Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

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FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD
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down such methods as the streets and turnpiks may be
keept clean, and driving out of beggars, vagabonds, etc.,
and impowering the Lords of the Session to impose such
a stent on all the inhabitants as may defray the charges
yrof, and they are to see the same duly applied ; another
act declaring all recognitions to be burdened with the
ground of an prior inhibition duly executed. The
acts anent the summer session, and for ingathering of
supplies, and anent the subscriving of all the executions
and interloquitors were this day by an particular letter
from the King touched with the scepter, and the Parliat
adjourned till Friday. There was a comittee of 12
appointed for drawing the act anent moderation, etc.
They mett several times but concluded nothing till yester¬
day ; and there was a scroll drawn by the Arch Bp of St
Andrews and the Bp of Edr allowing them private exercise
•of yr religion in families. It was expected to have come
in Parliat but came not, but its beleeved the same will
be sent up, and receive the Kings pleasure yranent.
I doubt not but you have heard Dr. Sibbald is returned
Protestant to the satisfaction of some and displeasure of
others.
London, May 22, 1686.
The incampment in Holmsley heath will be opened
on the 9th of June.
They write from Geneva that the magistrats of that city
out of fear of being attacqued by the French and Savoyards
keep gairds a leg round the citie, that the Switzers in their
general assembly have resolved all the 13 cantons to de¬
fend Geneva in caice it be attacqued. They have made
a reveiw of 16000 men, wch they have dispersed in several
encampments in the countrey of Vaux.
The Queen and Princesse being indisposed hindered
his Majesties coming hither yesterday. Her Majestic not
being well stayes at Windsor.
^ From Holland they write that on the 27th their fleet
sailed from the Texel consisting of 8 men of warre and
3 fire ships. They adde that great fire and lightening