The chiefs of Grant - Electric Scotland

288 JAMES catAXT, SEVKNTIt 01^ Kl:KUCHIK. [103^
letteii loos and \wv lious: she prest nie to ^^oc. with licr ]m.sl)aii(l to fitcli."
In lior domestic arrang-einents Lady CIraiit was precise, and t)ne of liei ^r
written agreements witli merdiants in Forres i'or the supply of Ihnir and
aquavite is described elsewhere." Supplies of L';ame fur the housi hold were
agreed for by the Laird after a similar fashion, an experien -(! fowler
being employed in the service."
As was noted in the Laird's instructions to one of his chaniberlains
sent to Edinburgh, he considered that his lands and tlu)se of his kin and
tenants generally were o\er-valued, involving them in the ]iayment iif a
higher cess than was due. but redress was nut ol)tained. The collector,
however, went back upon the tax of eight months' maintenance imposed
upon the Laird by General Middleton in 1G51, already referred to, %\-hich
liad been remitted, and obliged the Laird, imder threat of horning and
quartering, to grant a bond for .£1000 Scots, against which he petitioned
Parliament,* but although he obtained a hearing, and the tax-collector
was instructed to defer his claims, the money had afterwanls to be paid.
Difficulties, too, arose about this time with the Laird o{' Ballindalloch,
owing to the latter desiring a renewal of the feudal titles by which he held
Ballindalloch. The discussion had advanced to litigatiun, when the Earl
of Itothes interposed witli a recommendation to a more friendly mode of
settlement," and in June 1GG3 a submission was agreed upon, to be carried
into effect when the Laird returned home from Edinburgh.''
It was the intention of King Cliarlcs the Second at this time to
confer the title of Earl of Strathspey, and Lord Grant of Freuchie and
Urquhart, ujion James Grant of Freuchie. This aj>2)ears from a copy of the
warrant by the King, which narrates that the peerages, as the warrant bears,
were to be conferred in recognition of the many good and faithful services
rendered by the Laird and his predecessors to the King and his pi u-
genitors. Special mention is made of the Laird's fidelity in following witl
his friends and vassals the lloyal standard under Montrose, and his readiness
to give obedience to His ^Majesty's connnaiids, while the fact is recognised
• Diary of the Laird of Brodie, yi'.
1-2-2. I'J.l. * Vol. ii. of this work, p. SS.
' Vol. iii. of this work, p. 401. • /bid. " Original CondeseciiJeuce, dated iOth .June l(Jl).3,
* Orioinal Petition at Caatle Crant. at Castle Grant.
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