Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROB ROY. 131
consider with more mature deliberation upon the offer
made me but that he would forgive my refusing it ; but if
his lordship thought me a proper subject to serve in any
station in which other gentlemen of honour served, that
I was very well satisfied, and no otherwise. The same
secretary sent for me next day, when he gave me to under-
stand that it was the ministry's orders to me to retire out
of his majesty's dominions within three days, upon which
there was a messenger set over me for fear I would retire
to Scotland. The messenger was ordered to see me
landed on this side upon their own charges. I could not
have time to wait on my friends as the messenger attended
me so close, only saw Gregor Drummond who knew my
whole transaction with them. Our friends who spoke much
against me sometime, (fearing what brought me thither),
began now to speak in the most favourable manner, they
then knowing the treatment I had received from the mi-
nistry, and tho' the offer made me was very advantageous,
as to the purse, as I stood to my resolution it was approved
by every body, even of some of the other side. This job
was very expensive upon me, yet had I had the luck to
save my poor brother I would not grudge any thing.
Before I went to London I received from Major Buchanan
.£103 and he still owes me £30, which is to be paid
against martinmas next. All that I have saved of the
whole I carried with me is about £40 and £16 I have
sent my wife. I thought it my duty to let you know of
this that you'd be so good and write next step you may
think I ought to take. I am advised if I could carry on
a small trade in this place and had some credit with the
little money I have, that by taking care, I might make
good bread, but would do nothing till I would hear from
you. I would be glad to know if you had an answer to