Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

cxxx GEORGE FIRST VISCOUNT OF TARBAT. [1630-
" Whereas we have thought fit to put the records of our Kingdom of Scotland
into the hands of untill we shall have considered how to dis-
pose of the same ; and finding that our right trustie and well beloved George
Lord Tarbat hath readily offered to deliver the said records upon oath, in the
accustomed manner, and understanding that the said Lord Tarbat hath not only
exercised that charge faithfully and diligently, but done similar service to the
Crown and Kingdom, in putting the principal evidences in order and method, and
in recovering many considerable evidences which were missing to many of our
Hedges, do therefore exonerate and discharge him of his said trust and office, and
approve his service therein ; and in consideration thereof, and of his long services,
we do further, of our grace and by our royal power, give to him our good will,
favour, and protection, and do secure him from all danger in his person or estate,
notwithstanding of any actings, writings, councils, speaches, or any crimes com-
mitted by him, in any of his public capacities or services, before the
day of this instant ; and we promise to pass an ample remission to him, under our
great seal thereupon ; and because of his age and weakness by sickness, we dis-
pense with his attendance at public meetings of any sort, unless we, by our
special mandate, call him on any occasion ; and we will this to be as valid to him
in all respects, and to all effects, as if this discharge and remission were expressed
in full form, and had passed our seals, quherewith we dispense in ample manner,
and fullest interpretation of our royal favour and good will towards him. Given
at our Court at Hampton Court, the day 1689. 1
The following letter from the King to Lord Melville was sent to the latter
with the exoneration to Lord Tarbat : —
My Lord, — . . . Since you think my Lord Tarbat can be serviceable in quieting
the North, I hope you will encourage his going thither, and to that end I have sent
you his discharge in the form it is desired, which you make use of or not, as you see
opportunity. A distribution of money among the Highlanders being thought the
likeliest way to satisfy them, I have given orders for 5 or 6 thousand pounds to
be sent to Major-General Mackay for that purpose, as also for 2 Frigates to cruize
on the north-east coast as you desire, and hope, in sometime, our affairs will be in
so good a posture that we shall not apprehend an invasion from Ireland, but
1 The Leven and Melville Papers, pp. 14, 15.