Stirling peerage

16 INTRODUCTION.
great grandfatlier, Sir William Alexander, the first Earl of
Stirling, &c. the first grantee and founder of the colony of
Nova Scotia, and grantee of the lordship of Canada, &c. : in
virtue of which verdict, by a precept from his Majesty,
directed forth of his chancery in Scotland, to the sheriff of the
county of Edinburgh, I had been infeft in the whole country,
with all their parts, pertinents, and high hereditary offices,
&c. by seisin taken at the castle of Edinburgh in terms of the
original grants made to my said ancestor. Sir William Alex-
ander; and I also mentioned, that I should, as speedily as
possible, cause to be submitted to you copies of the various
charters conferring my rights, with the great privileges,
immunities, advantages, and prerogatives contained therein.
" Having had these charters now printed and translated, I
have directed them to be sent over and circulated, for your
perfect information of the subjects they embrace, in which I
do not doubt but you will perceive that there are many points
of commercial interest, of local administration, and powers of
legislative enactment, which peculiarly deserve your attention ;
and in relation to your most valuable rights, are of an impor-
tant nature, to be deeply considered.
" The exercise, by the appointment of the British Govern-
ment, of the high hereditary offices conferred upon my ances-
tor. Sir William Alexander, is now legally vested in me, as
his nearest and lawful heir in special, with power to perform
them either in person, or by a sufficient deputy, nominated
by me to act in my room ; and I have accordingly presented
to the several Secretaries of State, and Prime Minister of his
Majesty's Government, my claim of right to the execution of
the said high hereditary offices ; and likewise made my protest
against their allotment to any person or persons whomsoever,
of any part or parcel of the unlocated, or at present waste '
land, within your province or territory ; a copy of which
claim and protest is hereunto annexed.
"Nova Scotians and Canadians, — I have deemed it expedient
thus to explain generally my connection with your country,
and'the intention I have to adopt all legal measures which