Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

36
CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1686
November in the old style. This year bonfires had been
reluctantly omitted.
ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATER
My Lord,—I receaved yor Los leter to yor son Mr.
James, and shall be carefull to delliver it to him out of
my oune hand. I tak jorney from hence on Tuesday
morning be day is light (God willing). Kindlie saluting
yor Lo., my Lady, and all yor noble familie, I am, My
Lord, Yor Lo3 most affectionat and humble servant,
Jo. Gordoun.1
Banff, 31 Nor. 1686.
Last newes leters beare that the 5 of Nor. was punctualie
observed at London, but no bondfyres. The princes
was at sermon in the chapell royall.
With his relative Sir Patrick Ogilvie, Lord Boyne, on the bench
in those days of influence and ‘moyen’ Mr. James Oglivie’s
practice at the bar grew rapidly. We had besides the backing
of other powerful relatives in the Hamiltons and Eglintouns ; and
the following letter to his mother shows that these and other
influences were being worked.
For THE COUNTES OF FINDLATER
Edr., Deer, the 21sf, 1686.
Madam,—I received the honour of your La. letter, and
did deliver the inclosed to Mr. Francis Mountgomerie,
who promised to wreat to your La. I had the honour
to see the Dutches of Hamiltoun this day. She did ask
very kindly for your La., and desired me to tel you she
wondered that you did not wreat to her. And when
your La. does it, I intreat you may be pleased to desir
her Grace may speak to the Duke to countenance me, for
his countenance would be of great use to me. I am this
affternoon to see the Archbishop of Santandrus who is to
give me his imployment. I am to be this vacance with
Tillibody,2 for he hes very kindly invited me to the
1 Bailie of Banff, and captain of the burgh militia.
2 George Abercromby, cadet of the Abercrombies of Birkenbog, and ancestor
of Sir Ralph Abercromby.