Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 205
troublesome ; for though in other matters you may
imagine us in great misery, yet in this we are, both
in sending and receiving, in great security, and
therefore I shall be always very cautious in exposing
of you, but when there is good cause for it ; and
when that is, I will not fail in giving you timely
advertisement, and that with as much security as I can
contrive.
" Be not, therefore, anxious in exposing yourself
by writing often, or expecting to hear often from
me. When there 'is anything material upon your side,
I know you will let us have it ; and for what is
common, such as the present forces of the kingdom,
may be done in the way of a common news letter,
without exposing anybody, and yet as much said as
we shall want to know.
" The king is very sensible of your great endea-
vours for him, and you may be persuaded that upon
all occasions I shall give a just account of you and
others, as I am informed. Doctor Cockburn has left
his ciphers with me, and you may, as you have
occasion, continue to write by them. I am glad to
hear of my Lord Strathmore's" (his brother-in-law, the
husband of his sister Helen) "good inclination before
his death, 1 and of the good opinion you have of his
1 He died some time in 1695. He was third Earl of Kinghorne, and
first Earl of Strathmore. (Burke.)