Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

240 The Earls of Middleton.
" November 17th, 1700.
" I received yours of the 24th October, which was
our 6th November, with one enclosed from the
colonel, to which I give you the trouble to give him
the enclosed for answer, which I should have done
by the last post, but could not by reason of a meeting
I had with some friends, which took all my time' for
that day. I am very sensible of that gentleman's
good intentions to do us all the good he can, and I
believe he will do me that justice to say I was always
so from the first day I had the honour to know him ;
and what I say from Mr. Mons, he will see how he
thinks he is obliged to him. If you have received
all mine of the 3rd instant, you will perfectly see that
John Murey (the king) does not intend that words,
but deeds, should convince both his friends and his
enemies ; for as he reserves nothing in his own power,
they have nobody but themselves to blame, if every-
thing be not done to their contentment ; and if that
cannot do, you know the proverb — ' You can have no
more of the cat but the skin.' However, if there be
anything to be expected from his creditors (the
people), he is very desirous to give a meeting to any
one that will come from them, and he does not doubt
but to give them all the satisfaction they can expect ;
and if the thing be rightly understood, they must see
the great advantages that is upon their side. Whereas