Series 1 > Journal of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-1687

32
JOURNAL OF THE HON.
[JAN.
Privy Seal, Treasurer Depute, Advocate, Register, and the
Justice General, all being officers of state but the last. The
Chancellour had none to do for him in this court but himself,
but adjourned them when they pleased him not, they all
siding with the Treasurer against him. This day the Earl of
Loudon, Lord Melvill, Sir John Cochran, and John Cochran of
Waterside, his son, were summoned at the cross and pier and
shoar of Leith to compear before the criminal court, and answer
for alledged conversing, harbouring, and meeting with rebells.
About a fortnight ago my Lord Maitland was committed
to the custody of a sergeant at London, he being named in a
letter of Argyle’s, wrote in cyphers, to which there was now a
key; so he was now panneled for corresponding with rebells,
who by his vote made it a crime, the lords being equally
divided before he came in.1
25th.—I was a while with the Laird of Arkindlass’ son, who
was at the colledge.
26th.—I was this morning with Garturr, who went for Torrie.
This day the Council met afternoon, and it was said to be
for signing a letter to the King.
The Junto sat after the Council was up.
27th.—I heard Mr. John Law, 1 John 5. 4.
28th.—I was a while in company with Alexander and Robert
Preston.
29th.—I was all this forenoon with my brother in the abbey.
30tfA.—There was preaching in the great kirk this day, in
commemoration of the murther of King Charles the 1st.
Hannan preacht. His discourse consisted much of reflections
on Presbyterians, and he bad people beware of those principles
that the King derived his power from the people, and that
religion ought to be defended by arms.
31st.—I was with Robert Colvill, receiving JP120 as a years
annual rent due by the Earl of Menteath to my Lady, and my
brother.
1 Charles, Lord Maitland of Halton, younger brother of the Duke of Lauder¬
dale. A promise to read the letter was obtained from Lady Argyle after severe
threatening by three of the Privy Councillors. The key to the cypher was, how¬
ever, found by Gray of Creichy, by ‘rules of airt.’ An order was there¬
upon issued to search the house of Lord Maitland, and to secure his papers.