Memoirs of the Maxwells of Pollok > Correspondence

352 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC LETTERS. [1707.
it sooner. But as soon as ever I had any certain accounts, I counted it deuty
to your lordship and the parish of Eastwood, and my self, to acquaint you
without delay. I find the magistrates and ministers of this place have had
severall conferences about a call to me. It seems I must have one distresse
upon the back of another, and a way of judgments. I pray I may be helped to
suitable exercise. I hear the Provest was ordered at their last conference to
speak with your Lordship about this affair at Edinburgh ; and I have that in-
tire confidence in you that I am under noe apprehensions from you though you
should be attacked befor this come to hand. This impertinent, talkative place
surmize very loudly a great many foolish storys, quhich I would not once in-
sinuat (for they make not the least impression upon me) to your Lordship, if
it wer not that I think they make it necessary that you open some peaple's
eyes, and let them see their folly in beliving such storys. I am farr from pre-
scribing to you any particular in this affair. I knou your prudence and steadi-
ness will direct you better then any thing I can suggest ; but I think a letter
from your Lordship to the magistrates, or any one of them you judge convenient,
to be communicate, might doe some service, sheuing hou unneighbourly this
attempt is, and hou disobliging this will be to you and the other heritours con-
cerned ; yea, hou unjust and unreasonable such a desing is. I fear we shall
bulk litle in a judicatory quhen laid in ballance uith Glasgou, if ever it come
that lenth ; and therfor, if possible, I would have this crushed in the embrio.
I shall make noe apology for myself, because I belive you have noe suspicions
of me. I can say this affair, both as to body and spirit, is like to distresse and
crush me more then any thing I ever mett uith. If your lordship think fitt
to write a smart letter to them on this affair, I shall take care to get it de-
livred. I expect your lordship's advice and mind by post, as soon as you
please. I have nothing from this country to acquaint you uith ; and really
this attempt has put other things much out of my mind. My humble service
to Mistress LiUias. I had hers by W. Lauson, and have taken care accordingly,
and quhat she wrote by Archbald I have put in Mistress Peridy's hand, who
will send them by some sure hand. I am, my Lord,
Your very much oblidged and most humble servant,
To the right honorable my Lord Pollock, at his lodgings at Edinburgh.