fired. Van Gent, the Admiral, sent to know why; he said he had orders. Fired again; was told he might return, as he had done his duty. Crowe gave an account to the Duke, but was sent to the Tower. (He had been ordered to sink the Dutch.)

Sept. 12. Great hail-storm last week; the stones as large as pigeons' eggs. Account of His Majesty taking and cancelling the patent of the farmers of Customs who complained of defalcations.

Sept. 16. Thinks that the cancelling was to facilitate the way of a Lord Treasurer; thought Lord Ashley to be the man.

Sept. 19. A yacht was sent out yesterday to the Dutch fleet; all struck their flags to her, so he believes there will be no break with them. Gives the names of the new Commissioners for Customs, who kissed hands yesterday.

Sept. 20. The Duke of Richmond is going to Denmark; some fancy to treat of a match between the Duke of York and that King's sister; that of Innspruck being off.

Oct. 14. The Dutch are now victualling a fleet of 60

sail. 1671 2'

Jan. 13. Report that the Earl of Essex is to be Lord Lieut. of Ireland.

Jan. 20. The Duke of Monmouth is to have a regiment of 24 companies, each company of 100 foot; it is said he is to be made General of all the English, Scotch, and Irish in France.

Jan. 23. The Dutch are in such distraction as never was since Queen Elizabeth's days; divided amongst themselves, some are for the Prince of Orange and some against him.

Jan. 27. A fire at the King's play-house between 7 and 8 on Thursday evening last, which half burned down the house and all their scenes and wardrobe; and all the houses from the Rose Tavern in Russell Street on that side of the way to Drury Lane are burned and blown up, with many in Vinegar Yard; 20,0001. damage. The fire began under the stairs where Orange Moll keeps her fruit. Bell the player was blown up.

1672, April 6. Capt. Digby has returned from France; he was presented with a jewel of 1,000l. The French fleet will be ready in a fortnight.

April 30. List of the ships at the Nore, and fireships, against the Dutch.

May 4. The Dutch embassador was refused a passport by the King; he is refused by his Majesty the offers he had orders to make from his masters, which, as was said, was twice a blank for his Majesty to make or set down his own demands. His Majesty answered that it was now too late, he being engaged otherways.

June 1. An engagement on Tuesday last; the Royal James lost most of her men and Lord Sandwich; the ship was burnt. The Dutch had the weather-gage till 1 p.m.; then Harman and Kempthorne got it and made the Dutch nine bonefires of their best ships. About 4 the Dutch fled, fighting still, and got to the Weilings yesterday; and our fleet at Sole Bay. The Dutch burned all their own disabled ships.

June 11. Richard Darey (at Whitehall) to Sir R. Edgcumbe; news that the Earl of Sandwich's body was found.

June 11. A letter from Harwich describing the finding of the body of the Earl of Sandwich yesterday in his clothes, the star and George on them, with 13 diamonds; gold watch; three rings, which my Lord had taken off his finger and tied them in his blue garter which he wore about his leg, and put them in his pocket; a large tear-blue sapphire ring, &c.

Copy of letter by Sir Geo. Treby (Judge of the Common Pleas), giving another account of the death of Lord Sandwich. (2 pp.)

June 13. Letter by James Smitheby (London). Account of finding the body of Lord Sandwich not far from Langer Fort. Sir Charles Littleton, governor of the fort, took it in and embalmed it. The King ordered 501. to the person who found it.

June 13. List of officers drowned and killed upon the raft over the river Rhaine which was found by our horse.

June 15. Philip Edgcumbe to Sir Richard Edgcumbe. A proclamation is out against false news, and suppressing the discourse of State affairs in coffee houses.

June 20. I am told that De Witt is absolutely dead; I could wish he had been so many years since. Wonders that the Dutch, so insolent and rich, should so soon lose all except Zealand and Holland.

June 25. A report that the Duke of York had sent a trumpet to De Ruyter to fight or yield.

June 29. Lord Sandwich's interment will be on Wednesday next (at Westminster).

July 2. The Duke of Buckingham, before going to Holland, declared himself a Roman Catholic.

July 23. I am told that his Majesty had a paper which imparted De Witt's design in poisoning the Prince of Orange; and the De Witts and others are secured. The Earl of Essex is setting out for Ireland. A broadside elegy on the Earl of Sandwich: Begins "Shall mercenary pens prostitute verse "To guild with flatteries each burial hearse ?" Ends Knowing it ought a nobler tomb to have "Than the imposthumed bubble of a wave." (About 66 lines in double columns, edged with black.) Nov. 19. On Sunday last the Great Seal was delivered to Lord Shaftesbury, who is made Lord Chancellor of England. Sir John Duncombe is Chancellor of the Exchequer.

1672 3'

66

Feb. 4. This day Parliament met. Account of the King's going.

Feb. 8. Parliament agreed to an Act for naturalizing foreign Protestants who shall come over with their goods and effects.

Feb. 22. Sends copy of a short petition to the King for the maintenance of the Protestant religion.

This volume contains letters giving notices of the King, the Parliament, the Duke of York, the Duke of Monmouth; wars between England and France and the Dutch. In one letter it is told how the Queen, the Duchess of Buckingham, and the Duchess of Monmouth went into the fields, and the Queen would be the first to cross a soft place, where she sunk up to her neck, and was dragged out and obliged to be stripped from top to

toe.

A folio volume lettered B. containing 129 letters, the first letter dated 1 March 1673.

1673, July 29. The Duke of Monmouth is to have a treat to-night at Chelsea in Lord Robarts's house for the Duchess of Portsmouth; the garden to be hung with lamps; fireworks.

Sept. 23. News of Lord Peterborough having on the 13th of this month (our stile) espoused the daughter of the Duchess of Modena for the Duke of York.

The 43rd letter in this volumes discusses the meaning of the words tam in humido quam sicco, in an ancient charter.

1674, May 26. The Duchess of Monmouth was delivered of a son yesterday morning.

Aug. 15. Notices late creations of peers; amongst them "Don Carolos, Earl of Plymouth" [Charles Fitzroy, natural son of the King].

Sept, 29. Hears of some proposition of the Prince of Orange for Lady Mary.

Oct. 3. A duel between Lord Mulgrave and Mr. Felton, principals, against the Earl of Middleton and Mr. Buckley; Lord Middelton was hurt in the side, and Mr. Buckley in the face. The quarrel was about young Mrs. Kirke, and was supposed to be upon the Duke of Monmouth.

Nov. 17. The French losses are so great of those killed of the arriere-ban of Anjou, and those sent by Marshal Turenne to Marshal Créqui, that the French King has prohibited their friends to go into mourning for them.

4

167, March 4. I am told that his Majesty complaining he wanted money, Nell Gwyn should make answer, if he would take her advice she doubted not his Majesty should be supplied; he asking which way, she told him his Parliament being to sitt, he should treat them with a French ragoe, Scotts collopes and a calves head; at which his Majesty laughed and was well pleased.

March 6. The justices did rouse the conventicles about Westminster, and the chief design was to have taken Manton; but 'tis believed he had notice, and was not at his place of meeting.

1675, Aug. 12. Riots of silk weavers against engines. 1678, May 18. Copy (in English) of the French King's letter to the States.

Copy of Letter by Charles II. to the Duke of York, recommending him to absent himself for some time beyond seas.

1684, July 6 and July 8. Letters from the Earl of Feversham to the Duke of Albemarle, about the Monmouth rebellion.

1684, Feb. 3, at night. Letter by L. Jenkins (at Doctors' Commons). Account of King Charles's illness. 1685, July 6. Copy of Lord Feversham's letter from the camp at Weston; and a letter from the Earl of Bath (dated Exeter) sending the above.

A folio, lettered C., contains numerous letters from 1622 to 1646.

The first is a paper dated 1622, Feb. 17, containing 28 questions to the authorities at Liskeard; how many persons every householder had in his house; how many lodgers; &c. &c.

1640, Sept. Edward Reed to Thomas Coteel, Esq., at Titchfield, Hants. He refers to the battle of Newburn (28 Aug. 1640), and the losses there. The letter calls the place Newbiggin ford, in the way from Alnwick to Newcastle. (2 pp.)

1640, Sept. 8. The same to the same. The King and his army are at York; about 40,000 horse and foot; the Scots remain at Newcastle; Sir J. Digby and Mr. Wilmot were taken prisoners in the last fight; mentions the Scots' petition.

1640, Sept. 15. The same (at London) to the same. Wishes of peace are generate, and the hopes of it are the summons that the King has given to the Lords of his Council; all but six, which are the two bishops of Canterbury and London, the Earls of Arundel and Dorset, the Lord Cottington, and Mr. Secretary Windebank; these are to stay here and attend the rest of the lords of the kingdom to advise of the way to give answer and satisfaction to the petition of the Scots, here enclosed. Almost all the lords are for peace and a parliament, unto which purpose I hear the General has written to the King. The city of London is framing a petition to the King to the same purpose that the Lords' petition was to the King; that is, for peace, a parliament, and justice on those that counselled the King for war. The Scots fortified Newark and Tinmouth; they got 2,000 arms from them that ran away at the fight.

1640, Sept. 22. The same to the same. The King's army increases daily.

Sept. 25. News from York and the North.

Sept. 27. This day a warrant to the clerk of the Crown to send out writs for a Parliament for the 3rd of September.

Oct. 2. About the intended Parliament.

1642, Jan. 23. Ralph Hopton certifies that 3001. for which a bond had been given had been taken for the King's service.

Nov. 15. Ralph Hopton to Piers Edgcumbe about the money.

1646, Nov. 30. Copy of order for payment of 501. per annum out of profits of the impropriate rectory of Newchurch, in the Isle of Wight, sequestered from Piers Edgcumbe, a delinquent.

1643, April 18. Plate brought in at Liskeard; at Killaton April 24; gives the names of persons and number of ounces, and the value.

1643, April 29, Launceston. Order to Piers Edgcumbe and the rest of the Commissioners, concerning the plate, by the Earl of Warwick, Lord Mohun, Ralph Hopton, and others, "to take into your hands what is "to be gotten beyond what is already come in and speed it to Sir Richard Vivyan."

1643. Answers Sir Samuel Rolle that the timber sold, of which he complains, was for his Majesty's use. 1645, Oct. Note of moneys paid to the soldiers' garrison of Milbroke.

1646, Jan. 13. Copy of Commons Journals about Francis Godolphin suing out his pardon.

Feb. 4. Authority to seize the estates of delinquents (Piers Edgcumbe is among them).

1646. Receipt to P. Edgcumbe for 1,2567. 10s., half of a fine of 2,5007.

Other papers regarding his delinquency and fine. A paper about the rectory of Newchurch, Isle of Wight. (The parish is said to be 8 miles long from north to south.)

Another folio contains many manuscript (and printed) papers relating to the fine on Piers Edgcumbe; and passes to him during the Protectorate. A letter from Portsmouth, dated Feb. 4, 167, says, "We are fitting

A PACKET of LETTERS marked A.

1644, May 15. Original summons by Robert Marten to the Governor of Mount Edgcumbe to deliver it up, to prevent the effusion of Christian blood. (This is a small slip of paper containing 4 or 5 lines.)

1644, July 30. A summons (on a folio sheet) by Robert Earl of Warwick to the same effect. Dated from Plymouth Sound.

Same day. Henry Bourne answers that he keeps Mount Edgcumbe for his master Colonel Edgcumbe, till his return, to whom he conceives it doth justly belong.

1644, the last of July. Order, signed by the Earl of Essex, to send to Bodmin, his head quarters, by Friday night, 20 bushels of good and sweet meal, 8 galons to the bushel; whereof one 3rd was to be bread for the use of his army.

1645, March 4 and 5. Copies of Fairfax's orders for taking Mount Edgcumbe on the surrender thereof.

1645, March 5. Original by Fairfax, saying that on laying down their arms they may reside at home peaceably.

A PACKET marked B.

Copy of Secretary Jenkins's letter sent by the Earl of Bath, about the attempt on the King's life on his return from Newmarket, March 1685.

36 Ed. III., Monday after the feast of St. Katherine the Virgin. Charter by William de Montacute, Earl of Salisbury and Lord of Man, granting to his beloved nephew and godson William, son of Guy de Bryone, the reversion in fee of the manor of Dunheved, &c., which Thomas Waryn held for life and for one year after his death. Tested at Dunyate. The seal is a very large one of red wax; the horse and man and trappings and armorial bearings are of beautiful execution; it is a counterpart of one in the collection of the Duke of Manchester at Kimbolton Castle, mentioned in the Appendix to the first Report of this Commission.

There are some letters from Sir Horace Mann and others to Capt. Geo. Edgcumbe, dated in 1744, 1745, and 1757; a few of these are from the Prince Lobkowitz who commanded part of an army.

1745, April 17, N. S. Sir Horace Mann writes that the Spaniards were in pursuit of the Austrian army which was retiring into a strong place called the Seraglio of Mantua. "The Spanish and Neapolitan

66

troops have crossed the Paraso, which obliged Prince "Lobkowitz to take the above resolution in order "to wait secure till his army is reinforced from Germany." He says that he fears the slowness of the Court at Vienna will prove fatal in the beginning of the campaign by the loss of Modena and the Duchy of Parma; that the last winter was the severest ever known in Tuscany; it killed all his orange trees.

1745, April 21, N. S. Quotes part of a letter from the Admiral, about the movements of part of the fleet for intercepting the Spaniards.

1745, April 24. The Spanish and Neapolitan army decamped from the situation it was in on the 22nd, and is to march on the 1st. This surprised every body.

1745, May 5. About the movements then near Pisa. The avant garde of the Austrians now at Pontremoli, 3,000 in number, will harass them extremely in their rear when they enter the State of Genoa; can not find where the large train of artillery imbarked at Naples is going.

1745, May 8. This is a long letter about Stuart, a painter, who had been in Capt. Edgcumbe's ship, and had been a friend of the Pretender.

Seven very interesting letters from Charles Jones, six being addressed to Captain Geo. Edgcumbe, and one to the Honble. Charles Stanhope. They are dated in 1753 and 1754 from White's Chocolate House, and give court and town news, notices of gaming, &c.

1789. Account of a royal visit to Mount Edgcumbe. 1674. Two letters from Saml. Pepys.

1669. Two letters from Bernard Gascon at London; he was with the Prince of Florence, and Sir R. Edgcumbe had lent him some harness.

1775, April 18. Description of a subterranean cavern at Stonehouse, by F. Geath.

Two letters from David Garrick (one at Hagley, past 6 and a cloudy morning) to Lord Mount Edgcumbe.

1789, July 26. A letter (unsigned) dated from Brussels, describing scenes at Paris, the King and Queen, and doings of the mob, and their treatment of the King and Queen. (4 pp. very interesting.)

1794, Nov. 29. Letter by Lord Orford (Horace Walpole) to Lady Mount Edgcumbe, on the birth of her grandson.

Several bundles of papers on navy matters, 17431764. Among these are Admiral Byng's line of battle, 1756, and his orders and signals. Captain Martin's orders about the escape of the Pretender's son, in 1746, from Scotland. Admiral Hawke's orders and line of battle, 10 July 1756.

Mount Edgcumbe is famous for situation and beauty. It is said that the Commander of the Spanish Armada had marked it for his own possession. He should have consulted the Portuguese Count Botelho, whose letters are noticed above. He would then have landed as a visitor, and have felt, while a guest of Sir Piers Edgcumbe, gratification as great as that, which by Lord Mount Edgcumbe's kindness, I experienced during my visit to his house.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF CATHCART, FROM CATHCART AND EDINBURGH, NOW AT THORNTON-LE-STREET, Co. YORK.

The Cathcarts, in a direct male descent of more than 600 years, have given to their Sovereigns good servants in court and in camp. Three of their house fell at the fatal field of Flodden.

In the 18th century the chiefs and cadets of this house filled many offices of trust and command; and the many hundreds of letters and papers in Lord Cathcart's possession well illustrate their services.

Among these documents are many which illustrate the rebellions of 1715 and 1745, the American rebellion, the government of India, the English military expeditions to Holland, and other important events in the last century; and numerous letters throwing light on court and town life during the same period. Some extracts below will well show the varied and interesting nature of this large collection.

"Good news

cawen's victory over the French fleet. "from America; Mr. Pitt reserves himself the pleasure of telling it me at his return this evening from "London."

1776, May 30. Lord North (at Downing Street) writes that Lord Holderness, for illness, desires to cease to be governor to the Prince of Wales and the Bishop of Ösnaburgh. The King has nominated Lord Bruce in his room. In Lord Bruce's place the King makes Lord Carmarthen a Lord of the Bedchamber; and he thinks Lord Cathcart will be one before Christmas.

1711, March 27. Order signed by the Duke of Marlborough (at the Hague), to the commanding officer of the Britannic Dragoons, to observe the accompanying rules of "leurs Hautes Puissances" in the march from winter quarters.

Several letters from Elizabeth Countess of Sutherland (about A.D. 1745) at Dunrobin, to Lord Cathcart at the camp at Fort Augustus. In one she asks for a pass between the North and Edinburgh from the Duke of Cumberland's secretary. She appears to have obtained it. In another she explains her conduct in regard to the passage of troops.

1766. Two letters from David Allan (the Scottish Hogarth).

1770. Letter from Catherine Duchess of Queensbury, at Ambresbury: "The Duke is stept to Salisbury; I suppose to see if it rains there as much as here. 1718. A letter from Lord Lovat, not important. 1779, Nov. 13. Letter from Major John André to Lord Cathcart; as to moving a regiment by reason of sickness.

1807. Letter by Sir John Sinclair. In the island of Zealand is a flock of several hundred Spanish sheep of the best quality; wants specimens sent over; the price, if not unreasonable, is no object.

Letter by Sir Walter Scott, and one by Lord Chatham. Letter from Louis Drummond de Melfort to the Duke of Cumberland. Has been hit in the foot by a ball; asks for Mr. Barret, his surgeon; gave his parole d'honneur to follow his Royal Highness's command.

1712, March 17, O.S. Colonel Gardiner (at London) writes: "Prince Eugene left this at 2 this morning."

[c. 1730] May 4. The Duke of Argyle and Greenwich writes to Lord Cathcart to ask his father to vote for Lord Eglintoun against Lord Aberdeen.

1732, March 30. Letter from William Duke of Cumberland when a boy. Sends to Colonel Cathcart copy of a prologue from a private play acted by Lady Caroline Lenox, Lord Lempster, and others, at Mr. Conduit's, in the presence of the Duke, the Princess Mary, and the Princess Louisa. (The play was The Indian Emperor.)

1697. Letter from Robert Alexander to the Master of Cathcart, on literary subjects.

1740. List of staff on the expedition to the West Indies under Lord Cathcart; giving the names and amount of pay; and the characters of many of them. 1729, Dec. 25. Letter from Thomas Dalrymple, at Edinborough, to Charles Cathcart. Last night Lord Balmerinoch's son McAlexander, killed one Lieutenant Swift in a duel; and though wounded he made his escape even after he was in custody.

Major Hamilton's claim on the Earl of Hyndford (regimental matters, soon after 1713). 4 pages.

1713, June 6. Letter by James Craig on the Earl of Findlater's speech in the House of Lords for the dissolution of the Union.

Letters from the army in Flanders, 1709; price of hay; difficulty of getting lodging for the men, &c., &c.

1711. Regimental orders from A. Cardonnell at the Hague, and from W. Cadogan at Brussels, to Major Cathcart.

1711, March 12. March route signed by the Duke of Marlborough at the Hague, for the regiment of Royal Scotch Dragoons to march from Gorcum to St. Quintiu to join the troops of Brabant, &c.

1711, July 10. Dispositions for foraging for the right wing, on the 11th July, on the plain between Houdain and Bethune. The numbers of troops which were to be at different places; rules for action and retiring.

1710, June 16. A letter dated at Coupar, giving an account of a hoax on the Commander-in-Chief. It was said that ships were in sight and that the Pretender was coming. Accordingly, troops were assembled and the horses were shod, and an express was sent to the castle. After a time the hoax was discovered, but the express was gone. The Commander-in-Chief was enraged; was bled and purged, and he recovered.

Several papers in 1711 and 1712 of the dates of the officers' commissions in the Royal British Dragoons (commanded by the Earl of Stair).

Letters from Thomas Dalrymple, David Dalrymple (at Edinburgh), 1710, John Campbell (at London), 1712, Ninian Boyd.

The letters in this packet are chiefly in the period 1710-1713, and comprise many to Major Cathcart while serving abroad under the Duke of Marlborough.

II. 1715, July 28. James Cathcart to Lord Cathcart, at Ayr. The Pretender designs to come to Scotland, invited by a great number of people; the French seem resolved not to assist him openly.

This packet contains about 150 letters from James Cathcart to his brother Major Cathcart, and his father Lord Cathcart, at Ayr; many in 1709, 1714, 1715, and 1716; the earlier are from the army abroad, and of the others nearly all are from London, giving court news, accounts of proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament, and regimental and army news.

1716, March 16. The French are arming; why, is not known. Lord Bolingbroke is turned out of being Secretary of State to the Pretender; the Earl of Marr in his place. The Regent declares that he will keep the treaty, and if the Pretender comes into France, the King may seize and carry him off.

1709, Sept. 19, n.s., at Ghent. On the last of August the French made a march to attack the investers of Mons. The Duke of Marlborough came up at 5 o'clock; the armies cannonaded till dark; several attacks Wednesday morning our army attacked them intrenched to the teeth, and were beat back. Prince Eugene and the Duke of Marlborough put themselves at the head of the troops, attacked a fourth time, and beat them to the devill all at once.

1713. June 3, Edinburgh. Monday was eight days the Duke of Argyle with the Earl of Marr in the name of the Scots Peers, and Carnewalh and Mr. Cockburn in the name of the Commons, went to the Queen and told her they were willing to serve her as loyal subjects in a separate state; but impositions on the nation were so heavy they could no longer bear them; and asked leave to bring in a Bill to dissolve the Union. The Queen's reply.

1715, June 23. Account of impeachment of Duke of Ormond and Lord Strafford.

1715, July 7. The articles of impeachment carried up to the Commons.

1715, July 9. Impeachment of Lord Bolingbroke. 1715, July 16. Lord Bolingbroke sent to the Tower. Staffordshire riots.

1715, July 21. Sir W. Wyndham has gone to the Pretender. Lord Bolingbroke has turned Papist.

1715, July 23. The Princess of Wales five months gone with child.

1715, August 16, London. The Earl of Marr has gone off these eight days; none know where.

1715, August 28. The Pretender has left Bar le Duc, and it is not doubted he has landed in Scotland.

The

1715, Nov. 17. The meeting of Parliament. King and the Prince of Wales. The Princess and two Princesses were there incog. The Tories had intended to make Sir Thomas Hanmer Speaker, but Mr. Compton was chosen without dispute.

1715, Nov. 24, Stirling. The rebels continue at Perth, endeavouring to make a second attack; expects every day to hear of the Dutch landing at Leith.

III. Letters of Charles, eighth Lord Cathcart, 17021740. Between 60 and 70 letters from Flanders (while he was with the army there) and elsewhere, giving accounts of military proceedings. There are a few letters addressed to him.

Six small volumes contain copies of general orders in 1707, 1708, and 1709.

Several smaller volumes contain copies of general orders in 1747.

Under the date 11th July 1708 is an account of the battle of Oudenarde.

Under the date of Sept. 1709 are accounts of preparations for, and general orders for the battle of Malplaquet. Sixteen pocket books of diaries for 1709 and 1710, (in camp and in an embassy to Poland), 1714 (London), 1717-1721 (London); 1725-1736. Lord Cathcart was groom of the bedchamber to the Prince of Wales. These diaries contain entries of his visits, his dinners, his general doings, and Court news.

A folio of nine pages contains a journal of a ten days' journey, beginning 29th June 1722, by the Lord Cathcart and the Earl of Orkney. They started from Cliefden and went through Hampshire and Wiltshire. He describes Stanstead, near Portsmouth, the seat of the Earl of Scarborough; the avenue through the forest was three miles long. Winchester; the King's house, built for a hunting box by King Charles II., was left unfinished; the cathedral, Salisbury; describes the cathedral; saw the Bishop; describes Wilton, the seat of the Earl of Pembroke, &c.

Journals of Jane (Hamilton), wife of Charles, ninth Lord Cathcart, 1745-1771. These occupy 23 8vo. and 4to. volumes, and are written in French, and contain nothing of public interest.

Two 4to. volumes contain memoranda about Russia and her voyage to and residence at St. Petersburgh in 1769. These are in English.

A 4to. volume contains an account of a journey from St. Petersburgh in 1772.

Two other 4to. volumes contain memoranda in English made at St. Petersburgh in 1768 and 1769.

These memoranda by Lady Cathcart contain notices of the Empress of Russia; an account of a supper at the Hermitage; 'character of the Empress and the Russian women; notes of excursions, fairs, fêtes, Easter Sunday ceremonies; and of a conversation with the Archbishop and Bishops about schismatics. She says that a rouble (nominally worth 48.) only went as far as one shilling in England.

1746. Engraved ticket signed by the Duke of Ancaster, the Great Chamberlain, for admission to the trials of the Lords Kilmarnock, Cromartie, and Balmerino.

1746, Aug. 21. Letter from Rachel Hamilton to her sister, giving an interesting account of the execution of the rebel Lords. She had the account from her brother, who had it from Lord Hume's brother. It contains nothing new.

Copies of the last speeches of Lords Derwentwater and Balmerino; and copy of a letter to the King asking for mercy for the three Lords.

1748, May 11. Letter by Lord Cathcart giving an account of the battle of Fontenoy. Yesterday we attaqued the French, and after the most bloody engagement I believe ever happened we were obliged to quit the field with very great loss both of men and officers.

From 2 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon exposed to constant fire of cannon and well served artillerie, which flanked us from all quarters. His Royal Highness was always in the thickest of the fire. He (Lord C.) was struck by a shɔt which entered at his temples near his eye, came out at his cheek, and grazed on his nose without damaging the bone. This letter is in a bundle of letters addressed by Lord C. to his grandfather, Sir John Shaw, of Greenock, and others.

A bundle of letters to Lord Cathcart and his daughter Jane. In one, dated Mosco, 1771, is a notice of the plague there. Persons went about in black robes and hoods with holes for the eyes, having pikes to drag the corpses for burial.

1771. Recipe against the plague, invented by the Commission at Mosco.

Many letters from Catherine, Duchess of Queensbury,

between 1750 and 1760.

Two letters from William Beckford, at Fonthill, 1770, to Lady Cathcart, at St. Petersburg. In one he says that his son's fortune will be 40,000l. per annum, besides many thousands in cash. If he die under 21 it will go to the eldest natural son.

David Allan was a painter of repute; he was a protégé of the Cathcarts', and much assisted by them. A letter by him to Charles, ninth Lord C., dated Leghorn, Aug. 24, 1767, says that he left Gravesend on the 19th of June. On the 11th July, in the Mediterranean, their vessel was boarded by a Turkish zebec; one of their officers was sent on board, but only for information as to their enemies the Spaniards and French. David Allan stole a pencil sketch of him as he was leaving the ship. In quarantine for 17 days at Genoa; so the gentlemen passengers made him paint the Turk in oil on a piece of black marble in the Mole, on the wall, half lifesize; he painted him chained to the wall. Arrived at Genoa July 22, and at Leghorn August 23; he will immediately set out for Rome.

A letter from Sir William Hamilton, dated Rome, March 19, 1768, says that he has been with Lady Cathcart's little painter Allan, one of the greatest geniuses he ever met with; he was indefatigable.

Nov. 3'

July 13 24'

1770.

4. Ditto,

1770, to

May 27 June 7'

1771.

9'

April 20 May I' Two papers touching reception of ambassadors in Russia.

Letters to Lord Cathcart while at St. Petersburg, 1768-1772. These are from Sir Andrew Mitchell, at Berlin (much in cypher decyphered), Thomas Wroughton at Warsaw, Robert Gunning, Robert Murray Keith and Charles Ernst at Copenhagen, E. Mathias and Robert Woodford at Hamburg, Sir Jno. Goodriche at Stockholm, H. E. J. Murray at Constantinople, Lord Stormont at Vienna, Trevor Corry at Dantzic, Robert Murray Keith and John Osborn at Dresden, Lord Grantham at Madrid, Sir Horace Mann at Florence, M. Devisme at Munich, Sir Joseph Yorke at the Hague, H. E. J. Murray at Constantinople, and the Hon. Robert Walpole at Paris.

Instructions to Lord Cathcart on his departure for St. Petersburg. Letter to him from the Earl of Suffolk, and the original recall.

List of principal persons at the Court of St. Petersburg. Original notes by Lord Cathcart on the Russian alliance.

Copies of Lord Cathcart's letters to the Earl of Suffolk.

A small volume contains a few pages by Lord Cathcart on his return from St. Petersburg in 1772, commenting on his own services and expenses; his extreme devotion to the service, never having gone to a party of pleasure.

Letters from Sir Hew Dalrymple, Lord President of Session, to Lord Stair, in 1704 and later years. In one dated September 1715 he notices the passage of the bridge of Stirling and loss to the rebels.

Letters from Sir John Shaw of Greenock, M.P., to his wife.

1723, March 30. Yesterday were hot debates in our House, where we divided amongst ourselves, and the Torryes lay by; the question was whether we should [or should not inflict pains and penalties on Harry [John?] Plunket. Mr. Walpole and his friends were for the first, and the other party were for the last, of a design to baffle him; but we carryed it in a division of 291 to 91. 1723, April 2, 11 o'clock. Just come from the House; have been there since 10 upon Kelly alias Johnston; the bill against him for pains and penalties will pass our House to-morrow, notwithstanding the birth-day; so he is like to be a jayl-bird for the rest of his tyme. We are to be on the Bishop [Atterbury] on Thursday, who probably will be banished. So soon as the bill has past our House we are to adjourn for 8 days.

1723, April 9. We are this day to try the Bishop, and I count we shall be done with him to-morrow, for we sit down sometimes at 9 o'clock in the morning and does not raise until 10 o'clock. We adjourn on Friday se'nnight for 10 days, being Easter holidays.

In one of his letters Sir John Shaw alludes to Col. Charteris having obtained pardon for a rape, notwithstanding an assurance given that the King's pardon should not be asked.

1722, Dec. 4. Letter to Lord Cathcart giving an account of night frolics with the Duke of Wharton. He and his friends were drunk, and adjourned to a committee of the whole House. "We met with the Duke "of Wharton, as well refreshed as I. He proposed to survey all the ladies in the galleries; I was for turning them all up, but he declined. He proposed to They "knock up Argyle; I proposed the King.' knocked up the Duke of Argyle, who received them well.

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A bundle of papers about Sir John Shaw's scuffle with James Houston, son of Sir P. Houston, in the streets of Ednyburgh in 1715.

Letter from Sir J. Shaw to Sir R. Walpole against putting Englishmen into offices in Scotland, as tending to inflame the country. About 1723.

* Earl Cathcart possesses several paintings by Allan.

A letter dated Inverary, Oct. 30, 5 afternoon (no year) from Islay to Sir John Shaw, of Greenock, says: "Fanab (P) is with 400 men in Lorn, and was yesterday morning within a few miles of Breadalbane's rogues. "I have got from Campbeltown 60 men well armed. "Sir Duncan governs in your absence. The town people mounted guard the other night; on Tuesday or Wednesday I shall order them to mount again." Written Stirling, Dec. 11. The same to the same. with the left hand, he (Ilay) being wounded in the right hand.

1715, Oct. 30-Stirling. Copy of letter from the Duke of Argyle to the Magistrates of Glasgow. I am assured that the rebels are in motion towards the Forth; I am ready and shall not lose a moment's opportunity of attacking them. I have taken all the care for your town in writing to the Lieutenancy in the neighbourhood to bring in the Militia and Fencible men for your defense till I come neere to you. He says he expects the regiments from Ireland.

Several letters from Bointon of Airdock to Lady Shaw at Greenock.

1715, Oct. 31. News, true. This morning came in to the Duke of Argyle a trumpet from Marr, who is said to have letters with him to the Duke, which being told the Duke, his answer was that Marr acting in rebellion, he neither could nor would treat with him as a foreign prince. The Duke caused lay up the man in prison. (He gives the line of the rebels' march, and says that watch fires are seen.) We are told the clans are at Aberfoyl. Marr sent a letter to Capt. Robertson commanding a troop of Scotch dragoons at Stirling inviting him to come over, and, for reward, offered to make him colonel of horse; he told the Duke. The messenger (Mrs. Ruthven, aunt to the laird of Bannockbraes,) was imprisoned. We are to be ready to march at two hours' notice.

Nov. 12. The enemy is plundering. I hear they have got a ship into Dundee with arms.

Nov. 15-Stirling. On Sabath night Sir John having come to Striveling returned yesterday morning to the Duke at the town of Dunblane, where he kept that part of the army he brought off the action with what could be rallied at Striveling bridge with those who retired from the field; being resolved to see the enemy next morning. But having intelligence of their being the length of Ashton Ardock, marched the army gone in here with a great many prisoners, 13 stand of colours, and a standard. Some of the colours were my Lord Drummond's and the Earl of Seaforth's. The hors standard bears on it a castle, but is not known to whom it belongs; likewise three brass field pieces and other small guns not worth bringing. (A P.S. says that the horse standard was the Earl of Marshal's, thought to be mortally wounded.) Lord Forfar is here dangerously wounded in 17 places, a great many whereof he had given after he was made prisoner. There were two regiments only; if the five had been present the enemy would have been totally defeated.

1715, Nov. 21-Airdoch. Little news since the defeat of the rebels, both Scots and English, at Preston by Generals Wils and Carpenter, whereof I doubt not your Ladyship has accounts by this tyme as full as we. The latest advices from Marr's camp, both by speys and deserters, bring account that the most he hath with him at Parrth does not much exceed 3,000 futt and hors, at which place he has put each day 200 men to work for fortifying it, and has sent out parties to gather in the men who deserted him in battle. The Earl of Panmure is said to have died last Wednesday of his wounds.

1721. Letters from Charles Cathcart and from William Stewart (at London) about the best means for preventing Irish.victuals from being run upon the Scotch coasts; think the best way will be for Sir John Shaw to be a Commissioner of Customs, and have the direction of the execution of the several powers vested by Acts of Parliament in officers of Custom and Excise.

1721, Nov. 25. Letter from G. Cook to Sir John Shaw. Lord Warwick is to suered the unfortunate Lord Belhaven in the Prince's fatily, and Mr. Worsley (to succeed) as Governor of Barbadoes. (Lord Belhaven was accidentally drowned.)

1721. Charles Cathcart writes to Mr. Furlong, nursery-man on Stephen's Green, for a further supply of 30,000 thorns for quickset hedges from Dublin.

1721. Charles Cathcart writes to ask Lord Stair to use his influence with Walpole to manage Sir John Shaw's wishes. There is nothing Sir John would so much like as to restrain Irish importation.