Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

92 The Earls of Middleton.
condition of business here, lest he be abused by
fancying forces where there are none."
The letter enclosed, of the same date, from
Glencairn to Middleton : — " Has this day received
his letter from Island Donan of August 19th. A
bad account of business here on all hands ; every
one having been left to himself, has disposed of
himself. All the inferior officers of M'Naghton's
party, of his own, and of several others, have
abandoned them ; and this, with the wasting and
possessing of most of the southern parts by the
enemy, has caused all, save a small party, with Sir
Author Forbes and M'Naghten, to desert, and he
hears that Sir A. Forbes has lately had a blow. And
therefore the constant report of Middleton's going
over seas, and his own great sickness, have made him
deal for a pass for himself, which yet the enemy has
refused, so that he is forced to shelter his poor
miserable life in a quiet corner, that he may not fall
into the enemy's hands. Whatever comes of him, he
wishes that God may yet make Middleton the instru-
ment of Scotland's delivery." *
24th September, 1654. The king to General
Middleton. — "Has not heard from him since Straughan
arrived, but has nevertheless heard the reports of his
1 Glencairn soon afterwards made peace with Monk. (Graham ;
Clarendon. )