The manuscripts of His Grace the Duke of ... - Electric Scotland

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130. No new Indulgence to be granted—Broomhall to be dispatched
to London—to meet at Lanark next Thursday.
12 October [c. 1677].
I hear of litle of consequence past last Counsell day, only D. L. and
the Preceedent tooke a new occasion to vindicate them selves of any
intention of granting an Indulgence, or that they did by them selves or
others ever treat in any such thing, and with deep aseveration they did
affect this. I confer it is a strange confidence to men to act at this
rate, and to thinke to cheat and befooll every body ; l)ut it is no more
nor what I understood of them befor, so it is no surprise to me, for I
have seen that way the constant practise off all that partie, and I assure
you Hatton is as metled this way as any off them. I am very glade
that it is not in L[auderdales] power to medle with the Chancelor, and
I wish he may fixe his interrests with such as former principles and
friends be not deserted. However I think iff right mannag^d, ther is
a fair oportunetie to try what can be done againest L[auderdale], for I
suppose the bishops will not befriend him so much as formerly, els they
ar strange kind of men. I had a letter last night from Sir George
Lockhart, wherin he is very earnist for the speedy dispatch of Bromhall
to London, as it seams he has wrote to you. But he presses itt the
more that he be presently dispatched because of my Lady Kincairns
goeing up the begining of the nixt weeke, with whom he may go with
least suspition, fearing iff he go by himself L[auderdale] might fancie
his errand, and gett the King to send him bake, but goeing with her as
a friend cannot give jealusie. I find one hunder pound sterling is presently
desired and another afterwards. I do thinke him indeed a very
fitt parson, and I thinke itt very necessare his goeing and resolves to
send my 25 lb. on Monday ; and it is expected you do the like, and
write to Sir George, who will iett itt be knouen to those you send how
itt shall be delivered. I have also advertised Cassillis and Cochran, and
the soum being so inconsiderable the feuer is acquanted with itt the
better ; and no doubt itt will be off great advantage wee understand
how affares goes above att this juncture. It is not beleived L[auderdale]
will go soon up, the Precedent being gone west and not to return
till November. I am told Sir James Stainfeild is become a prosilite to
him, which I thought fitt to acquaint you with that you may be on your
gard, supposeing you may have some dealing with him. I do not hear
anything of what you write concerning any intention of more troops,
nor have any thing els at present worth your trouble. I shall be ready
to give your sons the best advice I can, and shall have an eye over them,
tho I think ther is litle need, they being hopefuU and well inclined
} outhes, and I hope you shall be very happie in them. I shall not faill
to meet you at Lanark on Thursday next. I wold have you come somewhat
early that wee may resolve whether to stay in the town or go to
some friends house aboutt, iff you ar not to be persuaded to come this
* length, wheir 1 can promis you nothing but hearty welcome, and the
continuance of the faithfuU respects I have allways had for you ; so,
adieu.
My wife remembers her humble service to yow, and both of us to
my sister.
131. Tarbet trinketing—his opinion of Sir Andrew Ramsay—was
not inclined to go to London.
[c. October 1677.]
I heard Tarbet was trinketing, but did not absolutly beleive it, till
what you tell me. I hope at long run he and all that foUoues these
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