Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

228 The Earls of Middleton.
The E-arl of Middleton to M. de Thopc, President of
the Admiralty at Calais, concerning one Birkenhead,
who had probably been implicated in the late at-
tempted invasion, and who had succeeded in escaping
to France.
" St. Germains, 20th October, 1696.
" It is impossible to commend sufficiently your
goodness to our friend Birkenhead. He will explain
to you what must be done for James Hunt, and those
who are expected from the other side. He will
deliver you the order for getting them cured."
" St. Germains, 28th October, 1696.
" Mr. Birkenhead, who will have the honour to
deliver this letter to you, having informed the King
of England of your politeness to him, his Majesty
has commanded me to thank you from him, and
to tell you that he hath given him in charge to
propose to you what is necessary to be done for
Hunt, and for the other two, who are still expected
from the other side."
Along with this letter Middleton sent the follow-
ing order from Mons. Philippeaux to M. de Thope,
of Calais : —
" I desire you, as soon as you receive this, to arm,
in all diligence, a shallop at Calais. Let her be a
good sailer, and put one Betton board of her, who