Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

326 ABSTRACT OF THE [1693.
Page
8 1 . John first Earl of Breadalbane to the Same, expressing his conviction
that the Viscount and other friends believed that all industry had
been used to ascertain if it was practicable to get him and others to go
up to London, to assist by strength of reason to convince the King
that ill-judged measures had been taken, and ought to be rectified, but
that this was found impracticable, and that they next endeavoured to
ascertain how far it was resolved to prosecute the bigots' designs of
laying their party aside, and that it had been so managed that the
King had declared his pleasure not to make any such alteration as was
apprehended ; that to have got this without staying, or Mr. Carstairs
taking it to avizandum, was very fair ; that the probable commissioner
had told his Lordship that he was not for the Episcopal clergy taking
oaths until the General Assembly first received them into their num-
ber in omnibus. 7th December 1693, . . . . . .102
82. Lady Mary Campbell, Countess of Breadalbane, formerly Countess of
Caithness, to the Same, about a bond that concerned her son Colin ;
giving details of his education. 30th January 1694, . . .103
83. John first Earl of Breadalbane to the Same, intimating that he (Bread-
albane) had lost for ever his influence with the presbytery, so called,
for Meffen ; that the pretence found out for rejecting the pluralities'
call was that those signing the call were not qualified, — had not taken
the oaths, and that he foresaw the Presbyterians might thereby get into
their hands the planting of all the vacancies of the kingdom ; and
describing that, and the disarming all Highlanders, and dismounting
all Lowlanders, as "prudent moderate advices;" adding that pierhaps
the King would, at Winchester, declare his pleasure for the General
Assembly, as he had taken it to avizandum. 8th March 1694, . .105
84. William Duke of Q.ueensberry to the Same, of his illness during winter,
and other news. 19th March 1694, 106
85. Charles first Duke of Lennox and Richmond to the Same, expressing a
hope that the esteem his father, the King, had for his Lordship would
induce him to be a friend to Mr. Bell, whom the Duke had appointed
to inspect his affairs in Scotland. 1st June 1694, .... 107