. That act revived the statute of 1633, which pro- 
 scribed the clan McGregor. Hence Evan McGregor's bill. 2 Old 
 Belintolme or Ballintomb was Archibald Grant, ancestor of the 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix., App. pp. 54, 56, 58, 60, 
 61. 2 Ibid., vol. ix. pp. 355, 356. 
 
138 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 Grants of Cullen of Gamrie, Banffshire, and later of Monymusk, 
 Aberdeenshire. He had two sons, Sir Francis, who became Lord 
 Cullen, and who acquired Cullen and Monymusk, and Alexander 
 of Ballintomb. Archibald Grant died in 1717. The Countess of 
 Errol, Anne Drummond, only daughter of James third Earl of 
 Perth was Jacobite. 1 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 
 Edr. 14 Apr. 1694. 
 Sr, — I have yours of the 9. I see no more can be done 
 to seaze these men. If young Boigs can be found, I doubt 
 not but you uill secure him, and I shall put him in the 
 sumonds of treason when raised, and like-uyse speak to 
 S r Thomas. 2 You need not any neu order, you may 
 doe all that is to be done of yourself. The Assembly sits, 
 and is drauing to a close. They have bein a litle uneasie, 
 but I hope shall part fair. I am not like to be fond of 
 another in the sam circumstances. We have no neues. 
 The D. of H is coming doun not well pleased. The King 
 goes nixt weak, or sone after. — I am, D. S r , Y r most 
 humble and affection. servit r , Ja. Steuart. 
 
 I have another daughter since you left us, and all mine 
 salut you most heartiely. 
 
 Young Boigs may have been a son of John Dumbar of Boigs, 3 
 Morayshire, who was appointed a Commissioner of Supply in 1689 
 and 1690. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr, 16 Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — The Generall Assembly ryses to 
 morrowe. The Councill hade a litle meiting explaning 
 the proclama°n anent seazing the horse and armes of 
 such as refuse the oathes, that the same does not extend 
 to labouring horse, because some Shirryf deput in the 
 west hes bein too severe that way. The sojors are daylie 
 
 1 Browne's History of 'the Highlands, vol. ii. p. 149. 
 
 2 Sir Thomas Livingstone, Commander-in-Chief in Scotland. 
 
 8 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, voh ix. pp. 74, 145. 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 139 
 
 shiping here for abroad. Ane English regiment is also 
 come here to be imbarqued. This is all the newes cane 
 be learned by, Right Hon 11 , Your most humble and 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Duke Hamiltoun lers here this night. 
 
 On 19th May l6f)3 Parliament, to further secure the Protestant 
 religion, enacted that the oaths of allegiance and assurance 
 should be taken by all persons in offices and places of public 
 trust — civil, ecclesiastical, and military — under penalty of not 
 being allowed to keep any horses above one hundred merks 
 price, or any arms beyond a walking sword. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLL SIR JAMES OGILV1E 
 of that Ilk ther Majesties Solicitor 
 Banff 6d 
 
 haste Edr., 17 Aprill 1694. 
 
 Sir, — Receave some copies of the order of Councell to 
 ye Shirriffs and oyrs Magistrats appointed to execute the 
 proclaim one anent the horses and armes of such as refuise 
 the oaths, which ye are to disperse to the Burghs and oyr 
 jurisdictions w*in your shyre ; and this charge I am ordored 
 by the Lo/of their Majesties Councell to lay upon yow 
 the Shirriff, that both Bailies of Royaltie and Regality 
 and oyrs concerned may have due notice. — I am, Your 
 humble serwant, Ja. Steuart. 
 
 The following letter is written on the same sheet as the pre- 
 ceding : — 
 
 Edr., 18 Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — Yesternight the Generall Assembly 
 arrose, and ane newe Assembly is indicted to sitt at 
 Ed r upon the first Thursday of Apyrll nixt. They have 
 appoynted a commission of them to sitt and order all 
 affaires in the mean tyme, and severall ministers to goe 
 north. The Duke of Hamiltoun fell ill on his journey to 
 Scotland, and wes four dayes ill on the road of a sore knee. 
 Feverish and troubled with ane appoplexie he journeyed 
 every day. The Dutches and doctors went from this to 
 meit him, and with much adoe he wes brought yesterday 
 
140 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 efternoon to the Abbay, and dyed this morning at 5 aclock, 
 to the great lamentfion and regrate of all who wish ther 
 countrey well. The Bass have sett out a whytt flag, and 
 thir tuo dayes are capitulating for a surrender. The 
 Councell meits this day. Ye shall have ane accompt 
 what they doe. The sojors and ther convoy is not yet 
 gone off. Ther is much compleanings every day for 
 pressing of men. I have sent off the inclosed prints to 
 the other shyres. — I ame, R. H., Your Hos most humble 
 servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 3d 
 
 Edr., 20 Apryll 1694. 
 
 Ther is not any thing of newes here, but that since the 
 Assembly rose, the commission left and impowered by 
 them are yet sitting ordoreing some matters, and that 
 committie of them for the north will take journey shortlie. 
 
 The Councill mett this forenoon anent the overtures of 
 capitula°n proposed by the Bass, and I hear (the Councill 
 being close) that the articles are so adjusted as its thought 
 the Bass will presentlie surrender. [Jo. Anderson.] 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 3d 
 
 Edr., 23d Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — The sojors are all aboard, and sett 
 sail yesterday ; but the wind turned crosse, so as they are 
 not yet out of the firth. The Councill is up till the first 
 Tuseday of May, and the Chancelar gone to the countrey 
 till then. The Bass is nowe surrenderd, and all that wer 
 in it and those that hade come out and those condemned, 
 and others who intercommoned with them, are all indemni- 
 fied and free, and the condemned men are at libertie. The 
 Justice Court mett and read the Kings ler in favours of 
 my Lord Justice Clerk, restoring him to the priviledges 
 of his office with power to name clerks, and did receave 
 and admitt Lainshawe upon a newe gift from my Lord 
 Justice Clerk, for which I hear he hes payed 150 lib sterline. 
 — I ame, Right Honbl, Your Ho s most humble servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
1694] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 141 
 
 [For] SIR [JAMES OGILVIE] of [that Ilk] Ther Mag[esties 
 Solicitor], Culen. 
 
 Edr., 27 Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb 11 , — I receaved both your lers yesterday. 
 . . . . Ther is non of your victuall come one as 
 yet, and the pryces are Iowe. Robert Dunbar 1 and tuo 
 privateers with him came up to the Bass on Sabboth last 
 to have putt in provisions for them, but finding it wes 
 surrendered, and that four men of warr lay here in the 
 road, and Burd 2 and Bosvell 3 hard by, they have gone 
 off, but we fear skaith by them ere they returne. I pray 
 it may be otherwayes. I hope ther shall be such quyetnes 
 here as may allowe you to stay in the countrey all the 
 vaicance. The poor sojors lye still in the road, be reason 
 of the contrary winds, and some of them have dyed of 
 vermine. — I ame, Right H[onbl. Your Ho s most humble 
 servant,] Jo Anderson. 
 
 The following letter by Principal Robert Paterson 4 of Marischal 
 College, Aberdeen, is of a kind with the letter of 25th April 1692 
 from William Black. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 OF CHURCHHIL thes 
 
 Right Honorable, — I presum so much on your good- 
 nese, that since ye wes educat in Marshaill Colledge ye 
 will continue a freind to ye sam, and now to evidence it, 
 its exspected ye will speak to your Shiref deput Castel- 
 feild to send his son to Mr. Pecock 5 to bee educat. Ye 
 know he is ane good learned and painful maister, so yt he 
 cannot bee better staited that way perhapes in Scotland. 
 I know on word of your mouth will determin ye gen n man ; 
 and since so easily ye may promot the interest of your 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix., App., p. 115. 
 
 2 Ibid., pp. 41, 67, and App. pp. 9 and 30. 3 Ibid., p. 77. 
 
 4 Records of Marischal College and University, New Spalding Club, vol. ii. 
 pp. 28, 29, etc. 
 
 5 Ibid., vol. ii. p. 38. 
 
142 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 Alma Mater, I houp it will not bee denyed to, Right Honor- 
 able, Your affectionat and humble servant, 
 
 Ro. Paterson. 
 
 Abd., 27 Apprill 1694. 
 
 Give my service to my Lord and your Lady. I am 
 sorie for ye death of your great frend Hamilton. 
 It wer fit he com in one in May to bee matriculat. 
 
 Nicolas Dunbar of Castlefield, Sheriff-depute of Banffshire, six 
 years later attained fame as the judge who sentenced James 
 Macpherson, the Highland reiver, to be hanged at Banff. Mr. 
 George Pecock was one of the regents of Marischal College, 
 encyclopaedic teachers who each in turn carried their students 
 through their whole curriculum from bajandom to graduation. 
 The regent beginning his prelections on logic, went on to physics, 
 and finished off with arithmetic, geometry, moral philosophy and 
 economics. 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 
 Edr., 30 Apr. 1694. 
 Sr, — I have yours, and see you ar bussie receaving con- 
 verts. I heartiely wish all men may become wise to live 
 and let live in peace. You have befor this time got the 
 Councels regulation about horss and armes. They would 
 not medle with what concerned heretors ; but from above 
 (as I think I told you), it is intimat that such only as are 
 suspect, and have allreadie refused the othes should be 
 dismounted and disarmed. We have no neues. Our 
 Assembly went off easily eneugh ; for the brethren will- 
 ingly agried to take no advantage of the late act of Parliat 
 for setling the church, and the commissions they have 
 given are mostly for planting and assuming, and restricted 
 eneugh in the mater of censure. Yet I see the northern 
 ministers take the alarme at the commission for the 
 north, and Aberdein mindes to be the metropolis of the 
 Episcopal partie ; but I belive the commission shall be 
 verie moderat, and therefore I would have your countrie 
 folks wise ; for if they make any bussell agt such just and 
 moderat things, it will only serve for a discoverie of their 
 to much suspected disaffection. You will hear by this 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 143 
 
 time that our great and good freind D. Hamiltoun died 
 the mornine after he came home the 19 instant. I protest 
 I regret his death from my heart. He was a rational and 
 true man, true both to King and Kirk, without dissimula- 
 tion, without resentment, and most usefull at this time, 
 and I am sure his vertues will long long survive all his 
 faults. You need make me no apologie for my want of 
 your assistance. The surrender of the Bass hath eased 
 of some truble, and there is litle els to be done. I have 
 far greater missing of your good companie, but dare not 
 grudge your honorable relations, to whom I wish all 
 prosperity. Yesterdayes letters say the King was to part 
 Wednesday last, and that E. Shreusberrie hath got D. H. s 1 
 garter, and E. of Argile is to be Extraordinarie Lord of 
 the Session. Its like E. Annandale or L. Carmichael may 
 come into the Treasurie, but I apprehend the D s place 
 as Pres of Councel may vacke a while. The Admirality 
 should be in commission. — I am, S r , y r most humble and 
 affection* servit r , Ja. Steuart, 
 
 The 'late act of Parliament for settling the church/ referred 
 to by the Lord Advocate, was passed on 12th June 1693. It 
 enacted that no person should be admitted or continued hereafter 
 to be a minister or preacher within the church unless he took the 
 oaths of allegiance and assurance, subscribed the Confession of 
 Faith as his confession, and acknowledged Presbyterian church 
 government. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr. Last Apryll 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — Receave the inclosed, which is all the 
 newes at present from this place, except that severall of 
 our Scots ships are come up from Holland, and that the 
 winds keep crosse here for the fleits goeing off, and the 
 poor sojors are in ill case. We fear skaith from ffrench 
 privateers and those that wer with Dunbar. I wish your 
 victuall well up for I hear nothing of it. Its hoped his 
 Majestie is saiff in Holland ere this tyme, being determined 
 
 . 1 Duke of Hamilton. 
 
144 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 to goe off on Wednesday last. The laird of Grant sayes 
 he will answer your ler to him to your content with first 
 conveniencie. The Councill sitts to morrowe according 
 to adjournment, and what occurres ther ye shall be in- 
 formed of it by, Right Honbl, your Hos most humble and 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OG1LVIE 
 of that Ilk, ther Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., 2d May 1694. 
 
 Right Honb ll , — Both the barks with your victuall came 
 to Leith harbour on Satterdays night in good condition, 
 and yesterday and this day it is livering at eight merk 
 per boll. I hope the debitors and paymt will be good. 
 I wes doun yesterday and aime to be doun in the efter- 
 noon. James Bairds brother and another young man wait 
 on the vessells to keep compt, and see the tickets rune. 
 
 The Councill satt yesterday and my Lord Yester took 
 his place as a councelor. Alex r Tait, skipper, who hade 
 bein in ffrance, petitioned for libertie, but wes refused ; 
 and the other Alex 1 Tait and his caur wer appoynted to 
 be chairged. A shipe is engadged to cary over the Bass 
 men to ffrance, who are appoynted to leave the kingdome 
 betuixt and the 15 instant. Ther is a publict fast 
 appoynted throwe the kingdome, for the causes ment d 
 in ane addresse from the ministers, which most be dis- 
 persed throwe paroch kirks. Thomas Weir gott certifl- 
 ca°n agt some persons anent Andersons piles. Osburne 
 a skipper, who hade bein caryed to Dunkirk and wes sett 
 ashoar by Robert Dunbar, wes appoynted to be examined 
 by Lord Advocat, and to be at libertie or committed as 
 he should see cause. The Earle of Marshall being? re- 
 fused a passe from my Lord Chancelar is gone off without 
 one. The Secretarys are wreitt to anent it, and thejE's 
 of Erroll and Kintore his caurs are lykwayes appoynted 
 to be wreitt to. 
 
 The Lady Milnmark hade a proces agt her husband, 
 which wes called, and a committie appoynted to aggree 
 them or to take tryall. The Councill is nowe sitting. 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 145 
 
 Ye shall by the nixt knowe what they are doeing. I amc, 
 Right Honbrr, Your most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Alexander Tait, skipper in Leith, and Captain Robert Dunbar, 
 implicated in the affair of the Bass, were two of several Scots 
 rebels in France against whom a process for treason was raised in 
 1695. 1 William, ninth Earl Marischal, succeeded in March 1694. 
 He married c. 1690 Mary Drummond, eldest daughter of James, 
 fourth Earl of Perth. 
 
 The two next letters deal with the difficulties experienced in 
 raising the various quotas of the levy of 2979 foot soldiers sanc- 
 tioned 011 23rd May l6o,3 by Parliament, and the measures taken 
 to overcome them. 
 
 For THE SHIRRIFF DEPUTS OF BANFF or to the 
 SHIRRIFF CLERK or HIS DEPUTS, for ther Majesties 
 Speciall Service Banff 
 
 Edr. 9 4 May 1694. 
 Much honoured, — There was sent to you befor by the 
 Councils order a letter from me containing what they 
 ordered anent the bringing up of deficients in the late 
 levie to Stirlin upon ye eight instant, and to Glasgow on 
 the tuentie-ffourth of Aprile last. What performance 
 will be made at Stirlin cannot be knowen till ye day pass. 
 But least it be not better then that at Glasgow, and to 
 correct what was wanting there, these are to desyre you 
 to send a particular list of the men delivered in your 
 shyre, and to whom, as also a particular list of the 
 deficients, I mean of the number of men and of the names 
 of the heritors deficient, and that you doe your outmost 
 to have the deficients sent up to the forsds places, and to 
 the commanding officers there readie to receive them. 
 And this account is demanded that it may be compared 
 with the officers lists, and that such as are still wilfullie 
 deficient may be duelie compelled, as they may expect 
 to be with all rigor. And this being so necessary for the 
 publict service your answer is expected without faill, 
 for if ye failzie yrin, you and the heritors concerned may 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix., App. , p. 115. 
 
146 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 receive a more peremptorie charge, which will not be so 
 satisfieing either to you or to, S r , Your most humble 
 servant, Ja. Steuart. 
 
 This letter being sent to all the Shirriffs of Scotland, 
 pray faill not to send a recept yrof by the bearer. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE of that Ilk, 
 ther Majesties Solicitor Culen 
 
 Edr., 4 May 1694. 
 Right Honb ll , — I ame necesitat to send posts expresse 
 thro we all the kingdome with the proclama°ns for the 
 fast, and with my Lord Advocats letters to all the Shirriffs, 
 for causeing send up the deficients of the levie, for they 
 have bein in some places verie defective, and are readie 
 to shift the blame off themselwes and to pretend short 
 advertisement. The Councill is no we adjourned till the 
 4th of June nixt ; and befor they rose (besids what I 
 gave ane account of by the last post), they allowed 
 Garletoun confinement to his house and tuo myles about 
 it, and Mr. Thomas Gordon libertie of the toun of Abd n , 
 and tuo myles about it. Lord John Hamiltouns com- 
 mission as Generall of the Mint wes read, and my Lord 
 Carmichael appoynted to tender him the oathes. The 
 laird of Leys appoynted to tender the oaths to the Earle 
 of Strathmore as Sreff of fforfar. Skiper Osburne, who 
 hade bein at Dunkirk and wes sett a shoar by Dunbar, 
 eftr being examined by my Lord Advocat wes com- 
 mitted to prison. Bill and answers read anent valua°n 
 of fforfar shyre, and a stop putt to the valua°n. 
 The laird of Kinnmond appoynted to be cited for some 
 insolences committed be him relateing to the publict. 
 A bill for a manufactory for dressing of laether read, 
 and the skinners answers therto and parties heard, and 
 the manufactorie approven of. The Lady Milnmark and 
 her husband wer aggreed by the committie. Ane allow- 
 ance of a thousand pound given to Sir Ja. Ramsay who 
 is in great distresse. A bill anent the kirk session bookes 
 of Stirlin appoynted to be sein and answered. The 
 Thesaurie satt also, and called at me for ane account of 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 147 
 
 diligence for the Councill fynes, which I gave them, 
 and they commandit me to use the last diligence. Charles 
 Robertson hes livered all his victuall, and payed the 
 skipper, and given me his recept for the victuall. The 
 other vessell is all livered by this tyme, and I shall pay 
 the skipper, being to receave 20 shill of the boll from the 
 buyers and ther bonds for the rest, which I told them wes 
 to be payable the first of July. Non of your skippers 
 will hazard north for fear of Dunbar and the capers ; 
 neyr think they should ye hazard any thing either to or 
 from the north till the coasts be cleaner, for they are 
 snatching up the poor men day lie, and they burne whom 
 they doe not cary away. My Lord Advocat speaks of 
 the strength of your vsquebea and gives you his service, 
 as lykwayes doth my Lord-Justice Clerk. I shall in- 
 deavour for a particular account of the Assemblys pro- 
 ceedings. — I ame, Right HonbH, your most humble and 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Gordon 1 was in the reign of James n. clerk to the 
 Justice Court. He acted, along with Sir James Grant, as legal 
 adviser to the Duke of Gordon in 1689, when terms were made 
 for the surrender of Edinburgh Castle. 
 
 During Sir James Ogilvie's stay in the north, his father the 
 Earl of Findlater conveyed to him the lands and barony of 
 Ogilvie, and Sir James took infeftment on 17th May l6°,4<. 2 He 
 appeared thereafter in the County suite roll in place of the Earl, 
 taking the designation of ' Ogilvie ' instead of e Churchhill ' The 
 embarrassments of the Earl, the verting of Lord Deskford to 
 Roman Catholicism, and the rising power and wealth of Sir James, 
 the second son, may account for the transaction. 
 
 By the end of May Sir James Ogilvie was on his way south to 
 Edinburgh, and letters from the Lord Advocate and John Ander- 
 son cease for a time. 
 
 My Lord, — After making many visets, I am att last 
 come safe this lenth, and, God willing, I resolve to be att 
 Edr. the morou. I hear no neus, and I missed my letters 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 14, 15, 18, 368. 
 
 2 Banffshire Sasines. 
 
148 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 att Abd. I wish your Lo. all happiness, and I am, My 
 Lord, Your Lo. obedient son and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Ferrieportoun Craig, May 29, 1694. 
 
 On 25th August 16'94 Sir James Ogilvie was again at Cullen. 
 The writer of next letter, Andrew Fraser of Kinmundie, was 
 Sheriff-depute of Aberdeenshire from 1682 to 1708. 1 The letter 
 illustrates the conflicts in jurisdiction then so common. 
 
 For THE MUCH HONORED SIR JAMES OGILVIE of that 
 Ilk, their Maties Solicitor Generall, ffor the present at 
 Cullen of Boyn Banff these 
 
 Aberdeen, 25th August i694. 
 Much Honored, — Yours of the 22 d instant in favours 
 of Andrew Logie of Loanheid I received, and am glad to 
 see yow so much his freind, and I think he hath not reason 
 to doubt much of me, ffor in that mater I proceeded with 
 alse much moderation as possible, and wes not wanting 
 to doe him all the kyndness I could in justice. Only my 
 duty prompted me to doe what I did in citeing him for 
 that unhappy slaughter, off which it is alleidged he is guilty, 
 at least had accession thereto. And this I did to prevent 
 the citation of others, to wit the magistrates of Aberdeen, 
 who have alwayes competition with me in every thing, 
 under the notion of being Sherriffs within themselves. 
 And I think he will be als well used in my hand as in theirs, 
 ffor albeit he dwells for the most part in the town, yet he is 
 ane heretor and often recidenter in the shyre, and so lyable 
 to the Sherriffs jurisdiction. But there is tuo arguments 
 yow use viz., that the slaughter wes not committed within 
 this shyre, and that so long tyme being elapsed I wes 
 incompetent without a commission. I humblie conceive 
 yow are not thereby in earnest, ffor albeit the slaughter 
 wes not committed within this shyre, yet the man killed 
 dwelt in the shyre, and the killer also as said is, and there- 
 fore ratione domicilij I conceive my self judge for citeing 
 
 1 Sheriff-Court Records of Aberdeen, New Spalding Club, vol. iii. pp. 103, 
 104, 105, 106. 
 
1 694] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 149 
 
 of the delinquent to compeir. And albeit some tyme be 
 elapsed (as it wes not much when he wes cited), yet it is 
 the duty of Sherriffs still to prosecute committers of 
 slaughter, either by citation or attachment ; and tho 
 perhaps he cannot judge to a small sentence without a 
 commission, yet he may declair fugitive in caice of not 
 compeirance after citation, and he may imprison in caice 
 of compeirance, and acquaint the K s Advocat or Solicitor, 
 as yow very well know. And if this power were taken 
 from Sherriffs, their jurisdiction would signify nothing for 
 subpressing of such crymes. And truelie I would not 
 yeild my jurisdiction of this kynd willinglie, except I saw 
 a positive authority against it. However, for the respect 
 I have to your interposition, I shall proceed but leisurlie, 
 untill I either meet or hear from yow, which I wish may 
 be by the next post or occasion ; and till then this is all 
 from, Noble Sir, Your very much devoted and humble 
 servant, An. Fraser. 
 
 That unhappy man that wes killed wes my debitor 
 considerable for many ryots, ffor he wes certainly a stuborn 
 ill natured person. 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie lives in Scots history as the brother who re- 
 torted on the Chancellor Earl of Seafield, when reproved for 
 lowering the dignity of the family by taking to the trade of 
 cattle dealing, ' Better sellin' nowte nor nations' — one of the 
 mock pearls of Scots history, for Patrick was then a colonel in the 
 army, and was soon to represent in the united Parliament the 
 Elgin Burghs. The following letter, which seems to be in a 
 humorous vein, represents him as in the cattle trade in 1694, but 
 ready to take to preaching, and failing that, law. 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE OF CHURCHHILL 
 thes ar 
 
 ... I admir what diuel ails the on half of the Presbi- 
 terians to put ut the other, for I hir that Desfourd is nou 
 wacant. I pray you send me a presentaio to it, and I 
 shal com and preaich to you whither thy woul or not ; 
 [for] I loue the people of Deskfourd so will that I haue 
 no woll thy want preaching. If this tred fell mi, I intend 
 to tak yours nixt, for I think it is better then the drouen. 
 
150 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 I shal say no mor till miting, and I hop, God woling, that 
 shal be or long. Till then and euer I am, Dir Brother, 
 Your affectionat brother and most humble seruant, 
 
 Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Carenbulge, Agoust 29, 1694. 
 
 Lord Findlater's bookseller in Edinburgh continued to supply 
 him with the ' choysest new bookes.' 
 
 My Lord, — I receaved formerly yo r Lop. letter dated in 
 August last ; bot, because I had then sent my commission, 
 I could not give yo r Lop. ane answer. Bot that since I 
 have got them home, therfore I have sent yow the following 
 bookes, being the choysest new bookes I have got, and 
 which I thowght wold most fitt yo r Lop. — I am, My Lord, 
 Yo r Lop. most humble servant, Martha Stevensone. 
 
 Edinbur, October 2d 1694. 
 
 L'Estrances Esonc fol 
 
 14 
 
 08 
 
 o 
 
 Medulla Historie Anglicane, 8°, 
 
 03 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 Monroes sermons, 8°, . . 
 
 03 
 
 06 
 
 0 
 
 Lock on goverment, 8°, .... 
 
 03 
 
 06 
 
 0 
 
 on education, 8°, .... 
 
 02 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 Conduct of a persone of quality, 8°, 
 
 01 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Rapins comparison of Thucide and Livy, 8°, 
 
 01 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Burthogs essayes, 8°, .... 
 
 02 
 
 08 
 
 0 
 
 Excellency of pen and pencil, 8°, . 
 
 01 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Account of Sweden, 8°, .... 
 
 02 
 
 02 
 
 0 
 
 Bp. Santcrofts sermons, 8°, . 
 
 02 
 
 02 
 
 0 
 
 Dausons freindly conference, 12°, . 
 
 00 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 Miscellanea of ingenious sayeings, 12°, . 
 
 01 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Rogers fall not out by the way, 12°, 
 
 00 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 Elliotts lyfe and death, 12°, 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
 0 
 
 Poetical recreations, 8°, 
 
 03 
 
 06 
 
 0 
 
 Suma, 
 
 46 
 
 04 
 
 0 
 
 And there being owing by yo r Lo. in August 
 
 
 
 
 last of ballance, ..... 
 
 39 
 
 08 
 
 0 
 
 There is now resting in haill by yo r Lop. this 2 d 
 
 lib. 
 
 ss. 
 
 d. 
 
 day of October 1694, .... 
 
 85 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
1694] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 151 
 
 If yo r Lo. please, yow may have the author of ye whole 
 duety of mans works in folio ; bot because the pryce is 
 considerable, viz., 30 shillings, yrfore if yo r Lo. be enclyned 
 for it let me know of it. 
 
 By 10th October Sir James Ogilvie had returned to Edinburgh. 
 On his way south he advanced his arrangements with the pro- 
 fessors of King's College, Aberdeen, for the redemption of part of 
 his paternal estate, Redhythe, which had been wadset to Walter 
 Ogilvie of Redhythe, who on l6th September 1 678 and 1st 
 November 1680 mortified it for educational purposes. 
 
 ffbr THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edr., 10th Octr. 1694. 
 My Lord, — I have given over thoughts of goeing to 
 London at this tyme, unless I be particularlie called, and 
 which I doe not expect. I spoak to the maisters of the 
 Old toune Collidge as I came south. They are verie faire, 
 and I beleive would give me a verie good penniewourth of 
 the houses, if they could carie my Lord Boyne alongs 
 with them in it. They have promised within a short 
 tyme to send some of ther noumber to the countrey, that 
 the houses may be considdered, att which tyme your Lope 
 and the others I have appoynted may be present. Bot 
 this srves only for makeing us vnder stand hove to trans- 
 act. I desyre that my name may be given in in the list 
 with the rest of the parosh of Cullen, and that I may be 
 steatted as one barron at tuentie-four pounds, and my 
 sone being fyve yeares of adge at sixpence. Ther are no 
 newes, only wee are impatient to hear ane accompt of the 
 Imperiall airme in Hungarie. Your Lope will be pleased 
 to cause Castelfeild 1 take up ane list of the names of the 
 preists within the shyre of Banffe, ffor I find the Councell 
 hes taken resolutions that non of them be allowed to stay 
 within the kingedome, and the list most be sent over to 
 me by the post. I shall give your Lope no furder trouble 
 at present, bot remaines, My Lord, Your Lops most obedi- 
 ent sone and humble srvant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 1 Nicolas Dunbar, Sheriff-depute of Banffshire. 
 
152 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 The poll money referred to above and in the following letter, 
 and in those of 29th October and 6th November 16.94, was imposed 
 on the inhabitants of Scotland with certain exceptions by Parlia- 
 ment on 29th May 1693 to clear off arrears due to the country 
 and to the army before 1st February 1 6*9 1 - It was farmed out, 
 and was payable at Martinmas 1694. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edr. 9 mh Octobr 1694. 
 My Lord, — I did detaine the bearer till the Councell 
 day was over, that I might be able to retourne yow the 
 more distinct anssre. I find that as yet the comissioners 
 have incurred no penaltie by not sending up ther lists, 
 ffor most of the shyres are defncient ; bot no new day 
 will be appoynted for that affect. And it is the desyre of 
 the fermers of the pole that the countrey be neglegent ; 
 ffor in that caice they are posetiwe they will exact the 
 quadruple, and therfor in this countrey everiewhair the 
 lists are complaited, att laist they are goeing about the 
 doeing of it with all dilligence. And therfor I doubt not 
 the comssres of your shyre will loase no more tyme, 
 bot prepaire ther lists and send exact doubles of them to 
 the pole office in this place. I find lykewayes that, unless 
 the accompts due to the countrey be sent over heir 
 immediatlie, the shyre will loss the benefeit of retaineing, 
 ffor the comssres can retaine nothing, bot conforme to 
 staited precepts to be granted by the Lords of Theasurie. 
 It is also fitt that the comissres attend the seall dyetts, 
 which shall be appoynted by the fearmers, att laist so many 
 of them as yow shall think fitt to appoynt for that affect ; 
 and they are unquystionablie judges to all quystiones 
 that shall aryse betuixt the countrey people and the 
 fermers. As to gentlemens sones vnder the adge of 
 sixtein, in this countrey they class them at sixpence, 
 and above that age at thrie pound ; bot befor Mertimess 
 this poynt will be determined by ane sentence of Councell, 
 ffor I find the fermers pretends to thrie pound without 
 distinctione of adge. As to sfvants without fie, and who 
 are not intertained for charitie, they may be recked at 
 sixpence. I intreat yor Lope to cause these in whom 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 158 
 
 yow are concerned be dilligent in prepaireing ther lists ; 
 as also I expect the bookes of accompts and other docu- 
 ments in Durns 1 hand will be sent up, and if they come 
 shortly I hope to procure ane precept. And if other- 
 wayes, the comissres hes non to bleam bot ther selves, 
 if the countrey pay 1 . What furder directions are 
 
 neceissarie shall be sent from tyme to tyme, as the 
 Councell comes to determine poynts debaitable. — Which 
 is all at present from, My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient 
 sone and humbl srvant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 William Graham, eighth Earl of Menteith and second Earl of 
 Airth, whose death is mentioned in next letter, was brother of 
 Lady Mary Graham, who married on 8th October ] 662 Sir John 
 Allardes of Allardes, Kincardineshire. The Earl died on 12th 
 September 1694. Before his death he had disponed to his nearest 
 relative, his nephew George Allardes, the reversion of the barony 
 of Kinpont.- Next letter fixes the date of the birth of a daughter 
 to Allardes, probably Mary. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 My Lord, — I cannot express with what reluctancie I 
 left the countrey without waiteing one your Lordship ; 
 for that evining I gotte the express showeing me of the 
 Earle of Monteithes death, I hade full resolutions to have 
 waited one your Lordship the nixt morning, and to have 
 spent five or six dayes wery mirryly with your Lordship. 
 Hovever I hope, when I wreat to your Lordship at more 
 lenth, ye will think my journey worth my paines. Blessed 
 be God, this day your daughter is safely brought to bed 
 of a daughter, and is one the way of recovery. S r James 
 was gone by befor I returned from Monteith, for which 
 I was wery much troubled ; but I hope by the nixt occa- 
 sione I may give your Lordship ane good accompt of my 
 busieness, and at this tyme being on heast I ever continue, 
 My Lord, Your Lordships most obedient son and humble 
 serwant, Geo. Allardes. 
 
 Allardes, iith Oder. 94. 
 
 1 William Dunbar. 
 
 2 Red Book of Menteith, vol. i. p. 428. 
 
154 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [now 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edr., 6th Novembr 1694. 
 My Lord, — I have receaved from the bearer the pole 
 lists, as also some of the accompts of the shyre. I shall 
 taike caire to applay for ane precept hove soone the 
 Theasurie sitts, which I beleive may be upon Wedensday 
 nixt. I find those in our countrey hes neglected to returne 
 lists of the hearths, which I beleive hes proceeded from 
 ane mistake, they judgeing that they would have bein 
 lyable, unless they could have produced dischairges. Bot 
 ther own declara°nes that they hade payed was declaired 
 sufficient, albeit ther dischairges hade fallen by ther hands. 
 I beleive it shall coast me some money befor I obtain e 
 the precept ; bot I shall not stand on this, bot shall 
 advance what is neidfull. As for what your Lope wrot 
 to me anent Reidhyth, I can not be positive what I will, 
 doe, till I sie hove the sessione proves ; bot if possible I 
 will redeem it. I shall neglect no fitt oppertunitie of 
 doeing what your Lope recomendit to me in your nott ; 
 bot I most waite till I vnderstand hove affaires goes after 
 his Matyes returne. Wee have no newes, the airmies being 
 decamped, and the fleits, att laist the great shipes belong- 
 ing therto, laid up, that of the Confederats at Cades, and 
 the other at Tholune. The D. of morance and y e Venetians 
 have ouned and acknouledged the Kings title to the 
 croune, and are lickly to joyne in the Confedracie ; and 
 the Dutch incresses ther airmie 15000 more then the last 
 yeare, and it is thought the English will proceed with a 
 great daile of frankness in the Parliat. I shall be glaid to 
 hear frequently from yow, which is all at present from, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient sone and humble 
 sfvant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 This day his Matjes birth day was solemnized with all 
 the vsuall solemnaties, such as ringing of bells fyreing of 
 gunes and shoutting of vollies by the train bands and 
 elumena°nes. 
 
 In 1694 the tide began to turn for William and the allies in 
 Flanders. The main force of his fleet had also been operating 
 
1694] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 155 
 
 in the Mediterranean with success against the French fleet, which 
 withdrew to Toulon. Admiral Russell wintered at Cadiz. 
 
 Next letter to the Earl of Findlater throws light on Lord 
 Deskford's condition at this time. 
 
 My Noble Lord, — I ame most sensible off y r Lo 3 
 affiictione anent the present condition off my Lord y r 
 son, wherin I asseur y r Lo. that I hav a sensible part 
 therin, and indevors in what I can to lessin both, as y r 
 Lo. shall know, when I shall vait on y r Lo. once this week 
 vith my Lord Huntly, who has his most dutifull respects 
 to y r Lo. by these, vntill he vait on y u , and bids me tell 
 y r Lo. that though ther var no other impediment, it vould 
 be novays proper y r Lo. should cum to this place in such 
 vather. And as for my Lord y r sons designe off accom- 
 panying Huntly south, I know nothing off it ; but if he 
 hawe any such resolutione I asseur y r Lo. I vill divert it 
 on vay or other, it being novays proper at present. I 
 thinck y r Lo. does very weell in keeping his hors from 
 him, w h may oblidge him to returne home ; and y r Lo. 
 may be assured I shall tack all the cair in my power to 
 mowe Desford to returne home, and to live peaciblie and 
 calmlie, vithout going out to y e toune off Cullen, as he 
 promist me. Mor I shall not say till I hawe the honor 
 to vait on y r Lop, but that I ame in all sinceritie, My D r 
 Lord, Y r Lo s most humble and most faithfull servant, 
 
 A. Dumbar. 
 
 Gordon Castle, 9 Novr. 94. 
 
 The commission of the General Assembly, appointed in April 
 1694 for the settlement of the church in the North of Scotland, 
 soon began to work. On 11th July 1691 a nucleus of six ministers 
 was formed into a joint presbytery for Aberdeenshire and Banff- 
 shire, and the Presbyterian settlement of these counties was 
 begun. The three next letters give account of the settlement of 
 a schoolmaster in Cullen, and of an attempt to settle a minister in 
 Deskford, Banffshire. The old schoolmaster, Mr. Robert Sharp, 
 was deprived on 10th November, because he had not taken the 
 oaths to government. On 2nd September Mr. James Henderson, 
 minister of Deskford, was ' inhibited in the exercise of his 
 
156 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 pasturall office for his non-complyence with the civill government 
 and disobedience to the lawes, and the kirk was declared vacant.' 1 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER these 
 My Lord, — I being informed that the school of Cullen 
 is declared vacant, have presumed by this to beg your 
 LoP s favour to Mr. Alexander Watt in order to his settle- 
 ment there. I know him to be an able humanist and very 
 fitt for any imployment of that kind. I am also per- 
 suaded y 1 he is a good man and I hope God, by giving him 
 grace aright to improve his former circamstances and 
 present straits, hes fitted him for doing him service in 
 another station, and in his good time will open a door to 
 him ; but in the while he would wish not to be idle, but 
 imploy any talent he hes to the best purpose. My Lord, 
 his wife is daughter to good Mr. Alexander Seton 2 who 
 airwaves had a sincere deference for your LoP and family ; 
 and I am sure this will be motive to obtain your LoP s 
 countenance to him who, I am confident, will not prove 
 unworthy of any kindnesse your LoP honours him with. 
 I will undertake for his pious and peaceable deportment 
 and diligence and fldelitie in his imployment, and constant 
 respect to your LoP and yours. — I am, My Lord, Your LoP 8 
 most obleidged and faithfull servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Novr. 20, 1694. 
 
 My Lord, — I adwenture on the freedom to giwe your 
 Lop. the trouble to tell yow I hawe spoken to and pre- 
 wailed wt Mr. Watt to preach att Cullen Thursday nixt, 
 the minister of Cullen consenting, as I apprehend he will. 
 This I hop will be satisfieing to your Lop., and to many in 
 that parishin, and to all wnless it be to some disaffected 
 persons, who may be prejudised wtout just ground ; and 
 wt all thinks it necessary that the toun counsell be called 
 on Fryday or Saterday therafter, qch God willing I sail 
 attend, that Mr. Watt may hawe his presenta°ne, who 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Church of Deskford, p. 17. 
 
 2 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Cullen, p. 76. 
 
1694] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 157 
 
 says, if he com ther, the schooll sail not waick on day 
 for him. Mr. Robert Sharp being allowed to officiat hot 
 to the 15th of December nixt, Mr. Watt can hawe no less 
 then a weeks tyme to make rady to exerce as schoolmaster. 
 I think it not amiss your Lop. communicat thes to the 
 Baylies by your conveniencie, and I am in all duty, My 
 Lord, Your Los. affec°nat and most humble serwant, 
 
 Geo. Leslye. 
 
 Banff, Nov. 30 : —94. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edr., 3d December 1694. 
 My Lord, — The bearer Mr. Lesslie is recomendit to me 
 by severall persones weill affected to the governement. 
 He is desyrous to be settled att Daskfoord, and I inclyne 
 to it. ffor my selfe I could have bein weill pleased with 
 Mr. Murray ; bot I have ane letter from the on halfe of 
 the parosh, wherin they testifie ther unwillingness to have 
 him ther minister. And besydes I doe not find that the 
 Presbyterian ministers will as yet receave him for some 
 tyme ; therfor I expect that your Lope will incouradge 
 this young man, and, if he satisfie the rest of the parosh, 
 I ame willing to give him ane call. We have no newes 
 heir bot that the Parliat of England proceeds verie for- 
 wardlie in giveing the supplies that are necessar. This is 
 all the present trouble from, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 obedient sone and humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Mr. Leslie was not appointed to Deskford. Mr. Murray was 
 ordained on 26th June 1698 in succession to Mr. Henderson. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER Abd to Banffe 
 these 3d 
 
 Edr., 7th Jary. 1695. 
 My Lord, — I was extreemly pleased with the newes of my 
 wyffes being saife brought to bed, especiallie seing she hes 
 given me a cautioner for James. I wish God may inable 
 me to doe that deutie to them which is proper upon my 
 pairt. I have wreitten to my Lord Boyne anent Reidhyth. 
 I have not as yet sold my wictuall, bot cause Allexr ffella 
 
158 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 immediatlie send me over ane accompt what I can sell, 
 ffor I resolve verie shortly to dispose of it. Cause him 
 also wreit to me how soone my wictuall may be readie, 
 att laist how soone I may send for the first loadning of 
 bear, ffor the soonner it is the better for me. Excuise my 
 not wreitting with my oun hand, because of a deffluction 
 hes fallen doune in my face with the toothaick ; naither 
 dare I wreit to my wyffe with one other hand, bot I hope 
 your Lope will remember me keindly to hir, and I will be 
 impatient till I hear of hir recoverie. My present dis- 
 temper does not discouradge me, because I ame so frea- 
 quently accustomed with it. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most affectionat sone and humble srvant, 
 
 , Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 I doubt not bot your Lope hes heard of the sade loss 
 wee have by the death of the Queen. 
 
 The ' cautioner* was probably his second son George. 1 
 Later in January Sir James Ogilvie proceeded to London at 
 the King's command. He was henceforward to take a more im- 
 portant part in the management of Scots public affairs. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Qhytfeild, 28th Jary. 95. 
 
 My Lord, — I intended to have waited upon your Lord- 
 ship, but the deepness of the snow necessitats me to bege 
 your Lordships excuse whill it be better traveling. I 
 have given the bearer ane line to your Lordship from Sir 
 James, and one to his Lady, with ane gold watch to her 
 Ladyship. S r James hade ane great defluction in his 
 cheek, and it brock within three dayes befor he took jour- 
 ney, so that at his waygoeing he was wery well in health. 
 The Provest and Baillies of Ecter did attend him at his 
 lodgeing that morneing he went from Eder, and hade ane 
 sak posset prepaired at the foot of the Caniegaite, qch 
 they gaive him befor he took his coatch. The Laird and 
 Lady Allardyce have their humble service presented to 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Annals of Cullen, p. 6l. 
 
1695] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 159 
 
 your Lordship, and wold have wreaten to you, but becaues 
 I wold not stay qhll ther constant kissing dayes vere 
 over, they could not take tyme. So craveing your Lord- 
 ships pardone for this trouble, I shall wish all prosperity 
 to your family, and still continue to be, My Lord, Your 
 Lordships most obedient servant, 
 
 Alexr. Ogilvie. 1 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER 
 
 Edr. 7 Feb. 1695. 
 My Lord, — I receaved two letters from your Lop direct 
 for my maister, on of which was in relatione to the 
 shyres accompts, and immediatly went with the books 
 and instructiones, and delyvered them to the Cownsell 
 clerk. The other I sent to Londone to my maister who, 
 praised be God, saiflie aryved at court Wednesday was 
 eight dayes. I have sent your Lops, specticles, which I 
 hope will please yow. Ther are no news heir, but that it 
 is frequently talked heir of some changes about the court. 
 The Parliament is said to be adjurned vntill the twentieth 
 of March, about which tyme my maister will be down. 
 Ther are no letters come from my maister as yet, but 
 vnto my Lord Advocat. I give your Lop no furder truble, 
 but that I am, My Lord, Your Lops most obedient and 
 humble servant, An Craik. 
 
 The bear and meall wold be in readines against the 
 twentieth of this moneth, for I intend to have ships at 
 Portsoy by that tym. 
 
 Andrew Craik, writer in Edinburgh, in the absence of James 
 Baird in London, seems to have acted as agent or secretary for 
 Sir James Ogilvie in Edinburgh. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I cannot expres hou much I long to see 
 your Lo. I have ben ys eleven wiks bygon in Edn., and 
 went out a part of ye way w* Sir Jeams, qn he went for 
 
 Afterwards' Lord Forglen. 
 
160 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 Loundon. I hope all his frinds shall be rejoysed w* ye 
 acompts of his preferment to ane higher station. I have 
 ben singularly oblidged to his kyndness in my afairs. I 
 have ane disposition to ye revertion of Killpont, and also 
 ane legall right. They yt ar in posesion of it wold be 
 conten to compond wt me, and I belive, if Sir Jeams had not 
 gon for Loundone, it wold ben ended or now. Houever 
 I will rether take ane soume of moey then enter in ane 
 law action ; and I hope from them and Mountros to get 
 threty thousand merks qch is ane very good unexpected 
 casuality ; and if Killponts pepers be not clearer then I 
 hear from themselves, I think to get much mor. If your 
 Lo. met w* Forglen, 1 he will give your Lo. a mor foull 
 accompt y n much wryting wold contin. I give your Lo. 
 many thanks for ye many good vishes to my young family 
 your Lo. is pleased to wryt, qn my wife or I hath ye 
 onouer of ane lyne from your Lo. ; but I cane never think 
 myselfe intirly hapey till I have ye long wished for honwr 
 of seeing your Lo. in your daughtors hows, who is a very 
 honest woman and a herty god wiffe, and I ashur your 
 Lo. wer men no trysters for our houmers simpathyses 
 prety well. So giving your Lo. my blising, and recomend- 
 ing you to ye caire of ye Almighty, I ever am in all duty, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient sone and devoted srt., 
 
 Geo. Allardes. 
 
 My mother gives hir humble duty to your Losp. 
 Allardes, 10 Fbr. '95. 
 
 Next letter contains the first reference to the long-continued 
 quest of a pension by the Earl of Findlater. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER Scotland 
 
 London, Febrie 12, 1695. 
 My Lord, — By your last I perceive you have not knowen 
 of my going to court, when it was wrot. I was necessitat 
 to alter my resolutions as to Ridhyth for on year, bot I 
 
 Alexander Ogilvie. 
 
1695] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 161 
 
 hope ther will be time for it. I will speak of your Lo. 
 to Sec. Jo., bot I know not what success I may have. 
 The King is in good health, and both houses proceed with 
 a great dale of frankness. I have no other neus to wreat. 
 You can order my brother Deskfoord and his servants as 
 you please. I will not medle with him, bot leave that to 
 your Lo. He is your son. — I am, My Lord, Your Lo. 
 most obedient son and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 During his stay in London, which extended to the middle of 
 April, Sir James Ogilvie obtained the following royal warrant on 
 the Scots Treasury for payment of his expenses. It is taken 
 from the State Papers (Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvi., in the 
 Record Office, London. 
 
 William R. 
 
 It is our will and pleasure, and we do hereby authorise 
 and require you in consideration of the charges which our 
 trusty and well beloved Sir James Ogilvie our Solicitor 
 hath been at in coming hither by our order this winter 
 upon publick bussiness, that you make payt to him without 
 delay out of the first and readiest of our crown rents 
 customes bishops rents or any other ffond whatsoever 
 the sume of two hundred pounds sterline, ffor doing wherof 
 these presents together with his receipt or the receipt of 
 any having his order shall be to you and all others therein 
 concerned a sufficient warrant. 
 
 Given at our Court at Kensington the 6th day of Aprile 
 1695 and of our reign the 6th year By his Ma*s command, 
 
 J. Johnstoun. 
 
 To the Lords Commissioners of our Treasury of our 
 ancient kingdom of Scotland. 
 
 For 
 
 THE RIGHT HONBL THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I received ye honore of your Lop s letter, 
 wherin yee signe yt yee have been pleased to wreit to John 
 Andersone to keep me from meeting w 1 truble from ye 
 Admirall anent ye whale speck, q r in your Lop. hes don 
 
 L 
 
162 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 verie weill. I shall bring yow a snuff box such as yee 
 desyr. I hade sent it w* ye bearer, but I have not been at 
 Edinbrugh since I came. I have bought ye herring and 
 biskett qch Sir James Lady desyrs, and shall send ym 
 w* ye first weshell yt goes for Banff or Portsoie. — I am 
 in all duty, My Lord, Your most ffaithfull and most 
 humble servant, Alexr. Leslie. 1 
 
 Leith, Apryll 6ih, 1695. 
 
 The Scots Court of Admiralty had inter alia jurisdiction in all 
 questions of wreck. The Court of Session in 1739 decided, in the 
 case of Hume against the Admiral-depute, that whales did not 
 fall under the gift of wreck, but were inter regalia. 2 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE 
 OF FFINDLATER Culen 
 
 My verie noble Lord, — I receaved your Lops anent 
 the whale fish. Andrew Craik spock to me anent it befor 
 he went north, and I have spock with Kininvie anent it 
 since ; and it is certaine that no lawyer here, nor any 
 other person of respect of your sons acquaintance would 
 delay to doe ther outmost for what might be your Lop 
 or your sons interest ; and the Judge of Admiralitie 
 is ane advocat your sons freind, and the clerks are his 
 servants, and all of them would forfault ther interest in 
 so small a matter ere he wer disobleidged, at least would 
 delay the affaire till he wer upon the place. It is my 
 bound duty to give all the service I cane to your Lop, or 
 any of my masters freinds or servants, and I will not faill 
 in it. 
 
 My Lord Advocat receaved yesternight a letter from 
 your son Sir James, which gives account that he is in verie 
 good health, but my Lord does not expect him to be upon 
 the road (as I thought) for some dayes to come, since the 
 Parliat is to be adjourned. James Baird wrott to me on 
 the 28 of March, that Sir James wes goeing to recreat 
 himself by visiting Windsore and Hamptoun Court, and 
 
 1 Provost of Banff and laird of Kininvie. 
 
 2 Lord Elchies's Decisions under 'Wreck.' 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 163 
 
 other considerable places not fare from court for some 
 dayes, and would then take journey home. We hear 
 the King allowes him much eare and free accesse, and 
 therfor think that he most wait on his Majestie till eyr 
 the King goe off, or the King's affaires bring him doun 
 here. It is thought ther will be litle or no altera°n of our 
 statesmen here ; but we hope the King will consider 
 your sons session loss and services. I wrott to Sir James 
 on Thursday last, and my Lord Advocat tells me that he 
 thinks if I wreitt to-morrowe it may overtake him, which 
 I will doe, and by that post will send my Ladys ler with 
 ordors to returne it, if he be come off. — I ame, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr. 8 Apryll 1695. 
 
 I could not wreitt by the man brought me your Lops 
 ler sooner ; because I behooved to wait Sabbaths post 
 expecting lers. 
 
 Not only did Sir James Ogilvie receive a royal warrant for the 
 payment of his expenses and charges while in London, he also 
 got a King's letter, 1 on 27th April 1695, to the Lords Commis- 
 sioners of the Treasury ordering them to pay him his disburse- 
 ments as his Majesty's Solicitor upon processes and for maintaining 
 witnesses. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Stamfort, April 20, 1695. 
 My Lord, — I wrot to your Lo. from London that I 
 have promised to the King that you shal attend this 
 session of Parlament. I therfor expect your Lo. att Edr 
 about the ninth of the nixt moneth att furthest. You 
 may get some money from my Lord Boyn or Burdsbank 
 for your expences onn the rod. I wreat this least the 
 other hes not come to your hands. I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lo. most obedient son and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvi. p. 29, in the Record 
 Office, London. 
 
164 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 Parliament met on 9th May, and was adjourned on 17th July 
 1695. The Solicitor-General attended as member for the royal 
 burgh of Cullen. His father, the Earl of Findlater, was also in 
 attendance, as the rolls of Parliament and next letter from the 
 Sheriff-depute of Banffshire show. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDLATER att Edr. these 
 
 Castlfeild, 23 May 1695. 
 Right Honorable and my dear Lord, — I could not 
 omitt by this bearer to testifie to your Lo. that the 
 comendations sent me by your Lo.'s letter to your daughter- 
 in-law makes me know I am happier then I supposed, 
 since I perceave yrby to have the honor to be somtymes 
 in your memorie in a place wher your Lo. will be taken 
 up in great affairs for the publict good ; for I had not the 
 ambition to imagine ther could be any roum left for 
 persons of so small importance as Schomberg and my 
 selfe. I receaved the news of your Lo. saiffe arryvall at 
 Edr. with much joy, and had the satisfaction to know that 
 all things wer propitious to you in your jorney ; and to 
 be diffident the conclusion will not correspond with so 
 fair beggings wer to doubt the Almighties providence, 
 or distrust his grace, for I am confident the divyne 
 providence will at all tyms take a particular care of your 
 Lo. and familie. My wyffe and I humblie kiss your Lo. 
 hands and Sir James his. I recomend your Lo. and him 
 to the protection of the all wyse and omnipotent God ; 
 and takes leave of your Lo. with the protestation I heir 
 make to live and die, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble, 
 obedient and faithfull servant, Nicolas Dunbar. 
 
 ffor THE RYTT HONOLX THE EARLL OFF F1NDLATER 
 
 ar thes 
 
 Carnebulge, 3 June 1695. 
 My Lord, — The manif* testimonies of yor kyndnes and 
 freindshipe to me and my familie macks me to giue yow 
 this trouble, intreating yow will give yor vtmost indeavores 
 to excuse my absence from this Parliament, it being on 
 
i6q5] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 165 
 
 no other heid I stay bott the circumstance of my fortune, 
 and weack conditione of yor cusing my wyff, both qch I 
 judg is sufficientlie knowin to yor Lop. I fformerlie wrot 
 to yor sone S r James, and am convinced yor Lop. and his 
 sincere indevores with his Grace the Comissioner 1 will 
 easilie obtayne my excuse, and be a most singular evidence 
 of yor fawor and ffreindshipe done to, My Lord, Yor Lops, 
 most affectionat humble srwant, Feasor. 
 
 Lord Fraser's wife was Marjory Erskine, daughter of James, 
 seventh Earl of Buchan. Lord Fraser attended Parliament soon 
 after, and on 2nd July 1695 took the oath of allegiance. 2 
 
 At the close of this session of Parliament Sir James Ogilvie 
 began his long correspondence with Carstares. 3 About this time 
 he accompanied one of the Secretaries of State for Scotland, pro- 
 bably Mr. John Johnston, in a progress through the north with 
 the view of advancing the Presbyterian settlement of the church. 
 
 ffor THE RYT HONBLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE off thet ilk 
 his Majestes Solicetor 
 
 Ryt Hnble, — There goes such different reports heir 
 off the Secretaries motion made me uncertain wher to 
 wait on him, and occationed you this truble as the surest 
 hand to know his dayet. If he come by the cost I hope 
 ye will prevaile with him to honour me with a night ; and 
 if he be determened ane other road acquant me, and wher 
 ye judge most proper, he shall be waited on by, Sir, Your 
 most affectionat humble servant, Feasor. 
 
 Give my humble deuty to my L. Secretary. 
 
 Castlefraserf 15 Agust 95. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLL SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 OF THAT ILK HlS MAJESTIES SOLICITOR BANFF 3d 
 
 Right Honourable, — The inclosed letter showes you 
 that ther is little newes. Ther wants some mails. Murray s 
 letter beares that ther wes a flieing report that the seidge 
 
 1 John Marquess of Tweeddale. 
 
 2 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. p. 407. 
 
 3 Carstares State Papers and Letters, passim. 
 
 4 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 436-437. 
 
166 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 at Namuir wes raised, but it wes in no other letter, and 
 its not beleived. 
 
 The Commissioners of Admirality have appoynted you 
 Admirall deputt from ffindhorne exclusive to Buchan 
 nesse inclusive. 
 
 The Earle of Kincardyns house of Culros is burnt to 
 ashes by ane accidentall fyre. 
 
 The prolcama°n anent the excyse is not yet printed, 
 but shall be sent you by the nixt. 
 
 I inclosed some of the acts explaining the proclama°n 
 anent the pole, with severall other papers for James Baird 
 in the box that brought my Ladys linings. It will refresh 
 your freinds here to hear that ye are well efter your 
 journey. — I ame, Right Hon oil, Your most humble and 
 obedient st., Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr. 16 August 1695. 
 
 After the death of the Duke of Hamilton on 18th April 1694, 
 the Admiralty was put in commission. The Earl of Kincardine 
 was Alexander Bruce, third Earl. 
 
 Er., 19 August 1695. 
 Right Honbl, — Receave the inclosed, which is the 
 substance of all the forraigne newes by the last males. 
 They report here that the Dauphin is coming to fflanders 
 with the rake-hells of ffrance, whom God give ill success. 
 Ther is nothing doeing here but a committie of Councill, 
 who is to meit with the magistrats of Edr. anent adjusting 
 the pole of this city. — I ame, Right Honbl, Your Hos most 
 humble and obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 On the 26th of August Marshal Boufflers surrendered Namur 
 Castle to William; and the campaign of 1695 in Flanders ended 
 for the first time in a decided success for the Confederates. 
 
 The act of l6th July 1695 for the settling of the quiet of the 
 church allowed non-conforming Episcopal ministers, who were in 
 charges at the revolution, to retain their places on taking the 
 oaths of allegiance and assurance. This concession was not ex- 
 tended to clergymen who had been subsequently called. Next 
 letter and several succeeding ones of l695 deal with these 
 matters. 
 
1695] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 1G7 
 
 For SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 
 Philorth, 22 A gust 1695. 
 Right Honorable, — I regreat it extreamly that my 
 hous should be so farre out of the veay, uhen my Lord 
 Secretare is making ane progrese thorrow our countray, 
 for I vas in hops he would haue alloued me the honour to 
 veat one his Lp. at this pleac ; and as it is but seldom we 
 in this countray can haue the oppertunety to entertine a 
 person of his charracter and meret, so it trubles me verie 
 much I should be depraived of that honnour, when others 
 in this sheir heas it, but non can vish him better then I 
 dooe. As to what ye ar pleased to vrit anent our ministers 
 ther qualefeing themselues, I haue beane taking pains 
 with sume of them in it ; and for such old ministers as I 
 am most conserned in (uho haue still geven unquestionable 
 testimonies of ther loyalty), I dout not but in dew time 
 they vill obay the law ; 1 and for the other ministers 3 
 letly called by the uholl heretors and popell of ther pareses, 
 I imagen the greatest scrouple they haue is from ther 
 being declared intreuders by the committe of the Generall 
 Assemble, so if they head any asseurenc that ther taking the 
 oathes would make ther kease equall to the old ministers, 
 they would not be behynd them in dooing what in deuty 
 they all aught to dooe on this occation. This letter being 
 alredy tooe long, I ask your pardon for it, and humly 
 intreats ye will dooe me the justis to believe I haue the 
 greatest honnor and respeck imaginable for yow, which 
 in deuty I am bound tooe, and shall ever be on all occations 
 intyrly, Right Honorable, Your most humble servent, 
 
 Saltoune. 3 
 
 My humble deuty to my Lord your father and your 
 Lady. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HOLL THE EARLE OFF FFINLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 Burn, the 22 off August i695. 
 My Lord, — I head an ttr ffrom an ffreind off Brodies 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 449-450. 
 - Ibid., pp. 420-421. 
 
 3 William, eleventh Lord Saltoun, son-in-law of Archbishop Sharp. 
 
168 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 sent exprese bee this bearrer desayring I might bee 
 infformed bee yr Lo. off the Secritaries dayett att yr 
 Lo s house, and off his intentiones as to the staiges he 
 resolves to ryd ffrom yr Lo s , iff bee Elgin, and iff he 
 intends to stay an night ther, or bee Castell Grant or 
 Brodie, as he goes ffor Invernes. This I heave made bold 
 to truble yr Lo. w*, and intreats yr Lo. may acquant mee 
 that I may returne an ansr according to desayre, and is 
 all att psent ffrom Yr Lo s affectionat and humble servant, 
 
 W. Dunbar. 
 
 Right Hoble, — My Lord Secretary promised, when I 
 spoke to him in behalf of Mr. White my sone in law, whome 
 they reckon as ane intruder, that he should warrant him 
 if he took the oaths. I knew then he was clear to take 
 them, and now he is come willing to doe it. I have 
 thought fit to send him to see the Secretary, and I have 
 presumed to trouble you with this lyne desireing your Ho. 
 to introduce him to see the Secretary and befrind him, 
 both by your advice and assistance. So as I expect this 
 kyndness, I likewise beg pardon for this trouble, and I 
 still am, Right Hoble, your Ho. most oblidged and humble 
 servant, Robert Cruikshank. 
 
 Agust 23, 1695. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk His Majesties Solicitor, Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., 28th August i695. 
 Right Honbll, — Receave the inclosed. Ther is nothing 
 of newes here, only yesterday the committee of Parliat. 
 committed Sir John Cochran, Barntoun, and Sir Ja. 
 Oswald to prison, till they should give up ther bookes 
 and accompts anent the last pole. 1 It seemes they have 
 given satisfaction to the committie, for they are nowe at 
 libertie. — I ame, Right Honbll, Your Hos most humble 
 and obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Sir John Cochran of Ochiltree and the others were the farmers 
 of the 1693 poll-tax. 1 
 
 King William's bad years were now commencing. 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 453, 454. 
 
1695] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 1G9 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JAMES OGILVIE 
 of that Ilk, His Majesties Solicitor Banff 6d 
 
 Edr., 6t Septer 1695. 
 Right Honbll, — The letter for forraigne newes is 
 inclosed. Ther is non here but the proclama°n for a 
 publict thanksgiving throwe-out the kingdome, which is 
 to be keeped on the Sabboth dayes, because of the badnes 
 of the season, the dispatch wherof will coast you money ; 
 but by that expresse I will indeavour to gett you all the 
 newes my Lord Advocat hes, who gives you his respects 
 and would have wreitten, but he is troubled with the gout 
 in both feit, and refuses any help but patience. I will be 
 glad that all publict bussienes be so favourable as to afford 
 the kingdome good and you some libertie and repose for 
 your families concernes, till your imployment and money 
 bring you over. — I ame, Right Honti, Your most humble 
 and obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 ffor SR JAMES OGILVIE of that Ilk 
 
 Edr., 9 T 1695. 
 Sr, — It has bein a silent time since you parted. It may 
 be, if we had heared soner of the taking of the Castle of 
 Namur, more of our dissenting clergie had come in. Five 
 of nine in Hadingtoun presb. have qualified themselves, 
 and som feu in other parts, but allmost none in Perth 
 Angus and Fyffe that I hear of ; and the truth is I was 
 never more indifferent, for, tho I was much for the act, 1 
 yet I have often said that the best use of othes and subtions 
 in Scotland was to discover upon refusal. For to my 
 certain knouledge they bind not any that take them uith 
 the lest aversion ; and if the taking divide the partie it 
 offends bot the weakest, but the worst mistake nothing 
 and ar bettered by nothing. I shall be glad to see the 
 Secretarie here. The bringing in of some of the northern 
 clergie uill I hope be accounted better service in England 
 nor it is recknoned by some here. We want three mails 
 from Flanders. The old President is verie ill of his strang- 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 449-450. 
 
170 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 urie. I have bein these eight dayes lame of both my 
 feet by the gout, and am not yet able to walk. My L. 
 Secretarie knoues he has many observers, and they talk 
 of his entertainments and complements ; but I hope his 
 oun conduct and prudence uill disappoint all his ennimies. 
 Cultness salutes my Lord y r father and y r self with all 
 humility and kindness ; and I protest I more and more 
 regret that I had no more of my Lords converse while he 
 was here ; but I hope he doubts not but I am to him as 
 most sincerely, S r , Y r most humble servit 1 ", 
 
 Ja. Steuart. 
 
 James Dalrymple, Viscount Stair, President of the Court of 
 Session, died on the 25th of November 1695. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — If the post had had any letters either to 
 your LoP or the Solicitor, he would not have keept them 
 till now. We had no account of the particulars of the 
 surrender of the Castle of Namure with the last post, save 
 that the whole garrison were made prisoners, so y* it 
 would seem they had surrendered on discretion. It was 
 expected that we might shortlie hear of an ingagement in 
 Flanders, some letters bearing that the two armies were 
 within view of one another, and drawn up in battail array 
 ready to fall on ; but it is thought the French would have 
 rather fought before the surrender of the castle. We had 
 nothing more with the last post either in publick or private 
 letters of any moment, as far as I can learne. Whatever 
 letters come to your Lop or the Solicitor by our post, if 
 he have not a present occasion of a bearer for Cullen, 
 they shall be sent off per expresse by, My Lord, Your LoP s 
 most obleidged and faithfull servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Sepf 10, 1695. 
 
 ffor THE LAIRD OF COULL these 
 
 Cullen, iSth Septbr. 1695. 
 Sir, — Att pairting with my Lord Secritary he did 
 recomend to me to get him ane accompt of the ministers 
 
1695] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 171 
 
 of the Episcopall preswasion, that have qualified them- 
 selves benorth Aberdein ; and lykewayes he is desyrous 
 to knowe of the number of the Presbyterian ministers 
 settled in churches since the revolution ; and I most 
 also informe him of the names of the other ministers in 
 possessione of churches that are unqualified. I knowe 
 yow cane be helpfull to me in this matter within the bounds 
 of Ross and Inverness, ffor by calling for on or tuo of your 
 nighbouring ministers who have qualified themselves, 
 yow will gett full informa°ne. I beg pardon for this 
 trouble, and expecting your ansre, I remaine, Sir, Your 
 most humble srvant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Sir Alexander M'Kenzie, laird of Coull, was one of the two 
 commissioners for Ross to Parliament in 1693 and 1695. 
 
 The Rev. James Chalmers, minister of Cullen, having failed to 
 qualify by the 1st of September, was deprived of office. The Rev. 
 John Hay, minister of Rathven, was deprived by the Privy Council 
 on 7th November 1689, and was deposed in 1694. The next 
 five letters deal with the filling up of these vacancies. Cullen was 
 ultimately settled in 1697, and Rathven not until 1700, and even 
 then temporarily and only in form. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATOUR 
 
 Right Honourable, — The Presbytry of Aberdein ffind- 
 ing ye church of Cullin vacand in law, ye former minister 
 being deprived by act of Parliatt, have appointed our 
 reverend broyr, Mr. John Sandielands minister of the 
 gospell to declare the sd vacansie Sabbath next the 29 
 instant ; and they have appointed me heirwt to signifie 
 soe much to your Lordship by this line, expecting your Lo. 
 concurrance in ,yis affair according to law, and yt you 
 will be instrumentall as soon as possible to heave ye sd 
 church planted wt ane honest and weel qualified man, and 
 if your Lordship please and see it meett our broyr Mr. 
 Sandilands may make the first step in order to ye choicing 
 of ane legall eldership, for ye more speedy settlement of 
 a minister ut you. — Beggs your Lordships pardon for yis 
 trouble, and tho I have not ye happieness of your Lord- 
 ships acquaintance, yet I doe heirby subscribe my self, 
 
172 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [ocr. 
 
 Right Honourable, Your Lo. verry humble and obedient 
 servant, W. Trail. 
 
 Aberdein, 26 Septr. 1695. 
 
 ffor 
 
 THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF FINLATER 
 
 Achrie, 11 Oct ". 95. 
 My Lord, — Your favorable accepting of Mas 1 Chambers 
 at first, and the constant encouragment you have been 
 pleasd to allou him doth call for sutable returne of grati- 
 tude and service from him to your LoP and your familie, 
 (q ch I perceue him most uilling and foruard to give accord- 
 ing to his pouer), and upon the certain notice I haue of 
 your uninterrupted freindship to him under his present 
 hard circumstances, q ch he tells me uer equally surprising 
 to you and your son, S r James, the designe of declaring 
 the church of Cullen vacant being caried on secretly, I 
 am bound to acknuledge thankfully your LoP kindnes 
 heirin, and uill not faill to express the sam freindly regard 
 to your LoP recomenda°n uhen-ever ocasion offers, and I 
 have only this requist on his behalf y*, sine he hath served 
 till Michelmess, you uill let the stipend from Whitsunday 
 com his way. My Lord, I had not used this freedom, if I 
 uer not persuaded of your respect to all deseruing men in 
 the church, and the antient gouerment of Episcopacie. 
 Upon these grounds and your particular freindship to 
 my self, I recomend the bearer and this affaire to your 
 kindnes in this, q c h vill be a good work in it self and a neu 
 obliga°n on, My Lord, Your LoP most faithfull and humble 
 servant, Erroll. 1 
 
 My Lord, be pleased to excuse the cursnes of this 
 peaper. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Abd., Novr. 1, —95. 
 Right Honorable, — The presbytery of Abd have ap- 
 
 1 Sir John Hay, twelfth Earl of Erroll. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 173 
 
 pointed me in their name to thank your Lp for yo r 
 countenancing of and concurrence with us in promoting 
 the interests of the gospell in these corners, where you 
 are specially and eminently concerned ; and to entreat 
 your Lps assistance in the speedy planting of Cullen 1 and 
 Rathvan. 2 We hope your Lp will interpose your in- 
 fluences with the heretors of Rathven (your near neigh- 
 bours) to bring them to a concurrence with, or at least 
 a consent unto our call to Mr. Tho. James, (which call 
 your Lp hes seen), that he may have the more easy 
 peaceable comfortable and successfull access unto and 
 labour and abode amongst them. This (with our serious 
 desires after the welfare and prosperity spiritual and 
 temporall of your Lps honorable family), is in the name 
 of the presbytery humbly signify ed by Yo r Lps much 
 obliged and humble serv*, W. Traill. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF F1NDLATER this 
 
 My Lord, — I designed to have waited on your Lop and 
 been my self the bearer of the inclosed, but I am hindered 
 from coming to Cullen so soon as I resolved. If your LoP 
 hath spoken with any of the heretors of Rathven anent 
 our calling Mr. Thomas James to that place, the Presbytery 
 who are [to] meet at Abd this day eight dayes would desire 
 to [k]now how they rellish it. But what ever be their 
 sentiments it will be satisfying to the bretheren, and may 
 be a means of prevailing with the General Assembly for 
 transporting him, iff they had your LoP s consent and 
 concurrence in this businesse. We doubt not but the 
 Solicitor will assist when the matter is brought in to the 
 Assembly. The blessing of God be all waves the portion 
 of your Lop and all yours. — I am, My Lord, Your LoP s 
 most obleidged and humble servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat Innes. 
 
 Banff, Novr. 5, 1695. 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Cullen, pp. 78, 79. 
 
 2 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Rathven, pp. 31-44. 
 
174 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 For THE EARLE OFF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 8 Nov. 1695. 
 My Lord, — Excuse me for not wreating with my own 
 hand, for I ame a litle indisposed with the cold, and 
 cannot hold down my head. The Secretarie mynds you 
 kyndlie in his last letter to me, which was neir two 
 sheit of peaper in lenth, and cam to my hands only 
 yesterday. He is weill with the King for what we 
 understand. He countersignes the letters for adjurneing 
 the Parliament and Assemblie. The Maister of Stairs 
 hes not as yet been in waiting, and its doubted if ever 
 he will. Its written doun by my Lord Lauderdaill that 
 it is not doubted he will lose his place. It is generallie 
 thought that something will be done, but not neir so 
 much as our pairtie wishes or expects for. This is all I 
 know of our publict concernes. Keep them to your self, 
 and make no noyse about them. This is all from, My 
 Lord, Your Lops most obedent son and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Give my service to all freinds with you, particulate 
 minde me to my wife. 
 
 In the Parliamentary session of 1695 Glencoe had been freely 
 used against the Master of Stair. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Abd., Novr. 13, — 95. 
 
 Right Honorable, — Yours of the 8th instant I did 
 comunicate unto the Presbytery, who are well satisfyed 
 therewith, and thankfull to your Lp. for your care of 
 Cullen, and will not urge your Lp. to any troublesome 
 meddling with Rathven, so that what I now write is onely 
 from myself, and not by any appointment of the Presby- 
 tery. Since I saw your Lp., I have heard of an able youth 
 Mr. George Chalmers, son to Mr. W m Chalmers of Gartlay, 
 who is coming north this winter to visit his father. I 
 could wish your Lp might see and hear him, and then do 
 
1695] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 175 
 
 as you finde cause and clearness. When I go back to 
 Edr, I shall endevour to speak with your son about his 
 progress in providing for Cullen, and give him all the little 
 assistance I can in that matter. As for Mr. Watt, the 
 Presbytery have appointed some to converse and confer 
 with him, that we may be better acquainted with him, 
 and may know how to represent his case to the Generall 
 Assembly or the comittee thereof ; for the rules given 
 to this Presbytery of Abd do require them not to admitt 
 any person in Mr. Watts circumstances into ministeriall 
 comunion without advice from the Gen 11 Assembly or 
 comittee. Yet I have and will befriend Mr. Watt as far 
 as I can. But for a more full account of these things I 
 refer your Lp. to the relation of Mr. Innes. I do humbly 
 salute your Lps. family, and thank you and them for the 
 kinde reception I had at your house. Grace mercy peace 
 and wisdom be multiplyed upon your Lps. honorable 
 family, so prayes, My Lord, Your Lps. most obliged serv* 
 in the gospell, W. Trail. 
 
 Mr. George Chalmers was not settled in Rathven. Dr. Cramond 
 in his Church and Churchyard of Rathven, pp. 31-44, gives an account 
 of the long drawn-out fight in settling Presbytery in Rathven. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER 6*d 
 
 Edr., 26 Nov. 1695. 
 
 My Loud, — I hade the honor of your Lops lyne in 
 relatione to the comsirs rateing of what affaires passes 
 heir. I doubt not but your Lop. receaves the public t 
 news letters weiklie, which are transmitted at leist twyce 
 in everie weik. As for other affaires ther are few or of 
 litle import. The sederunts of the Councell receave. 
 President Stair dyed three dayes agoe, and this night 
 betuixt fyve and sex at night his corps was transported 
 from his loodges to the Abey of Holyruidhous under a 
 pale, the murners nobilitie and gentrie beng surroundit 
 on each syd of the strat with numerous torches. Who is 
 
176 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1695 
 
 to succeid to his place is not as yet knowen, nether is 
 ther any accompt of our Scots affaires come as yet from 
 court. The Lord dyed the last weik so that we 
 
 have now three vacancies in the Sessione. Receave a 
 proclamatione anent the poll ; and when any bussines of 
 import occurres, your Lop. shall have an accompt therof 
 from, My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient and humble 
 servant, An Craik. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edr., Slst Dev. 1695. 
 
 My Lord, — 
 
 Wee have no newes. The heads of both pties are att 
 court, and the warr is caried on with great vigour, and 
 some of both sydes are lyke to fall. This is all from, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most obedient sone and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Besides Glencoe, which was about to prove the downfall of the 
 Master of Stair, the ' act for a company trading to Affrica and the 
 Indies/ passed on 26th June 1695, was soon to cause trouble with 
 England, and to bring about the removal of Tweeddale, Secretary 
 Johnstone and other politicians who supported it. The next three 
 letters refer to these political changes. 
 
 For THE EARLE FINDLATER these 
 
 Edr., 2d Jarij. 1696. 
 
 My Lord, — 
 
 ffor newes, as Sr. James wreits to your Lope., ther is 
 non, bot that most pairt of the nobility on both sydes 
 are gone to court. The King hes appoynted ane audience 
 the tenth of this moneth, bot except our people that went 
 from this upon Munday last (wiz. Queensberrie, Broad- 
 albane, E. of Mortone, Lo. Montgomrie, Tarbat, Lo. 
 Murray, and the Advocat) take post horses they will not 
 be ther in tyme. I hope after that day ther will be newes 
 
jan. 1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 177 
 
 wourthie of your Lops, nottice. I wish they may be to 
 your satisfactione, and you shall have ane accompt of 
 them. Its thought that the Chancellour and both Secri- 
 taries will be turned offe. Sir James hes that advantage 
 that both sydes speekes honorably and weill of him, so 
 that, houever matters goe, he will be weill. I will not 
 faile to aquant your Lops, when any thing occurrs, seing 
 the laist of the deuty incumbant upon, My Lord, Your 
 Lops, most faithfull and obleidged humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 Mrs. Ogstoune hes at me everie day to knowe if your 
 Lope, hes ordored hir payt. conforme to your Ire qch I 
 delyvered to hir. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER Aberdein to Banff 
 haist these 
 
 Edr., 20th Jarij 1696. 
 My Lord, — In my last I promised to wreit to your 
 Lope, when any thing of moment did occurr. I doubt not 
 bot befor this tyme your Lope, knowes of the Viscount of 
 Stairs his being off as Secritary, and the yisterdayes letters 
 both private and publict give accompt that my Lord 
 Murray is come in his place, and hes yrupon kissed the 
 Kings hand. The K. told him that he did owe his post 
 to no man for ther recomena°ne, bot that he was his oun 
 choise, so he hoped that he would be faithfull in his service. 
 To which he ansred that he was not wourthie of that post, 
 his Matye hade called him toe, bot since he hade bein 
 pleased to conferr that honour upon him he would lay out 
 himselfe to srve him and his interest faithfullie. So they 
 pairted, and the King told him they would speeke more 
 fully afterwards. My Lord Secritarie Johnstoune and he 
 are in verie good termes, and I hope shall continowe so. 
 My Lord Advocat was saifely arryved at London on 
 Fryday was eight dayes. Sir James hes gott tuo letters 
 from him. He was ille of the goute when he wroate last, 
 and hade not sein the King. The Secritarie wreits that 
 the East Indea act will fash him, as it will doe the S. 
 himselfe and Chancellour. The Advocat sayes when he 
 
 M 
 
178 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 dreve the act, that he did not sie the Chancellours instruc- 
 tione for the same, and the Ch. sent the merts to him, and 
 desyred him to drave it in the termes of the English act 
 for the Indean tread yr. Its thought some of the thrie 
 will loase ther comissions upon that head. My Lord 
 Chancellour is lykewayes loaded with alloweing the Parliat 
 to sitt without ane warrand, the tyme allowed by the King 
 being runn out, and he not haveing applyed in tyme for 
 a furder tyme, although the same came afterwards, and 
 that the King's bussiness might have bein much sooner 
 done. Whither his fault will requyre a remission or not 
 I leave yor Lope, to judge. A litle tyme will determine 
 severall things. Broadalbanes access I think will not be 
 verie easie now betuixt the tuo secritaries. The Earle of 
 Lauderdale is come of from court as is sayed disatisfied 
 that he hes gott no post, and tho he hes taken the title of 
 Earle upon him, since he hes gotten no better statione in 
 the governement, resolves to take his seate in the session. 
 This will be and is thought to be wrong in him by severalls. 
 Sir James hes the good luck to be honourablie and weill 
 spoake of by all, and my Lord Advocat wreits him so, 
 and he hade ane verie kind tre from S. Johnstoune yister- 
 day, although he was fearing a reproofe, haveing upon Mr. 
 William Aickmans recomenda°ne recomended the Earle 
 of Strathmoore to him, shewing that if he were made 
 Sreffe of Aungus, as his fayr was, and gott incouradgement 
 uyr wayes, he would come in to the governement and take 
 the oathes. Sir James hade lykewayes keind tres from 
 my Lord himselfe, and did yrupon recomend him as 
 aboue, wherupon the S. procured him ane comissione to 
 be Sreffe of Aungus and ane letter to be ane Privie Coun- 
 cellour ; and when the Chancellour and Sr James wreit 
 for him, he returned his ansre againe that he hade not 
 friedome. The S. is verie angrie with Strathmoore upon 
 his accompt, bot hes told Sir James that on whomsoever 
 the blame lye it shall not be on him ; bot I ame affraid 
 that this will bring all the Jacobits in Aungus to take 
 the oathes or undergoe hardshipes. I hope your Lope, 
 will keepe this tre to yourselfe. It is the summe of what 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 179 
 
 is goeing at present. Wee have hade exterordinary 
 windes these eight dayes past, by which on of the shipes 
 with about 400 men in hir lyeing in the road to goe for 
 Flanders broake hir cables, was driven from hir anchores, 
 hade almost rune foule of the man of warr, went doune 
 the firth. Ther is no accompt as yet heard of hir save 
 that hir floatbote is cast in at Berwick and some mens 
 hatts into it. The worst is feared of hir. I shewed your 
 Lops, last Tre to Mrs. Ougstoune, who intreated me to 
 mynde your Lope, againe, for she sayes she hes much to 
 doe with money. Sr. James expects your Lope, will ordore 
 his wictuall als soone as possible, and does not doubt bot 
 that the meall is aither gone or readie to goe by this tyme. 
 
 1 shall trouble your Lope, no furder at present, only wish 
 yor Lope, and the family all health and happieness, for I 
 ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull and obleidged 
 servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 Edinburgh, ffebruary ye 5th, 1696. 
 Honored Sir, — Upon the 30th arived ffrom Holland 
 
 2 maills, 4 being due. The substance of what they bring 
 are as ffolloweth. That the Grand Signior continues to 
 dispose effaires to be early in Hungary on the head of 
 100,000 men. The Emperor of Germany hopes to bring 
 into the feild against them 70,000, which he thinks will 
 be sufficient number to obviat the designes of the Turk. 
 On the 31 past the court of Spaine at Madrid sent orders 
 by the introductor of ambassadors to Mr. Stanhop the 
 English envoy to fforbear comeing to court. This is occa- 
 sioned by ane affront put wpon Mo r Sconenberg, the Duch 
 envoy, who was by the King of Spains ordor put out of 
 Madrid by 2 alcads or officers, wch difference is not yet 
 accomodated, although it fell out in the beggining of 
 winter. The envoy of Spaine at the Hague has declared 
 at the congress held on the 26, that he had not yet reed 
 any maner of order from the King touching the accomoda- 
 tion of that difference about the Sieur Sconenberg, wpon 
 which he is preparing to go to Brussells to reside ther till 
 the difference is accomodated. Its said that the K. of 
 
180 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 Eng d and States of Holland is to mantaine 6000 men 
 wpon the Rhyn. The ffrench continue to make great 
 prepara°ns in fflanders. The ffr. King has named the 
 generall officers that are to command his army in Pied- 
 mont, which is to be augmented with 40 squadrons. The 
 ffr. fleet at Toulon will be ready to saill by the 15 of the 
 same month, which is composed of 50 vessells of line, the 
 least of 56 peeces of cannon, a ffriggot 46, tuo bomb 
 ketches, and 6 ffireships. All our leters this long time 
 bygone has all agreed that, if the ffrench ffleet at Toulon 
 Brest St. Malos Rochford and ffort Louis shall meet, 
 that they will be 95 in line of batle 37 of them 3 decks 
 ships, 30 ffriggots, 24 ffireships, 12 of them of ane new 
 invention. Ther are on the other hand all diligence 
 imaginable making to rigg out our ffleet to joyne 
 Admirall Rook at Cadiz, whose fleet at pressent consists 
 not of above 30 or 32 ships Duch and English. This is 
 agreed on by all. Our English seamen are very scarce, 
 by reason ther are so many gone aboard the merchand 
 men to shun the Kings service, but orders are given for 
 a press. Wpon the 30 past the Royall Soveraigne, one 
 of the greatest and stoutest best ships that ever ploued 
 the ocean, and who never failled to bafle her greatest ffoe 
 that ever she mett with, and who so often contended 
 with y e elements of fire and watter, was by the carelessness 
 of a tarpalian about 5 in the morning set on ffire and 
 burnt doune to the water, and in her some men consumed. 
 All hands was at work, but not any releife, but to hinder 
 her to comunciat her flames to the rest. Ther was non 
 of her officers aboard, but they are all seized, and to be 
 tryed for life for being absent, and the fellow that sett 
 her on fire — 
 
 On the 27 his Maties ship the Carlisle of 60 guns ran 
 a ground on the sand called the Ships wash, and was not 
 gott off y e next day, and its feared she is lost. About the 
 same time ther was a mert. ship of 200 tuns at Dover road 
 burnt to ashes. We had very bad tideings of a ship 
 bound for Jamaica in company of the Cannary ffleet, and 
 was 200 leagues on their voyage, but by stress of weather 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 181 
 
 lost her main mast and fore topmast, and forced to returne 
 back to refitt. She sayes that most of them with one of 
 their convoyes was in the same condition when he left 
 them. We had advise by the way of Cadiz that tuo of 
 the Touloun squadron in repassing the Streights met with 
 some English cruizers and ingadged, qrin the Lizard, a 
 5th rate, was unfortunatly sunk, and most of her men 
 drouned, the rest fforced to retire to Cadiz to refitt, being 
 very much shattered. 
 
 We hear ther are great changes among our ministers of 
 state at court. I doubt not but ye have allready heard 
 that Staires was off from being Secretary, and its talked 
 here among our grandees that Secretary Johnstoun is 
 also off. 
 
 I have sent you this being the first at the desire of yo r 
 brother Peter, and if it be acceptable I shall not miss any 
 occasion to let yow know what passes here and at London. 
 I shal add no more, but my wife gives her service to you, 
 as also your godson does the same. So with my humble 
 duty to your Honor and worthy ffamily, I am, Much 
 Honored, Your most humble servant, Cha. Richie. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 LETTERS DURING THE PERIOD SIR JAMES OGILVIE WAS 
 SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND UNDER WILLIAM 
 from 1696 to 1702 
 
 The last writer's news that Secretary Johnston was 'off' proved 
 correct; and on 5th February 1 696 Sir James Ogilvie was ap- 
 pointed one of the two Secretaries of State for Scotland. The 
 following warrant for his appointment is from volume xiv. 
 pp. 140-142 of the Warrant Books, State Papers {Scotland), in the 
 Record Office, London. 
 
 William R. 
 
 Our Soveraign Lord ordains a patent and commission 1 
 to be made and past under his Ma ts great seale of his 
 ancient kingdom of Scotland, making mention that his 
 
 The Acts of the Parlia??ients of Scotland, vol. x. pp. 7-8. 
 
182 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 
 
 [FEB. 
 
 Ma*? taking into his royall consideration that nothing is 
 more conduceable to his service and the good of his 
 kingdoms than that persons of known integrity loyalty 
 and abilities be appointed by his Maty to be chief ministers 
 of his crown, and specially his Secretaries of State in 
 whom his Maty may repose speciall confidence, both in 
 order to his oun authority and the good of his subjects, 
 and his Maty being well satisfied with the abilities upright- 
 nes and other good qualifications of his right trusty and 
 well beloved counsellor, Sir James Ogilvie, son to the 
 Earle of ffindlater, wherby he is exactly fitted for dis- 
 charging the duty and office of one of his Ma ts principall 
 Secretaries of State for his said kingdom : Therfor and 
 for severall other important causes and considerations 
 his Maty has made nominated constituted and ordained, 
 likeas by these presents his Maty makes nominats con- 
 stituts and ordains the said Sir James Ogilvie to be one 
 of the two Secretaries of State to his Maty for his ancient 
 kingdom during his Ma ts pleasure only, and untill these 
 presents shall be recalled and discharged in writing, co- 
 principall and conjunct with his Ma ts right trusty and well 
 beloved cousin and councellor John Lord Murray, his 
 Ma ts other Secretary of State for his said kingdom, giving 
 and granting likeas his Maty hereby gives and grants during 
 the space foresaid unto the said Sir James Ogilvie the 
 place trust and office of one of the two principall conjunct 
 Secretaries of State foresaid, with the just and equall half 
 of all ffees profits benefits casualties liberties dignities 
 and immunities which formerly did or might have belonged 
 and appertained to the said trust office and place together 
 with a yearly pension of one thousand pounds sterlin 
 money conform to a gift of the same granted to him by 
 his Maty of the date of these presents : With full power 
 to him to use exerce and enjoy the said place trust 
 and office and specially to write docquet and present 
 to his Maty all gifts warrants and signatures of whatsoever 
 nature passing his Ma ts royall hand, and to intromet with 
 and receive the just and equall half of all fees dues and 
 casualties belonging to the same, and also to have equall 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 183 
 
 power and privilege with the said John Lord Murray his 
 Ma ts other Secretary of State for his said kingdom in 
 receiving intrometting with and keeping all the signets 
 of the said kingdom, and to apply the equall half of the 
 benefits and profits arising therby to his own propper use 
 and commodity, as likewise in appointing deputs and 
 keepers of his Ma ts said signets, and in admitting and 
 receiving all clerks and writers to the signet, with all the 
 sheriff clerks and clerks to the peace within his said 
 kingdom, and in giving them commissions therupon for 
 brooking and enjoying the saids offices during all the days 
 of the saids clerks their lives, and that as oft as the saids 
 offices or any of them shall happen to vaik any manner 
 of way, and in receiving the equall half of the compositions 
 and benefits that shall arise by the admission of the saids 
 clerks which he is to apply to his own use : Ordaining the 
 said patent and commission to be further extended in the 
 most ample and best form, with all clauses needfull and to 
 pass his Ma ts great seal aforesaid per saltum without 
 passing any other seal or register, in order wherunto 
 these presents shall be to the directors of his Ma ts chancel- 
 lary for writing the same, and to the Lord High Chancellor 
 for causing the seal be appended thereto a sufficient 
 warrant. 
 
 Given at his Mats Court at Kensington the 5th day of 
 ffebruary 169f and of his Mats reign the 7th year. 
 
 May it please your Maty, — These contain your Ma ts 
 warrant upon the considerations above mentioned for a 
 patent and commission to be passed per saltum under 
 your Ma ts great seal of Scotland nominating . . . Sir 
 James Ogilvie ... to be one of your two Secretaries of 
 State for your s d kingdom of Scotland. . . . 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE 
 OF FFINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 8 Feb. 1696. 
 My Lord, — Their is apearance that I must change my 
 residence for some tym. I beleeve the King designes that 
 I shall succeid to Mr. Johnstoun as Secretarie. It was 
 
184 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 sore against my ineclina°nes that he was turned out, or 
 that I should have any offer of his place. Your Lop. 
 shall heare more fullie efterwards from me, for I ame 
 huried with tym, and can wreit no more but that I ame, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient sone and humble 
 servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes 
 
 London, Febrie. 20, 1696. 
 
 My Lord, — I am nou setled for some time in this place. 
 It is more honorable then my last post, bot I belive of 
 mutch less profit ; bot the King may make this upp, if 
 I deserve weal of him. I will take some opportunitie of 
 doing for you. Give my wife your advice in manadging 
 my affairs ; and I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 son and humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 John Donaldson who writes next letter was a writer in Banff. 
 The Duchess of Gordon was then at variance with her husband. 
 The letters of 20th and 30th March and of 1st May all refer 
 to this. It culminated in the Duke's suing her for adherence 
 on 8th June 1697. 1 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 My Lord, — On Wednesday last the Dutchese of Gordon 
 cam to this toune, and on ffryday Mr. Dunbar cam from 
 Gordone Castle to waite on hir. She was uncertain of hir 
 dyet when she cam heir first ; but since Mr. Dumbar cam 
 for heir, hir Gr. is to goe to Gordon Castle, how soone it is 
 furneished for hir receptance, and to stay there. But my 
 Lord Airlie I am told will not let hir goe from his house 
 till Gordone Castle be furneished. James Grant goes 
 south again to morrow from this place. He telles me that 
 Grant and his Ladie are in good health. My Ladie is not 
 yet brought to bed. There cam no newes, for ought I 
 heired, to any persone in this place by the last post. The 
 
 1 Fountainhall's Chronological Notes, p. 276. 
 
i6 9 6] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 185 
 
 inclosed to your Lop. cam by the post yisterday. When I 
 heir any thing of the Dutches motione from this place, 
 I shall endeavour to give your Lop. account yrof. — I am 
 in all sinceritie, My Lord, Your Lops, most obleidged 
 humble servant, J. Donaldsoxe. 
 
 Banff, 23d of Febry. 1696. 
 
 Next letter from James Baird, secretary to Sir James Ogilvie, 
 gives some account of the assassination plot engineered by Sir 
 George Barclay, and of the threatened invasion by France 
 promoted by the Duke of Berwick. The letters of last Feb- 
 ruary, 6th March, 1st and 29th April and 11th May all con- 
 tinue the account, and touch on the defensive measures taken by 
 the Government. 
 
 For JOHN ANDERSONE one of the Under Keepers of 
 His Matjes Signet at Edr., Scotland 
 
 London, 2Uh ffebrij. i696. 
 Aff. Comarads, — These serves to lett you knowe that 
 ther was discovered here on ffryday last the most horeid 
 and wicked conspeiracie against his Matjes sacred persone 
 to take away his lyffe, that perhaps hes bein heard of ; 
 and the same was to have bein acted upon Satturday last 
 as his Matje come home from Richmond from hunting, 
 bot haveing gotten some informa°ne of the designe, he 
 was diswaded from goeing to hunting that day with much 
 adoe. It is alwayes so leat when he comes from hunting, 
 that he comes in with torch light ; and those who were 
 to comitte the villany were mounted in the same fashone 
 with the Kings gaird, that they might be the less notticed 
 till they gott near the King's coach ; and then they 
 designed all of them, consisting of near 40, to have fyred 
 in upon his coach, and then being dark to gett of; and 
 tho the gaird should endeavore to attack them they were 
 strong enough. If this first project failed (as blissed be 
 God for it it did) then the same was to be acted the nixt 
 day, being the Sabath, as he was comeing to St. Jameses 
 chapell, bot being lykewayes informed of that did not goe 
 to chapell that day. This hes bein ane verie deip and 
 private contryvance al along caried on ; ffore King James 
 
186 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 is lykewayes at Kailes with fyftein thousand men readie 
 to come over to invaide this dominion, but Vintenberge 
 hes the lyke number readie to come over from Flanders 
 to meitt him. Its thought many of our enemies are in 
 our bosum. Ther is 29 of the traitors apprehended. The 
 King hes ane list of 400 who are concerned in it. I 
 hope, now that his sacred persone is saife, wee neid not 
 so much fear the invasione ; bot both wer designed to 
 have bein about on and the same tyme ; bot everie 
 thing hes happened as God would have it, for the wind 
 did not offer faire for them to come over, nor for 40 
 saile of our fleit was ordored to goe to Cades, and now 
 they stay at home for our saifety. The Duke of 
 Berwick and Earle of Midletoune are come to London 
 upon this designe ; and ther is ane procla°ne ishowed 
 fourth for apprehending them, and ane soume of money 
 puitt upon ther heads. Its sayed the Duke escaped only 
 by halfe ane quarter of one houre. Both Houses of Parliat 
 have bein with his Matje this night, and have declaired 
 that they will mantain and assist his Matje and governe- 
 ment with ther lifes and fortunes. I shall trouble yow 
 no furder at present, being in haist and the post goeing 
 offe, bot give my srvice to all freinds. — I ame, Gentlemen, 
 Your most aff. comorad to srve yow q 11 1 ame, 
 
 J. B. 
 
 ffor Andrew Craick and John Andersone Wryrs in Edr. 
 I shall ansre your tuo ires tomorowes post. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER 
 
 Last Feb. 96. 
 
 My Lord, — I hade a lyn from my maister the last post, 
 wherby I vnderstand that he is fixed in his post as conjunct 
 Secretarie, and enters to ofnciat on Monday next. He hes 
 wreit severall instructiones to me, which at my north- 
 comeing shall be impairted to your Lop. I wait for more, 
 and then intends to be shortly north. What comands 
 your Lop. hes for me at this place let me be honored with. 
 
1696J 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 187 
 
 them. In the mein tym, I ame and ever will be, My Lord, 
 Your Lop.'s most obedient and humble servant. 
 
 An. Craik. 
 
 Ther is no newes worth your Lops, notice. Only our 
 Affrican bank was opned on Wednesday last, and ther 
 is more than two hundereth thowsand pund st. signed 
 allreadie. The nobilitie gentrie and others are verie fore- 
 ward in it, and I beleive if they hold on they will make it 
 swell to 1,200,000 lib. st. 
 
 Since the wreiting of this I ame informed that ther 
 came ane express yesternight, which gives ane accompt 
 of a designe of murdering the King ; and sixtein of the 
 plotters are taken into custodie, and this night Sir William 
 Sharp 1 and Sir William Bruce 1 ware put in close prisone 
 about three this mornning. Ther is a great noyse heir of 
 ane inuasione from ffrance, and that the late King James 
 is lyeing at Calise, and shippeing severall battaliones in 
 or dor to ane invasione. Our King has sent for severall 
 battaliones out of fflanders. What this storme may pro- 
 duce cannot be weill knouen as yet. What furder occurres 
 dureing my being at this place yo r Lop. shall bee acquanted 
 with. I have sent your Lop. James Bairds lyn anent the 
 plott, with all the jurnells of the Parliament and proclama- 
 tions. 
 
 The capital of the African company was originally fixed at 
 .£600,000 stg. ; and one-half of it was subscribed in London, when 
 in December l695the Parliament of England jealously intervened 
 with the King against the scheme, and the English subscriptions 
 were withdrawn. Thereafter the capital was reduced to £400,000, 
 which was all offered to and subscribed in Scotland between 26th 
 February and 1st August 1696. Subsequent letters will disclose 
 some of the company's future colonising misfortunes in New Cale- 
 donia or Darien. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER Haist 
 
 Edr., 6 March 1696. 
 My Lord, — I hade a lyn from my maister the last post, 
 
 Carstares State Papers and Letters, p. 273. 
 
188 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 which shews he is verie weill in health, but the court is 
 much taken up with the intendit invasione. What cer- 
 tainty may be in this is not as yet knowen. This cuntrey 
 is raising ther militia, and puteing themselfs in a posture 
 of defense, and I wish the north were takeing the same 
 measures. I have fraughted Thomas Gregorie and ane 
 other ship for transporting of the victwall. They goe off 
 within a few dayes. Thairfor cause the chamberlin have 
 all in readiness. I wish it ware heir alreadie, for I have 
 sold it. My Lord, be serious with the chamberlin anent 
 the delyverie, for of the three hundereth and four bolls 
 meall last sent ther was not on boll of outcum, which is 
 wondered at heir ; but of this when I come north I shall 
 speik more freilie. Caus the chamberlin have the bear 
 weill dight. I intend to send home by Gregorie some of 
 my maisters plenishing. The current news I have inclosed 
 them in this. I crave pardone for this truble, but esteemed 
 it the dewtie of, My Lord, Your Lops, most obledged and 
 humble servant, An. Craik. 
 
 How soon I get my maisters affaires heir setled I intend 
 north. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDELATER Cullen 
 
 My Lord, — According to y r Lo s desyr I haw delyvred 
 heirvith the Ladie Boyns book off tulliedouces from her 
 Grace, which the bearer vill delyver to y r Lo., with many 
 thancks from her Grace and her dutifull service, who bids 
 me show y r Lo. that shee should be very much mortifyed, 
 that y r Lo. should in so storme vather as this is put y r selff 
 to the danger or trouble to giue a visit, till it pleas God to 
 send a mor seasonable season for taiking the air vithout 
 danger. My Ladie Marie is in good health, and I ame 
 vith all the sineritie off my hart, My Lord, Y r Lo s most 
 humble and most faithfull servant, A. Dumbar. 
 
 Gordon Castle, 20 March 1696. 
 
 Lady Marie was the second daughter of the Earl of Findlater. 
 
1696] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 189 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDELATER these 
 
 My Lord, — It vill be about Wednsday off the nixt week 
 befor the Dutchesse off Gordon can part from this, who vill 
 sie y r Lo. as shee gois, and vith these has his dutifull 
 respects to y r Lo., Ladie Marie, and y r Lo s daughter in 
 law. As for the news, I humblie thanck y r Lo. Wee most 
 taik them as they ar true or fals. A litle time vill maik 
 the mater knowin, as it is. I sie Strechin at this place 
 yesterday. The storme will be over by all probabilitie, 
 or her Grace taik jurnay from this ; and what may fall 
 after belongs to Gods vill and providence. My Lord, I vill 
 giue y u no further trouble att the time, but the assurance 
 that I ame inalterablie, My Lord, Y r Lo s most humble and 
 most faithfull servant, A. Dumbar. 
 
 Go. Castle, 30 March 96. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER Banff with haste 9d 
 Keepe the postage till the nixt occasion 
 
 My Lord, — Your Lop s letter with Durnes and my Lord 
 Secretary s Ladys wer sent off yesternight to his Lop. Mr. 
 Baird assures me that my Lord is in verie good health, and 
 I knoue it most be so, for by the last post he sent doun a 
 good many letters to the great men here all wreitten with 
 his owne hand. The inclosed prints gives your Lop. ane 
 account of the newes from England. At this place ther 
 no great newes, but severalls of all qualities are entering 
 in a voluntary association for the protection of the govern- 
 ment, and distinguish themselves by a bleue ribband in 
 ther hatt. It is hoped that non of our Scots men are 
 ingadged in the unworthie assasina°n or invasion ; and we 
 hope ther shall be no fear of ane invasion, for Rook with 
 the squadroon he commands are expected home befor the 
 Tholoun fleit. Ther are severall suspected persons under 
 bail cited to appear, and the Councill are liberating some 
 of those alreadie imprisoned upon getting bale. The Lord 
 Drumond, who absconds, is ordored to be chairged to pay 
 1000 lib st., for which he is under bale. Horning is ordored 
 
190 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 out agt all the colectors of the pole, for not paying in what 
 they have colected, and for not delivering in clear bookes 
 and lists. The heritors here are bussie proportioning and 
 putting out ther quotas of the 1000 men for the newe levie. 
 
 Your Lop. will be pleased to deliver my Lord Secretary s 
 letters to my Lady. Andrew Craik is with your Lop., 
 and will informe you and my Lady of my Lords affaires 
 here, and what money lyes by me to be drawen north. 
 I have wreitten to Mr. Baird to send doun the English 
 newes for your Lops, use, which with what I cane learne 
 here shall be sent to your Lop. by, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most humble and obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., 1st Apyrll 1696. 
 
 James Lord Drummond was the eldest son of James fourth 
 Earl of Perth. 
 
 For the EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 London, 1st Aprile i696. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lops, some posts 
 agoe, and I most intreat your Lops, pardon that I have 
 not ansred the same sooner. Bot my Lord Murray being 
 in Scotland, the weight of the whole affaires lyes upon the 
 Secretary, and I in my station have lykewayes some share 
 of the trouble, and ame just now taken up in buyeing of 
 furnitur for the loadging ; bot I shall endeavore to make 
 up this breach by giveing your Lope, the trouble of ane 
 tre once or tuice everie weeke. I beleive ther hardly ever 
 was ane Secretary in Scotland hade more readie access to 
 his King, and dispatched more bussiness with pleasure 
 and satisfactione to both his King and his countrey then 
 my maister hes done since his entrie to that post. The 
 King hes bein pleased to give ane excelent charactar of 
 him to some of the best quality of England, and told them 
 that he was the only man in all Scotland he was seekeing, 
 and that he hade now gott ane man he could doe bussiness 
 with. If my Lord Murray were once come up, I hope ther 
 shall be some thing proposed and done for your Lope. ; 
 bot you knowe it would not relish weell from him. I did 
 give your Lops, sfvice to Mr. Johnstoune, which was verie 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 191 
 
 acceptable to him. Ther is no wourd of the Kings goeing 
 for Flanders as yet ; bot your Lope, knowes he makes no 
 great noise befor he goe. The court was out of mourning 
 for the Queen, bot is gone in to it againe for the Prince of 
 Nassu. All the ministers of steate here are continally 
 imployed in examina°ne of people suspected to be guilty 
 or accessory to the late hellish conspyracie agt. his Maties 
 sacred persone and governement, and ther are multitudes 
 of peopl seased everie day. The E .of Ailsburrie, a man of 
 ane great estate, is comitted to the Toure, and its thought 
 will be found deip in the matter. Thrie of the conspyrators, 
 wiz. Charnock King and Kees were hanged draven and 
 quartered last weeke at Tieburn. Sir John ffreind and 
 Sr William Parkers have gotten the same sentence, and 
 is to be putt in execution to morrowe. I hope all guilty 
 or accessorie to the villanie will be found out in due tyme, 
 and gett ther just reward ; and I hope the same will 
 perpetuate this goverement, and the King will knowe his 
 freinds. The Secretary hade on from your Lope, yister- 
 day, with one other from Durn in favors of on Mr. Gellie, 
 who delyvered them himselfe, and spoake with him. The 
 young gentleman hes bein here all this winter attending 
 the cloathing of the regement, and is this day gone to 
 Flanders with them. The S. desyred him to aquant him 
 when any vacancie happened, and he would sie to his 
 preferment, and I understand Mr. Gellie hes anough of 
 his collonalls favore. Be pleased to receave one newes 
 letter and gazet. I will endeavore to send you on everie 
 post, although I should have no tyme to wreit to your 
 Lope, yrwith, bot inclose them in halfe ane sheit of peper. 
 I shall never be unmyndefull of the obliga°nes I owe to 
 your Lops, family ; and that you may live ane long a 
 prosperous life to manadge the affairs therof, now when 
 my maister is so farr removed from your assistance, shall 
 be the hearty prayer and wish of, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most faithfull and obleidged sfvant qll I ame, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
192 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 Ther was ane ordore to apprehend Capt. Seatton upon 
 some informa°ne given agt. him, which did much trouble 
 the S. ; bot it seemes the same hes bein false, for he went 
 and surrendered himself e the English S., and they allowed 
 him freedome upon his and his brother in law Sr Henry 
 Mearwoods parole, and wee have heard nothing of it these 
 eight dayes. Please to show my Lady that the S. hade 
 ane ire from hir yisterday, which I beleive he will not gett 
 ansred this night haveing more then fyftie to ansre, which 
 came yisterday by ane ordinary packatt and flyeing 
 packatt. 
 
 Captain Robert Seaton was the half-brother of Sir James 
 Ogilvie. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER Banff 3d 
 
 My Lord, — The inclosed is all the newes I have since 
 my last, except that here they are putting out the pro- 
 portion of the newe levie of 1000 men, and that the Councill 
 are to deall sharplie with all colectors of the pole, who have 
 not sent up their bookes and money, and with those who 
 have not listed and payed in. 
 
 James Baird wrott to me last post, that my Lord wes in 
 verie good health, and he bids me have 100 tib st. of his 
 victuall money readie for his draught, yet that needs not 
 stop my Lady to drawe for all contained in my note, 
 which Andrewe hes. My Lord is to take up his lodgings 
 immediatly, and his plenishing from this will be at him 
 befor these reatch your Lops. hand. — I ame, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most faithfull and obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., Sd April 1696. 
 
 The bookes for the Affrican trade are closed, and 12,000 
 [tib] signed for more than the quota, and they are now 
 listing ther manadgers. 
 
 Next letter is another example of seeking for ' moyen ' with 
 judges sitting on a case. Strachan of Glenkindie's suit is re- 
 ferred to at p. 364 of the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, 
 vol. ix. 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 193 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FIN DLATER these ar 
 
 Edr., 10th Apryll 1696. 
 My Lord, — I have sent your Lo. watch by Troup, 1 and 
 doe intreat pardon for that it did staye so longe, bot Mr. 
 Craike will tell the reason. I doe heerby returne thanks 
 for yor Lo. assistance to my brother Glenkindies affaire in 
 the Parliament. This cause is now verie farr advanced 
 before the session, bot the finall determinate is reserved 
 to the 1 of June. In respect I am not sure that I come 
 north this vacance, and that Glenkindie lyes at a great 
 distance from your Lo., I doe intreat that yo r Lo. wold 
 be pleased to recomend this just cause to tuo extraordinary 
 Lords off Session, to witt, the Earle of Annandale and 
 my Lo. Polworth, and if your Lo. please to recomend to 
 any others, I doe desir your Lo. maye send thes letters 
 and recomenda°nes with Mr. Craike to the begining of the 
 sumer session ; and herein your Lo. will exceidingly favor 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most oblidged and most humble ser- 
 vant, And. Strachan. 
 
 The next four letters deal with the assertion of Sir James 
 Ogilvie's rights as Admiral-depute from Findhorn to Buchanness 
 in respect of wreckage. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER thes ar 
 
 My Lord, — The last week there was a feu stings cast 
 in about Rotrye. What els may com I knou not, but I 
 can not apear in any thing that conserns the Admirality 
 except your Lops, send me doun an wreaten comision, 
 altho my brother dsyred me to medl betuixt Banf and 
 Peterhead ; so I heave sent the bearer for an comision to 
 act in it. If nid be your Lo. may giue it in his absenc. 
 This woth my humble doutye to your Lops, and good 
 wishis to all the familey, I continou, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most obdiant son and most humble seruant, 
 
 Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Carenbulge, Apryl 16, 1696. 
 
 Alexander Garden of Troup, Banffshire. 
 
 N 
 
194 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Since I wrat to your Lops, last ther is the 
 affects of an broken ship, for ther is a grit dell of fyn timber 
 com in at Piter hid, Inuerugye, and at Rotrey, and sumthing 
 about Inueralochy ; and when I com to chalenges it wpon 
 the account of the Admirallity I mit woth such language 
 from our Gillicrankies that we ar euery on of us admirals 
 within our selfs, which your Lops, woll se by the inclosed 
 from Inueraloche his leter. Ther is betuixt Piterhid and 
 Ratrey com in alreadye the numbe of six or siuen score 
 of dubel tris com in alreadye, so I desyre your Lops, to 
 send doun Androu Crak immediatly and an factory to me 
 subscrayed by your Lops. Onely let it be James Ogilvie, 
 that I may say it is from my brother, so that we may not 
 be slighted by them. I expect Androu Craik hir woth the 
 bearer and the factrey or deputation, otheruays I cannot 
 medel mor in it. Bieng on hest I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lops, obdiant son and humble seruant, 
 
 Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Carenbulge, Apryl i7, 1696. 
 
 Let me knou hou I shall carey woth my Lord Marciell 
 and the gentel men about him, who hath the most of them. 
 I would haue thee dark hir the morou. It is not for the 
 worth of thos things that I care. I wol not haue my 
 brothers afare and my self slightid, when we haue lau for 
 it ; and as your Lops, desyres I shall treat woth my Lord 
 Marishall. I am realey at an considerable expence 
 alreadye. I knou not what we may mak of it, but I shall 
 kep my brothers right so far as lau woll alou. 
 
 For MR. PATRICK OGILVIE of Cairnbulge thes 
 
 Inverallochie, 
 15 Aprile 1696. 
 Ryt. Honoll, — I showld be glaid to see your deputatione 
 from the Admirall that I may be exonored of that litle 
 trifnes y* are com in upon my land. Ye know it is naither 
 law nor practice to sett gairds to heritors shoars without 
 intematione of a subscrived factorie aither from the King 
 or the Admirall, which if ye have I oblidge myselfe by 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 195 
 
 this to be lyable to the admiral 1 law for what corns upon 
 my bownds ; therfor I hoop ye will excuse me to cawse my 
 own tennants wait on my own shoar, which is all from 
 Your most humble servant, All. Fraser. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE 
 OFF FINDLATER this is 
 
 My dear Lord, — Your son went to Peterhead y s morn- 
 ing and Andrew Craik with him. How soon I had the 
 honour of y r Lops, pacquet, I sent it immediatly affter him. 
 The ffolly off thosse that questioned his right to medle will 
 now appear. He hath been at very much paines on y s 
 account, and hath all his men-servants and severall others 
 alongst y e coast till y s day y* he is gone him-selffe. Ane 
 imployment y* were worth his while were very weell 
 bestowed on him, for he is very industrious in any thing 
 q r in he is concerned. I long to give y r Lops, a legend off 
 my liffe since we turned Buchanians. It were not ill 
 company to give a description off y e island we now live in, 
 bot I will forbear till I doe by word. I wish y r Lops, 
 many happy dayes, and I intreat ye may estiem me, My 
 Lo., Your Lop. most humble servant and obedient daughter, 
 
 Eliza Baird. 
 
 Aprill 18, 96. 
 
 I give my humble duety to y r Lo., my Lo. Deskford 
 and both y r Ladys. God bliss y r grand-children. 
 
 I did not wreat so much y s nyn month. My Lo., I will 
 tak it as a curtesy, iff y r Lo. will perswad Castelfeild to be 
 so just as to give a pairt of Tochineills 1 rent to keep his 
 poor wyffe Anna Forsyth from starving. I know her to be 
 a good Christian, and I mak no doubt bot God will reward 
 y e hard usage shee meets w*. I beg pardon for troubling 
 y r Lo. w* y s . If it were not for a very great obiect of 
 charity I would not be so rude. 
 
 Elizabeth Baird, who signs her maiden surname, was the wife 
 of Patrick Ogilvie 
 
 1 James Lawtie of Tochineal, near Cullen. 
 
196 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF FFIND- 
 LATER Banff. 3d Retein the postage. 
 
 My Lord, — James Baird assures me that your son my 
 Lord Secretarie is well. I troubled your Lop. last post 
 wi[th ane] long letter, but ther being no bussienes or newes 
 here [w]orthie of your Lops, notice, I transmitt to your 
 Lop. the inclosed print, and ame, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most faithfull and humble servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., 24 Apryll 1696. 
 
 Your Lop. will be pleased to cause the Shirriff deput 
 send up ane account of his diligence in seazing the horss 
 and armes of disaffected persons, for the horss are to be 
 rouped and sold for the publict use, and the armes to be 
 disposed of to the nearest garison, and horning is coming 
 out agt Sreff deputs for that effect. 
 
 [ffor THE RIGHT] HONORABLE [THE EAJRLE 
 OFF FFINDELATER these 
 
 My Noble Lord, — The bearer came inquyring yester- 
 night for my Ladie y r daughter in laws hors, off whom y r 
 Lo. did my Ladie Dutchesse off Gordon the favour to 
 giue her the vse off, for w 11 her Grace vill give y r Lo. her 
 owin thancks shortly (being straitned vith time when the 
 horses var returned), and for the oblidging letter y r Lo. 
 vas pleased to send in her favours to my Lord Secrettarie 
 y r son. The hors in good conditione vas returned to me 
 to this place on Fryday last, and I thought it my dutie 
 to giue him sume rest at this place, after so long a jurnay, 
 till I might present him my selff to y r Lop. my selff. But 
 fearing y r Lo. might haue vse for him in the mine time, 
 the aproching terme not permitting me to vait on y r Lo. 
 so soone as I vould, I returne him to y r Lo. by the bearer, 
 vith the acknowledgment off the favour from her Grace, 
 and vith the most humble dutie and most sincer respects 
 off him, who most perfytly is, My noble Lord, Y r Lord- 
 ships most humble and most faithfull serv^, 
 
 A. Dumbar. 
 
 Gordon Castle, first May, 96. 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 197 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER Cullen, Banff 6d. 
 
 Edr., ii May 169G. 
 
 My Lord, — Whither what I wrott last to your Lop. 
 hold true or not I cannot tell, for this tuo post ther came 
 no letters anent it or other matters from the Secretarys, 
 for they are attending the King at the port, who went 
 aboard but came ashoar againe by reason of crosse wind. 
 The ffrench King hes published a manifesto in his owne 
 vindica°n anent any knowledge of or accession to the 
 assasina°n agt King W m , and offering as great a reward 
 as our King hes done for apprehending these contained 
 in our Kings proclama°ns. Ther is no word of the Tholoun 
 fleit since they wer at Allicant. The armies are draweing 
 to the feilds, and its said the Confederats will begine the 
 campaigne with some considerable seidge. King James 
 and the transport ships designed for the invasion are off 
 the coasts. Our Privie Councill did litle expecteing 
 chainges, ordored the citing in the heads of the Highland 
 clans to find caution, the chairging colectors of pole to 
 pay in ther money, Shirriffs to make reports anent seazing 
 horse and armes, and did liberat allmost all states prisoners. 
 
 The laird of Lagg is to be indyted for clipping and 
 coyning, but its thought will come off. 
 
 I expect my Lady draught for 1000 tib. or 2000 mks 
 which will be answered. I pray for the welfare of your 
 Lop. and familie, and ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 humble and obedent servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whytehall, 2d May 1696. 
 My Lord, — I ame unwilling to trouble your Lope., bot 
 when something occurrs wourthie of your nottice. The 
 Secretary (blissed be God) keepes his health verie well. 
 He hes gotten his Maties comands to goe into Scotland, 
 and I think he will depart from this within a fourtnight 
 or tuentie dayes, and be with your Lope, in 5 or 6 weekes 
 yrafter. My Lord Murray goes to the Bath in a day or 
 tuo, and intends to stay 5 or 6 weekes yr, and shortly after 
 
198 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 that goe to Scotland. Its thought he will be Comissioner, 
 and if this happen he owes it inteirly to my maister. They 
 live in perfect freindshipe togither, and I hope shall con- 
 tinoue to doe so, and they have so resolved betuixt them- 
 selves, qch resolutions if they observe they neid not valoue 
 who take up the gudgells agt. them. If the Earle of Melvill 
 will quite his place of Prive Seall and accept of being 
 Precident of the Councell, the Duke of Queensberrie will 
 be made Privie Seall. The King hes signed both those 
 comissiones in Flanders, and sent them over blank to be 
 transacted in that maner ; bot if Melvill will not willingly 
 chainge, then Queensberrie is Precident of the Councell. 
 The Earle of Argyle is made captain of his Maties troup 
 of gairds, so that by this settlement and the other altera- 
 tions I gave your Lope, ane accompt of formerly, they have 
 brocken the interest of both the divided pairties, and 
 brought all into on united pairtie, who I hope will continoue 
 in union and followe that which is for his Maties service 
 with closeness. Secretarie Johnstouns tuo sisters, wiz. 
 Greden and Bogie, have gott ane pension of 200 lib. ster. 
 yearly. The Duke of Queensberrie his letter goes doune 
 this night, which makes him ane Exterordinary Lord of 
 the Session. Your Lope, will sie by the inclosed letter from 
 Cornet Ogilvie what conditione affairs are in in fflanders. 
 The Secretary is determined to doe for him, and will slip 
 no opertunity that he thinks fitt for him. Your Lope, 
 will sie by the prints inclosed what furder newes pasess 
 here at present. I wish your Lope., my Lady, and all the 
 family all happieness and prosperity, and I ame, My Lord, 
 Your Lopes, ever obleidged and most humble srvant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 The Secretary hes furnished his loadging here verie 
 nobly. 
 
 When Parliament met on 8th September 1696, Lord Murray, 
 who was on 27th July created Earl of Tullibardine, was Com- 
 missioner, the Earl of Melville was Lord President of the Privy 
 Council, and the Duke of Queensberry was Lord Privy Seal. 
 
 William Ogilvie, Cornet in the Royal Scots Dragoons, writer of 
 the next letter, was son of William Ogilvie of Bachlaw near 
 
1696] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Banff. In Flanders, during 16Q6, the campaign was one of 
 stalemate. 
 
 For MR. JAMES BAIRD to be left att SIR JAMES OGILVIE, 
 Principall Secretarie of Steate for ye Kingdome of 
 Scotland, his loadgings att Whythall Londone. per 
 Holand. 8d 
 
 D. Cussen, — I had wreten to you befor this, bott ther 
 hes notheing fallen outt yett worth pains, onlie the King 
 is daylie expected att Gent, and money is given outt to 
 ye armie, qch wes 3 moneths in arair. The Frenshe armie 
 of 60 thousand strong command by ye Marishall de Wilroy 
 took ye feill ten days agoe, and came vithin 3 legs of Gentt. 
 Att fust itt did alarme us extreamlie, we being all in 
 quarters, and ye fust accompt we had of them wes by ye 
 bouers careing ther goods to ye churches and driving ther 
 catel to our syd of ye cuntrie. Our foott imediatlie besett 
 ye passes one ye canaell betuixt Gent and Bruges, and one 
 ye fourdable pleaces mounted canon and swans fethers to 
 oppose ther horse. All ye dragoons are quartered vith ye 
 bourrs neir ye foott vith orders to march bag and bagadge 
 one a minutts advertisment, in caice ye enymie should 
 attempt aney thing, qch they have nott yett doone. Our 
 cavalrie continou yett in ther quarters. Peple speak 
 differentlie of ye Frenshe disings heir. Some say they are 
 to bombard Gent and Bruges, others that they onlie 
 come to distroy ye cuntrie, and eat up ye foradge, by qch 
 they secure ther lyns about Yipers, Knok, and Feirun, that 
 we cannot after have aney camp or meat for horses, qch 
 hinders our haveing aney campe one that syd. Since ye 
 King is come we daylie expectt horse foott and dragoons 
 to taik ye feild, qr things in a shortt tyme vill appair. 
 We have good hops, and one for one belive we are able to 
 doe ther bussines. The enymie vill in ye begining of 
 campyne be stronger than we. They have receved con- 
 siderable detashements from ye Ryne, bott most all returne 
 qn ye Germans taik ye feild, who dra nott outt so earlie 
 as we by six veiks. 
 
 The Marishall Bouflers comands ane other armie stronger 
 
200 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 by some squadrons as Wilroys ; and the D. of Bavaria 
 withe the Germans and Spainard, those of Mastuk, Huy, 
 Brussells, and Namure are waiting his motione and to 
 oppose his designs. Some think he designs to invest 
 Namure, bott ye D. of Bavaria hes ye foott campt aboutt 
 itt. Deserters from Wilroys armie come in daylie. They 
 say that ye Frensh King wes expected in ther campe, bott 
 this recevs litel creditt, and that great stors of amanitione 
 and booms wer expected, and if they come befor we be 
 strong for them they may als eaiselie bombard Gent as 
 they did Bruzells. Yeasterday ther furadgers and outt 
 gairds came vithin a mylle of Gent. In ye mein tyme 
 ther wes never so much talk of peace, and burgers in Gent 
 hold great oads that vithin six veiks ther shall be a 
 cesatoine of arms, and that they are actuallie treating for 
 peace. For my partt I doe not belive itt. This all we 
 have heir, qch, if ye think worth ye pains, ye may lett my 
 Lord hear, and how soon aney thing extraordinarie happens 
 ye shall have itt. 
 
 I receved a letter from my father wherin he presses my 
 comeing home, and that he hes vretten to my Lord to doe 
 for me, and that my mother and he have vretten to you 
 to putt my Lord in mynd. I ame afraid that nott onlie 
 ye bott my Lord m[a]y be importuned. Haveing received 
 my Lo. Findlaters letter to ye same effect I hope ye vill 
 excusse your trouble. As for my Lord, I realie blusshe, 
 and refer my appologie to your maiking. I ame in no 
 haist except a good ocaisione offer, qch is farr better 
 knowen to yuo then me. Itt is then tyme to putt my 
 Lord in mynd, qch, uhen ocaisione offers, see it your selfe ; 
 for itt is neidles to trouble him by leters or solistations for 
 me. Ye know qt he said himselfe, bott, God villing, I vill 
 keip peace to this campyne, bott that doeth nott hinder 
 preferment. Ther is onlie one thing, if itt be waikant. 
 We hear that Drumond is mead a captan in my Lord 
 Bings redgment, by qch meins ye Generall Adjutant is 
 waikant. If itt be, itt is a prittie post, and come peace 
 or warr continues. If itt be waikant pray you mynd Sir 
 James to wrett to Sir Thomas Livingstone in my favors, 
 
1696J FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 201 
 
 and ye letter uill neid to presse a litel in my favors the 
 reasone why the Generall hes wreten to Major Hunter, 
 that he hears that I ame putting in for a companie in 
 Scotland, and designs to quyt his redgment. If itt be so, 
 he says he did nott expect itt, and that my ambitione is 
 lese as he thought itt, and he uill repent that he ever ad- 
 vanced me in his redgment. I disyred Major Hunter to 
 wrett to him, and sho him that my Lord Secretarie wes 
 pleast to look one me as his freind and neam, and wes 
 resolved to advance me, and that I wes to be dispost as 
 he pleast, bott in particular had nott propost aney thing. 
 If ye mynd I told yuo that Sir Thomas wold nott villingly 
 pairt vith me, bott that is notheing, and I ame youngest 
 cornett bott one in this redgment, and itt is long or 
 preferment can be had, qch is nott to be lacked qn itt can 
 be had. Be pleast to acquant my Lord of this, and if 
 ye G. Adjutant be waikant mynd my Lord to wrett to 
 Sir Thomas a litel pressinglie be ye first post. Itt is said 
 heir Capt. Stinsone hes gott itt, qch had I tymouslie 
 knowen might have goott. Our Scotts freinds propost 
 great things as troups of horse. I dont fly so highe. A 
 companie of Inverloghie, or if ye captane levetent of 
 Jedbrughe or Carmiglie wer to gaitt troups, in that caice 
 I might pretend to be a capt. levetent first, and then a 
 troupe corns in after. All I shall say, if aney such ocasione 
 offer, or aney other convenient thing vithoutt ye armie 
 offer, qch I may honestlie have bread by, propose ye same 
 to my Lord, and I doe ashure yuo ye shall nott losse your 
 labor for me more as for a stranger. I refer all to your 
 selfe, onlie that Gen. Adjutant iff itt be waikant in par- 
 ticular, and my best wishes and most humble dewtie to 
 my Lord. — I rest, D. Cussen, Your affectionat cussen to 
 serve you, Will Ogilvie. 
 
 Gehent, May 28, 96. New style. 
 
 I pray lett me hear from yuo, and direct for Cornett 
 Ogilvie of ye Roy all Scotts dragoons in ye campe Flanders. 
 I expect to sie your brother how sein ye King corns from 
 Lloland. Lett me have your Scotts news, and qt is becom 
 
202 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 of Capt. Dmmond and Capt. Ker of our redgment, uho 
 wes to be exchanged vith him. 
 
 The two next letters and James Baird's of 24th November 
 1696 refer to the dearth in Scotland consequent on the failure 
 of the crops of 1695 and 1696. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 My Lord, — War it in my power to doe y r Lop. greater 
 service, y r Lo. may be perswaded it should not be wanting. 
 The pryce of this garnell is ten pund the boll, w h I thinck 
 to much, though I can not help it. The chamberlan is 
 not hear at present, but I thinck the meall is giwin out by 
 measur, being it pleasis the countrie people best. Y r Lo. 
 may send thos who ar to receave the meall aither on 
 Saterday or Munday nixt, as y u please, the sooner the 
 better, for I never did sie or hear such outcryes for want 
 of meall. God helpe the poor people. This being in 
 heast, I shall ad no mor, but that I ame vith all dutiful! 
 respects, My Lord, Y r Los. most humble and most faithful! 
 servant, A. Dumbar. 
 
 Gordon Castle, 23 July 96. 
 
 For THE RYTT HONALL THE EARLE OF FINDLATR 
 
 thes are 
 
 Dolochie, 1 the 25 of July 96. 
 My Lord, — I recaved your, and for ansr his Grace the 
 Duks meall is all and evre pickell of it giuen out yesterdaye, 
 and ther had bein lyk to be a mischeiffe abut the hinder end 
 of it, stryving who should haue it amonsgt his ouen wassells 
 and servants in Achendoune, Glenliuet, Strathbogie, and 
 Einze ; and I am greatle quarld be all, that your Lordshipe 
 or anie ellse should haue anie, and anie of his Graces cuntry 
 lyking to sterue. They tell me it is whigishe inclinations 
 leids me to that prefference, so that Mr. Dunbare told me 
 that he had consented that your Lordshipe should haue 
 my chalder but none of his Graces ; and trulie, my Lord> 
 
 1 In the parish of Bellie, Banffshire. 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 203 
 
 ther was sextein libs, for each boll prest upon me yester- 
 night be John Hameltone for each boll, and he told me 
 plainlie efter I had refust him that, if he had got it, he 
 was assurd of 20 libs, for the boll within ten dayes. Befor 
 your Lo. letter came to my hand, I had wrat to Arnbathe 
 and ane other letter to Castlfeild of the pryce, and what 
 method was necessare to be taken about the convoying 
 it out of this cuntraye, which I hope ye will get ane acompt 
 of be Castelfeild and the bearer heirof. Untill I get oper- 
 tounitie to see your Lordshipe, I tak leave and continous 
 as becomethe me in all sincear and dutifull respects, My 
 Lord, Your Lordships ever obdent weill wishing and reade 
 srvnt, Alex. Gordoune. 
 
 In the new Parliament Sir James Ogilvie, by the King's 
 authority, sat and voted as Lord Secretary, 1 and the burgh of 
 Cullen was authorised to elect another representative. 2 
 
 For [THE RIGHT] HONO L THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 10 Sepr. 1696. 
 My Lord, — My Lord Secretarie came saiflie heir on 
 Saturday last, and on Twesday attendit the Comissioner 
 to the Parliament, wher, efter calling the rolls and a short 
 speech made by his Grace and ane other by Chancellar, 3 
 was adjurned to this day. Its thought the Parliament 
 will be soon over, nothing being designed by it but a 
 subsidie for the maintinance of our forces. Ther is no 
 news heir but a great noyse of a generall peace. The 
 Parliament minister shall be sent your Lop. everie post. 
 Receave the last flyeing post. This is all the present 
 truble from, My Lord, Your Lops, most obleidged and 
 humble servant, An. Craik. 
 
 In the summer of 1696 Louis had opened negotiations with 
 William for peace, but the early defection of Savoy from the 
 Confederacy induced him to suspend these negotiations. 
 
 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 8. 2 Ibid., p. II. 
 
 Lord Pohvarth. 
 
204 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 10th Septbr. i696. 
 My Lord, — I receaved the honour of your Lops, letter, 
 and shall be verie myndefull of my promise to your Lope, 
 at pairting. The Secretary hes wreitten to your Lope, by 
 the bearer. The Parliament satt doune yisterday, being 
 the tyme appoynted ; bot ther was little done, save only 
 that the rolls were called, the Comissioners comission 
 read, my Lord Secretaries as secretarie, and his letter from 
 the King to sitt in Parliat. as on of the first four officers 
 of state ; and then the Comissioner read his speech which 
 was verie weell made ; and the Chancellour lykewayes 
 made his speach. I would have sent them both to your 
 Lope., bot they are not as yet come from the press. This 
 being done, the Comissioner adjurned till tomorrowe, 
 being Thursday at ten of the cloack. Ther hes bein 
 straing clubs about the choiseing of the committies, and the 
 nobility are in a great offence upon that head, the mobility, 
 as they terme them here, endeavoring to carie all. I mean 
 the borrowes, and a great many of the barrons. My 
 Lord Secretary is verie weell with all sydes, bot it is verie 
 fashous to him to gett all keepped, bot I hope he shall 
 reconceall all. When I knoue more of occurrances here, 
 your Lope, shall have ane accompt of them from, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull and obleidged srvant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER this 
 
 My Lord, — A general peace is the common talk, and 
 yesternights letters bear that it is beleeved in France that 
 it is concluded, upon wch some of the deputies from 
 Languedock are said to have complemented the French 
 King, telling him it is more glorious to be called the pacifick 
 then the conquerour. The letters also bear that the late 
 K. James is to have Christina of Swedlands lodgings in 
 Rome for the place of his abode. I heard nothing of these 
 disbanded souldiers ; but it is not doubted but that the 
 French do own our K. as K. of Brittain ; for it is with 
 him that the preliminaries to the peace have been con- 
 
FIRST EA11L OF SEAFIELD 
 
 205 
 
 certed, and with him it cannot be supposed under any 
 other chararter then King of Brittain. The Crankies 
 themselves are drooping at the accounts wch. they have, 
 and from that we may reckon the news are not favourable 
 for their side. The French in their concertation stuck 
 upon the act of the English Parliat forbidding trade with 
 France, and though some expedients were offered for their 
 satisfaction, they said nothing could be concluded as to a 
 free trade, till that act of the English Parliat were rescinded. 
 This is the substance of what we had the two last posts, 
 except that the Fridays letters bere that the French K. 
 had writte to acquaint the Grand Seigniour that his effairs 
 obleidge him to make a peace, wch he was willing and 
 desirous should be general, and that he should come into 
 it. If any thing of moment come by post or otherwise, 
 it shall as soon as possible be conveyed to your Lop by, 
 My Lord, Your obleidged and faithfull servant, 
 
 Mr. Pat. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Septr. 14, 1696. 
 
 H. Munro, writer of the next letter, was the son of Sir John 
 Munro of Foulis, one of the commissioners for Ross-shire to the 
 Parliament sessions of 1693, 1695 and 1696. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONLL SIR JAMES OGILWIE On of his 
 Maties principll Secretaries of State for the Kingdom of 
 scoteland 
 
 My Lord, — Tho I hawe not the honor of much of your 
 Lo. accquentance, yet I presume to giwe your Lo. this 
 trouble, finding that his Matie hath recomended to the 
 Parliat. to put this kingdom in a posture of defence, qch. 
 is most just and reasonable. And in regard that the 
 castle and town of Invernes is a post werie necessarie to 
 be secured for his Maties servyce, it being alwayes weil 
 prowyded of corne and other necessaries, it lyeth in the 
 mouth of the Highlands open and exposed to be seased 
 and surprysed on a sudden, so that I entreat your Lo. 
 will be pleased to procure to me from his Matie ane inde- 
 pendant company of ane hundredth sentinelles with the 
 nomina°ne of my own officers and ane lieut. collonel or 
 majors comissione and pay, and to comand the castle 
 
206 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 and town of Invernes, and I would obleidge my selfe to 
 joyne tuo hundreth of my own men to the sd companie 
 on three dayes adwertishement in caice of necessitie, and 
 that the Kings servyce did requeir it, and I would by 
 the assistance of God doe what wer possible for such ane 
 number for preserwatione of the place. My Lo. Secretarie 
 Johnestone promished my father and me the last year to 
 gett me ane comission to this effect ; and I doubt not if 
 he had keept his feet he would hawe endeawoured to 
 effectuat it. My father intended to attend this session of 
 Parliat. and to hawe kissed your Lo. handes, but being 
 wisited with great seeknes thir ten weekes by past could 
 not effectuat his intentione, and if he had been now in 
 any health he would hawe written to your Lo. about some 
 affayres wherin our familie is concerned, in qch. your Lo. 
 was pleased to giwe your adwyse formerlie, so that I will 
 not trouble your Lo. at this tyme with them, till it please 
 God my father recower his health, and then he will accost 
 your Lo. with ane lyne. I depend on your Lo. kyndnes 
 and fawur ; and I doe assure your Lo. of my loyaltie and 
 faithfullnes to his Matie, and as I had the honor not long 
 agoe to wenture my lyf in his Maties serwyce and presence, 
 so I will newer declyne chearfullie to undergoe the sam 
 hazard when ewer I am called thertoo to assert his Maties 
 just right. And withall I hawe the honor to com of your 
 Los. familie wch. would be ane inducement to your Lo. to 
 act for me, and ane undeliable obliga°ne on all myne and 
 me in particullare to continow, My Lord, Your Lo. most 
 faithfull, most humble, and most obedient serawnt, 
 
 H. Munro. 
 
 Foulis, Septr. 28, 1696. 
 
 Parliament rose on 12th October 1696, and Sir James Ogilvie 
 shortly thereafter went south to London. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER Banff 6d 
 
 My Lord, — I have heard nothing from my Lord Secre- 
 tary or any in his company, since Sabboth wes eight dayes, 
 that he wes at Durhame in good health. The nixt will 
 
1696] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 207 
 
 bring account (I hope) of his being saiff at London. The 
 Earle of Tillibardin is yet at Beford with his Lady, who 
 continues ill. The Dutches 1 went yesterday to visit her. 
 Her recoverie is hardlie expected. My Lord Jedburgh 
 is also dangerouslie sick. 
 
 The English Parliat. promise fairly to the King for cary- 
 ing on the warr in order to ane honb 11 peace. This is his 
 Majesties birthday here, and we have no newes, for the 
 Councill hes not yet mett, and the Session satt doun 
 yesterday, but it is thought to be but a bad one. 
 
 Your Lop. will be pleased to cause Castlefeild execut 
 the inclosed generall chairge agt. Tochoneal by a messr, 
 and he may send it with the execution to John Donaldson 
 to be execut at Banff agt. his tutors and curators, and then 
 sent here for carving on the necessry diligences in dewe 
 tyme. Mr. Robert Lauder is Clerk to the Sreff. Eqs. and hes 
 not bein here since I wes at Cullen, else Castlefeild should 
 have knowen what wes done by him as Sreff deput. He 
 lives in East Lothian, and I see him ther, but he would not 
 clear me till he wer at Edr. fforglen his brother in lawe 
 is witnes to my speaking him on the subject. I hope Mr. 
 Baird shall send doun the newes which I will transmitt. — 
 I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and obedient 
 servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., Uh Nover. 1696. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 My Lord, — Yesternight I receaved ane account from 
 James Baird that my Lord your son was well at London 
 on Thursday last, and hade kissed his Maties hands, and 
 wes graciouslie receaved, and they wer all well on the 
 road, only Rot Stakers horse gave over, and wes sold for 
 15 shillings at Stamford. 
 
 My Lord, I putt the inclosed for Balyie Baird under your 
 Lops, covert, because his son wreitts me that it serves 
 ior a letter to my Lady, otherwayes I hade not been so 
 ill manered, but I knowe it will come sooner and saiffer 
 then if sent single. 
 
 1 The Duchess of Hamilton, mother of Lady Tullibardine. 
 
208 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 Ther is nothing of newes as yet. I have wreitt againe 
 to James to send your Lop. the prints. 
 
 Ther is 500 lib. sterlin of my Lords money lyeing in Sir 
 Rot Dicksons hands here, which he offers to pay. I have 
 wrott to my Lord to direct my Lady to take in the 
 equivalent in cess or excyse at home, and drawe upon him 
 or me to pay it here, and I expect my Lords directions. 
 Mean tyme my Lady may be speired out for money ther 
 to be answered here. I hope your Lop. and my Lady and 
 the wholl familie are well, which I earnestlie wish and 
 pray for, and ame, my Lord, Your Lops, most humble and 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., ij Nover. 1696. 
 
 As a result of the defection of the Duke of Savoy from the 
 Confederacy, Louis xiv. was in November seriously contemplating 
 an invasion of England, but it came to nothing. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 2Uh Nov. i696. 
 My Lord, — Nothing hes hapned here wourthie of your 
 Lops, notice, except what is contained in the publict newes, 
 which I send yow everie post ; uyrwayes I would have 
 wreitten your Lope, ane accompt of them. My Lord 
 Secretary keepes his health verie weell, which I think will 
 be as acceptable newes to your Lope, and his Lady as 
 any I can wreit ; and he is in verie good circumstances 
 with his maister. The English Parliat. goes on frankly to 
 give the King the necessarie supplies. Its talked here 
 that the ffrensh hes 3 or 4 regements of men readie to be 
 imbarked in ordore to ane invasion in some pairt of 
 Scotland ; and some say they designe upon Aberdein. 
 Ther is litle certainty for this ; so your Lope, may make 
 your own use of it, bot I think that number can doe litle 
 damnadge, if our people be unanimus for the Kings 
 interest. I ame sorie to hear that wictuall is lyke to be 
 so scarce in Scotland this year, wherfor it will be advisable 
 to keepe what you have for some tyme, till it appear 
 whither ther will be a darth or not. We have almost 
 
i6qy] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 209 
 
 constant raines here, and in the north of England deep 
 snowe. I hope if my Lord Murray were come Up something 
 will be done for your Lope., and I shall be sure to keepe 
 the Secretary in mynde. My Lady Tillebardine continoues 
 still at Belford, and is in a way of recovorie. I beleive 
 the Ires to morrowe will bring ane accompt that his Lope, 
 hes left her, for she is to returne to Scotland and stay at 
 Hamiltoun all the winter. I wish your Lope, and the 
 famely all happieness, and I ame, My Lord, Your Lopes, 
 most faithfull and obleidged servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDATER 
 
 Whitehall, 2dffebry. 1697. 
 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lops, yisterday, 
 and the Secretary hade tuo, and on for the Earle of Tulle - 
 bardine. Ther will be applica°ne made for your pension 
 a litle befor the King goes away abroad. The Secretary 
 is in verie good termes with his maister. His moneth of 
 waiting was out yisterday, and the King was pleased to 
 say to him that he was verie well pleased with his choise 
 of him to be his Secretary, and he did serve with pleasant- 
 nes and to his Mats minde. He lykewayes told him that 
 he would so privide for him as that he should be no loaser 
 in his service, being sensible that he hade called him 
 from a verie good and adventagous post. Meantyme hes 
 given him a letter by way of precept upon his Theasierie 
 for seven hundereth pounds ster in considera°ne of his 
 exterordinary services and expenss of his jurnay into 
 Scotland. I sent ane dozon and ane halfe of gloves to 
 my Lady. I hope she hes receaved them befor this comes 
 to your Lops, hands. I ame glaid your Lope, getts your 
 newes punctually, for I never omitte on post sending them 
 off from this. The Secretary receaves all your Lops, 
 letters duely, altho he seldom makes ansres, and I doe 
 not in the laist quystion bot Mr. Andersone is verie cairfull 
 to forward all, both too and from your Lope. I ame 
 with a profound respect, My Lord, Your Lops, most faith- 
 full and obleidged servant q 11 I ame Ja. Baird. 
 
 Your Lops, pension would be proposed now, but that 
 
210 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 the S. does not think fitt to mention it so soone after the 
 Kings complement to himselfe, bot will doe it in tyme, 
 and I will sie to mynde him of it. 
 
 On 8th February 1 697 the King issued a letter 1 to the Commis- 
 sioners of the Treasury ordering payment to Lord Secretary 
 Ogilvie of £700 sterling, his expenses in attending the last 
 session of Parliament, ' ffour hundred thereof out of the first and 
 readiest of the profits and duties of the post-office . . and the 
 other three hundred out of what money is arisen or shall arise by 
 the composition of wards.' 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 15 March 1697. 
 
 My Lord, — I hear my Lord Secretary is verie well. 
 His tooth-ach is over without breaking eyr without or 
 within, and he attends the King and his post this moneth. 
 The print newes are inclosed. I wes necessitat to ommitt 
 wreitting last post, being bussied at the signet, and lyk- 
 wayes preparing matters for the tryall of severall witches 
 in the west. The Parliament is to be adjourned till the 
 18 of August nixt. The Master of fforbes is to have my 
 Lord Jedburghs regiment of dragoons here, and my Lord 
 Jedburgh getts Cuninghames regment in fflanders. This 
 is designed, but not yet past the Kings hand. Dalsellie 
 having rouped the excyse for 30,000 lib. st., Barntoun and 
 Livingstoun who are at court offered the King 32,000 
 lib. st. for it. The King wrott doun that they might have 
 it, if at a roup non went beyond them. It wes againe 
 rouped and non hes exceeded them, yet the Exchaquer 
 think it dishonrable to break the first roup for 2000 lib., 
 and have wreitten for adwise to the King anent it. The 
 former tacksmen and Geo. M'Kenzie are at court pleading 
 ease. The King hes promised them a hearing. It wes 
 expected to be on Thursday last. 
 
 Skipper Grigorie is come over to aggree with your mert. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvi. p. 345, in Record Office, 
 London. 
 
i6f) 7 ] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 211 
 
 Leishman by himself and another to cary about your 
 victuall. He is to come about with his vessell from Dundic 
 to Leith , and from that to you without delay. I fear it 
 be the first of Apryll ere ye see him, for the longer the 
 victuall is coming up the better for the merchand, if it 
 escape sea hazard. Therfor I wish freinds wer spock to 
 supplie you with the use of money, if ye need it at the 
 terme ; for we shall want of our will, if ye gett not of 
 your owne befor the terme. Yet we cannot be sure the 
 victuall will be up, and the mert. most have some fewe 
 dayes efter. When the victuall is shiped, I think your 
 Lop. may drawe bills on the merct. for paymt. of a part, 
 and may putt it in tuo or three bills that it may be taken 
 off him by parcells, because his bargane is dear and he 
 like to lose. 
 
 I fear I shall be at the west some dayes at the tryall of 
 the witches, yet I shall order that your newes be deulie 
 sent your Lop. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble 
 and most obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Mr. Gellie, who writes presumably to the Earl of Findlater, was 
 parish minister of Fordyce. 
 
 My Lord, — I intreat you will be pleased to lend me 
 Hammonds Practicall Catechism for a fourthnights tyme, 
 and if your LoP have present use for it I shall return it 
 to-morrow, for I would only see his sentiments of a text. 
 I resolve (God willing) to preach upon Sunday next. No 
 more, but comending your LoP and all your concerns to 
 Gods grace and effectuall blessing, I rest, My Lord, Your 
 LoP most humble and obliged servant, A. Gellie. 
 
 Fordyce, March 30, 1697. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, mh Aprile 1697. 
 My Lord, — This serves only to aquant your Lope, with 
 a sadd accident of fire that happned last night at West- 
 minster upon the Theames syde, which burned doune 
 above tuentie houses and was within tuo of ours. Ther 
 was four blowen up to prevent furder incroachment, bot 
 
212 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 all these opperations save the last proved unsuccessfull. 
 We had all our furnitur taken done, and readie to be caried 
 out in caice ther hade bein occasion for it. It was twice 
 quenched and begane againe. I never in my lifetime sie 
 any thing so terrible. The Secretary was out of bed all 
 night. It begane at nyne at night and continoued till 7 
 this morning, and hade its beginning in ane empty house, 
 and its said to have bein done of purpose by some Jacobite. 
 I thought it my deuty to give your Lope, and my Lady 
 this accompt to prevent uyrs that might not be reall. The 
 King goes away upon Thursday, and we will depairt from 
 this in fourtein dayes yrafter. I knoue not as yet whither 
 we will take the Bath in our way or not. The prints will 
 give your Lope, ane accompt of publict matters. — I ame, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull and obleidged sert., 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 Towards the end of April William crossed to Flanders. The 
 campaign was only languidly pressed, and negotiations for peace 
 were early opened by Louis. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 25 May 1697. 
 My Lord, — Blissed be God, my Lord Secretary your 
 son and all his company came well here yesternight. The 
 second loadning of victuall is livered, and ther being a 
 part of it taken out at ffrasersburgh it came here in prettie 
 good condition. Only a steep or tuo wes like to heat, 
 and wes presentlie putt to malting. Ther is no money 
 hade yet for the victuall (it being all on the mans hand) 
 except fyve hundreth merks, neither cane any be hade 
 till he sell, and he waits a ryseing marcat, it being nowe 
 lowe. So your Lop. nor my Lady most drawe for no 
 money, till ye be acquainted by my Lord Secretary ; and 
 I perceave his Lop. will need all cane be hade of the victuall 
 befor he goe off, for money is verie precious here, and it 
 will be a good tyme ere he cane gett his pension and 
 gratuities. I doubt not but my Lord wreitts to your 
 Lop. and my Lady by this post. However it is the duty 
 
i6q 7 ] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 213 
 
 of, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and obedient ser- 
 vant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FIN LATER 
 
 My Lord, — Your presence here upon Friday the eigh- 
 teinth day of June be ten aclock in the forenoon at the 
 funerall of my deceast father the Lord Forbess is humbly 
 intreated by, My Lord, Your most humble and most 
 obedient servant, Arth. Forbes. 
 
 Castle Forbess, June 8th, iG97. 
 
 Arthur Forbes of Breda was the second son of the deceased 
 William, twelfth Lord Forbes. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONALL. THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 26th June 1697. 
 My Lord, — I have the disposition of Reidhyth, bot it 
 is not right. Houever it containes a clause of restteration, 
 and I will cause draue it over againe. Castelfeild will tell 
 you my sentements as to the manadgement of my affairs. 
 You will receave inclosed a letter for Bracco, and Castel- 
 feild will delyver yow Robertsons obliga°ne. I can not 
 be more sevear upon him. What I have thought fitt to 
 exact I give it to your Lope. I will lykewayes help you 
 in the pavement of Blackhills debt ; bot I most recomend 
 it to you to manadge as frugally as possibly you can, for 
 I have not so much as I hade befor considdering my 
 charges and expenss. And you knoue even all the esteate 
 I have is bot verie small for supporting the dignety of 
 your famely. My wyffe returns againe about the end of 
 the nixt moneth, and I shall wreit then fully. Blackhills 
 decreit shall be extracted. This is all from, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most obedient sone and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Your leter wass very refreshing to me, sines 
 by it I hav the acompt of your halth, which I hartaly 
 
214 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 wish the continounes of. Your son is weall, and is this 
 night at James Bards marag. I will be north in August, 
 and resolwes, God willing, to previd the houss with swit 
 metes and spices with the Sandend botes. I am lixwias to 
 bring north thre hundred marks for paying your Lord 8 
 part of Blakhiles muny. Your son hath given ordares to 
 Castllfild to communicat to your Lo. hou to walk with 
 Bracky in the mater of Robartson. I have likwayes told 
 Castellfild to secur timber for the kill baren. He will 
 advance the muny for it, if the muny be not com in for 
 the witell. Let the meall be sold at the reates of the 
 contry, for I kno the longer it is keept the less muny will 
 be got for it. This is all I shall trubell your Lo. with at 
 this tym, save only to intret you may look to James, and 
 keep your selff from melancoly is the erenest prayer of hir 
 who is, My Lord, Your most obedent daughtar and humbell 
 servant, Anna Ogilvie. 
 
 Edr., July the 1— 97. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 22 July 1697. 
 
 My Lord,— Receave your Lops, newes. I have sent 
 them off thir severall posts, and shall take care they come 
 to my hands that I may doe so allwayes. Ther is no 
 Scotts newes with ws here. If ther wer any thing of import, 
 I knowe my Lord Secretary your son would acquaint your 
 Lop. with them. Blissed be God, his Lop. and my Lady 
 are verie well. He is in much esteeme here amongst per- 
 sons of all ranks, and befor the Councill or else wher, when 
 he is pleased to midle, he carys what he designes ; and ther 
 is reason for it, for his proposals and] measures are just. 
 That your Lops, familie may prosper, and it may be still 
 well with my Lord Secretary is the heartie desyre of, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Andersone. 
 
 After the failure of the English subscriptions, £200,000 of the 
 capital of the Darien company were offered to the merchants of 
 
1697] FIRST EARL OF SEAPIELD 
 
 215 
 
 Hamburg for subscription. The English resident at Hamburg 
 and the English envoy to the court of Lunenburg opposed the 
 project, and the King was appealed to by the directors of the 
 company for redress. The following letter will show that the 
 appeal was so far effectual. In the end, however, English opposi- 
 tion prevailed, and the foreign subscription fell through. 
 
 Copie or the KING'S LETTER to the EARLE OF TULLI- 
 BARDIN and Sit JAMES OGILYTE concerning thk African 
 Company with their declaration to the sn. Company 
 
 2d Aug: 1G97. 
 Superscribed William R. 
 
 Right Trustie and wellbeloved Cousin and Coun- 
 cellor and right trustie and wellbeloved coun- 
 CILLOR, — Wee greet you well. Wee do hereby impower 
 you to signifie to the councel general of the African 
 companie of that our kingdom that as soon as wee return 
 to England, wee shall take into consideration what they 
 have represented to us, and in the meantime wee shall 
 give orders to our envoy att the courts of Lunenburgh, 
 and our resident at Hamburgh not make use of our name 
 and authoritie for obstructing the companie in the prosecu- 
 tion of their trade with the inhabitants of that citie. 
 
 And so wee bid you heartilie farewell. 
 
 Given at our camp att Cocklebergh the day of July 
 1697 and of our reign the 9th year. 
 
 By his Ma ties command, 
 
 contresigned, Ro. Pringle. 
 
 Directed on the back thus : — 
 
 To our right trusty and well beloved cousin and coun- 
 cellor, and our right trustie and well beloved councellor 
 John Earle of Tullibardine and S r James Ogilvy our prin- 
 cipal Secretaries of State for our ancient kingdom of 
 Scotland. 
 
 By the Right Hon^e John Earle of Tullibardine and 
 S r James Ogilvie Knight, Principal Secretaries of State. 
 
 My Lords and Gentlemen, — Wee are impowered by 
 the King to signify unto you that as soon as his Ma^ shall 
 
216 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 return to England, he will take into consideration what 
 you have represented to him, and that in the meantime 
 his Ma*y will give orders to his envoy at the courts of 
 Lunenburgh and his resident at Hamburgh not to make 
 use of his Ma ties name or authority for obstructing your 
 company in the prosecution of your trade with the inhabi- 
 tants of that city. 
 
 Signed at Edinburgh, the second day of August 1697. 
 
 Sic subtr. Tullibardine. 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 To the Council-General of the Company of Scotland 
 tradeing to Africa and the Indies. 
 
 Mr. Robert Pringle, 1 who countersigned the King's letter, was 
 on 29th April 1695 appointed Treasurer-Clerk in Scotland and 
 Keeper of the Register of all Infeftments and Confirmations. 
 Later that year, on 26th October, he was appointed Under-Secre- 
 tary for Scotland to attend the King in Flanders, and <£500 was 
 given him to meet his charges. On 25th May 1696 he was made 
 Secretary-Depute for Scotland. 
 
 A new Commission of Justiciary for the security and peace of 
 the Highlands was issued, with a list of persons who were to be 
 commissioners, on 30th March 1697. 2 The letters of 3rd August, 
 15th and 21st September all refer to this Commission and its 
 work. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Burn, the 3d off August 1697. 
 My Lord, — I intended to heave vaitted this day on yr 
 Lo. and the rest off the Justitiars, bot my viff vas so vnveill 
 yisterday and this last night, and I head my self this night 
 such paines in my theese and knies, espetiallie in my left 
 syd that I goit verie bad rest, and the ackings continue 
 vt mee as yit, so that I daer not adventor from home ; 
 qrfor I heave givein yr Lo. the truble off this Itr, intreating 
 yr Lo. may heave my absense this day excuised, and yt 
 yr Lo. may appologeise ffor mee to the vither commisrs ; 
 
 1 State Papers {Scot/and) Warrant Books, vol. xvi., in the Record Office, 
 London. 2 Ibid., pp. 372-384. 
 
[697] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 217 
 
 and qfih I can bee off vise I shall not bee vanting according 
 to my pouer to obey and serve as Yr Lo s affectionat and 
 huimble servant, W. Dunbar. 
 
 For THE KARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Huntly, 15th Septris 1697. 
 My Lord, — I receawed your Lordships, and was truely 
 sory, as was all ye Justitiars heir present y l your Lo. con- 
 venience could not allow to com this lenth to this court, 
 for yr was sev 11 processes befor ym as your clerk will inform. 
 As your Lo. ordered, ye court is adjourned till ye first 
 Thursday of October to meet at Cullen. I shall (God 
 willing) wait on your Lo. at ye said tyme. I shall give 
 your Lo. no further trouble att pnt., but yt I ame as 
 becometh, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient and humble 
 servant, Arth. Forbes. 
 
 By the Lord High Chancelour of Scotland. 
 
 These are requiring you to order parties of sogers under 
 your command to seearch places and aprehend persons 
 and to commit them to prison by the derection of and 
 upon warrands given by the Earle of Finlatour, whom I 
 have authorised upon a present occasion wherein the 
 goverment is concerned. And this shall be your warrand. 
 
 Given under my hand at Pol wart House, the 15 day of 
 Sept r 1697. Marchmont, Cancellar. 
 
 To the commanding officer of any of his Majesties gari- 
 sons in the north of Scotland or of any part of the forces 
 laying in that cuntrie. 
 
 The laird of Troup's letter of 1st October 1()97 refers to March- 
 mont's letter, which was issued after the peace of Ryswick, but 
 before the news of it reached Scotland. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 2i Septer. 1697. 
 My Lord, — I have inquyred at the councill chamber 
 for any bill or act for additionall commissioners of Justi- 
 ciary fr your countrey and ther is non ther, so it seemes 
 needfull your Lop. should wreitt to my Lord Chanceler 
 
218 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 and Advocat anent it, and should send a list of the persons 
 ye requyre to be added. 
 
 James Hay is not in toun that the old disposi°n of 
 Reidhyth may be sent north. 
 
 The inclosed for your Lop, and my Lady I hope will 
 give your Lop. satisfaction anent the peace. It is talked 
 at London and here that the principallitie of Oraing is to 
 be restored to our King, with all the estate his predices- 
 sors hade in Burgundie, that Luxenburgh, Mons, Dinant, 
 Charleroy, Arth, and a great many other touns in fflanders 
 are to be restored to Spaine, with all Catolonia, at least 
 so much therof as wes in the possession of that croun at 
 the treatie of Menungen, 1 and that the equivalent is offered 
 to the Emperour for Strathsburgh and the Dutchie of 
 Loraine. The peace is to passe the seals of England and 
 ffrance, and to be therefter ratified with all diligence. I 
 hope James Baird will lett your Lop. knowe what comes 
 to his eares. Ther is no Scots newes here. — I ame, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Andersone. 
 
 Showe my Lord Secretary's Lady that Mr. Crauford 
 continues yet to serve her Lord as Keeper of the Signet, 
 that her Laps, letter shall be this night sent off, and nixt 
 post I shall answer hers. 
 
 The treaty of Ryswick, which recognised William's title, was 
 signed on the 10th and 11th of September 1697. The terms 
 mentioned in John Anderson's letter were inaccurate. The news 
 reached London on the 13th, and Edinburgh on the 17th Sep- 
 tember. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Loud, — I pray your Lo. pardon my boldness in giving 
 your Lo. this trouble, qh I doe being desyrous to see 
 Hollyoaks dictionarie. If your Lo. hav it, and will be 
 pleased to let me see it for a three weeks tym, your Lo. 
 shall remain assurd I will tak mor car of it nor it war my 
 oun, and return it saff. My Lord, a week or tuo agoe I 
 
 Meaning probably Nimeguen. 
 
1697] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 210 
 
 recomended to, and I doubt but Castelfeld hath let your 
 Lo. know of the desyn I hav to wait on your Lo., and hav 
 your Lo s thoehts what farther is fitt to be returned in 
 ansuer to my Lord Chancellor and Secretaris letters, qh 
 I doubt not he hath comuni(cat) to your Lo., having lyk- 
 ways sent him the letters accordinglie ; and althoch that 
 occasion did not call me, I will wait on your Lo. hou soon 
 possible I can. Evrie bodie each is mor surprysed nor 
 oyr at the news of the peac, but we hav had no accompt 
 of the articles which is much longed for. I pray as I 
 hop they be good and honorable. Begging pardon for 
 this rudness, I am, My Lord, Your Lo s Most ingadged 
 and humble ser u , 
 
 Alexr. Gairdne. 
 
 Troup, Octr 1, 1697, 
 
 Alexander Garden of Troup, Banffshire, was the son of Major 
 Alexander Garden of Banchory, who served under Gustavus 
 Adolphus, and on his return from the wars purchased Troup in 
 1654. The sasine records of Banffshire show that Alexander 
 succeeded his father by 28th August 1663. His name appears in 
 the oldest extant suite-roll of the county in 1664. At the revolu- 
 tion in 1688 he was captain of one of the four Banffshire com- 
 panies of the Earl of Erroll's regiment of militia. He married 
 Bathia, daughter of Sir Alexander Forbes of Craigievar. His 
 grandson was Lord Gardenstown. 
 
 The King's order to the Privy Council of Scotland, referred to 
 in next letter, for the reduction of the Scots army and the laying 
 up of the Scots ships of war is contained in State Papers {Scotland) 
 Warrant Books, vol. xvi. p. 426. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER at Cullen house in Banffe siivre 
 
 Whitehall, 19th Odor. i697. 
 My Lord, — The inclosed pepers in print containes all 
 and much more then I can wreit in relation to the ratifica°ne 
 of peace, and the solemnities that hes bein this day used 
 hier in the proclaiming therof. Ther is a flyeing packett 
 sent to the Privie Councell of Scotland with a letter from 
 the King signefeing the same to them, and impouering 
 them to emitte such proclamations for makeing the same 
 
220 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 knouen to the lidges, as hes bein knouen to have bein 
 emitted upon the lyke occasions at any time befor, and 
 lykewayes impouering ther Lops, of the Privie Councill to 
 disband the regements comanded by the Earle of Tulli- 
 bardin and Lords fforbes and Lindsay, and for reduceing 
 of that regement in Fort-william consisting now of tuo 
 battalions to on, and to lay up the thrie frigotts lately sett 
 out for gairding of the coasts, and to pay of and dischairge 
 the men in them. The King is nou quickly expected over, 
 and will be made verie welcome, and vast preparations of 
 joy are makeing hier agt his comeing. I knoue my Lord 
 Secretary is as well with him as your Lope, could desire. 
 The Secretarie is in paine till hier hou your Lope, is in your 
 health, haveing heard that you was tender. He will wreit 
 to your Lope, nixt post, bot in the mean time I thought 
 this short account due from, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 faithfull and humble servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLL OF 
 FINDLATER this ar 
 My Lord, — I heaue giuen your Lop. the trouble of this 
 letter to let you knou that I can get Bracos son to my 
 daughtr, and he is to giue hir tuanty thousand marks a 
 year frie of any burden, and all the rest he hath affter his 
 deth ; and he woll heaue from me woth my dauchtr all 
 the land I heaue, but I am to get ten thousand marks and 
 all the muabills, so I would heaue your Lops, opinion 
 in it, for I think it a good bargon. The bearer can inform 
 your Lops, what pased amonst us. So expting your 
 ansuer woth the bearer, I continou, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most affectionat son and most humble servant, 
 
 Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Lesendrum, Oct. 29, 1697. 
 
 This match did not come off, Braco's son, William Duff, 
 marrying Helen Taylor, while Mr. Patrick's only daughter by his 
 first wife became Lady Tyrie. 1 
 
 for THE EARLE OF FFINLATER thes 
 
 My Lord, — I hartilie thank your Lo. for the frequent 
 
 Genealogical Collections concerning the Sir name of Baird, p. 34. 
 
1697] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SK AFIELD 
 
 221 
 
 expressions I have had of your kyndnes, and for mynding 
 me to your son. It shall ever be my studie to serve your 
 Lo. and familie, in all that falls in the powr of, My Lo., 
 Your most humble servant, Patrick Ogilvie 
 
 Boyn, De r . i, 97. 
 
 I have delayed my jurnay for som days, for I hear ther 
 is no ryding betwixt this and Abd., untill the storm settell 
 or goe off. 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie in 16'60 had settled on him by his father, 
 Walter Ogilvie of Boyne, the barony of the thanedom of Boyne 
 in Banffshire. By 1662 he was knighted. In 1664 he married 
 Mistress Anna Grant, daughter of James Grant laird of Grant. 
 He succeeded on his father's death, c. 1666-7. In 1 669 he was 
 elected, along with Sir James Baird, to represent Banffshire in the 
 Scots Parliament. Again in 1 68 1 and in 1685 he was elected com- 
 missioner for the county, along with Sir George Gordon of Edin- 
 glassie. In 1 68 1 he was created a judge of the Court of Session, 
 under the title of Lord Boyne. He married as his second wife 
 Anne, youngest daughter of Hugh, eighth earl of Eglintoun. 
 There is considerable detail about him in this correspondence, in 
 Dr. Cramond's Annals of Banff] and in the editor's Banffshire 
 during the Revolution of 1689, etc. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 16 Decer. 1697. 
 
 My Lord, — . . . We knowe not well the pryce of 
 victuall here, and brewers and victuallers are every day 
 breaking, and we hear the pryce is high with you. This 
 is the night of publict thankgiving, and I have nothing to 
 enlairge on. ... I wish all happienes to your Lop. and 
 familie, and ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and 
 most obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 After the peace the English Parliament completely reduced the 
 King's Dutch guards, and challenged his alienations of crown 
 lands to his Dutch courtiers. 
 
 For THE P:ARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, ffebry: 10th, 1698. 
 My Lord, — I beleeve your LoP hes full accompts of all 
 news forraign and domestick in the prints, except what 
 
222 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 
 
 [FEB. 
 
 concerns the English Parliament ; and I delayed to trouble 
 your Lop. untill I might give you ane full accompt of there 
 proceedings in the Kings business, but they ordinarly delay 
 that untill the last, and the only things yet done are viz. : 
 They have appointed all forces to be disbanded yt were 
 raised since the death of K. Charles the 2 d , and they allow 
 700,000 pound ster. for mantenance of the civil list, with 
 350,000 pound for guards and garrisones, without con- 
 descending on the number of fforces, and 10,000 men for 
 the sea service and for y r pay 40,000 pound a moneth. 
 They have also appointed six dayes full pay to each 
 sentenell after disbanding to carry him home, and half 
 pay to the officers untill they be provided otherwayes, 
 only to those who are naturall born subjects of England ; 
 and now they are upon the preparing bills for evacating 
 all grants of estates and other interests in England and 
 Ireland from the crowne since K. Charles the Second. 
 There is ane act of Councill inhibiting any subject from 
 goeing to engage in the service of any fforraign prince. 
 Our Scotts forces qch are to stand are : the troope of 
 guairds, Levingstone regiment, and my Lord Jedbrugh of 
 dragouns, 4 ffoot regiments, Ramseye's Colliars, Rue's 
 and Brigadeer Maitlands, who is made governour of ffort 
 William, and will see yo r LoP on his journey thither. 
 This was my Lord Secretaryes doeings, who is in good 
 health, blessed be God, and is very much in favour with 
 his Matie. I pray your LoP all health and happiness and 
 to the noble family, and am, My Lord, Y r Lops, servant, 
 
 Jo. Philp. 
 
 John Philp, son of George Philp in Brunton, Cullen, and 
 Elspet Lorimer, was born at Cullen in February 1673. At the 
 date of the above letter he was acting as secretary to Sir James 
 Ogilvie, and he continued as secretary for over twenty years. He 
 was purse-bearer to Lord Seafield while Lord Chancellor. Several 
 of his letters containing occasional autobiographical references 
 appear in this collection. On l6th October 1705 he married 
 Sophia, daughter of the Rev. Daniel Robertson, sometime minister 
 of Hutton, Dumfriesshire, a cadet of the Robertsons of Struan, 
 and ancestor of the Robertsons of Ladykirk, Berwickshire. After 
 
FIRST EARL OF SKA FIELD 
 
 228 
 
 the Union he was appointed Deputy Auditor of Exchequer, and 
 helped to manage the Scots estates forfeited after the rising of 
 the 'Fifteen. On 7th October 1719 he bought the estate of 
 Greenlaw, Midlothian, of which county he was a Justice of the 
 Peace. In 1727 he was appointed an original director of the 
 newly-founded Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 29th 
 December 176*0, and was buried in Grey friars Churchyard, Edin- 
 burgh. One of his grandsons was John Philp Wood the genealo- 
 gist, and editor of The Douglas Peerage. 
 
 Edr., Febr: 15, 1698. 
 My Lord, — Since my last I have had your Lops, of the 
 8th and 10th. That I have not writt fullie to your Lop. 
 before this proceeded from the desire I had to be particular ; 
 and after all the pains I have taken, I am still afraid I can 
 give but litle satisfaction. Your Lop. would understand 
 from others that the return sent to S r Francis Scott was 
 not receaved by the councell of the companie as on to 
 there address, because it was not ordered to be communicat ; 
 but its probable, if it had satisfied, that difficultie would 
 easilie have been overcome. What the prevailing pairtie 
 requires is what its like the King will not encline to grant, 
 a declaration under his oun hand of there privileges and 
 rights, and of there libertie to enter into contracts and 
 termes for carying on of there trade with anie they shall 
 pitch upon. All resolutions of further addressing seem 
 to be waved at present, but not the rancour taken away, 
 which hes been bred by the treatment they mett with at 
 Hamburgh, which is heightned by the disappointment 
 occasioned by the mismanagment of those who had gott 
 credit amongst them ; and that this may break out to the 
 prejudice of his Matys service, when anie occasion offers 
 and particularlie in Parliament, I find the opinion of all 
 the honest men amongst them, who are as zealous as anie 
 for the interest of there countrey, but with a deu regard 
 to his Matys service and these straits and difficulties under 
 which he is brought by the opposition of our neighbours. 
 I have discoursed some of them on the head, who doe 
 think it may be much for his Matys service, by taking 
 away as much as is possible all pretence from such as, 
 
224 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 when the Parliament sits, will catch at anie handle for 
 obstructing the Kings affairs, and also for encouradging 
 honest men to appear, that the King should give the same 
 return under his oun hand to the late address, that he 
 ordered to be given in his name by his Secretaries, and 
 that this should be addressed to the councell of the com- 
 panie. I lay this before your Lop. as the sentiment of such 
 in the companie of whose sincere affection to his Matys 
 service as well as there countreys interest there can be 
 no doubt ; and I doe it the more freelie that I find just 
 grounds to apprehend that what hes hapned to the com- 
 panie may be much made use of in the ensuing session of 
 Parliament, the generalitie of all ranks resenting highlie 
 what hes passed in Hamburgh, and the little care that is 
 taken to redress them. The directors are verie busie in 
 preparing all things in order to the setting out of the ships, 
 which its beleived will be within 6 weeks or two months 
 at furthest. I doe not hear that they have yet pitched 
 upon the place they goe to, but are upon it. There fleet 
 will consist of 3 large ships and two tenders, which may 
 carry in all about 900 persons with provisions for on year. 
 They are to be governed after landing by a councell which 
 is to consist of seven persons, of whom I hear onlie two 
 as yet condescended upon, a merchant of Glasgou whose 
 name does not at present occurr to me, and on Dr. Monro 
 who hes been some years in America. What these projects 
 may in consequence produce, and hou farr they may be 
 prejudicial to our neighbours is uncertain, but I think 
 there preparations are not such as need give anie umbrage 
 at present. As for the particular place to which they 
 design, as I have writt I beleive it is not yet resolved on, 
 but if the King continues in the mind that he should have 
 the design communicat to him before it is put in execution, 
 the Justice Clerk offers himself to that purpose, and 
 doubts not but to prevail with the directors or such of 
 them to whom the secret shall be entrusted, that he or 
 some other should be alloued to impart it to the King, 
 but would first knou this to be his Matys positive pleasure. 
 I knou not if he hes himself writt so to your Lop., but by 
 
1698] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 225 
 
 his allouance I doe it. I have understood what passed 
 in a comittee of the Assemblie in reference to an address 
 to his Maty against immoralitie, of which I shall by the 
 next give your Lop. account, as I shall endeavour to 
 inform my self if in the Commission anie thing of that 
 nature is still projected. Brigadeer Maitland came here 
 yesternight. I have spoke of him to the Justice Clerk, 
 who seems enclined to live in friendship with him. — I am, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most humble servt. 
 
 Ro. Pringle. 
 
 Sir Francis Scott 1 of Thirlstane was agent for the African 
 company. Mr. Robert Pringle on 10th February 1698 had 
 already given Mr. Carstares 2 an account of the excited state of 
 feeling in Scotland, owing to the King's failure to fully support 
 the colonising enterprise of the African compan}^ When the 
 expedition at last set out on J 7th July 1 (398, the governing 
 council of seven were Major James Cunningham of Eickett, 
 Mr. James Montgomery, Mr. Daniel Mackay, Captain Robert 
 Jolly, Captain Robert Pennicuick, Captain William Veitch, and 
 Captain Robert Pincarton. 3 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Receave your newes. I ame sure to send 
 them off altogether every Thursday, it being the post day 
 that carys them from this to your Lop. I back them for 
 the post master of Banffs care ; and that the postage may 
 be easie, I lett the newes be outmost. I doe not think 
 the post master will disclose or withhold any of them, 
 since they are backed for your Lop. My Lord ffraser is 
 at liberty. No bargane offers yet for victuall. Your son 
 my Lord Secretary is verie well, and in great favour. 
 Ther are trees and basketts with hardie greins in good 
 condition at Leith to be sent north with the first occasion 
 offers. I wish they come as well to you as they have come 
 here. I cause gardners and such as understand take 
 notice of them. My Lady will send me ane answer anent 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 135, and App.,p. 18, etc., 
 and Carstares State Papers and Letters, p. 370. 
 
 2 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 368-370. 
 
 3 The Daricn Papers, J. Hill Burton, p. 49. 
 
 V 
 
226 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 the breweing lead. 1 — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 humble and most obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr. 9 17 ffebry 1698, 
 
 Halgrien is dead in prison. 
 
 Kinaber is dead suddently crossing the Quiensferry for 
 Edr. 
 
 Lord Fraser took part with Captain Fraser in preventing the 
 marriage of the daughter of Hugh, tenth Lord Lovat, with the 
 Master of Saltoun, and was in consequence imprisoned. He was 
 liberated on 10th February 1698. John Fullarton of Kinaber was 
 commissioner for Forfarshire in the Parliament of l6'96\ 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 22d ffebry. i698. 
 My Lord, — I have wreatten fully both to my Lord 
 Boyne and Cockstoune concerning Kempcairns affairs. 
 I wish the concluding posetively of any bargaine may be 
 delayed till I come to Scotland, which I hope will be some 
 time in Apprile, and I will goe to the north als soone as I 
 arrive at Edinburgh. Yow will sie the letters, and so I 
 neid not resume what is contained in them. I ame verie 
 much concerned for that famely, and if I doe meadle it 
 will be for ther advantage, bot I have come to no resolu- 
 tione concerning what I will doe on it. It is a pairt of 
 the barronrie of Ogilvie, and most of the lands lyes within 
 the regality, which is the only reason that I have any 
 inclination to it. I could easely gett through with it, 
 if once I did turne my minde that way. I can not wreat 
 to my wife this night, bot this upon the matter is ane 
 answear to hirs, and I beleive she will be satisfied when 
 she hears that I have thoughts to returne so soone. I 
 wish my wictuall may be sold for readie money, ffor the 
 merchants and brewers are verie uncertaine, and no body 
 can buy and sell upon ther bonds. I ame [v]erie unwilling 
 to meadle in the matter of your Lops, title, unless it were 
 [with] my brothers consent. My esteate is tollerable for 
 a gentleman, bot is [ver]ie unconsidderable for ane earle, 
 
 Furnace vessel used in brewing. 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 227 
 
 bot at meitting we shall speak [l'u]lly of this. — I ame, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient sone and most 
 humble s vt , Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 The Kempcairne estate, in the parish of Keith, was ultimately 
 bought by Seafield. 
 
 ffbr THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLL OFF 
 FFINDLATER 
 
 Right Honorable, — My brother, Mr. Francis Grant, 
 Advocat, tells me yor Lorsp was pleased to condescend 
 to favour his father Bellintome wt the use and loan of some 
 books, partly of Davilaes historie of the warrs of Franc, 
 qch my father (vho is now old and oblidged to and de- 
 lighted in a cedentarry life) intraits yor Lorshp may send 
 him, and yt yor Lorshp will pardon and excuse this trouble, 
 and the book shall be specially cared for, and thankfully 
 restored be, My Lord, Yor Lorsps most humble servant, 
 
 Alexr. Grant. 
 
 Banff, Feb. the 25th, —98. 
 
 Alexander Grant was the younger son of Archibald Grant of 
 Ballintomb. His elder brother, Mr. Francis, was made a baronet 1 
 on 7th December 1705, and was afterwards elevated to the bench 
 as Lord Cull en. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — These give you the good newes that my 
 Lord Secretary your son has certaintlie much of the Kings 
 favour, and a great ascendant above his collegue, as is 
 demonstrated by procuring the Presidents chair of the 
 Session for Mr. Hugh Dalrymple without the knowledge 
 or consent of his collegue and againest it. He hade bein 
 receaved this day, but wanted one to make a quorum ; 
 but the Lords are wrott to be present on Tuesday nixt 
 for that effer. Lord Whytlawe hes got 400 lib. st. of pen- 
 sion to please him, but that does not, for he and his freinds 
 are imaged, but the nation generallie pleased and approve 
 the choise. My Lord Justice Clerk hes gott 300 pound 
 sterline of pension, and is added to the Thesaurie, and 
 
 1 State Papers [Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. p. 127. 
 
228 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 retaines the office and fie of Justice Clerk. The present 
 Earle of Crauford hes gott his fathers pension of 300 lib. 
 out of the a-bprick of St. Andrewes continued on him. 
 Tuo troups of Lord Jedburghs regiment of dragoons are 
 brock. I have sold 400 bolls of your mail at 6 lib. half a 
 merk free of all chairges except sea hazard, and 100 bolls 
 of bear or more as will fill the vessell at 8 lib. 8s. It is 
 to be receaved upon the 15 of Apryl. I hope to gett the 
 rest sold about that pryce. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., 24 March 1698. 
 
 The Earl of Tullibardine strongly supported Sir William 
 Hamilton, Lord Whitelaw, 1 for the President's chair vacant 
 through the death of Viscount Stair on 23rd November 1695. 
 Tullibardine was shortly after this turned out of the office of 
 Joint Secretary of State,, and went into opposition. 2 
 
 In 1697 the Presbyterian settlement of the Church in the north- 
 east was so far advanced that the single presbytery established 
 in 1694 for Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff was enlarged to 
 three — viz. (I) Aberdeen and Kincardine, (2) Turriff, Alford and 
 Fordyce, and (3) Ellon, Deer and Garioch. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Aberdeen, Apr. 13th, 1698. 
 My Lord, — I communicat your Los. letter to the synod, 
 who accordinglie have left Mr. Murray 3 intirelie to the 
 disposal of the presbytrie of Turreff. Neither did the 
 former synod put any farther restraint then this, that 
 in regard some informations had been given in against 
 him, which were to be further inquired into, the presbytrie 
 of Turreff were inhibit to proceed to his ordination till 
 first they had acquainted the other two united presbytries 
 of this province. And this was signified to your Lo. by 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fotirteejith Report, App., Part. III., March- 
 mont MSS., p. 146; Marchmont Papers, vol. iii. pp. 150-156; Fountainhall : s 
 Chronological Notes of Scottish Affairs, pp. 282-284 ; Carstares State Papers 
 and Letters, pp. 338-340, etc. 
 
 2 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 391-393. 
 
 3 Minister of Deskford, Banffshire. 
 
1698] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 229 
 
 a letter from that synod signed by the moderator and 
 delivered to the clerk to be conveyed by your Lo. minister 
 Mr. Tait, 1 so yt we know not how it hath miscarried. My 
 Lord, as your Lo. hath been pleased to give countenance 
 and incouragement hitherto to the Lords servants and 
 work, so I nothing doubt but yow will do so to the end, 
 which will be ground of peace and comfort in life and 
 death. I pray the Lord multiplie his best blessings wpon 
 your Lo. and your noble familie, and I am, My Lord, Yo r 
 Lo. most humble servant, Ja. Osburn. 
 
 Mr. Tait was minister of Cullen from 1697 to 1700. He was 
 brought north from Traquair. 
 
 James Osborne was professor of divinity in Marischal College 
 from 1697 to his death in 1711. 
 
 Next letter from Brigadier Maitland, governor of Fort William, 
 describes garrison life there, and the state of the fort and of the 
 country, in 1698. Fort William, originally built by General Monk, 
 was rebuilt and occupied by General Mackay in July 169O. 2 
 
 ffort William, 17 May 98. 
 My Lord, — I have received yours of the 21st Aprill. 
 The Lords of the Treasurie have sent a masson and wright 
 to viset this place, and I belive by this post my Lord 
 Justice Clerk will be able to give you ane acount what it 
 will cost to put both the fortificatione and houses in good 
 condetione. I hope a lesser sume will doe it then what 
 was proposd to your Lordsp. last. I wish there may no 
 time be lost in faling about it, whilst the seasone will 
 allow working here. The sumer is very short here, and 
 it as yet scarcely well begun. I must confess I never saw 
 so muth bad weather in so short a time, as since wee came 
 to this place, yet the souldiers never keept thir health 
 better. They were seasond befor they came here. There 
 diet has been onley Scots pottage, ffor there was neither 
 flesh fish butter or cheese to be had when wee came ; but 
 I wonder not muth at that, for if some of our predecessors 
 had got ther will, we would have found this place in ashes, 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Cullen, p. 85. 
 ' 2 General Mackay's Memoirs, pp. 79-99. 
 
230 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 and it is said mony was given to preserve it. At meeting 
 I shall be able to make this apeare, if my author hold out 
 till then. He is still here. The weather has hindred him 
 hithertoo, as he sayes, but there is still sume debts owing 
 him, that he would gladly have befor he part. He gives 
 you his humble service, and desires that you would be 
 mindfull of what he wrot to you. He pleads povertie, 
 and sayes all he has made since he came to this contrie 
 is a thousand pound st. I kno seven hundred was bestowd 
 on the 1* collonels last voyage, and he gives a very just 
 acount how he deburst it. I think it not strange that 
 some folks buys land. I wrote to your Lord p that he showd 
 me his comissione, which is to be second 1* coll. to the 
 gareson, without naming the regiment. I would gladly 
 have that explaind in caise the regiment or a part of it 
 should march out of the garisone. So soone as he had 
 ended his acounts here, he desird too goe to Invernes. I 
 belive he designs not to stay muth in this place, for he 
 never did it, tho it was represented that he was the only 
 persone that could doe the King good service here, in so 
 muth that without him it was almost imposible to live here. 
 This was said to my selfe, tho it is as falce as other things 
 that was impos'd on some at that time. However I have 
 stopt his mouth of all he could desire of me, and have 
 ferm'd the sutlirie at a hundred and tuentie five lb. a yeare, 
 the halfe of which I give to my It. coll. ; so it is seen 
 that this is not what it was said to be, considring what 
 was payd for it. What other advantages I have I shall 
 sho you, when I have the good fortune to see you, which 
 I intreate may be as soone as you come to this contrie, 
 for it is needfull that I speake with you. I shall stay 
 as shorte time as you please, for I designe to make a 
 progress to kno the contrie. I have either seen or had 
 letters from the most part of the gentlmen of this contrie 
 far and neer, and all of them profess and promice to live 
 peacably ; and I belive they will doe so whilest it is their 
 intrest, and no longer. You kno the comisione that is 
 out against Kippoch. 1 I have made search for him, but 
 
 The Marchmont Papers^ vol. iii. p. 149. 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 281 
 
 to no purposs. I have offrcd a good summe of mony by 
 Mcintosh desire to have him brought to me. I have some 
 hopes, but he is ever on his keeping. He is nou gon from 
 this part of the contrie tis thougt to Sky. He made his 
 tenants, as I am told, take ane oath not to serve under 
 Mcintosh, but if he comes to live on his lands, as he sayes 
 he will, the most part of them will stay with him. I 
 have ane order from the Councill to allow him men from 
 this place to maintaine him in possesion of his land 
 against Keppoch. I have a partie of theirty men in 
 Castell Douny 1 at th Marques of Athols desire. It is 
 belivd that Simon Fraizer is making his peace. It is 
 given out so at least. All is quiet there as yet. I dout 
 not by this time my tuo French captains has been with 
 you. I kno not if they designe to sell there companies ; 
 but if any vacancie hapen I would wish that Cap. Lieu- 
 tenent Elis had the first companie falis, and the eldest 
 lieutenont which is Nairne to be cap. lieutenont, and 
 Ensigne Garden lieutenont in his place, and Cadet Ramsay 
 to be the ensigne. These are the first who has their 
 pretentions by their comisions date. The King, when he 
 gaive me the comand of the regiment, told me he would 
 leave the naming of officers to my selfe, and that I must 
 be answerable for them. Now if carte blanch be left to 
 some as formerly to make and unmake at their pleasure, 
 I canot be answerable. I never in my life tooke mony 
 on that acount, nor never shall. Your Lo s p is pleasd to 
 sho me the King has trust and confidence in me. May I 
 not outlive that day in which I deceive him. Pardon 
 all this trouble, for I am ever in all sincerity, My Lord, 
 Your most faithfull and most oblidged servant, 
 
 R. Maitland. 
 
 I have procurd a lettr from the Councill to the Lords 
 Jusices of Ireland for lecence to bring 1000 boles meale 
 and as muth malt for the uce of this garisone. If your 
 Lo s p will give me a line to my Lord Galloway it would doe 
 
 1 The Scots Peerage, vol. v. pp. 534-53S ; Carstares State Papers ar.d 
 Letters, pp. 361, 362, 431-437- 
 
232 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 me greate. service, for I am informd it will meete with 
 opositione. 
 
 The lieut. -colonel in the letter may have been Lieut.-Colonel 
 Forbes. 1 In February 1698 the Scots Privy Council issued to the 
 laird of M'Intosh letters of fire and sword against MacDonald 
 of Keppoch. 
 
 After the peace, and before the 22nd of October 1697, the 
 ships of the small Scots navy with their stores were laid up; 2 
 but the two next letters show that the arrears of pay to the sea- 
 men troubled the authorities. On 5th August 1698 these arrears 
 engaged the attention of Parliament, and on the 30th of the same 
 month a poll-tax was imposed to provide a fund to clear off these 
 arrears. 3 So late as 7th January 170 1, 4 Captain Boswell of the 
 Royal Mary, and the seamen who served under Captain Burd in 
 the Royal William, petitioned Parliament for payment of their 
 arrears of pay. 
 
 MY LORD ADVOCAT and BAILLIE CLERKS LETTER 
 [to the LORD CHANCELLOR] anent the Admirality 
 and the Mediterranian Passes. 
 
 21 May 1698. 
 
 May it please Your Lo, — Baillie George Clerk and I, 
 the only commissioners of the Admirality at present in 
 this town, with Hugh Cuningham our clerk, have thought 
 fitt to send to your Lo. the account of the moneys appointed 
 by the Parliament for the use of the Admirality, as it was 
 stated by your Lo. and the other commissioners, and 
 whereof the principall subscribed by the commissioners 
 is in the clerks hand. Your Lo. may remember that this 
 account, as the foot of it bears, was stated and recomended 
 to your Lo. to be laid before his Matie, that his pleasure 
 may be known therein, for payment of the sum of neir 
 six thousand pounds starling yet resting to the captains 
 and their men, as the accompt bears, and likewayes for 
 direction what shall be done with the shipes, and how 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., Part III., March- 
 mont MSS., p. 146. 
 
 2 The Marchmont Papers, vol. iii. pp. 141, 142. 
 
 :5 See also Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 425 and 430. 
 4 Tlie Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x., App., p. 72. 
 
i6 9 8] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 238 
 
 they shall be preserved and imployed now in the tyme 
 of peace. I need not putt your Lo. in mind how the 
 Admirality ordered their equipage to be laid up at Brunt- 
 isleand, and where the vessalls themselves should be keept, 
 nor what were our considerations upon the whole matter. 
 Your Lo. was at too much pains and trouble in this whole 
 busines to need any remembrancer. But, my. Lord, the 
 shipes are now lying idle, and the equipage and stores 
 are in hazard to perish or be imbazled, and both need some 
 money for their preservation. The merchants also, 
 specially the Glasgow men, would be content that the 
 shipes were in case to cruise, were it but for decencie and 
 to ffright away pirratts and robbers, which may take 
 shipes when they please out of our very rodes and harbours. 
 But the prinpll point desired is, that there may be ane 
 instruction to the Parliament in order to this whole 
 busines, and that the Admirality may have some ffond 
 to pay bygane just debts owing to severall very indigent 
 men and families, and to bear its necessary expences. 
 Wee need not suggest to yo r Lo. at this distance how 
 these ffonds may be had, but I shall name two that shall 
 not add a sixpence to the kingdomes charge. The one 
 is the sixtein pence per tun on fforraign shipes, and the 
 ffourpence per tun on our owne shipes, which hath hitherto 
 been given to Mr. Slezer and Mr. Adair, 1 for uses in my 
 opinion very little necessary, and whereof the kingdom 
 hath not to this moment had the lest profite. But let 
 the men be payed for what they have already done, and 
 their work for hereafter discharged. And here there may 
 be a very good and naturall ffond which will noe more 
 be complained of. The second ffond is the imposition of 
 six pence per pint on retailed brandie. This imposition 
 as now laid upon retailers doth not bring to the King two 
 hundereth pound starling, but fills the countrey with 
 swearing and foreswearing, that at this day it is ane 
 universall and great greivance ; whereas if it shall only 
 be transported from the retailers to the importers, and 
 
 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ix. pp. 491, 492. 
 
234 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 there laid on a much smaller deuty, half e by way of custom 
 and halfe by way of excise, it will render a considerable 
 summ, and severall merchants declare to me that they 
 will not complain. My Lord, if these two ffonds be 
 rightly setled, and given to the mannagement of the Ad- 
 mirality, they will not only pay the arrears with our 
 necessary expences, but keep our shipes in case and 
 service, and it may be make our Admiralitie grow to 
 some better purpose. But having proposed these things 
 to your Lo., we shall only wish they may be considered, 
 and that your Lo. in these and all other his Maties or yr 
 own concerns may have all prosperity. — Wee are, My 
 Lord, Y r Lop s most humble and most obedient servit 18 
 
 Ja. Steuart. 
 
 Geo. Clark. 
 
 My Lord, — There is also herewith sent a memorial 
 about Mediterranean passes which I hope y r Lop. will 
 mind as much as possible. You knou hou much it is 
 desired by the mercht s , and y r Lo. also knoues the diffi- 
 culties, so that I need add no more about it. 
 
 Ja. Steuart. 
 
 Geo. Clark. 
 
 On 1st September 1698 Parliament assigned certain tunnage 
 dues to maintain the Scots navy under burden of a salary £100 to 
 Sir Archibald Sinclair, ' Judge of Admirality/ and of payments 
 ordered in 1695 to Mr. John Adair, geographer, and Mr. John 
 Slezer, etc. 
 
 In State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xv., and at p. 225, 
 is given a copy of a Mediterranean pass to Thomas Gordon, 
 captain of the ship Margaret of Aberdeen, dated 8th February 
 1693. 
 
 My LORD ADVOCATS LRE anent pepers and accounts of 
 the Admirality and Mr. Bernard M'Inzie, was perhaps 
 addressed to the Earl of Tullibardine, Joint Secretary of 
 State for Scotland. 
 
 Edr., 21 Mali 1698. 
 My Lord, — You have hereuith inclosed a double of our 
 Admirality account sent by B. Geo. Clerk and me to my 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 285 
 
 L. Chancell r , for the end mentioned by us in our letter 
 to his Lo. signed by us and our clerk, which we have left 
 oppen to be perused and delivered by y r Lo. We have 
 also sent a double of the memorial formerly given to y r 
 Lo. and your collegue about passes for the Mediterranean, 
 that my L. Chancell 1 with y r Lo. may obtain the desire 
 thereof. Its like some may apprehend that this is offered 
 with a parlfir vieu to the ships to be sent auay by the 
 Affrican companie, but tho it wer it wer but just ; and 
 nixt my L. Chancel r and y r Lo. knoues we ar only prose- 
 quuting a motion that hath long depended, and is both 
 just and nicessaire for all our merch ts trading to the 
 Mediterranean, whether for anything I knov the Affrican 
 ships ar not bound, and therefor y r Lo s assistance in 
 both these maters is verie earnestly intreated. I have 
 nothing farder this post, but must regret to y r Lo. the 
 pension granted to a Mr. Bernard M'Keinzie, a light 
 headed restless man. The Parliat. and Councel removed 
 him from a meeting house he set up at Tranent. He 
 hath since set up another at Kelso, where there is a placed 
 minister, and where he officiats by himself and his viccaires 
 to the vexation of all the well affected in the bounds ; 
 and just nou there hath fallen out a rabling at the kirk 
 of Neutyle in Angus, and the favourers of the rable have 
 the confidence to desire me that Bernard M'Keinzie may 
 be there placed albeit a man not assumed, and that ounes 
 not the present church* constitution, and that I would 
 moderat the moderator of that prisbytrie — (so they write 
 in jock) ; but I hope the Counsel uill help these things, 
 and that y r Lo. uill also considder this insolence. — I am, 
 My L., Y r L. M. H. and O. S. [Ja. Steuart.] 
 
 My LORD FFORFARS Lre 
 
 My Lord, — Your good intentions for me in procuring 
 an order from the Lords of the Tresurry, allowing me a 
 preferrence, being frustrated by Jereswood, who I think 
 is willing to pay no body, and tho I have had the same 
 order of preferrence renewed yit have never touch' t a 
 farthing, and am told ther 's none of that fond left un- 
 
236 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 disposed of, which puts me under an indispensable nesses- 
 sity of beseeching your Lo. to represent me favorably to 
 the King, and let his Majesty kno that I hope I may 
 expect so much favour as to have my pention out of the 
 Post Office, or a locality out of the Bishops rents. That 
 part which lyes most convenient for me is the regality 
 and baronrie of Glasgow. I have sent up a list of a small 
 part which is payed by my vassalls, and would make the 
 payment easy ; so my Lord, if you '1 have the gooudnes 
 to put the King in mind of me, and my hard circumstancess, 
 I kno his Matie is too just to see me a sufferer for my early 
 zeall to his interrest ; and if your Lo. will consider the 
 narowness of my fortune, with the great disappointments 
 and hardships I have met with, you '1 neither have reason 
 to think it strange, nor I to be asham'd, when I tell you 
 that I must be forc't to seek for shellter out of my oune 
 country, if something of this kind that I have mention' d 
 be not soon expediat in my favours. And as I ever have 
 serv'd the King to my powr in my little station, so I shall 
 ever contineu as long as my affairs will permit my stay 
 in the kingdome. I shall end this in assuring your Lo. 
 that nothing but meer nessessity could force me either to 
 importune the King, or give your Lo. so much trouble, 
 but I hope you '1 put the most favourable construction 
 upon it as coming from, My Lord, Your Lo. ffaithffull and 
 most humble servant, Forfar. 
 
 Abey, May 21, 1698. 
 
 Archibald Douglas, first Earl of Forfar, supported the revolu- 
 tion. He died in 1712. With the death of his son, in 1715, 
 from wounds received while fighting on the Hanoverian side at 
 SherifFmuir, the peerage became extinct. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, Hh June i698. 
 My Lord, — I have receaved your Lops, in favours of 
 fforglane. I want not aboundance of inclination to doe 
 for him, bot at present his Matie will not fill any of the 
 vacant places aither in the governement or session, and 
 ther are above eight or ten pretendars to this vacancie of 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 237 
 
 the session. If the Partiat wer over I shall let his pre- 
 tensions and what is to be sayed for him be knouen. I 
 ame hopcfull to have the occasion of Being your Lope 
 verie shortly, and then yow shall knoue hou this matter 
 stands. I knoue not if the Partiat will sit prcceisly at 
 the tuelt of Jully, bot if it doe your Lope and my wiffe 
 shall both be acquanted timeously ; and if Burdsbank be 
 inclyned to make any bargaine with me, I wish that he 
 would condescend to come to Edinburgh, ffor I being sole 
 Secretaire, and haveing so great concerne in the publict 
 affairs, I ame airraid that I shall not gett to the north 
 at this time. Houever if I can be use-full to my freinds, 
 I will come if it wer for never so short a time after the 
 Parllat. Your Lope will be pleased to send the tuo 
 inclosed to Sir James Abercrombie of Birkenbog and 
 Bracco, for if my countriemen will be assisting upon this 
 occasion I hope to be capable to doe them service, and ther 
 will nothing be proposed bot what our oun preservation 
 does absolutely require. I will forbear giveing you any 
 furder trouble at present. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most obedient sone and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Two years later, in August 1700, Mr. James Steuart,, Lord 
 Advocate, writing to Carstares about the vacancy in the Session at 
 that time, remarked, ' My Lord Seafield is for all of them [the 
 aspirants] till the Parliament sits, and then for his cousin Forglan 
 when its over.' Forglan was not appointed a Lord of Session 
 until 25th March 1706. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER at Cullen House in Banffshyke 
 
 Whitehall, 7th June i698. 
 My Lord, — It is my deuty to wreat to your Lope at 
 all times, bot I ame affraid to be troublesome to your Lope, 
 especially when they are hardly wourth the postage. We 
 are detained here long beyond expecta°ne by the Earle 
 of Portlands stayeing so long at Paris, ffor both the 
 Chancellour and Secretarie doe inclyne to sie him befor 
 they pairt from this. I hear he is to pairt from Paris 
 
238 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 this day, and is expected in the end of this week. I 
 beleive the Parliat may adjurne yet for eight dayes or so. 
 Your Lope and my Lady will be timeously advertised. 
 Blissed be God, my Lord keeps his health verie well, and 
 hes his maister's favour. He hes bein with the King to- 
 day, who hes told him that he most be President of the 
 Parliament. Your Lope knoues this is aboundance of 
 honour to be sole Secretarie and President of the Parliat 
 at once, bot that it is no less burdine ; tho I trust in God 
 he will discharge the trust with credit to himselfe and all 
 his relations, and to the satisfaction of his maister, and I 
 doubt not he will be acceptable to the nation. Your 
 Lope will be added to the Councill agt. yow come up. I 
 knoue not whither your pension will be then lykewayes 
 obtained or not, bot your being once a member of the 
 Councill intitles yow fairly to it, and it can not miss when 
 it pleases God we returne. All this is to your Lopes selfe, 
 if yow please, and to my Lady, ffor it is not knouen here ; 
 and the Secretarie will acquant your Lope of it himselfe, 
 als soone as it is done. I most beg your Lopes pardon 
 to desire that you will be pleased to acquant my Lady, 
 that the Secretarie will not allowe me to buy the lyneing 
 for hir bed for reasons that he will satisfie hir Lape at 
 meetting. All hir other commissions for other people are 
 obayed, and that hir oun is not lykewayes obtempered is 
 not my fault. I wish your Lope and famely all prosperety 
 and happieness, and ame with all imaginable respect, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull most obedient and humble 
 srt., Ja. Baird. 
 
 The Dutches of Lauderdale haveing lived to a good old 
 age dyed on Sunday morning last at Ham House, befor it 
 was knouen here that she was sick. She hes bein long 
 infirm. 
 
 On the 24th June 1698 Sir James Ogilvie was created Viscount 
 Seafield. 1 
 
 The following instructions to the Earl of Marchmont, Commis- 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvii. p. 14, and The Acts of the 
 Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. pp. 119 and 120. 
 
i6 9 8J 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 230 
 
 sioner to the Parliament, which sat from 19th July to 1st Septem- 
 ber l698j vary considerably from those given in the Marchmont 
 Papers at pp. 160 to 1 64. 
 
 ADDITIONAL!, INSTRUCTIONS TO PATRICK, EARLE 
 OF MARCHMONT, Comissioneu for holding the Seventh 
 Session of Parliat. 
 
 1. You are to pass such acts as shall be proposed in 
 favours of the Presbiterian church government, which 
 shall not be inconsistant with or prejudiciall to our pre- 
 rogative, or the protection granted to Episcopall ministers. 
 
 2. If any of the Episcopall ministers who are at pntt in 
 there churches shall apply to the Parliament, you are 
 allowed to pass ane act admitting them to qualifie them- 
 selves according to law, and to give them our protection. 
 
 3. If the Parliament shall give ane excyse upon all malt 
 as an ffund, wee impower you to pass ane act discharging 
 the three pennies upon the pint of ale, and dureing the 
 continuance of the excyse upon malt, provyding the excyse 
 on malt be not less then two merks on the boll T 
 
 4. If the Parliament shall think fitt to provyde for the 
 disbanded officers untill they be payed of there arrears or 
 otherwayes provyded for, you are to give our assent yrto, 
 the standing forces being first supplyed. 
 
 5. You are to endeavour after the supplies for the fforces 
 are setled to obtain ane act continuing the imposition of 
 tunage upon ships, or to procure some other ffund for the 
 mantaining or imploying the ffrigotts. 
 
 6. You are allowed to pass ane act allowing of a copper 
 coynage in such termes as the Parliament shall think fitt, 
 provyding that the benefite arising y r from be left to our 
 disposall. 
 
 7. If the Parliament shall reakon upon what is resting 
 by the Lord Belhaven and his partners tacksmen of the 
 inland excyse or any part yrof as an effectuall sum, in 
 that case you are to allow the Pariiat to cognosce and 
 determine upon the grounds q r upon they crave ane abate- 
 ment. 
 
 8. You are allowed to pass ane act dispensing with 
 
240 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 the calling out of the militia, for so long time as the Parlia- 
 ment shall give ffunds for mantaining the standing fforces, 
 conforme to the present establishment except in the case 
 of necessity, such as defending against fforreign invasions 
 or suppressing intestine insurrections. 
 
 9. You may consent to ane act for facilitating the 
 entries of wassails by subaltern superiors. 
 
 10. Where the publick good of any of our burghs or 
 seaport towns is heavily burdened with debts, or where 
 y r publick works require it, you are to consent to acts for 
 such moderate excises or other impositions with them- 
 selves as shall be found necessary. 
 
 11. You are to pass ane act, after the ffunds for man- 
 taining our fforces and other publick exigencies are given, 
 for encouraging Mr. Adair, Captain Slezer, and Mr. 
 Cuningham, and giveing them allowances for carrying on 
 there serall works for the good of the publick. 
 
 12. One occasions of difficulty you are to consult with 
 the officers of state or others of interest in the govern- 
 ment or Parliament, or so many of them as you shall by 
 there behaviour in Parliament judge firmly zealous for 
 our interest. 
 
 13. If the Parliament cannot be brought to give the 
 supplys but by passing acts contrair to yo r instructions, 
 you are in that case if no other expedient will serve, to 
 adjourn to such a time as that you may consult us, and 
 have our answire rather than pass such acts. 
 
 14. You are impowered to continue this session of 
 Parliament from the time of its meetting for 
 
 weeks. 
 
 You are to pass such acts as shall be proposed for 
 incourageing of the manufacture of inland salt. 
 
 The letters of Seaneld the President, and others to Carstares, 
 printed in State Papers and Letters, pp. 384 to 430, the Commis- 
 sioner's letters to the King, given in the Marchmont Papers, 
 pp. 157-171, etc., give an account of the proceedings of Parliament, 
 which is supplemented by the following letter to the Duke of 
 Portland in the handwriting of James Baird. Mainly through 
 the diplomatic management of Seaneld the requisite suhsidies 
 
1698] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 241 
 
 were obtained, and the difficult questions arising out of the African 
 company and Darien were for the time smoothed over. 
 
 Double of ane letter sent to the E. of Portl. 
 
 From LORD SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinburgh, 20th August i698. 
 My Lord, — I have presumed from time to time to give 
 your Lope ane account of the way and maner of manadging 
 his Maties affairs here ; and altho I have not hade the 
 honour to receave his Maties commands from your Lope, 
 yet it is a great satisfaction to me that I knowe by the 
 other letters I have receaved, that all mine have come 
 saife to your Lops, hands. I ame verie hopefull that 
 matters are so ordored here that for tuo years after Novem- 
 ber his Matie will not neid to hold a Parliament, ffor the 
 ffounds for full pay to the standing fforces are certaine 
 for that time, and the ffounds of the civil list are lyke- 
 wayes full ; and if his Matie doe shew his displeasur 
 against such as have openly and undecently opposed him 
 at this time, and give some countenance and encourage- 
 ment to those that served him faithfully, ther will be no 
 difficultie in getting the ffounds continoued for a longer 
 time. I shall putt no valoue upon the service that hes 
 bein done his Matie at present, ffor it is my deutie to doe 
 for him what ever is in my pouer ; bot I doe beleive that 
 my enemes most acknouleadge that Ave have bein success- 
 full beyond expectation. I shall not resume what I sayed 
 formerly the arguments that were used against us ; bot 
 this I hope his Matie will be convinced of that we hade 
 verie great difficultie, becaus we wer under the necessety 
 not only of proposeing and resolveing bot of concluding 
 what concerned his service the verie first week. The 
 opposers did not expect that it was possible for us to doe 
 so, and therfor they hade not in readieness the proposalls 
 which afterwards they made ; bot we were then capable 
 to bring them to ane good ishew. Since the granting of 
 the founds nothing considderable hes occurred, bot what 
 concerns the Affrican companie, of which your Lope hes 
 
242 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 a full account by the flyeing packatt. We are doeing what 
 we can to obtaine a subsidie for arrears of the armie, bot 
 the circumstances of the countrey renders this verie diffi- 
 cult, and we have not as yet thought of the ffound. Some 
 propose the pole, and others speak of ane imposition upon 
 peper, both which are new and uncertain founds. We are 
 now endeavoring to bring the session to a cloase, and 
 als soone as it is over I shall returne to London. The 
 only newes we have here at present is that the Earle of 
 Arran 1 is made Duke of Hamiltoun. Our opposite partie 
 is not a litle raised by it. They say he and his freinds 
 will nou have the manadgement. His Matie may doe in 
 this what he pleases, bot whillest I ame imployed I shall 
 endeavor to serve faithfullie. It is lykewayes sayed that 
 he is to come doune to Scotland to consert measurs with 
 his freinds, and is to returne to London about the time 
 that his Mafie comes over, that he may offer a skame of 
 his Maties affairs. I can say this that his Maties servants 
 have served him faithfully and effectually, and that he 
 neids to make no alteration, for in the intervale betuixt 
 this and the nixt session of Parfiat ther remains nothing 
 bot to manadge what is given, which can be done without 
 any difficultie ; and his Matie hes no reason to doubt bot 
 that, when his service requires it, we shall be able to obtaine 
 the continuance of the subsidies or any other thing that 
 can reasonablie be proposed, als well as any others can 
 doe. I have presumed to wreat this only to your Lope 
 and to non other, because you have alwayes bein pleased 
 to countinance me in the station I nou enjoy. I doe 
 think it for his Maties service that the vacant places be all 
 settled at on time, and therby his Matie may have a full 
 veue hou and in what maner he may expect to be served. 
 I have wreatten to Mr. Carstairs fully concerning my 
 Lord Stair. He will give your Lope full information of 
 that matter. I beg pardon for this trouble, and I ame 
 with all sincerity, My Lord, Your Lops most faithfull and 
 most humble ser*. 
 
 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 426, 430, 441. 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SF AFIELD 
 
 243 
 
 Competition for place and position was keen, when aspirants 
 were waiting to fill the shoes of men who were not yet dead. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I shal be extreamly gl[ad to hear of] your 
 Los. weelbeing. I [shall be pleased if you] will mind 
 my Lord Seafeild to gett that commission of Admiralitie 
 subscrived, that it may come north with your Lo. I 
 hope you wil also recomend to him the thing you know 
 of. I shal be glad to hear if the person be recovering, 
 or what circumstances he is in ; and if that fail, my Lord 
 Seafeild may think on some other, because ther is none 
 can know vacancies, or what may be done for a freind 
 better then your son. I shal be glad to have the honor 
 of a lyne from your Los. hands, to know how ye keep yor 
 health, and leaving off further trouble, I am in all dutie, 
 My Lord, Your Los. obedient son and most hu 11 sert., 
 
 Geo. Allardes. 
 
 Allardes, Agust 30, 98. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — All the last week I wes attending your son 
 the Viscount of Seafeild on his journey to London, and 
 parted with him and his Lady and son and all the com- 
 pany in verie good health at Anvick upon Fryday last at 
 twelwe aclock. I have heard that they wer well at Durham 
 on Sabboth last, wher they dyned with the Bishop. James 
 Baird hade a lyne from John Philp this day showeing 
 that they wer all well at Northalartoun, but that Mr. 
 Hay being indisposed wes left at Durham. I wish your 
 Lop. heartilie well, and will not neglect to foreward your 
 newes weeklie, which is the duty of, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 J. Anderson. 
 
 Edr., 22 Septer. 1698. 
 
 In a letter to Carstares of 20th September lu'98, a correspon- 
 dent, who is unnamed, states that Mr. Baird was much disap- 
 pointed that he was not made Keeper of the Signet, and that 
 Seafield was not well pleased with him. 
 
244 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 To THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I cam hir on Thousday at six aclok at 
 night. I was extremly wiered and continous so ; but 
 your granchyld keept out very weall, and is not the 
 wores of his jurany in the lest. I shall be glad to hir of 
 your Lo s saff ariffell at Cullan, for I havie not had any 
 leater from you sinis parting. I hop your Lo. will wret 
 frequantly, and let me have en acompt hou maters goes 
 with yon. I intret you may be carfull of your seleff ; 
 for I ashour you ther is non wishes your Lo. mor happnes 
 and confort, or will be mor willing to contribut therto 
 then hir who is to dath, My Lord, Your most affectionat 
 daghter and humbell servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Whitehall, Sip 28, 1698. 
 
 Next letter continues the story of the settlement of Presbytery 
 in Banffshire. 
 
 To THE RYT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 these 
 
 My Lord, — We with all gratitude resent your Lops, 
 constant inclinations to concurre with our Presbytrie in 
 planting Rathven 1 now long desolate ; and we are resolved 
 whenever occasion is offered to us to make a representation 
 of your liOps. favour and countenance to us to the several 
 judicatories of this church. My Lord, we find the parochin 
 of Rathven averse to receave Mr. Mortimer to be their 
 minister, and if we can prevent it we are loath to doe 
 what we cannot bot apprehend will be grievous both to 
 minister and people ; and therefore we have resolved to 
 take advice of our brethren in the other presbytries of 
 this synod, and if need be of some brethren in the south, 
 how to proceed in this matter, before we can come to a 
 final determination. We judge our selves bound to pay 
 your Lop. the more deference and honour in our pro- 
 cedure in that matter, that the gentlmen of Rathven so 
 litle regard your Lops, advice. My Lord, we have writen 
 a lyne to the Shireff depute of Banff, begging he will put 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Rathven, pp. 30-50. 
 
i6q81 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 2 15 
 
 the lawes in execution against some outed ministers for 
 their scandalous irregularities, and particularly Mr. Arthur 
 Strachan, late at Mortlech. If your Lop. would recom- 
 mend to Castelfield to doe us justice in that matter, as 
 it would be an acceptable service to the countrey, and 
 might prevent sad inconveniencies which may otherwise 
 befall families perhaps of eminent note in the nation, so 
 it would be a new obligation upon, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most faithfull servants in Christ subscribing by 
 
 Mr. Pat Innes, Modr. jyro ire. 
 
 Turreff, Novr. 16, 1698. 
 
 The kirk-session records dealing with the extrusion of Mr. 
 Arthur Strachan, incumbent in Mortlach, by the Privy Council on 
 7 til November 1689, mentions amongst his other offences ' his 
 conversing with rebels and pressing some of the parishioners to 
 go into rebellion under James, Lord Dunfermline.' The Rev. 
 Hugh Innes was ordained Presbyterian minister of Mortlach in 
 September \698, but as late as 1708 Mr. Strachan attempted to 
 intrude. 
 
 Next letter from Viscount Seafield should be read along with 
 the Earl of Argyll's letter to Carstares on 27th September 1698. 
 
 COPPY of ane LETTER sent to THE E. OF PORTLAND 
 anent COLLONEL HAMILTONS REGT etc. 
 
 Whitehal, Septr. 30, 1698. 
 
 My Lord, — I have dispatched for Scotland his Majesties 
 letter to the Councel ordering subsistance to Collonel 
 Hamiltons regement. I have sent to Mr. Pringle a skeam 
 for altering and reforming the former establishment, that 
 your Lo. may consider it, and therafter his Majestie may 
 choise what is most for his service, either to reform the 
 other regements or break Collonel Hamiltons. I belive 
 Coll. Fergusons would have been more acceptable to the 
 countrey. Houever I shal make the best of it in so far 
 as I have interest. I belive when your Lo. returns Mr. 
 Carstairs will communicat to you what wee propose to 
 be done, bot it is with al submission. I am verie glaid 
 to find our proceedings in Parliamen so much noticed 
 
246 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 and aplauded by the servants and wealwishers of his 
 Majesties goverment hier, and even Duke Hamilton and 
 the Earle Orkney object nothing, and I think his Majestie 
 was neaver so much master of his affairs in Scotland as he 
 is at present. Ther is also great unanimitie amongst 
 almost al his Majesties servants, and I pairted with them 
 and almost with al the members of Parlament in good 
 terms. Its my hearts satisfaction that I have been 
 capable at this time to signifie something to my master. 
 I long for his happy return to us, and I shal ever be 
 sensible that it is my diutie to be, My Lord, Your Lo. . . . 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HOLL THE EARLE OFF FFINLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 Kincorth, the H off October 1698. 
 
 My Lord, — . . . I vould vishe yr Lo. v* the first con- 
 venianse vreit seriuslie to yr son and to his La. to keepe 
 him in mynde that the vaccansie in the sessione bee 
 filled vpe bee fforgland. Yr hes been graitt expectatione 
 he shuld bee the man, and sertanlie vho ever bee the 
 pretenders ffor it, it is much yr sons consernment in creideit 
 and interest he bee prefered ; qrffor I doubt not bot yr 
 Lo. vill be everie exprese in this, and lay it on yr son as 
 yr Lop and all his ffreinds desayr. So visheing yr Lo. 
 and all yrs much happines, I still am, Yr Lo s affectionat 
 and huimble servant, Wil Dunbar. 
 
 Let mee heare from yr Lo. bee this bearrer or v t yr 
 first convenianse. 
 
 From Viscount Seafield's eldest son James to his grandfather 
 the Earl of Findlater : — ■ 
 
 Whithall, Now. 5/ 1698. 
 
 My Lord, — I received yo rs , and I am extreamly glad to 
 find yo r LordP is in good health. I thank you for yo r good 
 advice, and I shall endeavour to make a good use of it. 
 Altho I have the pleasant enjoyment of my parents con- 
 versation, and London affording variety of devertisments, 
 yet I am not perfectly happy in yo r absence. I beg yo r 
 
i6 9 8) FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELU 
 
 247 
 
 LordP sometimes to favour me with a line, w ch will be a 
 great confort to, My Lord, Yo r LordP 8 affectionat grand- 
 child, Ja. Ogtlvie. 
 
 l6. ( )8 was one of King- William's bad years in Scotland. The 
 letters of 9th and 15th November and 6th December all refer to 
 the shortage of the crop that year. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOll THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 9th Mover i69S. 
 My Lord, — I came to this place upon Mundayes night, 
 and did carefully send off your Lops, letters to my Lord 
 Seafeild, and all the other letters I hade for him. Ther 
 are severall letters from him or those about him in your 
 Lops, pacquet, tho ther be non from him to your Lops, 
 selfe. Your Lope, will sie by the inclosed list what 
 persones are putt off the Councill, and who are ther suc- 
 cessors. This showes my Lords pouer heir, and it will 
 convince those with you that he hes influence with his 
 maister. The Councill satt yisterday, and they did litle, 
 only they have discharged exporta°ne of wictuall fourth 
 of this kingdome, and have allowed importatione ; bot all 
 other nations have discharged export als well as this. My 
 faither and mother in law gives your Lope, ther most 
 humble deutie, as doeth my wiffe, who admitted yor 
 Lopes, excuise sent with me, and made me welcome. I 
 ame in all deuty, My Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull and 
 most humble servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 The two next letters seem to refer to a marriage between Lady 
 Marie Ogilvie and a son of Burdsbank. 
 
 (For THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER thes 
 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of yours by Durn, and 
 beggs your pardon for this second trouble, and considering 
 some interweening accidentall contingencies connected, 
 I wes exspecting no less from your Lop. then qt wes 
 written. As I hawe heard so I am wery sensible of your 
 faworable expressions as to me, and may say your Lop. 
 hes no wther reason from any in qui I am concerned. 
 And as to that profligat sone of myn (so termed by your 
 
248 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 Lop.) as haweing dishonoured your familie, I nor any of 
 my[n] wer not in the knowled[ge to say nay] to any 
 such thing, and had I been spoke to or consulted someq]t, 
 mil[dnes] might hawe terminat [the mat]ter for it wes 
 needles ... to wrestle against ane run[nin]g stream. 
 Youthead for the [most p]airt is attended wt folye, bot 
 [frjeindly and forseeing men, untill weill grounded, will 
 not allways giwe faith to wulgar reports, and will try 
 befor they trust. As to qt your LoP wreits anent my 
 interest, I sail be spairing on that by wreit, and resolwes 
 to perform my promise both to your LoP. and to your 
 sone the Wiscount off Seafeild, and qrewer my lott sail fall 
 and in all places qll aliwe, I sail still be to all your familye, 
 and particularly to your LoP. as becometh, My Lord, 
 Your Los. wery faithfull and most humble serwant, 
 
 Geo. Leslye. 
 
 Burdsbank. Nov: 12 : — 98: 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I was wery glad this day when I had your 
 leter, but am sory that you shoud have so mortifieng a 
 sight in the church as Burgbanks famaly. I am shour 
 the seeing of them will be mor unesy nou, when your 
 daghter is in shuch a famaly. I think she is as un[ha]ppy 
 being maried to so debas [a m]an as in hir formar 
 misfortun, save the ofens it gave to almighty God. I 
 dou not love to wret much on this subgek, sins the 
 thoghts of it will be unplesant to your Lo. It is most 
 lementabell the condison of the north of Scotland as your 
 Lo. gives acompt of it. Lord almighty help it and send 
 relieff to the pour. My husband sayes he hath not geten 
 a full accompt of what conserens Kampcarens affears, but 
 will most willingly joyn with Grant and Boyn for his 
 asistans, and if ther war clirnes wold go a gret lenth for 
 the famaly. . . . — My Lord, Your most obedent daghter 
 and humbell serv[an]t, Anna Sea[fiel]d. 
 
 Whitehall, Nov: 18, 1698. 
 
 Parliament on 30th August l6()8 imposed a poll-tax to defray 
 the arrears of pay due to the Scots army and navy. Sir William 
 
1698] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 249 
 
 Dunbar of Durn, who refers in next letter to the effect of that tax 
 on himself and his family, had on 29th January that year been 
 made a baronet, no doubt through the influence of his son-in-law. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HoiTT, THE EARLE OFF FFIN LATER 
 thes to be comunicatt to the vither commissionars att Cullen 
 
 Durn, the 29t off Nom' i698. 
 My Lord, — Upon yr ffirst day apointed ffor all pollabill 
 persons to compeere and give vp themselves to yr Lo. 
 and the vither commissionars, I vas in Murray in the 
 parischin off Dyk, qr I heave som interest according to 
 my valuatione in that shy re and parishes ; and I corn- 
 peered beeffoir the commissionars, and yr gave vpe myself 
 ffor my interest in this shyre off Bamff and Murray in the 
 highest capacitie anie gentillman is pollabille, ffor an 
 thousand piids waluatione for Murray and Bamff shyres, 
 so that I heave givein yr Lo. this accompt nou att yr 
 second dyet, and desayres yr Lo. may cauis so to record 
 it, that I may not bee rekned as thes yt neglects to give 
 obedianse to the act off Parliment ; and as ffor my son 
 James, he is so unveill off an boyll yt he is not eable to 
 ryde or go the lenth off Cullen ffor attending yr meetting, 
 tho he ver pollabille conforme to the act of Parliment as 
 he is not ; ffor he is in no valuatione off rent, bot my self 
 in all wee heave, and ffor an stok off ffree munnie he hes 
 none, and onlie hes som moveabills vpon an possessione 
 qfk I heave sett him, qrin he is not layable ffor poill ; and 
 my son William is in familia, and hes no stok as yit, not 
 heaving goit his patrimonie as yit ffrom mee. This I 
 thought mt to acquant yr Lo. and the vither commis- 
 tionars off ffor yr infformatione and my excuise, and is all 
 att present ffrom Yr Lo s affectionat ffreind and servant, 
 
 Wil. Dunbar. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Though my Lady hes writt to yo r Lop this 
 night, I hope yo r Lop. will pardon me to acquaint you 
 that his Maty is arrived in England this day about ten 
 acloack at Saint Margarets. He lyes at Canterburrie, and 
 
250 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 
 
 will be tomorrow's night at Kensingtone. Y r are 60 miles 
 betwixt this and Margarets. His presence is much wanted 
 here, for the Partiat sitts downe on Tuesday next, and he 
 hes very litle time to prepare things for it and secure 
 his friends; for this is a new Partiat, and have not sitten 
 to doe any busines as yet, but have adjourned three 
 sefall times, which is as often as they can doe by law, 
 untill they meett. The Speaker is not as yet choisen, which 
 will be the first thing that will be done after the Kings 
 speech. Much depends upon him, and they are endeav- 
 ouring to secure one whom they find most for the Kings 
 interest. There came no more news by the express from 
 the King on his arrivall ; but when any thing occurrs 
 worth yo r LoP s noticeing, I hope your Lop will allow me 
 to acquaint you of it. I pray yo r Lop all imaginable 
 prosperity and happines, which you shall constantly have 
 of, My Lord, Your LoP s most dutifull and obedt servant, 
 
 Jo. Philp. 
 
 Whitehall, 3 Deer. 1698. 
 
 The English Parliament met on 6th December, and chose Sir 
 Thomas Littleton, who was in the King's interest, Speaker. 
 Parliament, however, steadily refused to support the size of 
 standing army asked by William. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT H^ THE EARLE OFF FF1NLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 Burn, the M off Debr. i698. 
 
 My Lord, — Ther is an blobe grouing vpon the chyld 
 Betties 1 eye qtk affrights my vyff verie much. The chyld 
 does not compleane off anie pain bee it, bot it is grouing 
 ffarder in vpon her eye ; yrffor thes serve again to acquant 
 yr Lo. that you may send and see it, and also to send an 
 horse ffor Mr. Smith att ffocobus, 2 yt he may give his 
 opinion off it, qtk is all in heast ffrom Yr Lo s affectionat 
 and humble servant, Wil Dunbar. 
 
 My vyff is restlese and much trubled ; yrffor f eall not in 
 heast to send ffor Mr. Smith, and on heir to see it. 
 
 1 Lady Elizabeth Ogilvie, afterwards Countess of Lauderdale. 
 
 2 Fochabers. 
 
C698] FIRST EARL OF SKAFIKLI) 
 
 251 
 
 For THE EARL OF FIND LATER 
 
 My Lord, — ... In caice yo r LoP s letters be mis- 
 carried yo r LoP may cause change the Banff post, and 
 setle a carefull and diligent man, who may take care of 
 yo r LoP s letters, for I am sure they come safe enough to 
 Abd n , and the fault lyes only in the Banff post. I wrott 
 to yo r LoP formerly of the Kings arrivall, and the number 
 of fforces to be keept up here and in Ireland, and since 
 that y r hes nothing fallen out off any news, but that my 
 Lord Eglintone is married on a woman about 84 years 
 of age. She hes 500 lib. st. of joynture. They are gone 
 to the countrey to live. Her last husbands name was 
 Kea ane English squeir. I wrott also to yo r LoP of the 
 death of Mrs. Craik, which very much troubled both yo r 
 sone and daur and all the ffamily. They were att con- 
 siderabl charges on her, both when she lay sick and when 
 she was burried. I beg yo r LoP s pardon for this long 
 letter, and I ask libertie to subscrive my self in all dutie, 
 My Lord, Your LoP s most humble most dutifull and obedient 
 serv*, John Philp. 
 
 Whitehall, 22d Decembr. 1G98. 
 
 Yo r LoP hes a very good agent of my Lady for what 
 you recommend to my Lord. I beleeve something will 
 be done for yo r LoP. I pray yo r LoP a happie and good 
 new year. 
 
 Lord Eglintoun married on 8th December 1698, as his third wife, 
 Catherine Lady Kaye, daughter of Sir William St. Quintin of 
 Harpham, Yorkshire. He was her fourth husband. She died on 
 6th August 1700. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 27th Decern 1 ' 1698. 
 My Lord, — I have so much to doe, being oblidged to 
 constant attendance, that I cannot writt so often as were 
 necessary ; and I should not had time to have written 
 this night had not his Matie gone to Windsor, where he 
 is to be all this week. As yet his Matie hes had time to 
 doe nothing save only to receave ane accott. of our pro- 
 
252 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 
 
 ceedings in Pariiat, with which he is very well satisfied. 
 I am in hopes by the copie of the letter yo r LoP hes sent 
 me that Brecco will act as my ffriend in my absence, and 
 if he doe I am sure he will find his accompt in it. I am 
 very desireous to have his sister's debt which doth affect 
 the lands off Burdsbank, which with what is owing to 
 myself and what is assigned me by Durne and deducing 
 the few dewties will arise to the true value. But however, 
 if Burdsbank deal with me and dispone in corroberatione, 
 I would give him what pryce can reasonably be demanded. 
 If Brecco leave these debts in my hands, he needs be no 
 loser as to his security of Downe, for he may retain as 
 much of the pryce of Downe in his own hands, and secure 
 it lyable to his own warrandice. As for Kempcairne I 
 shall be very ready to serve him by advanceing that money 
 that is desyred, but I would gladly know how it is to be 
 disposed off, and what security I am to have for it. I 
 perceave he hes been injured by Tanachie ; 1 but if 
 Tanachie should be brought to take what is justly owing 
 him, I would gladly know if Kempcairne could preserve 
 his estates ; and I assure yo r LoP nothing could perswade 
 me to engage in it, if it were not to doe them service. 
 As for the lands of Hallyairds, they ly contiguous to ffor- 
 dyce, and I would be very well satisfied to have them, but 
 I leave it to yo r LoP and my ffriends to make a finall 
 aggreement for it without giving me any further trouble. 
 I desyre that William Lorimer would give me accompt of 
 the condition of my lands and the cropt, how it proves, 
 and what he thinks may be payed, and whether it shall be 
 sold at home or att Edinburgh, and what can be gott for 
 it at home when sold in parcells. Yo r LoP may let Will. 
 Thomsone know that I have bought some seeds and 
 trees, which I will send home with the first oportunitie. 
 I desyre that the dyck in the fflower garden may be built 
 in the spring, and that in the most secure way can be 
 contrived ; and I desyre allso that Will. Thomsone may 
 send me a plan of the whole garden orchyaird and litle 
 
 1 Patrick Steuart. 
 
t6g8] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 258 
 
 park ; and though yo r LoP will not take so much time 
 perhaps as to writt on all oceasiones, yet Castlefield or 
 Will. Lorimer may writte to me every week. This is all 
 I have time to writt att present. — I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lops, most obedient sone and most humble servant, 
 
 Si AFIELD. 
 
 Burdsbank near Cullen House was next year acquired by Sea- 
 field, and Doune (Macduff) near Banff' was about tbe same time 
 acquired by Braco. In future letters further reference is made 
 to the laying out and furnishing with plants from England of the 
 gardens of Cullen House. 
 
 The following letter may afford a clue to the discovery of the 
 lost poll lists of Banffshire and of other shires of Scotland. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE FFIND- 
 LATER at Cullen House in Banffshyre ffree 
 
 Edr;, 29th Dev. i698. 
 
 My Lord, — My faither in law hes spoake to the Lords 
 of the Thearie and S r Thomas Moncreiffe, clerk of Excheqr, 
 anent the pole lists, and they will be favourable till they 
 can be conveniently sent, bot no time would be lost. 
 My Lord Seafeild tooke with him, and hes gotten remitted 
 to him since he went to London ijOOO lib. sterling ; and 
 the laird of Grant hes gotten 500 lib. sterling by his Lops, 
 ordore, and he is expecting draughts from London for 
 more money, so that he desired me to acquant your Lop. 
 that he could ansre no draughts from the north without 
 the Secretaries speciall order upon no account qtsoever. 
 Ther is no newes at present. I hade a letter yisternight 
 from my Lord. I beleive I shall have some thing shortly 
 of importance about our alterations of state. — I ame, My 
 Lord, Your Lopes, most faithfull and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FIND LATER 
 
 My Lord, — I am glad to knou that your Lop. is in 
 good halth, and I render you maney thanks for sending 
 me my letter, but our Dumbarton busines is turned to 
 
254 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 nought ; but I would not a thought, but he might a don 
 me kyndnes at this tym. All that I shall say, I hop to 
 make for a lyfe. I would heaue your Lop. wreat to my 
 brother for to get sum other pleace to me, althou that is 
 f eled ; for I do not care so much for the want of the pleace 
 as for the talk of the country. It is much talkt of, sieing 
 that he hath but uan brother, that he negleks me and 
 prefers others, which I ashour your Lop. I would not do 
 so to him, if it lay in my pour to serue him. I heaue sent 
 your Lop. the exact duble of my brothers letter, so hoping 
 that your Lop. woll mynd my brothe, I continou, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, affectionat son and most humble seruant, 
 
 Pat. Ogilvie, 
 
 Carenbulge, Jan. 8, 1699. 
 
 My wife giues the offer of hir humble douty to your 
 Lop. and so doth your granchyld, I pray your Lop. send 
 my brothers letter to him woth the furst occasion that 
 ye wreat to him, and when the ansuer corns bak I shall 
 pay the bearer that corns to me woth it. 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie got place on 2nd December 1701. 
 
 For THE EARL OF F1NDLATER 
 
 London, Janr. i7, i69|. 
 My Dear Lord, — I do return yow my most hearty 
 thanks for yo r keynd letter in wishing me joy in my mariage. 
 I thank God I find my self very happie by a most kynd 
 wife, and am placed w* her in one of the pleasantest places 
 in England ; and in makeing of it I did every thing by 
 the advice and consent of my dear and keynd nephew yo r 
 sone. Therfore ye may conclud it is good. I entreate yo r 
 Lop. will continue a corespondence with me, and lett 
 me hear some times from you, for I do assure you non 
 wishes you and yors more happieness then, My dear Lord, 
 Yo r most affec 1 brother and humble servant, 
 
 Eglintoun. 
 
 I pray give my most humble service to my nephew, my 
 Lord Desford, and all the rest of yo r childeren. 
 
1699] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 27th Jar//. 1699. 
 
 My Lord, — We are everie minutt expecting a flyeing 
 pacquet with the account of the disposall of the vacant 
 places. My Lord Seafeild was with the King upon Sattur- 
 day last, and, as John Philp in his yisterdayes letter in- 
 formes me, hes procured my Lord Carmichall to be his 
 conjunt. My Lord Justice Clerk 1 is Thear deputt, and S r 
 John Maxwell 2 is Justice Clerk. I know not as yet who 
 supplies the Session vacancie. My Lord hes gott 1000 lib. 
 ster. to himselfe for his good services, and hes brought 
 all this about, and I thank God is in exterordinary favour 
 and esteem with his maister. I shall give your Lope, ane 
 furder account pr nixt ; bot this in the mean time is thought 
 due from, My Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull, most 
 humble and most obedient servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 This and the four next letters on the filling up of vacant places 
 in the Scots government may be compared with the letters in 
 Carstares Slate Papers and Letters, pp. 457 to 464. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 3i Jan. 1699. 
 My Lord, — The King has given a demonstratione of 
 gratitude this night to those who served him faithfully 
 the last session of Parliat., and bestowed places pensions 
 and honours on them, and that by my Lords moyon and 
 recommenda°ne. He saw there behoved to be a conjunct 
 Secretary, so he made choise off Lord Carmichael. He is 
 ane easy man, and I hope they will aggree well together. 
 Earle of Lautherdale is made Generall of the Mint, E. 
 Loudoun Extraordinary Lord of Session, Mr. ffrancis 
 Montgomrie Lord off Thesaurie, E. of Marr Governour off 
 Stirline Castle, Kellburne made a Lord, pensions given to 
 Annandale, to the President of the Session, and to Philip- 
 haugh, and 1000 lib. to my Lord himself. The person to 
 be Thesaurer Depute is aggreed upon betwixt the King 
 
 1 Adam Cockburn of Ormiston. 
 
 2 The laird of Pollok. 
 
250 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 and my Lord. His comission will be sent downe in a 
 short time, but is not yet extended. Yo r LoP will see by 
 the persones who are setled as above, being my Lords 
 ffriends, that it is done by his moyon and recommendatione, 
 and it is ane evident prooff off the Kings affectione to 
 him when he effectuates such things. It gives a great 
 stroak to all our enemies. There came very bad news 
 this day off the Prince off Bavaria's death. It will putt a 
 great altera°ne in fforreign affairs, which yo r LoP under- 
 stands better then I can express, and there will be great 
 debates for the succession of Spain. My Lord and all the 
 family are very well, blessed be God, and I earnestly 
 pray continuance off it, and prosperity to yo r LoP and 
 them. There are serall other things done besides what 
 I have written, but they are not worthy off yo r Lop s 
 trouble. I am afraid I have been too tedious allreadie to 
 yo r LoP. I only beg leave to wish yo r LoP all health and 
 happines, and subscryve myself, My Lord, Your LoP s 
 most dutifull most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 John Philp. 
 
 I had the honour off a letter from yo r LoP, and shall not 
 fail to obey yo r commands. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FFINLATUR 
 
 My Lord, — I have bein over long of wreting to you, 
 but I haven litell to wret med it. No dout your Lo. hath 
 hird that my Lord Carmichall is congunk Secretary, and 
 of all the other chayneses. I should be glead to kno hou 
 all is talked of with you. I shall be myndfull of your Lo. 
 pension, but your son is over modast in what conserns 
 his oun relations much agenst my inclations. Your Lo. 
 shall ever fynd that I am in all duty as becumeth, My 
 Lord, Your most affectionat and obidant daghter and 
 humbell servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Whithall. Feb. ij, 1699. 
 
 Forgland is mead Keepr of the Signat under my Lord, 
 for ther culd be no other thing dun for him, but I hop 
 ther will be in tym cuming. 
 
1699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 257 
 
 Robert Watson, 1 Writer to the Signet, was at the s;une time eon- 
 joined as Deputy Keeper of the Signet under Lord Carmiehael. 
 
 To E. FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, Febry. 9th, i699. 
 My Lord, — I have nothing to give your Lo d P an ace* 
 of since my last, except of what you have had from other 
 hands, that is that my L d Carmiehael is my conjunct, 
 which was my own desire, and all the other vaccancies are 
 fdled to our satisfaction. I long to hear what is done 
 with Burdsbank and Hayards, and how much money is 
 desired to be sent north against the term. I will answer 
 Braccos letter as soon as I can. I believe that he will 
 do me friendship, and he shall have no reason to doubt of 
 mine. I intreat your L d P will send forward the inclosed 
 to Forglen as soon as it comes to yo r hands. We are all 
 well here, and shall be glad to hear of the continuance of 
 yo r L d P s health. My wife is w 1 child, and so we are like 
 to have a natural born English subject. — I am, My Lord, 
 Your L d P s most obedient son and most humble servant, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Lord Carmiehael, who afterwards became Earl of Hyndford, 
 has left a short account ' 2 of his associate Seafield. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER 
 
 Edr., \Bthffebry i699. 
 My Lord, — . ... I ame glaid your Lope is bringing 
 Burdsbank my Lords way, bot truely he payes for it by 
 my Lord Boyns offer. Please to acquant William Thomson 
 that his tries and other matterialls for his garden, both 
 from London and Mr. Sutherland are shipped on board 
 my Lord Boynes shipe for Portsoy, and I beleive she 
 will be ther befor this come to your Lops, hands, and his 
 box with seids goes off from this to day by land with the 
 post to Banffe. As he ordored, I have inclosed a not 
 
 1 Fountainhall's Chronological Notes, p. 288. 
 
 2 Carstares State Papers and Letters, p. 94. 
 
258 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 under on of the mariners of the shipes hands for the tries 
 to the man who sent them to the Ellie to him, for he 
 was gone ther befor we could gett them out of Lawes 
 skiper, who brought them from London. — I ame, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most faithfull and most obedient humble 
 servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 Next letter to the Earl of Findlater continues the story of the 
 planting of Rathven parish. It came to nothing, Mr. Shanks being 
 translated to Upper Banchory. 1 
 
 My Lord, — As we judge our selves obliedged upon all 
 occasions to signify the gratefull resentments we have of 
 your Lops favour, in allowing us your concurrence and 
 countenance in all the attempts we have made hitherto 
 in the planting of Rathven, so we judge it our duety to 
 acquaint your Lop with all the steps of our motions in 
 that affair. Though our endeavours hath heretofore bein 
 fruitlesse and ineffectual, yet we must not be discouraged, 
 bot go on untill the Lord shall be pleased to give us suc- 
 cesse ; and therefore we have cast our eyes upon a very 
 reverend and worthy brother, Mr. Martine Shanks, minister 
 at Newhills in the presbytrie of Abd., to be transported 
 from Newhills to Rathven. We are assured that his 
 singulare learning and skill in controversie, the sweetnesse 
 and obliedgingnesse of his natural temper, his industry 
 and painfulnesse in his ministry, and many other qualifica- 
 tions will render him very acceptable to your Lop and 
 very fit for that post, if he can be obtained. Your Lops 
 cordial concurrence with us in this matter will certainly 
 facilitate our work, and have great influence both upon 
 the presbytrie of Abd. and the minister himself to promote 
 the transportation, whereby your Lop will have a new 
 occasion of testifying your zeal for Gods glory and the 
 good of that desolate parochin, and put a new obligation 
 upon them who by their moderator subscribe as becomes, 
 My Lord, Your Lops most humble and most obedient 
 devoted servants, Will. Johnston, modr 
 
 Turreff, Febr. 16, 1699. 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Church and Churchyard of Rathven, pp. 33, 34. 
 
i6i)i)'\ 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 259 
 
 To WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamuerlain ok Viscount Seafield 
 
 Whitehall, Febry '28, i699. 
 1 know you serve me faithfully, and therl'or you shall 
 want no encouragement. You must not think of liveing 
 out of the house, at least for some time ; but that you 
 may have a possession to go to, you shall have the tack 
 of the lands of Dytach when he removes. I have ordered 
 John Anderson to remitt money for the payment of the 
 lands of Hawyards, and you may sett these lands to the 
 best advantage. I do not limit nor restrict you, but I 
 wish that the conversion may be at eight merks, since 
 my victual of Fordice is converted at that rate. However 
 you must do in this as my friends advise you. I know 
 that if I get the lands of Burdsbank I must make a slump 
 bargain, and must pay dear. However I will not grudge 
 it, if I be well secured and have no further trouble, and 
 in this also I must trust my friends. Money shall be 
 ordered for R l Ogilvie and likewise for Bailie Ogilvie. It 
 is but reasonable that Ro l should raise it, since it may be 
 useful to his father. As for the price of my meal I do not 
 limit, nor is it possible for me at this distance to sett a 
 price. I know you will do for me as well as if I was 
 present my self, and what ever can be got either of bear of 
 meal out over what maintains the family largely must 
 be sold. Continou to writ to me from time to time of 
 every thing that occurrs in my affairs. This is all from 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 I do allow of the payment of my fathers pole. 
 
 William Lorimer, cousin of John Philp, for long managed the 
 Seafield estates in Banffshire. 
 
 Robert Ogilvie was younger son of Alexander Ogilvie of Kemp- 
 cairn. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FFINLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I was very glad to kno by your last that 
 your LoP was in no wors halth then you use to be. I dou 
 acknolig my seleff to be in the wrong that I dou not wrel 
 
260 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 every week to you, but I have so litell to say, and am 
 sumtyms so seek that I can not wret. I wold have bein 
 very glad that your Lo. had bein partiklurly mynded, 
 when the vackenses was filed ; but your son sad it was 
 imposabell for him to dou otherwayes then he did. My 
 Lord Carmichall is nou cum to atend as Secretary. I hop 
 that your son and he will agrie very weall. At lest both 
 hath very firm intentions to dou so for the present. 
 Carmichall dous owe his being Secretary in a gret degrie 
 to your son. I resolwe to cas prepos sumthing to be got 
 for your Lo. to my Lord Carmichall, for it is properest 
 for him to ask it for you. Beseds your son is over modast 
 on that poynt. But what ever the King dou, your Lo. 
 may be still ashoured not to want any thing that is neseser, 
 so long as your son hath any estet. And for my shear I 
 shall still think it my gret happniss, and mack it my 
 constante indeiver to aprove my seleff, My Lord, Your 
 most obident daghter and humbell servant, 
 
 Anna Se afield. 
 
 Whithall, Mar. ij. 1699. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER these are 
 
 My Lord, — We have sent two notorius rogues guiltie of 
 many crimes, who are by the court are ordained to be cerryd 
 to Cullen, and yr to be putt to death upon Munday 17 
 current conform to the sentance of court sent. We know 
 your Lop is such a friend to justice that ye will recomend 
 to the magistrats of the place to putt the sentance to 
 execu°n, and we remain, My Lord, Your Lordships most 
 humble servants, A. Duff, I.P.C. 
 
 Keith, April 14, 1699. 
 
 The court referred to by Braco was the Justiciary of the High- 
 lands, which on account of the bad times and the disbandment of 
 the greater part of the army had to deal with many loose men. 
 The letters of 20th and 26th April refer to similar matters. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FiNDLATER 
 
 Edr., i9th Aprill i699. 
 My Lord, — I was glaid to find by a letter of [your] Lops. 
 
r699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 261 
 
 to my faither in law that yow was satisfied with the 
 accounts I hade given of the shyres affairs. The letters 
 that came in that pacquet were cairefully sent off yister- 
 night. My faither in law went to Glasgowe upon Munday 
 by ordor of the Lords of Justiciarie to waite upon S r John 
 Maxwell, Lord Justice Clerk, ther and at Paisley to take 
 precognition anent the witches in the west ; and if ther be 
 found cause the Lords of Justiciarie will all goe ther in May 
 to judge them. Your Lope will be pleased to receave the 
 inclosed letters from London, that came by the yisterdayes 
 pacquet. My Lord Seafeild hes ordored me to buy tuo 
 peices of wine for him to waite his doune comeing, in 
 caice he be ordored to Scotland this summar as he appre- 
 hends he may ; and if he doe not come he sayes that he 
 will send for it. He wreats lykewayes that my Lady will 
 come off befor him in the beginning of the nixt moneth. 
 
 1 gave your Lope ane account, that I was useing my 
 endeavors to folio we Bracco's directions in procureing 
 ane ease to the shyre of Banff of ther proportione of the 
 taxt roll, and I have hade so good success therin, that I 
 have procured the on halfe cheaper then it was befor, and 
 conforme to Bracco's oun list, as your Lope will perceave 
 by the inclosed double of the deit of proportione, which I 
 have caused wreat out for your Lopes and the commis- 
 sioners satisfaction. This doeth stand above seven dollars 
 besides incident chairges. I leave it to your Lope to 
 make representa°ne of it to the commissioners, and Bracco 
 who imployed me will be assisting to your Lope in it. 
 The shyre of Banff wes formerly 4 s., and now they are only 
 
 2 s. I went about amongst all the commissioners and 
 informed them of the low circumstances the shyre of Banff 
 was in, and they have bein als favourable as could have 
 bein expected. I hope Thomas Gregorie will be. come off 
 befor this time. I wish him a fair wind, ffor the weather 
 beginns to be warme. I wish your Lope all happieness, 
 and ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most deutief[ull] most 
 humble and most obedient servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 I have inclosed the above mentioned letters from London 
 for your Lope and my Lord Boyne in the newes letters by 
 
262 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 the ordinarie post, because I thought they would be most 
 secure that way. 
 
 For THE LAIRD OF BRACO 
 
 Abdn., 20 Apr. 1699. 
 
 Sir, — I have according as I told you sent my man 
 south, and I am pers waded he '1 return in tyme. Since you 
 are to be so near our meeting, I would have yow be very 
 soon there, since we may be conserting methods before 
 the court sit down. I have written as I told you to the 
 comissioners. I know you have great influence upon 
 them, and I hope you have told them of the necessity of 
 keeping the court. There has been strong dealings here 
 with me to alter your order as to Peter Gordown, but I 
 know better things. I have written to the Shiref deput 
 that I doubt not of your calling for Riach and M c kphersone 1 
 from Bamfe. If you have not done it, pray doe it, and 
 desire particulare care to be hade of them. I have a great 
 many things to tell you of them, and of young Riach, 
 but I shall forbear till meeting, which is all from, Sir, Your 
 most humble servant, Forbes. 
 
 James Macpherson was hanged in Banff on 17th November 
 1700. William, twelfth Lord Forbes, was at this time a member 
 of a committee to consider the best means of securing the peace 
 of the Highlands, and was active in repressing lawlessness. 2 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFFINLATOR 
 
 Huntingtower, 26 Aprile 1699. 
 My Lord, — The Commissioners of Justitiarie of the 
 midle and south districts have laid it upon me to acquaint 
 the Commissioners of the northern district to desyre a 
 meeting with them att fforfar the tuentie fourth of May 
 nixt. Your Lo. being conveener of the said district, I 
 desyre you will be pleased to acquaint them to meet with 
 
 1 Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. iii. pp. 175- 191, and Dr. Cramond's 
 Annals of Banff, New Spalding Club, vol. i. pp. 99-113. 
 
 2 Historical Papers (1699- 1750), New Spalding Club, pp. xviii, xix, and 1-3, 
 etc. 
 
1699] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 2G3 
 
 us at that tyme and place, for the more effectuall prose- 
 cuting the designe of the commissione, which is the more 
 needfull att this tyme, because of the many louse men 
 that are presentlie in the Highlands and the great scarcitie, 
 soe that ther is more appearance of theveing now then 
 formerlie. If your Lo. can be att fforffar, I shall be glad 
 to waitt on you, who am, My Lord, Your affectionat 
 cousin and most humble servant, Tullibardine. 
 
 Both Tullibardine and Findlater were third in descent from 
 Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, who died in 1631. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 My Lord, — I wes heartily glade to heare by yo[ur] last 
 lers that you wes in good health. I wish your Lo. allwayes 
 happy. My Lady takes journey for Scotland the 15th of 
 the ensueing moneth in company with the President and 
 Advocat, 1 who are heir about the Affrican company. My 
 Lord talks of sending down his son too, tho he be not fully 
 resolved as yet, becaus he begins to neglect his Latine by 
 reason of the many divertisements he meets with heir. 
 Your Lo s line to Carmichell wes very acceptable, and I 
 beleive the bussieness is as good as done ; for ther is ane 
 entire friendship betuixt him and my Lord your son, who 
 wes keept back hitherto from obtaineing the thing himself 
 meerly out of modesty. If the K. go over to Holland 
 this year your Lo. will see the Secretary at Cullen — if 
 otherwise, not. Tho I be not certain if your Lo. allow me 
 the honour to write to you, yet I have taken the boldness, 
 and I hope your Lo. will pardon ye presumption of, My 
 Lord, Your Lo. most humble and obedient sert., 
 
 Wil. Blake. 
 
 Whitehall, Ap. 27, '99. 
 
 William Blake was tutor to Seafield's son James. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 1st May 1699. 
 My Lord, — The victuall is come saiff here and in 
 
 1 See Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 474-477. 
 
264 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 good condition, and is livering. I shall gett a certificat 
 or ordor for getting up W m Lorimers bond. Your son, 
 my Lord Secretary, is verie well and all the familie. My 
 Lady and the Master is expected here shortlie, and my 
 Lord soon therefter, if the King goe over. The Earle of 
 Portland upon some considera°ns is to retire from court, 
 but hes the Kings favour. He wes my Lords good friend, 
 yet I hope my Lord hes so much of his masters favour as 
 non shall be able to skaith him. I have bein in the west 
 countrey precognosceing witneses agt witches, I think to 
 little purpose. James Baird is up at Tillibodie. Our 
 Councill sitts on Thursday. If any thing worthie of your 
 Lops notice occurre ye shall be acquainted of it by James 
 Baird or, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most 
 obedient servant, Jo. Anderson. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 2d May [699. 
 My Lord, — I am very glade to see yo r Lops, affair have 
 so good success. If yo r letter had not been so late a 
 comeing to my Lord Carmichaell, and his moneth of waiting 
 nigh expyred, yo r LoP s gift had passed last moneth ; but 
 the beginning of his next moneth it will undoubtedly pass, 
 for my Lord Carmichaell is forward for it, and it will be 
 betwixt 3 and 4000 merks. The ffamily is very well, 
 blessed be God, and I hope my Lord will have the happines 
 to see yo r Lop in the north this summer, if the King goe 
 abroad. My Lady will take journey in a fourthnight, if 
 she come at all. Her time will not allow her LaP to stay 
 longer ; but it is not determined if the Mr. come w 1 her 
 LaP. There are no news here at piitt. The common talk 
 is only off our Affrican company. My Lord President and 
 Advocat are here, who will give advice concerning it. 
 There choise of that place is mightily commended, and if 
 they can enjoy it peaceably it will make Scotland flourish. 
 Pardon this trouble, my Lord, and allow me to wish yo r 
 LoP all prosperity, and to subscrive myself, My Lord, Your 
 LoP s dutifull servant, John Philp. 
 
i6g9] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 265 
 
 To E. FINDLATKR 
 
 Whitehall, May 2d, 1699. 
 My Lord, — I received yo r LoP s letter w* one inclosed 
 for my Lord Carmichael. He will use his endeavours to 
 procure you a pension, but the truth is the funds are over 
 burthened, yet I hope you will prevaill. I have some 
 thoughts of being in Scotland this summer, but my wife 
 will certainly go, if she finds her self able to travel. I am 
 anxious to hear that that tedious affair of Burdsbank is 
 ended. I hear Bracco has been friendly to me in it, w ch 
 I shall own as an obligation. ... I woud gladly have my 
 flower garden dike finished, and if this year prove plentiful 
 I am resolved to have my house built next summer, and 
 will take James Smiths advice about it. Give my humble 
 service to my L d Boyn, and I am, My Lord, Your LoP s 
 most obedient son and most humble serV 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Next letter fixes the date of the death of Walter, Lord Desk- 
 ford, which is usually given as before June 1698. 
 
 For MR. WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlain to the 
 Viscount of Seafield at Cullen 
 
 Whitehall, May 11th, 1699. 
 
 The account you gave me in yo r last of my brother my 
 Lord Deskfords death did much surprise both me and 
 my wife, we haveing heard nothing of his sickness. We 
 were bred at schools and colleges togither, and our mother 
 nurst us both, and therfor you may believe that I am 
 much troubled. However it is a satisfaction to us that he 
 was calm in his sickness, and that he had apprehensions 
 of death. I shall be glad to hear that he has been honour- 
 ably burried, and what is expended that way I do very 
 chearfully allow. 
 
 You must be prepareing for my wifes return. She will 
 sett out from this the next week either on Tuesday or 
 Thursday. I wish she were well at home, for her con- 
 dition at present makes her journey more dangerous then 
 otherwise it woud be, but I have travelled already i5 
 
266 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 miles w 1 her into the country to see my L d Eglington, and 
 she was not the worse of her journey. It is more un- 
 certain when I can get from this place, because tho the 
 King be to go to Holland yet he has not appointed his 
 time. I know you will be careful of my affairs and writ 
 frequently. — I ame, Your assured friend, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Next letter corrects the statement that William, son of Viscount 
 Seafield, was born on 6th May 169.9. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., i2th May i699. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honoure of your Lops, yisterday, 
 and ame sorie your Lope, is so much troubled with sore 
 eyes. It is certainly occasioned by too much reading. 
 I did by the last post acquant William Lorimer that my 
 Lord Seafeild will be heir in 5 or 6 weeks at furthest. 
 My Lady will come sooner because hir time of lyeing inn 
 aproaches ; bot my Lord most waite the Kings goeing 
 for Holland, which will be aither in the end of this or 
 beginning of the nixt moneth. He hes ordored his loadg- 
 ings to be taken and some wine to be bought for him. He 
 sayes he '1 not stay long heir, bot will goe north to sie 
 in what condition his affairs are ther. I doubt not bot 
 your Lope will give ordores for my payement of what 
 paines and expenss I have bein at upon the shyres account, 
 and I will alwayes be verie readie to doe the shyre all the 
 service I can. We have no newes heir at present. We 
 expect accounts everie minutt anent the success our 
 President and Advocat hes at court in our Affrican affair, 
 about which they wer called. Both they and the 2 
 Secretaries stand up stifely for it. I have sent to Castel' 
 feild all the printed pepers belonging or relating to that 
 affair of the royall and unfrie burghs, which no doubt he 
 will shew your Lope. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 deutiefull humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 All the horses in this countrey are dyeing, and ther is a 
 
1699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 207 
 
 proclamation gone through this toune today ordoring them 
 to be buried, ther are so many of them. 
 
 Next letter gives an account of the purchase of the Earl of 
 Airlie's estate near Banff by Braco, ancestor of the Duke of Fife, 
 and of Braco's arrangement for Seafield's purchasing the estate 
 of Bogmuchels in Fordyce. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FF1NDLATER these 
 
 Qhytfeild, 19th May 99. 
 My Lord, — The reversione of the Earle of Airelays 
 estate in this shire with the burden of the wodesetts and 
 liferents was proferred for ane hundreth thousand merks, 
 which without the Viscount of Seafeild his speciall com- 
 mand I could not hold, since for ten yeares, save the hazard 
 of my Laidy Huntlie her death, there was nothing to make 
 up the @ rent. Bracco hath accepted of the proferr, have- 
 ing the advantaige of the present possession, and is willing 
 to part with Bogemuchels as it stands himself. But if 
 benefitte be the rule of buyeing, I doe not see but the 
 @ rent of the reversion of it will give the Wiscount of Sea- 
 feild many more conveniencies to his land then he can 
 have by the buying of it, since at thirty three chalders, 
 every thing being counted, it stands Bracco about tuo 
 thousand four hundreth merks the chalder. My Lord, 
 I pray your Lo. by the bearer send me ane exact account 
 what condition the tennents of it are in, and what the 
 yearely walou of the moss may be, which could be hade out 
 of the Wiscounts lands, that can be accomodate of there 
 fire thereby. The yearly @ rent of the reversion will be 
 about ten or twalve hundreth merks, and I can not under- 
 stand how the half of that can be made up, and the rest 
 on the land being great, it wold be litle from buying waist 
 land. I shall, God willing, attend your Lo. the nixt week, 
 and give you the particulars of my woige ; but myself 
 and horse being tyred and my wife sick, I bege your Lo. 
 pardon. — My Lord, Your Los. most obedient servant, 
 
 Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 
268 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER. 
 
 Edr., 28th June i699. 
 
 My Lord, — I receaved the honour of your Lops, pacquet 
 anent the shyres clearings with S r James Oswald and 
 James Dunlop upon Satturday last, and yisterday I re- 
 ceaved ane other big pacquet with my Lord Halcraigs 
 commission to represent your toune of Cullen in the nixt 
 Convention heir, and a report of the circumstances of the 
 tounes harbor bridge tolbuith and the want of a schoole 
 house, under the hands of tuo of the commissioners ap- 
 poynted to visite them, and severall other letters to your 
 Lopes, freinds who are members of the Convention. I 
 have communicate all that was in both these pacquets to 
 my Lord Seafeild, and his Lope, promises his assistance 
 in them so farr as shall be found necessarie. I delyvered 
 my Lord Halcraigs commission to him with the report, 
 who is to conferr with the Secretarie upon the matter. 
 All the other letters I keep them up till a day or tuo 
 befor the Convention sitt doun, that they may have it 
 fresh in ther heads, ffor if I should delyver them now 
 they would forgete that ever they hade receaved them. 
 I shall take all the caire and caution I ame capable of to 
 make it goe on right, and shall make what freinds I can 
 both by my selfe and others. S r James Oswald and 
 James Dunlop have bein both so much taken up getting 
 the Theasurie accounts revised by the auditors, that it 
 hes not bein possible for them to keep a meetting with 
 me as yet, bot they will doe it aither this night or to- 
 morrow, and the shyre will be in no hazard in the time. 
 I ame affraid that naither Boyne nor Auchentoule will 
 gett any allowance for the yeare 1689, because the 
 Theasurie hes exacted it from all the others Lords that wer 
 in place with them at that time, bot ther shall be a short 
 bill given in and allowance craved, and if I gett a cross 
 interloqr ther will be no help bot they must pay up the 
 quota, and your Lope shall have ane full account of the 
 haill matter, after I have ended with the receavers and 
 the Theasurie. William Dumbar hes accepted the tuo 
 
1699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 269 
 
 bills that were draven upon him, hot sayes he hes no 
 money to pay them ; and Braeco and Birkenboge have 
 ordored the payement of the bill draven upon them and 
 accepted by them, bot I have not as yet receaved the 
 money, his sone in law being at Tulleibodie keepping 
 phisitians from the old man who is dyeing a verie miserable 
 death. I went ther upon Satturday last, and was sorie to 
 find him in such a lamentable condition. His left leg is 
 swelled als big as a post, and it with his foote and all is 
 als black as pitch, and all putrified to that degrie that, if 
 a knife wer put in his leg from the on side to the other, 
 he would not at all find it naither in leg nor foote, and it 
 hes a verie nautious smell. His other leg is beginning the 
 same way, and a few dayes will carie him off. When I 
 sayed that I thought it ane odd thing that the gentleman 
 hade ane opulent fortune (without any debt at all) of 
 7000 merks a yeare, it was the straingest thing in the 
 world that he was allowed to dye lyke a dog, and to rott 
 above the ground without so much as on phistians being- 
 called to sie him, and that I thought it would be honour- 
 able both for the dyeing man and his apparand un- 
 wourthie successor to call a consulta°ne of good men 
 togither, if they should doe no more then looke upon him 
 and say he was dyeing, all the ansre that I gott was that 
 I was impertinent, and tooke too much [on] me, and truely 
 we pairted at the wrong hand. All that he takes caire 
 of is to sitt by him from 5 in the morning till 12 at night 
 to sie that non come near him, and I truely beleive, if the 
 old laird dye not soone, the young man will dye of melan- 
 choly. My Lord Seafeild hes bein a litle indisposed these 
 eight dayes with a heate in his blood and ane outstricking 
 in his face and body, bot I hope he will be nothing the 
 worse of it. He hes bein abroad to day. I beg pardon 
 for so long a letter, and ame, My Lord, Your Lopes most 
 deutiefull most faithfull and most humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 Sir John Hamilton, Lord Halcraig, was elected in 1696 commis- 
 sioner for Cullen to the Scots Parliament, in room of Sir James 
 Ogilvie, created Secretary of State for Scotland. In 1689 Lords 
 
270 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 Boynd and Auchintoul 1 were extruded from the bench, and the 
 land-tax was for that year demanded of and ultimately exacted 
 from them. Old Tullibody, George Abercrombie of Skeith, died 
 on the 26th of June 1699, two days before the date of the 
 letter. Braco's son-in-law Alexander Abercrombie, second son 
 of Sir Alex ander Abercrombie of Birkenbog married Mary, one 
 of his daughters. Alexander was ancestor of General Sir Ralph 
 Abercromby and the Lords Abercromby. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Very Noble Lord, — May it please your Lop., as 
 formerlie so now we make bold to give your Lop. the 
 trouble of a lyne, in a matter as we judge of great im- 
 portance, especially to this corner, to wit the planting 
 of Rathven with a well qualifyed minister, who through 
 the Lords blessing may be acceptable to your noble 
 familie, which we reckon our duetie to have a special 
 regard unto, and so far as is possible to the heritours and 
 people of Rathven, and who may prove a faithful and 
 able minister of the New Testament. We have been using 
 our best endeavours these several years without successe, 
 though we alwise found your Lop. most fore ward to allow 
 your co-currence ; bot now we have fain upon Mr. W ni 
 Chalmer minister at Gartlay our r. brother, whom we 
 judge all things considered one of the fittest that we 
 can expect to obtain ; for we know him to be a person 
 of great ingenuity of a sweet and peaceable obliedging 
 temper, and one who hath a singular respect for your 
 Lops noble familie, bot which is yet far more a pious and 
 learned man, who hath a singular dexteritie of mannaging 
 debates with popish priests and other adversaries of truth 
 after a mild inoffensive manner. We have drawn up a 
 Presbyterial call, being sufficiently informed that both 
 your Lop. and my Lord Viscount of Seafield judged that 
 the most expedit way for filling the so long desolat con- 
 gregation, and withall have sent a short copie of a 
 
 1 1 Banffshire in the Revolution of 1689' in the Transactions of the Banffshire 
 Field Club, 1906, pp. 114, 115 ; and The House of Gordon, New Spalding Club, 
 vol. i. pp. I34-I37- 
 
1699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 271 
 
 parochial call, which your Lop. with my Lord Secretary 
 may alter, as shall seem good in your Lops, eyes, observing 
 only the substance thereof, and which we humbly intreat 
 your Lop. may be pleased to subscribe, and endeavour 
 to induce the other heritours and parochiners of Rathven 
 to doe the like, which will exceedingly facilitat the desired 
 transportation. And we syncerly declare to your Lop. yt 
 if this project fail (especially my Lord Seafield being in 
 the countrey), we cannot imagine where to fix, for we 
 truely apprehend that our very r. dear brother Mr. 
 Chalmers is as much adapted for that post as any man 
 we can think upon. So begging pardon for this trouble, 
 we referre what we have further to say to our r. brethren 
 Mrs. Tait and Murray, who will show your Lop. the call 
 wt. the reasons for the transportation. And wishing grace 
 mercy and peace from the Lord to be multiplyed upon 
 the noble family and all its branches and descendents, we 
 subscribe by our moderator, Very Noble Lord, Your Lops, 
 truely cordial and most humble servants in Christ Jesus, 
 
 Mr. T. Thomsone, modr. 1 
 
 Turreff, Aug. 30, 1699. 
 
 On 24th April 1700 Mr. Chalmers 2 on his admission as minister 
 of Rathven was rabbled, and was prevented from preaching in the 
 church until August the same year. On 3rd August 1704 he was 
 translated to King Edward, Aberdeenshire. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONRABLE ERALL OF FFINLATER 
 
 thes 
 
 Blairfindie, the 12th of7br.l699. 
 Reight Honrable My Lord, — I am so very ill sir- 
 comstanced heere, that it obliges me to give your Lord- 
 shipe the truble to mynd yow of calling an corom of the 
 comisshoners, and the heritours of the heed of the shaire, 
 if your Lordshipe thinks it fitt, houping that your Lord- 
 shipe and the rest of the comisshoners will take care that 
 we be provided of beeding coll and candell and necis- 
 sareis for dresing our vittells in, which without these we 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond, Church and Churchyard of Rathven , p. 31. 
 
 2 Ibid., pp. 34, 35- 
 
272 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 cannot subsist in this cuntrie, being obliged every other 
 day to serche the hills and glens for robars. I had the 
 honour to meete with Bracko after I cam from your 
 Lordshipe, who is very willing to contribut for us. Your 
 Lordships favorable ansur wold singlarlie oblige him who 
 is, My Lord, Your Lordships most humble and most 
 obedint servant, Will. Elliott. 
 
 Blairfindie in Glenlivet was then held by John Grant in wadset 
 from the Duke of Gordon. In October 16.9.9 the heritors of 
 Strathaven and Glenlivet gave bond 1 to the Commissioners of 
 Justiciary for their tenants' peaceable behaviour. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr. f 21th Septr. i699. 
 
 My Lord, — My Lord Seafeild pairted from this place 
 upon Tuisdayes morning, and I left his Lope yisterdayes 
 morning at Cockburnspath on his road in verie good health. 
 His Grace the Duke of Hamiltoune came with his Dutches 
 upon Munday with a mighty great train. Some say it 
 was no good pollacie in his Grace to have appeared so 
 great at this time, because people thinks him a verie 
 great man alreadie. We have hade bad newes these 2 
 dayes [o]f our peoples deserting ther colloney in Calledonia 
 upon some day [i]n June ; bot this dayes post does not 
 confirme them to be true, [b]ot upon the contrary sayes 
 that the last 2 shipes that went to [the]m are now with 
 them, and they have abundance of provisions. . . . — I ame, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most deutiefull most humble and 
 obedient servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 The first colonists deserted Darien on the 18th of June 1699- 
 The two ships referred to, the Olive Branch and Hopeful 
 Binning of Bo'ness, sailed from Leith on 12th May, and reached 
 Darien about the middle of August to find the settlement 
 deserted. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONOLL THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER thes 
 
 My Lord, — I intreat to be excused for this trouble. I 
 am heir as the toun of Cullen's prisoner, and sail not 
 
 1 Historical Papers (1699-1750), New Spalding Club, vol. i. pp. 16, 17, 18. 
 
1699I FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 27.*J 
 
 reflect on the badd treatment I hawe mett with. I desyre 
 the honor to kiss your Los. hands, when and wher ye sail 
 appoynt, and I am, My Lord, Your Los. most humble 
 servfit., Geo. Leslye. 
 
 Cullen, Sepr. 28: — 99. 
 
 George Leslye by this time had disponed his estate of Burds- 
 bank to Seafield. He was in debt to the town of Cullen, and 
 had been incarcerated on that account. Later the same year, on 
 til December, he was in prison in Banff also for debt, and was 
 liberated that day on a letter from c Dumwhaill to allow him 
 libertie within the territories of the burgh, which was admitted, 
 Dumwhaill haveing got right to the dilligence one which he is 
 incarcerat.' George Leslye was grandson of George, second son 
 of Robert Leslye of Findrassie, in Moray, who acquired in l6l0 
 Burdsbank. His grandfather, and his father William Leslye, sub- 
 sequently added to the family possessions in Banffshire. George 
 succeeded as third laird between 1681 and 1685. He had 
 previously married, c. 1675, Christian, daughter of Sir James 
 Baird of Auchmedden, Sheriff-principal of Banffshire. That same 
 year he was appointed Sheriff-Clerk and Keeper of the Particular 
 Register of Sasines of Banffshire. For some years he was County 
 Collector. In 172.3 he resigned the office of Sheriff-Clerk, and 
 died probably in 1724. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edr., 6th Odor. i699. 
 My Lord, — This place affourds no maner of [ne]wes at 
 present, bot I send you heir inclosed good newes from 
 London [o]f my Lord Seafeilds safe arryvall at London, 
 which I knowe will [be] the best newes I could send both 
 to your Lope and my Lady, f for glen pairted from this 
 yisterday morning and hes a good purse [wi]th him. He 
 will be with your Lope against Wedensday. [JJames 
 Dunlop, who should give me ane clear account of what is 
 yet [rejsting by the shyre of Banff of that old rest preceed- 
 ing Candle[m]ess i69i, hes bein at Glasgow with our Calle- 
 donian shipes [th]ese 8 weeks past, and tho they be now 
 gone yet he is not returned. So soone as he comes it shall 
 be sent, bot in the mean time my Lords Boyne and Auchen- 
 toule should pay up what the Lords of the Theasurie 
 
 s 
 
274 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 refuised to allowe, and what is due over that will not be 
 much. I shall take caire that in the mean time the shyre 
 sustaine no damnage. ... I ame in all deuty, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most deutiefu[ll] most humble and most 
 obleidfged] servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 The third reinforcement, usually called the Second Expedition 
 to Darien, left the Clyde on 24th September 1699, after news 
 arrived of the desertion of the colony. The ships were the 
 Rising Sun, the Hope, the Duke of Hamilton, and the Hope of 
 Bo'ness. 
 
 For [THE RIGHT] HONOURABLE [THE EARL OF] 
 FINDLATOR 
 
 Edb., the 9th Nov. 99. 
 My Lord, — I gave in your Lordships letters to the first 
 packet went of, after I came here. There was besides 
 the adjourning of the Parliament only three papers past 
 the Kings hand, to witt Daniel Stewarts gift for collecting 
 the bullion, and mine as Warden, and Captain Taylours 
 for being Commissor of Dumblen. All your Lops friends 
 here are in good health, and I hope to hear the lyke of 
 your Lop. Mr. Francis Montgomery inquired very kindly 
 for you and all the family. The Council sate on Tuesday 
 and there was an address from the Africa council and 
 directors subscribed by Lord Basil Hamilton in very 
 mooth terms, desyring there Lops recomendation to his 
 Majesty for assistance in their present distress. Their 
 Lops delayed giving an answer to it, in respect there was 
 that morning by an flying packet an return given by his 
 Majesty to their address sent him. The Council sate this 
 afternoon and they sent one White of Banachy, an advocat, 
 to the tolbooth for reflections he had put in his informa- 
 tions by way of answers to the Lords of Council anent 
 my Lord Ranculer. Beazlie Edie is also put to the tol- 
 booth, since by an letter of his written to Provest Sckeen 
 he appeared to be a traffecting papest. I shall wish all 
 happyness to attend your Lop, and continue to be, My 
 Lord, Your Lordships most obedient servant, 
 
 Alexr, Ogilvie, 
 
1699] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 275 
 
 The warrant for a gift of the place and office of Principal 
 Warden of the Mint to Alexander ()<»'ilvie of Forgleil is given at 
 p. 236 of vol. xvii. of the Warrant Books, Sidle Papers (Scotland). 
 
 The excited state of feeling in Scotland over the Darien enter- 
 prise, and the resulting address of the council and directors of the 
 African company are referred to in the Marchmont Papers, vol. iii. 
 pp. 17cS-l<)S, in Carstares Slate Papers and Letters, pp. 4.Q8 to 514, 
 and in the Fourteenth Report of the Historical MSS. Commission , 
 Appendix, Part in., Marchmont MSS., pp. 150 to 1.52, etc. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 Edinburgh, 22d Nov. 1699. 
 My Lord, — I am wery glaid when I hear of your Lo. 
 good health, and I hartily wish the continuance of it. 
 Ther hath noe private papers pas'd his Maj ties hand this 
 moneth, only by the last p. ther came ane letter from his 
 Matie to the Lords of Thesaurie desireing them to proceed 
 in ther acco ts , as also to the auditors, with ane letter to 
 the Dutches of Hamiltone to give the Earle of Annandale 
 the emptie roumes nearest his lodgeing. Ther was a 
 debeat in Councell betuixt the magistrats of Edinburgh 
 and on Moonteith the diacon conveiner of the trades, who 
 by the Councills sentance is remowed from that place. I 
 make noe doubt but your Lordship hes heard that the 
 laird off Inveralachie is married to Kellies sister. Ther 
 is on Wiliam Graham of Buchwhaple putt in the toolboth 
 for haveing bein in ffrance and supposed to be a traffecquer 
 that way. The Earle of Panmuir and his Lady came to 
 toune yesternight. And craveing your Lo. pardon for this 
 trouble, I continue to be, My Lord, Yor Lo. obedientt 
 and humble servantt, Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATOR 
 
 Edinburgh, 28th Novr. 1699. 
 My Lord, — I received your Lo. yesternight by the ex- 
 press Boyn sent north, and I am exceedingly glaid to hear 
 from your Lo., and of your good-health. Ye doe me a 
 great honour in allowing me a line from your hand. I 
 
276 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 have taken the occasion of a servant of Boyns goeing 
 north, becaves I belive he shall be north befor the post. 
 This morneing I received the inclosed for your Lo. It 
 appears your neighbours are more bussie than well in- 
 formed, but it evidently testifies there inclination, and I 
 am wery confident there will be noe use for them. The 
 account we hade on the Sabbath day that the Spanish 
 Donn was come alongs with the Caledonia does not hold ; 
 but all the rest is true, and more and more appearing 
 of the falshood and treacherie of Captaine Penniecook, so 
 that it 's evident there own mismanaigementt and divisions 
 have done them the harme. However many take occasion 
 to lay it on these most innocent, as time will make it 
 appear. — And with my humble dutie to your Lo. is all from, 
 My Lord, Yor. Lo. most obedient and humble servantt, 
 
 Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 The ' Spanish Donn ' did not come in force against the Scots 
 settlement in Darien until February 1700. 
 
 To THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — According to your LoP and my Lord Secre- 
 tarie Seafield's desire y e prebtrie of Moray share trans- 
 ported Mr. William Chalmers to Rathven. It 's y e way 
 to be truely great, and to have lasting honour, to be for 
 y e glorie of y e highest Lord in promoting truth, religion, 
 and righteousness. Wishing that y e Lord may preserve 
 prosper and bless your honourable familie with all blessings 
 spiritual and temporal, I am, My Lord, Your Lo.'s most 
 humble servant, A. Forbes, mod r . 
 
 Elgin. 14//& ofDebr. 99. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATOUR at Cull-house by Abdn. to Banff 
 
 Edinburgh, 18th December 1699. 
 My Lord, — I hade noe furder time then only to acquant 
 your Lo. that this day at tuo acloack the Counsell hath 
 published ane actt relative to his Majties letter, signifieing 
 his displeasure with the undue maner in proceeding in the 
 address, and bearing that these who signalise themselves 
 
L699] FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 277 
 
 carrieing on the same have given noc testimonic of thcr 
 affection to the govermentt. By the nixt post your Lo. 
 shall have the proclamation in printt ; and with my service 
 to your Lo. is all from, My Lord, Yor Lo. most obedient 
 and humble sert., Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 
 On the 29th of November 1699 the council of the African 
 company resolved to send Lord Basil Hamilton, 1 brother of the 
 Duke of Hamilton, to London to present an address to the King 
 on behalf of Captain Pinkerton and other Darien colonists, who 
 had been captured by the Spaniards at Carthagena and sent 
 prisoners to Spain. A national address was also extensively signed 
 in Scotland asking the King to recognise the right of the Scots 
 to colonise Darien. Next two letters refer to the heat thus caused 
 in Banffshire. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 5th January 1700. 
 My Lord, — By the yesterdays post ther came noe 
 pacquet, and the reason of it is conjectured to be that the 
 K. being at Hamptoune Courtt the Secretaries have not 
 bein returned to London when the post came of. It is 
 reported here that since the K. will not allow Lord Basil 
 access, 2 his Lo. hath wreat to the company for advice, 
 whether he shall give the petition to ane other hand to 
 deliver or how to dispos of it. I have not heard from your 
 Lo. this great while, albeit I fail'd not to give you the 
 accounts that were goeiug here ; and since there hath bein 
 so hott service in your countrye it was expected your Lo. 
 wold have caused wreat the true accounts of it, and by a 
 footman sent it to the Abdns post, so that comeing 
 timely here it wold have prevented many reports that were 
 runing, and hindered your Lo. name from being in the 
 mouth almost of everie on here, some saying ye hade 
 subscrived the address, and others not, and your friends 
 
 1 Car stares State Papers and Letters, pp. 513, 514. 
 
 2 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., Part III., March- 
 mont MSS., p. 152. 
 
278 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 hoped for the best ; but there being noe line out of your 
 family relating to what hade past either amongst yourselves 
 or thes about you, did fear the worst. I shall be glaid to 
 know that your Lo. is well, and craveing pardon for my 
 freedome I continue to be, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 and humble servantt, Alex 1 ". Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 10th January 1700. 
 My Lord, — I was wery glaid to hear of your Lo. good 
 health from Baillie Ogilvie, and wish ye hade honoured 
 me by the post with a line after Mairschall and ye parted. 
 The contents of your letter give great satisfaction, and I 
 wish that ye hade returned Mr. Patrick to Buchan for his 
 own reputations sake, albeit the woige I hope shall doe noe 
 harme where its design' d, but shew the bad temper of some 
 who are ungrate to a great degree. I delivered your Lo. 
 letter to my Lady Lauderdale, and shee told me ye hade 
 wreaten wery kindly and civily to her. I did inclose all 
 yours, and sent them up by the yesternights post. Ye 
 have the sad news of Caledonia its being deserted the second 
 time by the burning of Jamieson's shipe, 1 which is said to 
 be occasioned by ther burning of brandie. I never observe 
 extraordinary griefe for any thing, but is allwayes followed 
 with a greater stroke. I wish the first pairt hade bein 
 more calmely taken, and submission to the will of the 
 Almighty used in place of blameing innocent persons. 
 Your Lo. will have alvayes the occasion of the post, and 
 I pray you be so good as to cause a servant wreat what is 
 goeing, for good intelligence gives ground to stope many 
 misreports ; for it is now the practice of these who have 
 nothing to support themsleves with to betake themselves 
 to the grossest of calumnies. However time lets every 
 man appear in his own collours. I give my humble dutie 
 to your Lo., and continue to be, My Lord, Yor Lo. most 
 obedient and humble servantt, Alex 1 ". Ogilvie. 
 
 It 's reported the Duke of Gordon is gone to prosecutt 
 
 1 The Olive Branch. 
 
17(H) I FIRST EARL OF SKA FIELD 
 
 279 
 
 ;i nciarraige to his son, hut time will make it known. I wish 
 my Lord Seaheld hade gott his affair cleared with him, 
 certainty being alwayes hctter then hope. I think 
 Castlefield his kyndness but small, since he wold not bestow 
 a weeks travell to seek Bracco upon a mater of such con- 
 cerne. 
 
 The Marquis of Huntly married in 1 7<>7 Henrietta Mordaunt, 
 daughter of Charles, Earl of Peterborough and Monmouth. 
 
 The following memorial, and other documents dated 30th 
 April, 21st and 26th June, 12th, 13th, 1.9th and 22nd July 1700, 
 regarding Captain Pinkerton and the other Scots prisoners in Spain, 
 supplement the information given in Hill Burton's Darien Papers, 
 pp. 102 to 110, and in Carstares Stale Papers and Letters, pp. 531 
 to 533, 554, 558, 559, 568, 569, 676 to 679, etc. 
 
 THE CONSUL OF CADIZ'S MEMORIAL ABOUT HIS 
 MATY'S SUBJECTS PRISONERS THERE 
 
 Martin Westcombe, Esq 1 "., Consul and Agent General 
 of his Ma*y of Great Brittain in this city and those in the 
 neighbourhood, represents that Robert Pincarton, John 
 Malock, James Graham, and David Wilson, subjects of 
 his Majesty of Great Brittain, sailing from Nova Caledonia 
 the 24 of Jan r y in the year last past, bound with several 
 sorts of goods for the island of Barbadoes, being overtaken 
 by a storm the 15th of Feb rv following were shipwreckt 
 and lost their vessell on the coast of Carthagena, and being 
 come themselves to that city they were put in prison there, 
 from whence they were transmitted to the Havana, where 
 they were putt on board a ship call'd the St. Ignatius } 
 admiral of the squadron, commanded by Don Martin de 
 Savala, and being brought to this city, they were by your 
 Hon rs order putt into the King's prison, where they are at 
 this present. And in regard the said English were not 
 found in the exercise of any thing that was prohibited, 
 but were only sailing to the parts of the dominion of the 
 King of Great Brittain with marchandizes of their own 
 manufacture, and that their approaching to Cartagena 
 was occasioned by the violence of the weather and the 
 shipwrack that they suffer' d, and they having served 
 
280 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 since on board the admiral with all diligence and fidelity, 
 being the most forward on all occasions of danger that 
 offer' d in the whole course of the voyage, and labour'd 
 most to save the said ship from the danger she was threatned 
 with in the running ashore upon the sands, and in regard 
 that they have not given any new occasion for their 
 confinement, but have deserved a quite contrary usage, 
 after all the pains they have taken and the miserys they 
 have suffer' d, besides those they endure in their present 
 imprisoning all which considerations, added to this that 
 they are not guilty of any crime, render them objects 
 worthy of your Hon rs compassion, on which ace*, the said 
 consul does with all submission pray your Hon r will 
 please to give the necessary orders for the release of the 
 said prisoners, and thereby he will receive a particular 
 favor from your Hon rs justice. 
 
 This Memorial was delivered by Consul Westcombe to the 
 Marquis of Narres, President of the Contratation House, l6th 
 January 1700. 
 
 Viscount Sean* eld was Lord High Commissioner to the General 
 Assembly of the Church of Scotland which was about to meet. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER 
 at Cullen House these 
 
 Edinburgh, 5th ffebruary 1700. 
 My Lord, — Please receive inclosed my Lord Advocat 
 his warrand for putting Baillie Ord 1 in prison. My Lord 
 Commissioner is wery well in health, and I hope shall 
 agree with the Assemble. They have done litle yet save 
 appointing commitees and answering his Maties letter, 
 wherein they give a wery ample testimony to the Com- 
 missioner. The bearer will give your Lo. ane accountt of 
 the great burneing in this place. I shall add noe more 
 save that I continow to be, My Lord, Yor Lo. most obedient 
 and humble servant, Alex 1 ". Ogilvie. 
 
 Fountainhall notes that e the fire which burnt the Parliament 
 Close was upon the 3rd February 1700.' 
 
 Bailie of Cullen and laird of Findochty. 
 
1700J FIRST EAltL OF SEAFIELD 281 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FIN DLATER 
 by Aberdeen to Banff these 
 
 Edinburgh, 16th February 1700. 
 My Lord, — I am wery glaid to know of your Lo. good 
 health, I hade not fail'd wreating to you by Baillie Ogilvie, 
 if he hade done me the kyndness to take leave of me. 
 The Commissioner and his Laidy are wery well in health, 
 and the Assembly have agreed wery well and proceeded 
 ceriously in ther maters. There is ane fast appointed throw 
 the whole nation the last Thursday of March. The As- 
 sembly will rise the begining of the nixt week, and the 
 Commissioner will haist up. They wrote wery favourable 
 to the King in behalf of the Commissioner, and is all from, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient and humble ser*. 
 
 Alex f . Ogilvie. 
 The laird of Allardyce cam here with my Laidy, and is 
 in good health. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE. THE EARLE OF FIN DLATER 
 by Aberdeen to Banff these 
 
 Edinburgh, 23d Feby. 1700. 
 My Lord, — Upon Tuesday last the Generall Assembly 
 did rise with great satisfaction to all concerned, and on 
 Wednesday my Lord Seafield went of wery honourably 
 attended both with the nobility and gentrie. The Earles 
 of Marr, Loudoun, and Annandale, the Lord Mountgumrie, 
 Major General Ramsay and many others wentt to Dunbar 
 all neight. I had wreat to your Lo. upon Wednesday, but 
 goeing out of toune hade not time. My Laidy Seafield is 
 wery positive to take her journey from this the morrow 
 tho the last day of the week. I parted with the Secretarie 
 in wery good health at Coper Smith yeasterday about 
 twalve acloack, and with my hearty service to your Lo. 
 is all from, My Lord, Yor Lo. most obedientt and humble 
 servantt, Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Morpeth, Febry. 25th, 1700. 
 My Lord, — I received a letter from yo r Lop. when I was 
 
282 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [ieb. 
 
 Commissioner to the Gen 11 Assembly, wherein you did join 
 w* Kempcairn, Kilminarty, and some others of the parish 
 of Keith representing the circumstances of that parish. 
 It has certainly been too long vaccant, and I think all 
 concerned should eoncurr to have it speedily planted. I 
 find some of the parish do object against Mr. Gillchrist, as 
 if he did not desire to have his residence in the north ; 
 but that objection will not signify much, for he will quickly 
 find that the ministers will not allow him to be transported 
 to the south, and had I an interest in the parish of Kieth 
 I would heartily eoncurr in setling him ther. I have heard 
 him speak befor the Assembly, and I do think he will be 
 found to be a young man of very good sence, and if Kemp- 
 cairn, Kilminerty, or any of the heretors will eoncurr, I 
 believe that the Commission will transport him to that 
 parish and setle him ther. I had no letter from the 
 laird of Bracco upon this ace 1 , and nothing moves me in 
 this matter, but that I think Mr. Gilcrist a fitt person, and 
 that the parish will meet w* no difficulty in getting him. 
 My wife will give yo r Lop. an acct of what occurrd whilst 
 I was at Ed r , and I bliss God I am this lenth in good health 
 on my journey, w ch is all from, My Lord, Your Lop s most 
 affect, son and most humble servant, Seafield. 
 
 The Rev. James Strachan, 1 minister of Keith, who was ' outed ' 
 in 1689, continued to intrude down to 1704. Mr. John Gilchrist 
 was admitted to Keith in 1700, and served there until 1754. 2 
 Alexander Sutherland of Kilminerty or Kinminitie Keith was a 
 caclet of the Earls of Sutherland and of the Lords Duffus. 
 
 The international trouble arising on account of Darien was 
 forcing the question of union between England and Scotland 
 into active politics. 3 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 28th Febry 1700. 
 My Lord, — By the yesterday es post the encloaseds came 
 to my hand, and my Lord Secretary desyred I should 
 
 1 Dr. Cramoncl's Church of Keith, pp. 14-29. 2 Ibid., p. 23, etc. 
 
 3 See The Mzrchmont Papers, vol. iii. p. 178. 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 288 
 
 forward them to your Lop. I have not heard from you 
 this good time. I shall be wery glaide to know that your 
 Lop. is in oood health. I hade a privctt letter yesterday 
 beareing that the bill for the union was read a second time, 
 and that they leave it to the King to appoynt commissioners 
 to treat thereon, and with my humble dutie to your Lop. 
 is all from, My Lord, Your Lop s obedient and humble 
 servant, Alex 1 * Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE KARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 5th Mairch 1700. 
 My Lord, — . . . Your Lop s newes comes to and are 
 duely sent forward by fforglen, and that you have wanted 
 them the 20 dayes you complean of, it hes bein occasioned 
 by his closs waiting upon my Lord Seafeild in his station 
 as Commissioner. I doubt not bot now he will make up 
 that loss, and lykewayes send the Gazet since both should 
 come togither, and the expense of the Gazet is not wourth 
 counting in the yeare. I have letten him knowe of it. I 
 ame hopefull my Lord Seafield is at London this night in 
 good health after his tedious jurnay, and his faithfull 
 service heir will render [him] verie welcome to his maister. 
 Our Affrican adress is goeing to London upon Wedensday 
 nixt as I ame informed, and is to be delyvered to his Matie 
 by the Merques of Tweeddale. Sir John Home of Bleck- 
 ater, Hadden of Glenegies, etc., my Lord Duplen (who is 
 the fourth named) is att London alreadie. Some say the 
 Lairds of Houstoun and Livingstoune are lykewayes to goe, 
 bot I ame informed that these commissioners are to goe 
 upon ther own charges, and therfor I think all that I have 
 named will not be solicitous to goe upon that head. We have 
 surmises heir bot as yet no certain account, that we can 
 depend upon, of the Ryseing Sone and those uyr shipes in 
 his companie ther being saifely arryved at Darien, bot the 
 account comes by the way of Spaine and wants conferma- 
 tion. I ame hopefull, God willing, once in Aprile to have 
 the honour of waiting on your Lope, at Cullen, ffor I am 
 most deutiefully, my Lord, Your Lops, most deutiefull 
 most faithfull and most humble servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
284 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 The interview of the deputation which presented the national 
 address to the King was unsatisfactory. 1 The Rising Sun and her 
 consorts arrived on 30th November 1 699 to find the Darien 
 settlements again deserted. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, March lUh, 1700. 
 
 My Lord, — I believe the family of Kempcairn have no 
 better friends then yo r Lop. and my Lord Boyn, and I am 
 sure were they in a condition to keep the estate I should be 
 very well satisfyed, and if on the other hand they must 
 needs sell, it is better that it return to me then that it fall 
 into the hands of strangers, and I believe non will deal 
 more kindly with them than I. I wish that yor Lop. and 
 my L d Boyn would bring them to some conclusion speedily, 
 for if they and I conclude I must raise money at ye term, 
 and if not I have enough for doing my own affairs, that is for 
 paying Arnbath 2 at this term and Bracco at the next. I 
 impower yor Lop. to engage in my name and to conclude, 
 and whatever papers you engage I shall sign. I shall do it, 
 and I shall very quickly raise what money may be needful, 
 and I hope within a year to pay the bargain entire. 
 
 We have not yet entered upon publict bussiness since I 
 came up, but I bliss God the King is satisfyed with the 
 service I was capable to do him, and I am sure it is my duty 
 to continue to serve him to the utmost of my power, and 
 I am sure in so doing I serve my country. I cannot writ 
 to my wife this night. Yor Lop. will let her see this. I 
 believe I shall not be here much above 5 weeks, for the 
 Parliament will meet at the time appointed, and I must 
 be at Ed r some time befor, w ch is all at present from, My 
 Lord, Your Lop s most affect, son and most humble sert., 
 
 Se AFIELD. 
 
 Next letter and the letters of 25th April and 3rd May show 
 that Seafield was preparing for the meeting of Parliament. 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., Part in., March- 
 mont MSS., pp. 152, 153. 
 
 2 Alexander Hay of Arnbath, Fordyce, Banffshire. 
 
1700] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 285 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Invernes, l of Apr He 1700. 
 My Lord, — I receaved the honour of your Lo s of the 17 
 of March the other day from a servant of my Lord Duff uses. 
 Thcr is none wold be prouder of ane occassion of serving 
 you then myself, as to the choosing a burgess for the toun 
 of Dornoch. I have written to my Lord Seafield, who 
 understands law to perfection, to know whither or not the 
 thing can be done legaly, ther being a member existing 
 who is choosen and hes not demitted. I don't like to 
 expose my self or freindes by doing what is unwarantable, 
 soe my caution in the matter is what I hope your Lo. will 
 approve of, ther being none more then I, My Lord, Your 
 Lo s most obedient and most humble servant, 
 
 Strathnaver. 
 
 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland show that John 
 Anderson sat for Dornoch in Parliaments during 1696 and 1698. 
 He is not included in the roll of members for the session of 
 Parliament in May 1700, but he appears on the roll of the 
 adjourned session in October 1700. Strathnaver was eldest son of 
 George, fifteenth Earl of Sutherland, and received on 1st February 
 1693 a commission to be colonel of a new regiment of foot. 1 
 
 For VISCOUNT SEAFIELD 
 
 Right Honourable, My Lord, — The reason of my not 
 writing to yo r Lop. this while bygone was my being taken 
 up in dispatching the ships with your victuall. . . . 
 
 Ther is gone to sea of your victuall ffive houndered and 
 five bolls meall, and ffour houndered eightie sex bolls 
 half boll bear, for which I have sent bills of loadning to 
 fforgland to clear with the merchants. I could gett no 
 more bear from the tennents this year, by reason of the 
 scarsity in the countrey occasioned by the thinness of the 
 last crop. . . . 
 
 I wish your Lop. a safe and prosperous journey to Scott- 
 land and good success in all your affairs ; and that the Lord 
 may preserve your Lop. and your family is the constant 
 
 1 State Papers [Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. XV, 
 
286 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 prayer of, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most 
 obliedged servant, Will Lorimer. 
 
 Cullen House, Apr. 20th, 1700. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 22d Aprile 1700. 
 
 My Lord, — I was troubled to hear of your Lo. indisposi- 
 tion, and I longed to know of your amendiment. I hope 
 the pleasant season shall give you perfect health, whereby 
 ye may come this lenth and see all your friends at the 
 Parliament, and befor your returne make a fine laidy 
 blush when cried with your Lo., lyke a maide of sixteen 
 yeares, as was observed the other Sabbath day of my Laidy 
 Wimes when cried with Tarbit. 
 
 It is expected that there will be a wery good agreement 
 in the insueing Parliament. There are many prepairing to 
 meet the Marquess of Tweddell, who is expected here this 
 week. Mr. Middletone is safe come to Leith. I shall give 
 your Lo. noe farder trouble, but that I continue to be, My 
 Lord, Your Lo. most obedient servant, 
 
 Alex 1 " Ogilvie. 
 Your Lo. letter came by the yesternights post. 
 
 DUKE GORDONS LETTER TO MY LD. [SEAFIELD] 
 
 UPON HIS LIBERATIONS 
 
 Edenbourg, 25 Aprill 1700. 
 My Lord, — Sum weeks agoe I receaived the honor off 
 a letter from your Lordship off the 6 instant. I wold 
 imediatly haw geuen yr. Lo. my humbel thancks for itts 
 contents, had I nott knoun that you war extraordinary in 
 busines wh. even hindred the delivery off the letter for my 
 inlargment. I am extremly sensibel to y r Lo. faver in this 
 ocation. As to my sentiments for the great King who has 
 had goodnes for mee, I nott only admir his heroick qualifica- 
 tions and ilustrius acctions, but I wishe passionatly that by 
 on mor hee may croun all the rest, and becum by itt the 
 most glorius and happie man in the wourld; and the greatest 
 return I can mak to y r Lo. frindshipp for mee is to wishe 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SFAFIKLI) 
 
 287 
 
 you a sharer in such dooings. I can not end I his without t 
 mentioning yr Lo s refusing yr dens for the order lor my 
 liberation. That civility most bee owing amongst many 
 others, w h I haw receaivd from your Lordship, until I can 
 mak returns worthy off them. Untill then I most bee 
 contented with the asseurances I can giwe your Lordship 
 that I am, My Lord, Your Lordship 8 most obediant most 
 obliged and most humbel serwant, Gordon. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, Aprile 25th, 1700. 
 My Lord, — I am sure it is both my interest and duty to 
 do for yo r Lop., but at the same time did you know the 
 circumstances of affairs you woud not think this a fit 
 opportunity, for it would look like bargaining for my own 
 advantage w* the King. I hope his Maj^ 8 affairs shall go 
 well in Parliamt., and therafter I can be more capable to 
 do for yo r Lop. and my other friends. The King has 
 maney that he needs must gratify now, and I must press 
 him to it, and wher I do use my influence I bliss God I 
 do not want success in it ; but what is delayed as to yo r 
 Lop. will not be a loss, and therfor I desire that you will 
 not be discouraged, but that you may come over to Ed r 
 against the sitting down of the Parliamt, w ch is now 
 appointed upon the 21st of May. It would have mett 
 upon the 14th but that the D. of Queensberrys equipage 
 was not in a readiness. I sett of from this on Tuesday 
 next, and will be at Ed r 8 dayes befor the meeting of the 
 Parliamt, but if yo r Lop. and my wife come against the 
 down sitting of it it will be soon enough. It will be needful 
 befor you come off that you raise some money to answer 
 what will be needful for Kempcairns affairs. I shall have 
 enough for Arinbath, but I cannot have likewise for Kemp- 
 cairn at this term. I know not yet what vituall is delivered, 
 and tho the half of it be payable at Whitsunday, yet I 
 cant expect to make money of it befor Lammas. I leave 
 that affair of Kempcairns entirely to yo r Lop s manadge- 
 ment, and what bonds you give I shall ratify at my comeing 
 
288 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 to Ed r . I cant say whither I can come to the north or not, 
 but if I do I will transact w* all the rest of the creditors, and 
 clear the summ, and in order to y e of clearing of that 
 matter it will be fitt that I know which of the creditors I 
 shall pay, w ch is all at present from, My Lord, Yor Lop s 
 most obedient son and most humble sert. [Se afield]. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from CAPT PINCARTON, etc., to 
 THE RIGHT HONBLB LORD BASIL HAMILTON 
 
 Right Honorable, — We have received a letter from the 
 company signifying your being at London in order for 
 procuring his Ma tie ' s letter for our release, but as yet we 
 cannot learn of any to that purpose neither by the consul of 
 Cadize nor by the consul here, for the first has received a 
 letter from the Secretary of State, and not a word concern- 
 ing us in the same. Our usage [is] still worse, for the consuls 
 are backward in the matter, untill they should have an 
 order from the King or Secretray. Our declarations are 
 taken, and their determination is by some dubious, by 
 most thought it will be hard, and we fear the event ; 
 wherefore we humbly implore and begg your Lop s assist- 
 ance and speedy care in procuring his Ma ties letter, or the 
 Secretary of State's letter to the consuls of Cadize or of 
 this place for our release, which shall for ever be an 
 obligation on us to remain in all due respect and sincerity 
 Your Lop s . most dutifull and humble servants, 
 Sic subscribitur, Robert Pinkarton, 
 
 John Malloch, 
 
 James Graham, 
 
 Benj n Spenser alias Penso, 
 
 David Wilson. 
 Sevilla Prison, April 30th, 1700. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I am well satisfyed when I hear that your 
 Lo. is well. . . . Your Lo. has your news with Drum- 
 whenle, who did me the kindness to see me here. I'l 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 289 
 
 endeavour to be busie at my book and to aprove my self, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 Ja. Ogilvie. 
 
 Abdn., Ap. 1700. 
 
 Viscount Seafield's eldest son was in Aberdeen studying under 
 his tutor Mr. Blake. Next year, as ' nobilissimus Jacobus de 
 Deskford,' he was enrolled a student of Marischal College in the 
 class of the regent Mr. Peacock, which ran from 1701 to 1705. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Newark, May 3d, 1700. 
 My Lord, — I know you can't be the worse of traveling 
 to the Parliament, and thcrfor I expect to see you ther. 
 It sitts down upon the 21st, and it is better to be over a 
 day or two sooner as to miss to be at the electing of 
 the comittees. I wish that our Bamffshire commissioners 
 may come up also about that time, and I hope they will 
 not determine themselves in any thing untill they speak 
 with me. I cannot communicate to yo r Lop. what 
 measures we have taken untill I see you, but I hope all 
 honest men will have reason to be satisfyed. [I hope your 
 Lop.] may bring me as clear an ace* as is possible of the 
 state of my affairs in the north, and particularly that which 
 concerns Kempcairn ; and if the borrowing of money be 
 needful on that acct. yor Lop. may do it, and I do hereby 
 impower you to grant bond for nine or ten thousand merks, 
 w ch shall be as binding upon me as if the bond were granted 
 by my self ; and if you find any difficulty to do this, I shall 
 do it at Ed r , but let it not hinder you from comeing south 
 against the down sitting of the Parliament. I do also 
 expect that Provost Stuart 2 will come along with yo r 
 Lop., or at least about that time, and expecting to see you 
 so very soon I shall only add that I am, My Lord, Yor 
 Lop s most obedient son and most humble ser*, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 1 Records of Marischal College and University, New Spalding Club, vol. ii. 
 p. 281. 'The Education of a Scots Nobleman Two Hundred Years Ago,' by 
 the Editor, in Transactions of the Banffshire Field Club, 1909. ■ 
 
 2 Commissioner for Banff. 
 
290 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 Parliament met on 21st of May 1700, and was adjourned on the 
 30th of the same month to the 20th of June, to prevent the pass- 
 ing of a ' resolve ' declaring Caledonia a rightful settlement, and 
 pledging Parliament to maintain the same. The two next letters 
 to the Earl of Findlater and to the Duke of Queensberry show 
 that the King would not yield. Complications with Spain, but 
 chiefly the opposition of the English Parliament on account of 
 trade jealousy, made it impossible for him to do so. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — My Lord Seafield has so much to write this 
 night that yor Lop. cannot expect to hear from him by 
 this flying pacquet. He is in very good health, blessed be 
 God, and had a very pleasant journey the whole way, 
 except the first day from Belford. He posted to York, and 
 there hyred a coach hither, which brought them four dayes 
 from York. So they came here Saturdayes night. Since 
 that time my Lord has been every day at Hampton Court 
 where the King stayes, and Tuesday last the addressers at 
 ten acloack presented the Parliaments address. They 
 were introduced by my Lord, and when it was read the 
 Kings answire was that he will consider it. How this will 
 take, yo r Lop. will soon learn at Edinburgh. The Parliat 
 is adjourned from the 20th of June to the 4th July last, and 
 the Commissioner is continued in the caracter dureing the 
 Kings pleasure. Betwixt and that time the King will 
 declare his thoughts as to that overture concerning Darien. 
 The Earles of Argyle and Annandale and my L d Seafield 
 have importuned the King to consent, but have not yet 
 prevailed. It is the greatest trouble can attend my Lord 
 that he cannot bring the King to yeild speedily, though 
 perhaps a great many will not beleeve so much. The King 
 will very soon declare himself how he inclynes to the thing, 
 but how and in what manner I cannot tell yor Lop. 
 
 Yo r Lop. will have a coppy of the address in the flying 
 post, so I need not trouble yor Lop. with it in writt, but 
 shall send the news letter by this flying pacq*, because 
 it will come sooner be two dayes then the ordinary pacquet. 
 There are about nynty signing the address. I am afraid 
 I have encroached too much on yo r Lop s patience. So 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SEAFIKLl) 
 
 291 
 
 begging pardon, and praying yor Lop. ;md the family all 
 health and happiness, I am, My Lord, Your Lop 8 most 
 humble, most dutifull, and most obedient servant, 
 
 John Philp. 
 
 Whitehall. 13 June 1700. 
 
 Coppy of the LETTER sent to THE COMMISSIONER 
 
 BY THE MKSSKNGKH 
 
 We are well satisfied with the accounts we have had of 
 your proceedings, and we are sensible that more could not 
 have been done for our service then you have done. The 
 Earls of Argyle and Anandale and my Lord Seafield have 
 done you justice in this matter, and have acquainted us 
 that you and all our servants doe think it needfull in the 
 present juncture, that we should give our assent to an act 
 of Parliament asserting and declaring the right of the 
 colonie in Darien, and they have earnestlie desired us to 
 do it, as what they think might divide the opposite pairtie, 
 and satisfie all who are well affected to our goverment. 
 We have formerlie acquainted you with our reasons why 
 we could not yeild this point ; and could we have done it 
 at all, we would have done it at first, but the longer we 
 think upon it we are the more convinced that we cannot 
 doe it, and there is a necessitie for making a publick 
 declaration thereof. Houever at present we have ad- 
 journed the Parliament for a short time, and have onlie 
 signified our mind to you, and to our servants that are 
 here with us ; but we expect that you will call such of our 
 servants there as you think fitt, and lett them knou this 
 our final resolution, and lett a draught of a letter be sent 
 to us, containing the reasons mentioned in our letter to 
 the Parliament concerning the colonie in Darien, with 
 there advyce as to the way and manner they think most 
 propper for making this publick. And in this you are to 
 use all dispatch and diligence. We doe think it necessarie 
 for our affairs to continue you our Commissioner, and your 
 being at Edenburgh in this juncture is indispensablie 
 needfull. We doe repose intire trust and confidence in 
 you, and yow may either write your mind fullie to us of all 
 
292 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 things that concerns our service, or you may send anie 
 friend of your oun here whom you can trust. And so not 
 doubting of your care and diligence, we bid, etc. 
 
 Given at H n Court the 13 June 1700. By comand 
 
 past. Seafield. 
 
 Directed to our r. b. and r.ent b. c. and c r J. D. of Q. 
 our Corn 1 to our Pari, of S c . 
 
 To THE RT HONBLE ye E. OF JERSEY, PRINCIPAL 
 SECRETARY OF STATE 
 
 Cadiz, the 2\st June 1700. 
 Right HoN ble S r ., — I am obliged to trouble your Lop. 
 with this to render a second acco*, that in Dec 1 " last past 
 Cap* Rob 1 Pincarton, Mr. John Mollock, James Graham, 
 and David Wilson, Scotchmen, were brought prisoners 
 from the Havana, and committed to the gaol of this place, 
 where they continued for some months, and by his Catholick 
 Ma*y anc [ Councill were order' d to that of Sevilla, where 
 their declarations were taken and sentence of death, as 
 I'm inform' d, was thought would pass on them, imputing 
 them pirates, when their only crime is their having been 
 at Darien, from whence they sailed the 25th of Jan 1 "^ 169-f 
 in the ship Dolphin with 30 odd men bound to Barbadoes 
 to buy provisions, and were unfortunately shipwrackt the 
 5th of Feb r y following at Cartagena by a violent storm. 
 The rest of the men were shipt aboard the Bartavento 
 fleet, and the above sent prisoners to the Havana. At 
 their first coming here I represented in a memorial their 
 case to the President of the Contractation-House, who has 
 the whole disposition of all affairs of Spanish ships that 
 come from the West Indies, and demanded of him their 
 being sett at liberty as his Ma^' 8 subjects, to which he 
 only verbally told me, that their process was in councill, 
 and that he could not resolve in any manner without the 
 King's order, and that he would remitt said memorial to the 
 council, copy whereof goes enclosed for your Lop' s perusall. 
 His Ma^' 8 consul at Sevilla, Mr. Rob* Godschall (by virtue 
 of a power w ch I gave to a proctor there), has assisted 
 with him to make the necessary defences, but all to no 
 
i7oo] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 203 
 
 purpose, since these poor men are ;is believed condemned 
 by this time, of \v ch he will appeal to the King and council 
 at Madrid, where in all probability their sentence will be 
 confirmed, so I humbly request your Lop. that you will 
 please to acquaint his Ma^ with it, and procure his 
 gracious order in I heir behalf. There is also one Benjamin 
 Spencer alias Penso of a Jewish extraction, but as he says 
 is a Christian and marryed in England, who lays under 
 the same circumstances as the others, having been an 
 interpreter with the Scots at Darien, and was taken 
 prisoner on the island of Cuba in going ashore for water, 
 after their first deserting that colony. 
 
 S r . 
 
 The 10th sailed hence 7 sail of Spanish men of war a 
 store ship and two tenders under the command of Don 
 Pedro Fernandez Navarrete for Cartagena, and from thence 
 to rout the Scots from their new settlem 1 . Ditto day 
 parted Mons 1 ' Pointi tow r ards Sally with two bomb ketches, 
 a fire-ship, and a pink with stores, who after having 
 joyned the rest of his squadron, which are 5 men of war 
 that are cruising and 4 galleys w ch imported here this day 
 and 8 tartans that he has hired, designs to invest some 
 ports of Barbary or at least to bomb them, w ch being 
 what 's worthy your Lop' s notice, I crave leave to remain, 
 R t Hon ble S r , Your Lop' s most humble and most obedient 
 serv*, W m Westcombe. 
 
 S r , I humbly crave your Lop' s answer for the satisfaction 
 of these poor men. 
 
 TRADUCTION de la SENTENCE rendue par la CHAMBRE 
 de la CONTRACTATION des INDES a SEVILLE contre 
 le CAPITAINE PINCARTON et autres 
 
 Dans le proces et cause criminelle entre parties, d'une 
 part, le procureur du Roy a la Chambre de la Contractation 
 des Indes, et de 1' autre les accuses Robert Pincarton, 
 Benjamin Spencer, Elie Penso, Jean Malach, Jaques 
 Brayan, et David Wilson tous natifs du royaume 
 
294 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 d'Ecosse, lesquels se trouvent detenus dans les prisons 
 de cette Chambre pour avoir passe du dit royaume 
 d'Ecosse au pais qu'on appelle Darien avec une escadre 
 composee de 5 vaisseaux de guerre, qui y portoit differentes 
 marchandises, et y avoit bati des forts et des maisons et 
 pratique autres choses mentionees dans le rapport du 
 fiscal Joseph Moreno. Apres avoir veu et examine les 
 actes, preuves et accusations, nous trouvons que Nous 
 devons condamner, comme par ces presentes Nous con- 
 damnons a mort les susdit Capitaine Robert Pincarton, 
 Benjamin Spencer, Elie Penso, Jean Malach, et Jaques 
 Bryan. Nous reservant leur genre de mort, aussi bien 
 que le temps de leur execution, exceptant de la dite 
 condamnation — David Wilson que Nous entendons sera 
 mis hors de prison, a cause de son jeune age, luy enjoignant 
 neanmoins sous peine de la vie de ne plus retourner en 
 Amerique sous quelque pretexte que ce soit : Declarant 
 les biens des d ts coupables confisques aussi bien que le 
 vaisseau le Dauphin arrete par le gouverneur de Carthagene 
 et les marchandises dont le d* vaisseau etoit charge, 
 appliquant la moitie du provenu au Tresor Royal, et 
 I' autre moitie a la chambre de sa Majeste ; ordonnant que 
 pour rendre efhcace la dite confiscation, on remettra 
 incessament aux gouverneur et officiers de justice de 
 Carthagene copie de la dite sentence deuement authorised, 
 afin qu'ils remettent par les prochains vaisseaux de la 
 flote, ou autres vaisseaux du Roy, le provenu des effets 
 cy-dessus, suivant la vente qui en sera faite sur les lieux, 
 pour en etre dispose par sa Majeste et le Conseil de Guerre 
 des Indes, conformement a la presente disposition. Et 
 d'autant qu'il paroit par les actes produites dans la dite 
 procedure, que les personnes sous nommees sont aussi 
 coupables, scavoir le Due d'Hamilton, le Comte de Pen- 
 moor, le Marquis de Tweedall et autres du royaume 
 d'Ecosse, qui quoique sujets du Roi de la Grande Bretagne 
 formerent sans sa permission une compagnie pour cet 
 armement et etablissement au dit Darien, Panecop 
 Admiral de la d te escadre et autres Cap nes tant de mer que 
 de terre, plusieurs chefs et officiers aussi bien que les 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 295 
 
 membres etablis pour conseil de la dite compagnie em- 
 barques sur la dite escadre, dont les noms sont mentiones 
 et dans les actes de la dite procedure, et ceux qui sont 
 restes dans le royaume d'Ecosse, lesquels sont tous 
 dignes de chatiment pour un attentat si detestable. II a 
 ete ordonne qu'afin de pouvoir tous jours entretenir la 
 bonne intelligence entre les deux couronnes d'Angleterre 
 et d'Espagne, a la quelle ont contrevenus tous les accuses 
 cy dessus, on tirera une copie authentique des actes, qui 
 provent la verite de ces crimes, laquelle par le moyen des 
 Seigneurs de la Jonta du Conseil, sera remise a l'ambassa- 
 deur ou ministre qui tiendra lieu d'ambassadeur en Angle- 
 terre, pour etre communique au nom du Roy notre Sire au 
 Roy de la Grande Bretagne, et le dit ministre fera des 
 instances efficaces, a ce que sa Majeste Britannique, ordonne 
 a ses Conseils, Parlemens ou autres Cours de Justice de 
 punir exemplairement les dits coupables, luy representant 
 les dommages tres considerables qu' a cause a cette cour- 
 onne un pareil attentat, et les inconveniens, qui pour- 
 roient naitre de leur impunite pour toute 1' Europe. 
 Ordonnons aussi qu'on tirera des certificats de tous les 
 bureaux dont il conviendra les tirer, de toutes les depenses 
 qu'on a ete oblige de faire dans ce royaume, a l'occasion 
 de cette invasion tant pour l'armement de l'escadre qu'on 
 envoy e a Darien et aux Isles d'Or pour les reduire que de 
 toutes les autres depenses faites en consequence, lesquels 
 certificats avec les susdites procedures seront representees 
 a S. M. B. arm qu'il ordonne a Ses Conseils et Cours 
 de Justice d'en charger la dite compagnie d'Ecosse si bien 
 qu'on en puisse recevoir une juste et entiere satisfaction, 
 et que le resultat des diligences que fera le dit Ministre, 
 soit joint a ces procedures, afin que le Roy et les Seigneurs 
 de la jointe de Guerre puissent apres resoudre sur ce qui 
 conviendra de plus a propos pour le service de sa Majeste. 
 
 Et d'autant que le gouverneur de Carthagene devroit 
 avoir chatie exemplairement tant les dits prisonniers, que 
 tous les autres qui etoient sur le d* vaisseau Dauphin sans 
 aucune consultation, ni sans attendre nouveaux ordres, 
 conformement aux ordonnances et aux loix ; et que non 
 
296 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 seulement il ne Fa pas fait, mais a meme livre quelques 
 uns d'eux a la flote de Borlavento, qui etoit alors dans le 
 port de Carthagene, et que la hardiesse des etrangers 
 s'augmente tous les jours dans les Indes, faute d'executer 
 les peines etablies, et par l'indulgence, et Fimpunite, qui 
 donnent lieu a des pareils envenemens, on supplie sa 
 Majeste de prendre telles mesures et donner tels ordres 
 que le gouverneur et autres Ministres ne tombent plus 
 dans pareille faute. Tel est notre jugement dernier. 
 
 Signe, etc., 
 Prononce le 26 Juin. 
 
 Signifie le 26 au Procureur Fiscal et le 28 fut presentee la 
 requete appel. 
 
 TRANSLATION of the SENTENCE passed by the CHAMBER for 
 the CONSERVATION of the INDIES at SEVILLE on CAPTAIN 
 PINCARTON AND OTHERS 
 
 In the action and criminal suit brought by the King's fiscal, acting 
 for the Chamber for the Conservation of the Indies, against the accused, 
 Robert Pincarton, Benjamin Spencer, alias Penso, John Malach, James 
 Brayan [Graham], and David Wilson, all natives of the kingdom of 
 Scotland, who are detained in the prisons of this Chamber for having 
 gone from the said kingdom of Scotland to the country called Darien, 
 with a squadron of five ships of war, carrying various articles of 
 merchandise, and for having built there forts and houses, and com- 
 mitted other acts mentioned in the report of the fiscal, Joseph Moreno, 
 after having seen and examined the records, proofs, and accusations, we 
 find that we must pronounce them guilty on these heads. We condemn 
 to death the aforesaid Captain Robert Pincarton, Benjamin Spenser, 
 alias Penso, John Malach, and James Brayan [Graham], reserving for 
 our decision the manner of their death, as well as the time, and 
 excepting from the said sentence David Wilson, whom we ordain to 
 be liberated from prison because of his youth, enjoining him never to 
 return to America under any pretext whatsoever on pain of death. We 
 declare the possessions of the said culprits confiscated, as well as the 
 ship Dolphin seized by the governor of Carthagena, and the merchan- 
 dise with which the said vessel was laden, allocating half the proceeds 
 to the Royal Treasury, and the other half to the Privy Purse. To 
 render the said confiscation effectual, we ordain that a copy of the said 
 sentence duly authenticated be sent immediately to the governor and 
 magistrates of Carthagena, in order that they may send by the next 
 vessels of the fleet, or other ships of the King, the proceeds from the 
 
1700] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 297 
 
 sale of these effects, the same to be disposed of by his Majesty and the 
 Ministry of War l'»>r the Indies conform to this order : And whereas it 
 appears from the records produced in the said proceedings that the 
 persons named below are also guilty, VIZ., the Duke of Hamilton, Lord 
 PanmurCj the Marquis of Tweeddale, and others of the kingdom of 
 Scotland who, although subjects of the King of Great Britain, formed 
 without his permission a company to promote this armed settlement in 
 Darien, Panecop [Pennicuik], commodore of the said squadron and 
 other naval and military captains together with several other officers, 
 as well as the members appointed as a hoard of the said company who 
 embarked in the said squadron, all mentioned in the records of the 
 said trial, and those who remained in the kingdom of Scotland, who 
 are all worthy of punishment for so detestable an outrage, it has been 
 ordered to the end that the good understanding between the crowns 
 of England and Spain, which all the above accused have violated, be 
 maintained, that there shall be drawn up a duly authenticated copy 
 of the records proving the truth of these accusations, to be transmitted 
 by the Lords of the Privy Council to the Spanish ambassador or the 
 Minister holding the place of Spanish ambassador in England, to be 
 communicated in the name of the King our Lord to the King of Great 
 Britain, and that the said Minister make urgent appeal to his Majesty 
 of Great Britain to order his Councils, Parliament, or other Courts of 
 Justice to punish in an exemplary manner the said culprits, representing 
 to him the great damage this outrage has caused the crown of Spain, 
 and the inconvenience which will result to the whole of Europe if they 
 are allowed to go unpunished. We also command that an account be 
 made out in all the departments concerned of the whole expenses we 
 have been obliged to incur in this kingdom by reason of this invasion, 
 for the outfit of the squadron sent to Darien and to the Golden 
 Islands to subdue them, and all the other expenses incurred in 
 consequence, and that these accounts with the above proceedings be 
 presented to his Majesty of Great Britain, to the end that he may order 
 his Councils and Courts of Justice to charge them to the said Scottish 
 company, so that we may receive from them complete and just satis- 
 faction, and that the result of the efforts made by our Minister together 
 with these proceedings may enable the King and the Ministry of War 
 hereafter to resolve what may be most fitting for the service of his 
 Majesty. 
 
 And since the governor of Carthagena should have summarily 
 punished in an exemplary manner the said prisoners and all the others 
 who were on the said ship Dolphin without waiting for further orders 
 according to ordinance and law, and since he not only failed to do so 
 but delivered some of them up to the fleet of Borlavento which was 
 then in the harbour of Carthagena, and seeing that the audacity of 
 foreigners is increasing daily in the Indies for want of enforcing the 
 appointed penalties, and by reason of the indulgence and impunity 
 which occasion the same, we pray his Majesty to take such measures 
 
298 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 and to issue such orders that the said governor and other Ministers 
 may not again fall into the same error. This is our judgment. 
 Signed etc. 
 
 Pronounced on 26th June. 
 
 Presented to the Procurator Fiscal on 2P>th June. 
 The request to appeal was presented on 28th June. 
 
 An abbreviated resume of this is given in Hill Burton's Darien 
 Papers, p. 109. 
 
 The two following memorials to King William should be read 
 along with Murray of Philiphaugh's letter of 11th July 1700 at 
 pp. 556-558 of Carstares State Papers and Letters. Parliament in 
 May would not vote supplies until the question of Caledonia 
 was discussed. The King in consequence adjourned the sittings, 
 and the government had to consider ways and means. 
 
 MEMORIALL OF LA WES TOUCHING THE MILITIA 
 
 It is declared by the 5th act Pari. j66i, intituled act 
 asserting his Majesties royall prerogative in the militia 
 and in making peace and war, that the power of armes 
 and in making of peace and war or treaties and leagues 
 with fforraign princes and states doth properly reside in 
 the Kings Majestie and in his successors, and that yt was 
 and is their undoubted right and theirs alone to have the 
 power of raising in armes the subjects of this kingdom and 
 of the comanding, ordering, and disbanding or otherwayes 
 disposing thereof, and of all strengths, fforts, or garrisons 
 within the same, as they shall think fitt, the subjects 
 alwayes being free of the provisions and mentinance of 
 these fforts and armies, unless the same be concluded in 
 Parliament or Convention of Estates. 
 
 And by the 14th act of the same Parliament intituled 
 act for raising the annuity of 40,000 lib. star., the Estates of 
 Parliament make offer to his Majestie of the sum of 40,000 
 lib. star, yearly during all the dayes of his Maties lifetym 
 towards the entertainment of any such fforces as his 
 Majestie shall think fitt to raise and keep up within this 
 kingdom, or otherwayes towards the defraying of the 
 necessarie charge of his government according to his royall 
 pleasure. And this 40,000 lib. for the due and suteable 
 
i7oo] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 200 
 
 support of his Majesties government, and for defraying the 
 exigencies thereof is by act of Parliament j68i continued 
 for the space of ffive years after K. Charles the Seconds 
 decease. 
 
 And by the 2 d act Parliament i685 the same excise is for 
 the usefulness thereof to support the interest of the crown 
 annexed to the same for ever. 
 
 It is true that by the act of the Convention j680 contain- 
 ing the claim of right it is one of the articles charged against 
 the late K. James, his levieing or keeping on foot a standing 
 armie in tyme of peace without consent of Parliament, 
 which armie did exact locality free and drye quarters. 
 And by the 18th act of the same Convention containing the 
 grievances, the levieing or keeping on foot a standing armie 
 in tyme of peace without consent of Parliament is declared 
 to be a grievance. But this grievance, as severall others 
 there sett down, is not as yet by a speciall act formally 
 redressed ; only the act j698 for granting of the supplie 
 then given doth in the first place expressly consent to the 
 continuance of the number of fforces upon the present 
 establishment for two years after the first of Nomber next. 
 But this consent is to the forces on the present establish- 
 ment, and seems not to derogatt from the act j66i, specially 
 the 14th act of that Parliament, but to leave the same in 
 force, untill the forsd grievance be formally considered 
 and redressed. 
 
 And therefor it is thought that his Majestie may alwayes 
 keep up what fforces are truely necessary for guards and 
 garisons for the support and security of the government, 
 providing the subjects be free of their provision and 
 mentinance, unless the same be concluded in Parliament 
 or Convention of Estates. 
 
 MEMORIAL TO KING WILLIAM with some PAPERS 
 
 REFERRED TO IN IT [July] lTOO 
 
 In our last memorial we gave his Maj tle an account of 
 the present state and condition of affairs with our humble 
 opinion and advyce, to which we add that there is herewith 
 
300 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 sent a state of the funds and how farr they will reach toward 
 the subsistence of the forces, and what a great soume of 
 arrears is deu. 
 
 That we conceave it absolutlie necessarie for the preserva- 
 tion of his Maj ties goverment that there be a good under- 
 standing established betwixt his Maj tie and Parliat. 
 
 That his Maj tie comming to hold the next session of 
 Parliat. in person is the most probable mean to make the 
 disaffected members abate and condescend to adjust 
 matters to his Maj ties satisfaction. 
 
 That if his Maj tie cannot give his own presence, there 
 appears a necessitie that his Maj tie agree to all demanded 
 concerning Darien, and that the other demands in the 
 address be referred to the Parliat., or other wayes the Parliat. 
 must still adjourn, which continuallie makes things worse. 
 That whither his Maj tle resolve to come and hold the next 
 session in person, or to hold it by his Commissioner in- 
 structed to agree to what is demanded, it is our humble 
 opinion the Parliament should meet as soon as may be 
 after his Maj 1 ^ return. 
 
 That in order to the meeting of the Parliat. after his 
 Maj ties return, we have presumed to send the draught of a 
 letter to be sent by his Maj tie to his Councell, to be published 
 with the orders for the next adjournment, with such 
 alterations as his Maj tie shall think fitt. 
 
 That if his Maj tie cannot hold the next session in person, 
 or shall not be pleased to instruct his Commissioner to 
 agree to what is demanded, then we doe humblie crave his 
 Maj ties particular directions in these grouing difficulties, 
 wherin continued adjournments doe onlie more provoke, 
 and a Parliament seems so necessarie to support his Maj ties 
 goverment. 
 
 STATE of the FFUNDS for the FORCES 
 10th of July 1700 
 Charge 
 
 Impr. 4 months cess whereof 2 are payable at [11. ss. d.] 
 Lammas and 2 at Martinmass is . 24000 0 0 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 301 
 
 Item on quarter of the excyse payable the [11. ss. d.J 
 1st of September, but by the tack (30 
 dayes of grace being alloued) no quarter- 
 ing is to be till the 1st of October. The 
 tack deutie quarterlie is 10,000 lb ster., 
 but by reason of the badness of the cropts 
 and low condition of the countrey no 
 more can be truelie reckoned upon 
 then ..... 0500 0 0 
 
 Summa is 30500 0 0 
 
 Discharge [11. ss. d.] 
 
 Impr. for subsisting the troops monthlie 
 according to the present establisment 
 for the months of August, Sept r , Oct 1 ', 
 and Nov r , at 4900 lb monthlie is . 19600 0 0 
 
 Item by quarterlie precepts at Lammas 
 1700 including coal and candle to the 
 garrisons then yearlie draun . . 966 18 4 
 
 Item by quarterlie precepts at the 1 st of 
 
 November 1700 without coal and candle 687 18 4 
 
 Item for forrage to the troop of guards in 
 attending the Commissioner conform to 
 his Ma] 1 ? 8 warrand may be computed to 1000 0 0 
 
 Item by cloathing money deu to the com- 
 missaries for cloathing the troop of 
 guards, which they are by his Maj^ 8 
 letter alloued to retain in ther oun 
 hands, amounts to . . . . 3700 0 0 
 
 Summa is 25,954 16 8 
 
 Item the commissaries are to be reimbursed 
 
 which they are in advance of . 3066 0 0 
 
 In all 29,020 16 8 
 
302 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 
 
 [JULY 
 
 1700 July 10th 
 Accompt of the monthlie subsistence 
 
 
 [11. 
 
 ss. 
 
 d.] 
 
 Impr. to the troop of guards 
 
 412 
 
 14 
 
 8 
 
 To the 1 st battalion of foot guards . 
 
 468 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 2 d battalion thereof .... 
 
 352 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 To Maj. General Ramsey monthlie . 
 
 50 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 To Fort W m of full pay w* a 2 d leu* colonel 
 
 701 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 Edenburgh Castle ..... 
 
 98 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 Stirlin Castle ..... 
 
 77 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 Dunbarton Castle ..... 
 
 42 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 Artillerie companie ..... 
 
 37 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 Item by accompt of officers subsistence for a 
 
 
 
 
 regiment consisting of 10 companies viz. : 
 
 
 
 
 To the colonel as such and as captain 
 
 14 
 
 00 
 
 0 
 
 To the lieut. col. as such and as captain . 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Major as such and as captain . 
 
 9 
 
 02 
 
 0 
 
 Adjutant or aid major .... 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 0 
 
 7 captains . 
 
 39 
 
 4 
 
 00 
 
 7 lieutenants ...... 
 
 30 
 
 16 
 
 00 
 
 9 enseigns ...... 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 Item 3 regiments more .... 
 
 375 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 Item 1 regiment of 8 companies . 
 
 104 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 The monthlie subsistence of the officers of a 
 
 
 
 
 regiment of dragoons consisting of 8 
 
 
 
 
 companies viz. : 
 
 
 
 
 Colonel as such and as captain 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Leut. colonel as such and as captain 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Major as such and as captain . 
 
 11 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 5 captains . . 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 8 lewtenants ...... 
 
 35 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 8 cornetts ...... 
 
 29 
 
 17 
 
 4 
 
 1 quartermaster ..... 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 0 
 
 Item a regiment of dragoons of 6 troops, viz. : 
 
 
 
 
 Colonel as such and as captain 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Leut. col. as such and as captain 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Major as such and as captain . 
 
 11 
 
 8 
 
 0 
 
 3 captains ...... 
 
 25 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 6 lewtenants 26 12 00 
 
 6 cornetts 22 8 00 
 
 1 quartermaster . . . . . 2 16 0 
 
 In all 3117 17 5 
 
 Item the monthlie subsistence of a regiment 
 of foot officers and souldiers consisting of 
 10 comp. is 335 13 0 
 
 Item the monthlie subsistence of a regiment 
 of dragoons consisting of 8 troops, officers 
 and souldiers ..... 609 5 8 
 
 Item a regiment of dragoons of six troops, 
 
 officers and souldiers is 462 2 0 
 
 Item quarterlie precepts amounts to . . 966 18 4 
 
 5491 17 3 
 
 Coppy of a LETTER to HIS MATY , N favour of 
 MR. PINKARTOWNE and HIS CREW 
 
 May it please Yo r Ma^, — I should not have presumed 
 to have troubled yo r Ma tv at present, nothing of conse- 
 quence having occured since I wrett to yo r Ma^ with 
 Mr. Carstairs, but that the letters from Spain bring acco 1 
 that Captain Pinkarten and those of his crew, who were 
 taken near to Carthagena and are now prisoners in Sevilia 
 and some other places of Old Spain, are sentenced to dye. 
 Yo r Matf m ay remember that you was graciously pleased 
 to promise to the Affrican company in a letter to the 
 Privy Council, about the time I went Commissioner to the 
 General Assembly, that you would demand them ; and 
 some time thereafter when I was in Scotland yo r Maty was 
 pleased to allow my Ld. Carmichael to write to some of 
 the company that you had demanded them ; and after all 
 this, if they suffer death, it will very much increase the 
 present ferment in Scotland, and in my humble opinion it 
 will be ane act of great injustice and cruelty in the King 
 of Spain, and contrary both to the law of nations and 
 yo r Ma ts treatties with him, for the ship they were in did 
 spring a laik and they were necessitat to run to the nearest 
 
304 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 shoar, which happened to be near to Carthagena ; and my 
 Lord Carmichael has written with a great deal of concern 
 of this matter, as I acquainted yo r Ma^ before you went, 
 and you was pleased to allow me to speak to Mr. Secretary 
 Wernon of this, which I have now done, and he has pro- 
 mised to write to Spain in there favours, and he is also to 
 write to yo r Ma*y for further orders. I lykewise presume 
 to think that if yo r Ma^ would be pleased to recommend 
 this matter to the Duke of Bavaria it might perhaps be 
 of use. My zeal for yo r Ma ts service and my affection for 
 my countreymen will I hope prevail with yo r Ma^ to 
 pardon my importunity in this. Many of the Parlia* men 
 are goeing from Ed 1 * to the countrey, and those of them who 
 have signed the address are useing there outmost endeavours 
 to procure subscriptions to it, and they make every body 
 of whatever quality they be wellcome to signe, and so they 
 expect to obtain a great many hands to it. This is with all 
 submission from, May, etc., Yo r Ma ts most ffaithfull most 
 humble and most obed 1 subject and servant, sic subs., 
 
 Se AFIELD. 
 
 Whitehall, Jully 12th, 1700. 
 
 The same day Seafield also wrote to Mr. Carstares 1 to inter- 
 cede with the King on behalf of Captain Pinkerton and his 
 crew. 
 
 Coppy of a LETTER to the KING about CAPTAIN 
 PINKARTONE 
 
 May it please your Majestie, — I have nothing to 
 trouble your Majestie with att prasent, ther being nothing 
 in agitation nou in Scotland bot the procuring subscriptions 
 to the adress, in which they succeed too weal, tho a great 
 many refuse to signe. I have sent this by the father of on 
 John Malloch, who is condemned to die as is Captan 
 Pinkerton and the rest of his creu al prisoners in Sevilia. 
 I have also by this packet verie earnest letters in ther 
 favours, intreating I may interceed for them, and by a 
 letter direct for the councel of the African companie from 
 them they inform that a letter from your Majestie will 
 
 1 Carstares Slate Papers and Letters, pp. 558, 559. 
 
1700] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 305 
 
 safe thcr lives ; and I doe most humblie intreat that if it 
 is not yet done that your Majestic may he gratiuslie pleased 
 to interpose for them and save ther livs. I am only affraid 
 it come to lait, and it being in favours of your Majesties 
 subjects I have no doubt bot your Majestie will speedilie 
 dispatch your commands to some of your Majesties 
 servants ther. I hope your Majestie will pardon me for 
 trobling you so oftne for the same thing, and I am ackording 
 to my diutie, May it pleas your Majestie, Your Majesties 
 most humble, most faithful, and most obedient subject and 
 servant, Se afield. 
 
 Whitehall, Julie 13, 1700. 
 
 Serenissimo et Potentissimo Principi Dfio Carolo Secundo 
 Dei Gratia Hispaniarum, Utriusque Sicilian, Jerusalem, 
 Indiarum, etc., Regi, Archi-Duci Austria?, Duci 
 Burgundiae, Brabantiae, Mediolani, Comiti Abspurgii, 
 Flandriae, Tyrolis, etc. : Fratri et Consanguineo 
 Nostro Charissimo. 
 
 Gulielmus Tertius Dei Gratia Angliae, Scotiae, Franciae, et 
 Hiberniae Rex, Fidei Defensor, etc. : Serenissimo et Poten- 
 tissimo Principi Domino Carolo Secundo eadem Gratia 
 Hispaniarum, Utriusque Sicilian, Jerusalem, Indiarum, etc.: 
 Regi, Archi-Duci Austria?, Duci Burgundiae, Brabantiae. 
 Mediolani, Comiti Abspurgii, Flandriae, Tyrolis, etc. : 
 Fratri et Consanguineo Nostro Clarissimo Salutem. Seren- 
 issime et Potentissime Princeps, Frater et Consanguinee 
 Charissime, quod subditis nostris Scoticis nuperrime 
 accident, relictam nempe ab iis, initis cum Majestatis 
 vestrae gubernatore Carthagenense pactis et conditionibus, 
 regionem de Darien, rescivisse Majestatem vestram non 
 dubitamus, quinetiam navem quandam paulo ante cursum 
 hide suum in alias Americas partes tenentem in vicinum 
 litus projectam fractamque, quique in ipsa inerant dictam 
 civitatem opem flagitaturos adeuntes comprehensos et in 
 carcerem diductos, Hispaniam§ postea transvectos et 
 capite ibidem damnatos ad supremum Ma tis v rae concilium 
 Madriti provocasse : Ea vero est celeberrima et notissima 
 
 u 
 
306 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 
 
 [JULY 
 
 Ma tis v rae in omnes dementia, ut subditos istos nostros 
 tot et tanta ex improbatis a Ma te v ra eorum consiliis 
 coeptisque jamjam perpessos eidem majorem in modum 
 commendare non dubitemus, qua quidem indignos ipsos 
 cognito perpensoque hominum casu Ma tem v ram non esse 
 habituram arbitramur ministro itaque nostro Domino de 
 Schonenberg in mandatis dedimus ut quod illos attinet, 
 quoque nomine ex poena eos eximi et in libertatem 
 simul restitui sperare liceat Ma t! v rae uberius exponi ato^ 
 representari curet, cujus quidem advocationi facilem fore 
 aditum nobis persuademus, amotis jam ex regionibus istis 
 omnibus nostris subditis, nihil de ingrato isto suscepto 
 superesse amplius videtur, quam ut infelices isti captivi 
 regia vestra lenitudine et misericordia gaudeant. Opus 
 hoc prseclara ac generosa Ma tis v rae indole dignissimum 
 singulare Ma tis v rae erga nos benevolentiae argumentum 
 interpretabimur, et pari vel alio officiorum genere, quoties 
 facultas dabitur, reciprocabimus. Adeoque Ma tem v ram 
 Supremi Numinis tutelar ex animo commendamus. 
 
 Quae dabantur in Aula nostra apud Loo 22° die Julii 
 anno Domini 1700. Regnique nostri duodecimo, Ma tis 
 v rae frater et consanguineus amantissimus, 
 
 Gulielmus R. 
 G. Blathwayt. 
 
 Translation — 
 
 TO THE MOST SERENE AND POTENT PRINCE CHARLES THE 
 SECOND, by the Grace of God KING of the SPAINS, etc. etc. 
 
 William the Third by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, 
 France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith etc., to the most serene and 
 potent prince Charles the Second, by the grace of God King of the Spains, 
 the Two Sicilies, Jerusalem, the Indies etc., Archduke of Austria, Duke 
 of Burgundy, Brabant, Milan, Count of Habspurg, Flanders, Tyrol, etc., 
 our very dear brother and cousin, greeting. 
 
 Most serene and potent Prince, very dear brother and cousin, We 
 doubt not that your Majesty has heard what has recently happened to 
 our Scottish subjects, how by agreement with your Majesty's governor 
 of Carthagena they left the country of Darien, how a short time before 
 one of their ships sailing thence for other parts of America was cast 
 ashore in the neighbourhood of Carthagena and was wrecked, and how 
 those on board, when they repaired to the above-mentioned city to seek 
 help, were seized and thrown into prison, were afterwards transported 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 807 
 
 to Spain and were there condemned to death, and have now appealed to 
 your Majesty's supreme court, al Cadiz for redress. Such is your 
 Majesty's renowned and known clemency to all men that we mosl 
 heartily commend to it those our subjects who have been thus con- 
 demned for their designs and attempts against your sovereignty, and 
 have already endured such grievous suffering. VVe believe that, when 
 the condition of these men is known and considered, your Majesty will 
 not hold them unworthy of that clemency. Therefore we have given 
 instructions to our minister, M. Schonenherg, to explain fully to your 
 Majesty their circumstances, and the weighty reasons why their release 
 and restoration to liberty may be hoped for. We persuade ourselves 
 that there will be easy access for his advocacy, and that as all our 
 subjects are now withdrawn from those countries, nothing more remains 
 of that unpleasant enterprise than that those unhappy prisoners may 
 enjoy your Royal clemency and compassion. Such an act so worthy of 
 your Majesty's noble and magnanimous disposition we will look upon as 
 a singular proof of your Majesty's goodwill towards us, and we will make 
 suitable return as often as opportunity may arise. Finally, we heartily 
 commend your Majesty to the protection of Almighty God. 
 
 Given at our Court at Loo, on the 22nd day of July, in the year of 
 Our Lord 1700, and the twelfth of Ou r reign. 
 
 Your Majesty's most loving brother and cousin, 
 
 W illiam R. 
 G. Blathwayt. 
 
 To MONSR SCHONENBURG 
 
 A Loo ce |J Juillet 1700. 
 
 Monsieur, — Je vous felicite de tout mon cceur sur votre 
 heureux retour a 1' exercise de vos charges, qui vous 
 mettent en etat de rendre de services plus efficaces dans 
 votre poste. C'est en cette consideration que sa Majeste 
 me vient d'ordonner de vous ecrire en faveur du Capitaine 
 Pinckerton et autres Ecossois, qui sont detenus prisoniers 
 et condamnes meme, a ce que Ton mande, dans l'Andalousie. 
 Vous scavez comme ces affaires sont passees, et que les 
 Ecossois ont ete obliges de quitter prise a Darien, et comme 
 il ne reste de ces dernieres expeditions, que ces pauvres 
 prisoniers. Sa Majeste trouve bon que vous partiez et 
 agissiez pour eux a la cour d'Espagne, representant aux 
 ministres, qu'il sera bon de mettre fin a cette facheuse 
 affaire par un renvoy de ces gens la chez eux, ce qui pourra 
 avoir un fort bon effet de toutes les manieres, et obligera 
 
308 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 sa Majeste a une reconnoissance pareille dans les occasions. 
 Vous scavez sans doute, comme l'Ecosse se prend a 1'egard 
 de ce qui est passe dans le cours d'une entreprise, qui a 
 fait tant de bruit dans le monde, et apres la capitulation 
 nouvellement faite avec les Espagnols, il semble qu'ils ne 
 doivent plus garder du ressentiment envers ces malheureux. 
 Pour qui sa Majeste vous ordonne de travailler le plus 
 fortement que vous pourrez. 
 
 J'en ecris dans les memes termes a notre consul a Cadiz, 
 autant que cela le peut regarder, et comme le succes que 
 vous pourrez avoir dans cette poursuitte tournera a la 
 satisfaction de sa Majeste, et a votre honneur en parti cu- 
 lier, on ne doute pas que vous ne vous serviez des meilleurs 
 moyens pour y parvenir. — Au reste je suis, Monsieur, votre 
 tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur, Blathwayt. 
 
 Translation from the French — 
 
 To M. SCHONENBURG 
 
 Loo, J§ July 1700. 
 
 Sir, — I congratulate you heartily on your happy return to your 
 duties, which will enable you more efficiently to discharge the same. 
 
 It is with this consideration that his Majesty has commanded me to 
 write to you on behalf of Captain Pinckerton and other Scotsmen who lie 
 in prison in Andalusia under sentence of death. You know how these 
 things have come about, and how the Scots have been obliged to give 
 up their settlement in Darien ; and as these poor prisoners are the sole 
 survivors of the last expeditions, his Majesty desires you to intercede 
 for them at the court of Spain, representing to the ministers that it 
 would be desirable to terminate this troublesome business by sending 
 the prisoners home, an act which will have an excellent effect in every 
 way and will constrain his Majesty to a like return in similar circum- 
 stances. You know, doubtless, how anxiously Scotland regards what 
 has taken place in the course of an enterprise which has made such a 
 stir in the world ; and after the capitulation made so recently to the 
 Spaniards, it seems that the latter ought no longer to keep up resent- 
 ment against these unfortunate men, on whose behalf his Majesty com- 
 mands you to make the most strenuous endeavours. 
 
 1 am writing in the same terms to our Consul at Cadiz, so far as it 
 may lie in his department ; and as the success your efforts will meet 
 with will turn to the satisfaction of his Majesty and to your own honour 
 in especial, I do not doubt you will use the best means in your power 
 to attain your end. — I remain, Sir, Your most humble and most 
 Obedient servt, Blathwayt, 
 
1700] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 309 
 
 To Si: MARTN WESTCOMB, Consul at Cadiz 
 
 Loo, the \l July 1700. 
 S r , — His Ma*y having sent directions to Mons r Schonen- 
 burg at Madrid to use his best endeavour with the court 
 of Spain, for the release of Cap* 1 Pinckerton and other 
 Scots prisoners, who are not only detained near you, but, 
 as we are inform'd, condemn'd to die upon the acco 1 of 
 Darien, I am likewise commanded by his Majesty to 
 signify his pleasure that you give all the assistance and 
 succour you can to the prisoners, by furnishing them with 
 necessarys and endeavouring their release in the best 
 manner, and that you correspond with Mons r Schonenburg 
 therein, and do every thing else that may conduce to the 
 bringing this matter to a good issue. — I am, S r , Your most 
 humble servant, William Blathwayt. 
 
 Coime LETTER to the COUNCELL adjourning the 
 PARLIAMENT 
 
 Wheras the circumstances of our affairs doe still 
 continue such, as will not allou of the sitting of the Parlia- 
 ment on the 13 of August next, to which it was last ad- 
 journed, and we judging it may be necessarie we should 
 return to Brittain before the meeting thereof, that the 
 members may not be putt to unnecessarie trouble and 
 charges, we doe authorise and require you to issue forth a 
 proclamation in our name adjourning our said Parliament 
 from the said 13 day of August to the 29th day of October 
 next. And we being firmlie resolved the Parliament shall 
 then meet, you are to order all the members to attend 
 at Edr. that day in the usual way and upon the accustomed 
 certifications ffor doing, etc. 
 
 Parliament accordingly met on the 29th of October 1700. 
 
 MR. PRINGLE'S LETTER about the E. OF BALCARRAS 
 TO VISCOUNT SEAF1ELD 
 
 Bier en, Aug. 6, 1700. 
 My Lord, — The last post brought me your Lop s of the 
 30 July, and with it we had the surprising and sad news of 
 the Duke of Glocesters death, which your Lop. may be 
 
810 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 sure affects all here verie much, and the King hes dis- 
 patched Colonel Stanley to condole with the Princess on 
 this sad occasion. I have not yet heard of Captain 
 Fraser's 1 being in this countrey, but I think it verie strange 
 it should come into his head to bring hither draughts of 
 remissions, which your Lop. hes not seen nor approven of. 
 I am of your Lop s opinion, the remitting of the privat 
 crimes would make a great clamour, and be a good handle 
 to some to misrepresent both the King and his ministers 
 to the people, and perhaps anie remission at this time may 
 doe prejudice to his Maj^ 8 service. However, when the 
 thing is laid before the King, his Majty will be able to 
 judge what may be fitt to be done, and his orders shall be 
 obeyed. 
 
 The Earl of Belcarras was at Loo applying for libertie 
 to return home, and his circumstances having been laid 
 before the King, which indeed seem to be such as plead for 
 pity, his Majty inclines now he should be alloued that 
 favour, but not knouing if his servants would think it fitt 
 in this juncture, his Majty hes ordered me to write to your 
 Lop. as also to the D. of Queensberrie and to my Lord Car- 
 michael, that he may knou your Lop s and there mind about 
 it, how farr it may consist with his service in this juncture 
 to grant that favour to the E. of Belcarras or not, and 
 your Lop. may be pleased to signifie your mind either to 
 the King himself or by Mr. Carstairs or me, as your Lop 
 thinks fitt. I beleive indeed the Earl smarts so much for 
 his past follie, that he thinks of nothing at present but 
 living peaceablie. 
 
 Before my last letter went off, on Capt. Gus was come 
 to Loo from S r George Rook, with account of the King of 
 Swedens landing in Zetland with 6000 men and meeting 
 with litle or no opposition from the Danes, so it is not 
 doubted but he will bring all that countrey under contribu- 
 tion, which its like will hasten a peace, a treatie being now 
 on foot. I am, My Lord, your Lops, most humble serv*, 
 
 Ro. Pringle. 
 
 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 580-581. 
 
tyoo] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 811 
 
 Seafield in liis letter to Mr. Carstares at pp. f)17 and f> 1 8 of 
 State Papers and Letters advised making a bargain with Bal carres 
 before he was permitted to return to Scotland. 
 
 ffbr THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 My noble Lord, — The Duke of Gordon was visternight 
 at ffyvie, and is to be this night at Strathbogie and to keep 
 a court there to morrow, so that he does not come this 
 way. Your Lop. hes no questione heard of the adjorne- 
 ment of the Parliat. to the 23d of October nixt. I shall 
 obey my Ladie Seafeilds comandes anent Kempkairne, and 
 gett a full account of his debtes regrat heir so soone as 
 Thomas ffordyce, who does for the clerk, comes home, and 
 send the same to my Ladie. — I am, My Lord, Your Lop s 
 most devoted and most humble servant, 
 
 J. DONALDSONE. 
 
 Banff, 14th of August 1700. 
 
 John Donaldson, writer in Banff, was for some years clerk to 
 the commissioners of supply of Banffshire, an office which he 
 demitted in January 1706*. In 1715 he acted as factor for the 
 collector appointed by Mar to collect the county cess for the 
 Jacobites during the rising of the 'Fifteen. 1 
 
 MR. CARSTARES'S LETTER about the Master of Work, 
 
 ETC. 
 
 Loo., Ag. 16, 1700. 
 My Lord, — No post haveing come from England since 
 I did my self e the honour to write my last to your Lo., I 
 haue litle to trouble your Lo. with. My Lord Jersey is 
 here, but I have no patron about court but the King him- 
 selfe, nor doe I seek any. My Lord Selkirk does not 
 speak to me, and Coll. Rosse looks not pleasantlie upon 
 me, but I break neither my head nor heart with these 
 things, nor have I reason to doe it. We have a new envoy 
 from Brandenburgh, one Bondelie. There is a discourse 
 of some changes at that court, which I hope shall be to the 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Annate of Banff, vol. i. p. 116. 
 
312 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 advantage of his Maties. affairs. I hope Mr. Pringle shall 
 gett papers signed this night, for the King hath appointed 
 him to attend, and he hath also ordered me to doe so, and 
 I shall then know his mind as to the D. of Queensberries 
 proposalls ; but Mr. Pringle hath not a copie of a gift for 
 Master of Work, but I believe your Lo. hath one signed 
 blank, which may serve if the King grant it to S r Francis, 
 but the Commissioner must take his own way to satisfie 
 the E. of Marr, who your Lo. knows did speak to you 
 about this post. It will I humblie judge be fitt that your 
 Lo. writt of this to the Commissioner, that E. of Man- 
 may have no ground of displeasure. I shall doe the same, 
 but I humblie conceive that the way of doing this must 
 be left to the Commissioner himselfe, because that of Sr. 
 Francis is a secret. I heartilie wish your Lo. good successe 
 in useing the Bath. I am faithfullie and with much respect 
 Your Lo.'s 
 
 It is like I may add a few words to this letter ere the 
 post goe. 
 
 Since writeing of what is above I had your Lo.'s of the 
 13th, and have since acquainted his Ma^ with your Lo.'s 
 going to Scotland. He askt me why you did not goe to 
 the Bath, for I must say he freelie allowed your Lo. to doe 
 it. I answered him according to your Los. letter, and told 
 him it was your concern for his service that made you doe 
 so, seing his Matie. had formerlie insinuated that your Lo. 
 being there might be for his interest. The King approves 
 of all that the D. of Queensberrie proposed in his letter, 
 and orders will be sent by the next post, so that if your 
 Lo. have a blanck gift for the Master of Work, then his 
 Matie. thinks it fitt that it should be disposed of to S r 
 Francis, as the Commissioner can aggrie with him about 
 the terms upon which he is to have it. 
 
 Seafield's letter to Carstares of 13th and the Earl of Mar's 
 of 17th August 1700, 1 deal with the subject matter of this 
 letter. 
 
 1 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 6iO, 6n, 618-620. 
 
1700] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 818 
 
 MR. KENNEIR'S LETTER about the MEMORIALL given in 
 to the commissioners fob auditing the officers* accots. 
 at London. 
 
 Whitehall, 17 Augt. 1700. 
 My Lord,— I wailed this day on the commissioners for 
 examining and determining- the debts due to the army, etc., 
 and presented to them your Lops, memoriall, after transcrib- 
 ing it with a suteable title as your Lop. ordered me. They 
 excepted against giving in such a paper in your Lops, name, 
 and yet not signed, and said they could have no regaird to 
 it as not being signed. They also alledged that the 
 colonels and agents would have no regaird to such clames, 
 and that it must be remitted to the common law. I told 
 them they should have up instructions to avoutch the 
 justnes of the clames, but they were doubt l ull they could 
 come in time, for they were limited by Parliament that they 
 could not sit a fortnight longer. We ended at this that I 
 should writ this night for such instructions as could prove 
 the severall debts, which must be the probations depositions 
 and the like made to the Privy Council, with their Lop s act, 
 and that a letter or memoriall signed should be laid before 
 them, and then they should consider what could be done in 
 it, if they came in time. But these being wanting they 
 would not take in my memoriall. They were verry cross 
 and obstinat, and I find they are as freindly as they can 
 to the officers. What is done in this must be with all 
 imaginable dispatch. All they would promise was, that 
 they would intimate these clames when instructed to the 
 severall colonels or their agents, to be answered by them. 
 It must also be remembered that the regiments be specially 
 designed by the colonels name, and whether horse foot 
 or dragoons, particularly who these called the English 
 dragoons belonged to at the time, about what time in 
 Scotland, etc. There is not yet any forreign maill, so that 
 we have no newes here. — I am, My Lord, Your Lop s most 
 humble, most faithful, and most obedient servant, 
 
 A. Kineir. 
 
 Mr. Campbell was with me, and used all his endeavour 
 to make them inclinable. 
 
314 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 Andrew Kineir 1 was a clerk in the office of the Secretary of 
 State for Scotland. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 2d Septr. 1700. 
 
 My Lord, — . . . My Lord Secretarie is resolved to come 
 of with the first of the morrows tyde, which falls about 
 alevin or twalve acloack. He comes by the Cairne, and is 
 to be a night with my Lord fforbes at his house, so that 
 ffryday or Saturday I hope to have the honour to waite 
 on your Lo. My wife and I give our humble dutie to your 
 Lo., and wishing all hapieness to attend you I continue to be, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient servant, 
 
 Alex 1 * Ogilvie. 
 
 While in the north Seafield was busy arranging for the success 
 of the King's policy in Parliament. 2 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR at Edr. 
 
 My Lord, — I am mightly af frayed that the cold and 
 stormy wadar, which you have had in your jurny hath doun 
 you harem, for ther hath bein most bustring winds hear, 
 which hath doun a gret dell of ill to the corans. I hop your 
 Lo. will let me kno how you keep your halth at Ed r , for I 
 dou most sinserly wish you happness in all things, for I am, 
 My Lord, Your most obedent daghtr and humbell servant, 
 
 Anna Seafield. 
 
 Octobr. 9, 1700. 
 
 Seafield with his father had by this time gone south to Edin- 
 burgh to prepare for the session of Parliament that met on the 
 29th of October. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF FINLATOR 
 at his Lodging at Edinbrough 
 My Lord, — Being come leatlie from Holand w* a Duch 
 doggar with whom I brough some goods, and hes mad 
 entrie of the same at Portsoy to John Ogilwie colector, 
 and hes given my oblidgatione and surtie for the dewittie 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi., 3rd December 1705. 
 
 2 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 650, 651. 
 
1700] FIRST EARL OF SKA FIELD 
 
 8 1 5 
 
 of the sd. goods, and because the goods came home on a 
 foran bottome he hes bound us to pay double dewittie, in 
 caise wee can not procure ane order to him from the present 
 managers for paying onlie single dewittie, wheither ther 
 be a law for it or not I canot tell, but this I know that evrie 
 yeir ther comes Duch doggars both to Aberdein and Leith 
 and to seauverll other pairts, and never payed on farthing 
 but single dewittie, nor was it ever required of them, 
 its hard that Coll r Ogilwie should deal singularlie w* me 
 and the rest concerned in that shipp. I humblie intreat 
 the favor of yor Lo. that ye would be at the trouble to 
 speak effectualie to the managers heir anent, for it will be a 
 great lose to us if they should exact double custom. 
 Besyds its a thing was never don in Scottland. We beggs 
 yor Lo. will doe yor endeavor to procur the order to the 
 coll r , for wee most have it to him againest the 10th De- 
 cember nixt. Ther is also some tuo or three peice of 
 muslen saised be on of the waitters belonging to me, 
 qch the colector hes taken my lyn for to pay the wellow. In 
 caise I procur not ane order from the managers to gett it 
 up, most presume to recomend this to your Lo. It will be 
 a lose to me if I pay it. Your Lo. knous my circumstances. 
 I humblie begg pardon for my roodnes. I begg it of yor 
 Lo. not to tak the trouble in ill pairt, and presums to giue 
 yor Lo. my most humble dewittie. — I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lo s most humble ser\ Alex 1 ". Dunbar. 
 
 Your Lo. commission is fullie obeyed. 
 Cullen, 6 Nov. 1700. 
 
 BRIGADEER MAITLAND'S LETTER about 
 Keppociis Remission 
 
 ffort William, 26 Nov. 1700. 
 My Lord, — The bearer is very sencible how instrumentall 
 your Lordship was in procuring him his protection, and I 
 most say since that time he has been very asisting to me, 
 and very active in discouraging theift and robery, as witnes 
 his taking Alester More. He is now to intreate that your 
 Lo* } may be pleasd to procure him his remission, and he 
 
316 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 not only promices to serve his Majestie faithfuly the rest of 
 his dayes, but with the help of this garison to make Loch- 
 aber free of theiving, and I truely beleive he designs to be 
 as good as his promice. Therfor I intreat that your 
 Lordship may make him one honest man. — I ever am, My 
 Lord, Your Lordships most oblidged and most obedient 
 servant R. Maitland. 
 
 Earlier, on 2oth April 1700, the heritors in the Presbyteries 
 of Kincardine and Alford, Aberdeenshire, banded themselves 
 to concert measures for the peace of their countryside, and 
 offered five hundred merks Scots each for the apprehension of 
 the following three dead or alive, Alester More alias M'Donald, 
 John M'donald alias Glendey, and Angus M'donald alias Haked 
 Stier, as notorious robbers and thieves. 1 There are further letters 
 in this collection dated 8th and 10th December 1701 and 13th 
 and 29th January 1702 about Alester More. 
 
 Next letter shows how the Kempcairn estate was coming into 
 Seafield's possession. 
 
 For VISCOUNT SEAFIELD 
 Right Honourable, My Lord, — All that is done in your 
 Lops business with Kempcairn, since you went from this 
 place, is that the Lady Kempcairn hath renounced her 
 liferent right of the lands you are to possess, but would not 
 sign her husband and son's disposition in your Lops, 
 favoures, alleadging she was under oath not to doe the same. 
 However she hath judiciallie confirmed it, and it is now 
 deposited in my Lord Boynds hand with the rest of the 
 papers. ... It is not fitt your Lop. should allow any more 
 moey to be payed to old Kempcairn, ffor he will be still 
 importuning yo r Lady for moey here, and I fear the summs 
 yor Lop. hes allready payed and is now to engage for will 
 exceed the value of the lands you are to possess of that 
 estate. Your valuation is now distinguished from Kemp- 
 cairns, but nothing done as to the houses in Kieth. They 
 are all waste, and none will engadge to take them, and 
 Kempcairn will never rebuild them, so they cannot be 
 reckoned rent to yo r Lop. When I was at Kieth receiving 
 
 1 Historical Papers (1699-1750), New Spalding Club, vol. i. p. 21 and 22. 
 
1700 1 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 yor Lops rents, the tennents y r Intreated your Lop mighl 
 obtain a liberty from the Parliament of other two yearly 
 mercatts 1 in that place, the one to be on the third Tuesday 
 of May called James fair, and the other on the last Tuesday 
 of November called Andersmass fair. If your Lop. would 
 obtain this priviledge they promise to tenent all yo r waste 
 lands y r , and engadge under tacks with their own. This 
 would be very convenient for the good of the whole 
 countrey as well as theirs, and in a short tym may add to 
 yo r Lops, rent by the customs, and it will undoubtedly 
 contribute to the better and more tymely payt of your 
 rents y r yearlie, seing both mercatts would be immediatly 
 after the terms of Whitsunday and Mertimess. This hath 
 made me presume to trouble yor Ldp to obtain a warrand 
 for these mercatts, and if it be obtained your Lop may send 
 it north to me, and I shall cause insert it in the prognosti- 
 cations. They may stand on the muir where Semarivis fair 
 stands. 
 
 It is now tym your Lop. should think on the disposeing of 
 yo r victuall this year. I beleiv you may sell tuelve houn- 
 dered bolls, the one half meall and the other bear. I expect 
 the meall rents will be ordinary well payed. The victuall is 
 now selling here at eight merks and ane half, and in some 
 places for five pounds p. boll, but its thought the pryces 
 may rise towards the end of the year, yet its generallie 
 believed it will not exceed ten mks this year. There are 
 severall of your Lops tennents intreating me to take 
 victuall from them this year for what they were resting 
 the last year, and if yo r Lop can gett ten merks or more for 
 this yeares rents it may be taken, because they have the 
 victuall, but the countrey is drained of mdey. I have 
 advanced two thousand merks to Robert Ogilive out off 
 the rents, and must advance four houndered merks upon 
 the masters going to Aberdene. . . . And that the Lord 
 may bless and preserve your Lop, and make you pro- 
 sperous in all your affairs is the constant prayer of, My 
 Lord, Your Ldps, most humble and most obliedged servant, 
 
 Cullen House, De r 2nd, 1700 WlLL - Lorimer. 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. p. 332. 
 
318 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1700 
 
 The right of market was then considered of value, and the acts 
 of the Scots Parliaments show that many such rights were granted. 
 The two markets suggested were granted by the Scots Parliament 
 on 31st January 1701. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR 
 
 AT H IS LOUGENS AT THE BACK OF THE COURT ITS YaRD, EdR. 
 TO THE CAER OF THE POST OF ABD. 
 
 My Lord, — I was so huried when the horeses wint from 
 this with sending your granchyld to Abd., that I had no 
 tym to wret to your Lo. and to tell you that I long ex- 
 tremly for your north cuming. I hop the Parliment will 
 rayse in tym, that you may coum and tak your Crismass at 
 your own house, which will be a mighty satisfaction to me, 
 for I am and shall ever continou, My Lord, Your Lo s most 
 obediant daghter and humbell servant, 
 
 Cullen Huse, Des. 20th, 1700. Anna Seafield. 
 
 Coppy of a LETTER to MR. CARSTAIRS anent D. GORDON'S 
 Business from LORD SEAFIELD 
 
 Ed r ., Janry. 1st, 1701. 
 
 Sr, — We received yesterday an express signifying to us 
 his Maj tvs inclinations, that the Parliamt. should be ad- 
 journed befor the end of this month, w ch I am sure is the 
 desire of all of us who have the honour to serve him, but the 
 acts w ch have been befor us have been of such importance 
 both to his Maj 1 ^ and the nation, that we could not get 
 them despatcht sooner. 
 
 The army is now establisht again for a month, so his 
 Maj^ will have time to resolve, if the forces shall be 
 reduced conform to his letter, or if he will make any other 
 alteration, and his commands will accordingly be obeyed. 
 The process 1 w ch the Earl of Argile has raised against the 
 D. of Gordon dos make a great noise. My L d Duke dos 
 seem to depend upon the King in this matter, and my 
 L d Argile is so assured of carreing it by a vote, that he is 
 positive he will venture all befor he have it not in. 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. pp. 222, 244, 252, 265, 
 268 ; Hume of ' Crossrig 's Diary, pp. 25, 48, 57, 58, 65, 66. 
 
jan. 1701] FIRST EARL OK SEAFIELD 
 
 819 
 
 My L d ComInissl , . writs this night lor his Maj lvs orders, 
 and he will obey them what ever they be. I have promised 
 to writ nothing against my L' 1 Argile, and I cannot inter- 
 pose for him, the 1). of Gordons grandmother haveing 
 been a daughter of my family, and he is my nearest neigh- 
 bour in the country, and besides all this he did concurr for 
 stoppeing of the address. I wish that this affair could be 
 accommodat, for it does divide his Mats, servants, and if it 
 come to a decision bad consequences may follow upon it. 
 However you can witnes that I have written nothing of 
 this matter to the King. The Earle of Argyle did shew me 
 his memoriall. Wee are resolved to make all the dispatch 
 that is possible for us, but the least trifle will occasion 
 fyve or six hours debate, and then wee are necessitat some- 
 times not to putt anything to the vote, because the members 
 being wearyed goe out of the house and our opposers are 
 sure constantly to attend. 
 
 The King has time now to sett on foott a treaty w* the 
 King of France for a free trade betwixt that kingdome and 
 Scotland, for wee have only prohibite the importable of 
 wine and brandy from France conditionally, and in the 
 precise termes of the instructione to the Commissioner, 
 that is untill our herring and other goods the product of our 
 nation be allowed to be imported into ffrance, as they are 
 receaved from other nationes. I forsee that wee will have 
 difficulties in adjusting ane address concerning Caledonia, 
 but wee shall doe our best endeavour in that and every 
 thing concerns his Ma^. Our party is no weaker than it 
 was, for wee had occasion to try them in the case of Mr. 
 John Campbell, my cousin german, who you know compeats 
 w* the Laird of Bishoptowne for representing the shyre of 
 Air in place of Rowallan. That affair is to have its finall 
 decision this day, and I hope wee shall carry it, and the 
 worst that will fall out in thir case is to remitt both. Wee 
 are also in hopes of getting in betwixt and Saturnday a 
 member from Galloway on our side, and ane oy r from the 
 shyre of Peebles. I have not time to add any more at 
 put, but I know my Lord Commissioner has written fully, 
 so it is unnecessary for me to add any more. You may 
 
320 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 communicate this to Mr. Pringle. I pray you give my 
 humble duty to my Lord Portland. — I am Yo r 
 
 M. H. S. 
 
 Marie Ogilvie, daughter of the first Lord Ogilvie of Deskford, 
 married Sir John Grant of Freuchie, chief of the Grants, whose 
 daughter, Marie, Marchioness of Huntly, was mother of the Duke 
 of Gordon. 
 
 On the death of William Muir of Rowallan, commissioner for 
 Ayrshire, a double return was made of Mr. John Campbell of 
 Shankstoun and John Brisbain, Younger of Bishopstoun. Mr. 
 Campbell was preferred. 
 
 MR. PR INGLE'S LETTER about DUKE GORDON and 
 E. ARGYLES Process to VISCOUNT SEAFIELD 
 
 Whitehall, Jan. 7, 1701. 
 
 My Lord, — I did not write last post to your Lop., for 
 I was then in expectation of orders for dispatching a flying 
 pacquett, which, houever, I gott not till yesternight, and 
 came hither for that end. It carries two letters from the 
 King to the Duke of Queensberrie and my Lord Argyle, 
 in which the King signifies his apprehension of prejudice to 
 his service by the delay that process of the Earl of Argyles 
 against the Duke of Gordon may bring to the conclusion 
 of this session, which the King desires may be as soon as 
 possiblie can be, and therfore recommends to my Lord 
 Argyle the not insisting further in it at this time, his 
 Maj. being resolved, as soon as the Parliament is over, to 
 endeavour of accommodat that matter. I doubt not but 
 my Lord Argyle will comply with this, but as I have 
 suggested to his Lop., I beleive the King will be satisfied 
 the stopp of this process be thought to proceed from some 
 other cause then his interposing, which I think ought not 
 to be known. I have just nou receaved your Lops, of the 
 4th, and am verie glad these neu elections hes gone so much 
 to your Lops, mind, and I hope we may from thence presage 
 a happie issue to this long session. The King hes signed a 
 commission of guidon of the guards to the quartermaster, 1 
 and of quartermaster to Mr. Charles Campbell, which my 
 
 1 Captain Archibald Douglas. In Dalton's Army Lists these commissions 
 are dated ioth January. 
 
1701] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 821 
 
 Lord Argyle wrote for. I shall take care of what your 
 Lop. recommends to me about the Warden of the Mints 
 place. Having occasion to send doun for my Lady 
 Margaret Hope a watch and some other litle things, I have 
 taken freedom to send them with this pacquett in a cover 
 to my brother Thomas, since it putts his Maj tie to no 
 expense. — I am, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble serv 1 , 
 
 Rt. Pringle. 
 
 MR. PRINGLE'S LETTER to VISCOUNT SEAFIELD with 
 the KING'S LETTER discharging Persons to come to 
 Court, and allowing the Commissioner to repair 
 
 Hampton Court, Jan. 25, 1701. 
 My Lord, — My last to your Lop. was by a flying pacquett, 
 signifying to my Lord Commissioner his Maj ties pleasure as 
 to the forces, and which I was obleidged to dispatch in 
 such hast that I could not write fullie to your Lop. ; and 
 as I doubt not but what I wrote to his Grace hes been 
 communicat to your Lop. before this can reach you, I shall 
 trouble your Lop. no further about it. There goes by this 
 post two orders under his Maj ties hand, on to his Grace 
 my Lord Commissioner requiring him to repair hither as 
 soon as the Parliament is over, and allouing him to retain 
 the charecter of his Maj ties Commissioner as long as he is 
 within the kingdom. The other is to the Councell discharg- 
 ing all persons of publick trust and particularlie those of 
 Councell and Exchequer to leave the kingdom anie time 
 before the first of May next without his Maj ties special 
 libertie, excepting the Secretaries of State, who may repair 
 hither when they think fitt, his Maj tie apprehending much 
 that upon the rising of the Parliament manie may think 
 fitt to wait upon him, at a time when the surcease of 
 justice and of the business of the Tresaurie and Exchequer, 
 much postponed by the sitting of Parliament, seem to 
 require there presence ; but as its probable some may 
 take exceptions to this prohibition, so I doubt not but your 
 Lop. will think it reasonable that his Maj ties order be not 
 known untill its presented, and for that end there is not 
 the least notice taken of it to anie other, save my Lord 
 
 x 
 
322 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 Commissioner and my Lord Carmichaell. — I am, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most humble serv 1 , Ro. Pringle. 
 
 For VISCOUNT SEAFIELD 
 
 Whitehall, Jan. 30, 1701. 
 My Lord, — This morning by the flying pacquett I 
 receaved your Lops, of the 25th, which was much longed 
 for, having had 3 ordinarie maills without anie from your 
 Lop either to Mr. Carstairs or my self. Yours to the [K] 
 I delivered at his levee, and gave him account of what hes 
 hitherto past in reference to the armie, with which I am 
 confident he is verie well satisfied, and what accounts we 
 are further to expect shall be agreable to him. His 
 Maj tie came yesternight to Kensington, where its thought 
 he will reside during the sitting of the Parliament here, 
 unless it be to divert himself for on or two dayes of the 
 week at Hampton Court. There is nou verie great appear- 
 ance of a rupture with France, the last maills having 
 brought account of the King of Frances having putt 
 troups into Ostend and Neuport, which hes alarumed all the 
 trading people there, so that the actions fell yesterday 
 considerablie ; and its not doubted but the Dutch forces 
 that are in anie of the Flanders garrisons will soon be 
 ordered to retire, if they are not more harshlie dealt 
 with, some apprehending that they may be detained as 
 prisoners, but I am told the Elector of Bavaria hes 
 assured the States of Holland that they shall be honourablie 
 dismist. — I am, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble serv*, 
 
 Ro. Pringle. 
 
 Written on the same sheet is 
 
 MR. PRINGLE'S LETTER showing the KING'S mind about 
 the Modelling the 3000 men, 1 and that he would not 
 consent to it 
 
 My Lord, — After I had writt what is above to have been 
 sent by the ordinarie post, his Maj tIe sent for me and ordered 
 me to dispatch in all hast a flying pacquett to acquaint my 
 Lord Commissioner and your Lop with his Maj ties great 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. pp. 257, 258, 268, 269, 
 270 ; Hume of Crossrigs Diary, pp. 61-68. 
 
1701] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 828 
 
 concern at the motion made for the Parliaments modelling 
 the 3000 men determined to be kept up, that being such an 
 encroachment upon his prerogative, that the Parliament 
 here when uneasiest never pretended to, but having laid 
 on the supplys and fixed the number, always left the 
 modelling ol' these to his Maj tle ; and therfore I have 
 signified to my Lord Commissioner, that in caice by anie 
 accident the Parliament is sitting when this comes to his 
 Graces hands, and that the Parliament hes taken upon 
 them to modell the 3000 men and condescend upon the 
 particular cores to be kept up, that his Grace should by no 
 means give his assent to it, but endeavour to have it 
 rectified and the modelling of the number determined 
 left whollie to his Maj tie ; but if that hes alreadie past in 
 Parliament, his Maj tie expects that no reform nor reduction 
 be made upon anie modell of the Parliaments, untill he be 
 acquainted with it and his further pleasure known. 
 
 There goes with this a neu order allowing my Lord 
 Commissioner to continue his charecter untill he see his 
 Maj tie , the last allowing it onlie untill he should be out of 
 the kingdom. 
 
 Next day the Act for a supply of twelve months' cess to main- 
 tain the army establishment of 3000 men was touched by the 
 sceptre, and on 1st February Parliament was adjourned. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER from JAMES eldest 
 son of VISCOUNT SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I am sensible of your Lo. kindness towards 
 me, and return you hearty thanks for the watch which I 
 have received. It will be very useful to me, and as your 
 Lo. odered, I shal caus dress it and take care to keep it 
 well as a token of your Lo. kindness. I had an earnest 
 desire to shew my gratitude by some compliment, [but] 
 after inquiry I could find nothing worth your Lo. while. 
 [Howjever I'l endevour to ply my book, which is all your 
 Lo. expects from, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble and 
 obedient servant, James Ogilvie. 
 
 Abd., Mar. 1, 1701. 
 
324 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Next letter gives a glimpse of student life in Aberdeen. 
 For THE EARL OF FIND LATER 
 
 My Lord, — I received the 22 libs. 4s. from Alex r Elmslie 
 and delivered him the receipt. The master continues well, 
 blissed be God. He is very fond of the watch your Lo. 
 has sent him, and would be glade of an opportunity to shew 
 how much he reckons himself obleidged to your Lo. As 
 to that rupture betuixt the colledges, it was truely very 
 dreadfull, for gentlemens sons in both were in hazard of 
 their lives evry hour for 8 or ten dayes together, but now, 
 blessed be God, all differences amongst the students are 
 composed, and they converse together in great friendship 
 and amity. The master judged them both fools, and never 
 thought of sydeing with either of them. 
 
 There was no paquet for your Lo. yesternight oyrwise 
 it had come allong with this. The letters brought nothing 
 considerable, only great preparations for war on all hands. 
 
 The money wee had heir on bill is spent to about ten or 
 eleven libs., so that your Lo. will neid to transmitt what 
 may be proper with the first occasion. I give your Lo. no 
 further trouble, but only that I am, My Lord, Your Lo s 
 most humble and obedient servant, Wil. Blake. 
 
 Abdn. 9 Mar. 7, 1701. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 by Aberdein to Banff 
 
 London, 20th March 1701. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lo. yesterday, and 
 am glaid to know that ye are in perfect health and at your 
 ease. My Lord Seafield is in as much favour with his 
 master as your Lo. could desire. I shall be carefull of your 
 comands, and am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 servant, Alex 1 * Ogilvie. 
 
 The account in next letter of the Caledonian cartoon supple- 
 ments Hume of Crossrig's narrative in his Diary, pp. 76-79- 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 21st Mairch 1701. 
 My Lord, — . . . I know not hou it comes that your 
 
I70I1 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SKAFIELD 
 
 325 
 
 letter is stopt, for I have hade nothing to doe about it, 
 since fforglen hade concerne with the Signet, and William 
 Gairden is gone along with him to London. It seemes it 
 most be stopt aboue, and your Lope, most wreat to John 
 Philp to direct it of to my caire, and it shall be carfully 
 sent of. We have no newes heir, only the Secret Councill 
 have bein taken up thir 3 dayes detecting ane affront that 
 was in agetation agt. the governement, which was this. 
 Ther was a coperplate ingraved with Caledonia in the sheap 
 of a fair young lady, supported by his Grace the Duke of 
 Hamiltoune, the Merqueses of Atholl and Twejidell, and 
 the names of all the rest who wer affectionat to hir interest 
 in Parliat., and the names of others who would have bein 
 so if they hade bein ther, with some proper inscriptions 
 wreat beneth, and belowe that is the divill draiveing all the 
 enemies of that interest befor him to hell. It was first 
 drawn with a pen by on Thomson a servant in the Affrican 
 office who wreats one exterordinary fine hand, and yrafter 
 ingraven by a young man of the name of Wood, and on 
 Auchmoutie who is officier to the companie was taken at 
 the press casting off the coppies. Mr. M'Kenzie secretarie 
 is thought to have bein in the thing. The first tuo wer 
 sent to the castell and the last 2 to the tolbuith, and some 
 of them if not all are to gett ther indytments to be tryed 
 for ther lives. A flyeing packett was yisterday sent to the 
 Secretaries with on of the coppies, and what is discovored 
 in the matter. Some coppies wer given out, particularly 
 to the Duke of Hamiltoune and Merques of Tweddell. 
 Both of them attended the Councill yisterday, a macer 
 haveing bein sent to them to that purpose. Tweddell gave 
 in his coppie, bot the Duke sayed he hade misslayed his, 
 and so soon as he gott it he would send it to the clerk of 
 Councill, who hes all the rest of the doubles. Both these 
 persones of quality are under parroll to the Councill to 
 appear when called for. I was at paines in that affair agt. 
 the Brouns, and ame sorie I hade not better success. I did 
 expend some money by Birkenboge and Braccos order and 
 the Shreff depts., the account qrof I have sent to Castel- 
 feild. I know your Lope will sie that I be reimbursed when 
 
326 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 the commissioners meets, ffor I was als much paines as 
 if the thing hade taken its designed effect. I wish your 
 Lope, and the famely all happieness, and ame, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most deutiefull, most humble, and most 
 obedient srvant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 I ame to wreat to my Lady Seafeild nixt, and I have 
 bespake halfe a chist of lemons and oranges for hir, which 
 will be almost als cheap as the quantity she desyred from 
 the fruit wifes, and the merts. doe not sell under half a 
 chist full. 
 
 Peter and Donald Brown 1 were associates of James Macpherson, 
 and were probably hanged in Banff in June 1701, though an 
 unknown authority referred to by Sir William Fraser states that 
 they escaped. 2 
 
 ffree. For THE RIGHT HONABLL THE EARLE OF 
 FF1NDLATER at Cullen house in Banffshyre 
 
 Edinburgh, 8th Aprile 170i. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lops, yisterday, 
 and I transmitted the tuo that wer inclosed from my Lord 
 Seafeild and Mr. Philp by the yisternights pacquet. . . . 
 We have for newes heir to day that S r Patrick Home 3 is 
 off as Solicitor, and that Mr. David Dalrymple and Mr. W m 
 Carmichell are named to succeed him, that Jarveswood 
 hes gott a bill of ease, and that S r James Smollet and 
 fforglen 4 doe succeed him as Generall Receavers, and that 
 Mr. Robert Pringle is off from being Secretarie Dept, and 
 S r Alex r Cumming of Culter or S r Archibald Sinclair doe 
 get his post. This is only talked, bot I ame affraid ther 
 most be something of it, for it hes bein long expected. 
 When I hear of any thing wourthie of your Lops, nottice 
 it shall be communicat to you. So wishing my Lady and 
 the childrine all happieness, I ame, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most deutiefull, most humble, and obleidged servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 1 Dr. Cramond's Amials of Banff, vol. i. pp. ioo, 103, 104, 106, 107, 110- 
 "3- 
 
 2 The Chiefs of Grant, vol. i. pp. 325, 326. 
 
 3 Marchmont Papers, vol. iii. pp. 220, 221. 
 
 4 State Papers {Scotland) IVarrant Books, vol. xvii. p. 5 T T . 
 
i7oi] 
 
 FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 327 
 
 The treaty of Uyswick was followed by the two partition treaties 
 of 1699 1700 regulating the Spanish succession. The latter, 
 rendered necessary by the death of Ferdinand of Bavaria, divided 
 the Spanish territories between the Emperor's son Charles, who 
 was to have the crown of Spain, and the Dauphin of France. In 
 despite the King of Spain the same year bequeathed his un- 
 divided kingdom to Philip of Anjou, second son of the Dauphin. 
 On the death of the King of Spain in October 1700 the 
 Emperor and the Dutch took up arms against France to vindicate 
 the treaty of 1700. William, handicapped by the hostile Parlia- 
 ment in England referred to in the letter of 17th April, did not 
 come into line with his former allies until late in 1701. Next 
 letter, however, shows that he was at this time strengthening his 
 position in the Low Countries. 
 
 To JAMES BAIRD 
 
 Whitehall, 10th Aprile 170i. 
 This goes by a flying packet with credit to those regiment s 
 that go for Holland, in case that they be detained by 
 contrary winds, but I hope they are saild befor now. 
 My Lord Strathnaver is to pay me this week nintie pound 
 sterling here upon the account of Coll. Ferguson, for which 
 I have given Coll. Ferguson a bill for a hundred pound 
 sterling payable at two dayes sight by you. You may 
 remitt the remaining twentie five pounds in guineas by the 
 packet, and I shall take care to send you down yor. note, 
 which I have for 125 pound, and the sooner you send it the 
 better, which is all at present from yor assured friend, 
 
 Se AFIELD. 
 
 I will not detain the packet for writing to any other 
 person, being resolved to writ at night by the ordinary 
 post, but you may give my humble service to my L rt 
 Annandale, and let him know that I will writ to him this 
 night, and send him down the paper he desires. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall Apryle 17th, 1701. 
 My Lord, — . . . The fflying post gazett and votes of 
 Parliat are duely sent your Lordship, but directed to the 
 master att Aberdeen, and Mr. Black ordered to forward 
 them carefully. Yor Lop. has in the votes all the proceedings 
 
328 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 of the House of Commons, but there is one step very re- 
 markable in the House of Lords, which I presume to trouble 
 yor Lop. with. They were displeased att the Commons 
 address, which yor Lop. will see in the votes, against the four 
 impeached Lords, 1 and they aggreed yesterday to ane ante 
 address, I may so call it, that his Ma tv would not be pleased 
 to inflict any punishment or shew any marks of his dis- 
 pleasure to the 4 impeached Lords by the House of Com- 
 mons, till they have been tryed upon the impeachment. 
 How this will be setled I leave it to yo r Lop. to judge. 
 Were yor Lop. here you would see hotter work then was 
 in our Scotts Parliament. The Commons are lyke to 
 persecute the Kings old servants about the partition 
 treatty, but I hope they will not gett there wills, and it is 
 thought the House of Lords will clear them. Will yor Lop. 
 be pleased to let my Lady Seafield know that my Lord is 
 in very good health, blessed be God ; and I shall not 
 presume on yor Lop. any further, but pray all happines to 
 yo r Lop., my Lady, and all the children, and subscryve, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most obedient and dutifull humble 
 servant, John Philp. 
 
 For THE EARLL OF [FINDLATER] 
 My Lord, — I wold have most willingly served fforglen in 
 any thing I can, but befor I heard of him I found by the 
 inclination of most of the town, that they resolved to have 
 one of ther towns men to serve in that post. Nather have 
 I considerable influenc in thos matters, which hath mead me 
 wilyn not to meddell mor with them. For I doe not resolve 
 to goe to Bamf this day, tho I hear they talk of choising 
 ther commissioner. Wherein I can serve your Lo. or my 
 Lo. Seafield it shall be willingly performed by, My Lo., 
 Your most humble servent, Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Boyn, Aprle 28, 1701. 
 
 Alexander Leslie of Kininvie was elected commissioner for the 
 Burgh of Banff' at this time in room of Provost Stuart deceased, 
 but next year Forglen was returned. 2 
 
 1 Somers, Portland, Orford, and Montague (Halifax). 
 
 2 Dr. Cramond's Annals of Banff, vol. i. pp. 170, 171, etc. 
 
1701I FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD .320 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Uolyrood house, Tuesday, 
 the 6th of May i70i. 
 
 My Lord, — I got yesterday your Lops, letter of the 26th 
 Aprile, and am very sensible of your Lops, zeall and con- 
 cern for the government. Wee see that others wait all 
 occasions, and leave no ston unturned. I am sorrie for 
 Provost Stuarts death, but since by it there is a vacancie, 
 I doubt not your Lop. by your friends and interest in that 
 place doe all you can to make the best of it. The Coun- 
 cellors excepting one or two Lords of Session and the Lord 
 Provost are all out of town, and I am goeing this day to 
 the cuntrie, soe it is not like wee can have any Councill till 
 June. All I can advise is that if ane election happen our 
 friends may take care to have the law upon their side as 
 much as they can, and let no pains and diligence be want- 
 ing to carrie their business. If it end so as anything be 
 doubtfull and come to the Privie Councils determination, 
 it is not to be doubted but they will get right there, which 
 shall be carefullie looked after by, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 very obliedged humble servant, Marchmont. 
 
 The pine woods 1 of upper Strathspey for many years supplied 
 much valuable timber, which was floated down the Spey. The 
 floaters used a round currach or wicker boat covered with leather ; 
 hence their name ( currachers ' in next letter. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — The bearer, John Grant, deliverd your Lo. 
 letter to me this morneing, and since Grant was not vritn 
 to anent woode libertie, I cam allongs with John to inquere 
 annent the samen at young Grant, 2 to whom his father hath 
 givn the disposeing of the woods ; and he sayes that he will 
 have three pounds Scotis mdey for ech tree, and this is 
 besyds the payt for cutting, leadeing to the vater, and the 
 currachers pains for transporting them to the bote off 
 
 1 The Transactions of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Chib, vol. v. 
 pp. 186-196. 
 
 8 Alexander Grant, afterwards Brigadier-General and laird of Grant. 
 
330 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 Bog, 1 so yt I judge or the great trees be there they will 
 stand your Lo. four pounds Scotis the peice. Yet if your 
 Lo. will resolve to buy the woode, I doe think the smallest 
 trees may be hade of the cropts of the great timber; and 
 this is all could as yet be done in the mater untill your Lo. 
 have your thoughts off it, and vrit to Grant if you think 
 it convenient ; and for me there shall none be more willing 
 according to my pouer to serve your Lo. and your familie 
 then, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient and verie humble 
 serveant, Ja. Grant. 
 
 Castal Grant, i of June 1701. 
 
 ffor THE EARLE OF FFINDLATTER att Cullen House 
 
 these 
 
 My Lord, — I have now receaved from Burdsbank your 
 daughter Lady Mary's papers anent hir bond of provisione 
 with the bond itself ; so it will be fitt that your Lo. wreat 
 to your advocats to stop the calling of any sumonds Lady 
 Mary hes raised agt. Burdsbank, as likewayes to mind your 
 sone, my Lord Seafield, to exped that commissione anent 
 Burdsbanks sone Patrick as being conjunct Shirreff clerk 
 with himself, for the sooner that these things be done will 
 be the better ; and I find Burdsbank verie willing to redd 
 all fairly and very friendlie with your Lo., which is all from, 
 My Lord, Your most humble servant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Boynd, June 4, '701. 
 
 Patrick Leslye was appointed joint Sheriff-Clerk of Banffshire 
 on 10th September 1703. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HOLL THE EARLE OFF FFINLATER 
 
 these ar 
 
 Durn, the 21 off Junn 170i. 
 My Lord, — I am so streatned att the tym ffor munnie, 
 that I am necessitatt to request yf Lo. to advanse mee that 
 9 lb. yr Lo. rests on yr ftr and tikett. I am assheamed I 
 shuld thus truble yr Lo. ffor such an small thing, vheranent 
 I creave yr pardon. Send it v 1 anie off yr Lo s servants this 
 
 The ford on the Spey at Gordon Castle. 
 
1701] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 881 
 
 efternoun, ffor my son George is to take jurney ffor Ed r « 
 Moonday tymlie ; and I say no moir, hot that I am Yr Lo s 
 obleidged and humble servant, Wil. Dunbar. 
 
 Yor Lo s ttr ffor ye 40 libs, is in Apryll 93, vheroff I 
 receaved in Janij 94 23 libs. 4s, and the tiket is in ye 6th of 
 Marche 95 ffor 20 libs. 
 
 Findlater had not paid the small sum due, on 2.">th October 
 following-. 
 
 WILLIAM LORIMERS LETTER TO THE EARL OF 
 SEA FIELD, Whythall 
 
 Right Honourable, My Lord, — Having no business of 
 consequence to give your Lop ane account of, I have 
 forborn to trouble you with any line from my hand since 
 the last concerning Kempcairns business. And yet I have 
 nothing to write of, but that Kempcairn and his creditors 
 have not as yet come to clear any business with your Lop., 
 and they are now resolved to delay altogether till your 
 Lop. come north, which I pray God may be in safety. . . . 
 
 We have hade most pleasant weather all this spring, and 
 now ther is ane appearance of a most plentifull cropt, if the 
 Lord send a good harvest. The victuall is fallen extra- 
 ordinarily, in so farr as the bear and malt sells at present 
 for five pounds, and the meall at seven merks. There is 
 some meall and some bear of yor Lops, unsold, but wee can 
 gett no buyers for it. All kind of cattell sell extraordin- 
 arily deer, and the countrey commodities are farr beyond 
 the former pryces, but moey is the only thing scarse. . . . 
 
 There are a great many of yor tenements in Cullen 
 intirely waste, and no persones offering to take them. I 
 wish yor Lop. a prosperous journey to Scotland and a safe 
 arriveall at your own dwelling, and that the Lord may 
 allwayes accompany yor Lop. with his blessing is the earnest 
 prayer of, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble, most oblidged, 
 and most dutifull servant, Will. Lorimer. 
 
 Cullen House, July 2d, 1701. 
 
 On 24 th June 1701 Viscount Sea field was created Earl of Seafield, 
 Viscount of Reidhaven, and Lord Ogilvie of Deskford and Cullen. 
 His son James, in consequence of the death of his uncle,, Lord 
 
332 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 Deskford, in 1699, and of his father being an earl, now took the 
 courtesy title of the heir to the Findlater peerage, Deskford. 
 
 THE RIGHT HON[BLE THE] EARLE OF FIN[DLATER 
 
 at Cullen] House in Banff [shyhe] 
 
 Edinburgh, 4>th Jully 1701. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lops, with 
 Birkenbog, and sent foreward that which was inclosed to 
 John Philp. I returne your Lop e my heartie thanks for 
 countenanceing my affair amongst the commissionrs of the 
 shyre. John Donaldsone hes acquanted me that they 
 have ordored payf of my account and about 40s. ster: 
 for my paines, and he will remmitte it to me with the 
 publict money. The King went from Hamptoun Court 
 to Margaret upon Sundayes night last in ordor to take 
 shipping for Holland. My Lord Seafeild wreat to me that 
 he was to take jurnay for Scotland in 3 or ffour dayes 
 yrafter, so I doubt not bot he is come off. He will not be 
 heir aboue a ffourtnight, bot goes straight north. He hes gott 
 from his Matie 500 lib. ster. for his exterordinary chairges 
 and expenses in the last session of Parliat. 1 His collegue 
 hes gott the lyke. Both of them are made Earles. Car- 
 michall would neeids be a Earle, and my Lord Seafeild was 
 forced to take on too to keep his rank with him, being 
 alreadie a step befor him. The Earle of Argyle 2 is created 
 a Duke, and Lothian and Annandale are Merqueses. These 
 thrie patents are past the great seall and read in Councill. 
 Ther are many other pepers past, bot we can say nothing 
 about them till the Secretaries come doune. I ame, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most humble, most deutiefull, and 
 obedient servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 My noble Lord, — I have sent your Lop s letter and the 
 booke to Mr. Gordon by Robert Baillie the tounes post, 
 and agreed with him for 4s. out and 2s. home. The 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. p. 19. 
 
 2 Carstares State Papers and Letters, pp. 694-695. 
 
1701] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 lnvernes post went towardes Invernes from this place this 
 day, but had no letters for your Lop. or any of the familic, 
 and being all of them discreit men they are loath to trouble 
 your Lop. unles they have letters, but I have desyred them, 
 and they promeis to call in their goeing to Aberdein, and 
 the first I expect heir to morrow, qch I hope will begin 
 the matter. The postage of all single letters from Cullen 
 to any place betwixt and Kinghorne is 2s., and double 
 letters accordingly. I shall give your Lop. no furder 
 trouble at present, but only add that I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lops, most faithfull and most humble servant, 
 
 Jo. DONALDSONE. 
 
 Banff, 23d of July 1701. 
 
 For THE EARLL OF FFIN LATER thes 
 
 My Lord } — I have had no letters from my son since I 
 waited on your Lo. This day I gott the inclosed news letter 
 by which its lyk we will have the satisfaction of seing yowr 
 son the E. of Seafild at home werie soon. — I am, My Lord, 
 Your most humble servant, Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Boyn, July 3i, 1701. 
 
 The Earl of Seafield had arrived in Edinburgh a few da\ s before. 1 
 
 ffbf MASTER GEORGE GORDON, 2 Professor of the 
 Orientall Langueges in Old Abo. post payed 2s. 
 
 Cullen House, the \3th of August i70i. 
 
 Sir,— I heave been still in expectation of Grotius booke 
 returned from Abd. gilded, that if the price had pleased me 
 I wold had given you further trouble that way. As for the 
 Benachie dyamond, deliver it to the bearer that I may 
 send it to London. I pray you doe me the favour to 
 acquent me in what I can serve you, for I troulie am 
 Your reall and affectionat friend, FFindlater. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I am sory I could not comply with the terms 
 of your Lo. letter exactly, but so far as was in my pouer I 
 
 1 Car stares State Papers and Letters, p. 699. 
 
 2 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App. III., Marchmont 
 MSS., pp. 148-150. 
 
334 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [sept. 
 
 have. For Dampirs voyges I have [not] them, but you may 
 gett them from my Lord Boyne. I have sent Thomas a 
 Kempis with Epictetus by Doctor Stannep also, and a new 
 book called Tryall of witts. So if they do not please, your 
 Lo. may as freely command any books I have, as him 
 who with all respect is, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient 
 and willing humble servant, Alex 1 * Abercrombie. 
 
 Glassaugh, Sptr. 2, 1701. 
 
 I shal visit of your Lo. and my Lord Seafield to morrow 
 precisely be eight, and if these books do not please your Lo., 
 if you '1 acquaint me tonight, T le fetch others with me 
 to morrow. 
 
 Alexander Abercrombie 1 of Glassaugh, Fordyce, was a cadet of 
 the Abercrombies of Birkenbog, being a son of Mr. John Aber- 
 crombie first of Glassaugh, second son of Alexander Abercrombie 
 of Birkenbog, who died c. 1647. On 31st January 1706 he 
 received a commission as lieutenant in the Earl of Mar's regiment. 
 On the 23rd of February following he was promoted captain. He 
 was member for Banffshire in the Parliament of 17 16. To him 
 and to Alexanders Garden, elder and younger of Troup, was 
 remitted on 7th March 1 7 1 6, by the commissioners of supply of 
 that county, the preparation of ' ane congratularie adress to his 
 Majesty King George, suitable to the present hapie juncture and 
 postur off affaires.' He took an active part in county government. 
 
 For THE EARLL OF FFINLATER thes 
 
 Boyn, Septr. 20, 170i. 
 My Lord, — I have sent two wolums of Dampeirs travells. 
 Your Lo. shall command what books I have. I wish your 
 Lo. wold appoynt ane court of the justic of peac how soon 
 its possible, for the countrie pepell clamor much for it. — I 
 am, My Lo., Your affectionet and most humble servant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 I expect my daughter about the begining of the next 
 month. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. pp. 159 and 162; and 
 ' Banffshire Roads,' by the Editor, in the Transactions of the Banffshire Field 
 Club, 1905, p. 89. 
 
i7oi] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 835 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF 
 FINDLATER at Cullen Hoi be 
 
 My Lord, — May it please your Lordship. The bearer 
 is sent according to your Lordships gracious commands to 
 receive your Lo. letter to Mr. Hugh Innes, min r at Mortlach, 
 present mod tor of the united Presbyteries of Alford, Turriff, 
 and Fordyce in my favours, wherin, if it so seem good to 
 your Lo., I humbly plead it be suggested as your Lo. desire, 
 that my answer to the charge and the particulars therein 
 in write from me, committed to one of their number to be 
 communicated to the Presbytery, may be accepted instead 
 of my personal compearance before their judicatory, since 
 I resolve to be in town that day and may be communed 
 with in private, in case they have not full satisfaction from 
 what I writ, and that my name be not blazon 'd by calling 
 the process, I being unwilling either to offend them or 
 put myselfe to needles trouble by declinatures and protesta- 
 tions and appeals if I may avoid them. This in all duty 
 is submitted to your Lo s wiser sentiment ; and praying the 
 Lord to bless your Lo. more and more with a happy and 
 comfortable life on earth, and crown you with eternal 
 happines in heaven, I ever am, My Lord, your Lordships 
 most humble devoted Jo. Innes. 
 
 Banff, Septr. the 26th, 1701. 
 
 Mr. John Innes, 1 minister of Gamrie, an old Episcopalian who 
 after the revolution qualified to government, was charged at this 
 time by the united Presbyteries with ' amongst other things 
 reviling ministers and probationers sent from the south to supply 
 the vacancies in the north, calling them locusts from the infernal 
 pit.' Hugh Innes was of the family of Lichnet Gamrie, and 
 Dipple, Morayshire. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HOLL THE EARLE OFF FFINLATER 
 att Cullen House thes ar 
 
 Kincorth, the 16t off October i70i. 
 My Lord. — I long to knowe hou yr Lo. hes keept yr 
 healthe since the Earle off Seafeild yr son and his Ladie 
 
 Dr. Cramond's Presbytery of Fordyce, p. 50. 
 
336 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 vent from yr house. I vould gleadlie also knowe hou they 
 and yr grandchyld La. Bettie caried out the jurney, and 
 iff in good health since, and vhat yr Lo. knowes off ther 
 taking jurney ffor London. Wee heare King James is 
 dead, and iff ther bee anie leat letres com to yr Lo, I vishe 
 they may bee good. I most, God villing, my Lo. jurney ffor 
 Ed r about ye 24* off this munth. I am much streitned ffor 
 munnie to make my jurney. Iff yr Lo. vill do mee the 
 kyndnes to affourd mee that small soume your Lo. rests 
 mee, it vill at the tym bee no small favor, and I assure yr 
 Lo. iff it bee in my pouer I shall not bee fforgetfull to 
 obey yr desayre in an greatter matter, and still bee reddie 
 to serve yr Lo. as beecomethe y r obleidged and humble 
 servant Wil. Dunbar. 
 
 In September King William joined the Grand Alliance against 
 France. A few days later King James died at St. Germains, and 
 his son was immediately acknowledged King of England by Louis. 
 Faction at once ceased in England and in Scotland, loyal addresses 
 began to flow in, and a united nation formed behind William. 
 He returned to England on 4th, and dissolved Parliament on the 
 7th November. In December a Whig majority was returned 
 ready to vote him supplies and to carry on the war against France. 
 
 To THE EARL OF FINDLATER from 
 SIR ALEXANDER OGILVIE OF FORGLEN 
 
 Edinburgh, 22 mi Octr. 1701. 
 My Lord, — The Earle of Marr, with three and twentie 
 more, at a justice court in Stirling, have subscrived a wery 
 loyall address to his Majtie. The Earle of Tillibardne, 
 with eight or nyn of his party, did speake and votte for 
 delaying it, and when it was carried agt. them, they went 
 out and wold not signe. My Lord, I know the Earle of 
 Seafield will be mos desireouse that there be ane address in 
 lyke maner from the court at Aberdein, and therefor I 
 earnestly becheesh your Lo. may keep the dyet, for I 
 cannot express how it will delight your son to see your hand 
 there, and it will incourage many in yor countrey to waite 
 on you, and I hope this shall make amends for the dis- 
 
1701] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 M7 
 
 content he hade by the last address 1 was sent out of his 
 countrey, and the chainge on this occasion will be imputed 
 to his presence so lately there. My Lord, I know your 
 Los. affection to the Earle of Seafield, and your loyalty 
 towards the King, and the mater in hand being a great 
 test of both, I bege it of you lay all excuse asside and 
 honour me with yor presence there. I cannot express 
 to you how I shall be rejoyced to waite on you there. 
 I pray your Lo. wreat effectually to all ye may prevaile 
 with to come to Aberdein. I have not signified the designe 
 of addressing, albeit I have wreatten to all quarters, but 
 only in generall desir'd them to keep the dyet, and show 
 them there was a mater of publick concerne in hand. 
 The reason I did this was becaues your Lo. knows there 
 are a great many ill affected who wold absent themselves, 
 but if they be present they will more easiely be prevail'd 
 with. I hope your Lo. will acquant your son Mr. Patrick 
 to keep the dyet. 
 
 Earlier, in June, Forglen received his patent as a knight baronet. 2 
 ffor THE RIGHT HOLL THE EARLE OFF FFINLATER 
 
 ATT HIS HOUSE OFF CuLLEN these ai* 
 
 Durn, the 25t off October 170i. 
 
 My Lord, — As I cam heir this day eight dayes, it ffell so 
 leatt as I vas the lenth off Cullen, that I could not then see 
 yr Lo. and grandchildring vt you. I am glaid to heare that, 
 blissed bee God, yee ar all in healthe, vherin God preserve 
 you long. I am assheamed I shuld so much truble yr Lo. 
 ffor such an small thing, but heaveing an paremptor 
 affaire att Ed r qlk vill requeire munnie, and beeing so much 
 disapointed vher I expected it, I am necessitatt to ask 
 that small thing ffrom yr Lo. ; and I assuire yr Lo. yr 
 ffavoring off mee in this shall obleidge mee to serve yr Lo. 
 in vhat may bee in my pouer. I am to send my son George 
 
 The Ads of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. x. App. pp. 79, 80. 
 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvii. p. 517. 
 
 Y 
 
338 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 
 
 getvard 1 ffor Edr. Moondayes morning, in regaird I dar not 
 undertake the jurney my self e, and hes thought ffit he shuld 
 ask yr Lo. iff ther bee anie thing vherin he is capabill to 
 serve yr Lo. ther. I heave sent yr Lo s Itr and tikett vt 
 him, and I say no moir bot that I am in all deutte yr Lo s 
 affectionat and humble servant, Wil. Dunbar. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whitehall, 30th Octr. 1701. 
 
 My Lord, — I know my wife writs to yo r Lop. frequently, 
 and therfor it is needless that I should give you frequent 
 trouble. The King has been troubled with a cold, but is 
 perfectly recovered. He has now done all his affairs in 
 Holland, so we expect him over very soon. 
 
 The Commiss rs of the southern district have address' d 
 his Majty very dutyfully, and it will no doubt be very 
 acceptable that the like be done by those of the northern 
 districht, and in this I hope yo r Lop will concurr. 
 
 Yo r Lop. may acquaint Will Lorimer that young Grant 2 
 has writ to me for the money due by Kempcairn to his 
 father, and that I am desireous it may be payed. I have 
 only heard once from him since I came from Cullen. He 
 ought to give me frequent accounts of my bussiness. 
 
 Yor Lop. will be very solitary after James goes to Aber- 
 deen, but I think you should frequently invite S r James 
 Abercromby and the laird of Glassach, and yor Lop. 
 should not have refused my picture to my Lord Boyn, for 
 both my wife and I gave it to him, when we were at his 
 house. I shall take care to have another sent home for 
 yor Lop s use, w ch is all at present from, My Lord, Yor Lops 
 most obedient son and humble serv^ 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 Writing on 5th October from Morpeth on his way south from 
 Edinburgh, Seafield asked his chamberlain, William Lorimer, to go 
 to Aberdeen with his son ' about the terme and give him as much 
 as is necessary att first, and credit for what he needs afterwards 
 from time to time.' 
 
 Direct. 
 
 See note, p. 329. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 389 
 
 (Catherine, 1 born Hiul, daughter of John Grant, fifth of 
 Freuchie, and chief of the Grants, married Alexander Ogilvie of 
 Kempcairn. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABEL THE EARELL OF 
 FFINDLATUR, at Cullan Huse, BanffshayRj Scotland 
 
 My Lord, — I have almost nothing to say sinse. I wret 
 so often. The English Parliment was desoweled yestirday, 
 and ther is anothar snmanesed to mit in six weeks. It is 
 the constant adreses from all the cuntary I belive hath 
 mead the King dou it, and I belive the Kings businas will 
 go very weall on this wintar, for it is belived that the 
 whigs will cary the elections. The King is very weall 
 sinse he cam to England. I will be very weell pleased 
 that the selean be plestred under Janats chambr. Your 
 Lo. may cas dou it, and Will Lorimar will pay for the 
 matrels. Pray God preserve your Lo. in halth, for I am, 
 My Lord, Your most affectionat daghtar and humbell 
 servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 WhUhall, Nov. 12, 1701. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FFINDLATER 
 
 Edr., 19th November i70i. 
 
 My Lord, — I acknowleadge I ame much out of my deutie 
 to your Lope, for not giveing ansres to your tuo letters 
 befor this time ; bot truely I have bein mor then ordinary 
 taken up by a heaste flitting occasioned by a great ffyre, 
 which hapened in the bounds wher I lived, which burned 
 doune (amongst many others) the whole land wher I lived, 
 and it tooke me some time to resetle againe. . . . Ther is 
 litle newes heir at present. I doubt not your Lope, hes 
 heard that the English Parliat. is dissolved, and ane new 
 one is to meet the 30 th of the nixt moneth. Its thought 
 the English election will send ther representatives instructed 
 to concurr with his Matie in everie thing that may tend to 
 
 1 The Chiefs of Grant, by Sir William Fraser, vol. i. p. 196. 
 
340 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 the security of our religeon, and the keepeing the ffrensh 
 interest als lou as may be. — I ame, My Lord, Your Lo. 
 most deutiefull and obedient srvant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 With the opening of war Patrick Ogilvie's chance of place and 
 position came at last. His captain's commission was dated 2nd 
 December 1701. 1 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOUR ABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR, Banffshayr, Scotland 
 
 My Lord, — It is a long tym sinse I hird from you. 
 Houever I hop you are not the worse of your Abd. jurny. 
 Ther is no nous hear at this tym. I belive your son 
 Mr. Patrick hath got a cumishon to be a capton in Inver- 
 lochy. It is well wirth two hundred and fifty pound 
 starlen a year. I am sory Alardys is not provided for, bot 
 I am shour my Lord will dou it the first ocation. I hop 
 you will leet me hear frequantly from your Lo., for I am, 
 My Lord, Your most obedent daghtr and humbell servant, 
 
 Anna Seafield. 
 
 Whithall, Dis 1st, 170i. 
 
 I give my blisen to Jamse and Janat. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Right Honourable, My Lord, — Pleas receave by the 
 bearer your Lops, watch. Our Justiciary court satt hear 
 Tuisday last, to which all the Hyland clans in the north 
 wer sumonded, but non of them came, nor the officers 
 returned with executions, by reason as they sd when 
 returned since was for great speatts in the burns and rivers 
 that they wold not travell. But I judge the clans money 
 mad the watter impassabl to the officers. So all was doon 
 at that court, being only Bridgr. Meatland and sex or seven 
 mor Justiciars, they mad an adreass to his Majestie to serv 
 him with lyfes and ffortouns ageanst the pretended Prince 
 of Walles and others conforme to the present government 
 both in church and state as now esteablished, the which 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. p. 52. 
 
1701] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIEL1) 
 
 341 
 
 severalls refused to subt., because the present church 
 government was in it. So at lenth they mad an act that 
 the precess Colodn should signe it for all as presented. 
 They then appnted to morrow for the clans comeing in, 
 who ar expected, and accordingly Loachyeall is this night 
 com. Ther was no Justiciars out of Murray but Burdgyards, 
 nor non out of Rosse except Newmor whom Colodn called. 
 The Brigadear hath his humble deuty given your Lop., 
 and esteams himself mutch bound to the Earl of Seafleld. 
 I find he persuades himself his regiment will be on of those 
 who will goe abroad in the springe, and accordingly is 
 makeing his recroots als fast as possible. I creav your 
 Lop s pardon for this long teadius letter, and I am as 
 becometh him who is, My Lord, Your Lop s most humbl, 
 most obedient, and ever obleidged servant, 
 
 John Ogilvie. 1 
 
 Inverness, Dccer. Stli, 1701. 
 
 Culloden was Duncan Forbes, father of the more famous Duncan 
 Forbes, who was President of the Court of Session during the 
 rising of the '4>5. Newmore was George Munro, grandson of Sir 
 George Munro of Newmore, 2 Ross-shire, who was Major-General 
 of the forces in Scotland from 1674 to 1 677. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINLATER 
 
 My Lord, — The Privie Councell having remitted that 
 famous robber Alestar More from the tolbooth of Ed r to 
 be tryed at Aber. by the Comissioners of the northren 
 district wheir he comitted the crimes, their was ane tryall 
 of him allready the 23 of Novr. last for breaking and robbing 
 a hous and tying man, w r iffe, and famelie. The assyse found 
 the lybell proven, but that being only on cry me, it was 
 thought fitt to prorogat sentance agt. him, he being guiltie 
 of a great many oyr crymes. Therfor the fiscall of court 
 give him ane new indytment for 13 oyr robberies all 
 heinnious, and which he is to be tryed the 16 of Deer. 
 
 1 Collector, Inverness. 
 
 2 Old Ross-shire, by Win, Macgill, pp. 347, 348. 
 
342 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 
 
 instant ; and since it is the countries interest that great 
 villeans, such as Alestar More is, should be exemplerie 
 punished, it is proper that the court be as full as may be. 
 I therfor desier for the sake of comon justice ye will be 
 pleased to attend the court at Aber. the 16 of Der. instant 
 wheir you shall be waitted on by, My Lord, Your most 
 humble serv", Kintore. 
 Keithall, December 8, 1701. 
 
 Alester More 1 was condemned on the second indictment, but 
 the death sentence was commuted by the Privy Council. He 
 was tried a third time and condemned to death, but on 28th 
 March 1 702 Queen Anne, by letter to the Privy Council, reprieved 
 him to 10th June, pending the Council's examination of the pro- 
 ceedings of the trial. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FFINLATER 
 
 these 
 
 Edinburgh, 9th December 1701. 
 
 My Lord, — It is wery refreshing to me to know of your 
 Lo. good health, and to be honoured with a line from you. 
 . . . Wee have heir, praisd be God, great peace and 
 plenty, and the ellections for the English Parliament goe 
 wery well on, which is pleaseing to all good Protestants 
 Desire Mr. Lorimer to wreat more frequently to the Earle 
 of Seafield, and with my humble dutie to your Lo. is all 
 from, My Lord, Yor most obedient servant, 
 
 Alex 1 * Ogilvie. 
 
 Ladie Jean Beath bies buried this day. I have by this 
 bearer sent Mr. Patrick his comission to be a captain in 
 Inverlochie. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I gave your Lo. the trouble of a lyne from 
 Abd. by Durn. It was my misfortune to fall very ill at 
 Abd., where I was detained several days, so that I came 
 not home till Moonday's night, and still since that time 
 have been very ill, otherways your Lo. hade got this 
 
 1 Historical Papers (1699-1750), New Spalding Club, vol. i. pp. 24-27 ; State 
 Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. No. 136. 
 
1701J FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 848 
 
 trouble sooner, and had a full account how all matters 
 went at our last court. The letter from my Lord Kintore 
 will in a manner show you. It was the surprize of all to 
 see those having dependance on your Lo. as well as my 
 relations and allies should have made such appearance I 
 may say in the face of justice. They have amused the 
 world as if the government hade a mind to mantain this 
 famous robber and villan Alester More, and as I wrote last, 
 sure I am it 's not the Earle of Seafield's inclination that 
 any of his friends should oppose me in the doing of justice, 
 and farther I have a letter from Forglan of the 27 of 
 Nover.'s date, the day before our court, giving account that 
 the Councill hade refused a petition in favours of Alester 
 More craving he might be alimented, be free of the irons 
 and stocks, and allowed three procurators, all which was 
 refused ; and I have further assurances from the Council 
 that they will not in the least concern themselves in that 
 affair. I shall earnestly hope and expect your Lo. will give 
 your concurrence and assistance in this so good and 
 necessary an affair, by, if possible, giving your presence, 
 if not by influencing those of your dependency to stand up 
 for just and right things. Some would per s wade it was 
 your Lo. influence which occasioned that appearance, 
 but I shall never believe, having the honour to be come of 
 your Lo. family, and never having been wanting in serving 
 it, you would prefer any body to me, when to my cost I 
 am prosecuting justice. I shall be glade to have the 
 honour of waiting on your Lo. at Abd. the 16th instant, being 
 that I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most affectionatt cousin and 
 humble servant, Forbes. 
 Castleforb: 10 Decer. 1701. 
 
 To THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 TO THE CARE OF AbDS. POST MR. 
 
 My Lord, — Blessed be God, my wife is safely brought to 
 bed of a brave livlie boy. She is now on the way of re- 
 coverie and begins to make amends for her many daughters, 
 for she hes given me two boyes in on year, so yt if she hold 
 on I hope she will strenthen my name, w ch hath bene this 
 
344 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1701 
 
 long time verie waik. My Lord, I shall be verie glaid to 
 hear how your Lop. keeps your health, for I am sure ther is 
 non on earth wishes your Lop. better. I have named my 
 son 1 after the Earle of Kintore and ye Master of Inverurie. 
 I hade a lyn from the Earle of Seafield yesterday, and he and 
 my Lady are verie well in health. Mr. Patrick is made 
 captaine in Briggadeir Metlands regment. So forbearing 
 further truble, I ever am, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 obedient sone and devouted sert., Geo. Allardes. 
 
 All here offers ther humble dutie to your Lop. 
 Allardes, 15 Deer. 1701. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLL OF 
 FINDLATER thes ar 
 
 My Lord, — I am glad to knou that your Lop. is in good 
 health. I wish the continuence of it. I render your 
 Lop. thanks for beieing at the trouble to send doun my 
 letter. It was only from John Pilip. I do resolue, God 
 uoling, to be woth your Lop. Tusday or Wadinsday in 
 orders for my going for Inuerlochy. So till the[n] and euer 
 I continou, My Lord, Your Lops, affectionat son and most 
 humble seruant, Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 Carness, Decern. 24, 1701. 
 
 Next letter from young Grant is yet another example of 
 ' moyen.' 
 
 E. FINDLATER 
 
 Ballnadalloch, Deer. 29, 1701. 
 My Lord, — When at Aberdeen your Lo. ordered me to 
 acquaint you before hand of the court of Keith, that ye 
 might see my ffayr and me gett justice done us. I have 
 raised and execute summonds agst Kincraigie, Leslie, 
 Inverernan, 2 and oyrs again the sixth and seventh of 
 Janry to compear before the court at Keith, so I hope, the 
 weather serveing, your Lo will be pleased to honour the 
 court with your presence, which will obliedge both my 
 
 1 John. See The Scots Peerage, vol. i. p. 143 ; vol. v. pp. 240-241. 
 
 2 John Forbes. 
 
jan. 1702] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 345 
 
 ffather and him who, if occasionc offered, would be proud 
 of approveing himself to be, My Lord, Your Lo s most 
 humble and obliedged servant, 
 
 Allexander Grantt. 
 
 ffbr THE RIGHT I IONNABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FFINDLATER these 
 
 My Lord, — Your sonne the Earle of Seafeild is resteing 
 me som mde, and I being much straitned for mde again 
 Witsunday, if your Lo. will be pleased to doe me the 
 kyndess to acquaint my Lord to remit me the mde to 
 Ed r again the terme of Witsunday, wheir I have ane 
 considderable soume to pay, itt will doe me ane singular 
 favour. Wisheing your Lo. and your familie all health and 
 happines, I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obleidged and 
 humble servant, A. Duff. 1 
 
 Edinglassie, 3d Jary. 1702. 
 
 Nothing was scarcer in Scotland at this time than money. 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — Your Lo. has heir-with sent all the news wee 
 had since Robert Bailie took the last away. Your Lo. shall 
 never miss them with the first oportunity when-ever they 
 come heir. Please accept of ten dozon of aples from my 
 Lord Desfoord. Your Lo. might have had mor, but there 
 was no carriadge for them. 
 
 Allaster More is to dy Friday comes eight dayes according 
 to the sentence passed on him. The Councill was very 
 warm about him, one half being for banishment, and the 
 other for hangeing, and the Chancellors vote turned the 
 ballance. 
 
 When I heard from the family at London, they were all in 
 good health. I wish your Lo. many happy new yeirs, and 
 continue, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble obedient servant 
 
 Wil. Blake. 
 
 Abd. J a: 13, 1702. 
 
 Laird of Braco, Commissioner for Banffshire. 
 
346 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Abdn., Ja. 27, 1702. 
 
 My Lord, — . . . 
 
 My Lord Deskford seeing so many addresses procured by 
 Carmichells influence thinks strange your Lo. will not 
 procure them from the town and shyre of Bamff. He 
 desyred me give his humble duty to your Lo. and signifie 
 this much. I give your Lo. no further trouble, but that 
 I desire to evidence my self on all occasions, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. hule and faithfull servant, Wil. Blake. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I received your Lo. yesternight, and am 
 glad to know that your Lo. is in good health. Long may 
 your Lo. be so. My Lord Deskfoord received your Lo s with 
 great satisfaction. He is well, blissed be God, and had 
 wfn but that the post is gone this night, whereas he 
 expected he should have stayed till to morrow. I re- 
 member I gave your Lo. an account of Allaster Mor's re- 
 prieve. Be pleased to know that he is indited again of 
 two crimes mor, but its doubted if they can be proven. 
 Kintor was in this town this week. He saw my Lord 
 Deskfoord, and asked kindly for your Lo. No doubt your 
 Lo. has heard particularly befor this time, that Drum was 
 freed and Benacraige has got no redresse. Being in haste 
 I give your Lo. no further trouble, but that I desire to be, 
 My Lord, Your Lordships most humble and obedient 
 servant, Wil. Blake. 
 
 Ja: 29, 1702. 
 
 Your Lo. has the Ed r gazette, and II endeavour to 
 provide it allwayes till the votes come. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Edinburgh, 2d Febry. 1702. 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lo. by the last 
 post, and am hartily glaid to know of your good health, 
 and sincerly wish the continuance of it. 
 
1702] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIEL1) 
 
 :J47 
 
 By the yesternights post the Earle of Seaficld desir'd 
 me to minde your Lo. anent the sending up the address of 
 the commissioners of your shire and the toune of Cullen, 
 if they be not dispatcht by your last letters to him. I 
 pray your Lo. minde it, and if ye please to let me know 
 as it passes, I shall signe it in the up goeing. 
 
 The Earle of Seafields family are well. My Ladie is 
 expected down in March, and the Earle when his Majty 
 goes abroad. 
 
 Teviotts regement of dragoons, Rues and ffergusons 
 regements of foot goe abroad, and new regments are to be 
 levied in there place. The Collonells are not yet deter- 
 mined. It is fitt tyme to your Lo. to move for any friend. 
 Acquant Glassaugh heirwith, and tell him from me he hade 
 never a fitter opportunity of preferrment, if he inclines to 
 chainge the plough for the sword, and I continue in all 
 dutie, My Lord, Yor obedient and faithfull servant, 
 
 ALEX r Ogilvie. 
 
 On 1.9th of March following Row's and Ferguson's regiments were 
 on board two English frigates in the Firth of Forth on their way 
 to Flanders. 1 
 
 Alexander Abercrombie's letter of 28th February 1702 shows 
 that he acted on Forglen's advice, though he was not at that time 
 successful. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR, Banffshayr, Scotland 
 
 My Lord, — Tho I have nothing to wret to you, yet I 
 trubell you with writing, and partiklurly to ask your 
 comands befor I leve this please, which I belive may be in 
 the beginen of Apryll. I ashour you thy shall be obayed 
 so far as my weak pouer can riych. Blissed to God your 
 son is weall, and as much as any Scotsman in the Kings 
 faver. The Parliment of England hath gon on unanimsly 
 in the Kings affears, bot it is thoght that this day the 
 
 State Facets {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. p. 97. 
 
348 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 impeched Lords businas will be broght in to the Huse of 
 Commans. You shall kno nixt post what cumes of it. 
 I shall trubell you no fardar, only add that I am, My Lord, 
 Your most obedient daghter and humbell servant, 
 
 Anna Seafield. 
 
 Febrar 26, 1702. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONBLE THE EARLE OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I have wrytten my mind as we concerted to 
 my Lord, which please seal. I intrait, as ever I can be 
 serviceable to your Lo. or family, that your Lo. will perswad 
 Castlefield to goe to Abd., for he is half resolved alreaddie, 
 and wryt to my Lord Seafield if I gett service in the 
 dragoons, that I would wish to have Cornett Ogilvie as 
 livetennant, who is a real servant of your Lo. family, 
 as also anent James Ogilvie mercht in Abd. how he was at 
 Londen last winter, and depends intirely on my Lord. I 
 have no books but husbandry or phys, both which your 
 Lo. may command. So I am, Your Lops most faithfull 
 and intirely engaged humble sert, 
 
 Alex 1 Abercromby. 
 
 Glassaugh, Febr. 28, 1702. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberland to THE RIGHT 
 HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF SEAFIELD, etc. 
 
 AT CULLEN HOUSE, BANFF 
 
 Sir,—. . . I beleive my Lady Seafeild will be heir the 
 beginning of the nixt moneth, and the King goes over aither 
 in the end of this or beginning of the nixt moneth, so that 
 my Lord will be shortly after hir. The Assembly sitts 
 doune upon ffryday, and my Lord Chancellour represents 
 the King in the Kirk. The Marques of Annandaile went of 
 for London this morning, being called for, some say to be 
 Commissioner, others say to be Chancellour. I wish the 
 Earle of Findlater all happieness, and ame, Your most 
 affectionat cousine and humble servant, 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
 Edinburgh, 3d Mairch 1702. 
 
1702] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 3 L9 
 
 On the 20th of February King William broke his collar bone. 
 On the 8th of March he died. The three next letters describe 
 his last days and death, and the proclamation of his successor 
 Queen Anne in London and in Edinburgh. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER FROM THE 
 COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I wret this leeter with the sadst hart I everer 
 wrot one. This day about eght aclok in the mornen the 
 King dayed without any disese bot perfit wekness. I dou 
 belive his fall from his horse did dou him ill, bot the colar 
 bon which was brok at that thym was qut holl. On Tusday 
 last the third of March he lost his stomak, did eat no dinor, 
 had a litell fit of the eago. On Wadsenday he had another 
 fit, and on Thoursday a third. Thy war not violint, and 
 that night had a litell lousness, and the nixt day vomoted 
 whatever he eat or drunk. His wometing stayed at four 
 aclok, and his phisions thoght that he might requer, for 
 thay all concluded he had no fever or any disese bot weak- 
 ness. At about four aclok on Seterday he turen so weak 
 that his phisions began to loos ther hops, and he took 
 death to him seleff, told them thy nid not trubell them 
 selives or him with many cordiells, for he douted not bot 
 he wold day very soon. The Bishops of Canterrebery and 
 Sallasbeary atended him as chaplens, and prayed severall 
 tyms to him on Saterday, and this day about four or five 
 aclok in the mornen he took the sacrament with much 
 confort, affterwards spok to soom about him, recomended 
 the cear of soom of his privat pepirs to Albemarell, and 
 gave his hand to all his frinds about him, and bid them 
 adeu, and imedetly closed his eys and expayred without 
 any thrack or vielent moshon. He had all his seneses and 
 intelectuales intir till the last minit of his liff. My Lord 
 had a short adiens of him on Wadsenday, when he spok 
 very kyndlie to him and of the Scots nashion and mighty 
 fordvard for the uneion. I am shour ther is no honast or 
 Cristien Scotsman bot will be senseabell of this ireparabell 
 loss. God preserive the Protastant church and the libarty 
 
350 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 of Europ. The Parliment sat yesterday, and past the bill 
 of abjuration and anothar. They have sit all this day and 
 ordared that the Prinsess be proclemed Quen, which was 
 doun at Whithall and Cheren Cross at four aclok in the 
 affternun. Thy have voted an adress to hir to continou in 
 all the aleincess and mishers which was concluded by the 
 King, and she hath promised to dou so to the English 
 Cunsell. 
 
 Ther sat a Scots Cunsell in this huse today about twalive 
 aclok, and the Doukes of Quenesbery and Argyll and the 
 two Secretarys ware sent to the Prinsess to speak to hir. 
 She requered the corination oth of them, and tould that she 
 wold gladly tak ther adress, and wold go in to those 
 mishars which his formar Magasty had donn, mantin ther 
 religon and libarty. What is donn in Scotland your Lo. 
 will hear from Ed r beter then I can tell, nou when thing is 
 only disayned. I big pardon for this tedious and melancoly 
 leeter, and I am yours most affectionatly. 
 
 The melancoly is very great hear, and ther is nather 
 frind nor enemy bot outvardly apiers grived in the very 
 looks. Thy acknolig the loss of ther dliverer under God. 
 Bot God is allways strong, when man is weak. 
 
 Whithall, March 8th, i702. 
 
 Pardon this ill wret. 
 My Lord, if my father and brother be in the countary, 
 pray mack exques to them for not writing to them at this 
 tym. I am abell to wret no mor. 
 
 For the EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Whithall, March Sth, 1702. 
 My Lord, — This pacquet brings the most dismall and 
 melancholy news that for a long time has happened to 
 Brittain, I may say to all Europe. The Lord has been 
 pleased to remove our King. He took a ffoott of the ague 
 Thursday last, and wee thought he had att night growen 
 better, but he became worse ffriday and Saturnday by 
 vomiting and purging, and this morning about 7 acloack 
 
1702] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 he dyed, as perfect a minute before he expyred as ever he 
 was. He took leave I may say of all the nobles who were 
 attending him, gave Albemarle the keyes of his trunks to 
 care for his papers, acknowledged that Monsieur Overkirk 
 had served him honestly, and thanked him for it. So he 
 shutt his eyes and gave up the ghost. The Princess was 
 proclamed Queen att three acloack, and there are orders 
 come downe to proclaim her in Scotland. I need not 
 presume to tell yo r Lop what consternatione people are in 
 att this sudden stroke. Yo r Lop., who knows the great 
 things he has done and was still adoeing for Brittain, will 
 plainly judge of it. I forgott to tell yo r Lop. that this 
 morning about 4 acloack he very devoutly took sacrament 
 with the Archbishop of Canterberry and Bp. of Salisberry. 
 I will not presume to trouble yo r Lop. any further, but tell 
 your Lop. that my Lord, Lady and Lady Betty are in very 
 good health, blessed be God, though much troubled att the 
 death of so good a King. I pray yo r Lop a long life and 
 good health, and I am, My Lord, your Lops, most dutifull 
 serv 1 , John Philp. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 FINDLATER, Cullenhouse 
 
 Edr., 16 Mairch 1702. 
 My Lord, — I beleive this may not be the first account of 
 the most lamentable death of our most gratious soveraigne 
 King William. However, this bearer comeing your way, 
 I have thought my deuty to acquant you that it pleased 
 the Lord to call him upon Sunday the 8 instant at 8 in the 
 morning from his earthly croun, I hope to the enjoyment 
 of a heavenly diadem. He took the sacrament at 5 that 
 morning and dyed verie well, and was distinct and perfect 
 to the last moment, and as promised befor to those that 
 were about him gave the signall when his royall breath 
 was goeing out. Great is his fall, and it will be mor 
 senseably felt some time after this then at present. So 
 soone as he was at rest all those of theK.'s household waited 
 on the Princes Anna and ouned hir as Queen, and layed 
 
352 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 doune ther pattens and offices at her f eett, who tooke them 
 up and gave them back to them desiring they might 
 continoue to exercise as formerly. Immediatly a proclam- 
 a°ne was drawn, and she was proclamed Queen of Brittain 
 at 3 aclock that afternoone with the ordinary solemnities 
 and demonstrations of joy. Our Scotts nobility and 
 gentry, who wer ther and of the Councill in number iO, 
 tendered the coronation oath of this kingdome to her, and 
 she accepted of the administration. Co 11 Rew came off 
 express upon Munday, and brought the surpriseing newes 
 heir upon Thursdayes afternoon, which struck terror into 
 the hearts of his professed enemies. The Councill was 
 sitting at the time, and her Maties letter counter signed by 
 the Earle of Seafeild was read giveing account of the death 
 of her deciest royall brother, that she hade taken the oath 
 and the administratione of the governement upon hir, 
 and therby ordained all persones to continoue to exercise 
 in ther stations as formerly, till she should have time to 
 send new commissions. And the next day being ffryday, 
 my Lord Chancellour in persone, being attended by all the 
 nobility, gentry, etc., upon this place, the lyon king at 
 armes, heraulds, and pursevints and trupetts went to the 
 cross at 4 in the afternoone, wher ther was lykewayes a 
 theater erected, and proclamed hir Queen of this realme. 
 I ame confident this is the most afflicting stroak ever cam 
 upon my Lord Seafeild, ffor he hes lost a most gratious 
 prince and a bountifull and keind maister to him, and I 
 know it will be no small matter of murning to your Lope. 
 The Lord make up the loss to us all. Its sayed Portland is 
 gone to Holland. When the Kings body was opened his 
 lungs was found ulcerate, bot his head most intire and no 
 water in his belly, tho his legs, etc., have bein swelled of a 
 long time. — I am in all deuty, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 deutiefull, most humble, and obleidged sr f , 
 
 Ja. Baird. 
 
1702] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 :>>:>:>> 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 LETTERS DURING THE PERIOD SEAFIELD WAS SECRETARY 
 OF STATE AND LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR UNDER 
 QUEEN ANNE, FROM MARCH L702 TO THE UNION OF 
 THE PARLIAMENTS IN MAY 1707. 
 
 To WILLIAM LORIMAR, Chambrland to the EARELL OF 
 SEAFIF^LD, at CullaNj Banffshayr 
 
 Giugry ship is cum up, and the bear is sold. Thy complened 
 that it was not so weall dighted as the sampell was which 
 cam hear. It is nou about the tym of taking up my 
 custam wadars, so I hop you will be carfull in taking them 
 up that both the oull and wadars may be good. I likways 
 disayr that you may send up that twall or eleven pound 
 strlen which I wrot of in Febrary last for. Forgland did 
 advans me the muny in March, so I disayr that you may 
 send it up with soum of thos cums to the Parliment, for 
 Forgland disayrs it agenst the terem, eles it might cum 
 in tym with you when my Lord sends for you, for I am 
 affrayed that he will not cum to the north at this tym, 
 bot of this I am not certan. I hop those which oues me 
 any thing will pay it up nou, so you will have no defickullty 
 in geting the muny. I disayr that the hous books may 
 be taken up when Will Robertson cums hir, and he may 
 bring them alongest with him, or a not of what is spent 
 sins I left Cullan. Bot I belive this will not cum in tym, 
 for he will be gon or nou. I can not tell my Lords dayat 
 of being in this pleas as yet. This is all from your ashuired 
 frind, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Edr.> May ii, 1702. 
 
 John Ogilvie hath payed in five hundred pound hear. 
 If Bracky or Hallyeards had use for muny at this pleas, 
 it wold be mor convenent then to transmit it north, sins 
 he will not cary it with him. Pray mynd the muny to 
 Forgland, for I am out of countinans that it is so long 
 resting. 
 
 After the Queen's accession Seafield continued to act as Secre- 
 
 z 
 
354 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 tary of State for Scotland. On 12th May 1702 a new warrant 1 
 for a patent and commission was issued in his favour as one of the 
 two principal Secretaries with a yearly pension of .£1000 sterling. 
 His colleague was the Duke of Queensherry, the late King's last 
 Commissioner to Parliament. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I beg pardon for pairting with your Lo. 
 so abruptly, but I was ill mounted and my horse having 
 Hung a shoe, it was not in my pouer to come up again ; 
 besides some have a frett that the hare should be killed, 
 so that I followed her, killed her, and gave her to the parson 
 to eat. I presume to wish your Lo. all health hapiness 
 and good success in al your Lo. and my Lord Seafield 
 undertakeings dureing this session of Paliat., and if it lay 
 in my wake pouer to contribute any thing therto, ther 
 should none concur more francklie or forward it. I would 
 written to my Lord Seafield, but since he has other business 
 I shal only wish him the same favour this jorny he deserv- 
 edly had in the last ; and if it falls in his Lo. way to doe 
 me any kindness I have no doubt of his or your Lo. 
 willingness, so that I am in all sincerity as becometh, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most faithful most obedient and 
 willing hu bl ser\ Alexr. Abercrombie. 
 
 Glassaugh, May 25, 1702. 
 
 If your Lo. will favour me with a letter it would be 
 most acceptable. Mind the adding of commrs. of supply 
 and justices of pace, to witt Carnowcie, Munblarie, Kirk- 
 hill, young Birkenburn, Cromie, Ardmelie, and Meyen. The 
 Lady expects your Lo. picture, since the only excuse last 
 winter was the want of time to sitt, and its honourable 
 your Lo. picture should be some wher. I would written a 
 congratulatory letter to my Lady Seafield or her young 
 son, but hopes your Lo. will give her my humble duty. 
 
 Parliament met on 9th and adjourned on 30th June 1702. 
 On 19th June Parliament 2 added to the list of commissioners of 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. p. 152. 
 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. 23. 
 
1702] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 355 
 
 supply of Banffshire George Gordon of Carnousie, Mr. Andrew 
 Hay of Mountblaire, James Gordon of Anlmelie, John Cuthbert 
 of Brack en hills, William Gordon of Rirkenburn, younger, Alex- 
 ander Abercrombie of Glassaugh, John Dunbar of Kirkhill, James 
 [Duff] of Cromie, Alexander Wilson of Littlefield, Alexander Aber- 
 crombie of Skeithj and Major Anderson of Westertoun. 
 
 On 25th August 1702 a warrant 1 for a new gift of the sheriff- 
 ship of Banff was issued in favour of Seafield. 
 
 For WILLIAM LO RIMER, Chamberlane to the EARLE 
 OF SEAFIELD, att Cullen 
 
 Whithall, Novem r lUh, 1702. 
 Affectionat Comerad, — . . . My Lord comes doun 
 Chancellour and Tarbat succeeds him. You will be called 
 over to Edinburgh to clear acco tts . — I have no time write 
 any more, but am, Yo r affectionat cousin and humble 
 servant, John Philp. 
 
 On 21st November a warrant 2 was issued for a commission to 
 the Earl of Seafield to be Lord High Chancellor of Scotland with 
 a yearly pension of £1500 sterling, and an additional pension of 
 £400 sterling for his faithful services. On the same day a further 
 warrant 3 was issued for an approbation of his past actings and 
 exoneration in his favour. The same day Lord Tarbat succeeded 
 as joint Secretary of State. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — This day about ten aclock I had a letter 
 from Forgland with two inclosed, one for yor Lo. and 
 another for my Lady, which he desired me to forward to 
 your Lo. where ever you might be by an expresse, which 
 accordingly I have done wt orders to enquire for your 
 Lo. by the way. Wee have no news beside what your Lo. 
 has, but that Tullibardins and Annandales comissions are 
 come down, the first to be Privy Seall, and last to be 
 President of the Council. Boile 4 is Treasurer Deput, 
 and its said Prestonhall Justice Clerk. I sent my Lady 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. 
 
 2 Ibid., vol. xviii. pp. 239-245. 3 Ibid., pp. 303-306. 
 4 Afterwards Earl of Glasgow. 
 
356 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1702 
 
 the proposalls made by the Scots about trade, which your 
 Lo. may see. Wee know nothing mor as yet about the 
 union than what I wrote to her La. My Lord Deskfoord 
 is well, and offers his humble duty to your Lo. and my 
 Lady, to the two young ladys and to Mr. George. I 
 presume this expresse may be to call your Lo. south ; 
 and I wish your Lo. fair weather and a saffe journey with 
 all my heart, which is the pnt trouble from, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. most hu 11 and obedient serv 1 , 
 
 Wil. Blake. 
 
 The bearer heis gott a 20s. 
 Abd., Decer. 28, 1702. 
 
 The question of an incorporating union bequeathed by William 
 to the Parliaments of England and Scotland had been so far 
 advanced that in May and June these bodies had authorised the 
 appointment of commissioners to treat. The commissioners met 
 in London on 10th November, but negotiations soon broke down, 
 as England would not then accord equal trading privileges to 
 Scotland. 
 
 The Earl of Findlater in October 1703 married Mary, third 
 daughter of William, second Duke of Hamilton, and widow of 
 Alexander, third Earl of Callander, and of Sir James Livingstone 
 of West Quarter. Some of the letters of this year show the 
 progress of the suit. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATOR at his lougens, Edr. 
 
 My Lord, — I long very much to hear of your halth and 
 progras in your grand affiar, if you pershew it with the 
 wigar your inclanations lead you. I hop you may be 
 happy in the lady, which I shall erenastly wish you to 
 be in all condisions, and I shall allways indevar to aprou 
 my self, My Lord, Your most obedint daghtar and humbell 
 servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Feb. 10th 1703. 
 
 Your grand children is all very weall. I hop nixt munth 
 you will see them so at Ed r , for with your sons live I 
 resovell to bring all that is in Cullan with me to Ed r , God 
 willing. Bety gives your Lo. hir humbell douty. 
 
march 1703] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 357 
 
 On 5th February 170.] the Earl of Seafield, Lord High Chan- 
 cellor, was appointed Commissioner to the General Assembly. 
 Volume xviii. of the Warrant Boohs, State Papers (Scotland) contains 
 the warrant for his commission and his instructions, as well as a 
 letter to the Treasury ordering a payment of £500 sterling to 
 meet his charges. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the EARLE OF 
 SEAFIELD, LORD HIGH CHANCELLOUR, att Cullen, 
 Banffshvre 
 
 Edinburgh, March 16, 1703. 
 Affectionat Comerad, — I am very glade to hear from 
 yor self that you, my mother, and all other friends are in 
 good health. I longed to hear from you. I have been 
 very bussy since I came to Edinburgh, that I had not so 
 much time as to write north. The Generall Assembly is 
 now sitting, and wee have great deal of trouble w* them. 
 . . . I beleeve Durn and Glassaugh make a noise that I 
 have gott the carrying the purse. It is now well enough 
 knowen. Let me know what they say. My Lady I doe 
 beleeve takes it ill that Mr. George was not prefered. I 
 can vindicate myself so much to my Lady that I never 
 sought it, but my Lord did me the honour before he gott 
 his commission as Chancellour to secure me in that post. 
 I acknowledge it is more than I deserve, and Mr. George, 
 or Glassaugh either of them had becomed it better. Give 
 my humble service to Castlefield and his Lady and children. 
 I am heartely well pleased to hear that they are all well, 
 and I long to see them. Remember me lykewise to yor 
 wife, and I shall trouble you no further but subscryve 
 myself, Yor most affectionat comerad and servant, 
 
 John Philp. 
 
 If you can, w* the first bear ship that comes send some 
 of the oats for our horses, and they will be wellcome. Let 
 me know if John Lorimer has gott a burse att Aberdeen 
 as was promised. 
 
 The tumult 1 referred to in next letter was occasioned by the 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., Part III., MSS. of 
 the Countess- Dowager of Sea/ie/a 7 , pp. 198, 216. 
 
358 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Queen's letter to the Privy Council asking them to extend tolera- 
 tion to the Episcopal clergy. The writer, Lord Tarbat, was 
 created on 1st January 1703 Earl of Cromarty — his patent passing 
 the Great Seal on 18th September following. 1 
 
 LORD TARBAT'S LETTER to the EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Right Honorable, — Wee long to know whats done in 
 the matter of the rable. The magistrate and regiment 
 seem to have failed both as to prevention and suppression. 
 Wee suspend our thoughts till further information, and 
 till wee know if the indemnity be proclaimed; for if it be, 
 I presume the crime pardond, and law then must be the 
 rule of judgment as to S r Jo. Bels damnage. If they have 
 therby escapt punishment, it may [be] hopt yt the clemency 
 will as weel cure as pardon the malice. Mean while, it were 
 prudence in the Episcopall clergy to cary rather with more 
 rather then less moderation then formerly, and to make 
 no new stepp from the former practis in any place. Wee 
 hope the Generall Assembly will continue in the peacable 
 temper which pleased her Matie, and I am sure to doe 
 so will be at once prudence and duty. I would have 
 returnd to Mr. Meldrums civill letter, but the D. of 
 beeing so unweell that he could not, I referr it to the next 
 post ; and yt your Lop. will in this excuse my delay to 
 Mr. Meldrum, it will be a favour, and prevent his mis- 
 constructing the delay ; but the letter beeing gratiously 
 receaved by the Queen with expressing also herr con- 
 fidence, that the rest of the Assemblies progress would be 
 of a peece with ther loyalty and affection exprest in ye 
 letter, this litle delay in return needs give no delay to the 
 good procedurs of ye Assembly. For news I leave all to 
 ye prints, which are my best intelligence. Its talkt heer, 
 how truly I know no, that the States of Holland will not 
 take Portmores regement from him, and so he will keep 
 both. There are some promotions in England, as y r Lo. 
 have no doubt heard, and the changes also in severall 
 Leivtenancies. D. Northumberlan hath gott E. Oxfords 
 
 The Acts oj the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. 1 18. 
 
1703] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 859 
 
 regiment, and the Earll of Arran Kevers troop of guards. 
 This pleases and displeases. My Lo., I flyt sometymes, 
 but am constantly Your Lordships most humble and 
 affectionat servant, Tarbat. 
 
 20 March, 1703. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I give yr. Lop. thanks for y r concern of my 
 health. I m pretty weall recovered, and hopes ere long 
 to have the honour to waite one yr. Lop. I shall reccone it 
 my hapyness to serve the Queen. Others may to more 
 purpose, but noe body shall w* more sincerity and inclina- 
 tion. If hir Maj tie had named me of her Concell, I should 
 have faithfully and impartially addvised what I judged 
 for her treu intrest ; but I m loath for what I can doe to 
 give her the truble to ask it, tho what ever way her Maj tie 
 pleases to imploy me I shall be very ready to doe my 
 best. I shall so shortly waite one y r Lop., yt I will not 
 give you any more truble, but to assure you I am, My 
 Lord, Yr. Lop. most affectionatt cussine and most humble 
 servant, Maris chall. 
 
 Inverugie, March 22d, 1703. 
 
 Inverugie is the ' bonnie ' Inverugie of Carlyle. Earl Marischal's 
 sons were out in the 'Fifteen, and were attainted. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Right Honourable My Lord, — I thought to have hade 
 the honour of waitting on your Lop. at Edr. when my 
 Lady now comes up, and have given you a more ample 
 account of your affaires here than I can communicat by 
 write, but being detained for dispatching the ships with 
 your victuall, I have for your Lops, satisfaction sent to 
 John Philp a double of my last yeares accounts, with ane 
 abbreviat of what money I have given out since Mertimass 
 last, both which your Lop. may peruse, and when you 
 please to call me after the ships are dispatched, I shall be 
 glade to waitt on you for clearing these accounts by 
 instructions. Your Lady will give you a perfect account 
 
360 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 of all your affaires here at present ; and as to the state 
 of your tennents (though no moy can be hade from them) 
 I hope they are the most of them beginning to recover 
 the bad yeares, ffor I have received about five chalders 
 meall from them besyds this yeares dewties, and I expect 
 as much bear, which will clear a part of their bygon rests. 
 There are many of their tacks expyred, and if your Lop. 
 were in the countrey I believ you could sett the most of 
 your enterest under tacks without much loss. Your Lady 
 will inform you what changes are among the tennents of 
 Findlater allready, and what more are designed. There 
 are a great many houses in Cullen and one of the boatts 
 there waste, and the boatts in Sandend are litle better 
 than waste, ffor I can gett nothing of their dewties from 
 the seamen. There are some other rooms in Kempkairn 
 and Bogmuchles waste, which I know could be sett if yo r 
 Lop. were present, and there is ane absolute necessity for 
 your presence before right methods can be taken for 
 securing you anent the old rests, which are very great, 
 and some of the tennents turning depauperat. I have 
 received no moy for old rests this year, and was necessitat 
 to borrow upon some occasions this year allready, and 
 expect none more before summer mercats. Gregeryes ship 
 sailled from Portsoye the last week with the first loadning 
 of your Lops, bear, for which I have sent bill of loadning 
 to Forglen. I am day lie expecting another ship for bear 
 and two for meall. How soon they come they shall gett 
 all possible dispatch. There will be about four or five 
 chalders of oatts, and some superplus of meall and bear 
 above what is sold, and if your Lop. accept of John 
 Hamiltons meall, I believ there may be as much one way 
 or another as will frawght a small bark about twelve or 
 fourteen chalders, but I shall acquaint your Lop. of this 
 before the last ship come up with the bear. The collector 
 of the vacant stipends at Abd. is airwaves calling for 
 money from me anent the church of Cullen, and I thought 
 to have sent him three hundered merks, if there hade not 
 been so much sent in for my Lord Deskfoord's use. So 
 if he be pressing I know not what to doo, if I get no moy. 
 
1703] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 861 
 
 from your Lop., but I shall keep it off as long as I can. 
 I have allso bought timber for a rooff to the kirk of Cullen, 
 which will coast about 400 mks, but no materialls are led 
 to it as yet. I shall referr to my Lady what further con- 
 cerns your Lops, affaires here at present. And wishing 
 yo r Lop. all imaginable happiness and prosperity, I 
 subscribe myself as becometh, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 humble and most obliedged servant, 
 
 Will. Lortmer. 
 
 Cullen, Mar: 29, 1703. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — With all the satisfaction imaginable I 
 reseued the honour of your letter, but I was sory too fynd 
 by it you haue bin tender. The bearer ashoured me your 
 Lo. was prfietly recouered, and louks as will as euer he 
 sie you, which was wery confortable nows to me. My 
 Lord, I being at a disins makes me I cannot presoum tou 
 ofer my adwyes, but I pray God drek you aright, and if 
 that afear goo on, I wish it may prowe for your confort 
 and satisfaction. I dou ashour you no chield you haue 
 onours loues or astimes you mor, and so far as I am capable 
 shall be mor willing to serue you then I. I am wery sory 
 for Forglen indisposition, and my housband hiring he was 
 so ill could not be at eas till he siee him. I am in all douty, 
 My Lord, You most obedient daughter and duoted humble 
 semen, Anna Ogilvie. 
 
 Allardes, 5 Apryle '703. 
 
 My Lady Mary giue hir humble douty tou you. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the EARLE 
 OF SEAFIELD, att Cullen 
 
 Edinburgh, Aprile 6th, 1703. 
 D. C.,— . . . . Tell W m Thomsone that I have sent his 
 garden seeds by the post. They are directed for him, 
 and the acco u of the seeds in the bag. I hope to see you 
 very soon here to clear yor acco u . Skipper Gregory is 
 come safe. My Lady appears very kind to me, and desired 
 
362 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 a sight of the purse. I doe not care for peoples dis- 
 pleasure so long as I serve my master faithfully. When 
 Collector Ogilvie comes north you will hear him talk of 
 me, but though he does not think it, I shall be his humble 
 servant. Let me know if I have gotten pay 1 of Baillie 
 Sanders. Tell my mother that I shall send Elizabeth the 
 ketle. Give my service to yor bedfellow and all friends. — 
 I am, Your affectionat cousine and humble servant, 
 
 John Philp. 
 
 The new Parliament met on 6th May, and after a stormy session 
 adjourned on l6th September 1703. Seafield had by this time 
 commenced his correspondence with Lord Godolphin, Lord High 
 Treasurer of England. Godolphin's letters to Seafield are pub- 
 lished in the Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., 
 Part in., MSS. of the Countess-Dowager of Seafield, pp. 197-212, 
 and extend from March 1703 to February 1712. The letters to 
 1707 (pp. 197-208) throw light on the important political issues 
 then at stake, the succession to the crown and the necessity foi 
 an incorporating union. 
 
 Edinburgh, May 17th, 1703. 
 William, — I have seen yo r letter to John Philp, and am 
 glade that the ships with my bear are not yet sailed from 
 Portsoy. You must take speciall care if they be there 
 yet, that the wictuall doe not heat, and if it be necessary, 
 you may unload a pairt or the whole to prevent it from 
 spoyling, and they must not pairt from that till they hear 
 that the coasts are clear. There has not these 20 dayes 
 by past any ships come up the ffirth, and wee haue heard 
 of sefalls that have been taken, and therefor they must 
 be as cautious as possible. Wee have written to England 
 that there may be cruisars sent, but if it shall happen that 
 the ships which have my bear be taken, which God forbid, 
 I doe by this impower them to ransome them. As for the 
 ships, that concerns the owners, and I can only be con- 
 cerned in the loadning, and I am sure they can obtain 
 that att a very small rate, if they represent that the load- 
 ning being bear would spoyle before it could reach any 
 port in ffrance, and would be there good for nothing, and 
 does here sell att a very small value. So recommending 
 
1703I FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 868 
 
 to them to doe the best they can in such a caise for my 
 advantage is all from your assured ffriend, 
 
 Seafield. 
 
 As early as 25th August 1702 the Queen had instructed 1 the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to fit out two of the three 
 Scots frigates to defend the east and west coasts of Scotland from 
 French privateers. On 1 7th July 1 703 Captain Thomas Gordon and 
 Captain Matthew Campbell were commissioned 2 captains respec- 
 tively of the Royal Mary and the Dumbarton Caslle, the two ships 
 of the Scots navy referred to in next letter. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the EARLE 
 OF SEAFIELD att Cullen 
 
 Edinburgh, June lUh, 1703. 
 Affec. Cousin, — The ketle I sent to my sister weighs 
 ffyfty one pound eight unces att 22s. per pound is ffyfty 
 six pounds Scotts, which I have paid. You may gett me 
 payt. or security for the money. Here is a note of Birken- 
 boges for thirty pound Scotts, which you may call for. 
 The government here are fitting out two men of warr to 
 cruise on our coast, which will be ready within twenty 
 dayes, and these two will be thought sufficient to beat of 
 the small privateers. Besides the English have promised 
 to send down two men of warr from London more. When 
 these come or our own ships ar ready, I shall timeously 
 advertise you to putt the wictuall aboard again. My Lord 
 commends what you have done, and till the men of warr 
 be upon the coast the ships must stay, for better they 
 be in Portsoy than Dunkirk. My Lord has written fully 
 to you, and I can say no more about what he writes. Tell 
 Letterfury I shall write to him about Semples affair. I 
 have serall times spoke with my Lord Eglingtone, who is 
 much concerned in his affairs. He tells there are so many 
 preferable creditors upon Glasfoords liferent escheat, that 
 it will be a long time before any can come to payment. 
 Tell my mother that, blessed be God, I am in very good 
 health, and I wish you may be all so in the north. Will 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xviii. p. 297. 
 
 2 Ibid., vol. xix. 
 
364 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 Gardne sends you all the minutes of Parlia u , which will 
 informe you of what passes. — I am, Yor. most affectionat 
 cousin and servant, John Philp. 
 
 For THE EARL OF F1NDLATER 
 
 Westquarter, th 10 Seper. 1703. 
 My Lord, — This night I reseued yrs by Mr. Kinkead, 
 and am uery glad yr. Lop. is well, for all yr. close seeting 
 in Parlement. I pray God you may find no harm by it 
 after. I cannot the next week come in to make an end 
 of our afare, but any time the week after, that you can get 
 a spare day. I am sattisfied not to temp yr. pacsianc 
 longer. I think the most privet way wode be for you to 
 take a hakne coach, as if you ware goeing to take the 
 eair, and let nobody know, and meet me at Mortan, and 
 bring Mr. Meldrem along with you ; or if you cannot get 
 him, if the Lord will, I shall meet you thar about twell 
 or wone aclok, and bring the menester that is hear with 
 me, but I had far rather you broght one, and it wold 
 make les noyse and suspeesion a grat dell. This is the 
 quietes way I can think of, and I wode presently take 
 with you that same night in the hakne, so that you wode 
 not be much mised out of toune. This is the way I incline 
 to have it done, for I will not have it hear. Yr. Lo. may 
 have yr. thoughts of it, and when you pies aquant her what 
 day, how is, My Lord, Yr. Lor. humbell saruant, 
 
 M. Calander. 
 
 Thar is a post comes by this gate thries in the week. 
 Dauid Broun will aquant yr. Lor. the dayes. Pray don't 
 tell any body what I have wret, no not yr. darlen son, nor 
 Forglan. If any let it be cusen Pate. 
 
 Mr. George Meldrum had on 80th March 16.97 been appointed 
 second Professor of Divinity in Edinburgh University. 1 
 
 For JAMES WALKER, Servant to the EARLE OF 
 FINDLATOR. These for 
 
 Edbr., Oct 4, 1703. 
 Sir, — When I was wayting on the Earle of Findlater 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xvi. 
 
1703] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 865 
 
 this forenoon, I forgott to tell his Lordship that the morrow 
 forenoon our election sermon is to be, so that if it can be 
 I would intreat my Lord would appoynt another tyme 
 for me to wayt on him then the forenoon. Bot if he 
 cannot appoynt me another tyme I shall wayt on him. 
 This is from your assured friend, 
 
 Mr. Meldrum. 
 
 On 3rd October Seafield was at Belford on his way to London. 
 For his charges in London during the winter the Queen next year 
 allowed him £1000 sterling. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 London, Novemr. 2d, 170:3. 
 My Lord, — My Lord Chancellour is so diverted with 
 company, that he has not the time to write so frequently 
 to yor Lop. as he designed. He is in very good health, 
 blessed be God, and has frequent audiences of her Maty, 
 and her ministers, and is more in favour att court than 
 ever he was, and his ffriends needs not be afraid that it is 
 in the power of his enemies to shake him here. The Duke 
 of Queensberry suspects that he is too much in the interest 
 of his opposers, but my Lord sufficiently vindicates him- 
 self, that what he proposes or designes is purely for the 
 Queen and countreyes service. There is nothing yet pro- 
 posed relating to the Scotts affairs, but every person who 
 has access giving accompt of what is past. Forgline gives 
 yor. Lop. his humble service. He designed to have 
 answired yor. Lop. letter, but has been so late with the 
 Duke of Athole that he cannot have the pacquet. They 
 are making great preparationes for the expedition to 
 Portugall. The new King of Spain dayly expected, and 
 the officers have gott orders to repair to the ships. There 
 is no other news here. The English Parliat. meetts Thurs- 
 day next. I hope your Lop. will pardon this presumption 
 though I have nothing worthy of yor reading. I am, may 
 it please yor Lop., Your Lops, most obedient and most 
 dutifull servant, John Philp. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. 
 
366 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1703 
 
 On 3rd January 1704 letters of marque were issued to Captain 
 John Ap-Rice, commander of the Annandale, a ship of 220 tons 
 and 20 guns belonging to the African company, and fitted out 
 by them to prosecute and protect their East Indian trade. On 
 her maiden voyage she was captured in the Downs by the East 
 India company, and was confiscated. This incident, referred to 
 in next letter, was the cause of the affair of Captain Green and his 
 crew in 1705. 
 
 For MR. LO RIMER, Chamerlaine to the EARL OF 
 SEAFIELD att Cullen 
 
 Leith. the lUhfebry. 1704. 
 Sir, — Mr. Stewart and I are busie just now in getting 
 ships to come north for my Lord Chancellors bear. There- 
 for make it as soon radie as ye cane. There is noe word 
 as yet of my Lords offcomeing for Scotland, but how soon 
 I know of it shall acquant you. Wee have greatt heats 
 heir amonge our great men anent the plotte, and be all 
 can be learned, it will end in blood. Ane English man of 
 warr hes run a shipe of ours on a rock, taken every thing 
 out of her, beatt the men. Shee was tradeing to the 
 Indies under the companies pass. This D. Hamilton and 
 others concerned to that company takes wery ill, so that 
 there is ane express goen to her Majestie thereanent from 
 the Counsell. My wife is safe brought to bede, blessed 
 be God, of a daughter which frustrats my expecta°ne, for 
 I thought to have gotten a son to your daughter. Wee 
 have noe other newes heir at present, only the King of 
 Spaine is not sailed from England as yet. My wife and I 
 give our service to you, your bedefellow, and wish you 
 good health and your younge daughter, and we must gett 
 sons nixt, and wishing all hapieness to attend you all, I 
 continue after the old maner, Your humble servant, 
 
 Will Gairdne. 
 
 Draw on me for four pounds Scotts I received from 
 skipper Balfour on your accott. My Lord Deskford is 
 pritty well, but Mr. Black is dyeing. . . . 
 
 Lord Deskford probably left Marischal College in June 1703. 
 
feb. 1704] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 867 
 
 For WILLIAM LO RIMER, Chamber-lane to the 
 EARLE OF SEAFIELD att Cullen 
 
 London, ffebry 15th, 1704. 
 Affect. Cousin, — I am very glade to hear that all our 
 ffriends are well in the north, and I wish it may be long 
 so with them. I was very ill some time before I left 
 Edinburgh, but my journey did me much good, but since 
 I came here I have been again taken with the same dis- 
 temper, which was a violent colick, and it keept me three 
 or ff our dayes with a continuall gripping and purging, but, 
 blessed be God, I am now better again, and att pntt in very 
 good health. Wee did not think of being so long here 
 when wee came first up, but as matters have happened 
 it is both good that wee came, and have continued so long. 
 Wee had serall difficulties in King William's reign, but 
 hardly any such as has happen of late. No doubt you 
 have heard of Captain ffresers plott. He undertook to the 
 Duke of Queensberry to discover that serall of the greatest 
 nobility in the kingdome were in a correspondance w l 
 Saint Germans, and for this end gott a protection while 
 he was in Scotland, and a pass yrafter to goe overseas. 
 He has made a very ill use of all these, and his intercepted 
 letters makes it appear that he was clossly carrying on the 
 pre[tended] Prince of Wales his interest ; and lately one Mr. 
 Baillie has made a declaration that D. Queensbery and 
 Annandale would had him evidencing that there was a 
 correspondance betwixt Saint Germans and some of the 
 nobility, particularly D. Hamilton, D. of Athole, and my 
 Lord Seafield ; and this Baillie hes given in his declaration 
 to the Privy Council, but Queensberry and Annandale 
 denay this altogether. This bussines of the plott hes been 
 above two moneths work to our statesmen, and yet not 
 determined. All the steps in this matter are discovered, 
 and nothing can yet appear in it, but endeavours to putt 
 a task upon particular persons, that others might get there 
 places. In all this nothing was ever spoke of my Lord 
 Seafield, but this declaration of Baillies, which does him 
 rather good than hurt, and whatever his enemies attempt 
 
368 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 they will not be able to doe him prejudice, though this 
 be a very difficult time for any man to keep himself free 
 of aspersions, when our nation stands so much divyded. 
 This is no suiteable subject for you, and yrfor shall leave 
 it. . . . My Lord has given orders to hyre ships to come 
 north for the wictuall, and my Lady will write about it. 
 When he comes to Scotland, you may expect to be called 
 south except it be about the time you are shipping the 
 wictuall. Give my service to yor bedfellow, and tell my 
 mother that I long to see her, which I fear shall not be on 
 hast. Bid her take care of herself, and it will be my 
 greatest satisfactione to hear that she is well. Remember 
 me to all my other ffriends, and that wee may have a 
 merry meeting is the desire of, Yo r affectionat cousin and 
 humble servant, Jo. Philp. 
 
 Captain Fraser's plot was better known as the Queensberry 
 plot. In consequence of its exposure Queensberry fell from 
 power. The letter of 13th May 1704 refers to this. 
 
 For THE EARL OF F1NDLATER 
 My Lord, — . ... I have spoke twice to Glasgow who 
 promises very fairly. I shal keep your son in mynd, and 
 were it not that the Duke of Marleborrow goes from this 
 Munday the 21 I should speek to him, but ther is no access 
 to him, the throng he is in being incredible. However I 
 shal leave no stone unturned I think can serve you, and 
 ye may be assured yours will be payed among the very 
 first. I shal only ad that I am in all sincerity and with 
 the height of respect, My Lord, Your ever most faithfull 
 and most obedient h. s., Alex r Abercromby. 1 
 
 London, March 19, 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAF1ELD 
 
 Edr., March 31, 1704. 
 My Lord, — Your Ldships. of the 25 I had yesterday, 
 and am extremly glad that her Majesty is so ueal pleased 
 with my conduct in this Asembly 2 hitherto. This I can 
 say, that I have neglected nothing I was capable to doe 
 
 1 Laird of Glassaugh. 
 
 2 Carstarcs State Papers and Letters, p. 725. 
 
1704] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 869 
 
 for the advancement of her servic, and never shal neglect 
 any oportnnity to convinc her Majesty of my dutyfull 
 zeal for her Majesty s honor and interest. Yesterday the 
 Asembly met fornoon, and as in other dayes wer going 
 about ther ordinar affairs. Afternoon we met, and began 
 about revising the Synod books, and beyond the expecta- 
 tion of al men they wer passed with the greatest harmony 
 and quiet that ever was seen in ane Asembly — no motion 
 nor insinuation about intrinsick pouer or anything of that 
 natur, only some comon remarks about form and such like. 
 This morning we met again at nine fornoon, and after 
 several petitions wer heard, other affairs coming in wer al 
 remited to the Comission. Then the moderator made the 
 usual speech to the Asembly, then to me to assur her 
 Majesty of ther duty. Your Ldship knous the use, so I 
 need not writ mor of it to you, only to let you knou not- 
 withstanding al the difficulties your Ldship knew I had, 
 yet ther was never a hot word in all this Assembly, and 
 such a dissolution was never in Scotland — no protest, no 
 disent, but the greatest affection to me as her Majestys 
 servant. Parted all with kindnes, waited all upon me to 
 my lodgings, and have al been with me this afternoon, 
 blesing me and praying heartely for her Majesty. I am 
 glad I have been capabl to doe her Majesty this servic. 
 I doubt not your Ldship. will represent it to her Majesty, 
 and though I was oblidged in this criticall junctur to live 
 far beyond what I expected, yet I think it ueal imployed 
 for the honor of the Queen, who I know will not let me be 
 a looser. I intend in a day to part from this, so shal add 
 no mor trouble but that I am, My Lord, Your Ldships 
 most humble and faithful servant, Rosse. 
 
 Copie Letter to the TREASURY 1 for reducing the fforces 
 and establishing a third highland company to be comanded 
 by Majr Duncan M'Kenzie 
 
 Sic Superscribitur 
 
 ANNE R 
 
 Right trusty and right welbeloved, etc., — Wee greet 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books , vol. xix. pp. 184-187. 
 
 2 A 
 
370 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 you well. Whereas wee have appointed a third Highland 
 company ffor the peace and security of the Highlands 
 benorth and bewest Lochness, to be comanded by Major 
 Duncan McKenzie according to the directions given by 
 us to our Privy Councill thereanent of the date of these 
 presents, the pay of which company is to be established 
 by reducing ten men one sergeant and one piper out of 
 each of the other two Highland companies, two centinells 
 out of each company of the Earle of Marr and Ld. Straith- 
 navers regiments, and one centinell out of each company 
 of the two regiments of dragoons : you are hereby 
 required to make alterations accordingly in the establish- 
 ment of our fforces, and to use such diligence as the said 
 company may be establishd against the middle of May, 
 ffor which these presents shall be your warrand. And so 
 wee bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 Given at our Court att St. James's the twelve day of 
 April 1704 and of our reign the third year. 
 
 By her Majesties command, 
 
 Sic subtr. 
 
 Cromertie. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Most Nobell Lord, — I am necessitat once mor to 
 trobubell your Lordsip, that ye vill be pleassed to confear 
 that honnor upon me to doe me the kendnes as to speck 
 to hir Majesty the Quan of Great Breatten, to proquar on 
 letter from hir Majesty to is Majesty the King off Suadlan 
 for Collenell Gordon off Achintoull and my fredom, vich 
 I knou, my good nobell Lord, vill cost you but on vird to 
 hir Majesty, God blis hir. And is Majesty the Zar of 
 Muscv hes written partigular to Collenell Gordon and 
 others, that thau shall deu ther beast for our fredom after 
 vhat menner thay pleas. So my good nobell Lord ther is 
 other tuo Collenells hes imploed ther frends. The on hes 
 got off. The other is just a geating of only by the moyen 
 of ther frends, and, my good Lord, ye knou ve hau both 
 good frends, and nou, my nobel good Lord, I pressum 
 that I hau that honner to hau the greatest poor nou in 
 
1704] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 .371 
 
 Scotland, who is my Lord Hay Chanler, and I hope ye vill 
 not forgeat old Dem Ogilvie grandchild Mullican longer to 
 be in bondeg, since ye, my good nobell Lord, can reliv him 
 out of it vhen ye plase for on vird of your mouth, and 
 certenly, my nobell Lord, it vill be on great act of kendnes 
 doun in this present junckter of tym. Ue are both con- 
 tent not to serv aganst is Majesty the King of Suadland 
 douring this var, and be God, my nobell Lord, vith God 
 assistans ye shall hau no dishonner by me so long as ther 
 is on drop of bloud vithin me. I beag pardon, my nobell 
 Lord, iff I hau fealled anny vays in giuing your Lordship 
 all your deu tittells beloning to your Lordship, for, is I fear 
 God, it is the first tym that ever I had ocation or the honnor 
 to vrit to my Lord Hay Chanler of Scotland, in whom I 
 am confident vill reliv us out of this misirabell bondeg. 
 This all I can say, but God almighty prosper you and 
 your nobell familly. My most nobell Lord, I am, Your 
 most fatfull and most houmbell servant to my dath your, 
 
 James Gordon. 
 
 Stockhollam, ii Aprill 1704. 
 
 The editor has been unable to identify James Gordon of 
 Mullican. Colonel Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul, afterwards 
 Major-General, the writer of next letter, was eldest son of 
 Alexander, Lord Auchintoul, already referred to in this corre- 
 spondence. His appeal to Seafield seems to have been ineffectual, 
 for it was only in 1707 that he was released by exchange. He 
 was second in command under Mar at Sheriffmuir. An account 
 of him is given at pp. 137-140 of vol. i. of the House of Gordon, 
 New Spalding Club, and in the editor's ' Banffshire Roads/ Trans- 
 actions of the Banffshire Field Club, 1905, pp. 104-106. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 Most Noble Lord, — May it please your Lordship, I 
 have with the utmost joy and satisfaction, in the distant 
 and remote parts of the world fate has hurried me to, mett 
 the most pleasing and agreeable news of the happy progress 
 your uncommon merit and genius makes in your Princes 
 favour ; and may your Lordship ever be gracious and 
 acceptable with her and your felicities so increase dailly, 
 that you may still have the opportunity of doing good to 
 
372 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 your countrey and friends, which I knowe is the cheif 
 delight and pleasure your elevated station can yield to a 
 temper so unbiass'd and generous as I have had the 
 honour to remark and admire in your Lordship ; nor will 
 it, I hope, be displeasing that I take the liberty most 
 heartily to congratulate the many distinguishing marks 
 of esteem and eminent dignities deservedly heap'd on your 
 Lordship, and at same time presume to offer subject for 
 your generosity and goodness to work upon. 
 
 No doubt your Lordship can well remember the memor- 
 able passage of raising the siege of Narve in November 
 an. 1700, where I had the command of a regiment of 1200 
 Russes. Would to God they had been of my own countrey 
 men. Then haply our ennimies had not bought ther 
 victory so cheap ; but so it was, finding myself abandoned 
 by them and slightly wounded, many of our generall 
 officers shewing me the way, I submitted on tearms which 
 I thought would have been accompanied with a totall 
 liberty to goe of for Moscovy, or at least a treatment 
 more becoming a cavalier, to be a prisoner att large 
 suffered abroad on paroll ; but instead of this, I have ever 
 since been confin'd to my lodgings under a guarde, and 
 have rarely or never leave to take the air out of doors. 
 Yet not so much this hardship, as this tedious loss of time, 
 my Lord, after having used all possible means and 
 attempted often my liberty in vain, that I might not 
 become troublesome, that now presses me to implore your 
 Lordships assistance ; and I flatter myself mainly from 
 your condescending goodness, tho somewhat on the score 
 of former acquaintance I had the honour of, that amidst 
 the crowd of things that take up your great thoughts, I 
 may be indulged the freedom of aproaching with a humble 
 yet earnest request, for your imploying some part of the 
 powerfull interest and credit you have with her Majesty 
 in my behalf, with whom 'twere easie by the means of 
 Mr. Robinson her envoy to the Sweedish court, to obtain 
 liberty for me, on same conditions as Coll. Pendergrass, 
 an Irishman, had his leave last harvest by her Maj ties 
 gracious recommendation not to beare arms or command 
 
1704J FIUST EARL OF SKA FIELD 
 
 878 
 
 aganst Swecden during the warrs, which as J 'II readily 
 doe, so I'll cheerfully to the last degree be devoted to 
 her Maj tles interest, and ever be with particular gratitude 
 and respect, My Lord, Your Lordships most oblidged and 
 most faithfull humb. servant, 
 
 Alexr. Gordon. 
 
 Homiest old Mullikins puts himself likways under your 
 Lordship's protection. 
 
 Stockholm, the 12th of April 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — By the Queens commands receaved from 
 the Duke of Queensberry, I send to your Lop. a commission 
 to ye Marquis of Tweddell to be her Matie Com 1 * for ye 
 ensewing session of Par., also a letter to ye Treasury for 
 ane allowance for his equipage being 3500 lib . She was 
 pleased to aske me what ye Duke of Queensberry had, 
 which I told her Matie was as this is. Here is also a letter 
 to admitt his Grace into Councell, w ch I thought with all 
 submission proper to date a day sooner because of ye 
 words in ye commission to run cousin and councellor. 
 The letter for his dayly allowance will be sent by ye next 
 post. I must observe to your Lop. that ye Duke of 
 Queensberry has caryd very hansomly in all this, and 
 others thinke soe as well as I. He reced. her Mat s com- 
 mands with all the cheirfullness and duty imaginable, and 
 dispatched ye com on and letters as soon as was possible, 
 after receaveing the directions. He w T as just goeing into 
 his coach to goe out of toun, w T hen I came to tell him of 
 ye Queens commands for sending this by a flying pacquett, 
 other ways he wold have write himself e by it. The letter 
 to the Theasury for ye equipage and to add to ye Councell 
 are of ye common form, soe I doe not truble your Lop. 
 with a coppie of them. I know not, if on goe to ye 
 strictness, whither it is very propper to stile ye Marquis 
 Com 1 yet or not, but I am sure it is full as just to doe soe, 
 ye com on being signed by her Ma tie , as to call any body say 
 only on kissing her hand, upon w r hich I have ventured 
 to address to his Grace as Com r , but begg leve to put it 
 
374 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 under your Lops, covert, lest you may be of ane oyr 
 oppinnion. I containoue with all duty, My Lord, Yo r 
 Lop's, most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Whitehall, 13th May 1704. 
 
 Since writting whats above ye enclosed came from the 
 D. of Q. 
 
 David Nairne, Under Secretary of State for Scotland, was 
 appointed to that office in the spring of 1703 in room of Mr. 
 Pringle who was retired. 1 On 10th June 1704 a warrant 2 was 
 issued to Al. Wedderburn, on the narrative that the Queen had 
 laid aside Sir David Nairn, to officiate as Under-Secretary in the 
 absence of the Secretary of State for Scotland. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONERABLE THE EARELL OF SEA- 
 FFEILD, LORD HEIGH CHANCLER OF SCOTLAND 
 
 Edr., 17th May 1704. 
 My Lord, — Please pay to Balie Alexander Baird, 
 marchand in Ed r , the soume of sixtein hundred markes 
 Scots, and that as ane yeares rent of yor Lordships loadg- 
 ings set by me to yor Lordship, and that from Whitson- 
 day 1703 to Whitsonday last bypast ; and this with his 
 recept shall be ane sufficient discharge ffrom, My Lord, 
 yor Lordships most humble and most obedent servant, 
 
 Tho. Smith. 
 
 Edinburgh, May 19, 1704. — Accepts the above written 
 precept, deducing the cess and oyr reparations paid be 
 Mr. Stewart. Se afield. 
 
 Next three letters show that Seafield was making interest for 
 the Queen, in view of the meeting of Parliament on 6th July 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Allow me to signifie to you that I have a 
 great deal of contentment to understand, that by your 
 Lo. conduct publick matters have a more uniform appear- 
 ance than formerly. The difficulties were certainly great, 
 
 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App. , Part HI., p. 218. 
 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. 
 
1704] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 and your prudence cannot but be applauded, which hath 
 overcome or smooth'd them. My Lord, you know I have 
 still adhered to the interest you espoused, and am resolved 
 to continue and will still delight to stand by you and with 
 you, and do expect and hope your Lo. will continue your 
 favour to and care of me, and that no scheme or model 
 of affairs be turned to my dammage. You are too friendly 
 and just and generous to permitt it. If my domestick 
 affairs at this term suffered it, I would prevent the delivery 
 of this letter, and how soon you honour me with a return 
 I will have the satisfaction to be with you, being assured 
 your Lo. will be carefull of all my publick concernes and 
 of whatever relates to the safeity and interest of, My 
 Lord, Your Lo. most obedient affectionat and faithfull 
 servant, Forbes. 
 Aberdeen, June 5, 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I am glade your Lop. is returned from 
 London. I should have wret to you uhile ther, but the 
 uncertaintie of your coming auay, uith the consideration 
 of your being taken up with other maters hindred me from 
 giuing your Lop. the trouble, and now, my Lord, being 
 resolued to uait of your Lop. at Edenbrugh, hou soune 
 the Parlement sits, q ch although it be adjourned to the 
 tuentie tuo instant, yet having advice from som freinds 
 that is to be further adjourned, I hope your Lop. will do 
 me the honor to let me knou the certaintie, for upon 
 severall accompts I might plead for my absence, but upon 
 this ocasion I deseing to attend and to be, My Lord, your 
 Lop. most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Erroll. 
 
 Slaines, 12th June 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Pitsligo, June 27, 1704. 
 My Lord, — I 'm very much honour' d by your Lop. in 
 takeing nottice of a relatione that 's of so litle conse- 
 quence. However since you are pleas'd to minde kindred, 
 
376 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 I shall take care that you have ane honest man to reckon 
 it with. I was resolvd to have prevented your Lops, 
 desire in comeing to the Pari., but I finde myself necessarly 
 detain' d, haveing brought a stranger here whose health 
 is so very ill, that I cannot in decency goe so far, till I see 
 what fate it may have. I should have offer' d no other 
 excuse, and I hope this will be accepted. I wou'd have 
 been very glade to have been a witness of any thing that's 
 for the Queen's service and the cuntry's good, which are 
 indeed inseparable, and I hope Scotland from this time 
 shall be put in some tollerable condition, that her Majestie 
 upon its accompt may be no longer call'd a poor Queen. 
 I wish your Lop. all satisfaction, and am, My Lord, Your 
 Lops, most obedient humble sert., 
 
 Pitsligo. 
 
 Alexander, fourth Lord Forbes of Pitsligo, did not attend the 
 session of 1704. He was out in the 'Fifteen, and for his share in 
 the 'Forty-five was attainted. 
 
 ffor THE RIGHT HONLL THE EARLE OF FFINDLATER 
 
 ATT HIS LODGEINGS IN EDR. theS 
 
 My Lord, — . ... I most allso inform your Lop. that 
 last week Castlefeild wes desyreing from me ane discharge 
 of any right I had or could pretend to Lady Maries papers, 
 qch wery frankly I hawe done ; for qt I doe, I will doe it 
 nett and cleinly, and non, God willing, sail stain me w 1 any 
 act of ungratitud or dishonestie .... I am much refreshat 
 to hear off your Los. health and weill being. Wishing 
 prosperitie to your noble familie, concludeing that as 
 ewer I wes, so still will continow, My Lord, Your Los. wery 
 ffaithfull and most humble sernt., 
 
 George Leslye. 
 
 Bannff, July : 1 : — 704. 
 
 My Lord, — I most begg pardon for my ingenuitie and 
 freedome in this postscript. Your daughter La. Mary liwes 
 heir wery honestlye wertewouslie and discreetlie, and since 
 it is so it is hygh tyme shee be reponed to your owen and 
 hir brothers fawor, and thinks truly both off you should 
 so joyn and fall on measures to hawe hir w* you and in 
 
1704] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 :*77 
 
 your owen companies, and thus being countenanced be 
 hir so high and noble freinds, who knowes qt God in his 
 good prowidence hes determined for hir. I sail say no 
 mor of this att present, beseeching your Lop. to dropp a 
 lyne to me w* your first convenience of your sentiments 
 on all, for q 11 your Lop. and I liwes I will still relye on yow 
 as my wery noble and speall good freind, 
 
 The postscript to Nicolas Dunbar's letter of 28th October 1704 
 continues the story of Lady Mary Ogilvie. 
 
 The Queen's instructions to Lord Chancellor Seafield for the 
 Parliament of 1704, at pp. 194, 195, and Godolphin's letters at 
 pp. 199 to 204 of the MSS. of the Countess-Dowager of Seajield 
 in the Fourteenth Report (Appendix, Part m.) of the Historical 
 MSS. Commission also refer to the matters mentioned in the two 
 next letters to the Earl of Seafield. 
 
 London, July 15th, 1704. 
 My Lord, — I have the honour of your Lordsp. letter 
 of the 8th, and would not lose the first occasion to acknow- 
 ledge it, tho. the Queen being at Windsor I shall not be 
 able to lay it before her Majesty, so as to send you her 
 comands upon it till the next post. In the meantime will 
 your Lordsp. have the goodness to forgive me, if upon 
 the honour of so small an acquaintance I presume to lay 
 before you with all freedome my present thoughts of 
 affairs in Scotland. I find among other handles taken by 
 the opposers to obstruct the Queen's measures, some have 
 presumed to say her Majesty is not in earnest for settling 
 the succession. And really, my Lord, I must be so sincere 
 as to own there seems but too much occasion for that to 
 bee said, while the D. of Atholl continues to be an officer 
 of state, and tho. the Queen has distinguished him very 
 particularlie by honours and fauours, is yet at the head 
 of all oppositions to what is so necessary for the peace 
 and quiett of her Majesty's reign, and is looked upon by 
 her to be so essentiall, that I question very much whether 
 her Majesty will think fitt to accept of any cess from those 
 who will obstinatly reject what her Majesty takes to be 
 indispensable both for her quiett and their own. And 
 on the other hand, my Lord, I am very confident the 
 
378 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [July 
 
 Queen will have no difficulty of taking into her considera- 
 tion the loss at Darien, or doing any thing else that can 
 reasonably be desired for the aduantage and satisfaction 
 of the kingdome of Scotland, upon their agreeing to a 
 settlement of the Protestant succession there. I must 
 again beg pardon for presuming to write my thoughts to 
 you, before I could have an opportunity of receiving her 
 Majesty s comands, which you shall have by the next post 
 from, My Lord, Your Lordsp. most humble and obedient 
 servant. 
 
 The claim made in next letter for the Queen to nominate com- 
 missioners to negotiate the treaty of union with England was 
 ultimately conceded in 1705. On the 5th August 1 704 the Act 
 of Security was passed, which in the end helped to secure the 
 union on a basis of free trade. 
 
 The minutes of the Privy Council of Scotland show that in 
 May 1704 Captain Thomas Gordon of Her Majesty's ship Royal 
 Mary captured a French privateer, the Marmedon, of Dunkirk. 
 The prisoners from the Marmedon were amongst those referred to 
 in next letter, and were taken to Newcastle in September to be 
 exchanged. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Windsor, 12th Agt. 1704. 
 My Ld., — I laid this day for a second time before the 
 Queen the account your Lop. sent of the proceedings of 
 Parliament upon the fift. Her Majestie again told me 
 she was very well satisfied with what was done, but that 
 this methode proposed for nameing persons to treat with 
 England had more of difficultie, and she would send her 
 mind upon it to my Ld. Comm r ; and doubtles my Ld. 
 Treasurer has done the like to your Lop., and theirfor I 
 shall say nothing of it, save that I do beleeve it is much 
 desired this session were at an end, for its thought what- 
 ever concessions are made new difficulties will be started, 
 which appears plain from the overture given in to the 
 Parliament in relation to the treaty, directly tending, as 
 is thought here, to lodge the soveraign power in the 
 Parliament of the two kingdomes without the Prince, 
 and likewise giving a plain handle to the Parliament of 
 
I704J 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SF AFIELD 
 
 370 
 
 England to take from the Prince here the power which 
 was alwayes yeelded to name persons for treating on their 
 side. I have given a memorial to S r Charles Hedges con- 
 cerning the French prisoners, and I doubt not but so soon 
 as he is well, for he is a litle indisposed at present, they 
 will order all the prisoners taken by our frigatts to be 
 receiv'd at Newcastle and to be exchanged with our men 
 as they fall in course, according to the time of their being 
 taken. I shall take care to represent what your Lop. 
 adds in your postscript concerning ane officer of the name 
 of Campbel to be lieutenant to ffanabs independant 
 company, but their are others have been before hand in 
 asking it particularly one Mr. Stewart, recommended first 
 by the Duke of Athol and now by the General. Ther are 
 no particular account as yet come of the victory which 
 I gave your Lops, account of by my last. I am with all 
 respect, My Lord, Your Los. most humble and obedient 
 servt., Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 Her Majesty commanded me to acquaint your Lo. that 
 it being represented by severals that neither sallarys nor 
 pensions are well pay'd, and that it is in some measure 
 occasion'd by the pressing for preference, she desires 
 that a state of the revenue be made up as soon as con- 
 veniently it can be, and likewise that a list be made of 
 the constant and necessary payements, and than it will 
 appear what funds their will be for pensions and gratifica- 
 tions, but this her Majestie desires your Lo. to move as 
 from your selfe, and not to proceed upon a publict order 
 for her, otherwise I would not acquainted your Lo. of it 
 in this manner. 
 
 On 25th October 1704 Mr. Wedderburn was appointed Deputy 
 Secretary of State for Scotland. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — I have taken the boldnes to writt to my Lord 
 Chancellour, though I am convinced itt is very unseason- 
 
 Statc Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. p. 76. 
 
380 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 able to trouble him vith private bussines now in tym off 
 Parliament, anent my bussines vith the ffamily off Boyne. 
 I beleev your Lo. might hav heard how f frankly I dealt 
 by them in ther need. In a vord every ffarthing ves 
 downtold money they oue me advanced in ther need, 
 and on the ffaith of ane honest man severall tymes hav 
 I borroued money ffrom others to supplye them, and 
 som off itt nott yett payd. I am hopeffull they vill be 
 just to me ; and my poore brother John his children hes 
 betuixt ffour and ffyve thousand merks off ther stock in 
 ther hands. And as your Lo. ves alvayes good to ffreinds 
 and ffatherlesse children, so I hope your Lo. vill sheu the 
 same to us on this occasione, as they I hop may ; and, God 
 villing, I shall be on all occasiones ready to acquitt my 
 selfe as becomethe your noble ffamilye, and, may itt please 
 your Lo., Your Lo. most obleidged and most humble 
 servant, Alexr. Innes. 
 
 I presum to offer my most humble dutyeto theCountesse 
 of Findlatter. 
 
 Coxton, Agust 16, 1704. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 London, September 26, 1704. 
 My Lord, — On Wedensday last we came to this place, 
 together with my Lord Tweddale, whom we overtook at 
 Borrowbridge, and my Lord Cromarty, whom we overtook 
 at Barnet. My father is in very good health. On Friday 
 he went to Windsor, wher the Queen is at present, and is 
 not as yet returned. I long very much to know how your 
 Lordship and your Lady are in health. If your Lordship 
 would doe me the honour to write to me and give me an 
 account how you keep your health, it would be a great 
 satisfaction to, My Lord, Your Lordships most humble 
 and obedient grandchild and servant, Deskfoord. 
 
 In her endeavours to solve the difficult situation in Scotland 
 the Queen again, on 17th October 1704, appointed Seafield 
 Secretary of State for Scotland. His new colleague was the Earl 
 of Roxburgh. 1 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. pp. 40 and 48. 
 
1704] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 .381 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 Right Honorable, — May it please your Lop. When I 
 had the honor to wreat to you last, the post's impor- 
 tunitie to be gone made me omitt to give your Lop. ane 
 accompt of ane setting dog, that samytyme I had on heir 
 and wes trying him, and since that tyme I called for ane 
 other. Both dogs are young and can doe very weill in 
 moors, but I could not get them so tryed in dale ground 
 for partridges. The pryce of either of them wes fourtie 
 punds Scots, but I beleive they would have taken fiftie 
 merks. I cannot pass my word for them. Therfor I 
 would have your Lop. sending Donald Shaw north, that 
 he may make a full tryall of them, and choise the best. 
 I presume to present my most humble dutie and service 
 to your Lop. and my Lady your noble Countess. I wish 
 to both long lyffe and happiness. I continow to be 
 perfectly in heart and soull, Right Hono We and my dear 
 Lord, Your Lops, most faithfull, most humble, and most 
 obleidged servant, Nicolas Dunbar. 
 
 Castlfeild, 28th Oct. 1704. 
 
 I am sorie to tell your Lop. that Lady Marie wes maried 
 25 7 ber to George Barkley in Bamff, sone to Alex r , the 
 certainty qroff is just now come to my hands. 
 
 FFORGLINE'S LETTER TO THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 DESYRING A PENSION TO PlTMEDDEN 
 
 Eder, 23rd Nov, 1704. 
 My Lord, — I returne your Lo. my humble and hartie 
 thanks for your keyndnes to my Lord Provost of Eder. 
 Sir James Smolet and myselfe by your dayes favor and 
 keyndnes, evidenced to them by there letter, and giving 
 me my commission. I hope your Lo. shall feind us all 
 true and fathfull servants qhen ye have use for us. I 
 shall not truble your Lo. with the urgent and pressing 
 cravings of the Lords of Thesurie for there Wittsondayes 
 sallaries. All I shall say is that there Lo. are sore dis- 
 pleased with me, that I will not give them the promise 
 of the first money cums in. They say they were never 
 
382 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1704 
 
 so used. If your Lo. please to syne your name on the 
 inclosed letter, and returne it, I shall tacke cair of it as 
 mutch as if it ware my ouen. Pittmeden younger pre- 
 tends a great keyndnes to your Lo., and sayes most 
 serieouslie to me that if your Lo. will obtain him a pension 
 of one houndreth pound per annum, he will be your servant 
 and give you a sutable returne. He would have the first 
 termes payment at Candlemas nixt. So this to your Lo. 
 consideration, and I shall containou, My Lord, Your Lo. 
 obedient and fathfull servant, 
 
 Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 
 On 17th October Forglen was appointed to the office of 
 Receiver-General at a salary of £300 stg. 1 
 
 On 17th November 1704 Captain Patrick Ogilvie was promoted 
 second lieutenant-colonel at Fort William. 2 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I had the honor of your Lops, of the fift. 
 I render you manie thanks for the letter you tell me the 
 Quien hes writt to the Thesouray in my favours. I hope 
 hir Majestie shall never repent, nor your Lop. be ashaimd 
 of doeing me jusitice, for uherin I am capable of serving 
 the Quien, and sheuing my friendship to your Lop., I will 
 make it my bussiness more then ever ; but at the same 
 time you must excuse me never to forgett the distinguish- 
 ing treatment I have mett with from our ministre, uich I 
 long for nothing more then ane oportunitay to repay. It 
 pleaseth me to think, uhen ue shall have a Parlament, 
 they will apier so pitifull and mien, that they will move 
 my compasion more then indignation. Uhat could 
 influence the Quien to put hir goverment in hands that ar 
 no maner of uay capable to serve hir is what I mightelay 
 uant to knou, and cannot expect, till I have the hapiness 
 of seeing your Lop. I had allmost forgott to intreat your 
 Lop. to uritt to Sir Alexander Ogilvie to take caire of my 
 payment. I urott tuice to him, and he returnd me 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books ^ vol. xx. p. 71. 
 
 2 Ibid. , pp. 106-107. 
 
jan. 1705] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 388 
 
 ansuers fullie as ambiguos as the Oracull of Delphos. My 
 young daughter is as fine ane ehild as can be seen. I hope 
 she shall live and have a husband to serve you and yours. 
 I am, My Lord, Your Lops, most affectionat cusin and 
 most faithfull servant, Eglintoune. 1 
 Eglintoune, Dec' IS, '704. 
 
 Coiw of TWO LETTERS sent to THE CHANCE LOR by 
 
 FLYING PACQUET 
 
 London, Jan: 17, 1705. 
 The Queen called me this morning, and told me she had 
 good information that one Captain M'Lean has gone, or 
 is imediately to goe for Scotland, and carries letters and 
 commissions ffrom ffrance, and that there is also a french- 
 man sent in quality of a commissar, who has bills or money 
 of a considerable value. Her Ma^ commanded me to 
 speak of this to none but the Earle of Roxburgh, and to 
 send this accompt by a flying pacquet, that all care and 
 dilligence may be used in saising these persons and in 
 securing there papers. I asked if her Ma^ could give me 
 any informatione in writting, that yo r Lop. and others in 
 Scotland might know the better how to proceed. She 
 said that could not yet be done, but that no time ought 
 to be lost in securing them. Yo r Lop. may take advyce 
 of the President of the Council, the Advocat, the Lord 
 Thesaurer Depute and Justice Clerk. These her Ma^ 
 thinks the fittest persons to assist yo r Lop. in this matter, 
 but it is to be managed with all secrecy, and I have written 
 to none but y or Lop., and her Maty expects you will use 
 all dilligence in this matter. This by her Ma ts command 
 from, My Lord, Yor Lops., etc. Seafield. 
 
 Coppy. 
 
 If the magazines are not better provyded than when 
 T parted from Scotland, there is litle or no powder or other 
 amunition, q ch is most dangerous in the caise of ane 
 invasion or insurrection, for I beleeve there is litle or none 
 to be had within the kingdome for money. If yo r Lop. 
 will after enquiry send a memoriall from the Thesaury or 
 
 Alexander, ninth earl. 
 
384 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 Privy Council as you think best, and with as litle noise as 
 is possible, of what quantity of powder and oy r amunition 
 may be necessary, I beleeve the Earle of Roxburgh and 
 [I] could have it att easier rates here, and have it more 
 speedily sent than you can have it from any other place, 
 and therfor together with the memoriall let us know at 
 what rates you can be furnished in Scotland. The mer- 
 chants that trade to Holland will satisfy yo r Lop. in this. 
 It must also be considered what moy es can be spared from 
 the subsistance of the troups for this use. This seems to 
 be indispensibly necessary, ffor fforts castles and ane army 
 without amunition signifyes nothing. This letter you may 
 communicate to the Lords of Theasury as from yo r self ; 
 but how soon you transmitt to my Ld. Roxburgh or me 
 a memoriall with yo r opinion, wee will be able to obtain 
 what you want. I shall write of nothing els att pntt. — 
 I am, My Ld., Yor Se afield. 
 
 London, Jan: 17, 1705. 
 
 Captain M'Lean was Sir John M'Lean who figured in the 
 Queensberry plot. With the advance of union negotiations there 
 was a recrudescence of Jacobitism which looked to France for 
 help. 
 
 JUSTICE CLERK'S LETTER 
 
 Edinbr., 20 ffebry 1705. 
 My Lord, — Twas not to be doubted your Lo. approove- 
 ing of ye Councells disarming of papists. I shall say no 
 more of it at present, but wishes the proclamation be duely 
 execute, and I 'm sure twill tend to ye security of ye 
 governint. . . . People talk every other post of new 
 schems. This day your Lo. is Com 1 " and Chancellor, 
 Annand. to preside in Parliat. and to have 500 lib st. as a 
 Comissioner of ye Thesrie. I doe beleeve 'twill pleas 
 both my Lord Rose and the ministers that he be Com r to 
 ye Gen. Ass. There appears litle inclination to ane intire 
 union. A treaty would be accepted and pass currant. 
 But the uncertainty people are in, how the scheme will 
 come out where your Lo. is, keeps all in suspense. I wish 
 when it comes out it may be such as will act sincerely and 
 vigorously for the revolution interest, and yrby they will 
 
1705J FIRST EARL OF SEAFIEL1) 
 
 385 
 
 strenthen her Maties. govermt, which I pray may last 
 long. — I am, Your Lo. m. h. s. 
 
 I am my Lord Thesrs. 1 most {faithful! serv 1 , which your 
 Lo. will be so good as to let his Lo. know. 
 
 LORD BELH AVEN'S LETTER TO THE 
 EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Ed>, 2Uhffeb. 1705. 
 My Lord, — I protest I know not what to say to you, 
 yet I can not bot wreit that I have nothing to wreit worth 
 yo r reading. We ar all quiet here doeing nothing. We 
 ar full of expectations of things that the end of the Parla- 
 ment and end of this month will produce ; bot what they 
 ar I know not, nor can know unlesse yor Lop. think fitt 
 to tell one, for I keep correspondence with non save yor 
 self and with the honorable person to whom the inclosed 
 is drected. I most beg the favor that yor Lop. would 
 deliver it or cause deliver it. It is to mein him of a letter 
 I had from his Lop. upon my being made on of the Lords 
 of Treasury, that he had her Majesties commands to assure 
 me that she gave me that place raither as a mark or 
 pledge of her futur favor, than that she considered it as 
 an adequat recompence to the zeal and forwardnes I had 
 shown in her service. My dear Lord, I think this is the 
 tyme that I can doe her Majestie service ; and if I had 
 a new mark of her favor it would give me more credit 
 both with the Dukes of H., Ath., and many others, then if 
 I be neglected, and tho my indevors will neverthelesse be 
 equal, the successe will not be so. I reffer my former 
 pretentions and any thing else of this natur to yor Lops, 
 prudent manadgment, depending intierly on yr frend- 
 ship. — I remaine, tout jours, yer very humble serve l\ 
 Adieu. 
 
 Lord Belhaven was appointed a Commissioner to the Scots 
 Treasury in August 1704. He was removed in 1705, and thereafter 
 strenuously opposed the union. 
 
 On 10th March 1705 Seafield was again, in the ever-shifting 
 
 Lord Godolphin. 
 
 2 B 
 
386 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 combinations of ministers, appointed Lord High Chancellor of 
 Scotland. 1 
 
 E. NORTHESQUE'S EXCUSE TO THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 THAT HE COULD NOT COME TO COUNCIL ABOUT GREENS BuSSINES 
 
 My Lord, — I hade the honour of your Lo. this night 
 about six, and by the shortness of the time your Lo. will 
 know its impossible for me to attend the Councell as you 
 desire, which Im sorry for, since you say some things 
 concerns the Queens service are to bee agitated. So I hope 
 your Lo. will admitt the reasonable excuse of, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. affectionate cousin and most humble servant, 
 
 Northesk. 
 
 Ethie, 2d Aprill 1705. 
 
 In reprisal for the seizure in England and condemnation of the 
 Annandale, the officials of the African company seized in Leith 
 roads the Worcester, an English ship in the East Indian trade. On 
 the confession of two of her crew, Haynes and Linsteed, Captain 
 Green of the Worcester and others of the crew were on 5th March 
 1705 condemned to death by the Scots Court of Admiralty on 
 charges of piracy and of murdering Captain Drummond of the 
 Speedy Return, belonging to the African company,, and his crew in 
 Madagascar waters. On 27th March the Queen wrote 2 to the 
 Scots Privy Council ordering a reprieve until the court proceed- 
 ings were looked into. Writing again 3 on 7th April, with an 
 affidavit that Captain Drummond was alive, the Queen left the 
 Privy Council a free hand in the matter of reprieve. Feeling was 
 very bitter at the time against England, and Captain Green, Captain 
 Madder, and Gunner Simpson of the crew were executed on 11th 
 April. Several of the following letters deal with this affair. They 
 show the reluctance of many of the Scots nobles to attend the 
 Privy Council to support a course of clemency, and the strained 
 relations between England and Scotland. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 My Lord, — I had not failled to write to your Lop. before 
 now, but tho I have stayed in town I have had nothing 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. p. 193 ; and Carstares State 
 Papers and Letters, p. 735. 
 
 2 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. p. 211. 
 ' i Ibid., p. 236. 
 
1 7051 FIRST EARL OF SEAF1KLI) 
 
 :*<S7 
 
 of moment to write. The Tr. Deput. has noe doubt com- 
 municated to you what slulTe I did write. Some with you 
 and others here are lor absolute power and thorough 
 changes. Schemes and measures have been written for 
 from them and are come up. The other day nothing was 
 practicable, and the commission was ready to be resigned. 
 Nou they say they have made sure work, and that if the 
 court make good their promiss the successe is infallible, 
 and a ministry is to be setled that is to be unalterable. 
 However none but I they say are to be out till the Duke 
 be in Scotland. As for my own part I shall be glad 
 matters goe well for the nation whoever have the doing of 
 them. I am satisfied I could have done litle good had I 
 continued in either to myself or the nation, for noe man 
 that lives here can at present serve Scotland if he be in 
 a post. He may possibly if he be in none. Greens business 
 creats great uneasinesse here, and noe doubt will raise the 
 ferment with you. The fact is so monstruous and in- 
 credible in itself and prejudice so strong, that a verry plain 
 and clear account of that whole matter will be necessary 
 to convince this nation. I wish your Lop. and others may 
 keep united for the Q's service and the good of the countrey, 
 and make all welcome that will joine with you, for those 
 agst. you are verry united in their purpose and resent- 
 ment, and if they have strenth enough will not forgive 
 one of you, of which they make noe secret here ; but in my 
 opinion with resolu°n and concorde you will make them 
 low their saills. Changes in this nation are at a stand at 
 present, and I suppose will be so till the elections be over. 
 If any thing come to my knowledge that may be of use, 
 your Lop. shall hear it one way or other. — I am, Your 
 Lop. most faithfull humble servant, 
 
 J. JOHXSTOUX. 
 
 Loud., 7 Apt. '705. 
 
 James Johnstoun, who had been Secretary of State for Scotland 
 to King William from the spring of 1692 1 to 1696, was Lord Clerk 
 Register from 2nd June 1704 to April 1705. Several of his letters 
 about this time are given in the Jerviswood Correspondence. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scot /and) Warrant Books, vol. xv. p. 100. 
 
388 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 THE DUKE OF ATHOLE'S LETTER TO THE EARL OF 
 SEAFIELD about his comeing to serve the Queen 
 
 My Lord, — This is to congratulate yr Lps. safe arrival 
 in Scotland. I intend, if please God, to waitte on you at 
 the sitting of the Par 11 , where I shall endeavour to serve 
 the Queen and our country against all theire enemies, and 
 I doubt not we shall have yr Lps. concurrence. I desire 
 you '1 be pleased to acquaint me if the Par 11 certainly meets 
 the 3 d of May. — I am, My Lord, Y r Lps. affect cousine 
 and most humble servant, Atholl. 
 
 Dunkeld, Ap: 8th, 1705. 
 
 Parliament met on 28th June 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Yester, Aprill 8th, 1705. 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of your Lo. this morning, 
 intimating to me the gracious returne it hes pleasd her 
 Maj tie to give to what the Councell at first represented to 
 her in Capt ne Greens affaire, and that upon it your Lo. 
 had thought fitt to appoynt the Councell to meett on 
 Tuesday next. I am heartily glad of it, not doubting but 
 it will give so generall a satisfactione as will be of advan- 
 tag to the Queens service in the ensuing Parliament. I 
 should not decline to give my attendance on all occasions 
 wherin I could testify my zeall for it, but that my privat 
 affairs does so necessarly require my stay here for some 
 few days longer, that I hope I may be excused at this 
 time, especially sine there cane be no fear of the want of 
 a sufficient quorum without me, who am with all respect, 
 My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient and most humble 
 servant, Tweeddale. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Ormeston, 9th Ap: 1705. 
 My Lord, — The end of last week my Lord Hyndfoord 
 caried my son wast, and he took the horses wt him, which 
 makes me in a maner a prisoner. Besides my own affairs, 
 to wch. I have been a stranger, require my stay in this 
 place for some dayes. This will I hope plead my excuse 
 
1705I FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 389 
 
 wt your Lo. for this one dyet, and I 'm encouraged to 
 exspect it from qt your Lo. writts, that hir Maties returne 
 will be to the satisfaction of all. So I doe perswade my 
 self yr is no farther reprive to be proposed, or any thing 
 may occassion the least jealousy among ye people of hir 
 Maties proceedings, wch. I in my station shall alwayes 
 be ready to obviat so fare as possible it lyes in my power. 
 I am, wt all respect, My Lord, Your Lo. most humble 
 servant, Ad. Cokburne. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF SEAFIELD, 
 LORD HIGH CHANCELOR OF SCOTLAND 
 
 Beil, 9th Ap. 1705. 
 My Lord, — I am verie glad to hear of her Majs. gratius 
 ansur, and since I find yor Lop. in no difficulty I hope ther 
 is no necessity of my presence, since by yors I find ther 
 is no nead save of a quorum to receive that which is so 
 acceptable to the nation. Besyds this my Lord President 
 and the new married folks and a great many others ar 
 all at my house this day, and to continue some days. I 
 wish yor Lop. all happines, and I hope these criminalls 
 shall by ther confession at death make a full disscovere of 
 all ther villanny, which will prove verie acceptable to the 
 whol nation. — My Lord, Yor Lop. most faithfull and 
 obedient serv*, Belhaven. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — If I were but able to walk down stairs, I 
 should certainly be in town to-night, but I have got such 
 a sprain, at least have made it so ill by riding and walking 
 and not minding it at first, that I dont know when I shall 
 be able to travell either in coach or a horesback. This I 
 am writing in the time a horse is getting ready for a 
 servant, and shall write on till he is ready. 
 
 I send your Lop. here inclosed a letter from my Lord 
 Treasurer, which I desire you would send me back by 
 the bearer, for its impossible for me to give a return to 't 
 this post, so your Lop. I hope will make my excuse and 
 let me know by the bearer what you write. Your Lop. 
 
390 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 will be pleased to show the inclosed to my Lord Treasurer- 
 Depute. It came to my hands betwixt ten and eleven, 
 and it is now just eleven. — I am, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most obedient humble servant, Roxburghe. 
 
 If we cannot convince them that our behaviour in this 
 matter was both dutiful and necessary, the old partie are 
 masters. 
 
 Floors, Aprill the 10th, 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Nothing has occur'd since my last in Scots 
 affaires worth your Losps. reading, save that the Duke of 
 Argyle parted from hence yesterday about noon. He went 
 privatly, and some say resolves to go post part of the 
 way. His Grace caried with him the papers past the 
 Queens hand, wherof a list is inclosed. He left me no direc- 
 tions except an order to deliver to S r David Nairn all 
 letters and pacquets directed for him, and also to receive 
 from S r David whatever he shall have to dispatch for his 
 Grace by ordinary or flying pacquets. Ther appears litle 
 or no disposition here to give credit to the guilt prov'd 
 against Capt. Green and confess'd by some of his men. 
 It seems necessary for the reputation of our countrey and 
 of the government in particular, that censure be stopt by 
 publishing a full relation of the proceedings in this matter, 
 and that it be clear' d upon what motives any of the 
 accomplices have confessed, otherwise it will be spread 
 to our dishonour that these men have either been forc'd 
 by torture or induced by promises of life to confess any 
 thing they perceived would be most desir'd. Such base 
 insinuations are very uneasy to these that have a concern 
 for the honour of their countrey and the reputation of 
 those in the management, but I can not say all Scots men 
 here feel it alike. The Queen and Prince went this morn- 
 ing for Newmarket. I went last night to receive hir 
 MajW 8 commands, and gott hir hand to a letter ordering 
 peremptorly six hundred pounds to be pay'd to my Lord 
 Forfar of the arrears of his pension. My Lady apply' d 
 for this hirselfe upon a letter she had receiv'd from hir 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 891 
 
 Lord, wherin he informs hir that it was your Losps. advice 
 to ask a letter of this sort nameing a certain sum. — I am, 
 with all respect, My Lord, Your Losps. most humble and 
 obedient serv 1 , Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 Lond:, 10th Apr. 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lond., 12th Ap: 1705. 
 My Lord, — This is only to acknowledge the honour of 
 your Losps. of the 4th, and to informe you that I gave the 
 letter for my Ld. Treasurer to a serv*, who promised to 
 send it to New Market with the first opportunity. I return 
 your Losp. my most hearty thanks for the favour you have 
 been pleased to show in ordering money to be pay'd me, 
 and I think my selfe yet more obliged for the goodnes 
 you show in giving me your advice for my behaviour here. 
 It was not my fault that the opinion of the Privy Council 
 was not waited for, before orders were given for restoring 
 the Dutch prise, but that being over, the nixt thing neces- 
 sary in that matter seems to be the concerting speedily 
 what pasports will be sufficient for securing our ships, or 
 reclaming them if they shal be taken into Holland. The 
 clamour upon the proceedings against Green, etc., is not 
 like to cease. If the last papers and advices sent in that 
 matter has occasion' d a new reprive, in my humble opinion 
 it can not give offence in Scotland to continow it in favours 
 of the English men, till their friends have time to represent 
 all can be alledged in their behalfe, provyding the sentence 
 be put to execution against Madder a Scotsman, own'd 
 by all to be noted villain. If this fellow should confess 
 clamour would cease, and should he dy denying it might 
 afford an excuse for humouring this nation in granting a 
 litle delay, till all were done thats necessary or possible at 
 least for convincing them of the impartiality of our govern- 
 ment, which I can not forbear saying they are too unwilling 
 to beleeve, though I meet with very hard censure for my 
 freedom on this point, and I have ground to think not 
 without the whispers and detracting methods of some of 
 my own cuntrey men. But I shall not trouble your Losp. 
 
392 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 with this, but conclude in assuring your Losp. that I am 
 with all respect, My Lord, Your Losp. most humble and 
 obedient servt., Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 On 7th April the Queen wrote to the Treasury ordering the ship 
 Katherine of Rotterdam, captured by Captain Thomas Gordon, and 
 condemned by the Scots Court of Admiralty as a prize, to be 
 restored or her value paid. 1 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF SEAFEILD, 
 LORD HYE CHANCELLOUR 
 
 My Lord, — It was this day ere I had the honour of your 
 Los., soe that is not possible for me to wait on your Lord- 
 shipe in time to attend the Councill to-morrow. Ther are 
 many more capable to serve her Majesty, but non more 
 willing then, My Lord, Your Lordship's most humble and 
 obedient servant, Strathmore. 
 
 Glamis, Ap r// 12, 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAF1ELD 
 
 My Lord, — I receiv'd your Losps. of the 6*, and gave in 
 the two letters inclosed with it as they were directed. S r 
 Charles Hedges is here, but my Lord Treasurer is still at 
 New Market. I have nothing new to write save that 
 just now Captain Greens brother brought to me Iserael 
 Phippenny and Peter Freelands, the two men who made 
 the affidavits before the Maior of Portsmouth, which I 
 sent to your Losp. amongst the other papers with the last 
 flying packet. Mr. Green showd me a letter from one 
 Mr* Stewart, who he says is agent for his brother in 
 Scotland, telling him that if these men gave their declari- 
 tions before the Secretarys for Scotland of what they 
 knew concerning Capt. Drummond, it would have more 
 weight ; and the Secretarys being absent he came with 
 them to me, but I having no commission to put them upon 
 oath, and but litle time to discource with them, it being 
 late, all I can informe your Losp. concerning them is, that 
 
 1 State Papers (Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xx. pp. 216-217; and 
 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App. Part in., MSS. of the 
 Countess- Dowager of Seafield, p. 220. 
 
1705I FIRST KARL OF SE AFIELD 898 
 
 the first says he is of New England but served his time 
 at Glasgow with George Lockart, and went in the ship 
 that caried Capt. M'Kay towards Darien the second time, 
 return' d with Capt. Drummond to Scotland, and went out 
 with him again in his last voyage, and avers that what he 
 said relating to that voyage in the affidavit taken at Ports- 
 mouth is trew. The other says he is a Scots man born at 
 the Milton of Slains, and was likewise aboard of Cap. 
 Drummonds ship till she fell in the hands of Madagascar 
 pirats, and afterwards made his escape. They were not 
 very distinct in answering some of the questions I askt 
 concerning the trafique Cap. Drummond has made, and 
 what sort of goods he had at the time the ship was taken ; 
 but they said, being only common sailers and never having 
 kept journals as to these, they could not cal to mind 
 particulars on the sudden ; and indeed I can not say 
 that I can make any probable conjecture from what past 
 betwixt them and me either as to the truth or falshood of 
 what they assert, and I should be in the wrong to make 
 any insinuations either one way or other, upon such a 
 superficial information as I have had from them. — I am 
 with all respect, My Ld., Your Losps. most humble and 
 obedient servant, Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 Lond:, 14th Apr: 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 My Lord, — I am very sorry I cannot waite upon yor 
 Loip. upon Tuesday nixt by reason I have created a violent 
 cold and hoarsness, and am under a course of physick for 
 some tyme, and untill that be discussed I am advysed by 
 my physicians not to goe abroade. This I hope will be to 
 sufficient ane excuse. — I am, My Lord, Yo r Loips most 
 humble servant, Crafurd. 
 Struthers, 15th Ap. 1705. 
 
 ffbr THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF SEAFEILD, 
 LORD HIGH CHANCELOR OF SCOTLAND 
 
 Beil, 16 Ap. 1705. 
 My Lord, — I am heartily sorry of what hath befallen 
 yo r Lo., yet am pleased to be informed that it was meerly 
 
394 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 accidental and no wayse designed. I most beg pardon 
 for this once that I can not attend this diot of Councell, 
 being following out a course of diot that I may be inabled 
 to attend when the Parlament sitts. I hope this shall 
 plead my excuse, and that ye r goodnes will find it relevant, 
 more especially since I am informed ther will be a vere 
 full Councell Tuesday nixt. — My dear Lord, Yo r Lo. most 
 faithfull and obedient ser 1 , Belhaven. 
 
 Pardon me to tell my opinion, that I think ther should 
 be no more executions, till God in his providence make this 
 work of darknes more plain and evident, which I hope God 
 in his mercy and goodnes to this poor nation will doe and 
 that vere shortly. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAF1ELD 
 
 Newmarket, 16th Ap. 1705. 
 My Lord, — The flying pacquet with your Losp. letters 
 to the Queen and my Lord Treasurer, giving account of 
 the proceedings of Councill on the ij instant came to my 
 hand yesterday about eight in the morning at London. 
 So soon as I could gett reddy, I took post and came hither 
 with them, and arived in time to see the Queen last night. 
 Hir Majesty seem'd not pleas' d to find that Green and 
 the two others that were executed deny'd the crimes for 
 which they were condemned, and wishes no more of them 
 may suffer till the truth of that matter be further clear' d. 
 My Lord Treasurer was supping last night with the Duke 
 of Devonshire, and did not see the Queen till this morning, 
 and just now tells me that he is to write hir Maj^ com- 
 mands to your Losp. I wish they may arive in time, for 
 I understand they are to be plainly signify 'd that further 
 execution be stopt, no body here, I mean amongst the 
 English, beleeving the certanty of what has been confess'd 
 against Green and his crew as to the murther of Drummond. 
 Your Lordships to me mentiones plainly that the nixt 
 day appointed for execution of these others, that are con- 
 demned, is the 19th instant, but that falling upon a Thurs- 
 day, which is not an usual day for executions, makes me 
 fear it is not right marked. If Wedensday was meant, this 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 895 
 
 can not arive in time, but if the day be right mention'd 
 it may. I acquainted hir Majesty of the account your 
 Losp. writes of the tumultous behaviour of the people, 
 and that your Losp. had mett with no harm, which hir 
 Majtf was well satisfied to know. The Queen is just now 
 gone to Cambridge upon invitation from the University, 
 but the Prince has excused himselfe upon the account that 
 he should have been obliged to walk more than would 
 have been convenient for him. The Queen returns at 
 night. She is to be intertaind tomorrow or nixt day at 
 my Lord Orfords house, passes the rest of this week here, 
 and returns to St. James's on Saturday. I shall acquaint 
 Mr. Johnston of your Losp. compliment, and I return your 
 Losp. most hearty thanks for the notice you are pleased 
 to take of my circumstances, and I shall alwise look upon 
 it as an extraordinary advantage to be under your Losp.'s 
 protection. I am, with all respect, My Lord, Your Losps. 
 most humble and most obedient serv 1 , 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 I write this in hast, and therfor hopes you'l excuse the 
 disorder of it. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Whitehall. 17th Apr. 1705. 
 May it please your Lop., — I think it my duty in Mr. 
 Wedderburns absence to write to you in answere to your 
 flying packet, which came here on Sunday morning, after 
 which he went post to New Market. He did communicat 
 your Lops, to me before he went, and yesterday I went 
 to Mr. Reidpath and assisted what I could in that account 
 he gives of Greens execution and that tumults at Edin- 
 burgh ; and we thought it propper to back it with that 
 relation of the further confessions since their condemna- 
 tion. I assure your Lop. it makes as great noise as ever 
 any thing of that nature did here, so that Scotsmen dare 
 hardly goe into publick places. I was al waves troubled 
 at the method taken in ordering Green and Madder to be 
 executed either first or together, for it was the only way 
 to hinder their confessions ; and now nothing will con- 
 
396 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 vince these people but that they are murdered, as they 
 boldly call it. I was in particular told from a present 
 witnes, that the father of Haynes, who has confest, said in 
 a coffeehouse he would much rather have seen his son 
 hanged than that he should have saved his life by con- 
 fessing a lye to the ruine of innocent persons, for now they 
 say these confessors find it a way to save themselves. I 
 need add no more but that I am, my Lord, Your Lops, 
 most humble and most faithfull servant, 
 
 A. Kineir. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lond:, 21 Ap: 1705. 
 My Lord, — All I have time to acquaint your Losp. of 
 to night is that the Queen and Prince are arived this even- 
 ing from New Market. I beleeve my Lord Treasurer will 
 be here to morow or nixt day at furthest, and I shall take 
 care to deliver your Losps letter. Being just come to 
 town and very weary with my journey, I have not found 
 it possible to inform my selfe of any thing worth your 
 Losps. reading, therfor I shall conclude that I am as 
 becomes me with all respect, My Lord, Your Losps. most 
 humble and most obedient servt., 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 The execution of Green is highly resented here, and we 
 that are upon the place will find it uneasy. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lond., 23rd Apr. 1705. 
 My Lord, — I delivered your Los s of the 17th to my L d 
 Treasurer today, so soon as I receiv'd it, and likewise 
 communicated to the Queen the necessary passages of that 
 your Losp. honoured me with of the same date, togither 
 with the journals of Council. Hir Majesty was pleas'd 
 to find the remaining part of the Worcesters crew were 
 repryved, and it seems after second thoughts, and perhaps 
 by advice of hir Cabinet Council has sent the letter 1 whereof 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App. Part III., MSS. of 
 the Countess- Dowager of Seafi eld, pp. 195-196; and State Papers {Scotland) 
 Warrant Books, vol. xx. p. 241. 
 
1705] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 897 
 
 I inclose a copie, for stopping any further execution till 
 further light be gott in this matter. The hanging of Green 
 occasions extraordinary censure and resentment here 
 against our nation, and the not publishing of the trial 
 makes it hard for any to find satisfying answeres to the 
 objections made both against the sentence and the pre- 
 cipitancy of the execution ; and people may flater them- 
 selves by thinking to lay the blame, if ther is any, upon a 
 party. In that I do beleeve they may be mistaken, for 
 if ther is ground for reproach none will escape it. Therfor 
 in my humble opinion none should appear backward in 
 publishing a justification of what has been done in this 
 matter, and the sooner the better. — I am, with all respect, 
 My Lord, Your Losps. most humble and obedient serv 1 , 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 I have gott so late advertisement for sending this express, 
 that I have not time to inlarge. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I acknowledge the honor of haveing your 
 Lops, letter of ye 17 th w th on to ye Duke of Queensberry 
 which I delivered. Whatever pairt of her Matys. affairs 
 that I shall be imployed in, I shall to ye best of my capacity 
 most fathfully execute. That affaire of Capt. Green and 
 his crew maks soe much noise here as is enugh to frighten 
 Scots men in some pairts of ye city to oune themselves as 
 such. What adds to the flame is not publishing ye tryall, 
 and, besids ye vulgar, people of good understanding think 
 thers some weakness in it, for w ch its toe long concealed. 
 I quetion not but your Lop. has had sufficient truble in 
 this mater since your arivall. The insolence that was 
 offered to your Lop. has been much talked off. I hope ere 
 this the bottom of that affaire is discovered, and ye 
 fomenters duly punishd. 1 The Duke of Queensberry gives 
 his humble service to your Lop. He and his familly are 
 in such disorder that he can not write, ye Dutchess being 
 in labour but not bad enugh. I shall always acknowledge 
 
 The Jerviswood Correspondence, pp. 75-77- 
 
398 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 the obligations I ley under to your Lop., and containow, 
 My Lord, Yor Lop.'s most humble and most obedient 
 servant, David Nairne. 
 
 2Uh Aprill 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFJELD 
 
 My Lord, — All I have to trouble your Los s . with to 
 night is, that I have represented to the Queen and my Lord 
 Treasurer the contents of the letter your Los. was pleased 
 to honour me with by the last post. My Lord Treasurer 
 writes, and therfore I need not touch what hints he let fall 
 of our affaires. The Queen directed me to put your Los. 
 in mind to send up a state of the Bishops rents, which hir 
 Maj^ realy takes ill is not done sooner. Some here begin 
 to abate a litle of their railling against the tryal of Green, 
 since the last flying pacquet came out. I wish poor Mr. 
 Ridpath may be more considered this year than he was 
 last. This is a national service, and I hope no party will 
 think it an injury, but we shall need stronger vindication 
 before resentments be disownd here quite, and therfore I 
 hope your Losp. will hasten so necessary a work. — I am 
 with all respect, My Lord, Your Losp. most humble and 
 obedient serv 1 , Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 Lond., 26 Ap: 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I am extreamly obliedged to yr. Lo. kind 
 and frank offer in medling in our affairs, and I hope ye 
 will never repent them. I am sure yr. Lo. shall never have 
 reason to complain of any want of duty in acknowledging 
 them by the return of what service I am capable to render 
 yr. Lo. or yr familie. I have seen the proposalls sent to 
 Glassoch, and for what I can judge of them they seem 
 verry reasonably calculate for some support to our familie, 
 and for ane effectuall and unexpencive payment of the 
 creditors, so far as the subject will bear. I depend entirely 
 on yr. Lo. in the manadgement of this affair, and shall only 
 add that I am in all duty, My Lord, Yr. Lo. most humble 
 servant, James Ogilvie. 
 
 Boyne, the 21th of Aprill 1705. 
 
1705J FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 399 
 
 The Boyne estates ultimately passed Cully into the hands of 
 Seafield in 1708 after judicial sale and purchase. 
 
 Tor THE KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I wrott ane ansver of the last letter I had 
 the honnor off from your Lo. som days sine, which I sent 
 to your Ladie. I am loth to trouble your Lo. with long 
 letters, Glassow having fully given ane account of all he 
 hath spok with of my creditors. I shall be werie willing 
 to concur in the proposalls sent me north, and am, My 
 Lo., Your most humble servant, 
 
 Patrick Ogilvie. 
 
 Boijn, April 28, 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Kilraik, ye last of Aprile 1705. 
 Ryt Honll, — I head ye honour of yours, and shall as 
 yor Lo. desyres comunicate yor advyse to ye laird of 
 Grant. I hop to wait on yer Lo. much about ye tyme ye 
 Parliment is to sit, so I shall forbear giving you mr truble, 
 but subscryve myself, My Lord, Yor Lo. most affe. and 
 most humble servant, H. Rose. 
 
 Hugh Rose of Kilraick was one of the commissioners for 
 Nairnshire. This and next letter show that Seafield was working 
 up his supporters in view of the meeting of Parliament. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I had the honour and the satisfaction of 
 your Lop. letter by the sam post, and vill be alvais 
 refreshd to hear of the veilfare of yo r Lo. person, famelie, 
 and interest ; and ver I in my vonted and leidge postour, 
 the least signification of your pleasur should be an power- 
 full attraction to draw me to anie place vithin my reach, 
 vher I could serve you. Bot the truth is I dare not ventur 
 upon a journay albeit it be in the summer, for trulie I 
 have not one crossd an horse sine ever I cam from Edb r 
 after the last Parliament. The swelling and reidness and 
 hardnes of my legg continous still vith me, and it will be 
 tyme and rest and the spairing of travel upon it, that vill 
 bring it to the former consistancy. Nor is the habit of 
 
400 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 my bodie good othervais, that I dare sett out to a jurnay. 
 And as I would have most villinglie answered yor Lo. cal, 
 and obeyed your commands, so vould I vith cheirfullnes 
 contributed my myte and mean endeavours for promoting 
 of the Queins service and the publict interest both of 
 church and state. My deir and nobl Lord, think not 
 that this is anie excuse or shift in the least. All those 
 vho may come up to the Parliat. out of the cuntrey, or 
 from the north can bear wittness vhither it be not vith 
 me as to my bodilie constitution as I say. And my harts 
 desyrs shall be for the happie ishue and result of this 
 next session of Parliat, and that God may direct and over- 
 rule all things for the advantage off all valuabl interests 
 of the kingdom. I vill presum to writt to your Lo. som 
 tym heirafter by anie freind vho corns up to Parliament, 
 and shall give yo r Lo. no furder trubl att the tym, bot to 
 add that I am still in much sinceritie, My Lord, Your Lo. 
 most humbl and affectionat servant, J. Brodie. 
 
 Brodie house, Apryll 30, '705. 
 
 James Brodie of Brodie, son of Lord Brodie, was born on 
 15th September 1 637, and succeeded in 1 679- He married, on 
 28th July 1659, Lady Mary Kerr, sister of the first Marquis of 
 Lothian. He represented Morayshire in the Scots Parliaments 
 from 1689 to 1704. He was not present at the sitting of Parlia- 
 ment in 1705. He had nine daughters. The fifth, Emilia, married 
 George Brodie of Asleisk, his successor. He died in March 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lond., 1st May 1705. 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of two from your Los. 
 yesterday, one of them by a flying packet directed to Sr. 
 David Nairn and sign'd by Sr. Gilbert Elliot, which seemd 
 extraordinary since it was my Ld. Roxburghs moneth of 
 service as secretary. Sr. David Nairn tels me that their is 
 a discovery that Haines and the others who have witnesed 
 and confessed have been suborn'd. This account surprised 
 me since your Los. takes no notice of it in your letter. If 
 it is so, the Queen and the Treasurer may think I industri- 
 ously conceal it, and can not but conceave an ill opinion 
 of me, and I shall meet with abundance to improve it to 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELI) 
 
 101 
 
 my disadvantage. I had no journals of Council sent me 
 nor any letter, save that your Los. writt, for which I return 
 your Los. my most hearty thanks, and am with all respect, 
 My Lord, Your Los. most humble and obedient servt., 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I have been in the country since I had the 
 favour of yours. My being out was publick when I wrote 
 to you, which made me not mention it. My Ld. Treasurer 
 expresses himself in a very friendly manner to me and 
 gives me hope that I shall be reimbursed in tyme. I am 
 glad to hear that your Lop. and others continue in a good 
 understanding. I shall be glad to contribute to it. I am 
 pers waded its both your interests. I have reasons for what 
 I say, which it is not fit to write. Greens affair has made 
 strange discoverys here. Its strange the tryall is not pub- 
 lished, for the first point is not whither guilty or innocent, 
 but whether they were fairly tryed and condemned or not. 
 The impressions taken here, which may make the unborn 
 child cry, should not be let alone one moment, if they 
 can be removed, and the more or lesse in such matters is 
 a great dale. Its like with you the ferment here will 
 scarcely be credited. I own I could not have believed it, 
 had I not been here and seen it. It is the only thing that 
 partyes here agree in, and its fewell for winter in the new 
 Par It., when they will not need it, for animosity es grow 
 here too, and both partyes are angry to a higher degree 
 then ever I saw them even in the exclusion tyme. As to 
 my self I have suffered enough by my late medlings, tho 
 I suffer not in my private circumstances ; but I shall have 
 all the patience I can, and not be rash or undutifull in doing 
 myself justice. However nothing shall hinder me from 
 serving the countrey and my friends to my power. — I am, 
 Your Lops, most faithfull humble servant, 
 
 J. Johnstoun. 
 
 Lond., 1st May '705. 
 Ridpath by one of his papers has done the nation 
 better service than I fear he will ever be considered for. 
 
402 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lo7id. 3 5 May 1705. 
 My Lord, — I am desired by Sr. Charles Hedges to 
 acquaint your Losps. of the ministrey that Mr. Campbel 
 of Glenderouel 1 is reddy to be sent to Scotland, and that 
 they would be glad to know here what methode your 
 Losps. desire may be used in doing of it, whither in custody, 
 and at what place your Lorsps. will order him to be 
 delivered, or whither bail may be taken for his rendering 
 himselfe in Scotland, and for what sum it shall be accepted. 
 I am likewise desired to know if ther is any objection 
 against S r John M c clanes going into Scotland, now that he 
 has obtain'd his pardon in both kingdomes. I delivered 
 your Los. letter to the Treasurer, but have had no occasion 
 of discourcing with him. Doubtles the inclosed will serve 
 for all that I need say. I am with all respect, My Loi?d, 
 Your Los. most humble and obedient serv*, 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lond., 10th May 1705. 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of your Lops, of the 3 d 
 instant, and delivered that which it covered. Yesterday 
 upon the repeated desires of several of the relations and 
 others concern' d in the men belonging to the ship the 
 Worcester, I waited on S r David Nairn to S r William 
 Ashursts house, one of the present aldermen, where we 
 heard what is contained in the inclosed paper declared by 
 the persons therein named ; but it was not thought fitt to 
 examine them upon oath, without there were a commission 
 from a proper court in Scotland authorising the taking of 
 depositions in that matter, so that the cheife design of our 
 meeting was that S r David and I might be informed of 
 the grounds the persons interested have for applying to 
 your Losps. of the government that such a commission 
 may be given, to the end our representation may help to 
 f acilitat the granting of their sute. S r David, whose moneth 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland^ vol. xi. pp. 235, 239. 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SKA FIELD 408 
 
 of service it is, will doubtles transmitt a full and distinct 
 account of particulars. All I shall add is, that many here 
 are convinced that such light and evidences may be had 
 in this matter, as will occasion an intire stopp of any further 
 execution of the sentence alredy pronounced, and will 
 prevent the giving orders for a second process against 
 Raynolds or others that are recommitted to prison upon a 
 new information exhibited by Capt. Drummonds relations. 
 As to the legality or expediency of this methode proposed 
 I need say nothing. Your Losp. can best judge of both. 
 Yet I presume to suggest that if the men themselves were 
 sent down they could be more fully examined, and have 
 more apposite questions put to them than can be done 
 here, and the satisfaction their answeres might give to the 
 nation and government is worth the publick expense. But 
 if this can not be done, and that your Lodp. agreed to the 
 giving a commission to examine them here upon the inter- 
 rogators to be sent, it will be fitt several persons be join'd 
 in the commission, especially if S r David or I be named in 
 it, least some of us before that time be necessarly absent. 
 I am desired by the Earle of Clarendon to put your Losp. 
 in minde of his grandchilds claim, and intreat you would 
 use your interest and give your advice for getting it 
 effectually done. — I am, My Lord, Your Losps. most 
 humble and most obedient serv 1 , 
 
 Al. Wedderburn. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — It is my duty to acquent your Lop. that 
 on ye recommendation of my Ld. Com r and ye Marquis 
 of Annandale her Maty, has been pleased to give me a 
 commission to act in all affairs relaiteing to Scotland in 
 absence of ye principall Secretaries, as they could doe if 
 present. I thinke ye place of Secretarie Deaput will not 
 admitte of a dividend, therefor my com° n runs not soe, 
 nor does it intitle me to any of the profits. I hope your 
 Lop. will doe me ye justice to belive I shall make it my 
 study to discharge ye trust fathfully, and most readyly 
 observe and dispatch what instructions or commands your 
 
404 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 Lop. charges me with. The inclosed I reed, from my Lord 
 Tresr. this evening. By this post I send under covert to 
 my Ld. Com rl a letter from y e Queen to ye Councill for 
 adjurning the Parliament — the time to which is left blank 
 for his Grace to fill up. I have sent to his Grace a paper 
 containing what I heard yeasterday severall people say 
 about ye two Drummonds. There will be application 
 made to the Councell there for a com on to examine them 
 upon oath, in w ch caice, if granted as is supposed it will, 
 your Lop. will take caire ye que[s]tions be very distinct. 
 The not publishing the tryall maks people think it was 
 not faire. Your Lop. can not imagine the noise it maks 
 here, and if more of ye condemned are execute, Scotsmen 
 here are not safe from ye mobb. I have heard ye Duke of 
 Queensberry express ye great sence he has of your friend- 
 ship in forwarding his papers, w ch are now past. I doubt 
 not but if ane opportunity e offer your Lop. will meet with 
 a gratefull returne from him. — I am, My Lord, Your Lop.'s 
 most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Whitehall, 10th May 1705. 
 
 Sir David Nairn was appointed Secretary-depute on 3rd May 
 1705. 2 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I receaved the honour of y r Losps. letter 
 letting me know that my signature was past, and an 
 account from others of yr Losps. great goodnesse and 
 favour in it, which I doe assure you I shall allwayes retain 
 a very gratefull sense off. I have now litle to doe in this 
 place. I am therfore prepareing for my retreat, as soon 
 as my wifes circumstances and my own helth will allow 
 me to undertake so great a journey. I cannot entertain yr 
 Ldsp. with any thing of publick bussinesse, being as sel- 
 dome at court, and as ignorant of theire measures for 
 Scotland as when you was here, but I shall ever wish well 
 to her Majesty s service and the peace of that kingdome, 
 
 1 The Duke of Argyll. 
 
 2 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. 
 
1705] FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 1,05 
 
 and upon all occasions shoe my sclfe, My Lord, Your 
 Ldsps. most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 QUEENSBERRY. 
 
 May, ye 10th. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I am directed by my Lord Treasr. to forward 
 the inclosed to your Lop. and one to his Grace the Corn 1 " 
 by a fflying packet. His Lop. told me ye import of them 
 were to informe his Grace and your Lop. that there were 
 accounts given this morning to ye comitte of Councell of 
 some ships gone to Scotland as is supposed with armes. 
 Its hoped your Lop. will take ye necessary precautions to 
 prevent there landing, or to sease them if they doe. By 
 last nights post I sent to my Ld. Com 1 her Matie letter to 
 ye Councell for a further adjurnment of the Parliament, 
 and told your Lop. of ye com on her Maty, has been pleased 
 to honor me with. I shall in all capacity endeavour to 
 make myself e acceptable to your Lop., because I truely 
 am, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most obedient 
 servant, David Nairne. 
 
 Whitehall, 11th May 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of y rs last night about 
 five aclock, and also the Comissioners comands. I accord- 
 ingly came here immediatly therafter, and have given his 
 Grace an account of the condition of this place, w ch hardly 
 can be worse. I wish something may be ordred about it. 
 I hope this design'd invasion shall fail. I 'm sure we are 
 ill prepaird to receave an enimie. If y r Lop. have any 
 further comands for me, the bearer will take cair to send 
 them. Haveing wryten fully to the Comissioner, who I 
 doubt not but will comuni[c]at it to y r Lop., I will trouble 
 you no more now, but I am, My Lord, Y r Lops, most 
 ffaithfull and most humble servant, Mar. 
 Stirling Castle, 
 Thursday morning, May 17th, 1705. 
 
 John, Earl of Mar, on 29th September 1 705, was appointed one 
 of the Secretaries of State for Scotland. He led the Jacobites 
 in 1715. 
 
406 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — By this I acknowledge ye honor of your 
 Lop.'s of ye 16th by a fliying pacquet, which came about 
 twelve a cloak on Saturday night. It brought one from 
 your Lop. to my Lord Tres r which I delivered, and he 
 desired I wold acquent your Lop., that he has noe occasion 
 to truble you with any answer. I beg leave to tell your 
 Lop. once more, that ye not publishing Greens tryall is a 
 great disadvantage to all Scotsmen here, and for my own 
 pairt I am not furnished with such a reason as satisfys my- 
 self e for the not doeing it. What trust your Lop. puts in 
 me shall not be abused. I am sensible of ye obligations I 
 owe you, and shall always acknowledge them as becometh, 
 My Lord, Yo r Lop.'s most humble and most obedient 
 serv 1 , David Nairne. 
 
 22nd May 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — By yeasterdays post I had your Lops, of 
 ye 17th, w th one to my L d Thes r , w ch I gave to his servant, 
 his Lop. not being at home. As business was at a stand 
 there, till ane answer shoud arive to what ye fnying pacquet 
 of ye 13th brought, soe our affairs seem now to be soe here, 
 till one answer come to one that went from hence ye 18th, 
 for my L d Trs r told me two or three days agoe, that he 
 should not till then have occasion to write to Scotland, 
 and bid me tell your Lop. soe. I question not but, as your 
 Lop. says, there is great need of money and of y e Parl s 
 sitting, but how soon affairs will be adjusted for a propper 
 time for y e last in order to procure y e first, your Lop. will 
 know there first, and nothing can be a greater step towards 
 it then y e union your Lop. mentions amongst her Matys. 
 servants, which I heart yly wish for. I am glaid y e Councell 
 has thought fit to order a corn 00 for examineing y e people 
 about Drummond and his crew. The people are with me 
 about it evrie day. — I am, My Lord, Yo r Lop.'s most 
 humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 2Uh May 1705. 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SKA I I ELD 
 
 107 
 
 For THE HEIGHT HONBBLE THE EARLE OF SEAFILD, 
 LORD HIGH CHANSLOUR OF SCOTLAND 
 
 My Lord, — You neaded have laid noe restriction upon 
 me not to coniunicat what you wrott to me, for I protest 
 I cant yett find out the secritt. You great men gett a 
 way of wrytting soe mistically that plain countrie gentilmen 
 like myself will need plainer langwag befor I can under- 
 stand you. If the Comissioner has great poures allowd 
 him, I supos the publick will soon see itt, and when your 
 Lop. will be pleased to honor me with the knowledge of 
 any thing, I begg it may not be in soe reserved a strain. 
 All I desire to know is when the Parleament will sertainly 
 meet, which I hope will not be made a great mistery of to 
 your Lop. most affectionat cussine and humble servant, 
 
 Hamilton. 
 
 Kenull, May 24, 1705. 
 
 The register of the Privy Council of Scotland records that in 
 June 1703 the Dunbarton Castle was outrigged to secure the 
 trade of Scotland from the insults of French privateers. On the 
 l6th July that year a commission was issued to Matthew Campbell 
 to be her captain, with instructions ' to cruise from the sound of 
 Mulle in the Highlands to the Mulle of Galloway, and from 
 thence the length of Lambie island near Dubline.' On 20th 
 September she was ordered to be laid up for the winter in New 
 Port Glasgow. On 14th March 1704 she was again commis- 
 sioned, and similarly on 20th February 1705. The Privy Council 
 records show that the French prisoners 1 referred to in next letter 
 were sent to Glasgow tolbooth, and were thereafter transferred 
 to Edinburgh. They were subsequently exchanged for Scots 
 prisoners in France. 
 
 May it please Yo r Lops., — Not haveing any occasione 
 to trouble your Lops, since your last till now, this is to 
 advise yo r Lops, that in my statione, on the twenty fifth 
 of this instant of Cape Kyntyre about three in the morneing 
 I espyd a saile, and af r a chase from that time till nyne of 
 the cloack at night, I came up with her and found her a 
 Frensh priviteer, and after some small conflict she surrended 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App. III., Seajield MSS. 
 p. 221. 
 
408 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 haveing killd his lieutennant and wounded severalls of his 
 men. She is a priviteer of eight gunns sixty two men, 
 nothing else on board but some few provisiones and two 
 ransomers, one for the Dubline packet boat and the other 
 for a Grinock barck. Haveing come in here this day with 
 the prize and prisioners, I have sent this expresse to your 
 Lops, to know what further is to be done with the prize 
 and prisoners. If they are to be sent to Glasgow they can 
 be securely sent thaire by the men I have on board, I mean 
 the prisoners. There is a necessity for haleing my shippe 
 ashoar to be cleand, but shall make all the dispatch I can 
 to be reddy to waite yo r Lops, orders. I am at a consider- 
 able charge in mantaining the prisoners, which I perswade 
 my self yo r Lops, will have regaurd to. I am, May it 
 please yo Lops., Your Lops, most humble and most 
 obedient servant, Matthew Campbell. 
 
 Grinock Road, On board the ' Dumbartowne,' 
 28th May 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I am commanded by her Maty, to acquent 
 your Lop., that there has been a petition presented to her 
 by some of ye oweners of Greens ship creaveing that a 
 commission may be granted from Scotland for examining 
 some people concerning Cap. Drummond and his crew, 
 from w ch they hope to convince her Maty, and ye govern- 
 ment there, that Drummond was not murdered by Green 
 and his crew or pirated, and soe hope to lay the heat that 
 has been against them, and preserve if possible the lives 
 of those who have been condemned and not yet executed. 
 I told her Maty, that your Lop. had wrote that ye Councell 
 had already given orders for such a commission, which she 
 was pleased with, and hope the same is already dispatched. 
 In the mean time it is her Matys. pleasure that a further 
 reprive be granted to those condemned then the days to 
 which they stand reprived, and doubts not but ye Councell 
 will readyly comply therin, and she depends much on 
 your Lops, prudent conduct for effectuating the same. 
 There is also ane affidavit concerning ye curing of the man 
 
1705J FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 409 
 
 said in some of ye confessions to be bled to death, w ch with 
 y e petitiones S r Ch. Hedges was to send to me to be sent 
 to my L d Com 1 *, but its late and they are not yet come. 
 I shall keep the post as long as I can for them. — I am, My 
 Lord, Yor Lop.'s most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 29th May 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — This is cheifly for covert to y e inclosed for 
 your Lop. from my Lord Tres r , and to acquent your Lop. 
 that by this fflying pacquet I have by her Matys. command 
 sent to his Grace my Lord Corn 1 " her Maty.'s letter to y e 
 Councell for a further adjurnment of y e Parliament to some 
 day of this month — the time to w ch is left blank. If it is 
 convenient I wish to know the delay of the commission 
 your Lop. told me y e Councell had ordered for examining 
 the people here about Drummond and his ship, and that 
 y e tryall of Green and his crew is not yet published. Her 
 Maty, has been pleased this afternoon to give me directions 
 for drawing severall commissions for civill imployments 
 according to advice from thence, which I am about and 
 shall dispatch them as soon as I can. — I am, My Lord, Yo r 
 Lop.'s most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 2nd June 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I must humbly beg your Lops, favour in a 
 small affair. My brother has an affair before the Lords 
 of the Session. It is advocated from the judge of the 
 Admiralty to them. I am assurd it is the most just cause 
 that can be. If it were otherwise, I would not sollicit not 
 ev'n for a brother. Sir Alex er Ogelvy, to whom I have 
 taken the freedom to write tuo posts ago, can inform your 
 Lop. if it is so or not. If your Lop. shall find that he has 
 justice on his side, all I beg of your Lop. that you would 
 not lett him be run doun for want of a freind in his neces- 
 sity. I would not make the least oblique insinuation 
 against the justice of so honourable a bench, but I wish 
 
410 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 it may not be too true that a man has sometimes need of 
 freinds to obtain justice, at least in dispatch of his busines. 
 Therfor I humbly lay the case befor your Lop., being both 
 assurd of your Lops, justice and candour in every thing, 
 and of your and freindship to myself in severall things ; 
 and tho I can never pretend to requite your Lop. for any 
 of your favours, yet if it were in my power none should 
 be more willing than, My Lord, Your Lops, most humble 
 servant, Jo. Arbuthnott. 
 
 London. June 3d 1705. 
 
 Dr. John Arbuthnot, author and wit, son of an ' outed ' Episcopal 
 minister, was a graduate of Marischal College, Aberdeen. He was 
 a friend of Pope and of Swift, and was the author of History of 
 John Bull, etc. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 8th June 1705. 
 
 My Lord, — I haveing gotan a generall indulgence from 
 yr Lo. for all bygon and future troubles of this nature, 
 I adventure to intreat yr Lo. to let me know, if yor Lo. 
 hes wreitin to England anent my masts. If not, I beg yr 
 Lo. may mynd it by the nixt post. My Lord pray you let 
 me know qt seyes [size] of timber yo Lo. neids, and ther 
 dimensiones, and yr. Lo. shall comand as to the prices, 
 My Lord, Yr. Lo. most oblidged faithfull ser u , q 11 , 
 
 David Ross off Balnagoune. 
 
 Balnagown's Ross-shire trees offered as masts for the English 
 navy are again referred to in the letters of 23rd June and 7th 
 July 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Your Lops, of ye 2 d I rec d with one to my 
 Ld. Tres r , which I took ye necessary caire off. I have not 
 receaved any commands from ye Commissioner about the 
 prisoners taken by Cap. Campbell. When they come I 
 shall observe them. Your Lop. may remember I had the 
 honor formerly to receave your directions in the like 
 caice, and you was pleased to let me know they were 
 executed to satisfaction. When Scots men are taken 
 prisoners, they are not distinguished from English in the 
 
1705] FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 11 I 
 
 exchange, unless it be very latly, and which I have not 
 yet occasion to know, nor shall I untill I have a proper 
 opportunity of speakeing with ye Com 1 ' 8 , w ch perhaps my 
 L d Com rs letter next post may give me. I am very glaid 
 of ye reprive given to Greens crew, for your Lop. can not 
 imagine the heat that is about the tryall and execution 
 of these who have suffered, and I can not help saying that 
 theres too much ground given for talking, by y e not pub- 
 lishing of the tryall after soe long time, and ye detaining 
 the com 011 ordered ye 15th May by ye Councell soe long is 
 what I am not furnished with an argument for. By this 
 post I have sent a gift of pension or rather sallary for my- 
 selfe in ye post I have ye honor to serve in. I have too 
 many prooffs of your Lops, kindness to doubt of your 
 assistance in passing it — but I thought it my duty to 
 acquent your Lop. with it as being, My Lord, Yor Lops, 
 most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 9th Jane 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Yeasterday I had the honor of your Lop.'s 
 letter of ye 9th, w th one to my Ld. Tres r which I delivered 
 to his Lop. He told me that by it he found Sr. Alex. 
 Ogilvie had laid aside his pretensions at this time of being 
 made a Lord of the Session, soe that now there is noe 
 opposition to S r Gilbert Elliot. I wrote to your Lop. ye 
 29th past by y e Queens command, relaiteing to a petition 
 then given her Maty, by some who were concerned in 
 Greens crew. I sent y e petition to my L d Com rs . Your 
 Lop. has not taken ye lest notice of y e recept of my letter. 
 I am the more surprised, because I never remember that I 
 wrote to your Lop. about any business without haveing 
 the honor of some answer, much less when I write as that 
 was by y e Queens command. I am told y e petitioners are 
 goeing to Windsor to truble her Maty, again. If they doe 
 I know not what to say. I begg also to know y e cause 
 why the com on soe long agoe ordered by ye Councell for 
 examining people here is delayd. I am sorie I shoud be 
 
412 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 soe often trublesome to your Lop. on these heads, but you 
 wold see a necessity for it, if you were here. Therefor I 
 hope your Lop. will pardon, My Lord, Your Lops, most 
 humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 16th June 1705. 
 
 Sir Gilbert Elliot was clerk to the Scots Privy Council. 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD, LD. CHANCELLOR 
 
 My Lord, — I came from Windsor last night after elleven, 
 where I had been to get her Matys. hand to ye letter to the 
 Par. and instructions to y e Com r . They differ a litle from 
 what came to y e Treas r , as I wrote to my L d Corn 1 " last post. 
 I also got ye letters signed to y e Lords of Session and 
 Justiciary to admitt S r Gilbert Eliot as one of ther number. 
 At my comeing to toun, I found your Lops, of ye 12th with 
 one to my Lord Tres r , which I sent to his Lop. this morn- 
 ing, because I could not goe myselfe, haveing ye above 
 papers and severall others to dispatch. I shall observe 
 what your Lop. directs concerning the French prisoners 
 taken by Capt. Campbell, and by next post shall, I hope, 
 receave her Maty s commands and transmitte them to your 
 Lop. I containou with al duty, My Lord, Yo r Lop s most 
 humble and most obedient servant, David Nairne. 
 Your Lop. has here on from my Ld. Treas r . 
 
 19f/i June 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD, LD. CHANCELLOR 
 
 My Lord, — I told your Lop. in my last that I shoud by 
 this day receave her Mat s commands concerning y e ffrench 
 prisoners taken by Cap* Campbell, and accordingly I went 
 to Windsor for that end and am just returned. She was 
 pleased to ask me if any such caice had occured befor. I 
 told her Maty, that there had, when I had ye honor formerly 
 to serve — and that then I was commanded to attend y e 
 Secretarie of State here and y e Com rs of transportation, 
 who tooke the same methode of exchangeing as with those 
 taken and brought to any remote pairt of England or in 
 Ireland, and thus her Maty, has ordered me to apply again, 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 413 
 
 w ch I shall doe ye morrow, and I doubt not but they will 
 doe as they did before. In y e meantime I beleive they will 
 expect a more particular account, for your Lop. neither 
 tells the number nor the severall station or ranks, which I 
 remember your Lop. did formerly, and it was demanded 
 by the Com rs of transportation. As for the expense of 
 keeping them, my L d Tres r was pleased to tell me that he 
 thought those who were exchanged for them were to 
 ballance it, but whither ye sume will be soe considerable 
 as to oblidge any body to solicit for it I know not. Yeaster- 
 day I had ye honor of your Lop's, of the 14th, in answer to 
 ye first pairt of w ch about the laird of Balnagowens trees, 
 Mr. Clerke not being in toune, I went to y e Princes Councill 
 and spoak w th Mr. Churchhill, who assured me that there 
 shoud be a letter sent from the board to y e Navy board to 
 examine the matter, and that he wold be sure to send me an 
 answer in three or four days at farthest, w ch if he doe it 
 shall be transmitted to your Lop. I spoak to her Maty, 
 as your Lop. desired in the last pairt of your letter about 
 y e Bishops precepts, which her Matie has agreed to, and 
 commanded me to draw them, but your Lop. does not say 
 how many of them and who they are, as I remember 
 they were four, but if all yet liveing I must be advised by 
 your Lop. One Mr. Reynolds brother to one of Greens 
 crew of that name has been with me about his brother, 
 who notwithstanding of his haveing been acquet it seems 
 is taken up again at ye instance of Capt. Drummonds 
 sister. I finde it is he who is most earnest for to have ye 
 people examined here and that speedyly, for that he says 
 his brother is to come to a new tryall, and he thinks these 
 depositions might have weight with a jury. He is a man 
 of a good familly, and neerly relaited to Secretarie Harly, 
 who I finde mightyly espouses Reynolds interest. Greens 
 tryall is reprinted here, but ye first time I heard of it was 
 by six or seaven people, who came to me to know if it was 
 y e true tryall as published in Scotland, which I could not 
 tell, for noe body was soe kind as to send any, and after 
 soe much noise as has been made of it, it wold not have 
 been improper to have given my Ld. Tresr. and the Secre- 
 
414 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 taries on each. But that I humbly conceave was y e Judge 
 Admiralls business. My Ld. Tres r desired I wold send 
 your Lop. the inclosed. I have detained your Lop. too 
 long, for which I beg pardon and am, My Lord, Yo r Lops, 
 most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Whithall, June 21, 1705. 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD, LD. CHANCELLOR 
 
 My Lord, — I herewith send your Lop. the coppie of a 
 letter I rec d late last night from Sr. Ch. Hedges. The 
 extract to which y e first paragraph referrs I have sent to 
 ye Earle of Loudoun. Y e last pairt of ye letter I hope will 
 excuse me to your Lop. for trubleing you on ye subject it 
 relaits too, and lykeways convince your Lop. how necessary 
 it is to give some answer to what I wrote ye 16th, if it were 
 only to prevent further truble to her Maty. I had a letter 
 this morning from ye Admiralty boord, telling me that 
 they had wrote to ye Navy board about Balnegowens 
 trees, and will send me there answer as soon as they have 
 it, w ch shall be transmitted to your Lop. Sr. Charles 
 Hedges has concerted ye exchange of ye prisoners there 
 with the Com rs here, who have agreed to receave them at 
 New Castle as they did the former, and ye Com rs want only 
 now to adjust with the Admiralty concerning ye ships who 
 are to receave them, and which they assure me shall be 
 done in time for me to advise of it against next post. I 
 have noe further to truble your Lop., soe rests, My Lord, 
 Yor. Lops, most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 23rd June 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Whatever the success of this Parlament may 
 be, I hope this somer we shall have the honor to sie your 
 Lo. in the north countrey, which being in a perfect decay 
 for want of trade and consequently money, is posting to a 
 state of mine. If the south and west parts of the kingdom 
 be in like circumstances, divisions and privat interest a 
 litle layd aside, this session of Parlament may take con- 
 
FIRST KARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 415 
 
 elusions and make such acts, whereby neu branches of 
 export of natural 1 product may be encouraged and under- 
 taken. And as thereby the nation shall gain when the 
 first privat undertakers are lossers, so it will seeme just 
 and incumbent on the Parlament to give the necessary 
 helps thereto, and in order to this to apropriat one monthes 
 cess and name collectors thereof answearable to the Parla- 
 ment, for the payeing of such drawbacks and out thereof, 
 in the termes and as the Parlament shall thinck fitt to 
 ordain. And what part of this fund shall be so consumed, 
 by so much in a proportion will the trade of the nation be 
 increased, and the ballance brought on its side, the re- 
 mainder being still at the Parlaments disposall. 
 
 The means of export from this countrey, and whereof 
 for one I resolve to be ane undertaker, are barrelled herings 
 such as the Dutch, barrelled cod for the east countries, dry 
 cod for the coasts of Portugall Spain and the Streights, 
 and distilled spirits of corns to Holland, where is a very 
 great consumption off trash Genever, farr inferior both in 
 taste and strength to the spirits shall be made here, so 
 that what drawback may be on each boll of grain exported 
 ought to be in proportion allowed on spirits drawne there- 
 from and exported, with respect had to the expense of 
 malting, fireing, vessells, servants dyet and wages not re- 
 quired in the export of the simple grain, nether can more 
 be proposed to be drawn from sixteen stone weight of 
 bear then eight scots pynts off liquor fitt for fforreigne 
 mercats. And considering that we are yearly improveing 
 our landes to produce more and more grain, and the 
 number of people to consume it are still diminishing for 
 want of trade and profitable meanes of employement, 
 unless we alter our methodes, or fall on some nieu wayes of 
 export, our cornes will become such a drug on our handes. 
 that we shall neither be able to live or pay publick dues. 
 The countrey expects the Parliament will take into con- 
 sideration the care of gardeing our coasts, so much infested 
 at present by privateers of such numbers and force that 
 Capt. Gordon allon is not able to deal with them, and as 
 he hath done very good service allreadie and safed much 
 
416 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 money to the nation, so if he had the Royall William 
 added (for which the Parlament should give a fund), he 
 could act a great deal more for the honor of the nation, 
 as well as the safety of its trade. I doubt not but that 
 your Lo. will have proposalls of this nature from much 
 better heads, well digested and in due forme, the good 
 success whereof together with your Lops, wellfare and 
 prosperity is heartiely wissed and prayed for by, My Lord, 
 Your Los. most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 Jo. Buchan. 
 
 Carnebulg, 25th June 1705. 
 
 Colonel John Buchan of Cairnbulg, Aberdeenshire, was a 
 brother of the Jacobite General who was defeated at Cromdale. 
 Captain Thomas Gordon at this time was in command of the 
 Royal Mary. On 7th November 1705 he was appointed captain 
 of the Royal William, Captain James Hamilton of Orbieston 
 succeeding him as commander of the Royal Mary. 1 Thereafter 
 the east coast of Scotland was defended by two men-of-war. 
 
 The following letter shows that in the spring of 1705 the Lord 
 Chancellor sent his son, Lord Deskford, abroad, under his old 
 Scots tutor, Mr. William Blake, to finish his studies at Utrecht 
 University in Holland. His career there is further referred to in 
 the letters of 10th and 17th November 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAF1ELD 
 
 My Lord, — The tenth of this instant my Lord Deskfoord 
 received your Lops, first with a great deale of satisfaction ; 
 and as he is very sensible of your Lops, fatherly kindness 
 in giveing him an advice so good and so suitable to his 
 pnt circumstances, he is resolved to follow the same, and 
 to improve the time your Lop. shall be pleased to continue 
 him here to the best advantage. As to his passeing 
 through some of the towns of Holland, I found it his 
 inclination, and therefore did not doubt but it was your 
 Lops, allowance untill wee came here, and finding it had 
 proved chargeable, as your Lop. writes, asked him if it 
 was your Lops, orders to go by Amsterdam. He told me 
 he understood it to be left to himself, and therefor did not 
 
 1 State Papers (Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. p. 113. 
 
1705] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 417 
 
 think that it would give your Lop. any offence ; and I 'm 
 sure if he had in the lest suspected that it should, he had 
 checked his curiosity and denyed himself the satisfaction, 
 for never a son ever payd a greater regard to a fathers 
 coniands than he does to your Lops. He is well enough 
 pleased with his quarters, and if he should prove uneasy 
 either in his lodgeing or eateing, according to paction he 
 may dispose of him as to either to better advantage upon 
 six weeks advertisement. His landlord -is so farr from 
 being dissafected to the States, that in his converse and on 
 all occasiones he is most zealeouslie concerned for their 
 interest. My Lord Deskfoord lives in good friendship and 
 correspondance with the English and Germans here. He 
 walks in the fields with them, converses in coffee housses, 
 receives and returns their visits, but never goes allong 
 to the tavern, nor ever makes a pairt in their night caballs. 
 They doe not generally apply themselves to any study, 
 but for most pairt spend their time and their money in 
 the prosecution of their pleasures, which seemes to be their 
 prinll bussieness here. Your Lops, advice about readeing 
 the Roman history is much the same with the method he 
 had takn, with this difference only that in his compendize- 
 ing he does not take notice so much of their fights and the 
 accidentall pairt of the history as of the severall forms of 
 their government, their politicks, rites, their laws and the 
 occasions of them, and in my humble opinion this cannot 
 miss to improve his judgement, to prepare him for the 
 study of the law, and to ans r evry pairt of the design your 
 Lo. proposes. Van Muyden is one of yo r Lops, very good 
 friends, but neither he nor any professor will disswade 
 or discourage young men from entering, and he expected 
 he should have given up his name upon his comeing to 
 town, tho they had advanced very farr, and there was so 
 litle of the time to run. Mr. Cunninghame is here at put, 
 and haveing upon a dissobleidgment left my Lord Hart- 
 foord, he apply s himself clossely to the compileing of that 
 book, which he has so long since promised the world. He 
 has done severall offices of kindness to my Lord Deskfoord, 
 and amongst the next has promised him liberty to go once 
 
 2 D 
 
418 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 a fortnight to a privat gentlemans liberary in this town, 
 wch is reckoned the best in all this province. He offers 
 his humble service to your Lop., and thinks it better that 
 my Lord Deskfoord continue at history and the French 
 this winter, provideing your Lop. allow him time enough 
 here afterwards to study the law ; but if he shall not be 
 allowed, that then he take a colledge of the institutiones 
 the first semestris, and the second a repetitory one of the 
 same, that he may be master of that pairt, but not to 
 advance any further for the first half year, which with a 
 colledge of history and the French he thinks may suffi- 
 ciently imploy all his time. But there is time enough to 
 consider of this befor winter. As for divinity, mathema- 
 ticks, and the other things your Lop. recommends, they 
 shall be take care of, and his health shall be preferred to 
 all. What money he has at pnt, if I be not mistakn, may 
 serve to the midle of August new style, and if wee had 
 not had such a tedious and expensive passage but come 
 over straight in the pacquet boat, and if wee had not gone 
 by the way of Amsterdam, considering there is no occasion 
 for clothes and few masters to be payed, I beleive the 
 money might have very near served another quarter after 
 the midle of August. In the meanetime I shall endeavour 
 to be as good a husband of your Lops, money as possible. 
 It is very hard to loose the third pairt of the money by 
 the way of exchange, and I cannot consider how your Lop. 
 can save it except it should be sent in specie, which is not 
 allowed, or goods sent over and put into a factors hand, 
 and I can heare of non that will preserve the money entire 
 except it be old copper, which is not worth yor Lops, while 
 to enquire for. 
 
 It is long since it was reported here as certain that 
 Annandale was Chancellour, and that your Lop. had retired 
 from publick bussieness. I wish your Lop. had continued 
 longer in the government for the good of your familie, 
 yet perhapps it may be for your saffety and advantage to 
 live in a privat condition in so difficult and dangerous a 
 juncture, and I doubt not but the same kind providence 
 that has been over you hithertoo does still attend and 
 
170 5] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 direct your Lop. Tho all our g isetts assure us that the 
 French have sent a detachment to the Moselle, yet the 
 contrary is evident by their haveing besiedged Leige. 
 Most are of opinion that they knew Prince Lewis of Baden 
 would not joine the Duke of Marleborrough at the time 
 apointed, oy r wise they had not undertaken the sd seige. 
 In the meantime the Duke is mightyly straitned for want 
 of provisiones. Eight thousand of the Germans have 
 joined now, and the oyr 20,000 are expected in a litle time, 
 but P. Lewis is retired to the bathes for his health. There 
 is a report here that there has been an engadgment in Italy, 
 but it is not certain, that the Grandprior is killed, Vendome 
 wounded, and ten thousand killed on that side, that Prince 
 Eugene is wounded and 4000 killed on his side. Your Lo. 
 has the news much better in the prints, but when any 
 thing remarkable occurrs yo r Lo. shall be aquainted by 
 your Lops, most humble and obedient serv\ 
 
 Wil. Blak. 
 
 Utr., June 19, 1705. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD, L , CHANCELLOR 
 
 My Lord, — I have your Lop's, of ye 23 d by a fflying 
 pacquet, and this comes by ane other in answer to what 
 was ye occasion of it. It will be great happyness if w r hat 
 ye Queen has done as to ye changes doe compose and unite 
 as many as will cary by a plurality, what is for the interest 
 of ye kingdom and her Matys. service. I wish a further 
 adjurnment of ye Par. had been practicable, for since ye 
 alterations are made, there has not been time for people 
 to exerce themselves, but thoughts of this kinde are out 
 of doors before now, soe I shall only wish for good success. 
 Befor this your Lop. will have receaved mine of ye 23 d , 
 by w ch you will see y e reason why I troubled your Lop. soe 
 often for answers to my former about ye com on for examin- 
 ing people here in relation to Capt. Drummond, soe shall 
 add noe more to that. My L d Tres r thinks it will make a 
 great noise here, and may be of ill consequence ye letting 
 these prisoners be dismised that were taken by Cap 1 
 Gordon with ye Duke of Bavarias com on . It wold have 
 
420 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [june 
 
 been yet better if they had been the saylors of a merchant, 
 but a privateer is ane open offencive enimie, and to think 
 that ye ffrench will dismiss any prisoners of ye Queens 
 subjects, when they have not enugh to exchange for there 
 oune is much to be doubted. I told what your Lop. said 
 for ye doeing it, but I find it does not satisfy, and the less, 
 that upon ye first application here caire was taken to ease 
 y e Queen of those prisoners taken by Capt. Campbell. I 
 wish that this methode may not make y e Com rs here dis- 
 tinguish between Scots and English in y e exch e hereafter, 
 w ch they never did hithertoo. I containou, My Lord, Yor 
 Lop's, most humble and most obedient serv*, 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Whitehall, 28th June 1705. 
 
 The new appointments made were the Earl of Loudoun, Joint 
 Secretary of State, and the Earl of Glasgow, Treasurer-depute. 
 These ministers met Parliament on the same day as Sir David 
 Nairn wrote, along with the Duke of Argyll, Commissioner, Lord 
 Archibald Campbell, Lord High Treasurer ; Seafield, Lord High 
 Chancellor, Queensberry, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, the 
 Marquess of Annandale, Joint Secretary of State, Sir James 
 Murray of Philiphaugh, Clerk Register, and Adam Cockburn of 
 Ormistoun, Justice-Clerk. 
 
 On 19th June 1705, on a petition from the magistrates of 
 Aberdeen narrating that three Aberdeen ships returning from 
 Campheir were seized by the French and Ostenders, that the 
 detention of these crews in France depended upon the treatment 
 given to two French or Ostend crews captured by Captains Gordon 
 and Campbell, and praying that these two crews be liberated on 
 their binding themselves to procure the same favour to the Scots 
 prisoners in France, the Scots Privy Council accordingly liberated 
 the crew of the Ostend privateer St. Trinity, taken by Captain 
 Gordon. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF SEA- 
 FIELD, LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR, att his Lops. 
 Lodgings, Edgh. 
 
 My Lord, — This is only to acquaint your Lop. that the 
 affair, about \vh you were pleased to write to the north 
 some dayes agoe, was over the day befor the post arrived 
 
1705] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLD 
 
 421 
 
 there, otherwayes it scarcely could hav missed. But 
 some friends of him who is chosen viz. P-h-11, 1 fearing 
 some prevention, did ensure it befor he could send any 
 instructions from hence. However, I 'm informed that, 
 upon a view hereof, the matter your Lop. wrote of was 
 keeped so very closs, that the post himself knowes not 
 of it to this hour. I am as becometh, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most humble and obedient servant, 
 
 Francis Grantt. 2 
 
 Colledg, 30th Jun. 1705. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane TO THE EARL 
 OF SE AFIELD at Cullen 
 
 Edin., Jully 3d, 1705. 
 Affectionat Cousine, . . . Wee want the 40 bolls of 
 oats q ch you said was comeing up to my Lords coach 
 horses. Doe not miss the first oportunity to send them. 
 Wee have a great report of ane skirmish that was among 
 the gentlemen in Banff shyre and that very bloody, which 
 made us beleeve that Boynd should not have been able to 
 have come to the Parliament, but wee see it to be other- 
 wise. He is come up and sayes there was no such thing. 
 If it had been, I beleeve you would have sent us ane acco u . 
 I have litle time to write any more, for the Parlia u is now 
 sitting and every minute diverted. Our Parlia u will be 
 very fashious. The Queen in her letter recommends the 
 setling of the succession, a treatty of union with England, 
 and six moneths cess, the last of qch will please you worst, 
 because you 11 bear a part of the burden. The letter and 
 speeches are not printed, els they should have been sent 
 you. — I am, Sir, Your most humble serv u , 
 
 John Philp. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEA FIELD, LD CHANCELLOR 
 
 My Lord, — I have your Lop's, of ye 30th past. I wrote 
 to your Lop. formerly of ye inconveniency of letting those 
 
 1 Probably Roderick Mackenzie of Prestonhall, Senator of the College of 
 Justice, who had just been chosen Commissioner to represent Fortrose in 
 Parliament. 
 
 2 Afterwards Sir Francis Grant, Lord Cullen. 
 
422 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 prisoners loose about ye countrie, who were taken by 
 Capt. Gordon, and the coppie herewith sent of a letter wrote 
 to ye com te for exch e of prisoners, and which they showed 
 to me, will show your Lop. the hazards that ye poor men 
 themselvs run. They might have been indeed sent away 
 without formall treatys for ransome, as they doe here with 
 the Ostenders, but to let them run loose in ye countrie 
 may be a means to get them knockt doun by evrie countrie 
 fellow, that has ane aversion to a ffrenchman. The best 
 way to let your Lop. understand the answer I had from ye 
 Admiralty abt. Balngowens trees is to send, as I doe here- 
 with, the very papers they sent to me. What further 
 commands your Lop. has to lay on me therin shall be 
 observed. The petitioners about y e commission for 
 examination abt. Greens crew doe intend again to truble 
 ye Queen. They are constantly w th S r Ch. Hedges and 
 me three times a week. What maks them soe very 
 earnest for dispatch is that two to be examined are seamen, 
 and one is now at Gravesend goeing a voyage, and if ye 
 com on should not come till they are gone, it will be called 
 a designe to conceall ye truth. I again beg pardon for 
 trubleing your Lop. soe often on the subject and am, My 
 Lord, Y or Lops, most humble and most obedient sert., 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Your Lop. has here one from my Ld. Tresr. 
 
 Whithall, 7th July 1705. 
 
 On 15th September 1705, a remission was granted to the 
 remainder of the crew of the ship Worcester, and the incident of 
 Green's crew ended. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I have noething of business to truble your 
 Lop. with, and shoud be now silent, but that I know good 
 news are always acceptable to your Lop. and all such as 
 wish well to her Maty, and kingdom. I wrote of the 
 express from y e Duke of Malborrow to his Grace my Ld. 
 Com r in generall, but since sealing my letter our great 
 guns are fired, and tho late bonfires made. The particulars 
 
 1 State Papers (Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. pp. 85, 86. 
 
1705I FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 42.*i 
 
 I have not exactly, but whats brought to me are, that ye 
 Duke of Malborrow has forced ye French lines, taken 
 20 pices of cannon, and three generall officers besids many 
 other officers and souldiers, and is now encamped about 
 Tarlemond and Luvin. It was imposible to receave ye 
 Queens commands to send this good news by a fflying 
 pacquet, but I belive its true and I humblie submite to your 
 Lop. whither upon what I write to your Lop. it is not neces- 
 sary to make ye publick expressions of joy necessary on 
 such occasions. I think it my duty to give your Lop. 
 account of what I know, and am, My Lord, Your Lops, 
 most obedient humble servant, David Nairne. 
 
 Whithall, lUh July 1705. 
 
 Parliament adjourned on 21st September 1705, after passing 
 an act for a treaty of union with England. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 London, Octr. the 27, 1705. 
 My Lord, — I have not had the satisfaction to hear 
 from your Lop. since I pairted from Ed r , nor have I anie 
 thing to trouble you with, bot that I have had a good 
 jorney and have been weal receaved by her Majestie. She 
 has been pleased to express her satisfaction with what has 
 been done in the Parlament, and in her speach this day 
 has recommended the union. Your Lop. will have the 
 speach by the nixt post. I belive it cannot be printed this 
 night. I have not heard from Cullen, nor doe I know if 
 Forgland be returned, so I have nothing to wreat to him. 
 I wish your Lop. all happiness, and I am with all respect, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient son and humble ser- 
 vant, Seafield. 
 
 I had a letter from James since I came hier. He is verie 
 weal. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — My Lord Chancelor thinks very long to hear 
 from yo r Lop. of the condition of yo r health. Blessed be 
 God he is very well himself, and is so often taken up with 
 company that he cannot gett written to yo r Lop. so fre- 
 
424 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 
 
 quently as he would. I shall take care to send yo r Lop. 
 the prints duely. This pacquet brings the confirmation 
 of Barcelona's being taken and litle els materiall. They 
 are not yet begun to doe any thing in Scotts bussines. The 
 Marquis of Annandale is at variance with all our states- 
 men and visits none of them, but all his efforts att court 
 against them will have litle effect, ffor my Lord Chancelors 
 interest with the Queen is as great as ever, and they reakon 
 the Duke of Argyle did good service last Parliament. My 
 Lord had letters from my Lord Deskford lately, and tells 
 he is in good health ; and some gentlemen just now come 
 from Utrecht sayes he is the best scholar of what he learns 
 in all the colledges, which will be very satisfying news to 
 yo r Lop., and I hope plead for excuse for this trouble from, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient and most dutifull 
 servant, John Philp. 
 
 London, Novemr. 10th, 1705. 
 
 Annandale, who had been appointed Secretary of State on 9th 
 March 1705, was superseded by the Earl of Mar on 29th Sep- 
 tember 1705. For a short time thereafter he was President of 
 the Privy Council. 
 
 For E. FFINDLATER 
 
 London, Novem r 17, 1705. . 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of yo r Lops, letter some 
 posts agoe, and am very glade to find that you continue 
 in health ; and I make no doubt of what you assure me, 
 that you are also mindfull of anything that may concern 
 our ffamily. I hear frequently from my sone James. He 
 keeps his health very well, and as I hear makes a very good 
 progress both in attaining the ffrench language, and in 
 his other studies of law and history. I would very 
 willingly entertain any proposall yo r Lop. would make 
 for his settlement ; and in the mean time, if I can be 
 any wayes usefull to my Lady Grenock or her daughter, 
 I shall be very ready. As for what you write concerning 
 my Lord Annandale, I beleeve that he will be satisfyed 
 with his old post. However it is not fitt that we speak 
 anything of his loadgings, unles that he were actually 
 removed from them and had refused employment. In 
 
1705I FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 425 
 
 that caise yor Lops, advyce to me is very good. I have 
 heard nothing from the north save by one letter from Sr. 
 Alexander. 1 I hope yo r Lop. receaves the news duely, 
 for I have ordered them to be sent. Wee are doeing nothing 
 in our affairs, till we see if the Parliament rescind the clause. 
 They are to be upon this affair the next week. This is all 
 att present from, My Lord, Yor Lops, most obedient sone 
 and humble servant, Se afield. 
 
 The clause objected to was enacted by the English Parliament 
 the previous year, in retaliation for the Act of Security. It 
 declared Scotsmen aliens, and cut them off in England from the 
 privileges which had been since the union of the crowns common 
 to them with Englishmen. The clause was in course repealed. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 
 My Lord, — When any thing passes concerning the union 
 T shall not fail to give y or Lop. information. This day the 
 Commons have aggreed in a committee of the whole house 
 to the Lords bill, and no impediment will stand now in 
 the way to a treatty ; but the soonest they can meett will 
 be the beginning of ffeb r ^, and when the Duke of Queens- 
 berry comes up they will proceed to the nomination. My 
 Lord Chancelor is mightily troubled for the sad news he 
 has had of my Lady. No body hath writt of it, but Lady 
 Betty, and she doth not give him a full acco u of the 
 matter, which surpryses his Lop. the more ; but blessed 
 be God that she is recovering, and a true acco u of it from 
 yor Lop. will ease him a great dale. I will not presume 
 to trouble yor Lop. further, but beg pardon to subscryve 
 myself, My Lord, Your Lops, most dutifull and most 
 obedient servant, John Philp. 
 
 London, Dece r 15, 170o. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR at his Lugens in the Chanchlor's Hous in 
 
 THE FIT OF THE CaNIGET, EdR. 
 
 My Lord, — I give your Lo. my harty thanks for your 
 conseren about me when I was seek. I was indid very ill 
 
 1 Forglen. 
 
426 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1705 
 
 and for severell dayes was in gret danger, bot nou I bliss 
 God I am prity weall. My extrem fenting med me think 
 that I was to expek present dath. My stomak and saydes 
 was so sor for severell dayes after my womoting of blood, 
 that I could not sufer the woght of the clothes on them. 
 I wish good halth to your Lordship and a good and pro- 
 sprous neu year, and I allways shall continou, My Lord, 
 most obedent and affectionat doghtar and devoted servant, 
 
 Anna Seafield. 
 
 Your Lo. granchildren ar all weall, blissed be God, save 
 Janat that hath the small poox. Bracky dayed on Wadsen- 
 day last. 
 
 Ther is a sad axceedent falen out at Kindroght, when 
 Thomas Ogilvie was going to mary his doghtar. On the 
 marig day in the mornen the rueff of his hall feall, and 
 himseleff, his son, and brother, the bryd, and Anna Galie, 
 and a litell chyld in it. His brother and son was kiled 
 that instant, himseleff and doghter brused, and the 
 ministars 1 of Fordays doghter and the litl chyld saff. God 
 prepear us for his wieas. 
 
 Dis. 21, 1705. 
 
 The death of Alexander Duff of Braco, commissioner for 
 Banffshire, is thus fixed at the Wednesday before the 21st of 
 December 1705. On 19th January 1706 a warrant 2 of a gift of 
 the ward and non-entry of his estate was issued in favour of Sir 
 Alexander Ogilvie. 
 
 The Lords Commissioners of both nations appointed to negotiate 
 the treaty of union met in London from l6th April to 22nd 
 July 1706, and agreed on articles which were thereafter referred 
 to the Parliaments of England and Scotland. Lord Seafield, 
 as Lord Chancellor of Scotland, presided over the Scots Commis- 
 sioners. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EAROLL OF 
 FINLATUR at his Lugens in the Fut of the Caniget 
 
 My Lord, — I was very glead to kno by Martan that your 
 Lo. was in ordanary halth. I wish your Lo. good halth 
 
 1 Mr. Gellie, Fordyce. 
 
 2 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxi. 
 
orr. 1706] FIRST KARL OF SKA FIELD 127 
 
 and long liff. I fynd your son most be at Londan for soum 
 tym yet, which I am sory for; bot if the unon have on 
 happy isiou a long tym wold be weal! bcstoued on it. I 
 hir soum of my frinds is for my cuming south, bot that is 
 what I will never be persuaded to tho I war abell, which I 
 belive I am not, for save my Lord war ther I should have 
 no satisfaction, save it war in your Los. company, and your 
 Lo. knos I allvays lovd the contary, and I likways belive 
 I should loes the litell halth I have gott, if I should quet 
 the contary, till it war beter esteblished. I wish your 
 Lo. wold think of cuming north to your ouen hous, wher 
 you wold be willkam to all, but in a partiklur manar to hir 
 who is sinserly, My Lord, Your most obedent daghtar and 
 humbell servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Cullan, 10 1706. 
 
 On the 29th of June 1706 the Earl of Findlater received a 
 yearly pension of ,£200. 1 
 
 Next letter is written to the Town Council of Banff. Sir 
 Alexander Ogilvie, who then represented Banff in the Scots 
 Parliament, was one of the Scots Lords Commissioners for the 
 union. He was commissioner for Banff to the Convention of 
 Royal Burghs from 1704 to 17 16. 
 
 Eder., 17th Octr. 1706. 
 Honobll. Gentlemen, — By these I congratulate you 
 all in your new stationes, and wish you much joy and that 
 pace may attend you and the toun flurish in your tym. 
 For your diversion I have sent the minuts and artickles 
 of the union with the minuts of Parliament and the nues 
 letter. I feind since W m Garden went to Leith and by 
 my absence the sending the neus have bein altogither 
 neglected, but if you can name oney heere will be cairfull, 
 I shall give the nues to them for your use, since I have so 
 mutch to doe that I am affrayed my servants neglect 
 them. Please receve my Lord Provosts letter, and if ye doe 
 judge me capable by your commission to serve you in the 
 Convension I shall be as cairfull of the tounes concernes 
 as formerlie, and save the charges of on to cum this 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxii. p 58. 
 
428 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [oct. 1706 
 
 lenth. I would be weill pleased the honest toun ware out 
 of debt, and shall never faill fathfullie to doe all the good 
 I am capable to perform for it. So without aney seremoney 
 frielie give me your commands, since I wish you all helth 
 and good things to attend you, being sincerelie, Honobll 
 Gentlemen, Your humble servant, 
 
 Alexr. Ogilvie. 
 
 Edinburgh, Novemr. 27th, 1706. 
 
 William, — You may compt with my tennants and allow 
 them for what of there old rests they paid in bear and 
 meal, ffour pound and half merk the boll of bear and fyve 
 merks for the boll of meal, qch is fully as much as I gott 
 for the last years wictuall deduceing ffraught and other 
 charges ; and for the rests of cropt 1705 I leave it to my 
 wife to determine as she shall think best for getting my 
 rents duely paid hereafter, qch may be higher than what 
 I allow them for there former rests. 
 
 You may give Thomas Murray ffour bolls of meal out 
 of this cropt, and I shall hereafter determine what yearly 
 allowance I '11 give him for being clerk to my regality 
 court and barronrie . . . 
 
 You may transact with Hary Cathell about the vacant 
 stipends as conveniently as you can, and send me south 
 what bond is to be signed to him, for I beleeve his right 
 will be sustained, and I would have it setled without any 
 debate, for I doe not desyre to be heard with the Church. 
 You should write frequently to me of what occurs in the 
 north, and send me ane abbreviat of last years accompts. — 
 I am, Your assured ffriend, Seafield. 
 
 Seafield's regality court was that of Ogilvie in Banffshire. An 
 account of that court is given by Dr. Cramond in the Transactions 
 of the Banffshire Field Club of 18th March 1886. 
 
 The Scots Parliament met on 3rd October 1706, and the Act 
 ratifying the treaty of union was passed on l6th January 1707. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the 
 EARLE OF SEAFIELD att Cullen 
 
 Edinburgh, Janry. 22, 1707. 
 D. C, — . . . The treattie is ended and sent to London 
 
feb. 1707] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELI) 
 
 four dayes agoe. By all the accompts wee have from 
 thence, it 's generally beleeved it will not meett with greal 
 difficulty in passing in the English Parliat. I fear my 
 Lord Chancelor will be oblidged to goe to London when 
 the Parliament rises He cannot gett any bargain for his 
 wictuall this year, but has fraught ed two ships to bring 
 some of it about, and they sail next week. Mr. Stewart 
 will write you accompt of there chartour parties. You 
 have not yet sent me yor opinion of Burdsbanks acco 1 
 with my Lord. He is requiring his pay 1 , and considering 
 his circumstances my Lord will clear him. . . . Give my 
 humble duty to yor bedfellow and my mother and all 
 friends. — I am, D. C, Your affectionat cousine and humble 
 servant, John Philp. 
 
 To WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the 
 EARLE OF SEAFIELD att Cullkn 
 
 Edinburgh, jfebry. 6, 1707. 
 D. C, — . . . I wrote formerly to you about the purchass 
 of yo r uncles houses. Am satisfied with the disposition, 
 if it contains the warrandice, but by Mrs. Lorimers letter 
 she seems to scruple it. You '11 need to advyse her, and 
 if she pleases I '11 pay her interest for her money till 
 Whytsunday next, though it will be above a years @rent 
 loss upon any money that people may have in there hands 
 att that, if the union succeed, for no species y r after will 
 pass but att the English rates of ffyve shillings the crown, 
 and so proportionally. The Parliat. inclynes to make up 
 the loss of the money out of the equivalent, but that 's 
 uncertain and will take a time to be good. For guineas 
 they '11 pass att no more than 21 s and 6 d ster. and no repara- 
 tion for the loss. 1 I send you accompt of the proceedings 
 of Parliat by these minutes. They '11 best informe you. 
 Scotland is exempted from the malt tax dureing the warr, 
 and in time of peace its never imposed. For what all the 
 nobility and gentry brews they are to pay no excyse. Ale 
 sold above two shilling the pint payes 4 s and 9 d sterline 
 of excyse for 10 gallons. 2 This will very litle affect the 
 
 Article XVI. of the union. 
 
 2 Article VII. of the union. 
 
430 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 north. When my Lords wictuall comes up send me two 
 bolls of best meal and I '11 pay you. Perhaps William 
 Strachan may give it in pairt of his rent for the lands he 
 has in Bruntowne. If he doe, let it be good, and if wee be 
 gone to London advyse Mr. Stewart or Will. Gardne to 
 send it to my wife. ... I am, D. C, Your most affectionat 
 cousine and servant, John Philp. 
 
 LETTER from LD CROMERTIE to the EARL OF SEAF1ELD, 
 recommending one who has a prospect of discovering 
 the Longitude 
 
 My Lord, — Barring our yesterdays discord, allow me 
 this day to favour y r Lp. w* ane opportunity to serve one 
 who, beeing of the family of Kilraok and so descended of 
 yours, hath in Dr. Gregory's, Dr. Pitcairns, and my little 
 apprehension made at least as great, and in our opinion 
 a more demonstrative progress towards severall of the 
 most knotty and usefull theorems of mechanick philosophy, 
 and particularly towards the finding a fixt rule of computa- 
 tion of longitudes, and in order to that of the uninter- 
 rupted mobile, and that with more probable success then 
 any preceeding attempter. The theory convinces us. The 
 practise is above his stock, but it were a great pity that 
 it should be abortive. If it hold, Scotland, for so it is as 
 yett, may be vaine of it, and Holland will help y e reward, 
 by what their publick faith is ingadged. If he fa'le, magnis 
 tamen excedit ansis, et cum maximis erravit. What wee 
 can do is to give drink money to y e midwife of a desirable 
 birth, and a litle now, and a just recomendation to those 
 who can doe more is what 's suitable ; and y r Lps. interest 
 in y e nation, y r zeall for glory, y r relation to the person 
 and the honor of our phoenix Caledonia, will be such illus- 
 trious motives for y r Lp., that I fear to low them by 
 further recomendations from so litle a thing as your Lps. 
 most humble servant, Cromertie. 
 
 12th M r 1707. 
 
 For WILLIAM LORIMER 
 
 Edinburgh, March 12th, 1707. 
 D. Cousine, — My Lord is desyreous that you accept to 
 
1707J FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 be factor upon the estate of Boynd. You should not 
 decline to accept of it, because you will gett considerable 
 allowance for it, and after try all if it be uneasy you may 
 quitt it. The roup will soon come on, for the most of 
 the rights arc produced, and Lord Minto is the ordinary 
 for the ranking. . . . Mind to send me up two bolls of 
 good meal with my Lords first wictuall ships that comes 
 to Leith. Mr. Stewart tells me he sent you doubles of 
 the chartour parties of two ships thats come for bear, 
 and I told you by my last letters that Major Gen 11 Maitland 
 had bought 600 bolls of meal, and to receave it att Portsoy. 
 The delivery of this will be work for you this moneth, 
 and there shall be more ships sent the next moneth. Wee 
 expect my Lord Deskfoord here next week, and I beleeve 
 he will be marry ed before wee goe to London with Major 
 Gen 11 Ramsayes daughter. The bearer John Dunbar tells 
 me he comes back here speedily. I beleeve it 's to be his 
 servant. I did not ask him since my Lady has been the 
 doer of it. You need not speak of my Lord Deskfoords 
 marriage, because it will be uncertain till he come here 
 himself. I shall write more fully by Glassaugh. — I am, 
 D. C, Yours, John Philp. 
 
 Deskford's proposed marriage did not take place. 
 The Scots Parliament adjourned on 25th March 1707. 
 To WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane to the RIGHT 
 HONLL THE EARLE OF SEAFEILD, LORD HIGH 
 CHANCELLOR OF SCOTLAND 
 
 Edr., 22 nd Apryll 1707. 
 Sir, — I have sent you ane double of Skipper Mouse 
 charter partie, with ane note of my instructions relating to 
 you on the foott yrof. His last loadning amounted to 
 three hundreth bolls. He sailed yesterday and will be 
 very soon at Portsoy. I shall dispatch Wm. Grigory the 
 end of this week, soe I hope you will be pleased to give 
 me account with this bearer what victuall may be left 
 behinde, and I shall obey your instructiones. What bills 
 you draw upon my Lord or me shall be answered. Receive 
 lykewayes ane letter from my Lord, qch I gott by ane 
 flyeing packet yesterday. I have noe news to send you, 
 
432 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 but that my Lord was most graciously received by her 
 Matie, and was mett ten miles from London with fyve 
 hundreth horse and fourty coatches, and gott hosas from 
 the entry of the city to his own lodgeing. Soe much for 
 foraign news. Yesterday the G. Assembly raise, and upon 
 Thursdays night I am to committ matriomony with one 
 Janet Blackwood. Soe if I have forgott anything, I hope 
 you will excuse, Sir, Your most humble servant, 
 
 Jo. Stewart. 
 
 I have sold my Lords victuall as yet at 4 lib. half a merk. 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 LETTERS FROM THE UNION IN MAY 1707 TO THE END OF 
 THE FRENCH INVASION OF SCOTLAND IN MAY 1708. 
 
 Alexander Abercrombie of Glassaugh, writer of next letter, 
 succeeded Alexander Duff of Braco as one of the commissioners 
 for Banffshire to the Scots Parliament. 1 He sat through its last 
 session, 1706-7, and voted for the union. 
 
 For THE EARL OF FINDLATER 
 My Lord, — Seing I presume the account on the other 
 syde in relation to Spain may perhaps be fuller then the 
 prints, I give your Lo. the truble therof, as also to satisfy 
 you that did this place afoord any other thing worth 
 writing, I would not neglect, if I did but know, so that I 
 hope your Lo. will doe me the justice to belive it is not 
 for want of all due respect you doe not hear oftner from 
 me, seing I shal never neglect ane oportunity to testify 
 how much I am in all sincerity as becometh, My Lord, 
 Your Lo. most faithful and obedient humble servant, 
 London, May 29, 1707. Alexr - Abercrombie. 
 
 Scots affairs in every thing are as I wrote David Ogilvie 
 last post, and desyred him to communicat them to your Lo. 
 
 A list of the E. of Gallaways forces made prisoners, as 
 contained in a letter from ane English officer who was 
 prisoner att Albacet some days before the battle. He was 
 informed of the following particulars by the English who 
 
 1 The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. xi. p. 306. 
 
1707] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 \>S8 
 
 passed thorow prisoners : — ( oils. 7, liv 1 colls. 7, majors 7, 
 capts. 68, livts. 100, ensigns 54, sergants 264, drums 1)7, 
 private men, corporals included, 2815. All the rest of the 
 foot killed. 
 
 A list of pairt of the slain the said prisoners saw : — 
 Colls. Roper, Dormer, Lawrence, Woolet, Withers, Lecet, 
 Ramsay, Arsken, Wade, Horindige and Clyton, Major 
 Goring, two captains of Carpenters regt., Coll. Ostten and 
 Stenhope of the guards, Maj. Dalouch of Peterbourrows 
 dragoons, Capt. Dutanges, Coll. M k neal of Suthrige regt. 
 
 All Stewarts regt. officers and centinels with the French 
 refugies. 
 
 List of the prisoners that passed thorow Albacet : — 
 Count Donar, Maj. Generall Shrimpton, Brigadier M k ertny, 
 Brigadeer Bretton, Livt. Coll. Hamilton of Montjoys, Coll. 
 Hill, Coll. Alnut, Coll. Swan, Coll. Talbot, Livt. Coll. 
 Cooper. The reason of this unhappie defeate is said to be 
 the E. of Gallaways being necessitate to fight or starve 
 for want of provisions, and the D. of Orleans horse joining 
 the D. of Berwick the night before unknown to the E. of 
 Gallaway made the French 33,000 in the line of battle, 
 whereof there was 9000 horse, whereas Gallaway had only 
 17,000. The French had the town of Almanza in their 
 centre, which gave them liberty to surround our foot with 
 their horse, and to charge them in flank and rear, whilst 
 they too briskly pursued the French foot to the town and 
 took severall prisoners. In the mean tyme the Portuguese 
 horse and an Irish regiment of foot, which some tyme 
 before they had mounted on horseback, gave way. Most 
 of the horse escaped with the E. of Gallaway, but it 's 
 thought the foot have fallen in the enemies hands, the 
 towns refusing to receive horse or foott. Wee expect 
 clearer and more certain accoumpts dayly. 
 
 The London Gazettes of May and June 1707 give detailed 
 accounts of the defeat of Almanza. On 1st June 1707, Colonel 
 Wade arrived in London with the official despatches. 
 
 Next two letters deal with the seizure by English customs' 
 officers of Scots vessels laden with goods of foreign origin which 
 arrived in London after 1st May 1707, from Scotland, into whtch 
 
434 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july 
 
 they had been previously imported on payment of smaller duties 
 than those prevailing in England. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD, LORD CHANCELOR 
 
 My Lord, — I had the honour of yrs of the 6th some posts 
 ago, but delay'd answering it til I shou'd speak w* the 
 Treasurer, who 's at Windsore. The Duke of Queensberry, 
 my Lord Loudoun, and I went there a purpose to speak of 
 what y r Lop. wrote me and of the goods that are now 
 come from Scotland. Loudoun and I are but this mi nut 
 returned. My Lord Treasurer keept Naughtie's papers, 
 and has given orders to inquire into it, and will then give 
 me an answer to wryt to y r Lop. He told us that he had 
 alreddy given orders to the people belonging to the custome 
 house to show all the favour to our marchants that posiblie 
 they could consistant to law, but that he was to be in 
 toun on Thursday and wou'd then speak to them again. 
 I am indeed affraid that the goods will be seased, but I 
 belive they will be made very easie as to their bail, and I 
 hope the affair will be so manadged that they will not 
 have much cause of complaint. We did all we cou'd, and 
 I hope not without effect, but we will not give it over as 
 long as our speaking can do any good. I did not at all 
 doubt of y r Lops, being receaved w* satisfaction in the 
 judicatures. I hope you will preceed long in them, w ch 
 I 'm sure will be to most people's likeing. T'other day 
 when I had occation of speaking to the Queen, she told 
 me that she had spoke to y r Lop. and expected that you 
 wou'd bring up w 1 you a compleat account of the civill 
 list and of the pensions she had given, and ordred me to 
 put yr Lop. in mind of it, w ch I told I shou'd do, but that 
 I knew you did not want to be put in mind of any thing her 
 Majestie recomended to you. My Lord Treasurer has been 
 a little indispoased w t a coald, so wryting is uneasie to 
 him, but he desired me to give his service to yr Lop. My 
 Lord Loudoun read yo Lops, letter to him, but I know he 
 wryts to you, so I will not trouble you w 1 any thing of that. 
 
 1 Historical MSS. Commission, Fourteenth Report, App., Part in., Seafielci 
 MSS., pp. 221, 222, 
 
1707] FIRST KARL OF SK AFIELD 
 
 1,85 
 
 We will long to hear from y r Lop. after you receave ours 
 concerning the equivalent. I w rote to you some dayes 
 ago w fc the lour English gentelmen of the equivalent, w * 
 they are to deliver themselves. 'Tis only recomending them 
 to your favour. This place is so dull and so little passing, 
 that I will have but seldome occation of wryting to y r 
 Lop. ; but when anything happens worth yr while, y r Lop. 
 may be sure I will not neglect giveing you an account of it. 
 I am w t all respect, My Lord, Yr Lps. most obedient and 
 most humble servant, Mar. 
 
 Whythall, Julie 15th, 1707. 
 
 Ten at night. 
 
 My brother wryts me of that affair w* my Lord Glasgow 
 being ended. 
 
 On the 20th June 1707 Seafield received a new warrant 1 for a 
 commission as Lord High Chancellor of Scotland. Next year, on 
 13th May, he received a warrant 2 for a commission as Chief Baron 
 of Exchequer. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — This afternoon I have y e honor to receave 
 your Lop's, of y e 17th with ye memorall. I immedeatly 
 got a meeting of y e Duke of Queensbery and y e Lords 
 Secretaries. They had all taken leive of Windsor and 
 designd to set out y e morrow for y e Bath, I mean y e 
 Secretaries, for y e Duke is somwhat indisposed and can 
 not travell for a day or two. Yet his Grace and y e Earle 
 of Loudoun designe on the subject of y e memorall to goe 
 back to Windsor the morrow, whither I shall have y e 
 honor to attend them, that I may be y e better able to write 
 what is to be said on it, for there Lops, can not well staye 
 longer from y e Bath. I shall by this beg leive to give some 
 answer to one point of y e memoriall, viz., y e provideing 
 the necessarys for conage. I had a letter from Doctor 
 Gregorie two posts agoe with a notte of y e severall things 
 wanting, which I caryd immediatly to S r Isack Newton 
 and convinced him of y e necessity of a speedy dispatch. 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxv. p. 21. 
 8 Ibid., p. 143. 
 
436 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [aug. 
 
 soe much that I perswaded him to give y e necessary orders 
 for preparing them without y e formes used in such cases, 
 viz. of presenting a memorall to y e Treasury and then 
 geting a referance and on that a report, soe that at this 
 time people are at worke about them. Last night I met 
 with y e merchants and y e solicetors of y e customes and 
 adjusted y e paper y e merchants were to signe, and this 
 day Mr. Wm. Graham signd. I have given y e Earle of 
 Loudoun a coppy of y e paper which he transmitts to your 
 Lop. By this post I send bills too for about 1500 lib 
 towards paying y e forces there. If I come from Windsor 
 y e morrow, I hope to send ye rest next or y e following 
 post. I am sorie y e business of y e merchants oaths will 
 be determined befor your Lop. can receave my Lord Tres rs 
 letter on that subject. Whatever hapens in absence of y e 
 Secretaries shall be communicat to your Lop. by, My Lord, 
 Your Lop's, most humble and most obedient servt., 
 
 David Nairne. 
 
 Whithall, 21 August 1707. 
 
 Sir Isaac Newton was Master of the Mint of England. His 
 letter, of 12th August 1707, to the Earl of Seafield, given at 
 pp. 223, 224 of the Secifield MSS, in the Historical MSS. Commission 
 Fourteenth Report, App., Part nr., also refers to the conduct of the 
 Scots mint. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 My Lord, — You know I am no statesman nor a medler 
 in state effeyres, bot hearing the Parliament was like to 
 abolish theCouncell in Scotland or North Brittayn, I judged 
 it duty to give your Lordship notice, that it is thought it 
 may occasion both confusion and. discontent for the 
 Churches by intrusiones, and such like other disorders 
 may increase, if there be not some provision of some 
 other judicatory to whom application may be made for 
 redresse in such cases. Your Lordship knoweth there are 
 too many discontents in this country already. I wish no 
 occasion be given for more. ... I pray God may pre- 
 serve and blesse your Lordship, for the comfort of your 
 noble relationes, and for the service of God, and your 
 countryes good, and that God may guyde you and others 
 
1707] FIRST KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 187 
 
 who are members of thai high and honorable court. I 
 shall adde no more, bot that I am, My Lord, Your Lord 
 ships humble servant, Mr. G. Meldrum. 
 
 Edr., Deer. 15, 1707. 
 
 The Scots Privy Council was abolished in 1708. 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MY LORD DESFURI) 
 
 AT LONDAN. 
 
 Dear James, — . . . You will let me kno what truth 
 is in the matar as to what you wret about your mar age. 
 I am litell capabell to give advies, tho a good wieff te 
 you be what a gret dell of my hapness depends on as 
 weall as yours. I wish that God may derect you and 
 your fathar in it, and it is from his over ruling goodness 
 that I expek a good event in it. For my advies in 
 generall, which is all I can give till I hir the partiklur 
 disayn, it is that you wold choys the doghter of a good 
 famaly — I min a sober senesabell pipell. And I can not 
 denay bot I wold wish you to mary in a famaly of 
 qualaty. I dou not min by quality only the nobility. I 
 wold not have hir much above your ouen eag, bot above 
 all sobirly and religuisely edecat, and I w r old have you 
 inforem your seleff of hir parsonall qualatiys both as to 
 wit and inclanations. But all thos precousions ar mir 
 uncertantys, and tho you did as much as man could dou 
 yet you may be disapynted. Ther-for my first and last 
 advies and prayer is, that you may ernastly big Gods 
 directions, and that he may derect you in the matar. If 
 your fathar layes tw or thri befor you let mi kno what 
 they are. I wish your fathar nor you may not engag 
 rashly in anything. Remember the last. I wish you 
 halth and to hier frequantly from you. I am, your most 
 affect ionat mothar, Anna Seafield. 
 
 Cullan Bis, 1707 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARL OF 
 FINDLATR at Ebr. 
 
 Loundon, Deem. 27, 1707. 
 My Lord, — I am glad to knou by Johnstun his later that 
 
438 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [dec. 1707 
 
 your Lop. is in good halth. I wish the continunce of it, 
 and I must say that I am oblidged to your Lop. for the 
 care ye heau of me in my abesence conserning Relogys 
 affare. I do think that I am in no fear about him. 
 I knou he is an man of an good forton and a considrable 
 stock, houeuer I heau wreat to Jeames Bard about the 
 busines conserns me. I woud not fear his warindes for 
 much mor muney then I heau giuen him. Al the nous 
 that we heau hear is only that we ar laying on gret soums 
 of money to carie on the wars, and that we ar trubled 
 woth the Squadrony, that is douing al that thy can for 
 tacking auay the Counsel. Euery thing is extrordnarly dear 
 hear saue ladys, and thos that tack most of them hath the 
 worst peneworthes. So wishing your Lop. an good nou 
 yeir I continou, My Lord, Your Lops, affectionat son and 
 most humble seruant, Pat. Ogilvie. 
 
 MY LORD REGISTER'S LETTER about the calling in of 
 Scots Coin, and about the New English Standards of 
 Weights and Measures. 
 
 Edinburgh, Jan. 10th, 1708. 
 My Lord, — This afternoon a committee of the Privie 
 Council met, to consider off calling in the Scots coyne, and 
 the giveing out the Inglish standarts of weights and 
 measurs. There wes at the committee E. of Northesk, 
 Lord President of the Session, Lord Advocat, Minto, 
 Provest of Edinbrugh, and your humble servant. Some 
 of the committee inclined to have all the Scots coyne call'd 
 in at once, at least befor the 15th of March conform to a 
 resolve of the Privie Council, when they made the setlement 
 with the bank for receiveing in the forreign coyn, but 
 several directors of the bank were at the committee, and 
 asserted positively they would not be able to ansuear the 
 demands might be upon them in that case, and if that 
 method wes taken the countrey would be disapointed of a 
 sufficient stock of current money, and their credite would 
 be in danger. So the committee came to this resolution, 
 that a proclamation should be issued on Munday pro- 
 hibiteing the currency of the follouing species of Scots 
 
ja\. 1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD L80 
 
 coyne, viz. old and new croun pieces, the fourty shilling, 
 tuenty shilling, and ten shilling pieces, after the tenth of 
 February nixt, but that the bank should receive these 
 speeies at full valeu, untill the 25th off ffebruary. It wes 
 thought fit to apoint the last day of its being received by 
 the bank in ffebruary, because when the bank knous the 
 amount of these species, and what forreign coyne is recoyned 
 in the interim, they will be able to inform the Council hou 
 soon they can take in the rest of the other species of the 
 Scots coyne ; and it wes resolved, that it wes necessary 
 befor the Session rose, the last touch should be given to 
 the calling in of all other species of Scots coyne. As to the 
 weights and measurs : Resolved that the standarts of the 
 several weights and measures should be ordered to be given 
 to the brughs that keeped the respective old standarts, but it 
 wes thought no ways adviseable to isseu any proclamation, 
 ordaineing all the weights and measurs to be reneued 
 according to these standarts, for certainly that would bring 
 a heavy charge upon the countrey, and might be the 
 foundation of vexatious persuits against many poor people, 
 and all that our neighbours of Ingland can be concerned in 
 the matter is only with relation to the inland excyse, and 
 export and import ; and as to the first there is an adjust- 
 ment betuixt the justices of peace and commissioners of 
 excyse, which will be a rule over the whole countrey. As 
 to import and export, the standarts being given out, the 
 commissioners of the customs can have from the several 
 burrous the weights and measurs they need conform to the 
 Inglish standart, and can soon adjust the proportion betuixt 
 our old weights and measurs and the new ones, for the 
 committee thought it wes necessary to be alse easy to the 
 people as possible, without prejudice to the customs and 
 excyse. I knou nothing else worth your Lop. while, but 
 we long what to hear what becomes of the resolves of the 
 house of Commons about our affairs, and of the new model 
 of our Exchequer, — I am, My Lord, 
 
 Y. L. M. H. S. 
 
440 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [jan. 
 
 MY LD ADVOCATS LETTER about Contributions for 
 Charitable uses and the Commissarves 
 
 Ednr., 20th Jan. 1708. 
 May it please yo 1 Lp. — I am loath to give yo r Lp. 
 any unnecessary trouble or diversion, but there are two 
 things at present occurs. Yo r Lop. hath been acquainted 
 with a design of a contribution for charity schools, and 
 for propagating Christian knowledge particularly in our 
 Highlands and Isles, and the project of it, which yo r Lop. 
 both approved and encouraged, is generally well liked, only 
 the countenance of her Ma ts authority is thought wanting, 
 for which the draught of the proclamation inclosed is put 
 in my hand to be transmitted to yo r Lp. The draught tho 
 not so formal yet is sutable enough to the matter, and yo r 
 Lp. upon revising may help what is amiss, but being told 
 that you would willingly give your best concurrence I 
 adventured to transmit it. The other particular is con- 
 cerning the commissaries for the pay and provision of the 
 fforces. Their contract is now ended, and John Campbe], 
 who was the most active and serviceable among them, tells 
 me of a proposal made for a commissary to serve for a 
 sellary and to provid forrage at a certain rate but without 
 the poundage, which because of the uncertainty of prices 
 cannot be accepted. But, my Lord, some course must be 
 taken in this affair before the first of ffebruary, otherways 
 the troups in the country may fall in some disordor. 
 And yor Lp. knows that John Campbel hath had the greatest 
 experience in this matter, and is most capable to provid 
 with the countrys ease and to the satisfaction of the 
 officers ; and therfore he suggests to me that, if he be 
 ordored, he will continue to forrage the troups and refer 
 the sallary for his pains to be considered ; but must also 
 be entrusted with the setting of the prices, which he doubts 
 not but the officers will be content with, and if he exceed 
 he may be also controuled by the fiers, but this trust may, 
 and it seems must be given for a year at least, untill some 
 other course be setled. This he desired me to write to yor 
 Lp., and with all that an answer is necessary again the 
 
X7o8| FIRST EARL OF SKAITKL1) 
 
 I 11 
 
 beginning of ffebruary, for then he must pay his sub 
 commissaries, otherways they will give over providing the 
 troups, and therfore he will expect ordors from above. — 
 I am, My Lord, Yr Lops, most humble and most obed 4 
 servit 1 ", Ja. Steuart. 
 
 SR WILL: BAIRD' S LETTER to the EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 auout the Election of a Commoner row Lothian 
 
 My Lord, — Ther are a greatt deall of pains takeing hear, 
 for secureing the ensueing elections thowrow the shyres 
 of North Brittain, and I thowght it my dewtie to lett yowr 
 Lo. know that I have designed to stand for the electione 
 heer in MidLothian, and for that end I begg yowr Lo s 
 protectione and approba°n, and I can assur yowr Lo. that 
 I stand addictted to no partie, but shall be verie readie to 
 goe in to yowr Lo s measures. Ther are severalls in the 
 shyre who will deferr verie much to your Lo s approbatione 
 as Mr. Baird, who is a new purchasser heer, and severall 
 uthers, therfor your Lo s declaring in my favors will con- 
 firm them in ther inclination of bestoweing ther votes one 
 me, and your Lo. may always make compt upon me as, — 
 My Lord, Your Lo s most humble and most obedient 
 servant, Wm. Baird. 
 
 Edr., ij 19 feb: 1708. 
 
 Sir William Baird of Newbyth, eldest son of Sir John Baird. 
 Lord Newbyth was made a baronet in his own right during his 
 father's lifetime. He succeeded in 1698, and died in 1737. He 
 was a far-off relative of Mr. James Baird of Chesterhall, the writer 
 of next letter. 
 
 For the EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 My Lord, — After no small trouble, Captain Charters hes, 
 for ane overvaloue payed him, yeilded his interest of 
 Cranstoune in Mid Lothian to me. This, if I wer infeft, 
 capacitats me to vote in the enshewing ellection of a 
 member to represent the shyre in the enshewing Breitish 
 Parliat. Adresses mor then on hes bein already made to 
 me on this account, amongst whom Sir William Baird is 
 on, and appears to be well started in this juncture with the 
 gentrie of the shyre. I told him, as the treuth is, that 
 
442 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 under God I owed my ryse and being to your Lop., and 
 what ever should be your inclinations in that matter, if 
 signefied to me, the same would infallably determine me, 
 bot nothing els should alienate me from his interest. And 
 besydes I told him I knew his relation to the famely of 
 Tueddell, who was of the Squadrona, naither did I know 
 hou your Lop. and they stood assorted to uyrs, qrupon 
 he made solemne protestations and asseverations, that he 
 was in no pairtie nor under ingadgement to non, that he 
 hade vast honour and esteem for your Lop., ffound you 
 alwayes upon the right and saife syde, and declaired that 
 if he should be the man, he would take your Lops, advice 
 and goe into your measurs, and promised to give it under 
 his hand to your Lop., which I heirwith transmitt. If 
 your Lop. countinance him in this matter with me. he 
 will get I suppose uyr tuo, viz., Gray crook and Mr. Patrick 
 ffalconer of Murtoun ; bot if uyrwayes he will get naither 
 of us, ffor I doe assure your Lop. no interest shall ever alter 
 me from depending upon your Lop., and contributing my 
 weak interest and endeavors to support yours, and I ame 
 in all deuty, My Lord, Your Lops, most obedient and 
 obleidged humble servant, Ja. Baird. 
 
 Edinburgh, 2ithffebry. i708. 
 
 On 29th June 1706 Mr. James Baird, Writer to the Signet, and 
 Depute Clerk of Justiciary, who had been appointed to that office 
 in room of his late father-in-law, Mr. John Anderson, was allowed 
 by royal warrant a salary of £4<0 in place of the old salary of £10. 1 
 
 The treaty of union carried against the Jacobites, who, in view 
 of its political advantages to the exiled Stuarts, were keen for the 
 independence of Scotland, against those of the type of Fletcher 
 of Saltoun, who advocated a federal union, against the weight of 
 the Presbyterian Church establishment and other interests, had 
 few whole-hearted supporters in Scotland. These did not arise in 
 popular numbers until, after the risings of the 'Fifteen and 'Forty- 
 five, the long-delayed advantages of free trade with England out- 
 weighed the more immediate exasperations and defects of the 
 Anglified rule of Scotland that immediately ensued. That rule 
 had at once introduced into Scotland unpopular English methods 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland) Warrant Books, vol. xxii. pp. 62-64. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 4 L8 
 
 of collecting revenue, had instituted alien Commissions of the 
 Peace and a Court of Exchequer in the English style, and was 
 engaged in abolishing the old Privy Council of Scotland, and in 
 extending further toleration to Episcopacy. The memoirs of 
 Colonel Hooke, a Jacobite emissary from Louis XIV. to Scotland, 
 the writings of Lockhart of Carnwath, a disappointed placeman, 
 and Defoe's political works, give us glimpses of a political intrigue 
 in which the old Chevalier's adherents sought to take advantage of 
 the unpopularity of the union, by combining such extremes as 
 the Cavalier and Catholic Jacobite with the westland Cameronian 
 Whig. The old active supporters and mainstay of the revolution 
 of 1689, the westland Covenanting Whigs of Galloway, Lanark, 
 and Ayr, discontented with the union, were sulkily, through some 
 of their agents, flirting with Jacobitism. The unsettled state of 
 Scotland, and the fairly concrete promises of support carried from 
 that country to the court of Louis by Colonel Hook, the young 
 laird of Boyne, and others, made a French and Jacobite invasion 
 of Scotland in the interests of the Chevalier a feasible counter- 
 stroke, for the Duke of Marlborough with Queen Anne's troops 
 and the allied Dutch were pressing hard on the French in 
 Flanders, in the campaign of 1707. The victory of Almanza 
 in Spain, gained by the Duke of Berwick, gave Louis additional 
 encouragement, and the French invasion of Scotland was planned. 
 However much the ostensible cause was Jacobite, Louis's 
 predominant motive was to seek relief from the pressure of 
 Marlborough in Flanders, and to that extent alone it temporarily 
 succeeded. In the remaining letters here published is given a 
 wonderfully complete, original, and contemporary account of this 
 invasion, which amplifies and corrects in many points the brief 
 accounts of our historians, based on the writings of Hooke, Lock- 
 hart, and Defoe. An interesting reprint of a journal by an officer 
 of the Dunkirk squadron, in their intended invasion against Scot- 
 land, printed in Maid merit's Analecta Scotica (first series), p. 190, 
 gives an account of the episode from the Jacobite point of view. 
 Next year the Naval Records Society may publish an account of 
 this French invasion, drawn from the Admiralty Records of Great 
 Britain and edited by the writer. 
 
444 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [feb. 
 
 To WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlane TO THE EARLE 
 OF SEAFIELD at Cullen 
 
 London, Febry. 25, 1708. 
 D. Cousine, — My Lord has write you fully about his 
 private bussines, and I am to tell you that wee are allarmed 
 with a ffrench invasion from Dunkirk. There are great 
 preparations makeing there. They say about 12000 men 
 are to be embarqued and twice as many stands of arms 
 with 2000 horse. We have no particular information 
 where they designe, but I hope there project will be 
 disappointed, for the Queen and Dutch will have a ffleett 
 of f yfty men of warr in few dayes to block them up in there 
 harbours, and if this be at sea before they gett out they 
 dare not attempt it. I shall give you further information 
 as wee learn it, and advyse you to take care of my Lord's 
 papers and other things if it be found necessary. Maldavat 1 
 owes me three hundred and twenty pound Scotts with 
 two years @rent preceeding Candlemas last. Give my 
 humble service to my mother and all ffriends. Blessed be 
 God I am much better than I was. My Lord Deskfoord has 
 keept his health very ill this winter. The phisicians have 
 advysed him to drink asses milk and Bath water, and finds 
 himself better with it. I pray God preserve him, and am, 
 yours, John Philp. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edr., 2d March 1708. 
 May it please yr Lp. — . . . Her Ma ts letter to the 
 Privy Council, intimating the informations you have of a 
 threatned invasion, came by a flying paquet to my hand 
 Sunday about ten at night. The nixt morning I caused 
 the clerk intimat to the Privy Councilors in town to meet 
 at nyne acloak, and y r Lp. will see by the minuts that we 
 met a full quorum and read her Mat s letter, and what 
 ensued upon it. My Lord, the Major General 2 hath been 
 carefull that the troups wherever they are should be ready 
 to march upon a call. He also gave an account of the 
 
 Hay of Muldavit, Banffshire. 
 
 2 The Earl of Leven. 
 
T7o8] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 fforts and garrisons, that generally they were ill provided 
 of amunition, but that he had writ about this formerly 
 and expected a good supply from England. In discoursing 
 of the state of the country severals thought it intolerable 
 that meeting houses should be suffered and specially in 
 Edin 1 *, where the preachers are not qualified in law nor do 
 pray for Queen Ann by name, but in effect under the notion 
 of our soveraign or some such terme, wherin they certainly 
 includ the Prince of Wales or King James the eight, which 
 is too visible an encouragment to that disaffected party 
 and a manifest weakening of the hands of her Mats, good 
 subjects, and therfore did occasion the ordors given in the 
 minuts. The Highlands were also spoke of, and the clerk 
 ordored to produce the last lists of the chiftains and their 
 cautionries, which is to be laid before the Council tomorrow. 
 Dispatches are sent to call in the rest of the Councilours, 
 but farder intelligence is expected every day from above, 
 and in the meantyme nothing I hope will be wanting that 
 is in the Councils power. But the truth is that generally 
 the country is ill provided in arms, and as yo r Lp. knows 
 not very well satisfied with the union, and yet I do not 
 apprehend that many will be found so desperat as to joyn 
 with the French. And their number of 6000 men, with 
 the quantity of arms 12000 firelocks and six thousand case 
 of pistols, appears to many to be rather a design for amuse- 
 ment and diversion than for a solid invasion, so that I hope 
 the divine providence our great protection, with her Mats, 
 care and prudence, shall quickly dissipat our present feares. 
 But certainly all honest men and true countrymen cannot 
 but abhor even the design of this invasion, as that which 
 threatens all confusion and ruin. My Lord, I am an old 
 and dying man, but shall not be wanting to my outmost 
 both to her Matie and my country, only I wish that I could 
 serve better, and that it might please the Lords of her Mats 
 Privy Council to lay no more upon me than I am able to 
 bear. — I am, My Lord, Y r Lops, most humble and most 
 faithfull servit r , Ja. Steuart. 1 
 
 The Lord Advocate. 
 
446 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 MY LORD JUSTICE-CLERK, concerning the Threatened Inva- 
 sion, Mr. Inglis's affair, and my Lord Whytlaw's Pension. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinbr., 2d Merch 1708. 
 My Lord, — What comes from your Lo. is alwayes 
 acceptable to me Twas what I could not exspect your Lo. 
 should give your self the trouble to writt accts of ye 
 proceedings in Parliat. I have had occassion to see the 
 prints, and further I have not enquired. I am as much 
 now out of the road of publick bussines, as ever any 
 thought me unfitt for it. The Advocat yesterday morning 
 called the Councell, when hir Maties letter was read. 
 Twas very satisfying to know the precautions the Queen has 
 taken to prevent the designs of the enemye, and thou 'tis 
 not to be doubted they are encouraged from this, and yt by 
 more y n ordinarye assurances, yet I still hope as yr designes 
 have hitherto proven abortive they will no less at this time. 
 I have formerly used the freedome w* your Lo. as to dis- 
 course you upon the discouragemts were justly taken to 
 medle in makeing discoveries of bade practises agst. ye 
 government, and while the knowen unfriends have such 
 influence, and friends endeavours slighted, I shall think no 
 wonder enemyes take y r advantage and improve oppor- 
 tunities. Your Lo. pardon this freedome. It's more then 
 perhaps I ought to have adventured upon. I beleeve by this 
 post Sir John Inglis gives your Lo. the trouble of a letter. 
 He was concerned he had not the honour to kiss your 
 Lo. hands while he was at London. His time was but 
 short, being under necessity to hast home, the Ld. President 
 pressing hard upon him in his absence, in relation to his 
 claim upon North Berwick ; and scarse is he at home when 
 he is required by E. Roseberrie to answer to ane appeal his 
 Lo. has moved in the Hous of Lords. This appeal or protest 
 for remeed of law was taken in ye year 1695, and never 
 moved in since. 'Tis about ye fishing the water of Cramond. 
 I need not enlarge to your Lo. You know more yn I doe 
 in ye matter, for I see your Lo. was yn for Sir John. We 
 are altogether strangers as to ye forms of proceeding in 
 
1708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 447 
 
 such things. I should wish the Lords would lay doun 
 rules w ch we in ye north may be apprysed of, for it may 
 appear hard for a young gentleman to be forc't to leave his 
 studies abroad to attend a considerable action before our 
 sessions, and at ye same time, or sooner after yn 'tis 
 possible for him, to attend ye Hous of Lords. Your Lo. 
 kindnes to your country and to this gentleman in parlar 
 would appear in preventing any procedour in our appeals 
 this session of Parliat., and yt some course maybe laid doun 
 how we may know ye method either in prosecuting or 
 defending. — I am w*. all respect, My Lord, Your Lo. most 
 humble and obedient servant, Ad. Cokburne. 
 
 I returne your Lo. thanks for your good opinion of my 
 wife's cause before the session. Your Lo. elbou made me 
 all the opposition could be. 'Tis not quit ended, but I putt 
 on patience, for yt will even overcome what delays humour 
 has occassioned me. The Lords of Session have been putt 
 in hopes of some addition to yr sallaries. I shall make it 
 welcome q 11 it comes, but must be allowed to say I might 
 have exspected some more care of my concerns upon ye 
 civill list, especially in relation to qt was due to Lord 
 Whitlaw. Your Lo. well knows 'twas not in ye nature of a 
 ordinarie pension, and if neither his services nor mine cane 
 procure to have justice done me, yet it will not be denyed 
 me I have served faithfully. When I hade ye honour to 
 wait last summer on my Lord Thesr., I did plead his favour 
 in it. I did since writt to his Lo., but it were too great 
 presumpton in me to exspect my concerns should take up 
 one minut of his thoughts. My Lord, 'twas reading over 
 ye last words in you Lo. gave me a rise for this too long p.s. 
 
 Lord Rosebery's appeal to the House of Lords seems to have 
 been one of the earliest from Scotland after the union. It had 
 been taken in 16.95 to the Scots Parliament. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — I was to wait on your Lordship when at 
 London, but had not the good fortune to find you at home, 
 and my affaires hasting me sooner home than I expected 
 
448 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 obleiged me to fail in my duty of asking your Lordships 
 commands hither. My Lord the Earle of Rosberry has 
 wakened his appeal of an decreet of the Lords of Session 
 concerning the fishing of Cramond water, which decreet 
 having been obtained by your asistance I now beg your 
 Lordships concurrence to mantain it in the House of Lords, 
 and to divert its being determined this session of Parlia- 
 ment, and begs your Lordship may pardon this trouble 
 from, My Lord, your Lordships most humble and obleiged 
 servant, Jo. Inglis. 
 
 Edinburgh, March 2d, 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Ednr., 6 March 1708. 
 
 May it please yor Lp., — In yours to me about this 
 threatened invasion, you appear'd sollicitous that the 
 Presbyterians specially their ministers should shew their 
 zeal against it ; and I must confess that tho many of them 
 be but ill affected toward the union, yet I never appre- 
 hended that any of them would be so desperat as to joyn 
 with a French popish party to the overthrow of religion 
 and liberties and all dear to men. I have heard that there 
 is a manifesto come home promising the fairest things on 
 the p. Prince of Wales part, but I can neither get a sight 
 of it nor the knowledge of particulars ; and there are also 
 whisperings that the French have a correspondence here 
 more than is imagined, but yet by all the inquiry I can 
 make I cannot give any farder information. However the 
 Commission of the last Gen 11 Assembly met here Wednsday 
 last. I was not in caice to attend them, but I heard that 
 on Thursday some motion' d that this threatened invasion 
 did call for a solemn fast, but then they fell into their 
 ordinary scruples about the power of inditing fasts, which 
 considering the late fast we have had I thought very 
 unseasonable. However on Friday some of the bretheren 
 came to me and spoke of the motion had been made for a 
 fast. I told them that their zeal against the invasion was 
 very just, and would be acceptable, but that the questions 
 
1708] FIRST P:ARL OF SEAFIELD L49 
 
 moved about the power of indicting fasts were very un- 
 seasonable, and therfore I wish'd that some of the graver 
 men of the Commission might be appointed to confer 
 with such of the government as are also of the Commission, 
 to know their mind and to signify to them that this emer- 
 gent did greatly call for fasting and humiliation, if the 
 government would go in to the motion, but if not that the 
 Commission would at least signify to all ministers and 
 Presbytries to stir up the people to fervent prayer and 
 supplications for to avert this invasion, and I added, that 
 this way might be readier and more expedit than a general 
 national fast. And so we parted, but when the Com- 
 mission met, bretheren were forward for a solemn national 
 fast, and some of them so forward as to ordain it, albeit the 
 civil sanction would not be obtained. And thus an act was 
 brought in for a general national fast to be keept the first 
 Thursday of Aprile, albeit many thought that before that 
 tyme the hazard might rather be over, or the fast too late ; 
 and the motion of recommending it to ministers and 
 Presbitrys was laid aside. I must also regret to yo r Lp., 
 for no doubt you will hear it, that severals stuck not to 
 say that this manner of appointment was better and 
 would be more satisfieing than the appointment of the last 
 fast from England, and that also they would have the 
 day the first Thursday of Aprile insert in the act, tho the 
 day uses to be left blank, that the fast might proceed tho 
 the civil sanction should not be obtained. My Lord I can 
 only regret that so good and solemn a work should be thus 
 manadged. The act indeed is fairly drawn, both as to 
 the causes and with all respect to the revolution and her 
 Ma ts person and government, and against a popish suc- 
 cessor and the threatened invasion, and they have also 
 appointed some of their number to attend the Council 
 Tusday nixt for the civil sanction, but many have their 
 feares how the Council may understand this, albeit I see all 
 good men tender above all things that there be no breach. 
 My Lord, these things I write to you plainly, both to 
 prevent misinformation and other ill consequences. I 
 hope God shall avert our danger and our fears, and lykways 
 
 2 F 
 
450 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 give us all a better mind on all such occasions. — I am, My 
 Lord, Y r Lps. most humble and most obed* servit r , 
 
 J. St. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF SF:AFIELD 
 
 My Lord,— I had the honor of your Lop's. I was very 
 sensible of your concern to preserve a court judged neces- 
 sary for the peace of the countrey and welfare of the 
 church. By a letter from Elgin at this time we are in- 
 formed that the dissaffected boast already that there will 
 be no Council 2 to complain to. I shall heartily wish what 
 is substituted may ansuer the design. We have done but 
 little in the Commission at this time. Mr. Black is con- 
 tinued at Perth, but it is humbly expected yo r Lop. w* 
 others or freinds will concur for obtaining a presentation 
 to a minister well qualified for that post. At the close of 
 our meeting there was a motion made for a fast through 
 this whole church. The certain prospect we had of its 
 being urged at the Assembly with greater inconveniencies, 
 and the hopes of doing some service to the Queen at this 
 juncture by it among the people, after we understood 
 most of the Councellors upon the place were for it, prevailed 
 w 1 us to goe in to the overture. The draught is herewith 
 sent, and the Privy Council is to be addressed Tuesday nixt 
 about it. My Lord, it is earnestly intreated yor Lop. would 
 be pleased to mind the proclamation against profaness, 
 and I doe also presume to beg on the university's behalf 
 you wou'd be pleased to mind the gift, which was promised 
 to be dispatched when I left London, the granting wherof 
 wou'd be of good use at this time. — I am, My Lord, Yor 
 Lop's, most humble most obliged and most obedient 
 servant, Jo. Stirling. 3 
 
 Edr., 6th March 1708. 
 
 1 The Lord Advocate. 2 The Scots Privy Council. 
 
 a Principal of Glasgow University. 
 
FIRST EARL OF SEAE1ELD 
 
 451 
 
 For Mil. WILLIAM LOIUMER, Chamberlane to MY LORD 
 SEAFIELD, at CulleNj Banffshyre 
 
 London, March 8th, 1708. 
 Dear Cousine, — Wee have now certain information that 
 the ffrench designe ane invasion upon Scotland. They 
 have brought eleven men of warr from Brest to joyn those 
 at Dunkirk, and the pretended Prince of Wales is there to 
 come with them with 10000 men and a considerable 
 quantities of amunition and arms. The ffrench ffleett 
 will be near 32 men of warr besides transports and priva- 
 teers, but I hope in God the English and Dutch ffleet, qch 
 are above 40 men of warr, will stop there project, and if they 
 cannot block them up in there harbours will beat them off 
 the seas ; and if the wind shall favour them to gett landed, 
 the Queen is to bring from fflanders 20,000 men, qch cannot 
 miss effectually to defeat there projects. It 's reported they 
 designe to land in fforth or at Aberdeen, but whatever 
 happen you may have my Lord Seafields papers in such a 
 readines that they may be secured in some safe place, if 
 there be any hazard in that part of the countrey, for where 
 they land first they will doe damnage to the countrey and 
 lands of those who are not affected to there interest before 
 any releef come up. Our officers are ordered to there 
 severall posts. The Parliat. and City of London have 
 addressed the Queen, that they will stand by her with there 
 lives and ffortunes against the common enemy, and it's 
 certain, though these preparations may amuse us a litle, the 
 bad consequences will be soon remedied and the danger 
 easily prevented. Give my humble duty to Castlefield, 
 and tell him what's above, and that his sone getts his 
 commission in my [Lord] Strathnavers regiment, and will 
 come to Scotland very soon. My Lord Deskfoord, blessed 
 be God, is much better. We will be all at Edin r about the 
 end of next moneth. Give my humble duty to my mother 
 and sisters to yor wife and children. Give the enclosed to 
 my mother, qch comes from my wife. — I am, D. C, your 
 most affectionat cousine and humble servant, 
 
 John Philip. 
 
452 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Next letter, 1 from the Earl of Sunderland, one of Queen Anne's 
 Secretaries of State, to the Earl of Leven, conveyed the latest 
 official information regarding the invasion. The action of the 
 Privy Council of Great Britain, while the Scots Privy Council was 
 in existence, in issuing warrants for the arrest of suspected rebels 
 in Scotland is interesting. 
 
 For THE EARL OF LEVEN 
 
 Whitehall, March 9th, 170J. 
 My Lord, — Yor Lordp. will receive by this express the 
 warrants of the Council of Great Britain for the seizing 
 31 persons of those her Maj^ has most reason to suspect. 
 They are addressed to your Lodp. not only as commander 
 in chief in that part of Britain, but as one in whom her 
 Maj^ has a particular confidence, and who she is satisfy'd 
 will execute them with the greatest zeal and diligence. As 
 for the particular maner of doing it, you will be so fully 
 instructed by the Queens order, that I will not trouble you 
 with anything of that, but begg leave to refer you to the 
 orders and instructions you will receive from him. 2 The 
 letters that are come in since you left London confirm the 
 arrival of the pretended Prince at Dunkirk with some 12 or 
 15 battalions of French and Irish ; and yesterday we had 
 an account of 5 men of war and 6 privateers being got into 
 Graveling from Brest and St. Malo's. However we have 
 so great a strength at sea, and Major General Cadogan has 
 got our troops in such a readyness for embarking that I 
 hope the enemies will not venture out, but we must not 
 rely upon that, but take the best precautions we can to 
 secure ourselves and disarm our enemies at home. I have 
 nothing more to trouble yor Lordp. with, but to wish you 
 good success in all you shall undertake. — I am with great 
 respect, My L d ., Yo r Lodp s most obedient serv 1 , 
 
 Sunderland. 
 
 In the memoirs of Colonel Hooke one figure seen flitting 
 through the maze of Jacobite intrigue is James Ogilvie, younger 
 of Boyne, at this time a broken and a landless man, with his 
 expectant estate falling into the hands of his relative the Earl of 
 Seafield. With no hope of preferment except through revolution, 
 
 1 State Papers Scotland, Ser. 2, 1707-10. 2 Probably the Earl of Seafield. 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 
 453 
 
 he dipped deeply in Jacobite intrigue, and as doer for the Duke 
 of Athole we find him passing between Scotland and France, and 
 flitting about Scotland arranging for a French descent and a 
 Jacobite rising in Scotland. The two next letters deal with his 
 landing in Scotland in February 1708. 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABL THE EARELL OF SEA- 
 FIELD, Lord High Chanchlar of Scotland, Londan. 
 
 March 9, 1708. 
 
 Dearest Heart, — Tho I have nothing to say, yet I dou 
 wret all-most every week, and I fear my leetres is rather 
 trubelsum then aceptabell. We are migitly aleremed hier 
 with the invation from France. I send you a leter to 
 Castilfild. I shall say nothing of the matar. It is sead 
 the leard of Boyn is a colnall. I wish you wold yet midell 
 no mor in his affears, bot I kno this is impartanat, siens 
 you have so farr gon in that matar alredy. God of his 
 infinit maresy direct you and preserive you and pour 
 James, who I hier hath bein very ill this wintar. I should 
 think his oun contary aer should be good for him, bot that 
 I dou not disayr him hier whin thir is such comosions in 
 the contary. I most agen pray God to preserive you, and 
 only add that I am most intirly yours 
 
 [Anna Seafield.] 
 
 You have on ship loded with bear. I hir my Lord is 
 at his mothares, bot hi hath nathar sent nor bein hiar. 
 
 To NICHOLAS DUMBAR of Castellfeld, Shirreff dpt. of 
 
 Bamf 
 
 Sir, — I forgot to writ concerning that matr, but this 
 present commossion which is suddenly in all apearanc to 
 fall in by a Frenc descent maks peopl they know not how 
 to order ther busenes. No doubt ye hav heard of the gentl- 
 man hes set a shor heer from Franc and who is gon to Boynd 
 and thenc to the Hichlands and thorrow ye kingdom. If 
 ye hav not heard it, then I can assur you the truth of it. 
 He wes all night the 29 Feby in William Hards at Nether- 
 miln, and went away the first of March befor the sun tuo 
 hours ; he landed about 6 hours at even. He passed for 
 
454 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 a Edr. merchant. The ship wes about 16 or 20 guns 70 
 to 90 men. Giv not me for your author. Giv my servic 
 to the Countess. I pray God preserv her and all her 
 femily. — I am your most affectionat frend and humble svt., 
 
 Alex 1 " Gairdne. 1 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinr., March 11, 1708. 
 My Lord, — The Councill mett again yesterday, and the 
 journalls are inclosed. I was so ill upon Tuesday last, that 
 I could neither attend the Councill nor writt your Lop. 
 We now begin to belive ane invasion is designed, and upon 
 my word the enemy could not have hade a fitter oppor- 
 tunity since the revolu°ne, for their is nothing heir to with- 
 stand a very small force, and perhaps now experience will 
 show what will be the fatall consequences of the want of 
 our Councill, for I am apt to belive their orders will not be 
 obeyed, knowing they can doe nothing after the last of 
 Apryll, so that they only have to keip out of the way till 
 that tyme. I wish I may be disappointed but am afraid 
 of the contrair, and I am not singular in my opinion. I am 
 in all duty, My Lord, Your Lo. most oblidged and most 
 humble servt, Ro* fforbes. 
 
 Sir Robert Forbes was clerk to the Scots Privy Council which 
 was about to cease. 
 
 The allegiance of the Whigs of the west country was somewhat 
 suspected. The following letter and that of 19th March from the 
 magistrates of Glasgow to Seafield set out their views during the 
 crisis, when in spite of the anticipations of Hooke and Lockhart 
 they rallied to the revolution settlement and Queen Anne. 
 
 My Lord, — Your Lordship having on all occasions 
 appear' d for the interest of the toun of Glasgow, is the 
 reason why we give your Lop. the trouble of a coppie of 
 ane address from this city, which we sent to the Secretary 
 that attends to be by him presented to her Majesty. 
 We pray your Lop. to second our address with your Lops, 
 countenance, and recomend us as hearty in our affection 
 to her Majesties person and government, ffor we assure your 
 
 1 The laird of Troup. 
 
1708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 155 
 
 Lop. we shall demonstrat, so fair as we have access, our zeall 
 to serve her Majesties interest, and how much we are, My 
 Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most obedient ser tts , 
 
 Rob. Rodger. 
 
 John Bowman. 
 
 Thomas Smith. 
 
 J° Brown. 
 
 Glasgow, 12th March 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Eoler., ISth Mertch 1708. 
 My Lord, — After staying four nights with my mother 
 and feinding hir in the way of recoverie, in three dayes I 
 com back to this place yesternight, qhere I shall with all 
 caire attend. The road was werie deip with snou and 
 f roast in the night. Yesterday of Montroas cuming from 
 the north appeared fortie ships, and about the sam tym of 
 Berrick tuentie eight, the first having a flag. Qtt they are 
 is not knouen. This toun is werie faire, but much of the 
 north ill affected by a mistacke of the excyse. I shall be 
 cairefull of your Lo. concernes as of my lyfe. So frie to 
 command, My Lord, Your Lo. fathfull humble servant, 
 
 Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Ed. t ISth Mertch, 8 at night, 1708. 
 My Lord, — Since the last express sent of at three 
 ackloack, the accompts beare that from Dunbar ane 
 hundreth saile of ships have bein sein passing to the north, 
 and just nou there is one express from Eylle beares that 
 they uare sein pass by this eivening. I hope advyse uill 
 be sent hou to behave on so sad ane emergent, qhich in all 
 licklehood uill rouin this nation before reliefe can be sent, 
 for the feu forces heere will be necessetat to save them- 
 selves by flight, and maney of the cuntrie uill doe aney 
 thing to save themselves and there effects. As for my 
 selfe I intend thoro the help of the Allmightie to be f athefull 
 to hir Majestie, and in hir service for the defence of religion 
 to wenture my selfe and all I have. God mack all ueill. 
 
456 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Mr. David com just now, butt no lyn from your Lo., which 
 is not right, for on so speciall ane occasion y e should have 
 wreaten and given advyce to, My Lord, Your Lo. fathfull 
 servant, Alex 1 " Ogilvie. 
 
 The British fleet under Sir John Byng had been for some time 
 blockading the French fleet in Dunkirk. The French, however, 
 eluded the blockade on 6th March, and with two days' start sailed 
 northward. They overshot their objective, the Firth of Forth, 
 and by the time they doubled south the British fleet had arrived 
 off the Forth. The issue was really being tried while Lord Forglen 
 was writing his letters of Saturday the 13th March. His estimate 
 of the numbers of ships was much exaggerated. The ' ane hun- 
 dreth saile ' is superinduced in the letter on the word ' twentie/ 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 SEAFIELD, London 
 
 Edinburgh, ye 14th March 1708. 
 My Lord, — I had this day your Lops, letter of the 9th by 
 the first express. The second is not yett arryved, but is 
 nou of noe consequence. This comes by a flying packquett 
 to give ane accompt that Sir George Bings with 30 men of 
 war under his comand came up with and actackqued the 
 French squadron off of Montross yesterday the 13th instant 
 betwixt the hours of 4 or 5 in the evening, but the French 
 retired so fast that the best halfe of Sir George squadron 
 could not come up with them. The engadgement contin- 
 oued till it wes dark, and I hope they would mett againe 
 nixt morning, ane accompt qrof I expect with great 
 impatince, and am hopefull to have it some tyme too 
 morrow. As soon as I receave any such accompt I will be 
 sure to transmitt it by a flying pacquett. I am nou setting 
 about the obeying of the orders I receaved this day by 
 the express, which your Lop. may expect ane accompt of 
 within a few dayes. I shall give your Lop. noe furder 
 trouble nou, but assuring you that I am, My Lord, Your 
 Lop. most humble and most obedient servant, 
 
 Leven. 
 
 The orders referred to were evidently those contained in Lord 
 Sunderland's letter of 9th March to arrest suspected rebels in 
 Scotland. 
 
T708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIKLI) 
 
 457 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MY LORD FORGLEN 
 at Edh. these heast 
 
 ffeteressie March Uth, 1708. 
 My Lord, — Since that from Montross I gave your Lo. 
 som small accoumpt of a fleet of great ships seen of this 
 cost on Saturday last, I '1 give you the trouble of 
 reading what farder accoumpts I have heard and seen of 
 ym. As they cam by Montross, that toun, I told your Lo., 
 was in great dread of ym, and I stayd yr till they were 
 past the toun and horsed yn, qch gave me occation to see 
 the whole ingagement as I went on the rod, qch is heer 
 affter related. I shall not trouble you my owen, perhaps 
 not so perfite accoump of the matter, but heir give your Lo. 
 the double of a letter wryten by a gentilman of undoubted 
 creadet, who hes inquered about the storie. The letter is 
 as followes dericke for the E. Marischall, who is heir just 
 now : — 
 
 My Lord, — The news your Lo. gott does not seem 
 groundless. Caterlaine 1 is positive ther was a skirmish att 
 sea yesterday, qch began of Bervy about 3 aclok, and he 
 saw two destinck fleets, on consisting of about 26 saill the 
 oyr about 30, and 4 ships at a distance from either. Affter 
 some scattering single shots he saw 5 of the last fleet of 
 great bigness and forse attack tuo of the first fleet about 
 yf owen size, qch tuo mentainained a runing fight from 
 betwixt 4 and 5 to eight, yt they gott out of his sight. 
 He saw sevurall broadsides given on both sides and the 
 watter visubly rise w* the ball. He thought the tuo shot 
 much sharper then the 5, who wer much Mounter. He saw 
 no boarding nor disableing. The tuo had the advantag 
 of the wind, and during the time they wer in exercise the 
 fleet to qch the 5 belonged mad the best of ther way off. 
 The Montross seamen are landed and tell strange stories. 
 They say they were French who took them abourd, and 
 that they were brawlie intertained the first night, to witt 
 Friday, but that when this oyr fleet cam up upon them 
 they were in a great confusion. The ship they wer in 
 
 1 A Kincardineshire laird. 
 
458 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 was not ingaged but had 500 men in hir. She and ane oyr 
 who hes as many lost the fleet, and are yett on the coast. 
 They sounke ther boat and hes sent 8 of them ashor, and 
 keepts tuo to pillut them where they are bound, qch they 
 say was to have been in the Firth yisterday, if the fleet had 
 not ingaged them. They tell that K. J. was irf the fleet, 
 but they know nothing of the sucsess of the ingagment, 
 haveing been separat. The fleet we see to the north-east 
 is certainly the fleet qch attacked, qch we take to be the 
 English and Dutch. This is all I can learen. A short 
 tyme will give us the certaintie. I wish your Lo. all 
 hapienes, adeu. This of the 13 deat. 
 
 Thus your Lo. hes that letter transcrived. I am told 
 som of the abov mentioned fleets touk tuo uyr boats w* 
 six men in each, qch are not as yett returnd; and I am told 
 that great shooting hes been heard this night by a fleet that 
 is farr off att sea. What accoumpts may be fourder had 
 of these fleets tym will produce. It is werie probable the 
 English and ffrench have mett. It was on of the most 
 deverting shows I ever see to behold ther firing and ingaging 
 on Saturday as I did, qch I have given your Lo. ane 
 attested accoumpt of. I see the ball as rebuted raise the 
 watter strongly, qch I till now thought to be the sourage 
 on the watter, for we could hardly know if it was a reaill 
 ingagment, since I see non of the ships disabled. I am 
 sheur they fired sevurall thousand shot. I hop your Lo. 
 will pardon the trouble of this long letter and belive me to 
 bee, My Lord, your Lo. most obedient and most humble 
 serv*, [signature torn off] 
 
 The fleets wer only about tuo or three miles or yrby 
 of land, and when they cam up to Bervie they wer not ovor 
 halfe a mile from our vew, at which tym they begun to fire 
 fastest, and I thought ther wold have been neer tuintie 
 saill ingaged. At Bervie they mad out to the sea, and the 
 smoke of ther gouns eclipsed seavrals of these lay furdest 
 of. Neer Montross I see on ship turn from the front and 
 fall in to the shor. I conclouded hir disyn was to sound. 
 Your Lo. freinds att Alardess are in good health. My Lady 
 Anna is werie feard lest the French land neer hir. 
 
1708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 159 
 
 For THE KARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edr., 1 5th March 1708. 
 My Lord, — I had wrytten to your Lop. by the last 
 flying packett, but being in bed and sound sleeping when 
 Mr. Watson called, my servants neglecghted to waken me, 
 which did very much trouble me. This afternoon the 
 English fleet came in to the road of Leith the wind being 
 easterly, and on Saturndays night the French haveing 
 outsailled save one ship, whereof your Lop. hes the enclosed 
 account. All dew care shall be had of your concerns. 
 It is confidently reported young Boynd landed in Angus. — 
 I continue, My Lord, your ffaithfull hum le serv*, 
 
 Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF SEAFEILD, 
 Lord Chancellor of Scotland, London 
 
 My Lord, — The journalls of this days sederunt of Coun- 
 sell are inclosed. Your Lop. will hear from oyr hands, 
 yt the ffrench fleet supposed to be at Aberdeen upon 
 Sunday last appears now to have been Sr George Bings 
 squadron, which putts this place in some further quyet. 
 The ffrench shipe taken is said to be valueable both in 
 persons and in money. It is to be wished yt any resolves 
 of the House of Comons in relation to this invasion wer sent 
 down and dispersed heir among the people, which I am 
 perswaded will produce good effects. The Chiftans of 
 clanns are imediatly to be called in, but I cane scarce 
 understand what good yt cane produce, when the endure- 
 ance of Counsell is so short, and which they but too weell 
 know, and will doubtless lay hold on. — I am, My Lord, 
 Your Lops, most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 Ro 1 FFORBES. 
 
 Edr., 16th March 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Ed:, 16 Mertch 1708, 8 at night. 
 My Lord, — This morning there com ane express from 
 Aberdein with a letter from the Baylives and Provest, 
 
460 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 bearing that on Saboth last the French ware before there 
 toun. It made a great stirr heere, Sir George Bing being in 
 this harbor. By the computation of tym and other 
 sircumstances it appeares to have bein Sir George. Liven 
 and a feu of the Councell met with S. G. at Leith this 
 afternoon, and it eases the mynds of maney. There are a 
 good deall of wailouable goods in the Salseburrie, such as 
 pleat and gold. We long to heare of Cadogan, and pray 
 your Lo. favor me with a lyn to keep my countenance with 
 these ask qhen I heard from you. Trulie I doe not mynd, 
 but still am, My Lord, your Lo. fathfull, humble servant, 
 
 Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 The Salisbury was the sole trophy of the sea fight. She was 
 captured from the French off Montrose by Captain Thomas Gordon, 
 who sometime commanded the Royal William in the Scots navy, 
 and who was then in command of the Leopard. Major-General 
 Cadogan had by this time sailed from Flanders for Newcastle with 
 troops to reinforce the army in Scotland, and Louis's design of 
 weakening the forces pressing him in Flanders was so far attained. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinbr, 16th March 1708. 
 
 My Lord, — The frequent accts. the Earle of Leven gives 
 of qt occurrs here will be very satisfying, that at last our 
 warme alarums have all evanished in nothing. Indeed had 
 not Sir Geo Bing come up Saturday morning this place 
 had been in unspeakable confusion. But hir Maties care 
 of us and the ready assistance of the fleet is qt honest 
 people ought never to forget. We had acct. this day from 
 Aberdeen of a fleet being seen near yt place Sunday last, 
 but after enquirie we find 'twas Sir Geo Bing. We doe not 
 yet hear of any persons stirring. Severals are of opinion 
 the enemy will yet attempt to land. I shall not contradict 
 it, but I 'm sure yr measurs have failed ym for once, 
 and for all yr exspectations of multitudes to join ym, 
 honest men keeps as yet y e croun of ye casaway. 
 
 Your Lo. allow my friend Mr. Colline M'Kenzie who has 
 bought Sir James M'Kenzies place of clerk to ye Exqr, a 
 share of your Lo. favour, yt he be not neglected qn ye 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 461 
 
 Exqr is establisht. Tis w l a reluctancy I give your Lo. 
 trouble of this kind, for I must judge it's so yt your Lo. 
 takes no notice either of W m Cokburne meerchant, Sir John 
 Inglis, or my own concerne of w ch I gave your Lo. a p.s. 
 However I am wt. great respect, My Lord, Your Lo. most 
 humble and most obedient serv 1 , Ad. Cokburne. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 EdnT, 16"' March 1708. 
 May it please yo f Lp., — I have this day two of yours, 
 one of the 12th, the other without a date. Yo r Lop. gives 
 a very good account of her Mats, preparations against this 
 invasion and for our safety, and I firmly beleive this hazard 
 will evanish, tho, if a descent should happen, it will oc- 
 casion confusion. Yo r Lp. needs not doubt either the 
 concern or zeal of all good men agt. this invasion. There 
 are only a foolish people that follow M'Millan in Dumfreis- 
 shyre and other parts therabout that speak lightly of this 
 invasion, and that it is not so bad as the union. But 
 generally all good men are otherways minded, and if 
 God should permit the ffrench to be our scourge, they 
 would soon correct the worst of us. Yo r Lp. will no doubt 
 have a particular account from the Earl of Leven of Sir 
 George Bings happy arrival to prevent the French entring 
 into our ffirth, and of his chasing them northward. But 
 how he came to give over his chase and to return again to 
 the ffirth is dissatisfying to many, for his ffleet is certainly 
 of double strength to the ffrench, tho the ffrench be cleaner 
 and sail better. And tho Sir George thinks that he has 
 cleared our coast, yet most men are of another opinion, 
 but that he ought to have chased, cruised, and watched 
 untill he had broke the enemies design. We should have 
 had a Council this afternoon upon report of what past 
 betwixt the Earl of Leven and Sir George Bings at Leith, 
 but it hath not held, only I beleive my Lord Leven by a 
 fflying paquet will supply all and prevent this my post 
 letter. And therfore I will not detain yo r Lp. longer on 
 things that may be stale before this come to yo r hand, 
 tho I thought it my duty not to omit the ordinary 
 
462 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 post. — I am, My Lord, Y r Lps. most humble and most 
 obed* servit r , Ja. Steuart. 
 
 Lord Forglen, in next letter to Seafield, with its numerous 
 postscripts, continues the chronicle of events in Scotland. 
 
 Ed., 11th Mertch 1708. 
 
 My Lord, — This flying packet brings ane dutiefull letter 
 to hir Majestie from the Councell syned by such as are in 
 toun. Yesterday we ware in sore paine by a letter from 
 Aberdein bearing the French to be lying before there toun. 
 We nou think it was the English in there returne. Qhither 
 the French will land or not is uncertain. Sum think they 
 will, others they will not, but the putting them by this 
 harbor was a peice of good service to this nation. All is 
 in quyet. Barks cum from Murray did not sie aney 
 appearence of the French. The prisoners of the ship 1 
 are sillie lyck men and ill clothed. This day one horse 
 of Seafords and one of Hopetounes run for the cup. 
 The last gained it by as far as from the Luckenbooths 
 to the Netherbou. The fliet contanioues in the harbor. 
 Captan Gordon will mack three thousand guineis by the 
 ship 1 he did tack. There is f yveteen hundreth pound 
 of pleat in hir, qhich he hath got. We have frost and 
 snow. It is yet a cold seasone. The report contanioues 
 of Boynes landing. I have not heard of him from your 
 cuntrie. I wish your Lo. all happienes, and am, My Lord, 
 your fathfull humble servant, Alex 1 " Ogilvie. 
 
 Gordon says there are four score oficers in the ship he 
 did tack. By the post cum in this day from London I 
 have no lyn from your Lo. family. Tho I had bein north 
 your Lo. could not think me lost, since qhere ever I be I 
 am your Lo. fathfull servant, and I hope ye shall never be 
 ashamed of me. 
 
 12 ackloack of the day. 
 
 There com just nou ane express from Aberdein bearing 
 on Mundayes forenoon the French ware sein before them, 
 and that it was the easterlie wind did hinder there landing. 
 
 1 The Salisbury. 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 L68 
 
 We still think it hath bein the English. The puhlick nones 
 by this day ware werie refreshing, and the Comons address 
 I had pleased our Lords of Councell so weill they desyred 
 instantlie to print it. My publict letter is in great reputa- 
 tion amongst them. The D. of Gordon Sea fort, Kilsyth, 
 Sincklar and others are on there paroll of honor confyned 
 to there chambers. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — We thought it our duty at this juncture to 
 inform your Lop. of the state of this west countrey, and 
 particularly of this city, that thereby might appear to your 
 Lop. our zeall and asertion to her Majesties government, 
 and how groundless the expectations, and false the asser- 
 tions of some have bein, who gave it out that the toun of 
 Glasgow and all the west would joyn the pretendit Prince 
 of Wales. The true state of the matter is as followes. 
 The prejudices of a few at the union had made them so 
 unwary as to say, they'd rather joyn with the Pretender, 
 then that the union should not be broke. The disafection 
 of others to the government made them industrious on 
 this occasion to impose on these unthinking people by 
 lessening the dangers of a bred papist's sitting upon the 
 throne, assuring them that he would establish their 
 religion, break the union, and become everything they 
 could desyre him to be. But, God be thanked, these 
 prejudices and crafty insinuations have not prevaill'd upon 
 the better and more judicious sort of people in this place, 
 or any where in the west that we know ; but on the con- 
 trairy, since the dangers of this invasion seem'd to be 
 imminent, there appears a resolution in all true Presbiterians 
 to oppose the Pretender and the threatned invasion to 
 the outmost of their power. And here, my Lord, we cannot 
 but take notice of the unanimity and zeall of all our 
 ministers, who upon all occasions from the pulpit lay open 
 the danger of the invasion and a popish pretender, and have 
 publickly disown'd all persons to be of their persuasion, 
 who will not appear against him. We have taken all the 
 care we can in our stations to animat our people against 
 
464 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 this mischievous attempt, and have given orders for 
 apprehending severall persons, who we are informed have 
 bein active in perverting and seducing ignorant people ; 
 and are resolved to imploy the power given to us by our 
 Privy Councill for the restraining and curbing malignity 
 and disafection to her Majesty s government in whatever 
 person it shall appear. The government not allowing a 
 publick rendevouz, we are falling upon the toun of Edr s 
 method by subscription for encouraging of the poorer sort, 
 and have in the meantyme given warning to all well afected 
 persons to have their arms in a readiness, and have sent 
 the same notices to the principall places in the west countrey 
 with whom we keep a constant correspondence. Upon the 
 first allarm of the French fleet being in our coasts, we 
 secured all the ammunition in this place, doubled our 
 guards, and sufered no stranger to pass without being 
 examined. We have committed one, who having sus- 
 pected papers about him says he was lately a servant to 
 the Dutchess of Gordon, and the papers we have sent to 
 the Advocat. It gives no small vigour to our resolutions 
 that both Houses are so unanimous and zeallous against 
 this undertaking. The Jacobites gave it out here that 
 some of the greatest men at court were concerned in it, but 
 we have been too often amused wt. their lyes to give any 
 credit to what they say, and we assure your Lop. we shall 
 advyse you of every thing materiall, which may occurr 
 here, and however our enemys the Jacobites may represent 
 us we shall not be neutrall in so good a cause. — We are, 
 My Lord, Your Lops, most humble and most obliged 
 servants, Rob. Rodgers. 
 
 John Bowman. 
 
 Thomas Smith. 
 
 J° Brown. 
 
 Glasgow, 19 March 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinb r , 20th March 1708. 
 My Lord, — We are all in perfeit peace here, and by 
 the latest accounts easterday from Inverlochy there is 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 465 
 
 nothing stirring neither there, nor between and that. 
 Soe we have ground to beleive the ffrench have not touched 
 on this coast, since there is noe accounts of their being seen 
 on it, since the chase this day and the morrow seven night. 
 The regular fforces are in very good condition, and I beleive 
 tho the ffrenches were landed, and the assistance from 
 England not come our lenth, yett with what help Edinbr., 
 Glasgow, and others would give, they would stop them 
 passing Stirling bridge. Bellhaven came in Thursdays 
 night, and easterday desired to appear before the Councill, 
 but there Lops, refused to allow him, only desired he might 
 give his parole of honour to appear when called and keep 
 his chamber in the mean tyme. This day the Presidents 
 lady being dead, he desired freedome to attend her funerall, 
 and to goe to the countrey and be confined at his house. 
 The first was yeilded to be granted him upon his applica- 
 tion to my Lord Leven for it. I only add I continue, My 
 Lord, Your ffaithfull humbl servant, 
 
 Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinb r , 20 March 1708. 
 My Lord, — After wryteing to your Lop. by this nights 
 packett, I was betwixt 10 and ii honoured with your 
 Lops, of the 16th, which was most acceptable to me, since 
 for many dayes and weeks I had not heard from you. We 
 are, blessed be the God of heaven, in perf eit quiet and peace, 
 and if any confusion had happened, I hope all your Lop 3 
 effects here should have bein secured to your satisfaction, 
 without sending any of them from this place. We know 
 not what is become of the ffrench. Only one of three 
 must be their fate, aither they are gone backe, at sea, or 
 landed in the north, and in aither of these cases miserable. 
 We have noe fear of them, ffor by the blessing of the 
 Almighty and her Maties care, we reckon the worst to 
 be over, since they were by the fleet disappointed of landing 
 here. The fleet continues in Leith road. The Aberdeens 
 reports of the ffrench fleet seemed to be the English, and 
 we have noe accounts of the ffrench being seen on this 
 
466 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 coast since the chase. My Lord, I shall take all dew care 
 of what is yours, as if it were my own heart. — I am, My 
 Lord, Your ffaithfull humble sert., Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 Glassaugh came easternight with Roseberry, who wes 
 so tyred that his Lop. caused yoke ane cart and lay ane 
 feather bed on it, and so drive him for 2 stages. This 
 maner of travelling and the fancy of seeing his Lop. I hope 
 will make you laugh now, after in all probability our fears 
 are over. I shall not part from this while the worst be 
 over. I pray your Lop. cause send what is done in Parliat, 
 since it revives and refreshes the spirits of ffaithfull sub- 
 jects to know that care is taken of them. We think the 
 ffrench have shoun a great dale of inclination with much 
 weaknes, since they were not able to hold their face to so 
 great a designe, but run like theives. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 My Lord, — Your Lop. has been so fully informed of what 
 has hapned here, that I have nothing to add, since my Lord 
 Forglain informs me he is to send you a list of the prisoners, 
 so that I shal truble your Lo. with nothing on that subject. 
 Grants 1 regt. marched from this today, as doeth ours 2 to- 
 morrow for Stirleing, and I goe allong. I shal leave the 
 keys of your cabinet and my tresure here with my Lord 
 Forglain, tho I am fully satisfyed ther will be no occasion 
 for removeing any thing, nor can I as yett understand the 
 least inclination of any Scots man to support the pre- 
 tended prince, so that I belive ther has been very few let 
 into the secret, but if I can learn any thing you shold be 
 advysed therof by Your Lo. most faithfull and obedient 
 humble servant, Alex 1 Abercromby. 3 
 
 Edr., March 20, 1708. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OF 
 SEAFEILD, London 
 
 Edinb., ye 21st March 1708. 
 My dear Lord, — I receaved your Lop s of the 16th 
 
 1 Afterwards Brigadier-General. 
 3 The laird of Glassaugh. 
 
 2 Lord Strathnaver's. 
 
1708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SKA FIELD 
 
 467 
 
 instant, and returnes a thousand thanks for your good 
 wishes, and for the expressions of your kyndnes to me. I 
 have bein very bussie since I came here, and am still doeing 
 what I can to putt ourselves in the best poistour of defence. 
 I have given orders for provyding of the castles, and hes 
 sent the two regiments of Grant and Strathnavers to keep 
 gaurd at Stirling. I can give your Lop. noe accompt of 
 the French fleet, but I persuade my selfe, that if they are 
 to make any furder attempt upon Scotland, which is but 
 still too probable, that they are landed by this tyme, 
 wherof I cannot faill to have ane accompt of it in a very- 
 feu dayes. I had ane accompt from Angus last night, 
 that there were twenty bigg shipps seen to the northward 
 of Montross upon Thursday morning standing to the north- 
 ward, but what fleet this hes bein I cannot imagine, if it 
 is not the Breist squadron, which our London letters this 
 day advyses sailled about the 13th or 14th instant. Sr 
 George Bing is still here, and I beleive waites for the returns 
 of his letters which were dispatched from this the 16th. 
 I have brought in the following persons in pursuance of 
 warrants directed to me by the Councill of Great Brittain : 
 the Duke of Gordoun, the Earles of Murray, Seafoorth, and 
 Traquair, the Viscount of Kilsyth, Lord Sinclair, and Bal- 
 heaven, and Collonell Balfour of ffearnie, and Sir William 
 Bruce is to be heir too morrow, and I expect the Earle of 
 Aberdein heir in a day or tuo. When any thing els occurres 
 worthie of yor Lop s knowing, you shall be informed by, 
 My Lord, Your Lop s most humble and most obedient 
 servant, Leven. 
 
 This designe of the French invasione hes given ane 
 opertunity to the Presbiterians in the west countrey both 
 ministers and others to justifie themselves from the false 
 aspertions of being favourers of the Prince of Wales, for 
 now they loudly declaire themselves, and are ready to take 
 armes when called in defence of her Maties title and 
 goverment. 
 
 The Countess of Seafield in next letter tells of the landing of a 
 part of the French fleet at Garruouth, near Gordon Castle an in- 
 
468 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 teresting episode of this invasion not touched on in any accounts 
 the editor has hitherto seen. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOURABELL THE EARELL OF 
 FINLATUR at his lugenes in the fut of the Caniget, 
 Edr., to the car of the post master of Abd. hest and cear. 
 
 My Lord, — No dout you have hird of thrie French 
 shipes being at Spaymouth and Buky of gret foras, and 
 on litell on, which had about 24 gouns, which cam and 
 wint to them as apired with inteligans. They wint of the 
 20 in the mornen, bot war seen afar of today agenest the 
 Carnose. 1 It is sead ther was twall mor seen of Spay- 
 mouth as it war from Cromarty. I wondar your Lo. is so 
 creuell that you dou not wret fuly to me both your advies 
 and all the neues that pases. It is hard to think that all 
 the frindes of the famaly shall forget me at such a tym, 
 bot God is all sufisent, and I bliss God I am in no kynd of 
 teror or fright, tho I think this silense unkynd in my 
 frinds. I hird inded from your son to day which was 
 confortabell to me. Your Lo. may be ashoured that 
 nothing shall alter me from being in all sinserity and 
 douty, My Lord, Your Lo. most affectionat daghtar 
 obedent servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 March 21, 1807. 
 
 From LORD FORGLEN to THE EARL OF SE AFIELD 
 
 Edinb r , 23rd March 1708. 
 My Lord, — I did give your Lops, service this morning 
 to the Earle of Leven, Justice Clark and Advocate. They 
 all expressed themselves very kindly of you, and gave their 
 services heartily to you. The accounts of the landing of the 
 forces from Ostend, and the march of the English towards 
 this place putts us out of all fear even the ffrench were 
 landed. But at present we have noe account of them. 
 They were not at Cromertiee Wedenesday last. The 
 ships that went to scout the lenth of Aberdeen have 
 noe account of them, and these went to Cromertiee are 
 expected this night. We continue in perfeit peace longing 
 to know where the ffrench can be found. Sir George Bing 
 
 1 Scarnose, near Cullen. 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 469 
 
 is to saill with the first fair wind in search after them. It 
 is most like the being putt by their landing at this place 
 hath blasted their whole designe, and in place of being 
 terrible, they now appear weak and foolish. Yesterday 
 in Councill there were produced ane packett of letters 
 taken at the Quensfferry upon a servant of the Duke of 
 Atholes direct to Patrick Scott wryter to the signett, soe 
 far as I mind to this purpose, showing Mr. Scott that he 
 had sent Robisone of Straloch with letters to Edinbr., but 
 that he had heard something of him, which give him ground 
 to beleive he was not woorthie of the trust he putt in him, 
 and desired Mr. Scott instantly to delyver the letters sent 
 with that bearer and to ask Straloch if he had delyvered his 
 letters, and if any of them were not delyvered to take them 
 and burn them before Straloch. There was a letter directed 
 to the Duke of Gordon, the Bishop of Glasgow, Ballmerino, 
 and Mr. Dougall Steuart all of one strain, shewing that he 
 had write to them by Straloch, and haveing ground to 
 beleive he was not to be trusted, desired they should be 
 cautious of what they spoke to Straloch. When Straloch 
 was examined before the Councill he deneyed the whole, 
 and confidently said, he neither received letters nor any 
 commission to any of these persones, albeit the Duke of 
 Atholes letters with his signed hand to the former purpose 
 were read and shoun to him, with ane letter directed by 
 the Duke of Athole to Straloch quarrelling him that he had 
 not returned sooner, and requireing and commanding him 
 upon sight to return to him, and bring him what newes he 
 heard, and upon the other side of the same letter desired 
 him, if any of the letters he sent with him were yet unde- 
 lyvered, instantly to burn them. He is putt closs prisoner 
 in the toolbuith of Edinb r . The Justice Clark searched 
 for Straloch Sabbath night, and found him in his bed. He 
 is a chamberlain of the Duke of Atholes, and hath ane 
 hundered pound of heritadge. Mr. Scott was called but 
 knew nothing, as he said, and was desired to attend the 
 Councill when called. There is noe return from Marishall 
 or Erroll, who were written to by the Councill to have 
 appeared this day. Mr. Campbell of Carmichaels dragoons, 
 
470 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 who was sent to desire the Duke of Athole to come here, 
 went to the gate of the Blair, but got noe access to the 
 Duke, only was told by a servant, his Grace knew nothing he 
 had to doe neither with generall nor souldiers. His letter 
 to Mr. Scott had the same accompt with this further 
 addition, that he desired to know from the Register and 
 Advocate how he could give baill for his appearance, since 
 he was willing to give baill. Soe wishing your Lop. all 
 happines, I remaine, 
 
 Major-General Cadogan had arrived at Tynemouth with rein- 
 forcements from Flanders under the convoy of Rear- Admiral 
 Baker. Meantime the Duke of Marlborough was rapidly concen- 
 trating the army in England on the Scottish border. 
 
 To THE RIGHT HONOBLL THE EARLE OF SEAFIELD, 
 Lord Chancellor of Scotland 
 
 Ed., 2Uh Mer., 8 at night. 
 My Lord, — By ane express from Glasco they report the 
 French are at Mull. Friday last sum of them landed 
 at Garmoch, did no harm, dyned, payed weill, and weint 
 aboord. The nyn persones presented themselves are putt 
 in the castle this day. The Councell are werie uneanymus. 
 I hope and wish the worst may be over. Those wreat to by 
 the Councell and calld for by the Generall, who have not 
 cum, are to be sited to appeare in six dayes under paine of 
 treason. — I am faithfullle your Lo., A. O. 
 
 In the following letter Glassaugh refers to the only approach 
 there Mas to a Jacobite rising in Scotland. It took place in the 
 neighbourhood of Stirling, whence Stirling of Keir, Seatoun of 
 Touch, Stirling of Carden, and Lord Nairn with some mounted 
 followers commenced to march on Edinburgh. His suggestion 
 regarding the representation of Banffshire in Parliament in course 
 bore fruit. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEA FIELD 
 My Lord, — Your Lo. will have every thing that passes 
 in Scotland so tymely from Ed r , that any information I can 
 send you from this would rather be a truble then anything 
 else. Strathnavers and Grants regts. mount 70 men and 
 all the officers are present, so that I reckon this pass is in a 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 471 
 
 pretty good posture. I understand James Seten of Touch 
 and most of all the gentlemen of note hereabouts are absent 
 with ther horses from ther houses, and a considerable 
 number of them were with my Lord Nairn some myles 
 from this. If your Lo. inclyns I serve in Parlat. nixt year, 
 your Lo. will writ to my Lord Forglaen, for I hear it sur- 
 mysed that Grant of Carron has been makeing interest. 
 How soon our fears are over, which every body expects 
 will be very soon, the officers will be sent arecruiting ; so 
 if your Lo. has any commands for the north they shall 
 be punctually cared for by, Your Lo. most faithfull and 
 obedient humble servant, Alex 1 Abercrombie. 
 
 Stirleing, March 24, 1708. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinbr., 26th March 1708. 
 My Lord, — There were about thertein interrogators 
 prepared for the prisoners putt in the castle yasterday 
 relative to the invasion. The first being, when and from 
 whom they heard of it, all their answers were, by the 
 publict newes. As to the rest of the interrogators, they 
 aither said, they were criminall, and so were not holden to 
 answer, or that they knew nothing anent them. We have 
 noe certaine account of the ffrench from the north, further 
 then that they were seen about Speymouth, and that 
 some of them landed, diverted themselves, drunk with 
 severall people thereabout, told them King James was at 
 sea, had beat the English fleet, and would shortly land. 
 The Councill appointed the Provost of Edinb 1 " to search the 
 town about one of the clock, which is accordingly done. 
 The enclosed came to my hand easternight. Soe wishing 
 your Lop. all trew happines I continue, My Lord, Your 
 ffaithfull humble serv 1 , Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 The Earles of Erroll and Marishall have wrytten they 
 will appear against the twentie nynth courant. 
 
 For THE EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Edinbr., 27th March 1708. 
 My Lord, — After searching easterday, Sir George 
 
472 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [march 
 
 Maxwell of Orchyeardtoun and Mr. Abercrombie of 
 Auchorseik were seized. The first bailled by Baillie 
 Cockburn and the other by Sir ff ranees Grant. The wind 
 is easterly. Sir George Bing is not yet out of sight, being 
 now about ten of the clock forenoon. We have noe further 
 [news] from the north. Collonel Ogilvie and Allerdyce are 
 well after their journey. The Collonel goes this day to 
 see his meistres, and Allerdyce on Munday to his lady. 
 The Councell met at eliven. My Lord Provost gave 
 accompt of the seartch. All tacken ware bealled, save 
 two putt in the tolbooth, on a deserter from the fliet, 
 and the other a brocken mertchant whom they will give 
 for a recruit. Lord James Murrey and old Buchan ar 
 cum to toun and on beall each for three thousand merks 
 containoued to Teusday. Drummond, Erroll, and Maris- 
 chall are expected at furthest begining of the nixt weick. 
 Atholl wreat to the Justice Clerk and Advocat that he was 
 indisposed in his helth, would give beall, and desyred to be 
 excused from coming, and assoored he would never joyn 
 with papists nor a French pouer. The Councell did not 
 tacke notice of them, but both told they would wreat to 
 him without his ouen presence there could be no excuse. 
 Roseberrie and Durrie on the streit talking anent the 
 appeall, as I heare Durie said Rose: had spock of him q** 
 was not true, qhereupon Rose: gave him a box on the eare, 
 and Durie gave him tuo. Both are confyned to there 
 chambers. After ten at night I hear Marishchall and 
 Erroll are cum to toun, and that Patrick Scot is gon to the 
 Duck of Atholl to persuade him to cum in. The uind 
 containoues esterlie and holds Bing in sight. I wish your 
 Lo. all happienes, and am, My Lord, your fathfull humble 
 servant, Alex 1 Ogilvie. 
 
 Next two letters 1 from the chief English officer of excise in 
 Edinburgh to an official in the Treasury, London, along with the 
 letters of 5th and 27th April and 8th May, give an account of the 
 questionable removal of the Jacobite prisoners to England under 
 
 1 State Papers {Scotland), Series ii. (1708-10). 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 173 
 
 warrant of the Privy Council of Great Britain. In the end they 
 were returned to Scotland, where they were tried and acquitted. 
 
 To GEORGE TILSON, Esq., in the Secretary's Office, 
 Whitehall, London 
 
 S T , — On Wensday last S r George Bing with the fleet 
 sailed to the mouth of the Forth, and continued cruising 
 there till Sunday morning, and then returned into Leith 
 road again, where he now lies at anchor. About the same 
 time that he sailed, the several persons whose names are 
 subscribed were secured in our castle :■ — Duke of Gordon, 
 Earls of Murray, Seaforth, Traquair ; Lds. Belhaven, 
 Kilsyth, Sinclair ; S r William Bruce, Coll 11 John Balfour, 
 and since that the Earls of Aberdeen, Marshall and Erroll. 
 
 The Marquiss of Huntly and L d Drummond are sent for. 
 The former is coming to town, but the latter has not 
 answered. Tis said the Duke of Athol will not come till 
 forced by law. His chamberlain is close prisoner in the 
 tolbooth. We have no manner of account what's become 
 of the French fleet. I am yor most humble serv*, 
 
 Rich. Dowdeswell. 
 
 Excise Office, Edenburgh, 30 Mar. 1708. 
 
 All 's quiet here. 
 
 S r , — This comes to acquaint you that S r George Bing 
 with the fleet is now in Leith road waiting for a fair wind 
 to sail to convey the troops back to Ostend. Yesterday 
 Admiral Baker with nine men of war came and joined 
 S r George, the sea being too rough to continue off Tin- 
 mouth. Alls quiet here. — I am, Your hum ble serv*, 
 
 Rich. Dowdeswell. 
 
 Excise Office, Edenburgh, Sd Ap. 1708. 
 
 To Mr. WILLIAM LORIMER, Chamberlaine to THE EARLE 
 OF SEAFIELD, from Aberdeen to Bamff 
 
 Leith, ye 5th Apryll 1708. 
 Sir, — . . . The Parliat. of Brittain is to raise this week, 
 and his Lop. designes to take journey very shortly, and 
 I hope to see him the begining of May. I expect the two 
 
474 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [april 
 
 barks I have sent north up before that tyme in better 
 condition then you have sent this. I have fraughted 
 Mr. Morison again for halfe bear halfe meall. I hope he 
 will be ready to saill the end of this week. The fear of ane 
 invasion is over. There are a great many gentlemen taken 
 up and committed to prison. One Mr. Scott writter to 
 ye signet, and lately servitor to ye Duke of Atholl, and 
 Robieson of Straloch his Graces chamberlaine are to be put 
 aboard Sir George Bing this day to be try'd at London. 
 The fleet are ordered to saill with the first fair wind. 
 Give my humble duty to the Countess of Seafield, and let 
 her see the letter, and tell her Lap. that I shall doe my out- 
 most endeavor to get ye victuall put off to ye best advan- 
 tadge. Tell Sir James Dunbar of Durn that I shall writt to 
 him by ye nixt post, and doe him all ye service that lyes 
 in my power. This with my service to yourself is the 
 present trouble from, Sir, your affectionat commerad and 
 servant, Jo. Stewart. 
 
 To GEORGE TILSON, Esq., in the Secretary's Office, 
 Whitehall, London 
 
 S r , — This acquaints you that the Marq s of Huntly, 
 Earls of Erroll, Marshall, Seaforth, and Nithsdale, L d 
 Drummond, Viscounts Stormonth and Kilsyth, Lds. Nairn 
 and James Murray (brother to the Duke of Athole), Sr 
 Geo. Maxwell, Sterling of Keir, Murray of Pomeas, 
 Seaton of Touch, and Stirling of Carden are all to be at 
 Berwick the 1st of May under a guard of Scotts dragoons 
 in their way for London. The remove of these people 
 makes many here very uneasy, Rich. Dowdeswell. 
 
 Excise Office. Edinburgh, 27 th April 1708. 
 
 To GEORGE TILSON, Esq. 
 
 Sr, — . . . The prisoners following set out for London, 
 viz., on Fryday, 30th April : — 
 
 Marq. Huntly, Earl Seaforth, Visct. Killsyth, E. Nithsdale, 
 L d Drummond, L d Nairn, Murray of Pomeas, S r Donald 
 M'Donald, Visct. Stormont, S r Geo. Maxwell, Stirling of 
 Kier, Stirling of Cardan. 
 
1708] 
 
 FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 475 
 
 Yesterday : — D. of Gordon, Vis. Kenmure, L d James 
 Murray, Fortheringham of Pourie, Lyon of Auchterhousc, 
 Robertson of Strowin, Gordon of Gollachie, Seton of 
 Touch, Stewart of Tannachie, Ross of Kippendavie, 
 Newton of Edmestoun, Mackdonald of Keppoch. 
 
 The D. of Gordon would not provide himself with coach 
 or horse for his journey, so that one of the troopers was 
 forced to be dismounted, and he exalted on the outside of 
 the uncouth beast. The D s friends do not admire his fancy. 
 The carrying up of those gentlemen occasions too much 
 uneasieness here. — I am, Yo r most obedient and humble 
 serv*, Rich. Dowdeswell. 
 
 Excise Office, Edenburgh, 8 Maij 1708. 
 
 The French landing at Garmouth had rendered many in the 
 county of Banff suspect, and Colonel Grant had been sent north, 
 and had arrested some who who were said to have consorted with 
 the French. These, the Countess intreated her son to interest 
 his father, her husband, in. Gordon of Gollachie, Rathven, and 
 Steuart of Tannachie, Rathven, Banffshire, are both mentioned 
 in Mr. Dowdeswell's letter of 8th May as Jacobite prisoners. 
 
 To LORD DESKFORD 
 
 Dear James, — I wonder that you never write to me nor 
 causes any other do it, which you might do and sign it, if 
 it were uneasy for you to write. I 'me truely impatient 
 to know what is come of my Lady Peterburgh's letters 
 from her daughter, 1 which came under your ffathers cover 
 and yours. Pray let me have some satisfying answer 
 concerning them. I believe this shall find you on the 
 road, if not at Edinburgh, where I intreat you make no 
 long stay, for I am sure it would be for your health to have 
 your own country air. If you be curious to wait there to 
 see the election of the nobility, you may easily return to 
 Edinburgh again from this. I send you inclosed some 
 letters to that Mrs. Lindsay I wrote of last to you. They 
 are open and you may read them, and if your father will 
 not hear of her, you may send back the letters, but I hope 
 
 The Marchioness of Huntly. 
 
476 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [may 
 
 he will not hinder it, since her father's dead, and his 
 daughters for aught I think must want a woman, since I 
 know of none other, and she is recommended to me as a 
 modest, grave, and discreet woman. You '11 have no 
 further trouble with the letters than to seal them and 
 recomend them att London to Alex r Campbell's care to 
 deliver them out of his own hand, for he knows the people 
 very well. I beg it of you take care of and dispatch them 
 quickly. If my Lord will not allow of it send back the 
 letters, and let me know of it as soon as can be. When 
 you come to Edinburgh, as long as you stay in toun I 
 would have you take my apartments in your fathers 
 lodgings. I intreat if it be in your power to serve any of 
 the prisoners that have gone from this country to do it, 
 and to speak your father that he may use his interest that 
 there be no more trouble given to the people of our nigh- 
 bourhead, for wee hear Grant has a commission to take 
 a wast many gentlemen, and amongst the rest poor 
 Findochty 1 and his two son's. He is your father's vassal, 
 ane old man, I 'me sure in no plot, and was never near the 
 French ships. Our nighbour Milldavid 2 has heard to be 
 among the same number. I 'me sure they have no reason 
 to suspect him of any practise agst. the government, so I 
 do again earnestly recommend to you, that you may do 
 all you can to serve this country, particularly these two. 
 I cannot write to your father this night, because I am not 
 able to write with my own hand. My cough is increas'd to 
 a great degree, and I truely have no good health. God 
 Allmighty send me the comfortable accounts of your per- 
 fect recovery, for I am your most affectionate mother, 
 
 Anna Se afield. 
 
 Cullen House, May ijth, 1708. 
 
 You may tell your ffather that Ardoch came back and 
 sought the address to sign. The town of Banff, Cullen and 
 the Presbyt rye's addresses were sent off with the Mundayes 
 post for him. The Shires will be ready in a week. No 
 more, but God bless you. Adue. 
 
 1 William Ord. 
 
 2 See note on p. 444. 
 
1708] FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 477 
 
 For THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE OFF 
 FINDLATER, Edinburgh 
 
 My Lord, — I have nothing to say, yet I cannot let such 
 ane occasion as this go, without assuring your Lop. of my 
 constant good wishes and affection to you. I must like- 
 wise recommend unto you the laird of Buckie, 1 your 
 relation, that whereever your Lop. finds his business or 
 person is concern' d or in hazard, you may give him your 
 ffriendly assistance, and likewise speak to your son in his 
 behalf. I pray you do it as from your self, and not from 
 me altogether. I doubt not your Lop s good wishes 
 towards him. There may come a time after this, which is 
 all I shall say. This is with Katharine Dunbar, which I 
 have sent up to have the charge which she had when I was 
 in the ffamily. I hope her modest and discreet carrage 
 will engage your Lop. to be unto her, what you was 
 formerly, very civil and discreet, which will be ane obliga- 
 tion on, My Lord, Your most obedient daughter and 
 humble servant, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Cullen House, May 24, 1708. 
 
 For LORD DESKFORD 
 
 Dear James, — I really am not able to write with my 
 own hand, which makes me use a borrowed hand. I hope 
 this shall find you taking journey north, if not on it. I 
 would have sent the horses I have here south for you, 
 but they have all taken the epidemical disease, which is a 
 cough and some other ill thinge I cannot tell you of, so 
 that they are not able to travell above two miles. I 
 believe they '11 all die. If you be at Edinburgh, when this 
 comes to your hands, I must recommend the laird of 
 Buckie 1 to you that you may serve him, when you hear of 
 his business, and speak to your ffather in his behalf, as if 
 it were from your self, that he may have liberty to live 
 peaceably at home, for it may be it will be of more influence 
 than from me, because I have written of many others. 
 You know there may come a time after this. I shall 
 
 George Gordon. 
 
478 CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 write more fully of him afterwards. This is with Katharine 
 Dunbar, whom I have sent up to have the charge of your 
 fathers house, which she had when I was there, which I hope 
 she shall performe descreetly enough. I shall write no 
 more just now, but add that I am your most affectionate 
 mother, Anna Se afield. 
 
 Cullen House, May 24th, 1708. 
 
 I received your letter with Doctor Kieths adwice, which 
 I heartily thank you for. Pray give me ane answer as soon 
 as possible anent Mrs. Lindsay. 
 
 Lady Seafield did not survive long. She died on 14th August 
 1708, probably of consumption, to judge from the symptoms of her 
 illness. 
 
 With this letter ends the account in the Seafield Correspond- 
 ence of the French invasion of Scotland in 1708, an attempt 
 which, viewed as an invasion, failed from lack of nerve, but was 
 otherwise successful as a ruse de guerre. The state of feeling in 
 Scotland was sufficiently inflamed against the union to render a 
 landing in force dangerous to the government, considering the 
 handful of troops they had in the country. During the crisis the 
 feeling and excitement were therefore intense, but when the 
 French fleet vanished into the North Sea in flight, the feeling of 
 danger and uncertainty gave place to contempt. Lord Forglen, 
 in his letters exhibiting these successive phases, exemplified the 
 prevailing feelings, which in the end found expression in the 
 many addresses presented to the Queen and medals struck to 
 commemorate the victory and the defeat. One interesting medal 
 struck in London in 1708, shows on its obverse the image of 
 Queen Anne with the motto ( Fugere nonfallere triumphus,' a variant 
 on the line which Horace put into the mouth of Hannibal on his 
 brother's death — ' Fallere et effugere est triumphus.' After recount- 
 ing in Latin phrase on its reverse how the great Queen by her 
 vigilance frustrated the French in their attempted invasion of 
 Scotland, it bears in relief on the rim the sarcastic words — ' Sic 
 pueri nasum rhinocerotis habent,' expressive at once of a coarse wit 
 and of the great rebound in feeling in London, when the danger 
 of invasion had passed away. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Aberckombir of Auchorseik, 472. 
 
 sir Alex., of Birkenbog, 102, 363. 
 
 Alexander, son of Birkenbog, 
 
 270. 
 
 of Glassaugh, 338, 347, 
 
 357 ; letters from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 333 and n, 348, 354, 368, 
 432 ; letters from, to the earl of Sea- 
 field, 466, 470. 
 
 of Skeith, 355. 
 
 of Tullibody, 102. 
 
 George, of Skeith, 269-270. 
 
 of Tillibody, 36 and 
 
 sir James, of Birkenbog, 102, 
 
 338 ; commissioner for Banffshire, 
 100 ; letter from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 63. 
 
 John, of Glassaugh, 15. 
 
 Marie, wife of Gordon of Edin- 
 
 glassie, 54. 
 
 Aberdeen, the metropolis of episco- 
 pacy, 142 ; ships taken by the 
 French, 420 ; French fleet threatens 
 the city, 460, 462. 
 
 universities, xv-xviii ; method of 
 
 obtaining students, 79, 141 ; rup- 
 ture between the colleges, 324. 
 
 earl of, 467 ; a prisoner in Edin- 
 burgh Castle, 473. 
 
 lady, 32. 
 
 Abergeldie. See Graham, Euphemia. 
 Abernethy, Janet, daughter of lord 
 
 Saltoun, vii. 
 Act of Security, 378. 
 Adair, John, geographer, 233, 234, 
 
 240. 
 
 African Company. See Darien Com- 
 pany. 
 
 Aikenhead, lieut., charged with press- 
 ing men, 137. 
 
 Aikman, William, 178. 
 
 Ailesbury ( Ailsburrie), Thomas, earl 
 of, imprisoned in the Tower for con- 
 spiring against the king, 191. 
 
 Airlie, xxv. 
 
 James, second earl of, xxv, 118; 
 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 70. 
 
 Airth and Menteith, William, earl of, 
 125. 
 
 Allachie. See Grant, Alex. 
 
 Allardes, in Kincardineshire, 71. 
 
 George, of Allardes, 125 ; his 
 
 marriage with lady Anna Ogilvie, 
 89 ; letters from, to the earl of Find- 
 later, 153, 159, 243, 343 ; letter 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie, no. 
 
 sir John, of Allardes, 153. 
 
 John, bailie in Aberdeen, 126. 
 
 Mary, wife of sir Alex. Ogilvie, 
 
 71. 
 
 Alldachlaggan, 55. 
 
 Almanza, lists of killed and prisoners 
 at the battle of, 432-433. 
 
 Alnut, colonel, 433. 
 
 Alva. See Erskine, sir James. 
 
 Anderson, John, depute-clerk to the 
 privy council, xxiv ; letters from, to 
 the earl of Findlater, 162, 189, 192, 
 196, 197, 206, 207, 210, 212, 214, 
 217, 221, 225, 227, 243, 263 ; letters 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie, 108, III, 
 115, 117, 121, 131, 132, 134, 136, 
 138, 140, 143, 144, 146, 165, 166, 
 168, 169; letter to, from James 
 Baird, on the plot against the king, 
 185. 
 
 M.P. for Dornoch, 285. 
 
 complaint against, for pub- 
 lishing acts of parliament, 114. 
 
 Margaret, 135. 
 
 major, of Westertoun, 355. 
 
 Annandale, William, earl of, 61, 62, 
 114, 143, 290, 367 ; made marquess, 
 332 ; president of the council, 355 ; 
 secretary of state, 420, 424 and 
 note. 
 
 Anne succeeds to the throne, 350, 351 ; 
 in favour of toleration for the epis- 
 copal clergy, 358 ; orders ships to 
 be fitted out for the protection of 
 Scotland from French privateers, 
 363 ; letter to the treasury for reduc- 
 ing the forces, 369 ; the settlement 
 of the protestant succession, 377- 
 378 ; commands the prize Katherine 
 479 
 
480 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 of Rotterdam to be restored, 392 ; 
 opposed to the execution of captain 
 Green and his associates, 394, 396, 
 408 ; visits Cambridge university, 
 395- 
 
 Ap-Rice, John, captain of the Annan- 
 da/e, 366. 
 
 Arbuthnot, Dr. John, letter from, to 
 the earl of Seafield, 409 and n. 
 
 Robert, viscount of, 72. 
 
 Ardmelie. See Gordon, James. 
 
 Argyll, Archibald, ninth earl of, arrives 
 from Holland, 4 ; his estates for- 
 feited, 6 ; taken prisoner and be- 
 headed, 11. 
 
 first duke of, 51, 143, 198, 
 
 290, 291, 318, 320, 332. 
 
 John, second duke, 390. 
 
 Arnbath. See Hay, Alexander. 
 
 Arnot, Anna, wife of James Ogilvie, 
 yr. of Boyne, 40, 41. 
 
 Arran, James, earl of, 10, 13. 
 
 Ashurst, sir William, 402. 
 
 Asleisk. See Brodie, George. 
 
 Athole, John, second earl of, 14, 19, 
 62. 
 
 duke of, 177, 182, 197, 207, 
 
 336, 367, 377, 469, 472, 473 ; turned 
 out oi office, 228 ; letter from, to the 
 earl of Findlater, 262 ; letter from, 
 to the earl of Seafield, 388 ; letter to, 
 from William ill. on the Darien 
 scheme, 215. 
 
 Auchindoun, 52. 
 
 Auchlevyn. See Ogilvie, sir Walter. 
 Auchintoule, 273. J 
 Auchmacoy. See Buchan, John. 
 Auchmeden. See Baird, sir James. 
 Auchorseik. See Abercrombie. 
 Auchterhouse, laird of. See Lyon. 
 
 Baillie of Jerviswood, 6, 326. 
 ensign, 134. 
 
 Baird, Alexander, merchant in Edin- 
 burgh, 374. 
 
 Christian, wife of George Lesley 
 
 of Burdsbank, 273. 
 
 Elizabeth, wife of (1) sir Alex. 
 
 Abercrombie of Birkenbog, and (2) 
 Patrick Ogilvie, 102 ; letter from, to 
 the earl of Findlater, 195. 
 
 sir James, of Auchmeden, 4, 5 and 
 
 «, 33 and n, 54, 77, 94, 102; note 
 on, 95. 
 
 James, of Chesterhall, W.S., xxiv, 
 
 35, 72, 73, 135, J 96, 214, 243 ; letter 
 from, to John Anderson, W.S., on 
 the conspiracy against the king, 185 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, | 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 176, 177, 190, 197, 204, 208, 209, 
 211, 219, 237, 247, 253, 255, 257, 
 260, 266, 268, 272, 273, 283, 324, 
 
 326, 332, 339, 351 ; letter from, to 
 W. Lorimer, Seafield's chamberlain, 
 348 ; letter from, to the earl of Sea- 
 field, 441 and n ; letter to, from the 
 earl of Seafield, 327. 
 
 Baird, sir William, of Newbyth, letter 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 441. 
 
 Balcarres, earl of, 310, 311. 
 
 lady, her death, 26, 29 and n. 
 
 Baldoun, lady, death of, 13, 20. 
 
 Balfour of Burleigh, 44, 45. 
 
 colonel, of Fearnie, 467 ; a prisoner 
 
 in Edinburgh Castle, 473. 
 
 colonel, taken prisoner at Killie- 
 
 crankie, 51. 
 
 major, son-in-law of archbishop 
 
 Ross of St. Andrews, 19. 
 
 Ballachan. See Steuart, Patrick. 
 
 Ballindalloch. See Grant, John. 
 
 Balmerino, John, fourth lord, xiii. 
 
 Balnagown. See Ross, David. 
 
 Balvenie, 55. 
 
 Banff, postal charges, 67 ; warrant ap- 
 pointing sir James Ogilvie to be 
 sheriff, 81, 94 ; letter to the town 
 council from sir Alex. Ogilvie, 427. 
 
 George, third lord, a prisoner 
 
 with the rebels, 64, 71-72. 
 
 Barclay, sir George, his conspiracy 
 against the king, 185. 
 
 Barklay, George, his marriage with 
 lady Mary Ogilvie, 381. 
 
 Bass, island, siege of, 114, 115, 131; 
 the surrender, 133, 140, 143, 144. 
 
 Beachy Head, naval battle at, 63. 
 
 Belhaven, John, earl of, 465, 467 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 385 and note, 389, 393 ; a prisoner 
 in Edinburgh Castle, 473. 
 
 Bellintome. See Grant, Archibald. 
 
 Berwick, duke of, 49, 185 ; proclama- 
 tion for his apprehension, 186. 
 
 Birkenbog. ^^Abercrombie, sir James. 
 
 Black. See Blake. 
 
 Blackhills, laird of, 213, 214. 
 
 Blackwood, Janet, wife of John Stewart, 
 432. 
 
 Blairfindie, 272. 
 
 Blake or Black, William, tutor to lord 
 Deskford, letters from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 263, 324, 345, 346, 355 ; 
 letters from, to sir James Ogilvie, earl 
 of Seafield, 114, 115, 122, 416. 
 
 Blathwayt, William, letter from, to M. 
 Schonenburg, on behalf of the Scots 
 prisoners in Spain, 307. 
 
INDEX 
 
 481 
 
 Boat of Bog, on the Spey, 330. 
 Bogmuchles, 360 ; acquired by the earl 
 
 of Seafield, 267. 
 Boigs. See Dunbar. 
 Book prices, 91, 96, 98, 150. 
 Boswell, captain, in Kirkcaldy, 133 ; 
 
 captain of the Royal Maty, 232. 
 Bowman, John, 455, 464. 
 Boyle, David, lord (afterwards earl of 
 
 Glasgow), made treasurer-depute for 
 
 Scotland, 355. 
 Boyne, Banffshire, 221. 
 Castle, 83. 
 
 estates purchased by the earl of 
 
 Seafield, 399. 
 
 lord. See Ogilvie, sir Patrick. 
 
 Brackenhills. See Cuthbert, John. 
 Braco, 55, 426. 
 
 laird of. See Duff, Alexander. 
 
 Breadalbane, John, earl of, 92. 
 
 earls of, ix. 
 
 Breda. See Forbes, Arthur. 
 
 Bretton, brigadier, 433. 
 
 Brewers to be taxed whether they brew 
 
 or not, 76. 
 Bridgewater, earl of, 14. 
 Brigtown. See Lyon, John. 
 Brisbain, John, yr. of Bishopstoun, 
 
 320. 
 
 Brodie, George, of Asleisk, 400. 
 
 James, of Brodie, letters from, to 
 
 sir James Ogilvie, 73, 399 and n. 
 Brown, Andrew, 136. 
 
 John, 455, 464. 
 
 Peter and Donald, thieves, 325 
 
 and n. 
 
 Bruce, sir Alex., of Broomhall, 128. 
 John, 34. 
 
 sir William, 14, 467 ; imprisoned 
 
 for plotting against the king, 187 ; 
 in Edinburgh Castle, 473. 
 
 Buchan, John, of Cairnbulg and 
 Auchmacoy, 63, 72, 93 ; letter from, 
 to the earl of Seafield, proposing 
 measures for improving trade in the 
 north, 414 and n. 
 
 Thomas, major-general, 93. 
 
 William, earl of, his forfeiture and 
 
 death, 57. 
 
 Buchrom, 55. 
 
 Buchwhaple. See Graham, William. 
 Buckie. See Gordon, George. 
 Buntein, Hugh, of Kilbryde, 48, 49. 
 Burd, captain, of the Royal William, 
 I33> 232. 
 
 Burdsbank, 259 ; acquired by the earl 
 of Seafield, 253, 273. 
 
 laird of. See Leslye, George. 
 
 Byng, sir George, disperses the French 
 
 fleet off Montrose, 456 ; at Leith, 
 460, 461, 467, 473. 
 
 Cadogan, major-general, 460, 470. 
 Cairnbulg, 102. 
 
 laird of. See Buchan, John. 
 
 Calder, sir James, of Muirton, 31, 37. 
 
 Robert, to be tried for high trea- 
 son, 120-122. 
 
 Campbell, of Calder, yr., his quarrel 
 with lord Boyne, 31. 
 
 of Glendaruel, 402. 
 
 Anne, daughter of sir Duncan 
 
 Campbell of Glenurquhy, ix. 
 
 lord Archibald, lord high trea- 
 surer, 420. 
 
 Charles, quartermaster in the 
 
 Guards, 320. 
 
 sir Duncan, of Glenurquhy, ix, 
 
 263. 
 
 John, of Shankstoun, 319, 320. 
 
 Matthew, captain of the Dum- 
 barton Castle, 363 ; letter from, 
 announcing the capture of a French 
 privateer, 407 ; exchange of prisoners, 
 412, 414. 
 
 Cannon, colonel, 55, 57, 63, 72. 
 
 Carmichael, lord. See Hyndford, earl 
 of. 
 
 Win., 326. 
 
 Carnousie. See Gordon, George. 
 
 Carnoustie, Banffshire, 64, 65. 
 
 Carse. See Lyon, sir Patrick. 
 
 Carstares, William, xxiii ; letter from, 
 to Seafield on the office of master of 
 work, 311 ; letter to, from Seafield 
 on the affairs of the duke of Gordon, 
 318. 
 
 Castlefield. See Dunbar, Nicholas. 
 Castle Urquhart, 78. 
 Cathell, Hary, 428. 
 
 Chalmers, George, son of Chalmers of 
 
 Gartlay, 174, 175 n. 
 James, chaplain to the earl of 
 
 Errol, 47. 
 
 minister of Cullen, deposed, 
 
 171, 172. 
 
 William, minister of Fettercairn, 
 
 minister of Rathven, 270- 
 
 271, 276. 
 
 Charnock, hanged at Tyburn for con- 
 spiring against the king, 191. 
 
 Charters, captain, of Cranstoune, 441. 
 
 Chesterhall. See Baird, James. 
 
 Churchhill, 50, 58. 
 
 Clarendon, earl of, 403. 
 
 Clerk, George, letter from, to the lord 
 chancellor, on seamen's arrears, 232. 
 
 H 
 
482 CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Clyton, colonel, at the battle of Al- 
 manza, 433. 
 
 Cochran, sir John, of Ochiltry, 75, 168 
 and n ; a prisoner in the Tolbooth 
 of Edinburgh, 11 ; pardoned, 12. 
 
 lady, 1, 75. 
 
 Cock, James, town-clerk of Banff, 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 5 ; letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 
 92. 
 
 Cockburn, Adam, of Ormistoun, lord 
 justice-clerk, 132, 134, 255, 420; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 388, 446, 460. 
 
 William, merchant, 461. 
 
 Cokstoun. See Innes, sir Alexander. 
 
 Colinton. See Foulis, sir James. 
 
 Colleonard. .SV^Joass, William. 
 
 Coltness. See Steuart, sir James. 
 
 Compton, Henry, bishop of London, 14. 
 
 Cooper, lieut. -colonel, 433. 
 
 Coull. See Mackenzie, sir Alexander. 
 
 Cragaboynd, or Boyne Castle, 83. 
 
 Craigie. See Wallace, sir William. 
 
 Craik, Andrew, writer in Edinburgh, i 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, j 
 159, 175, 186, 187, 203. 
 
 Cramond, fishing dispute between the 
 earl of Rosebery and sir John Inglis, 
 447-448. 
 
 Cranstoun, Midlothian, 441. 
 
 Crawford, Colin, third earl of, 71 ; 
 obtains a pension, 228 ; letter from, 
 to the earl of Seafield, 392. 
 
 Cromarty, George, earl of, 2, 30, 286, 
 355 ; letter from, to the earl of Sea- 
 field, 358 ; letter to Seafield recom- 
 mending one ' who has a prospect of 
 discovering the longitude,' 430. 
 
 Cromie. See Duff, James. 
 
 Cruikshank, Robert, letter from, to sir 
 James Ogilvie, 168. 
 
 Culbin. See Kinnaird, Alexander. 
 
 Cullen, 360, 361 ; the town council to 
 provide men for the navy, 58; allow- 
 ance for sir James Ogilvie attending 
 parliament, 60; settlement of, 1 55- 
 
 157, I7I-I75- 
 
 lord. See Grant, sir Francis. 
 
 Culross house burnt, 166. 
 Cumming, sir Alexander, of Culter, 
 
 326. 
 
 David, 39. 
 
 Cunningham, James, of Eickett, 225. 
 Marion, daughter of William, 
 
 eighth lord Glencairn, viii. 
 
 William. See Glencairn, earl of. 
 
 Cuthbert, John, of Brackenhills, 
 
 355- 
 
 Dalouch, major, 433. 
 Dalrymple, Agnes, daughter of Robert, 
 third lord Elphinstone, ix. 
 
 I David, 326. 
 
 Hugh, 137, 227. 
 
 James, viscount Stair, his death, 
 
 169-170; his funeral, 175. 
 
 sir John, master of Stair, 18, 37, 
 
 40, 42, 94, 97, 174, 176, 177, 181 ; 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 77 ; letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 
 96. 
 
 Darien company, xxiii, 192, 214-215, 
 223-225, 264, 266, 272, 274-278, 282- 
 284, 290-293 ; act of parliament for 
 a company trading to Africa and the 
 Indies, 176, 177, 187; memorial 
 from the consul in Cadiz concerning 
 Darien colonists taken prisoners to 
 Spain, 279 ; letter from the prisoners 
 in Spain to lord Basil Hamilton, 
 288 ; letter to the earl of Jersey from 
 the consul at Cadiz concerning the 
 prisoners in Spain, 292 ; sentence 
 pronounced against the prisoners, 
 293 ; Seafield's letters to the king 
 on behalf of the colonists sentenced 
 to death by Spain, 303, 304 ; letter 
 from William III. to the king of 
 Spain on behalf of the Scots prisoners, 
 305 ; letter from W. Blathwayt to 
 M. Schonenburg, etc., requesting 
 that the prisoners be set at liberty, 
 307-309 ; designers of a cartoon pro- 
 ceeded against, 325 ; capture of the 
 Annandale by the East India com- 
 pany, 366 ; the Worcester seized in 
 retaliation, 386. 
 Dartmouth, lord, 43. 
 Dearth in Scotland, 202, 203, 208, 
 247. 
 
 Denham, James, killed at the battle of 
 
 Landen, 115. 
 Deskford, vii ; settlement of, 73, 107, 
 
 i55> 157- 
 
 lord. See Ogilvie, Walter. 
 
 Dickson, sir Robert, 208. 
 Donaldson, John, writer in Banff, 207 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 184, 311, 332. 
 Dormer, colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 Douglas of Gogar, 62. 
 
 Archibald, quartermaster in the 
 
 Guards, 320. 
 
 lord George, present at the battle 
 
 of Landen, 112. 
 
 George, lieutenant, 34. 
 
 Henry, ill, 117-118. 
 
INDEX 
 
 483 
 
 Douglas, Marie, (laughter of William, 
 fifth earl of Morton, vii. 
 
 licut. -general, 62 ; takes Athlone 
 
 by storm, 63. 
 
 Dowdeswell, Richard, letters from, to 
 George Tilson, 473, 474. 
 
 Drumcairne. See Murray, sir John. 
 
 Drummond, general, obtains the for- 
 feited estate of Torwoodlee, 26, 
 
 Elizabeth, wife of viscount Strath- 
 all an, 40. 
 
 James, lord, 189, 190, 473, 
 
 474- 
 
 captain of the Speedy Return of 
 
 the African company, his murder, 
 386, 392-394, 422. See also Green, 
 captain. 
 
 Duff, Alexander, of Braco, xxv, 17, 213, 
 214, 252, 284, 426 ; takes the oath 
 of allegiance, 100 ; acquires the lands 
 of Doune, 253 ; purchases the earl 
 of Airlie's estate near Banff, 267 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 99, 260, 345 ; letter to, from lord 
 Forbes, 262. 
 
 of Keithmore, 53 ; note on, 
 
 54- 
 
 Tames, of Cromie, 354, 355. 
 
 William, of Braco, 220. 
 
 Dumbarton, earl of, 4, 14. 
 
 Dunbar of Boigs, 138. 
 
 Alexander, letters from, to the 
 
 earl of Findlater, 155, 188, 189, 196, 
 
 202, 314. 
 
 merchant in Elgin, letters 
 
 to, from sir James Ogilvie, 82. 
 
 Anna. See Seafield, Anna, countess 
 
 of. 
 
 David, of Baldoon, xiii. 
 
 James, yr. of Durn, 87; letter 
 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie, 90. 
 
 John, of Kirkhill, 354, 355. 
 
 Katharine, 477, 478. 
 
 Nicholas, of Castlefield, xxiv, 
 
 78, 141, 142, 151, 195, 203, 207, 
 213, 214, 245, 279, 376 ; letters 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 164, 
 381 ; letter to, from Garden of Troup, 
 453- 
 
 captain Robert, 144, 145. 
 
 sir William, of Durn, 42, 100, 
 
 101, 153, 191, 357 ; letters from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 167, 216, 246, 
 
 249, 250, 330, 335, 337. 
 Dunbarton Castle fitted out against 
 
 French privateers, 407. 
 Duncan, Thomas, in Upper Achan- 
 
 nassie, 53. 
 
 Dundee, viscount, 48 ; at Forres, 49 ; 
 killed at the battle of Killiccrankk-, 
 51. 
 
 1 Dundonald, John, second lord, 74. 
 Dunfermline (Dumfarling), lord, 49. 
 Dunkirk bombarded by the English 
 
 and Dutch fleets, 90 and note. 
 Dunlop, James, 268, 273. 
 Dunmore, Charles Murray, earl of, a 
 
 prisoner in the Tower, 88 and 
 Dupplin, lord, 283. 
 Durn. See Dunbar. 
 Dutch envoy expelled from Madrid, 
 
 179. 
 
 Dyke parish, settlement of, 73. 
 Dytach, 259. 
 
 Edinburgh, riot caused by the chan- 
 cellor's attending mass, 16; letter 
 from James II. on the riot, 16 ; act 
 of 1686, anent upholding and clean- 
 ing the streets, 27 ; convention of 
 boroughs at, 75 ; the town's privi- 
 lege of calling ministers from any 
 parish in Scotland, 135 ; the skinners 
 of Edinburgh and the dressing of 
 leather, 136; manufactory for dres- 
 sing leather agreed to, 146 ; fires 
 in, 280, 339 ; Anne proclaimed 
 queen at the Cross, 352 ; unqualified 
 preachers, 445. 
 
 Edingight. See Innes, John, 
 
 Edinglassie, See Gordon, sir George. 
 
 Edmestoun. See Newton. 
 
 Ednam, laird of, 135. 
 
 Eglintoun, Alexander, eighth earl, xiii, 
 60; letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 
 130. 
 
 ninth earl, letter from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 254 ; letter 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 382 ; 
 letter to, from sir James Ogilvie, 
 61. 
 
 Hugh, seventh earl, xiii. 
 
 Elie, 137. 
 
 Elliot, sir Gilbert, 400, 41 1, 412. 
 Will., letter from, to the earl of 
 
 Findlater, 271. 
 Elphinstone (Elfingstown), James, of 
 
 Logie, 90. 
 
 Robert, third lord, ix. 
 
 Episcopal clergy refuse to take the 
 
 oaths of allegiance and assurance, 
 
 109. 
 
 Erroll, Anne, countess of, 137, 138. 
 Charles, twelfth earl of, 471 ; a 
 
 prisoner in Edinburgh Castle, 473 ; 
 
 to be tried in London, 474. 
 John, eleventh earl, 144; letter 
 
484 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 172 ; 
 letter from, to the earl of Seafielci, 
 375- 
 
 Erskine, sir James, of Alva, killed at 
 
 the battle of Landen, 1 15. 
 
 Marjory, wife of lord Eraser, 165. 
 
 Sophia, wife of lord Forbes of 
 
 Pitsligo, 57. 
 (Arsken), colonel, killed at the 
 
 battle of Almanza, 433, 
 Excise rouped, 210. 
 
 Falconer, Patrick, of Muirtown, 
 442. 
 
 Farquharson, John, of Inverey, 64. 
 Farskane. See Gordon, William. 
 Fella, Alex., 78; letters from, to sir 
 
 James Ogilvie, 83-86. 
 Ferguson, major, 60. 
 
 colonel, 327, 347. 
 
 Fife, William, bailie of Banff, 45. 
 Findlater, Banffshire, vii. 
 
 Anne, countess of (first wife of 
 
 third earl), vii, ix, x ; her death, 39. 
 letters to, from — 
 Arran (lord), xix. 
 Boyne (lady), 32. 
 Hamilton (duchess of), xix, 1, 10. 
 Meldrum (George), xvi, xvii. 
 Ogilvie (James) [son], xvii, xviii, 
 xx, 21, 34, 36. 
 
 Patrick, of Boyne, 21. 
 
 James, first earl, viii. 
 
 third earl of, his ancestry, 
 
 vii, viii, ix ; his family, xii ; on the 
 accession of William of Orange he 
 receives a commission to raise and 
 command the fencible men of Banff- 
 shire, 46, 49 ; a supporter of epis- 
 copacy, 99 ; takes the oath of 
 allegiance, 104, 105 ; attends the 
 parliament of 1695, ID 4 ; his pension, 
 209 ; married, secondly, to Mary, 
 daughter of William, second duke 
 of Hamilton, 356, 364 ; receives a 
 pension of two hundred pounds, 427. 
 letters from, to — 
 
 Dunbar (sir William), of Durn, 
 77- 
 
 Gordon (professor George), 333. 
 Ogilvie (James) [son], 42, 72, 105. 
 letters to, from — 
 
 Abercrombie (Alex.), of Glass- 
 
 haugh, 333 and n ; 348, 354, 
 
 368, 432. 
 
 (sir James), 63. 
 
 Airlie (earl of), 70. 
 
 Allardes (George), 153, 159,243, 
 
 343- 
 
 Findlater, James, third earl of, — contd. 
 letters to, from — 
 
 Anderson (John), 162, 189, 192, 
 196, 197, 206, 207, 210, 212, 
 214, 217, 221, 225, 227, 243, 
 263. 
 
 Baird (James), 176, 177, 190, 197, 
 204, 208, 209, 211, 219, 237, 
 247. 253, 255, 257, 260, 266, 
 268, 272, 273, 283, 324, 326, 
 339, 35i- 
 
 (Eliza), 195. 
 
 Blake (William), 263, 324, 345, 
 346, 355- 
 
 Calendar (lady M.), 364, 
 
 Carstares (William), 311. 
 
 Cock (James), 5. 
 
 Craik (Andrew), 159, 175, 186, 
 
 187, 203. 
 Donaldson (John), 184, 311 and«, 
 
 332. 
 
 Duff (Alex.), of Braco, 99, 260, 
 345- 
 
 Dunbar (Alex), 155, 188, 189, 
 
 196, 202, 314. 
 
 (Nicolas), 164, 381. 
 
 (sir William), of Durn, 167, 
 
 216, 246, 249, 250, 330, 335, 
 
 337- 
 
 Eglinton (earl of), 254. 
 
 Elliott (William), 271. 
 
 Erroll (earl of), 172. 
 
 Forbes (Arthur), 213, 217, 276. 
 
 Forfar (earl of), 235. 
 
 Fraser (lord), 164. 
 
 Garden (Alex.), of Troup, 218. 
 
 Gellie (A.), 211. 
 
 Gordon (duke of), 5, 10. 
 
 (Alexander), of Laquochie, 
 
 6. 
 
 (Alexander), 202. 
 
 (Elizabeth), 11,93. 
 
 (sir George), of Edinglassie, 
 
 43, 59- 
 (H.), 60. 
 
 (John), bailie of Banff, 4, 36. 
 
 Grant (Alexander), 227, 344. 
 
 (George), 59. 
 
 (James), 329 and n. 
 
 Hamilton (duke of), 39. 
 Hope (sir William), 56. 
 Innes (sir Alexander), 379. 
 
 (John), of Edingight, 50, 
 
 S 1 • 
 
 (John), minister of Gamrie, 
 
 335 and n. 
 (Patrick), minister of Banff, 
 
 xvi, 8, 14, 44, 67, 156, 170, 
 
 173,244- 
 
INDEX 
 
 1-S.5 
 
 Findlater, James, third carl of, — conid. 
 letters to, from — 
 
 Inverurie (lord), 103. 
 
 Joass (William), of Colleonard, 7. 
 
 Johnstone (William), bookseller, 
 
 66, 258. 
 Kintore (earl of), 341. 
 Lesley (George), of Burdsbank, 2, 
 
 26-30, 33, 35, 48, 126, 247, 
 
 272, 376. 
 Leslie (Alex. ), of Kininvie, 161. 
 London news-letter after the battle 
 
 of Beachy Head, 68. 
 Maitland (brigadier), 229. 
 Marchmont (earl of), 329. 
 Montgomery (Francis), 39. 
 Ogilvie (Alexander), lord Forglen, 
 
 158, 267, 274-27S, 280, 281, 
 
 286, 314, 336, 342, 346. 
 (Alexander), of Kempcairn, 
 
 52, 53- 
 
 (sir James), earl of Seafield, 
 
 xviii, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 37- 
 4i, 47, 49, 5o, 57, 97, 99, 100, 
 125, 129, 147, 151, 152, 154, 
 157, 160, 163, 174, 176, 183, 
 184, 213, 226, 236, 251, 257, 
 265, 281, 282, 284, 287, 289, 
 
 338, 423, 424- 
 
 (James), son of the earl of 
 
 Seafield, 246, 288, 323, 380. 
 
 (John), collector at Inver- 
 ness, 340. 
 
 (sir Patrick), 6, 9, II, 32, 
 
 103, 105, 193, 220, 255, 328, 
 330, 333, 334, 344, 347- 
 
 Oliphant (lord), 70. 
 
 Osburn (James), 228. 
 
 Philp (John), 221, 249, 251, 255, 
 264, 290, 327, 350, 365, 423, 
 425. 
 
 Pringle (Robert), 223. 
 Seafield (countess of), 55, 213, 
 244, 248, 256, 259, 314, 318, 
 
 339, 340, 347, 349, 35°, 361, 
 425, 426, 468, 477. 
 
 Steuart (Patrick), of Tannachy, 
 46. 
 
 Stevenson (Martha), bookseller in 
 
 Edinburgh), 90, 95, 98, 150. 
 Strachan (Andrew), 193. 
 Strathnaver (lord), 285. 
 Thomson (T.), 270. 
 Trail, W., 171, 173, 174. 
 Tullibardine (earl of), 263. 
 
 Mary Hamilton, countess of, 
 
 356 ; letter from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 364. 
 Patrick, second earl, viii. 
 
 Findochty. See Ord, William. 
 Fingaltoun. See Oswald, James. 
 Finnieson, Robert, 137. 
 Fires in Edinburgh, 280, 339; fire in 
 
 Westminster, 21 1. 
 Fittie, 55. 
 
 Forbes, Alexander, third lord Pit- 
 
 sligo, 16, 57. 
 fourth lord Pitsligo, letter 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 342 ; 
 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 
 375 and n. 
 Arthur, of Breda, letters from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 213, 217, 
 
 276. 
 
 Bathia, wife of Garden of Troup, 
 
 219. 
 
 Duncan, of Culloden, 341. 
 
 John, of Inverernan, 344. 
 
 sir Robert, letters from, to the 
 
 earl of Seafield, 454, 459. 
 
 William, lord, letter from, to Duff 
 
 of Braco, on the repression of law- 
 lessness in the Highlands, 262. 
 
 the Master of, 49, 50, 53, 63, 
 
 210. 
 
 lieut. -colonel, 232. 
 
 Fordyce, 6. 
 
 Forfar, Archibald, earl of, letter from, 
 to the earl of Findlater on his pen- 
 sion, 236 ; arrears of pensior to be 
 paid, 390. 
 
 Forfeited estates, 26, 27, 29. 
 
 Forglen, 71. 
 
 laird of. See Ogilvie, sir Alex- 
 ander. 
 
 Forrester, sir Andrew, 88. 
 
 Fort Augustus. See Killichumen. 
 
 Fort William, 229. 
 
 Fotheringham of Powrie, 18, 475. 
 
 Foulis, sir James, of Colinton, 40. 
 
 Eraser, Al., of Inverallochie, 74, 275 ; 
 
 letter from, to Patrick Ogilvie of 
 
 Cairnbulg, 194. 
 Andrew, of Kinmundie, letter from, 
 
 to sir James Ogilvie, 148. 
 Charles, fourth lord Fraser, 57 ; 
 
 letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 74, 
 
 165 ; letter from, to the earl of Find- 
 " later, 164 and u. 
 
 captain William, a prisoner from 
 
 the Bass, convicted of high treason, 
 114,115,117. 
 
 Freelands, Peter, a witness in captain 
 Green's trial, 392, 393. 
 
 French privateers in the Moray Firth, 
 104, 105 ; raid the north coasts, 147 ; 
 threatened invasion of Scotland, 443- 
 444, 446, 448, 451-456; account of 
 
486 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 the battle off Montrose, 457, 459, 
 460 and n, 461 ; French fleet at Gar- 
 mouth, 468-469. 
 
 Friend, sir John, sentenced to death 
 for conspiring against the king, 191. 
 
 Fullarton, John, of Kinaber, his death, 
 226. 
 
 Fyff, Robert, 136. 
 
 Galway (Gallaway), earl of, de- 
 feated by the French at Almanza, 
 432. 
 
 Gamry Bay, French privateers in, 104. 
 
 Garden, Alexander, of Banchory, 219. 
 
 of Troup, 193, 334 n ; 
 
 letter from, to Nicholas Dunbar of 
 Castlefield, 453 ; letter from, to the 
 earl of Findlater, 218 ; note on, 219. 
 
 Will., letter from, to Will. Lori- 
 
 mer, 366. 
 
 Gardenstown, lord, 219. 
 
 Garletoun. See Seton, sir George. 
 
 Garmouth, French troops land at, 467, 
 470, 475- 
 
 Gellie, A., minister of Fordyce, 191 ; 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 211. 
 
 Annie, 426. 
 
 General assembly of 1694, 132, 135, 
 138, 139, 142; the assembly's com- 
 mission for the settlement of the 
 church in the north, 155 ; the as- 
 sembly of 1703, 357 ; of 1704, 369 ; 
 a national fast suggested in view of 
 the threatened French invasion, 448- 
 450. 
 
 Gibson, sir Alexander, 27. 
 
 Gilchrist, John, minister of Keith, 282. 
 
 Glasgow magistrates' letters to the earl 
 
 of Seafield, 454, 463. 
 David, earl of, treasurer-depute, 
 
 420 ; letter on the Scots coin and the 
 
 new English standards of weights 
 
 and measures, 438. 
 Glassaugh. See Abercrombie, John. 
 Glassford, 363. 
 
 Gledstons, Win., a rebel of the Bass, 
 
 Glencairn, Anne, countess of, viii. 
 
 William, eighth earl of, viii, xiii. 
 
 ninth earl, viii. 
 
 Glencoe, massacre of, 174, 176. 
 Glenkindie. See Stracban. 
 Glenurquhart, 78. 
 
 Godolphin, earl of, his correspondence 
 with the earl of Seafield, 362. 
 
 Godschall, Robert, consul at Seville, 
 292. 
 
 Golf, 64. 
 
 Gollachie, laird of. See Gordon. 
 Gordon, of Auchintoul, lord Auchin- 
 
 toul, 268, 270. 
 of Gollachie, taken prisoner to 
 
 London, 475 and note. 
 Agnes, daughter of George, second 
 
 earl of Huntly, vii. 
 colonel Alexander, of Auchintoul, 
 
 letter from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 
 371. 
 
 Alexander, of Dolochie, letter 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 202. 
 
 of Laquochie, letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Findlater, 6. 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Adam 
 
 Gordon, dean of Caithness, vii, 184, 
 189, 196; letters from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 11, 93. 
 
 George, duke of, 4, 10, 19 ; holds 
 
 Edinburgh Castle for James 11., 46 ; 
 letter from Seafield to Carstares on 
 the duke's affairs, 318; a prisoner, 
 467, 473 ; removed to London, 475 ; 
 letter from, to Seafield, on his liber- 
 ation, 286; letter from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 5. 
 
 =- of Buckie, 477. 
 
 of Carnousie, 354, 355. 
 
 sir George, of Edinglassie, 49, 5 1 * 
 
 5 2 > 53> 65, 221 ; note on, 54; letters 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 43, 
 59- 
 
 George, professor of oriental 
 
 languages in Aberdeen, letter to, 
 from the earl of Findlater, 333. 
 
 H., letter from, to the earl of 
 
 Findlater, 60. 
 
 James, of Ardmelie, 354, 355. 
 
 of Mullican, letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Seafield, 370-371 and n. 
 
 sir John, of Park, 70. 
 
 John, bailie of Banff, letters from, 
 
 to the earl of Findlater, 4, 36 ; letter 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie on French 
 privateering in the Moray Firth, 
 104. 
 
 Peter, 262. 
 
 sir Robert, of Gordonstoun, 78, 
 
 89. 
 
 Thomas, 146, 147. 
 
 captain of the Margaret 
 
 of Aberdeen, 234, 392 ; captain of 
 the Royal Mary, 363, 378 ; captain 
 of the Royal William, 415, 416; 
 captures the St. Trinity, 419, 420, 
 422 ; captures the Salisbury off 
 Montrose, 460, 462. 
 
 William, of Farskane, 31. 
 
 I Dr., 74 
 
INDEX 
 
 487 
 
 Gordonstoun. See Gordon, sir Robert. 
 Goring, major, 433. 
 
 Graham, Fuphemia, wife of Gordon of 
 
 Abergeldie, 102. 
 James, a prisoner in Spain, 279, 
 
 288, 292 ; sentenced to death, 293, 
 
 303-305- 
 
 John, lord Kinpont, 125. 
 
 lady Mary, wife of sir John 
 
 Allardes, 125, 153; letter from, to 
 sir James Ogilvie, 127. 
 
 Robert, of Morphie, 102. 
 
 William, of Buchwhaple, im- 
 prisoned in the Tolbooth on suspicion 
 of trafficking with France, 275. 
 
 Grant of Carron, 471. 
 
 Alexander, of Allachie, 55. 
 
 of Bellintome, 138. 
 
 of Grant 329 ; letters 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 227 
 and 344. 
 
 Anna, wife of Patrick Ogilvie of 
 
 Boyne, 221. 
 
 Archibald, of Bellintome, 136, 137, 
 
 227. 
 
 sir Francis, lord Cullen, 138, 227, 
 
 423, 472 ; letter from, to the earl of | 
 Seafield, 420. 
 
 George, letter from, to the earl of 
 
 Findlater, 59. 
 
 Helen, wife of Duff of Keith- 
 more, 55. 
 
 James, of Castle Grant, letter to 
 
 the earl of Findlater on the pur- 
 chase of timber at Strathspey, 329, 
 and n. 
 
 John, of Ballindalloch, 77. 
 
 sir John, of Freuchie, 118, 320. 
 
 Katherine, wife of Alexander 
 
 Ogilvie of Kempcairn, 339. 
 
 Ludovick, eighth laird of Grant, 
 
 letter from, to lord Boyne, 65 ; 
 letters from, to sir James Ogilvie, 
 78, 89 ; letter to, from the chancellor , 
 requiring him to keep order in his 
 country, 80. 
 
 brigadier-general, 466, 467. 
 
 Gray, lord, II, 12, 40. 
 
 Graycrook, 442. 
 
 Green, captain, of the Worcester, xxiv ; 
 executed for piracy and murder, 386- 
 392 ; excitement caused by his execu- 
 tion, 394-397, 400-411, 413, 422 
 and n, 
 
 Greenlaw, Midlothian, 223. 
 Gregorie, Thomas, 210, 261. 
 
 William, 431. 
 
 Grote, Dr., 69. 
 Guthrie, John, 109. 
 
 Haddington, John, earl OF, x. 
 I [addo House, 32 ft. 
 Halcraig, lord. See Hamilton, sirjohn. 
 Haldane (Hadden), of Glenegles, 283. 
 Halgreen, laird of, dies in prison, 226. 
 Haliburton, of I'itcur, 51. 
 
 captain Alexander, a prisoner 
 
 from the Bass, convicted of high 
 treason, 115, 117. 
 Halifax, earl of, 14. 
 
 Hall, sirjohn, of Dunglass, 134 and n. 
 Halyards, 252, 259. 
 
 Hamilton, Anne, duchess of, ix, xi, 
 34, 36, 207 ; letters from, to the 
 countess of Findlater, xiv, xix, I, 
 10 ; letter from, to lady Anne 
 Montgomerie, xii. 
 
 daughter of William, 
 
 second duke of Hamilton and wife 
 of Robert, third earl of Southesk, 
 xi. 
 
 captain Arch., killed at the battle 
 
 of Landen, 115. 
 
 lord Basil, 274, 277 ; letter to, 
 
 from the Darien colonists, prisoners 
 in Spain, 288. 
 
 lord Charles, 10. 
 
 lord George, at the battle of 
 
 Landen, 115. 
 
 James, first duke, x. 
 
 fourth duke, 246, 272, 
 
 294, 367 ; letter from, to the countess 
 of Findlater, xix ; letter from, to the 
 earl of Seafield, 407. 
 
 of Orbieston, captain of 
 
 the Royal Mary, 416. 
 
 James, in Keith, 53. 
 
 lord John, general of the Mint, 
 
 146. 
 
 sir John, lord Halcraig, M.P. 
 
 for Cullen, 268, 269. 
 
 Margaret, wife of John, earl of 
 
 Crawford and Lindsay, x. 
 
 Mary. See Findlater, countess 
 
 of. 
 
 William, second duke of, x. 
 
 third duke, xi, 27, 28, 
 
 41, 42, 46, 50, 62, 63, 99, 120, 138, 
 1 39, 143; letter from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 39; letter from, to sir 
 I James Ogilvie, 75. 
 
 J sir William, 76, 117, 227, 228 
 
 ;/ ; letters from, to sir James Ogilvie, 
 62, 91. 
 
 of Monkland, his estates forfeited, 
 
 6. 
 
 Hammond's Practical Catechism, 211. 
 Harcarse, lord. See Hog, sir Roger. 
 Harper, sir John, 41. 
 
488 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Hay of Muldavit, 444, 476. 
 
 Alexander, of Arnbath, 28, 284, 
 
 287. 
 
 Andrew, of Mountblaire, 354, 
 
 355- 
 
 James, 218. 
 
 John, lord, of Yester, 134, 144. 
 
 minister of Rathven, 171. 
 
 William, in Aberdeen, his ship 
 
 taken by French privateers, 104. 
 Hedges, sir Charles, 379, 392, 402, 
 
 414. 
 
 Henderson, James, minister of Desk- 
 ford, 155. 
 
 Hill, colonel, 433. 
 
 Hog, sir Roger, lord Harcarse, 18. 
 
 Home, Charles, sixth earl of, 135. 
 
 sir John, of Blackader, 283. 
 
 sir Patrick, 326. 
 
 Hooke, colonel, 443. 
 
 Hope, sir William, of Kirkliston, let- 
 ter from, to the earl of Findlater, 56. 
 
 Horindige, colonel, at the battle of 
 Almanza, 433. 
 
 Horse racing in Edinburgh, 462. 
 
 Houstoun, laird of, 283. 
 
 Hume, sir Patrick, 122. 
 
 Huntly, George, marquis of, 279, 473, 
 474- 
 
 Marie, marchioness-dowager of, 
 
 notes on, 118, 320; letter from, to 
 sir James Ogilvie, on behalf of 
 Donald Ross, 119. 
 
 Hyndford, John, earl of, secretary of 
 state for Scotland, 132, 143, 146, 
 255, 257, 260, 332. 
 
 Inchdrewer, 71. 
 
 Inglis, sir John, 446 ; letter from, to 
 
 the earl of Seafield, 447. 
 Innes, sir Alexander, of Coxton (Cok- 
 
 stoun), 129; letter from, to the earl 
 
 of Findlater, 379. 
 Hugh, minister of Mortlach, 245, 
 
 335 and n. 
 John, of Edingight, letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Findlater, 50. 
 minister of Gamrie, letter 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 335 
 
 and note. 
 
 Patrick, tutor in the family of the 
 
 earl of Findlater, and afterwards 
 minister of Banff, xv, 108 ; letters 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, xvi, 
 8, 14, 44, 67, 156, 170, 173, 204, 
 244 ; letters from, to sir James 
 Ogilvie, 87, 101-102 and n. 
 
 Inverallochy. See Fraser. 
 
 Inverernan. See Forbes, John. 
 
 Inverey. See Farquharson, John. 
 Inverlochy, 60. 
 Inverugie, 359. 
 
 Inverurie, William Keith, lord, letter 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 103. 
 
 Irvine, of Stank, liberated from prison, 
 121. 
 
 Jackson, colonel, 63, 72. 
 
 James 11., letter from, to the council 
 on the riot in Edinburgh caused by 
 the earl of Perth's observance of the 
 mass, 16 ; deprives the earl of 
 Rochester of his office of treasurer, 
 37 ; recalls the commissions of the 
 court of session, etc., 38; defeated 
 at the battle of the Boyne, 63 ; his 
 forces held in Brest by the English 
 and Dutch fleets, 86 ; rumours of 
 invasion by, 105, 186-188, 197 ; his 
 death, 336 and n. 
 
 Jedburgh, lord, 207, 210. 
 
 Jersey, Edward, earl of, letter to, from 
 the consul at Cadiz, regarding Darien 
 colonists, prisoners in Spain, 292. 
 
 Joass, William, of Colleonard, letter 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 7 ; 
 letters on his behalf from Mr. Pat. 
 Innes, 8 ; and sir Patrick Ogilvie, 9. 
 
 Johnston, James, secretary of state for 
 Scotland, 99, 109, 115, 130, 176- 181, 
 198 ; letters from, to the earl of Sea- 
 field, 386 and note, 401. 
 
 William, bookseller in Edinburgh, 
 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 66, 258. 
 
 Jolly, Robert, 225. 
 
 Justiciary commission for the Highlands, 
 216-217 ; proceedings in the north, 
 260-262. 
 
 Kaye, Catherine, lady, third wife of 
 the earl of Eglintoun, 251. 
 
 Kees hanged for conspiring against the 
 king, 191. 
 
 Keith, settlement of, 282 and n ; peti- 
 tion of tenants for more markets, 317 
 and n. 
 
 lady Elizabeth, wife of viscount 
 
 Arbuthnot, 72. 
 William, lord, afterwards earl 
 
 Marischal, letter from, to sir James 
 
 Ogilvie, 93. 
 Keithmore. See Duff, Alexander. 
 Kellburne, lord, 255. 
 Kemnay, lord. See Nicolson, sir 
 
 George. 
 
 Kempcairn, xxv, 226, 227, 360 ; ac- 
 quired by the earl of Seafield, 316. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Kempcairn, laird of. See Ogilvic, 
 
 Alexander. 
 Kenmure, viscount, taken prisoner to 
 
 London, 475. 
 Kennedy of Grange, his estate bestowed 
 
 on the provost of Edinburgh, 26, 29. 
 sir Thomas, provost of Edinburgh, 
 
 obtains the forfeited estate of Ken- | 
 
 nedy of Grange, 26, 29. 
 Kerr, lady Mary, wife of James Brodie 
 
 of Brodie, 400. 
 Killeam, 11. 
 
 Killichumen or Fort Augustus, 89. 
 Killiecrankie, battle of, 50. 
 Kilminerty. See Sutherland, Alex- 
 ander. 
 
 Kilsyth, viscount of, a prisoner, 467 ; 
 confined in Edinburgh Castle, 473 ; 
 to be tried in London, 474. 
 
 Kinaber. See Fullarton, John. 
 
 Kincardine, Alexander, earl of, 166. 
 
 Kincraigie, laird of, 344. 
 
 Kindrocht, fatal accident at, 426 and n. 
 
 King, hanged for conspiring against the 
 king, 191. 
 
 Kiniuvie. See Leslie, Alex. 
 
 Kinmundie. Sec Fraser, Andrew. 
 
 Kinnaird, Alexander, of Culbin, 100. 
 
 Kinnear, Andrew, letter on the Memo- 
 riall anent the auditing of the offi- 
 cers' accounts, 313 and note; letter 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, on the 
 execution of captain Green, 395. 
 
 Kintore, John, earl of, letter from, to 
 the earl of Findlater, on the trial of 
 Alester More, 341. 
 
 Kippendavie. See Ross. 
 
 Kirkhill. See Dunbar, John. 
 
 Lagg, laird of, to be indicted for 
 
 clipping and coining, 197. 
 La Hogue, battle of, 80, 88, 103. 
 Landen, battle of, m-112, 114, 115. 
 Laquochie. See Gordon, Alexander. 
 Lauder, Robert, 207. 
 Lauderdale, John, earl of, 178, 255. 
 
 duchess of, 238. 
 
 Lawe, John, moderator of the general 
 
 assembly, 132. 
 Lawrence, colonel, killed at the battle 
 
 of Almanza, 433. 
 Lawtie, James, of Tochineal, 195, 207 ; 
 
 letter to, from the collector of excise, 
 
 76. 
 
 Lecet, colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 Lesley, Patrick, of Melross, Banffshire, 
 
 29, 330. 
 
 Robert, of Findrassie, 273. 
 
 Leslie, Alexander, of Kininvie, provost 
 of Banff, 78, 79 ; representative for 
 Banff, 328 ; letter from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 161. 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, 
 
 earl of Rothes, viii. 
 
 sir James, 56. 
 
 John, sixth earl of Rothes, xiii. 
 
 I Marie, daughter of John, sixth 
 
 earl of Rothes, xiii. 
 Leslye, George, of Burdsbank, 5, 76, 
 IOO > 33° ; disposes of the lands of 
 Burdsbank to the earl of Seafield, 
 273 ; letters from, to the earl of Find- 
 later, 2, 26-30, 33, 35, 48, 156, 247, 
 
 272, 377- 
 Lettoch, 55. 
 
 Leven, David Leslie, earl of, 444 ; letters 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 456 and 
 «, 466 ; letter to, from the earl of Sun- 
 derland, on the threatened French 
 invasion, 452. 
 Lindsay, Anne, wife of the duke of 
 Rothes, x ; letter from, to the countess 
 of Findlater, xiv. 
 
 Christian, wife of John, duke of 
 
 Hamilton, x. 
 
 Elizabeth, wife of David, earl of 
 
 Northesk, x. 
 Linen manufactory, patent for, 75"7°- 
 Linlithgow, Alexander, first earl of, 
 xii. 
 
 Littlefield. See Wilson, Alexander. 
 ' Littleton, sir Thomas, speaker of the 
 house of commons, 250. 
 Livingstone, Charles. See Newburgh, 
 earl of. 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of viscount 
 
 Kilsyth, 34. 
 
 sir James, of Westquarter, xii. 
 
 Marion, daughter of William, sixth 
 
 lord Livingstone, ix. 
 
 sir Thomas, 59, 60, 131-133, 138, 
 
 200, 201. 
 
 William, sixth lord, ix. 
 
 commissary-general, 122, 
 
 128. 
 
 laird of, 283. 
 
 Lizard sunk by the French, 181. 
 Lochore. See Malcolm, Alexander. 
 Lockhart, sir George, lord president of 
 
 the court of session, 18, 26, 443. 
 Logie, Andrew, of Lonheid, charged 
 with slaughter, 148 ; letter from, to 
 sir James Ogilvie, on the winding up 
 of Robert Ogilvie's estate, 125. 
 London newsletter after the battle off 
 
 Beachy Head, 6S. 
 Longitude discovery, 430. 
 
490 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Lorimer, William, chamberlain to the 
 earl of Seafield, xxv, 252, 338 n ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 285, 316, 331, 359. 
 letters to, from — 
 Baird (James), 348. 
 Gairdne (Will.), 366. 
 Philp (John), 35s, 357, 361, 363, 
 
 367, 421, 428-430. 444, 45 1 - 
 Seafield (countess of), 353. 
 
 (earl of), 259, 265, 362, 428. 
 
 Stewart (Jo.), 43*, 473- 
 Lothian, Robert, marquis of, 332. 
 Loudoun, Hugh, earl of, 255, 420, 434, 
 435- 
 
 lady, death of, 20. 
 
 James, earl of, xiii. 
 
 Lyon of Auchterhouse, taken prisoner 
 to London, 475. 
 
 John, of Brigtown, 89. 
 
 sir Patrick, of Carse, 13. 
 
 M'Cartney, brigadier, 433. 
 Macdonald of Keppoch, letters of fire 
 
 and sword issued against, 230, 232 ; 
 
 letter from brigadier Maitland to 
 
 Seafield on behalf of, 315 ; taken 
 
 prisoner to London, 475. 
 Abater Mohr, reward offered for 
 
 his apprehension, 316 ; trial of, for 
 
 robberies, 341 and n, 343 ; sentenced 
 
 to death, 345, 346. 
 Angus, alias the ' Haked steer,' 
 
 reward offered for his apprehension, 
 
 121, 316. 
 
 sir Donald, of Sleat, 136, 137, 
 
 474- 
 
 John, alias Glendey, a Highland 
 
 robber, 316. 
 M'Gill, James, a prisoner in Edinburgh, 
 
 121. 
 
 M'Gregor, Evan, to be allowed to use 
 
 his own name, 136, 137. 
 M'Intosh, laird of, obtains letters of 
 
 fire and sword against Macdonald of 
 
 Keppoch, 230-232. 
 Mackay, Daniel, 225. 
 Hugh, major-general, 49, 52, 53, 
 
 63. 
 
 James, in Newmilne of Keith, 85. 
 
 Mackenzie. See Cromarty, earl of. 
 sir Alexander, of Coull, letter to, 
 
 from sir James Ogilvie, 170 and n. 
 
 Bernard, 234-235. 
 
 Colin, forfeiture of, 85. 
 
 clerk of the exchequer, 460. 
 
 major Duncan, 369. 
 
 sir George, lord advocate, 18, 35, 
 
 40, 42. 
 
 Mackenzie, sir James, clerk of ex- 
 chequer, 460. 
 
 Roderick, of Prestonhall, 355, 
 
 421 11. 
 
 M'Lauchlan, teacher in Glasgow, 
 sentenced to the pillory for inducing 
 soldiers to desert, 134, 136. 
 
 M'Lean, sir John, 383, 384, 402. 
 
 M'Leod, laird of, 136. 
 
 M'Nea), colonel 433. 
 
 MacPherson, sir /Eneas, 109. 
 
 James, hanged, 262. 
 
 Madder, captain, executed for murder, 
 86, 391, 394-397- 
 
 Maitland, sir Charles, of Pittrichie, 2. 
 
 R., governor of Fort William, 
 
 340, 341 ; letter from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 229 ; letter from, to the 
 earl of Seafield on behalf of Mac- 
 donald of Keppoch, 315. 
 
 Malcolm, Alexander, of Lochore, 38. 
 
 Mallock, John, a prisoner in Spain, 
 279, 292. 
 
 Malt tax, 429. 
 
 Mar, John, earl of, governor of Stirling 
 castle, 255 ; subscribes an address 
 of loyalty to William ill., 336; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 405 and note, 434. 
 
 Marchmont, Patrick, earl of, lord 
 chancellor of Scotland, 217 ; letter 
 to, from the commissioners of the 
 admiralty, 232 ; instructions to, for 
 holding the seventh session of Par- 
 liament, 239; letter from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 329. 
 
 Marischal, George, eighth earl, his 
 death, 133. 
 
 William, ninth earl, 144, 145, 471 ; 
 
 a prisoner in Edinburgh castle, 473 ; 
 to be tried in London, 474 ; letter 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 359. 
 
 college. See Aberdeen. 
 
 Marlborough, John, duke of, 368, 419, 
 423. 
 
 Mary, queen, plot in London against 
 
 her life, 85, 86, 87. 
 Maxwell, sir George, of Orchyeardtoun, 
 
 472 ; to be tried in London, 474. 
 
 sir John, of Pollok, 255. 
 
 Meldrum, Rev. David, 108. 
 
 George, minister of Aberdeen, 
 
 xv ; letters from, to the countess of 
 
 Findlater, xvi, xvii ; and to sir James 
 
 Ogilvie, 107, 436; letter from, to 
 
 James Walker, 364 and n. 
 Melfort, John Drummond, earl of, 
 
 secretary of state for Scotland, 40, 
 
 44- 
 
INDEX 
 
 401 
 
 Melville, George, earl of, 62, 63, 198. 
 Memorial to King William concerning 
 
 the Darien company, 299. 
 Memorial I . . . touching the Militia, 
 
 298. 
 
 Menteith, William, eighth earl of, death 
 of, 153- 
 
 Middleton, Charles, second earl of, plots 
 against William and Mary, 88 and 
 note ; proclamation for his appre- 
 hension, 186. 
 
 captain James, to treat for the sur- 
 render of the Bass, 131. 
 
 Militia laws, 298. 
 
 Mill, Mr., postmaster at Banff, 35. 
 
 provost of Linlithgow, 28. 
 
 Milnmark, lady, 146. 
 
 Ministers ordered to pray publicly for 
 
 William and Mary, 101. 
 Moir, Alex., regent of Marischal 
 
 college, 79. 
 Moncreiff, James, III. 
 sir Thomas, clerk to the treasury, 
 
 in. 
 
 Monkland, laird of. See Hamilton. 
 
 Monmouth, duke of, defeated at Sedge- 
 moor, 11, 12 ; a book on his amours, 
 39- 
 
 Montgomerie. See Eglinton, earls of. 
 
 Alexander, son of Robert, earl of 
 
 Winton, xii. 
 
 Anne, daughter of Hugh, seventh 
 
 earl of Eglintoun, and wile of James 
 third earl of Findlater. See Find- 
 later, countess of. 
 
 wife of (1) sir Andrew 
 
 Ramsay of Waughton, and (2) sir 
 Patrick Ogilvie of Boyne, xiii, 32- 
 34, 221. 
 
 Christian, wife of John, fourth lord 
 
 Balmerino, xiii. 
 Elizabeth, wife of Patrick Ogilvie, 
 
 103. 
 
 Francis, ofGiffen, xiii, 20, 31, 34, 
 
 36, 100, 107, 255 ; letter from, to 
 the countess of Findlater, 22 ; letter 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 39 ; 
 letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 88. 
 
 lady Helenor, wife of David 
 
 Dunbar of Baldoon, xiii. 
 
 sir James, of Skelmorlie, 61, 62. 
 
 colonel James, of Coilsfield, xii. 
 
 captain John, son of Alexander, 
 
 eighth earl of Eglintoun, 107. 
 
 Margaret, wife of James, earl of 
 
 Loudoun, xiii, 32. 
 
 Mary, wife of George, fourth earl 
 
 of Winton, xiii. 
 
 Robert, xii, xx,34. 
 
 Monymusk. See Grant, sir Francis. 
 Moray, Alexander, earl of, 29, 31. 
 
 Charles, earl of, 467, 473, 474. 
 
 Moray Firth ' pested ' with privateers, 
 104, 105. 
 
 Mordaunt, Henrietta, wife of the 
 marquis of Huntly, 279. 
 
 Morphie. See Graham, Robert. 
 
 Mortonhall. See Trotter, John. 
 
 Mountblaire. See Hay, Andrew. 
 
 Muir, William, of Rowallan, 320. 
 
 Muirton. See Calder, sir James ; Fal- 
 coner, Patrick. 
 
 Muldavit. See Hay. 
 
 Mullican. See Gordon, James. 
 
 Munro, George, of Newmore, 341 
 and n. 
 
 H., letter from, to sir James 
 
 Ogilvie, on putting Inverness in a 
 
 state of defence, 205. 
 
 sir John, of Foulis, 205, 206. 
 
 Murie. See Ogilvie, William. 
 Murray of Polmaise, to be tried in 
 
 London, 474. 
 Anna, letter to, from sir James 
 
 Ogilvie, 70. 
 lord Charles. See Dunmore, 
 
 earl of. 
 
 lord James, 472. 
 
 sir James, of Philiphaugh, lord 
 
 clerk register of Scotland, 255, 420. 
 
 sir John, lord Drumcairne, 135. 
 
 John, a ' prelaticall deacon, 
 
 108. 
 
 John, minister of Deskford, 157, 
 
 228. 
 
 Thomas, 428. 
 
 Nairn, lord, 470, 471, 474. 
 
 sir David, 390, 402 ; letters from, 
 
 to the earl of Seafield, 373, 374 «, 
 405, 419-422, 435 ; letters to the 
 earl of Seafield on the excitement 
 occasioned by the execution of cap- 
 tain Green, 397, 403, 406, 408-412. 
 
 Namur castle, surrender of, 166, 170. 
 
 Newburgh, Charles, second earl of, 
 in a plot against William and Mary, 
 88 and n. 
 
 Newbyth. See Baird, sir William. 
 
 Newmilne, in Keith, 68. 
 
 Newmore. See Munro, George. 
 
 Newsletter from London, 23. 
 
 Newton of Edmestoun, taken prisoner 
 to London, 475. 
 
 sir Isaac, 435, 436 and n. 
 
 Nicolson, sir George, of Kemnay, 18. 
 
 William, a prisoner from the Bass, 
 
 convicted of high treaon, 115, 117. 
 
492 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Nithsdale, William, earl of, to be tried 
 
 in London, 474. 
 Norry, Alex., 79. 
 
 Northesk, David, earl of, 41, 42, 438 ; 
 letter from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 386. 
 
 Ochiltry. See Cochran, sir John. 
 Ogilvie, sir Alexander, D. K. S., lord 
 Forglen, xxiv, 236, 237, 246, 256, 
 
 273-275' 3 26 > 3 28 and n , 343, 353> 
 382, 411, 425, 426 n ; note on, 71 ; 
 letter from, to the town council of 
 Banff, 427 ; letters from, to the earl 
 of Findlater, 158, 267, 274-278, 280- 
 282, 286, 314, 336, 342, 346 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 71, 381, 455, 459, 462, 464, 465, 
 468, 470, 471 ; letter to, giving an 
 account of the dispersion of the 
 French fleet by sir George Byng, 
 457- 
 
 Alexander, of Keith, ix. 
 
 of Kempcairn, 252, 287, 
 
 289, 331, 339; letters from, to the 
 
 earl of Findlater, 52, 53. 
 
 Anna. See Seafield, countess of. 
 
 wife of George Allardes 
 
 of Allardes, xv, 56, 89. 
 Elizabeth, daughter of James, 
 
 first earl of Findlater, viii. 
 daughter of the earl of Sea- 
 field, 82, 83, 250. 
 George, letter from, to sir James 
 
 Ogilvie, 79. 
 Hew, son of James, third earl of 
 
 Findlater, xv. 
 
 James. See Findlater, earl of. 
 
 sir James. See Seafield, earl of. 
 
 James, lord Deskford, son of the 
 
 earl of Seafield, 263, 331, 338, 416, 
 
 417, 423i 424, 43i» 444. 453 5 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 246, 288-289 and note, 323, 380 ; 
 letter to, from the countess of Sea- 
 field, 437 ; letters to, from the countess 
 of Seafield on behalf of the Jacobite 
 prisoners, 475, 477. 
 
 yr. of Boyne, 40, 41, 92 ; 
 
 letter from, with an invitation to golf, 
 64; a Jacobite agent, 452, 459. 
 
 merchant in Aberdeen, 348. 
 
 Janet, daughter of the earl of 
 
 Seafield, 426. 
 
 John, of Milton, letter from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 68. 
 
 bailie of Cullen, 58. 
 
 ■ collector at Inverness, letter 
 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 340. 
 
 Ogilvie, John, collector at Portsoy, 
 314- 
 
 Mary, daughter of the third earl of 
 
 Findlater, xv, 56, 188, 189, 376 and 
 «, 381. 
 
 ■ wife of Charles, lord 
 
 Oliphant, 68. 
 
 wife of sir John Grant of 
 
 Freuchie, 320. 
 
 sir Patrick, lord Boyne, xiii, 
 
 xxv, 28, 31, 36, 37, 38, 54, 95, 100, 
 268, 270, 273 ; letter from, to the 
 countess of Findlater, 21 ; letters 
 from, to the earl of Findlater, 6, 9, 
 11, 31-32, 220, 328, 330, 333, 334; 
 letters from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 89, 399 ; note on, 221. 
 
 Patrick, of Inchmartine, and son 
 
 of James, third earl of Findlater, 
 xiv, xxv, 126, 340, 342, 344, 382 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 105, 193, 194, 253, 344, 437 5 letters 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie, 149, 133 ; 
 letter to, from Al. Fraser, 194 ; note 
 on, 102. 
 
 Robert, son of James, third earl 
 
 of Findlater, xv, 124-125; letter 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie, 73 ; letter 
 to, from sir James Ogilvie, 67. 
 
 son of Alex. Ogilvie of 
 
 Kempcairn, 259. 
 
 sir Walter, of Auchlevyn, vii. 
 
 created lord Ogilvie of 
 
 Deskford, vii. 
 
 Walter, lord Deskford, brother 
 
 of the earl of Seafield, xiv-xvi, 
 xix, xx, 5, 6, 10, 18, 20-22, 28, 30, 
 42, 147, 155, 161 ; letter from, to 
 the earl of Findlater, 20. 
 
 of Boyne, 221. 
 
 of Redhythe, 151. 
 
 William, son of the earl of Sea- 
 field, 266. 
 
 of Murie, 18. 
 
 cornet in the Royal Scots 
 
 Dragoons, 198; letter from, to sir 
 James Ogilvie, on the campaign in 
 Flanders, 199. 
 
 Ogilvies of Airlie, vii, viii. 
 
 of Banff, ix. 
 
 of Boyne, ix. 
 
 Oglethorp, sir Theophilus, 27. 
 
 Oliphant, Charles, seventh lord, 68 ; 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 7°- 
 
 Orchyeardtoun. See Maxwell, sir 
 George. 
 
 Ord, William, of Findochty, 280, 476. 
 Orkney, earl of, 246. 
 
INDKX 
 
 L98 
 
 Ormond, duke of, 14. 
 
 Osborne, James, professor of divinity in 
 
 Marischal college, letter from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 228. 
 Oswald, sir James, of Fingaltoun, 28, 
 
 168, 268. 
 
 Oxfuird, Robert, second viscountof, 135. ! 
 
 l'ANMURE, LORD, 294. 
 
 Park. See Gordon, sir John, 70. 
 
 Parker, sir William, sentenced to death 
 for conspiring against the king, 191. 
 
 Paterson, Robert, principal of Maris- 
 chal college, letter from, to sir 
 James Ogilvie, 141. 
 
 sir William, 27. 
 
 Patronage abolished, 65, 66. 
 
 Peacock, George, regent of Marischal 
 college, 141, 142, 289. 
 
 Pennicuick, captain Robert, 225, 276, | 
 294. j 
 
 Perth, James, earl of, chancellor of 
 Scotland, 13 ; becomes a Roman 
 Catholic, 14 ; his attending mass in 
 Edinburgh causes a riot, 16. 
 
 Philp, John, private secretary to the 
 earl of Seafield, xxv ; note on, 222 ; 
 letters from, to the earl of Findlater, 
 221, 249, 251, 255, 264, 290, 327, 
 350, 365, 425 ; letters from, to 
 William Lorimer, 355, 357, 361, 
 363,367,421,428-430,444,451. 
 
 Phippenny, Israel, a witness in captain 
 Green's trial, 392. 
 
 Pinkerton (Pincarton), Robert, member 
 of council of the Darien company, 
 225; a prisoner in Spain, 277-279; 
 sentenced to death, 293 ; efforts by 
 Seafield, etc., for release of the 
 prisoners, 303-309 ; letter from, to 
 lord Basil Hamilton, 288. 
 
 Pitmedden. See Seton, sir Alexander. 
 
 Pitsligo. See Forbes, Alexander. 
 
 Pittrichie. See Maitland, sir Charles. 
 
 Pittulie, 47. 
 
 Pittyvaich, 55. 
 
 Poll tax, 151, 152, 154, 168, 176, 190, 
 
 192, 197, 232, 248, 261. 
 Polwarth, Patrick, lord, 193, 203, 204. 
 Portland, William, earl of, 237, 264; 
 
 letters to, from the earl of Seafield, 
 
 240-241, 245. 
 Pottinger, captain, of the Dartmouth, 60. 
 Powrie, laird of. See Fotheringham. 
 Prelacy abolished, 101. 
 Prendergrass, colonel, 372. 
 Presbyterianism established in the north 
 
 of Scotland, xxiii, 65, 101, 165-173, 
 
 228, 244, 258, 270. 
 
 Prestonhall. See Mackenzie, Roderick. 
 
 Plingle, Robert, under secretary for 
 Scotland, 215-216, 326; letter from, 
 to the earl of Findlater, 223 ; letters 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 309, 
 320-322. 
 
 Privateers from France in the Moray 
 
 Firth, 104, 105. 
 Privy council of Great Britain issues 
 
 warrants for the arrest of suspected 
 
 rebels, 452. 
 of Scotland abolished, 436- 
 
 437 and 443, 450, 459. 
 Proclamation as to deserters from the 
 
 army, 134, 137. 
 
 QUEENSBERRY, JAMES, DUKE OF, 62, 
 
 198, 354, 365, 373, 420, 434, 435 ; 
 the Queensberry plot, 367 and n ; 
 letter from, to the earl of" Seafield, 
 404 ; letter to, from the earl of Sea- 
 field, 291. 
 
 Ramsay, sir Andrew, of Waughton, 
 xiii. 
 
 sir James, 146. 
 
 colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 
 Rathven parish, settlement of, 1 71-175, 
 244, 258, 270, 276. 
 
 Redhythe, 151, 154, 160. 
 
 Ritchie, Charles, letter from, to sir 
 James Ogilvie, 179. 
 
 Robertson of Straloch, 469 ; a pri- 
 soner in the Tolbooth, 473 ; to be 
 tried in London, 474. 
 
 of Strowan, taken prisoner to 
 
 London, 475. 
 
 Charles, 83, 147. 
 
 Daniel, minister of Hutton, 222. 
 
 Sophia, 222. 
 
 Robertson, of Ladykirk, 222. 
 
 Robinson, Mr., envoy at the court of 
 Sweden, 372. 
 
 Rocheid, sir James, clerk to the con- 
 vention of royal burghs, letter on 
 a patent for a linen manufactory, 
 75- 
 
 Rochester, earl of, 37. 
 
 Rodger, Robert, 455, 464. 
 
 Rooke, admiral sir George, defeated by 
 
 the French Atlantic squadron, 106 ; 
 
 at Kinsale, 115 ; at Cadiz, 180. 
 Roper, colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 Rose, Hugh, of Kilravock, letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Seafield, 399. 
 Rosebery, earl of, action against sir John 
 
 Inglis concerning fishing Cramond 
 
494 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 water, 446-447 and », 448 ; travels 
 in a cart, 466 ; quarrels with Durie, 
 472. 
 
 Ross, lord, 61 ; a prisoner in the Tower, 
 62 ; letter from, to the earl of Sea- 
 field, 368. 
 
 of Kippendavie, taken prisoner to 
 
 London, 475. 
 
 Anne, daughter of the archbishop 
 
 of St. Andrews, and wife of lord Bal- 
 merino, 18, 20. 
 
 Arthur, archbishop of St. Andrews, 
 
 18, 19, 25, 36. 
 
 David, of Balnagown, 414; letters 
 
 from, to sir James Ogilvie on behalf 
 of Donald Ross, no, 118; letter 
 from, to the earl of Seafield, 410. 
 
 Donald, in prison on a charge of 
 
 horse-stealing, no; sentenced to 
 death, 118; the sentence commuted 
 to banishment, 1 19. 
 
 Rothes, John, duke of, x, xix. 
 
 Rowallan. See Muir, William. 
 
 Roxburgh, John, earl of, secretary of 
 state for Scotland, 380 ; letter from, 
 to the earl of Seafield, 389. 
 
 Royal burghs, convention of, in Edin- 
 burgh, 75-76. 
 
 Royal Sovereign burnt, 180. 
 
 Salton, laird of, his estate obtained 
 by the earl of Dumbarton, 14 ; for- 
 feited, 16. 
 
 William, eleventh lord, letter from, 
 
 to sir James Ogilvie, 167. 
 
 Sandend, 360. 
 
 Sanders, James, bailie of Cullen, 58. 
 
 R. , bailie in Banff, 104. 
 
 Sandilands, John, 171. 
 Scott, sir Francis, of Thirlstone, agent 
 for the African company, 225. 
 
 Patrick, W.S., 469, 474- 
 
 Seafield, Anna, countess of, her marri- 
 age, 42 ; birth of her daughter 
 Elizabeth, 82 ; letter on the death of 
 William III., 349; her illness, 425; 
 advice to her son, lord Deskford, on 
 the choice of a wife, 437 ; endeavours 
 to aid prisoners charged with con- 
 sorting with the French, 475 ; letters 
 on behalf of Gordon of Buckie, 477 ; 
 her death, 478. 
 letters from, to — 
 
 Deskford (lord), 437, 475, 477- 
 Findlater (earl of), 213, 244, 248, 
 256, 259, 318, 339, 340, 347, 
 349, 35 6 > 3 6l > 425, 426, 468, 
 477- 
 
 Lorimer (William), 353. 
 
 Seafield, James, fourth earl of Findlater 
 and first earl of Seafield, his birth 
 and parentage, vii, xiv ; his family 
 connections, ix-xiii, 42; at Aberdeen 
 university, xv-xvii ; passes advocate, 
 xxi-xxii ; returned to parliament, 
 xxii, 47, 60 ; knighted, xxii, 50 ; 
 sheriff of Banff, 81, 82, 96, 97 ; 
 solicitor - general, xxii, xxiii, 97; 
 secretary of state, xxiii, 181 ; lord 
 high chancellor, xxiv ; his purchases 
 of land, xxv, 147, 151, 154 ; acquires 
 the lands of Burdsbank, 253 ; receives 
 ^"iooo for his services, 285 ; acquires 
 the lands of Bogmuchels in Fordyce, 
 267 ; and Burdsbank, 273 ; commis- 
 sioner to the general assembly of 
 the Church of Scotland, 280-281 ; pre- 
 paring for the meeting of parliament, 
 284-287, 289, 314 ; acquires the lands 
 of Kempcairn, 316; created earl of 
 Seafield, 331-332; secretary of state 
 under queen Anne, 353 ; chancellor 
 of Scotland, 355 ; commissioner to 
 the general assembly, 357 ; his 
 correspondence with lord Godolphin, 
 treasurer of England, 362 ; in favour 
 at the court of queen Anne, 365, 
 424 ; reappointed secretary of state 
 for Scotland, 380 ; reappointed chan- 
 cellor of Scotland, 385, 435 ; ac- 
 quires the Boyne estates, 399 ; pre- 
 sident over the Scots commissioners 
 for the union, 426; his reception in 
 London, 432 ; baron of exchequer, 
 435- 
 
 letters from, to — 
 
 Baird (James), 327. 
 
 Carstares (William), 311, 318. 
 
 Dunbar (Alex.), 82. 
 
 Findlater (countess of), xvii, xviii, 
 xx, 21, 34, 36. 
 
 (earl of), xviii, 12, 14, 15, 
 
 18, 22, 37-41, 47, 49, 50, 
 57, 97, 99, 100, 105, 125, 129, 
 151, 152, 154, 157, 160, 163, 
 174, 176, 183, 184, 226, 236, 
 251, 257, 265, 281, 284, 287, 
 289, 338, 423, 424. 
 
 Lorimer (William), 259, 265, 
 428. 
 
 Mackenzie of Coull, 170. 
 Marischal (earl), 133. 
 Murray (Anna), 70. 
 Ogilvie (Robert), 67. 
 Portland (earl of), 240, 241, 245. 
 Queensberry (duke of), 291. 
 Steuart of Coltness, 109. 
 William III., 303, 304. 
 
INDEX 
 
 495 
 
 Seafield, James, fourth earl of Find- 
 later, — contd. 
 letters to, from — 
 
 Abercrombie (Alex.), of Glass- 
 
 haugh, 466, 470. 
 Allardes (George), no. 
 Anderson (John), 108, 1 1 5, 117, 
 
 121, 131, 132, 134, 136, 138, 
 140, 143, 144, 146, 165, 166, 
 168, 169. 
 
 Arbuthnot (Dr. John), 409 and n. 
 
 Athole (duke of), 388. 
 
 Baird (James), of Chesterhall, 441. 
 
 (sir William), 441. 
 
 Banff bailies, 104. 
 
 Belhaven (earl of), 385, 389, 393. 
 
 Black (William), 79, 112, 116, 
 
 122, 416. 
 
 Brodie (James), of Brodie, 73, 399, 
 and 
 
 Buchan (John), of Cairnbulg, 414 
 and 11. 
 
 Carstares (William), 311. 
 
 Cock (James), 92. 
 
 Cockburn (Adam), of Ormiston, 
 
 388, 446, 460. 
 Crawford (earl ot), 393. 
 Cromarty (earl of), 358, 430. 
 Cruikshank (Robert), 168. 
 Cullen bailies, 58. 
 Dalrymple (sir John), 77, 96. 
 Eglintoun (earl of), 130, 382. 
 Errol (earl of), 375. 
 Fella (Alex), 83-86. 
 Findlater (earl of), 42, 72. 105. 
 Forbes (lord), 374, 375 and n. 
 
 (sir Robert), 454, 459. 
 
 Fraser (lord), 74, 165. 
 
 (Andrew), of Kinmundie, 148. 
 
 Glasgow (earl of), 438. 
 
 magistrates, 454, 463. 
 
 Gordon (duke of), 286. 
 
 (Alex.), of Auchintoul, 371. 
 
 (James), of Mullican, 370-371 
 
 and n. 
 
 Graham (lady Marie), 127. 
 Grant (sir Francis), 420. 
 
 (Ludovick), 78, 89. 
 
 Hamilton (duke of), 75, 407. 
 
 (sir William), 62, 91. 
 
 Huntly (marchioness of), 119. 
 
 Inglis (sir John), 447. 
 
 Innes (Patrick), 87, 101. 
 
 Johnstone (James), 386, 401. 
 
 Keith (William, lord), 93. 
 
 Kineir (A.), 395. 
 
 Leven (earl of), 456 and n, 466. 
 
 Logie (Andrew), 125. 
 
 Lorimer (William), 285, 316, 359. 
 
 Seafield, James, fourth earl of Find* 
 later, — contd. 
 letters to, from — 
 
 Maitland (brigadier), 315. 
 Mar (John, earl of), 405 and n, 434. 
 Marischal (earl of), 359. 
 Meldrum (Rev. George), 107, 436. 
 Montgomerie (Francis), 88. 
 Munro (H.), 205. 
 
 Nairn (sir David), 373, 397, 403 
 
 and n, 405, 406, 408-414, 419, 
 
 421, 422, 435. 
 Northesk (earl of), 386. 
 Ogilvie (sir Alex.), of Forglen, 71, 
 
 '381, 455, 459, 462, 464, 465, 
 
 468, 470, 471. 
 
 (George), 79. 
 
 (James), 398. 
 
 (sir Patrick), 89, 133, 149, 399. 
 
 (Robert), 73. 
 
 (William), 199. 
 
 Paterson (Robert), 141. 
 Pringle (Robert), 309, 320-322. 
 Queensberry (duke of), 404. 
 Richie (Cha.), 179. 
 Rose (Hugh), of Kilravock, 399. 
 Ross (lord), 368. 
 
 (David), of Balnagown, no, 
 
 1 18, 410. 
 Roxburgh (duke of), 389. 
 Saltoun (earl of), 167. 
 Seafield (countess of), 48, 453. 
 Seaton (Robert), 106. 
 Smith (Thomas), 374. 
 Steuart (James), of Coltness, 113, 
 115, 120, 138, 139, 142, 169, 
 440, 444, 448, 461. 
 Stevenson (Martha), 90. 
 Stewart (Jo.), 83. 
 Stirling (John), 450. 
 Strathmore (earl of), 392. 
 Treasury commissioners, 128. 
 Tweeddale (marquess of), 388. 
 Wedderburn (Alexander), 378, 390- 
 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402. 
 Seaforth, countess of, 136. 
 
 earl of, 85, 87 ; a prisoner, 463, 
 
 467, 473, 474- 
 Sedgemoor, battle of, 11. 
 Selkirk, lord, 311. 
 Semple, lord, 42. 
 
 Seton, sir Alexander, lord Pitmedden, 
 
 2, 38, 156, 382. 
 
 sir George, of Garltoun, 135, 146. 
 
 James, of Touch, 470, 471, 474. 
 
 Robert, of Hailes, ix, 192 and 11 ; 
 
 letter from, to sir James Ogilvie, 106. 
 Shanks, Martin, minister at Newhills, 
 
 258. 
 
496 CORRESPONDENCE OF EARL OF SEAFIELD 
 
 Shankstoun. See Campbell, John. 
 Sharp, Robert, schoolmaster in Cullen, 
 155, 157- 
 
 sir William, of Stonyhill, 3 and n ; 
 
 his death, 16. 
 a prisoner for plotting against 
 
 the king, 187. 
 Shrimpton, major-general, 433. 
 Sibbald, Dr., 25-29. 
 Simpson, executed for piracy, 386. 
 Sinclair, lord, a prisoner, 467, 473. 
 
 sir Archibald, 234, 326. 
 
 Margaret, vii. 
 
 Skeith. See Abercrombie. 
 Skelmorlie. See Montgomerie, sir 
 
 James, 62. 
 Slezer, John, 233, 234, 240. 
 Smith, Thomas, 455, 464 ; letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Seafield, 374. 
 Smollett, sir James, 326, 381. 
 Southesk, earl of, xi. 42. 
 Spenser, Benjamin, a prisoner in Spain, 
 
 288 ; sentenced to death, 293, 303- 
 
 305- 
 
 Speymouth, French at, 468, 471. 
 
 Sprat, Thomas, bishop of Rochester, 87. 
 
 Stanhope, colonel, 433. 
 
 State of the funds for the forces, 300. 
 
 Sterling, George, 62. 
 
 Steuart, sir James, of Coltness, lord 
 advocate, III, 114, 122, 132, 177; 
 letter from, to the sheriff-deputes of I 
 Banff, 145 ; letter to the lord chan- J 
 cellor on seamen's arrears, 232 ; 
 letter on admiralty papers and 
 accounts, 234 ; letters concerning 
 contributions for charitable uses, 
 440 ; letters to the earl of Seafield, 
 113, 115, 120, 138, 139, 142, 169, 
 444, 448, 461 ; letter to, from sir 
 James Ogilvie, 109. 
 
 Patrick, of Tannachie, 252 ; taken 
 
 prisoner to London, 475 and n; 
 letter from, to the earl of Findlater,46. 
 
 Stevenson, Martha, bookseller in Edin- 
 burgh, letters from, to the earl of 
 Findlater, 90, 95, 98, 150. 
 
 Stewart of Appin, to be sent prisoner 
 to Edinburgh, 136, 137. 
 
 Daniel, 274. 
 
 Dugald, 469. 
 
 John, letters from, to William 
 
 Lorimer, 431, 473; letter from, to 
 sir James Ogilvie, 83. 
 
 Patrick, of Ballachan, 136, 137. 
 
 Robert, raises an action against 
 
 the lady Abergeldie, 102. 
 
 lieut. -colonel, imprisoned for refus- 
 ing to give up pressed men, 135, 136. 
 
 Stirling kirk-session books, 146. 
 
 of Carden, 470 ; to be tried in 
 
 London, 474. 
 
 of Keir, 470 ; to be tried in 
 
 London, 474. 
 
 John, principal of Glasgow 
 
 university, letter from, to the earl of 
 Seafield, 450. 
 Stonyhill. See Sharp, William. 
 J Stormonth, viscount, to be tried in 
 London, 474. 
 Strachan of Glenkindie, 193. 
 
 Andrew, letter from, to the 
 
 earl of Findlater, 193. 
 
 Arthur, ' outed ' minister of Mort- 
 
 lach, 245 and n. 
 
 James, 'outed' minister of Keith, 
 
 282. 
 
 John, 87. 
 
 William, 430. 
 
 Straloch. See Robertson, 
 i Strathmore, John, fourth earl, 178; 
 letter from, to the earl of Seafield, 
 392. 
 
 Patrick, third earl of, 14, 37, 
 
 146. 
 
 Strathnaver, lord, 327 ; letter from, to 
 
 the earl of Findlater, 285. 
 Strathspey timber, 329. 
 Sunderland, earl of, letter to the earl of 
 Leven, on the threatened French 
 invasion, 452. 
 Sutherland, Alexander, of Kilminerty, 
 282. 
 
 Swan, colonel, 433. 
 
 Tait, Alex., skipper in Leith, 144, 
 145- . . 
 
 minister of Cullen, 229 and n. 
 
 Tannachie. See Steuart, Patrick. 
 Tarbat, viscount. See Cromarty, earl 
 of. 
 
 Taylor, Helen, wife of Duff of Braco, 
 220. 
 
 Thomson, T., letter to the earl of Find- 
 later on the planting of Rathven, 
 270. 
 
 Thors, sir David, 18. 
 Tillibody. See Abercrombie. 
 Tilson, George, letters to, from Rich. 
 
 Dowdeswell, 473, 474. 
 Tochineal. See Law tie, James. 
 Torwoodlee estate forfeited and gifted 
 
 to general Drummond, 26, 29. 
 Touch. See Setoun, James. 
 Trail, W., letters from, to the earl of 
 
 Findlater, 171, 173, 174. 
 Traquair, earl of, 467, 473. 
 Treaty of Ryswick, 217-218. 
 
INDKX 
 
 497 
 
 Trial by torture, 17. 
 
 Trotter, John, of Moitonhall, a prisoner 
 
 from the Bass, to be hanged at Castle- 
 
 toun, 131, 132; his execution, 133. 
 Troup. See Garden, Alexander. 
 Tullibardine, earl of. See Athole, 
 
 John, duke of. 
 Turnbull, of Borrowstouness, his ship 
 
 taken by French privateers, 104. 
 Turner, Francis, bishop of Ely, 14, 24. 
 Turriff presbytery, 228. 
 Tweeddale, John, marquess of, 113, 
 
 176, 177, 294, 373, 380 ; letter from, 
 
 to the laird of Grant, 80 ; letter from, 
 
 to the earl of Seafield, 388. 
 
 Union of England and Scotland, 
 282, 378, 384, 406, 426, 428 ; its 
 unpopularity in Scotland, 442, 445, 
 448, 478. 
 
 Veitch, William, 225. 
 
 Wade, colonel, 433. 
 
 Walker, James, letter to, from rev. 
 George Meldrum, 364. 
 
 Wallace, Alex., bailie of Banff, 104. 
 
 sir William, of Craigie, pension 
 
 out of his forfeited estate for the earl 
 of Eglintoun, 130. 
 
 Watson, George, 83, 86. 
 
 Robert, deputy-keeper of the 
 
 signet, 257. 
 
 Waughton. See Ramsay, sir Andrew. 
 
 Wedderburn, Al., deputy secretary of 
 state, letters from, to the earl 
 of Seafield, 378, 390-392 ; letters 
 to Seafield on the execution of 
 captain Green and his crew, 394, 
 396, 398-400, 402; letter to Seafield, 
 on Campbell of Glendaruel and sir 
 John Maclean's coming to Scotland, 
 402. 
 
 sir Peter, 3. 
 
 Weights and measures, 438-439. 
 
 Weir, Thomas, 144. 
 
 Wemyss, countess of, death of, 42. 
 
 Wemyss, Margaret, countess-dowager 
 of, 286. 
 
 Westcombe, sir Martin, consul in Cadiz, 
 his Memorial about J lis A/a'"'* 
 subjects prisoners there, 279 ; letter 
 from, to the earl of Jersey, con- 
 cerning the Scots prisoners in Spain, 
 292 ; letter to, from W. Blathwayt, 
 requesting him to assist the Scots 
 prisoners in Spain, 309. 
 
 Westertoun. See Anderson. 
 
 Whales, crown rights in, 161-162. 
 
 White of Bannochy, advocate, im- 
 prisoned in the Tolbooth, 274. 
 
 Whitelums ( Wheytloumes), 49, 50. 
 
 William m., lands at Torbay, 44; 
 grants a pension to the earl of 
 Eglintoun out of the forfeited estate 
 of Wallace of Craigie, 130; royal 
 warrant appointing sir James Ogilvie 
 and John, lord Murray, secretaries of 
 state for Scotland, 181 ; plot against 
 his life, 185, 187-191, 197 ; his Dutch 
 guards reduced, 221 ; opposed to the 
 Darien scheme, 290 ; preparing a 
 treaty for free trade with France, 
 319 ; joins the allianceagainstFrance, 
 336; his death, xxiv, 349-352; letter 
 from, to the king of Spain, on behalf 
 of the Scots prisoners, 305 ; letter 
 from, to the earl of Tullibardine, on 
 the Darien scheme, 215; letters to, 
 from Seafield, on the Scots colonists 
 sentenced to death by Spain, 303-305. 
 
 Wilson, Alexander, of Littlefield, 355. 
 
 David, a prisoner in Spain, 279. 
 
 288, 292, 293. 
 
 Windrom, lieut. -colonel, 38. 
 
 Witchcraft in the west, 210, 211, 
 261, 264. 
 
 Withers, colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 Wood, John Philp, 223. 
 Woolet, colonel, killed at the battle of 
 
 Almanza, 433. 
 
 Young's Plot, 83, 85-87, 88. 
 
 2 1 
 
* 
 
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 at the Edinburgh University Press 
 
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 Professor Mitchell, D.D., and Rev. James Christie, D.D. 
 
 For the year 1896-1897. 
 
 26. Wariston's Diary and other Papers — 
 
 ./(uinston of Wariston's Diary, 1(539. Edited by G. M. Paul. — 
 The Honours of Scotland, 1651-52. C. R. A. How den. — The 
 Earl of Mar's Legacies, 17--, J7-o*. Hon. S. Erskine. — Lkttfrs 
 by Mrs. Grant of Laggan. J. R. N. Macphail. 
 
 I 1 resented to the Society by Messrs. T. and A. Constable. 
 
 27. Memorials of John Murray of Broughton, 1740-1747. 
 Edited by R. Fitzroy Hell. 
 
 28. The Compt Buik of David Wedderburne, Merchant of 
 Dundee, 1587-lb"30. Edited by A. H. Millar. 
 
 For the year 1897-1898. 
 
 29 3 30. The Correspondence of De Montereul and the brothers 
 De Bellievre, French Ambassadors in England and Scot- 
 land, 1645-1648. Edited, with Translation, by J. G. 
 
 FOTHERINGHAM. 2 Vols. 
 
 For the year 1898-1899. 
 
 31. Scotland and the Protectorate. Letters and Papers 
 relating to the military government of scotland, from 
 .1 vnuary 16.54 to June 1659. Edited by C. H. Firth, M.A. 
 
 32. Papers illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in 
 the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782. 
 Edited by James Ferguson, Vol. I. 1 572- 1 ()<)7. 
 
 33. 34. Macfarlane's Genealogical Collections concerning 
 Families in Scotland ; Manuscripts in the Advocates' Library. 
 2 vols. Edited by J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Library. 
 
 Presented to the Society by the Trustees of the late Sir William Fraser, K.C.B. 
 
6 
 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 For the year 1899-1900. 
 
 35. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782. 
 Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. n. lb'98-1782. 
 
 36. Journal of a Foreign Tour in l66'5 and 1666, etc., by Sir John 
 
 Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. Edited by Donald Crawford. 
 
 37. Papal Negotiations with Mary Queen of Scots during her 
 Reign in Scotland. Chiefly from the Vatican Archives. 
 Edited by the Rev. J. Hungerford Pollen, S.J. 
 
 For the year 1900-1901. 
 
 38. Papers on the Scots Brigade in Holland, 1572-1782. 
 Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. m. 
 
 39. The Diary of Andrew Hay of Craignethan, 1659-60. 
 Edited by A. G. Reid, F.S.A.Scot. 
 
 For the year 1901-1902. 
 
 40. Negotiations for the Union of England and Scotland in 
 1651-53. Edited by C. Sanford Terry. 
 
 41. The Loyall Dissuasive. Written in 1703 by Sir jEneas 
 Macpherson. Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. 
 
 For the year 1902-1903. 
 
 42. The Chartulary of Lindores, 1195-1479. Edited by the 
 
 Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh. 
 
 43. A Letter from Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Guise, 
 Jan. 1562. Reproduced in Facsimile. Edited by the Rev. J. 
 Hungerford Pollen, S.J. 
 
 Presented to the Society by the family of the late Mr. Scott, of Halkshill. 
 
 44. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, Second Volume — 
 
 The Scottish King's Household, 14th Century. Edited by Mary 
 Bateson. — The Scottish Nation in the University of Orleans, 
 1336-1538. John Kirkpatrick, LL.D. — The French Garrison 
 at Dunbar, 1563. Roberts. Rait. — De Antiquitate Religionis 
 apud Scotos, 1594. Henry D. G. Law. — Apology for William 
 Maitland of Lethington, 1610. Andrew Lang. — Letters of 
 Bishop George Graeme, 1602-38. L. G. Graeme. — A Scottish 
 Journie, 1641. C. H. Firth. — Narratives illustrating the Duke 
 of Hamilton's Expedition to England, 1648. C. H. Firth. — 
 Bi rnet-Leighton Papers, 1648-168-. H. C. Foxcroft. — Papers 
 of Robert Erskine, Physician to Peter the Great, 1677-1720. 
 Rev. Robert Paul. — Will of the Duchess of Albany, 1789. 
 A. Francis Steuart. 
 
 45. Letters of John Cockburn of Ormistoun to his Gardener, 
 
 1 727-1 743. Edited by James Colville, D.Sc. 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 7 
 
 For the year 1908-1904. 
 
 46. Minute Hook or THE Managers OF THE New Mills Cloth 
 
 Manufactory, nisi 1690. Edited by W. R. Scott. 
 
 47. Chronicles of the Frasers; being the Wardlaw Manuscript 
 entitled 1 Polichronicoo sen Policratica Temporum, or, the 
 true Genealogy of the Frasers.' By Master James Fraser. 
 Edited by Willi km M \ck \^ . 
 
 I'S The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 
 prom 166] to 1 678. Vol. 1. 1661-1669. Edited by Sheriff 
 
 ScOTT-MoNCRIEFF. 
 
 For the year 1904-1905. 
 
 49. The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 
 from 1661 to 1678. Vol. n. 1669-1678. Edited by Sheriff 
 Scott-Moncrieff. (Oct. 1905.) 
 
 50. Records ofthe Baron Court of StitchilLj 1655-1807. Edited 
 by Clement 15. Gunn, M.D., Peebles. (Oct. 1.905.) 
 
 51. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections. Vol. 1. Edited 
 by Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B. (April 1906'.) 
 
 For the year 1905-1906. 
 52,53. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections. Vols. 11. and 111. 
 Edited by Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B. 
 
 (May 1907 ; March 1908.) 
 
 54. Statuta Ecclesi^e ScoticaNjE, 1225-1559. Translated and 
 edited by David Patrick, LL.D. (Oct. 1907.) 
 
 For the year 1906-1907. 
 
 55. The House Booke of Accomps, Ochtertyre. 1 737-39. Edited 
 
 by James Colville, D.Sc. (Oct. 1907.) 
 
 56. The Charters of the Abbey of Inchaffray. Edited by W. A. 
 
 Lindsay, K.C., the Right Rev. Bishop Dowden, D.D., and 
 J. Mali land Thomson, LL.D. (Feb. 1908.) 
 
 57. A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in 
 H.M. General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by 
 A. H. Millar, LL.D. (Oct. 1909.) 
 
 For the //ear 1907-1908. 
 
 58. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies (con- 
 tinued), for the years 1650-52. Edited by the Rev. James 
 Christie, D.D. (Feb. 1909.) 
 
 59. Papers relating to the Scots in Poland. Edited by Miss 
 Beatrice Baskerville. {Publication delayed.) 
 
8 
 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 For the year 1908-1909. 
 
 60. Siu Thomas Craig's De Unione Regnorum Britannm Trao 
 tatus. Edited, with an English Translation, by C. Sanford 
 Tehrv. (Nov. 1909.) 
 
 61. Johnston of Wariston's Memento Quamdiu Vivas, and Diary 
 from 1637 to 16'39. Edited by 6. M. Paul, LL.D., D.K.S. 
 
 (May 1911.) 
 
 Second Series. 
 For the year 1909- 1910. 
 
 1. The Household Hook of Lady Grisell Baillie, 1 692- 1 733. 
 Edited by R. ScoTT-MoNCRIEl 1 . W.S. (Oct. 191 1.) 
 
 2. Miscellaneous Narratives relating to the '45. Edited by 
 W. B. Blaikie. 
 
 3. Correspondence of James, fourth Earl of Findlater and 
 first Earl of Seafield, Lord Chancellor of Scotland. 
 Edited by James Grant, M.A., LL.B. (March 1912.) 
 
 For the year 1910-1911. 
 
 4. Accounts of the Chamberlains and Granitars of Cardinal 
 
 David Beaton, 1539-1546. Edited by EL K. Hannay. 
 
 5. Selections from the Letter Books of John Stuart, Bailie 
 of Inverness. Edited by William Mackay. 
 
 In preparation. 
 
 Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinbi rgh, 
 and some other brethren of thf ministry since the 
 interruption of the Assembly 16*53, with other Papers of 
 public concernment, \653-\660. Edited by the Rev. James 
 Christie, D.D. 
 
 A Translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of 
 Ferrerius. By Archibald Constable, LL.D. 
 
 Miscellany of the Scottish History Society. Third Volume. 
 
 Analytical Catalogue of the Wodrow Collection of Manu- 
 scripts in the Advocates' Library. Edited by J. T. Clark. 
 
 Charters and Documents relating to the Grey Friars and the 
 Cistercian Nunnery of Haddington. — Register of Inch- 
 colm Monastery. Edited by J. G. Wallace-James, M.B. 
 
 Records relating to the Scottish Armies from 1638 to 1650. 
 Edited by C. Sanford Terry. 
 
 Papers relating to the Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, with other 
 documents from the Municipal Archives of the City of Perth. 
 
 The Balcarres Papers. Edited by J. R. Melville. 
 
DATE DUE 
 
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 PRINTED IN U.S A- 
 
BOSTON COLLEGE 
 
 
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 01211734 U 
 
 46^056 
 
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 750 Scottish history society. 
 
 •S25 Publications. 
 2nd. ser. 
 v. 3 
 
 Bapst Library 
 
 Boston College 
 Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167