Memoirs of the Maxwells of Pollok > Correspondence

XIV ABSTRACT OF THE STATE AND OFFICIAL LETTERS. [1696-97.
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yet he had no doubt that the Lord Advocate [Sir James Stewart] was the man who would be
most acceptable to all parties, and to the whole lieges. 27th October 1696, 103
87. Mr. William Carstares to [Sir John Maxwell of Pollok], informing him that the Earl of Port-
land continued his (Sir John's) constant, unaltered friend, alluding to an apprehension of
an invasion upon Scotland, and expressing his conviction that Sir John would make every
exertion to keep parties as united as possible for the security of the kingdom and his Ma-
jesty's service, etc. 1st December 1696, 104
88. Sir James Ogilvie, Secretary of State for Scotland, to [Sir John Maxwell of Pollok], requesting
him to write to him occasionally, as the Duke of Queensberry, with whom he used to corre-
spond, was then at Court ; and wishing to have an account from him how long the funds at
the disposal of the Treasury would maintain the troops, etc., to enable them to take the
necessary measures with regard to a new subsidy ; stating that Sir Godfrey M'Culloch had
been tried and found guilty of a " plaine murder," and that therefore no favour could be
desired for him. Whitehall, 2d March 1697, 104
89. Sir Patrick Hume, Lord Polwarth, Chancellor of Scotland, to [Sir John Maxwell of Pollok],
informing him that, in consequence of Lord Raith's bad health, the meetings of Treasury and
Exchequer on the Wednesday and Friday preceding had failed for want of a quorum of mem-
bers, and earnestly entreating him to come to town on the Monday following, that the week might
be devoted to public business, in order that he (the Chancellor) might get the month of May
for relaxation in the country, if emergencies would allow. Edinburgh, 16th April 1697, 105
90. Sir James Ogilvie, Secretary of State for Scotland, to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, expressing
his regret that he was unable to serve Pardevan, whom Sir John had recommended to be
governor of Blackness Castle ; mentioning that the Duke of Queensberry and Lord Tulli-
bardine were to have an audience with his Majesty on the state of business at the Treasury ;
and recommending Sir John not to proceed against the witches unless on sure grounds, since
many of the English " doe scarcely believe that there is any such thing as ane witch."
Whitehall, 17th April 1697, 105
91. The Same to the Same, mentioning that the King had departed for Holland, and that all things
were going on very well ; stating that the Earls of Buchan, Marr, and Loudon, and Sir
Patrick Murray, had been added to the Privy Council, and that three new Earls had been
created. Whitehall, 27th April 1697, 106
92. Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate, to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, expressing his regret at the
threatened breaking off of a marriage which had been contemplated between two of their friends,
and alluding to the disposition of his estate and some matters of private business. Edinburgh,
3d September 1697, 107
93. Sir James Ogilvie, Secretary of State for Scotland, to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, entreating
to be informed whether Lord Montgomerie was likely to succeed in his " amour" with Lady
Dundonald, expressing at same time his belief that Lord Yester would be preferred, and
requesting him to befriend the Earl of Eglintoun as much as possible, who was in difficulties
in consequence of the non-payment of his pension. Whitehall, 7th September 1697, 108