Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

C/iarles, Second Earl of MiUdleton. 185
" We have been agueish of late, but because I will
not depend upon my own skill in this matter, I send
you here enclosed 1 an account of it from our physician
in ordinary (the Abbe Renaudot), to whom I refer.
I suppose you will think fit to communicate it to
some of our nearest relations, who are really con-
cerned for the good of the family, who for that reason
only endeavour to advance the match proposed to
the widow ; 1 whereas there are others who, without
regard to right or wrong, weigh only their own
interests. These last may be discreetly managed, but
ought never to be trusted, because a bribe from the
rival certainly gains them. Mr. Artley (King James)
and his spouse (queen) bid me assure you of the great
esteem they have for you and yours, and that the
kindness you have expressed for them shall not fail
of a suitable return. I shall omit no occasion of
doing you justice, and I shall endeavour to the best
of my skill to act in everything as becomes an honest
man, and your most faithful humble servant,
" Marke Toucroff " (Middleton).
After the death of Queen Mary, December 28th,
1694, James's friends renewed their attempts to
' A letter from Abbe de Renaudot to Mr. Mordaunt.
2 The widow referred to was Lady Waldegrave (James's daughter by
Arabella Churchill), who at this time married Lord Wilmot privately.