Argyle papers

130
II.
THE LORD ADVOCATE TO THE DUCHESS OF ARGYLE.
Edinburgh, 1st January 1704.
May it please your Grace,
I have had two of yours, and one from the Duke, your son, about Mr.
James Anderson, and have only delayed my return until I could write
more certainly, for my nephew did only sign his demission on Thursday
last, and his demission is simple, for the Town would not accept of any
demission in favorem, and all my concern is how my nephew shall re-
cover his money, for otherways the Town hath the absolute disposal of
the place. Your Grace is very earnest, as if there were more in my
power, but I told Mrs. Anderson very plainly, that I knew her husband
to be a very honest, sufficient man, but that the Town was resolved not
to give the special privilege my nephew had, and which her husband did
absolutely require. I told her also, that long before I heard of her hus-
band's name, I was engaged for my good will to a blood relation, and it
is really for Mr. Elphinston, my cusine, as the bearer can inform your
Grace, and yet I cannot prevail with the Town to give him the special
privilege, so that my endeavours for him are like to prove successless, un-
less that he dispense also with the privilege, and go also the length of
18,000 merks, which, I apprehend, neither my cusine nor Mr. Anderson
will ever do ; but, Madam, I beg you will not overcharge me, but that
as you allow me to be true to my first engagement to my friend, so you
may rest confident that he being out of the way, and Mr. Anderson will-
ing to perform what others offer, he shall have my kindness, on your