Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

John Middleton, Fir si Earl of Middlrton. 45
The supreme power in Scotland was now in the
hands of Argyle and the rigid Covenanters, who exer-
cised the severest vengeance upon all who had borne
part in Hamilton's engagement, compelling them to
do public penance for taking arms in their sovereign's
cause (which they had done by authority of the
Committee of Estates), before admitting them into
any trust or office. Middleton and many others pre-
ferred to retire to the Highlands, and to remain there
in concealment, until an opportunity offered of serv-
ing the young king. 1
On February 22nd, 1649, Thomas Mackenzie of
Pluscardin, brother of the Earl of Seaforth, and
others, made an insurrection which was probably con-
nected with Montrose's projected descent. Middle-
ton marched against them, and induced the insur-
gents, after razing the fortifications of the town of
Inverness, to fly for shelter to the mountains of Ross.
This seems strange conduct on his part ; but
perhaps he thought it advisable not to display his
royalty too soon. He soon, however, seems to have
thrown off the mask, and in concert with Lord
Ogilvie 2 and others, organized another insurrection
in Athole, in favour of Charles II. This rising Leslie
1 Clarendon's History of the Rebellion ; Hume.
-'fumes Lord Ogilvie, son of John, Hist Earl of Airlie, was taken
prisoner at Philiphaugh, but contrived to escape in his sister's clothes.
Died at the close of the- seventeenth century.