Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

366 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES [nov. 1703
On 3rd January 1704 letters of marque were issued to Captain
John Ap-Rice, commander of the Annandale, a ship of 220 tons
and 20 guns belonging to the African company, and fitted out
by them to prosecute and protect their East Indian trade. On
her maiden voyage she was captured in the Downs by the East
India company, and was confiscated. This incident, referred to
in next letter, was the cause of the affair of Captain Green and his
crew in 1705.
For MR. LORIMER, Chamerlaine to the EARL OF
SEAFIELD att Cullen
Leith, the lAthfebry. 1704.
Sir,—Mr. Stewart and I are busie just now in getting
ships to come north for my Lord Chancellors bear. There¬
for make it as soon radie as ye cane. There is noe word
as yet of my Lords offcomeing for Scotland, but how soon
I know of it shall acquant you. Wee have greatt heats
heir amonge our great men anent the plotte, and be all
can be learned, it will end in blood. Ane English man of
warr hes run a shipe of ours on a rock, taken every thing
out of her, beatt the men. Shee was tradeing to the
Indies under the companies pass. This D. Hamilton and
others concerned to that company takes wery ill, so that
there is ane express goen to her Majestic thereanent from
the Counsell. My wife is safe brought to bede, blessed
be God, of a daughter which frustrats my expecta°ne, for
I thought to have gotten a son to your daughter. Wee
have noe other newes heir at present, only the King of
Spaine is not sailed from England as yet. My wife and I
give our service to you, your bedefellow, and wish you
good health and your younge daughter, and we must gett
sons nixt, and wishing all hapieness to attend you all, I
continue after the old maner, Your humble servant,
Will Gairdne.
Draw on me for four pounds Scotts I received from
skipper Balfour on your accott. My Lord Deskford is
pritty well, but Mr. Black is dyeing. . . .
Lord Deskford probably left Marischal College in June 1703.