Ancient deeds and other writs in the Mackenzie-Wharncliffe charter-chest

MACKENZIE-WHARNCLIFFE DEEDS
the estate of Keithick, which was at this time purchased and added to
the Newtyle estate of Sir George's representatives.
The non-existence and probable destruction of Sir George
Mackenzie's political correspondence and private memoranda on public
affairs is deeply to be deplored. It is possible that the charter-chests of
several of the older Scottish nobility may on examination still yield
valuable letters and papers of his. Specimens of his letters are to be
found among the Lauderdale papers published by the Camden Society
in 1884. There are in the third volume six letters from him to the Duke
and Duchess of Lauderdale. The first in date is supposed to have
been written in February 1680, and in it Sir George expresses his opinion
that the visit of the Duke of York (afterwards James u.) has done
much to establish peace in Scotland. ' The country is quiet ' (he writes)
' nor doe I think any will ryse while the Duke is heer and wee ow really
much to his being heer for our enemies dare not now own their com-
plaints against the Council nor doe any differences appear amongst
ourselves.' He complains of lukewarmness on the part of certain
persons in getting proof against rebels, and adds, ' I am weary of having
all the burden.' He dissuades Lauderdale from bringing criminal prose-
cutions before the Council as being illegal ; and adds, ' I am glad I never
lost a caus to the King.'
On the 17th February a loyal address to the King was sent by
the Privy Council. It is exceedingly laudatory as regards the Duke of
York, ' in whom wee have seen that moderation of Spirit and equality of
Justice that is so remarkable in Y r sacred Race. So that this too short
time has been the most peaceable and seren part of our life, and the
happiest days we ever saw except your Majestys miraculous restitution.'
This address is signed both by Rosehaugh and Tarbat.
Sir George's second letter to the Duke, supposed to have been
written in the same month, contains nothing of special interest. His
third letter to his Grace, dated in March 1680, refers merely to the prose-
cution of Barganie.
In the autumn of 1680 Sir George wrote to the Duchess in defence
of his own action regarding several matters in which her Grace was
interested, and specially as to a sum of money which seems to have
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