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

88 LETTERS.
his left eye — three in his left hand when he was holding them up, and a scar with
a shot in his back above the right breast, which was found to be powder. After
this damnable deed, they took out some papers out of his pocket, robbed my sister
and their servants of all their papers, gold, and money, and one of these hellish
Rascals cut my sister in the thumb when she held him by the bridle begging her
father's life. God, of His infinite mercy, support this poor family under this
dreadful and unsupportable loss and stroke, and give us to know why God is thus
angry with us, and earnestly to beg not to consume us in His wrath, but that now
His anger may cease, and that He may be at peace with us through the blood of a
reconciled Saviour, and also may have pity upon this poor distrest Church, and
that he may be the last sacrifice for it, as he is the first Protestant martyr Bishop
in such a way.
Dear Sir, — As my worthy father had always a kindness and particular esteem
for yourself, son, and family, so I hope you will be friendly to his son, who shall
ever continue,
Worthy Sir,
Your and yours most faithful humble servant,
W. Sharp.
My humble service to your Son and his Lady, and all the family.
On Saturday next is the funeral. 1
XLVIII. From Sir James Baird of Auchmedden, to the Countess of
Marischall. 2
Auchmedden, M arch 18, 1691.
Dear Madam, —
My condition now being so far altered, I cannot but give your Ladyship and
your noble Lord some account of it, whose friendship I have always honoured.
The truth is, I find myself out of any capacity, or probability, of afterwards going
abroad or entering in the world, so that I have given over thoughts of waiting on
your Ladyship or yours, and I must confine myself and my thoughts to the
prospect of a glorious eternity to be purchast by the merits of Christ. Oh ! that
1 In the MS. there is a letter from Mr. John Baird the Advocate to his father, Sir Jas. Baird,
relative to some legal matters, regarding which he had had an interview with Sir William Sharp ;
and a letter from Sir James to Sir William in consequence. — Ed.
2 Sister of his daughter-in-law, Lady Catherine Hay. — Ed.