Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

306 THE C ROM ARTIE CORRESPONDENCE.
246. [The Same to The Same.] 1
8 December 1705.
My Lord, — The other letter is writ in hast. Since now in my old age I
am to retire, this bargan, if it can be procured, should be of advantage to me,
and by it I could doe what I proposd as to Stragarive and Lochcaron. Since
the design seems to be of the chanclers concerns, I have writ to him in the
general ; and, if your Lordship judges it fitt, seal and send it, or not, as you
please. I think the terms reasonable, and of advantage to the government,
but it would be very convenient for me ; and as to the exchange of rent for
rent, viz., 100 rnerks in Lothian for 100 meiks of miserable ill payed rent in
Eoss, I'm sure the crown gains ; and for the price of the house, it is too
cheap. But if the stopp be ther, or it goe of, I would make the bargan for
rent for rent, i.e., a chalder in Boyston, which is at least 150 merks, for a
chalder in Eoss for 100 (which is more than ever it amounted to comunibus
annis) ; and for the house, if money, for 3000/. sterling, or, if rent in Eoss
be given for it, for 33 chalders ; and most of all the rent will be out of
lands holden of my self : so this will not trouble the treasury in a farthing
money.
But I lay this on your Lordship as my speciall freend. If the other
hold not, I inclose another litle scheam to be tryed in that case ; and I'm
sure it is both easy and advantageous to the Queen and crown. I referr the
rest to it.
My Lord, deliver my letter to the chancelor, or not, as yow find fitt ; if
yee doe, seal it.
Dorso : " To yourself."
1 Original Letter in Mar Charter-chest.