Genealogical collections concerning the sir-name of Baird, and the families of Auchmedden, Newbyth, and Sauchton Hall in particular

86 LETTERS.
(whose lot is to live at such a distance from you) can be of any use to you, you
may signify it to us, and you will find none more ready to receive your commands.
This juncture of time looks very cloudy, and is like to be very ticklish ; but the
great and loving Protector of his people is to be eyed and waited upon : to his
only wise and good guidance, favour, and grace, you are committed. All mercy
and happiness attend you and all yours. The prayer for this purpose shall not be
wanting of,
Sir,
Your most affectionate friend and humble servant,
James Sharp.
Permit me to tender my humble respects to your Lady, and believe I am
grieved that I have not, before my return, had the content of having some time
with you. Nothing but this necessity should have deprived me of that satisfaction.
I suppose before this come to your hands you will have heard of the Proclamation
of Lord Richard, the eldest son of the deceast, to be his father's successor.
XL VI. From the Same (after he was Archbishop) to the Same.
Duddup, Sept. 27, 1676.
Honourable Sir, —
This is to pay my humble acknowledgements for the favour of your obliging
letter by the bearer, with whom I have spoken, and told him of the employment I
design for him, and he is received at present until by experience of his serviceable-
ness, after some time, I may know how to use him in my affairs, so as he may
deserve better encouragement. The character you give him makes me hope he
will be useful to me, and I shall be obliged to be careful of him. I must again
acknowledge the special act of kindness in parting with your own servant ; and
now seeing about Martinmas I go for Edinburgh, where I stay usually all the
winter, I shall be at a loss if he do not come some weeks before the term, that I
may shew him what he is to do, and have some time with him to acquaint him
with the way of his imployment. He says to me, within 8 or 10 days after his
return, he shall be ready to come to me, if you will dispense with his attendance,
which would be an additional favour, if, by asking it, I do not trespass too much
on your goodness. My brother, ten days ago, took journey to London, where