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

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London, 5 February : 1685.
268. Some attempts had been made to get the command of
Queensberry's brother's Grenadiers, but he had prevented the
motion. "The King continous to grou better and better, tho' the
recouering so violent a deseas most neids be by slou steps and
degrees. Last night he took some feaverish grouings, as ue say
in Scotland, for uhich he had Jesuites pouder tuice giuen him in
the night ; but nou he is better then he has bein since the
begining of his distemper ; and God be thanked the Phisitians say
he is not only past all danger, but in a l)etter conditione then
befor he greu ill. Ther are particular forms of prayer apointed
for his recouery in all churches, and prayers said almost hourly.
It uer not amiss if prayers uer appointed in the churches
of Edinburgh, at least evry morning ... I uill assure your
Grace your interest is dear to me as my oun heart."
In a postscript about the Scottish Parliament, he says it was
thought most unsafe for the Duke to be from the King at this
time. He was sorry to hear that Earl Drumlanrig had been
indisposed, &c. He also adds— "The claus your Grace thinks litt
to add to the Indemnity shous your justice and uill be gratefull to
the nation. I shal propose it to the Duke, uho, I doubt not, uill
think it just, and it shal be knoun to non els."
London, 6 February : 1685.
Seven at night.
269. You may easiely (sic) the conditione of our hearts, uhen I
tell you that the King Charles, our late most gracious and beloved
Soveraine, dyed this day betuixt eleven and tuelve in the
forenoon, to the infinite regrate of his Royall brother, nou
reigneing, and all uho had the hapieness to be knoun to
him. He dyed as he lived, the admiration of all men for
his i^iety, his contempt of this uorld, and his resolutions
against death, and the often reiterated expressions of the most
tender loue to his Majesty nou reigning. It is not to be expected
that I should continou upon this subject so grivous to me, and
therfor I shal cut short, and tell you that the last uas what this
is, the best Prince of the earthe. His Majesty uas uith the
wsuall ceremonys proclamed in all the places accustomed, the
clergy, nobility, and Councell, attending in a numerous trayne of
coaches. It is not doubted but all immaginable care uill be
taken by your lordship to prevent any danger that may aryse
ujDon this occatione. God be blessed, all things go uell hear, and
as great acclamations at the proclamatione of his Majesty as has
bein heard at any time upon the lyke occatione, and not the
least tendency to any disorder. Your Grace may rest secure of
all my service, and so expect full ansuers to all the commands
in yours, and I hope to your satisfactione. I shal for that end
study to get some oportunity, if this mater uer something off, that
I may speack of your brother and of Claverhous.
I having sate up all last night, and having just got the first
meat since yesterday at noon, or drink, I am able to say no mor
then uhat the flying Packet caries to the Councell. I am, etc.