Bannatyne Club > Papers relative to the Regalia of Scotland

38 OBSERVATIONS ON THE HISTORY
Majesty ordained,) but have maintained the same upon the small rent my Lord Mare-
shall hath in this place ; and now am so environed with the enemy on all hands, that
none will come in hither with provisions, only the sea patent if I had friends. Where-
fore your Majesty will be pleased tiraeously to send your royal commandments hither
(if it be possible) with a sure hand, in a small vessel, which may come to the foot of
the house (although the enemy were in leaguer about it,) and deliver the same without
any danger. Your Majesty will be pleased also to look upon an account of my fide-
lity in relation to the enemy, although they have spread papers to the contrary, which
maketh many to have sinistrous opinions of me ; but, by the Lord's help, your Ma-
jesty shall find me faithful, do what they please, until I either hear from your Majesty,
or see you in such condition as those rebells may be forced to submit themselves,
which shall ever be the earnest desire and hearty prayer of your Majesty's most loyal
and faithful subject — George Ogilvy."
The plan proposed for sending off the Regalia by sea was either not adopted, or
proved unsuccessful. Meantime the danger darkened on every hand ; the whole king-
dom was subdued by the English, excepting the remote glens, where Glengary, Loch-
iel, and other Highland Chiefs, maintained a desultory resistance, more honourable to
themselves than useful to the royal cause. Yet, in defiance of the murmurs of his
little garrison, whose numbers were totally insufficient for the defence of so large a
fortress, in spite also of every deficiency of provisions and ammunition, and of constant
attacks from the enemy, the gallant Ogilvy continued to hold out the Castle of Dun-
notter. His only encouragement seems to have been a letter from the King, written
on a small piece of paper for the purpose of concealment, and sent by a special mes-
senger, who succeeded in delivering it. It is addressed, — " For the Governor and
Gentlemen in the Castle of Dunnotter," and is of the following tenor : —
" Gentlemen, Assure yourselves I am very carefull of you, and sensible of your
affection to me. Give credit to what this beai'er shall say to you, and observe the di-
rections you shall receive from Lieutenant-General Middleton. You shall shortly heare
againe from me ; and I would have you find some way frequently to advertise me of
your condition, which I will take all possible care to relieve. — Paris, March 26th, 1632."
CHARLES R.