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

262
not hear the rebells are come to that boldnes to take horses in this
countrey ; but last weeke I had notice that 3 or 4 of them come to a
roome of mine in LesmahagoW, called Underbank, (out of which I had
ejected a widow, and taken her and most of her famely and caryed them
to Glasgow, where they wer banished) and tilled for some houres ; and
so frighted a new tenant I had got to haue gone to itt, that it will lay
wast this year ; and my servants haveing no minde to go to take fitt
tryell of the resetters or assisters without force, there being none then
in this countrey, I ordered my sons militia troop to meet here tomorrow
to haue gone about it, that I might haue given the councill a full
account of the matter ; but hearing this day from Lt. Generall Drumond
from Lanark, I haue sent him the depositions I had ordered to be taken
in that bussines, to putt it to further tryell, who no doubt will giue you
a full account of itt. He sent me the councills letter, in obedience
wherto I have apointed a meeting of the shire here on Thursday nixt,
and shall report there ansuer and do all I can for setling the garisons,
so as they may be servicable to the King in secureing the peace of the
countrey, and without putting us to more charge, which I hope is not
expected, since for this end wee gaue the last cess at Grlasgow. As to
my house of Crafurd, forrage will be as ill had there as ether Newton
or Leadhill, for it must be broght from other parts to what euer place
they lay in that parish ; but I am sure foot wold do more service
amongest these hills then horse can. But iff no place can serue the
turn but Crafurd, I shall ordor some litle furnitur and matterialls I had
provided for further reparation of that house to be removed ; and I
might haue saued 2 or 3 hunder pound sterling I haue of late bestoued
on itt, and it wold haue been better for a garison of horse as it was,
there being much les roome for stabling now in itt ; and since it seams
your Grace has so good accounts of the disaffectednes of that place, I
beg you wold ordor your informers to giue me particulare notice iff any
of my tenants be gilty ; for I haue giuen all the strict ordor I can to
my servant there, and he informs me I haue not one disaffected or
disorderly parson in that parish, and the minister giues me the same
account ; and iff it be well considered, there will be found neighbouring
parishes as ill and houses in them as fitt for a garison. But I ask your
Graces pardon for this long trouble on the subject, and am verysencable
of the kind expressions in your letter, and shall indevore on all occasions
to giue you all the just returns in the pouer of, your Graces most
afiiectionate brother and most humble servant,
Hamilton.
My wife returns her most humble service to your Grace and also
wishes you joy, and will be glade to hear my sister is well and safe
come to Edinburgh.
Tuo days ago young John Lukpirike, the fouler, being seen here
with a gun, and neuer befor since he was at the rebellion, and being
without a pass, I caused securr him. He pretends he come to get his
gun mended here, and that he has made his peace, and has a warrant
from a servant of yours to cary it ; so giue your directions as to him.
190. Found a cave with bed in it in Lesmahagow — garrison should
be placed near Muirkirk.
Hamilton, 16 December 1684.
In my last I gave your Grace an account of one of the rebells haveing
ploued for some hours in a roome of mine, that I had turned out his
mother,, since which time I have used my uttmost indeuores to haue
catched him ; but it is not easy to be done by servants or militia men.