Memoirs of the Maxwells of Pollok > Correspondence

169^-99.] ABSTRACT OF THE STATE AND OFFICIAL LETTERS. XV
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94. James second Duke of Queensberry, Lord Privy Seal, etc., [to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok].
stating that the King had not yet made known his pleasure regarding their affairs, but that he
had determined the point in debate between the Treasury and the Auditors of the Public
Accounts, and was very desirous that the accounts should be audited before the meeting of
Parliament ; and alluding to the conduct of Sir Archibald Muire and Jerviswood, the new
tacksmen of the customs, etc. London, 15th January 169|-, 108
95. Sir John Maxwell of Pollok to James Viscount Seafield, Secretary of State for Scotland,
stating, with reference to the filling up of a vacancy in the Court of Session, that of the two
gentlemen who were named for the office, — Mr. Stewart and Elphingstoun — there was a
report that the former had been induced by the latter to withdraw from the contest, and
entreating his Lordship, if Mr. Stewart would not accept, to look out for a person of
undoubted affection to the Government, and of sufficient probity and ability, on whom to
bestow that appointment ; and suggesting Sir Gilbert Elliot, as one whose nomination would
give general satisfaction to the country. Pollok, 24th September 1698, 109
96. Sir John Maxwell of Pollok to Mr. William Carstaires, in terms similar to the last letter.
24th September 1698, 110
97. James first Viscount of Seafield, Secretary of State for Scotland, to Sir John Maxwell of
Pollok, mentioning that the vacancy on the Bench would not be filled up for some time ; that
both Stuart and Elphinston were very intelligent men, and had given the Government their
assistance in Parliamentary business, and that although Sir Gilbert Elliot was doubtless well
qualified to fill that office, yet it would not be an easy matter to supply his present post ; and
that the King was not expected home till the end of November at soonest. Whitehall,
8th October 1698, Ill
98. Archibald tenth Earl [afterwards Duke] of Argyle, to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, acknow-
ledging a letter from him concerning Mr. Carstairs ; mentioning that he had written to
the Chancellor contradicting a report spread by the Earl of Tullibardine, that he (Argyle)
had a desire for his place ; requesting that Lord Raith and Sir John would arrange to
meet, and give his Lordship information frequently of what was taking place, and sug-
gesting a new scale of subsistence-money for the guards, etc. London, 29th December
1698 Ill
99. James Viscount of Seafield, Secretary of State, to Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, informing him
of some changes in the principal Government appointments ; stating that if the Lord Justice-
Clerk would accept the office of Treasurer-depute, he (Sir John) would be settled to his
satisfaction ; and mentioning that he would willingly have it in his power to do service to the
African Company, but that nothing could be done till his Majesty were acquainted with their
particular design and project. Whitehall, 23d January 1699, 113
100. Sir John Maxwell of Pollok to James Viscount Seafield, Secretary of State, expressing his
satisfaction at the appointment of Lord Carmichael to be Joint Secretary of State ; and re-
questing that if it be his Majesty's pleasure to make any change in his position, his Lordship
would give him timeous notice of it. 28th January 1699, 114