Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 357
The Earl of Middleton, who possessed a mild and
reasonable temper, and whose resentment was easily
appeased, suffered himself to be persuaded to remain
on with the Chevalier. The queen says many oblig-
ing and encouraging things to him in a letter on
business, written February 9th.
The Chevalier, with Middleton and the remainder
of his suite, soon afterwards set out for Lorraine, in
which Court they were most kindly received. The
Duchess of Lorraine especially did her utmost to
render her kinsman's stay at Bar-le-duc agreeable.
Queen Anne's health having lately begun to fail,
Middleton writes to Berry to do his utmost to induce
Harley to get the succession altered without delay : —
"March 19th, 17 13.
"Your friend, Mr. Plessington (the king), read
your letter to me of the 20th ultimo with a great
deal of satisfaction, finding you persist still in your
former opinion, that it is Baker's (Harley's) real
interest, and consequently his inclination, to have
Harper's (Hanover's) decree reversed. It's certain
that if Aylmer (the Princess Anne) should break (die)
before the cause be reheard, that Baker (Harley) is
in as much danger of suffering in proportion as
Manly (the king) ; and therefore it is reasonable to
hope he should use all his endeavours to bring the