Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

298 TEE G ROM ART IE CORRESPONDENCE.
242. George first Earl of Cromartie to [John Earl of Mar, one of the
secretaries of state for Scotland]. 1
22 November 1705.
My Lord, — This letter is intended for my owne particular. Our late
sitting in councell makes it short ; and yett I most beginn with ane unex-
spected occurrent in councell. Two border Earles were vying gainst one
another for building of kirks (it may be long or I have the like to writt of
us Highlanders) ; but the 2d was that in that cause the Earl of Stair, the
Earl of Morton, Lord Haddo, Earl Dunmore, and your Lordships humble
servant, defended a presbitery and its act, and the justice clerk, Mr. Fr.
Montgomerie, and Earl Lauderdal impugned. However, as the ryot was with
out blood, so the decision was without sting, and all ended in moderation ;
to which end may wee all be brought. Now to my purpose. Except honest
Jo. Maculloch, I owe not a bill in London, but what was yesterday pre-
sented, and this day were registrat, in ordor to further prosecution of my true
depurst money, and ordored by herr Majesty, with the excheckers preceptt,
and the cashkeepers acceptance, which is 11007., and should have been payd
a year agoe. If this, or the half of it, had been payed, I had keept my credit.
Now I am thinking to goe to the Abbay, albeit other ministers pensiones due
posterior to mine be answerd, which is no good president for statsmen who
may goe out, as I have : nor is it just that a secretar, who most lay out,
should be postpond to those whose salary is clear gaine. My Lord, allow
me to intreat that the Queen may be pleased to know that I with humility
think I am barbarously used, and, if I deserved no riches, yet I most say
1 Original Letter in Mar Charter-chest.