Genealogical memoir of the most noble and ancient house of Drummond

J23 Genealogical Memoir sect. v.
XX. JOHN DRUMMOND,.
2 d EARL OF PERT II,
Succeeded in 1611. — Died in 1662.
From the 44 lh of James FT, to the 13 th of Charles II.
On the death of his brother James, John, the youngest
son of Patrick Lord Drummond, became earl of Perth
and chief of the house of Drummond. He was a man
of great integrity, a distinguished patron of literature,
and was himself learned in all the branches of knowledge,
becoming a nobleman. He spent his younger years in
attending the most eminent universities in France, and
was in that country prosecuting his studies when his bro-
ther died. On his return to Scotland; he continued his
pursuit of literature, and, in the delightful retreat of
Drummond Castle, he founded a -library, containing the
works of the most eminent ancient and modern authors,
a library not for ostentation, but for use ; for in all the
volumes of that extensive collection, the most material
and remarkable passages which he observed are all mark-
ed with his own hand. ' And thus,' says the viscount
of Strathallan, ' he made a survey of the best men's
learning, being himself complete in all virtue and singu-
lar worth. The ancient house suffered no prejudice,
but, on the contrary, came to have accessions by his in-
dustry and acquests. In managing the affairs of his fa-
mily, he acted with prudence and economy. To hi*
friends he was kind and benevolent. His loyalty to his
prince was untainted, notvvithstandiug the great difficul-
ties which he and his sons encountered during the civil
wars ; for he paid great sums of money, as fines for his
sons joining themselves to the king's party, against the
governors that then ruled the realm j his house was