Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

John Middleton, First Earl of Middleton. i o i
secretary, to desire a dismission. I will not justify
myself in that particular, but humbly submit to his
Majesty's good pleasure in that and everything else,
for I desire to live no longer than I have it in my
power to serve him. I shall by the next post fully
acquaint you of the advantages and disadvantages
that my being in this place may bring to his Majesty's
service. By the last post I did send the King of
Poland's letter to the king within a cover of my own
to the secretary. I did there fully speak of my own
condition, and of the best remidies I could think of;
it is no pleasant subject, so that I shall repeat nothing,
knowing it will come to your hands. I am now all
alone with a boy; Colonel Derham and Colonel
Turner are both in this town, but we should no longer
stay together if two ducats could do my business ; it
is not to be had from my countrymen. I have made
proof of their kindness to the full, but to no purpose,
and am now keeping Lent in the strictest way. To
that you write of Colonel Turner I cannot say much,
having never seen his letters that he did write — only
this, that his letters and his discourses of you agree
not ; that is to say, no man shall be my friend that is
unjust to you, for I am without possibility of change.
" Right Honourable Sir, yours, etc.,
"J. Middleton.
" Dantzick, June 27th, 1657." '
1 From Clarendon Papers.
Ki 1 fv