Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

SIMON LORD LOVAT. ijjf
to the Earl of Cromartie in 1743, on his recovery from an illness with which
he was seized after a visit to Lord Lovat at Beaufort, his Lordship says : —
" Since I had the use of reason, I never received two letters that gave me so much joy, so
much pleasure, and so much comfort, as the two letters that I had the honour to receive from
your lordship this day. . . . As my fears and concern were beyond expression when 1 was
acquainted with your lordship's illness, so, I thank God, my satisfaction and joy are now
complete in finding your lordship recover'd : . . . and I wish from my heart and soul that your
lordship may be restor'd to perfect health, and live at least for as many years as your grand-
father did. I do assure you, my dear Earl, that I wish this as much as I do my own health
and life ; and I wish I may have no life the day that I am not faithfully attach'd to your
lordship's person and interest." 1
The year 1745, which was so eventful and disastrous both to Lovat and
his correspondent, was begun with warm congratulations by his Lordship : —
" Allow me, my dearest earl, on the begining of this new year, to asure your lordship
and the worthy Countess of Cromarty, and all your most lovely family, of my most humble,
most affectionate, and everlasting respects. May God preserve your person, and the worthy
Countess of Cromarty, in perfect health, and with all manner of prosperity, untill at least
you see your great-grandchildren, which you may do without being so old as your great-
grandfather, who retained his vast judgment and reason to his dying hour."
In the same letter, Lovat refers to the contemplated changes in high
quarters. He pretends not to understand them, and says that they are as
incomprehensible as the greatest mysteries of nature and religion. But he
adds that though honest men should turn knaves, he is determined to preserve
his integrity till the conflagration. 2
In April of the same year a daughter was born to Lady Cromartie. That
event afforded Lovat an opportunity of congratulating the Countess in his
best style. He said that he honoured and respected her beyond all the
Countesses in Scotland, and " I wish your lordship joy, with all my heart, of
this new infanta, as ane additionall beauty to your lordship's lovely family.
It is certain that your lordship's family is already the most beautifull in the
King's dominions." 3
1 Vol. ii. p. 300, No. 512. - Ibid. p. 305. 3 Ibid. p. 308.