Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 237
might have letters about him which would involve
many in trouble if they fell into improper hands. 1
The Earl of Middleton to the Marquis de Torcy.
Charras offers to assassinate King William.
[Translation.]
"St. Germains, 17th November, 1699.
" I send you two informations ; the one from
a chaplain of the King of England, and the other
from one of his physicians. Although Charras said
he would come and call upon me, he has not done it,
but left the place while I waited for him ; probably
the physician's discourse frightened him. The king,
my master, is desirous that he may be apprehended
and questioned. It is probable he may be caught at
his brother's, the apothecary's, or by watching the
streets in the corner of the town where Lord Man-
chester 2 lives."
The young Duke of Gloucester died August 12th,
1700. The Jacobites, believing that the chief bar
to the succession of the Prince of Wales was now
removed, bestirred themselves vigorously. Mr.
Graham, brother of Lord Preston, was sent to St.
1 Note to Original Documents.
2 Charles, fourth Earl of Manchester, accredited Ambassador Extra-
ordinary to the Court of France in this year. He was one of the first
to espouse the cause of the Prince of Orange. (Burke. )