Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

MADE SECr.lOTARY OF STATE, 1705. ccci
act was read a second time, Lefore voting, Annandale renewed the protest
which lie made the previous session against the passing of the act, and
craved his dissent to be marked. The same day tlio commissioner touclied
the act with the sceptre.^ Tlie rjueen was higlily satisfied with the conduct
of Annandale in parliament at this time, assurances of which were conveyed
to him in a letter from "Windsor dated 27th July 1704, by Sidney, Lord
Godolphin.'-
Several changes took place in the riiinistry next year. Annandale
desired to be appointed lord chancellor, and negotiations were entered into
to biing this about. The Duke of Argyll was favourable to it, but the
appointment was not ultimately niade.^
Instead of being made chancellor, an appoiulment which fell to James,
Earl of Seafield, Annandale was in room of the latter made one of the
secretaries of state for Scotland, with the usual salary of £1000 sterling
a year. His commission bears that the queen was abundantly satisfied of
his probity, and other excellent endowments by which he was fitted for this
office.* He was on the same day appointed commissioner to the general
assembly, an appointnient for which there were several applicants, and cue
which he liad been desirous of procuring, as the Earl of Seafield's letter to
hiiu sliov.'s.^ So early as January of this year, Uaillie of Jerviswood writes,
"51 (Annandale) is already haling at the assembly, and has spoke to me
about it."'' The granting to Annandale of his wish in this appointment
would so far mal^e up for his disappointment about the chancellorship.
The marquis wrote to Lord Godolphin expressing his gratitude to the queen
' Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, William, Marquis of Annamlalu, iu Annan-
vol, xi. i>p. 1.30, 133, 13-5. dale Cbarlcrrhcst. Acta of the Parliaments
- Vol. ii. of this work, p. 217. of Scotland, vol. xi. ]i 210.
^ The Earl of RoxljurgU to George Eaillie * Vnl. ii. of tbis work, p. 2-0.
of Jerviswood, 27th February 1704-5. Jervio- " To Jaiars Johnstone, formerly secretary,
wood Correspondence, pp. •10, 00. ICth January 1705. [Jerviswood Corrtsi'On-
' Inventory of commiseioDS in favour of dence, p. 30.J