Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

12
CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [july
has noe designe of making any long stay, but when people
goe soe far off, they can hardly be sairtaine of their diett.
It is true that Sr John Cocharan on hopes of his life
plays the good bairne as well as posibly he can, but it is
not yet known what will become of him, or what dis-
covereys hee has made. The Duke of Monmouth and Lord
Gray are both in the Tower. I expect by the next to
heare what will become of them. It is said our states men
goe up in August, soe after that its like newes may be
expected, but as yet theire is noe other, then what I have
told yr LoPP. If I can doe you any further service, I shall
be glad to show yr LoPP how much I am your LoP® humble
servant, Eliza: Gordon.
Sir John Cochran and Lord Grey ‘ played the good bairne ’ to
such purpose that, after giving evidence against their accomplices
and paying heavy fines, they received full pardon.
Mr. James Ogilvie was early engaged in unravelling his father’s
pecuniary entanglements. These alone seem to have given him
extensive legal practice. Writing home on the 13th and 21st of
November 1685, after referring to those debts and to his father’s
taking the test in accordance with the act of Parliament, he
details the current political and family news. The revocation of
the Edict of Nantes in November 1685, though the Pope on
political grounds opposed it, drove the Huguenots from France,
and greatly stiffened English opposition to the Romanising policy
of King James. The Parliament of England, which met on the
9th of November, took a strong stand against the King’s breach
of the last test act in employing Roman Catholic officers. The
Commons addressed the King on the subject, and Parliament
was prorogued in consequence.
For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER
Edr., Nov. 13, 1685.
My Lord,—Having the occasion of James Ogilvies
servant going north, I have presumed to give your Lo.
ye trouble of this letter. Mr. Ramsay hes assinged my
bond to one Mr. Hamiltoune, who threatnes to use diligence
both against me and ye cationers ; and unless I get him