Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

1693]
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD
97
CHAPTER III
LETTERS DURING THE REIGN OF WILLIAM AND
MARY FROM 1693 TO 1696
Sir John Dalrymple’s anticipation on 19th January 1693, that
Sir James Ogilvie would soon be brought into the government,
was immediately realised, when on 31st January he was appointed
Solicitor to their Majesties. The two next letters refer to this
important advance in his political career.
For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes
Fdr., Febry 28, 1693.
My Lord,—I doubt not bot your Lo. hes ane accompt
of my being made Sollicitor, and I have five hundreth
pound of pension. It will keep me some time longer in
this place then I intended. It’s thought our Parlament
will sitt. Wee have no other neus. I intreat that the
magistrats of Banffe be leatne understand that I will
look to the Kings interest so long as I am Shirife, and will
not alou them to incrotch; and if it wer not that I have
kindness for them I would inquier affter what is done
alreadie. It will also be fitt Alexr Grant know that all
who have acted in any publict station may be chalenged,
if they have not qualified them seifs ackording to lau;
bot if once it pleas God I come home, I will inquier further
in this matter.—I am, My Lord, Your Lo. most obedient
son and humble servant, Ja. Ogilvie.
For THE EARLE OF FINDLATER thes
Edr., March 8, 1693.
My Lord,—I cannot promise as yet for some time to
come home. My imployment keeps me hier, bot as soon
as possiblie I can, I resolve to be with your Lo. I know
not bot I may be necessitat to goe to London, bot if I
doe I will stey bot verie short, while I shal wreat to your
Lo. from time to time. I have not yet sold my victual,
and I will endeavour to doe it to the greatest advantage.