Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1645.] SIR JAMES CAMPBELL OF LAWEES. 73
ar joyneit with Montrois. And now I hear that Montrois, haiffing hard of my lord Marqueis
of Argyill his approach to Kintoir or Inuervrie, marchit all the night wpon Saturneday last
to meitt my lord Marqueis of Argyill. Bot quhat is done since, I cannot hear. My intelli-
gence at this tyme is werie litle, in respect I ly far aff. Your best intelligence wilbe from
thes that lyes at Speymouth in Morray, for they ar nearest to Montrois. Trewlie, of quhat
certaintie I can heir or learne, I sail adverteiss yow. I wald be werie glaid to hear from yow
quhat ye hear of Alaster M c Donald and his courses. So, to the nixt occasioun I remaine
your affectionat freind. Sic subscribitur.
As I am informeit, all the people of Strathawin and Glenlivat ar joyneit with Montrois.
My people ar werie much trowbleit with Hielanderis daylie and hourlie passing and repasing
from Montrois to thair awine remaineing placeis, that scarselie can they ly in thair awine
houssis for fear of plundering of tham, bot of necessitie ar still wpon foot keiping their awine
guides.
To the right honorabill Colonell Lumsdane and the Laird of Laveris.
126. Sir James Campbell of Lawers to the Laird of Grant — Measures to oppose
Montrose.
Invernes, the 20 of January 1645.
Eight Honorable, — Albeet I dowbt not your diligence in obeying the Generall Maiors
orders, who, I know, does expect yow nightly with quhat forces yow can get, he beeng some
three or fowr myles off the towne, I thoght incwmbent to me to acqwaint yow that this
morning we receaved certain advertisement that Montrose and the Irish rebels wer come
to Laganachadrwm two nights since, and wer now on their mairch hither to this cwntrey,
and intends for Morray, if they be not oposed before they winne that length. Quherfor,
their is the greater necessity that all the forces draw together heir, acording to our first
orders, night and day, quhilk is the onely way to had them off this cwntrey and your honour's.
If they draw together befor they enter the cwntrey, we can do no more for our exoneration,
and if any prejwdice happen to fall owt, as is too likely, we ar not to be blamed, for we give
tymeows advertisement. And if our orders had been obeyet, we shold have wentured our
selvis, and, with God's asistance, preserved thir cwntreys. This the last quhilk I wish be
obeyed albeet later nor I wish, for I know no other means to preserve the cwntrey, but every
honest man to oppose them with all the might and power they have, quhilk I hope, sir, yow
will take to your seriows consideration ; and albeet I know ye have dificwlties, so far as
lyes in your power, to aprove your self a good patriot for your cwntrey. In doing quherof
ye doe good service, and obleage me to continwe your honor's loving cwssing and humble
servant, _ = _ _
S R J. Campbell.
To the right honorable the Laird of Grant — these.
VOL. II. K