Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 16
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stay, even though it were in the remotest part of his
kingdom. " Your Majesty," said he, " may throw
things into confusion by your departure, but it will
be only the anarchy of a month. A new Government
will soon be settled, and then you and your family
are ruined for ever." *
He would, however, listen to nothing. Before
sitting down to supper on the evening of Saturday,
December 22nd, he wrote down the various reasons
which caused him to withdraw for the present, and
giving the paper to Middleton, directed him to get
it printed as soon as he was gone.
After supper he took leave of his faithful followers,
and retired to rest ; but rose again between twelve
and one, and, accompanied only by his natural son,
the Duke of Berwick, Mr. Biddulph, and the husband
of the Prince of Wales's nurse, set out for France. 2
Most of Queen Mary Beatrice's ladies applied to
William for permission to follow her, as soon as she
and King James were settled at St. Germains.
William granted passports to all who asked, but
outlawed them and confiscated their property. At
this time, therefore, the Countess of Middleton
probably moved thither, with her young family.
The earl himself resided chiefly in England until
1692, for the purpose of being on the spot to take
1 Macpherson. 2 Clarendon ; Clarke ; Original Memoirs.