The chiefs of Grant - Electric Scotland

1717.] ADVICK TO Tin; LVOX ON HIS DKFKAT. 381
ill a somewliat huiiini'ous passag'C m a Idler to tlio Lyon liimself, rlaicd in
October 1731. Sir James writes tliat lie would reu^i-et mw diU'erenee nrisinir
betwixt them, but that it" he or his son Ludovick had any interest in the
shire of Nairn, tlieir " near relation to Mr. Ih'odie of Letliin v o'lld undoubt-
edly iiitle him verie readily to ii," and liiat ho had theii i;-ood wi-!ies.
He ! ;,-; the Lyon very eariiestly \ :< follow ihe example of •;lhers, and be
reconciled to j\h'. Brodie of Letln ii, who indeed was uncoiiscious of any
cause of oflence. Sir James then adds, " There is on thinf;- you tax Mr.
Brodie with, quhich I believe my son and I sho\dd know l.)est, wliich is that
he endeavour'd to raise misunderstandings twixt youi- fimilie and myn. 1
don't know who has told you soe, but I doe on my honour and conscience
ashure you, its a most false calumnious aspersion, and that he never was in
llic least guiltie oi' it. 1 have now wearied you with a loiige letter, and 1
think answered yours as much as I can. I shall onlie beg leave as a High-
land chiefe to give tlie chiefe of the godlie ane advice (tho' probablie you '1
think it comes but ill from me) that you '1 take more nottice of the Lord's
prayer (though now out of fashion wath us) and even forgive your enemies,
and give noe ground to those who beare you noe good w ill, to rejoice in
seeing; diftercnces betwixt vou and voiu' friends : yoin- motto is a verv irood
on, and I hope will subsist."'
Lord Lovat's letters at this time show that he also supported Mr.
Brodie of Lethen, and his correspondence with Sir James Grant and his
son is fidl of animus against the Lyon, with corresponding vehemence in
expression of regard for Grant. The value of Lord Lovat's brotherly
affection did not then starid high in the mind of Sir James Grant, as may be
inferred from the following passage in a letter to his son Ludovick : " I am
plagued with letters from Lovat anent Foyers." I have answered him very
freely, which I believe will save me furder trouble on that head. The
Frasers' friendship has not been for nothing, and it seems the continowance
of it must be ptnvhased at noe litle trouble."^
Sir James Grant, though seldom at Castle Grant, as his Farliamcntary
' Origin.il Draft Letter at Castle (Irant. The motto of the family of BroJio is " Unite."
2 Fraser of Fojera, for whom Lonl Lovat desired a lieutenant's commission.
S Original Letter, dated 17th Aj.id IT.'JCi, at Castle Grant.