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of Dundemor, her kinsman, "pro homagio et servicio suo et pro warantizacione Kane de Balulsy et de "Petmerse totam terciam partem terre mee de Chale"chinke cum omnibus justis pertinenciis, etc. Cum una marca annui redditus quos recipere solebant "hereditarie de terra de Petkeri... Hiis testibus "Domino Roberto Abbate de Scoyn, Domino Davide "de Louchore tunc tempore vicecomite de Fif, Wil"lelmo de Valoniis, domino Alexandro de Blar, Jo"hanne de Kyndelent, Christino le Norays, Mauricio "de Menethet, Waltero de Strathaueri, clerico, Dun"cano de Louchor, Roberto de Caral, et multis aliis. "Datum apud Syrais die Jouis proxima post festum

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exaltacionis Sancte Crucis, anno gracie M. CCo LX. 66 tercio."

Among deeds of a later date relating to Fowlis are several of the 15th century, granted by the Preceptors of Torphichen, of the Temple lands of the Blessed Virgin of Fowlis.

Dispensation by John, Archbishop of St. Andrews and legate, to Patrick Ogilvy of Inchmartine, younger, and Marjorie Gray, daughter of Patrick Lord Gray, being within the third and fourth degrees, dated at Paisley, 12th April 1561.

Legitimation by James V. to Patrick Gray, bastard and son natural of the late Andrew Gray, 30th May 1526. Remission by James IV. to Patrick Gray, son and heir apparent of Andrew Lord Gray and others, "pro "rapina domus et loci de Kynnard," dated at Dundee, 10th September 1488. The inductive clause bears to be pro bono et gratuito seruicio nobis per subscriptas

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personas impenso per eorum existencias in campo et "bello prope Striuelin Commisso in die Sancti Barnabe "ultimo elapso."

There are many bundles of old title-deeds of Sir Patrick Keith Murray's lands in Stratherne. Of these some illustrate the descent of the Toshachs of Monzievaird. One is a Tack by Gavin, Archbishop of Glasgow and Commendator of Inchaffray, to David Murray of Ochtertyre, and Agnes Hay, his spouse, of the Teind Sheaves of Ochtertyre and Craigton, in the parish of Monzievaird, dated 16th July 1544, and is signed by the Commendator and ten monks of Inchaffray.

There are great masses of letters from 1680 downwards, mostly on family affairs. One set of these is dated from Carlisle in 1716, written by William Murray then a prisoner there, for his share in the rising of the previous year.

A Book of Accounts, kept by Sir Patrick Murray, begins in 1743, and comes down to 1747. It specifies all kinds of personal outlay, with the cost of cattle, &c. This gentleman raised a company for the 42nd regiment when it was first embodied, and in 1745 the entries relate to the expenses incurred in recruiting, outlays for his company, and for spies. He paid 51. 18. for four broadswords at Stirling, and 11. 11s. 6d. for other two of these weapons.

Another volume of this period is the house book of Ochtertyre, beginning 1st January 1737, and giving in detail the dishes set down to dinner and supper each day. The suppers appear to have been equally substantial as the dinners, consisting occasionally of goose giblets, roast joints, minced pies, and herrings, with eggs in the shell.

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There is a set of upwards of thirty letters from Sir George Murray, written to his brother Sir Peter Murray, of Ochtertyre, from Spain, in 1810. These contain many interesting references to the state of affairs in the Peninsula. In one, dated Celerico, 15th May 1810, he writes, "For my own part I think upon "the supposition of Buonaparte being inclined to limit "his thirst of dominion, in consideration of the tranquil and permanent establishment of his dynasty, "that it would be very possible to make such a peace as we could accept. Suppose, for instance, we "should agree to turn the whole Bourbon race out of "Europe, we may send them if you please to America, "and divide the Spanish dominions there among them. "Let Buonaparte, in consideration of this, give up his pretensions upon Spain, and let that crown be given "to a prince of the House of Austria, or some other "German family. I think the above might be a basis to begin upon. Sicily might be given to the House "of Brunswick, and Buonaparte might have Portugal "for one of his friends." "If Buonaparte will agree to "something of this kind, I think we should close with "him; but if he will not be tractable, I certainly think "he has still much to fear from the uncertainty of war as well as we, and this peninsula, well managed, may yet be a thorn in his side for a great while."

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JOHN STUART.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT on the MANUSCRIPTS of SIR P. K. MURRAY.

Since the previous Report was prepared, a large collection of Charters and Miscellaneous documents connected with the family of the Earls Marischal was brought to light in the course of searches at Ravelston. Having had the opportunity of examining them immediately on their discovery (through the polite attention of Messrs. Murray and Falconer, W.S., the Solicitors of Sir Patrick Keith Murray), I noted the following as more or less illustrative of points of National or Social history.

Charter of confirmation by King Robert I. to the Abbey of Deer, in Buchan, dated 15th February 1315. The document, of which this is nearly a contemporary copy, has hitherto been known only by its title as one of the missing Royal Charters in Robertson's Index of Scotch Charters.

It affords an interesting illustration of an incident which according to our early annalists occurred during the struggle of Bruce for the crown of Scotland. The great and powerful family of the Comyns had embraced the side of Baliol, and John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, on two occasions, in the years 1307 and 1308, attacked the forces of Bruce in Aberdeenshire, but was defeated.

After the last skirmish between the parties, Bruce carried the warfare into the territories of Comyn, in Buchan, wasting the land with fire and sword, and with such cruel severity that in the language of Barbour. "Eftre that weile fyfty yer

Men menyt the herschip of Bowchane."

The Abbey of St. Mary of Deer, was founded in 1223 by William Comyn, Earl of Buchan,-and its first endowments consisted in part of lands which had been granted by the Maormor of Buchan to an early Celtic Monastery at Decr, founded by St. Columba and his disciple Drostan, about six hundred years earlier.

The Monastery of St. Mary of Deer naturally took the side in the national struggle, which the descendant of its founder had espoused;-and in 1296 Brice Abbot of Deer swore fealty to King Edward of England at Berwick-on-the-Tweed.

In the raid which Bruce made into Buchan, he hád devastated the rich possessions of the Monastery, and within the year which followed his great victory at Bannockburn, he granted the Charter now referred to. It sets forth that the King, in order to compensate for the injuries inflicted on the Monastery through his recent wars, now confirmed to it all the churches, lands, and possessions which had been conferred on it by William, Earl of Buchan, and Margery, his wife, as also by Alexander and John, Earls of Buchan, and other nobles of the realm, to be held in free alms, with as much freedom as any other house of the Cistercians in Scotland held their property. Dated at Aberbrothoc, 15th February 1315; witnesses Bernard, Abbot of Aberbrothoc, the King's Chancellor, John of Menteth, Gilbert of Hay, the King's Constable, Robert of Keith, the King's Marshall, Niel Cambel, James of Lyndesay, and Hugh of Erth, Knights.

Extract by Sir John Skene, of Curriehill, from the Register of the Great Seal, of a Charter by King Robert II., in favour of Robert Keith, son of Sir William Keith, Marshal of Scotland, of the forest of Cowie and the forest of the Month, with the lands of Ferrachy and others, formerly part of the thanage of Cowie, on the resignation of the said William Keith. Dated at Edinburgh, 27th December 1376.

The original Bull by Pope Benedict XIII., of which a copy is noted in my first Report. The writ is in good preservation and has its leaden bulla attached. It was granted at Avignon on the 18th of the Kalends of July 1394.

Charter by Walter of Lesly, Lord of Ross, in favour of Hugh de Ros of Kynfawnys, of the lands of Ra and Dunbeth, in the Shire of Caithness, on the resignation of Andrew de Bercley; to be held by Hugh as in the Charter granted by William, some time Earl of Ross to John de Bercley, father of the said Andrew. Dated at Tayn, in Ross, on the feast of St. Catherine, Virgin, 1380, before witnesses, Alexander, Bishop of Ross, a venerable father the Abbot of Feryn, Mr. William Dyngvale, dean of Ross, Sir John of Sutherland, Sir Robert of Innes, Sir Richard Comyn, Knights, William of Ross, Nicholas of Sutherland, Adam of Urcharde, Alexander of Murray, Hugh of Monro, and many others. Charter under the Great Seal by King James II. in favour of William Earl Marshal confirming to him the ⚫ lands of the Barony of Keth, with the office of Marshal of Scotland, annexed to them, and also his other lands

and baronies, which he had resigned, with a destination to the heirs male of his body, whom failing, his nearest heirs male bearing the arms and name of Keth. Dated at Edinburgh, 24 March 1458.

Instrument of publication of a Papal Provision of the Monastery of Deer, in favour of Mr. Robert Keith, brother of William Earl Marischal, which bears to have been made at the instance of Queen Mary, in succession to John Innes, the last Abbot. Dated at Rome, 9 July, 1546.

Notarial instrument dated within the Castle of Edinburgh, between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 10 July 1560, at the instance of William Earl Marischal, setting forth that the late Mary Queen Dowager and Regent of the Kingdom chose him to be her executor testamentary, along with Sir John Campbell, of Lundy, and because he, the said Earl, could not well perform the duties of the office by reason of the frailty and weakness of his body he therefore renounced it: nevertheless on account of the special affection which he bore for the said illustrious lady, and although he could on no account intromit with her goods, either now or at any after time, yet he will be ready with his best assistance for the recovery of the debts due to the testatrix, to the end that her will may be fulfilled in all points, and this he offers to do with a thankful mind, it being understood however that he in no ways accepts the office or will intermit with the goods or debts of the Queen. Witnesses John Lord Erskine, Mr. James Makgyll, Clerk Register, Thomas Makcalzean, Advocate of the Court of Parliament, John Wishart, of Pittarro, John Keith, Captain of the Castle of Akergyll, in Caithnes and Monan Hog, with others.

The Earl Marischal was a leading member of the Congregation, and as such he was one of the nobles with whom, by her own request, the Queen Dowager had an interview when on her death bed in the Castle of Edinburgh. The meeting which took place on the 8th of June 1560 was of a very touching character. It would appear that although opposed to her policy, the Earl Marischal had secured her confidence and that she wished him to act as one of her executors. The Earl in the instrument now referred to, declined to accept of the office on the score of his infirm health. It is probable however that he was withheld fully as much by prudential considerations. When the disputes between Queen Mary and Darnley came to a height, the Earl withdrew from public life to his castle of Dunottar, where he nursed his great fortune, and became known as "William of the Tower."

Charter in favour of William Earl Marischal of the Kirklands of Dunottar by the Provost and Prebends of the Church of the Holy Trinity, near Edinburgh, 5th November 1567.

The Deed is signed and sealed by John, Archbishop of St. Andrews, in token of his consent, and by Laurence Clapperton, Provost, Mr. John Eldar, Dean, Mr. William Salmond, Sub-dean, Mr. John Manderston, Prebendary, and Mr. Patrick Sprull, Sacrist of the said Church.

Tack, dated 4 April 1575, by William Earl Marischal to John Keith in Akergill and his sons George and Hugh, for the period of three years of the lands of Akergill, and fortalice thereof, with salmon fishing on the water of Thurso. It is provided that the tenants shall not remove the "kindly tenants on the lands,-also that Na Sinclair, Clangun, nor of Makkyes kin na clan "be resauit or enterit in any of the said nobil Lordis "lands," also that the place, tower, and fortalice of Akergill "salbe euer redye and patent to resaue the "said noble lord his bairnes and seruands." The Earl Marischal had previously been at feud with the Sinclairs; and in 1556 George, Earl of Caithness, their chief, was tried for "besieging the House and Fortalice of Akergyll belonging to William, Earl of Marcheall, and violently expelling John Scarlet the keeper thereof, " and placing his servants therein."

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Letters under the Signet by James VI., dated 19th January 1583, narrating that George Earl Marshal and the inhabitants of the Sheriffdom, of Kincardine, were wont to travel to Aberdeen by the passage of Cowie Month, which the King's predecessors, knowing the difficulty of the passage, had caused to be paved with a causeway, and for upholding the same had given the lands of Findone and Portlethen in the neighbourhood; that these lands were now possessed by Gilbert Menzies of Pitfodels, Duncan Forbes, of Monymusk, and William Forbes, his son, but that they had allowed the causeway to fall into a state of disrepair. They were now required by the King's writ to produce their infeftments, in order that it might be ascertained how much they are bound to contribute for the maintentance of the causeway. Letter from George Earl of Huntley to William Earl

Marischal, from Bog of Gicht [now Gordon Castle], dated 30 March, 1583, appointing a meeting for settling differences between friends.

Letter dated " 'Someir, 14 July 1601," from William Lord Keith to his father, the Earl Marischal.

Letter from the Earl of Montrose, Commissioner, and the Earl of Dumfermline, Chancellor, requiring the Earl Marischal's presence at a Convention of the Estates, to consider the heads and articles past in the Conference and treaty of the Union, as well as other his Majesty's particular affairs, dated 28 March 1605.

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Letter from George Earl of Dunbar to the Earl Marischal, dated Holyrood house, 3 June 1609. “I send you herein closed a letter from his Majestie of thanks "for your Lordships service at St. Andrews. And "withall his Majestie considering the weight of his "affaires in this approachinge parlyament is most "desirous of your Lordships presence thereat, wherin "for his Majesties satisfaccioun, and for that the "business to be handled are for repressing of Papistry, "and otherwise for the good of the country, as also "forasmuch as a good nomber of noblemen best affected "for his Majesties service will not faile to give their attendance, and to expect your Lordship in like maner, "let me intreate your Lordship neither to frustrate his Majesties occasions by your absence, nor the noblemen that will looke to have your assistance, for I knowe your Lordship hath a hart and power to do your sovereigne and countrey service in a better fashion "than many others, which I desire your Lordship "should expresse, and speciallie at this tyme when such good and faithful instruments wil be needfull."

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Letter from William Lord Keith to his father, George Earl Marischal, on setting out to his travels. It is dated from Dieppe, 7 Nov. 1611. After describing his rough passage from Dover he refers to various pieces of continental news: "The prince of Condie is out of prison, be the queine mother and duke of lun "the kings migneone thair moyene; for that caus "the Frenche Court is very gryt in respect the prince "of Condie is very well followed be ane gryt number "of the Duks and gentillmen off France, as also the Queine mother hir faction is very great, so they are "both at court quhilk maketh it the greater." He hears a surmise that the Palsgrave had the better of "this last fecht against the Emperour, notwithstanding of the report we hard in England; it is sure the king of Spaine assisteth the Emperour both with men "and muney." He hears also " sum report off the mariage betwixt England and Spaine, bot it is kept wery quyett as yit.'

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Letter from John, Earl of Mar, Lord High Treasurer, to William Earl Marischal, dated Holyroodhouse, 2 March 1621, requesting him to come to Edinburgh, to attend a meeting for settling matters between his Lordship and his son, Lord Keith.

Letter from the Privy Council to the Earl Marischal, dated 10th October 1621, stating that the king had recently communicated to the Council his royal will, that all the members of the Privy Council, and the Session, and other Seats of Justice, do now conform to the orders of the charge concluded at Perth, and now established for law, and that none having promotion by his Majesty shall be disobedient thereto. Farther, that his Majesty's commandment was, that this reformation should begin at the Privy Council and Session, and if any refuse, or make difficulty, and should not within fourteen days before Christmas next resolve to conform, he should lose his place in his Majesty's service. A meeting of the Privy Council for consultation was therefore summoned for the 21st of November, and the Earl Marischal was urged to be present.

"At supper ane foull off brothe xv s., twa dische of "grein brothe xxxii d., twa dische of ryss vi s., four "dische of sweitmeat viii s., thre dische of fische xii s., ane peice of beiff xii s., ane peice of vei ll x s., twa veill rosts xxiiii s., twa henis xxiiii s., twa kaponis xxx s., "twa muir foullis xxiiiis., ane pair of chickins xii s., ane baiken kapon xxiiii s. five peice of sweitmeat xx s., caiperis and oliveis xiis., apillis ii s., four orengis ii s., "tene breid x s., four qwartis of aill xvis., thre pyntis "of wyne xxx s., [Summa] xiiii. lib. iv s. 8d. Item quhen my ladie cam in efternoone ane pynt of wyne,

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Letter from Alexander Forbes, Bishop of Aberdeen, to the Countess Marischal, dated Wardraptoune, 14 May 1617. This letter was written while James VI. was on a visit at the neighbouring Castle of Kinnaird, as noticed in the Report. It begins by informing the Countess that the writer had gone to Court at morow on the proceding day, and stayed with his Majesty till 7 o'clock. "I delyerit the speaches that my Lord re"quireth me to impart unto his hienes at large in our "journey towards Montross, and in the Conference your La. may be assured we had verie honourable "waitters to attend, albeite they had not access to be "hearers of that particular discourss. My Lord of Marr "did continue the ansuer of my lord his letter to this day att morow at Brechin, so I did aduyss the person "of Benholme to goe to Brechin yesternight, and at"tend my lord his leasur. Your La. sall resaue "his Maties letter directit to my Lord Keith.

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frequent difficulties that hes obuiattit the passing "heirof since it was first grantit, with the dangers

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quhilkis hes ensued since it was signat, your La. sall "be aquent therewith att meitting. God willinge his "Matie assured me yesternight at six o'clock that the "Erles of Arundell, Mungumrie, with diuers Knights "and Gentlemen of gud sort suld visitt Donnotar on Tuysday nixt, in their going towards Aberdene. "Pleiss your La. send unto me ane seruant on horss "bak to morow att fyve a clock, and I sall, pleiss God, "aduertiss your La. both of the number and qualitie of "the persons that ar to weas Donnotar and Aberdene,

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together with the certantie of the day, and that with al "conuenient diligence. Thus my lowing affection re"memberit to my Lord and your La. I commit you "both to the grace of God."

The visit to Aberdeen had been in contemplation for some time. In the previous February the Lords of the Scotch Privy Council dispatched a missive to the magistrates, informing them that although the king himself might not be able to come so far north as Aberdeen, yet divers of his followers, 'especiallie noblemen and "vtheris of rank and qualitie, out of thair curiosity to "visite the principall pairtis and cheiff burrowis of this

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kingdome will tak purpos to come to that toune, "whilk being one amongis the best of accompt in this "cuntrie, his Majestie is so muche the more cairfull "that all thingis be so ordourlie prepairit thair that "nother may thair appeir ony markis of incivilitie nor

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tackynnis of penurie and scant amongis you; and "thairfoir by his Majesties expres command and directioun we ar to recommend you that the ludgings "in your toune be prepairit withe most handsome civile and comelie order that can be, with goode bedding, weele washine and weele smellit naprie, and "with goode cleine and cleir weshell, and of sufficient lairgenes, that thair be sufficient prouision of viueris "for men and horse, that your streets and vennels be kept clene, and that no filthe nor middingis be seine vpon the same." (Aberdeen Burgh Records.)

gentillmen seruandis to our most gratious moderne soverane lord," who were admitted burgesses.

In the accounts of the town there are entries of payments to "his Majesties violeris that accompaneit the "saidis knychtis to this burgh," to "the common cuik "for his service done to the toune the time of the "Englishe knychtis heir being," and for wine, tobacco, 66 sweett meattis, succouris, and confectionis" consumed by the visitors.

Letter from Robert Earl of Nithsdale to the Earl Marischal, dated " King Street, October 28 1626," in which he says, "I have accused the Chansler before "the king of manie oversights, speciallie anent the "convocasion, whereof he could not cleir himself. I

ansuer, is alredie cum to your hands. What could any man doe les than we did, for they did accuse the "revocasion to be uniust and ruine to the kingdome." In the previous year his Lordship had been appointed by King Charles I. his Commissioner, to obtain an unconditional surrender of the tithes, but the proposal stirred up an opposition so deep that Lord Nithsdale suppressed the most obnoxious part of his instructions and returned to Court in 1626, when the present letter was written. He concludes, "I am not in despare, bot we

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"sall be fred from thair oppression, and that you with the rest that haith givin countinance to further the Kings lawfull desings, sall resaue the oune thanks." Contract between William Earl Marischal and Nathaniel Keith, of Cocklaw, grants permission to the latter to erect a windmill upon that part of the lands of Peterhead called the Raehill, where the Abbot [of Deer] lived of old. 17 June 1631.

A Short accompt of the manner of the Solemn Coronation of King Charles I., at Holyroodhouse, 18th June 1633, in 37 heads, indorsed "This was found among "the Earl Marischals papers brought from Dunottar "Castle to Keith-hall soon after 1715."

Bond of relief by Archibald, Marquis of Argyll, binding himself to relieve William Earl Marischal of the sum of 20,000l. Scots, contained in a Bond to the Master of Heriots Hospital for that sum by the said Marquis, the late William Earl Marischal, William Earl of Errol, and John Earl of Kinghorn. Dated at Edinburgh, 22 August 1642.

An account of the Expense of the Earl Marischal's travelling to Edinburgh, and remaining there two months, in May, June, and July, 1657.

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Licence under the hand of John, Earl of Rothes, Lord Chancellor, being a certified Act of the Fishing Society, giving power to the Earl Marischal "to fish, cure, and export Cod and ling fishes in any of the firths, lochs, "creeks, or off headlands of the kingdom, with all the "privileges of the Royal Company, for yearly payment "to the Cash Keeper of the Company of ten merks "Scots, for ane acknowledgement." Dated Edinburgh, 4 July 1677.

"Rolement of the Baron Court of Fetteresso, held at "the Kirktoun by George Keith, of Knock, Baillie to "the Earl Marischal, 30 January 1680."

Some of the articles against the accused relate to the killing of" Several Deers and Fawns" at Fetteresso.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF JAMES DUNDAS, ESQUIRE, AT DUNDAS CASTLE.

There is a valuable collection of family papers in the Charter room here, of which the earliest (but without date) is a Charter by Waldeue, son of Cospatrick, to Helias, son of Huctred, of the lands of Dundas. This Cospatrick was ancestor of the Earls of March, and died in the end of the eleventh century.

The next is a Charter by David II. dated in 1364, by which he granted to John Dundas, son and heir of James Dundas, the Barony of Fingask, in Perthshire.

There is a licence by the Governor Albany to James Dundas of Dundas, "to bigg fortifie and erect in height "his tower at Dundas in form of a castle, and to fortifie "and surround it with walls and ditches as he pleased, "and to have in it a constable, porter, and other

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keepers necessary, vested with the same power as any "other constable, or others, have in any castle within "Scotland." Dated 3 March 1416.

Another similar licence by King James I. is dated in 1424, and empowers the said James Dundas to turn his tower or fortalice of Dundas into the form of a castle.

Gift and Commission by James, Earl of Arran, Governor of Scotland, to Sir James Dundas, to be Master of the King's Stable and Master Sewar, if there should happen to be but one, and if two, he to be one of them for all the time the Earl's Regency, and "endwring our lyiftyme giff we happin to come to the Croune of "this Realme." Dated 4th January 1542.

James Dundas of Dundas, founded and endowed a house of the Carmelite order at South Queensferry, and one of the documents here is a Confirmation by George Lord Seton, Baron of the Barony of Winchburgh, confirming a Charter by him dated 1 March 1444, giving to God and the blessed Virgin Mary and the brethren of the order of Mount Carmel and their successors, a piece of ground lying in the town of the ferry (now South Queensferry), with the yard and green adjacent to the Church of the Virgin Mary and whole houses erected there in form of a monastery.

Licence from the Regent Morton dated in 1570, per.

mitting the Laird to remain at home, and a letter requiring his presence at the Convention to be held at Stirling, March 1577-8, with another letter from the Regent desiring him to come to Stirling, August 1578. There are several letters from King James VI. to the Laird dated in 1584, 1587, 1588, 1589, 1590. One of them is countersigned by George Buchanan.

In one of these, dated in July 1584, the King desires the Laird to come to Edinburgh weill horsit and equippit, with jak and speir and uther fensabill array, accumpa"neit with a substantius number of your honest freindis, "bodin as said is, and disposit to attend upon him induring his remaining in they partis." This refers to Lord Hunsdoun, who was to be on the eist "merche of our realme for treating and conferring "with him anent sum wechtie effaris importing greatlie to the weill and suretie of our estate.

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Another from the King, dated Linlithgou, 6 Dec. 1600, requests him to send store of wild fowl and venison on the occasion of Prince Henry's baptism, to be at Holyrood House on the 23rd of the month, and invites the Laird "to be present at that solempnitie to tak pairt of yoer awne gud chier."

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In another, dated Newmarket, 24th November 1608, the King requests the Laird to be present at the Convention of Estates to meet at Edinburgh on the 26th of the ensuing January. It begins by referring to "the "reporte made unto us by the Commissioners of the "late General Assembly, of the proceedings therein, "and of the great zeal and affection kythed in all sorts "of people there for the advancement of God's glory and suppressing of the common enemies; and here"with also of the happy unity and concord among the clergy... give us no small cause of joy and contentment that in this last age of the world wherein superstition and error abound has taken so great "rooting that nevertheless within these our dominions "God has been pleased to reserve a handful to him"self who have never bowed the knee to Baal, and as we doe acknowledge ourselves in duty to God bound to be a nursefather of his Church, a protector of all true professors, and a persecutor of all the enemies of the truth, that so they may either be reclaimed or "then brought to that case that they may be no more "feared since all those who are affected to this Romish

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superstition may justly be suspected as dangerous subjects in the State, so for the better countenancing of that General Assembly we have appointed a Con"vention of the Estates of this Kingdom to meet at "Edinburgh on the 26th of January next."

There are several letters from the Privy Council of Scotland in the years 1610-12, requesting the Laird's concurrence in measures, and attendance at meetings connected with the public affairs of the day. On 27th July 1615, the Council granted a Commission to him with others to examine the Coalheughs on the Forth, and report as to their state, with the view of determining whether it was prudent to permit the exportation of coals.

The numerous title deeds of lands are valuable for purposes of genealogy and topography, but they call for no special remark,

JOHN STUART.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF ROBERT DUNDAS, ESQUIRE, AT ARNISTON.

The Charters at Arniston are numerous, and have been carefully arranged in chronological order.

The lands of which the estate is composed originally belonged to the Knights Templars, who received from King David I. a grant of the lands of Balantrodach on the South Esk, where they established their principal seat.

The first deed is a Charter by Brother Thomas, of Lyndesay, Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem at Blantrodoc, dated on the Saturday before the feast of St. Barnabas, 1354, confirming a Charter by William, son of Christina, to her cousin Alex'. Symple of the land belonging to her in the town of Espertone.

At the suppression of the Templars in 1312 their estates became vested in the Knights of St. John, whose chief establishment was at Torphichen, in Linlithgowshire.

One of the Chartersi s by Brother William Knollis, Preceptor of Torfichin, to George Grynlaw of the lands of Yorkstoun and others on his own resignation for payment of 258. Scots, 21 diets in time of autumn, with a reaping hook, 2 diets of a plough in winter, and mill and other services, for the lands of Ouchterstoun, in

Ballintrodo, 8s. money foresaid and multures,—one diet of a plough in winter, one diet of a harrow in Lent, and seven diets with a reaping-hook in autumn, together with the load of a horse between Tempilliston and Ballintrodo, which is commonly called Listounlade, and the said William giving to the servants foresaid on the days of their service their breakfast, and at supper to each of them a pound of cheese and a peckkan of wheat.

On the dilapidation of the estates of the Knights of St. John the lands were feued out, and after passing through various hands ultimately became re-united in one estate, viz., that of Arniston.

There are thus 34 separate deductions of titles, the description of which occupies a folio volume of 321 pages, and which do not call for special remark.

Another branch of the collection called "the Arnis"ton Papers" comprises a series of miscellaneous documents and contracts varying in date from 1538 to 1787.

There are numerous books of accounts which serve to illustrate many points of Social Economy. Those for the estate and home-farm and for the household, including also the accounts for coal-pits, begin in 1620.

The materials for illustrating the gradual improvement of the property and the laying out of the grounds around the house are unusually ample; a detailed' statement of the trees planted, begun in 1696 by Lord Chief Baron Dundas, is preserved with many old plans (one by General Roy in 1755), from which the appearance and state of the country at various times may be gathered.

The house of Arniston, from a design by Adams, was begun in 1725, and there is a plan of the surrounding pleasure grounds as then laid out.

The correspondence at Arniston forms a very extensive collection, as might have been expected from the prominent position in national transactions occupied by members of the family for more than two centuries.

The letters have been arranged in eight vols., of which the three first contain letters addressed to Sir James Dundas, of Arniston, by Sir A. Hume, Sir John Dalrymple, afterwards first Viscount Stair, Lord Loudoun, Earl of Lauderdale, and others.

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Some of these relate to the Declaration to be subscribed, in 1663, by all persons holding office abjuring the national and solemn league and covenants. One from Sir C. A. Hume, dated 1st Nov. 1663, describes an interview which he had held with Leighton, the Bishop of Dunblane, in which the latter had declined to interfere with the King, "and for his speaking with his Majesty he declines it altogether, having seldom or never, as he sayeth, taken the freedom to speak "with the King in any business, and rarely made any "other address to him, but to kiss his hands at coming or going. All that he thinks proper for him to doe "is to speak with Rothes and Lauderdale, and endea vour all he can either by his advice for moderation "in generall, only recommending your person and my "Lord Stair in particular to dispose them to be earnest "with the King for procuring an exemption to you "both from the Oath, and to this purpose he sayeth "he will make all the haste he can to see them as soon as he can possibly absent himself for an hour's "time from his Brother, who is at present lying sick "of a fever and flux in great extremity."

It is likewise very certain that they (the Jacobites) have always look't upon the continuing the election of Peers as the likeliest and surest means to bring about the breaking of the "Union, both from the load it is upon the Constitution "and the opportunity it gives to the Peers to meet "and consult together at an election, for nobody, I "believe, will deny that the scheme of the late rebel"lion in Scotland was laid at the last election there." Letter from Mr. Dundas, M.P. (afterwards first President Dundas), to his son at Utrecht. Son,

Letters from the Marquis of Tweeddale to Robert Dundas, Solicitor General, 1742 to 1754.

Letters from Sir Andrew Mitchell to R. Dundas (second President Dundas), 1737 to 1755.

Letters from R. Craigie, Lord Advocate and Lord President to R. Dundas, Solicitor General, 1742 to 1755. Letters from Lord Chancellor Hardwick to first President Dundas, 1747 to 1753.

Letters from Lord Chancellor Hardwick to Lord Advocate and 2nd President Dundas, 1755 to 1763 :Lord Hardwicke to President Dundas. "Grosvener Square, Dec' 31st, 1761. I am extremely obliged to you for the con"tinuance of your goodness in the second volume of "Lord Fountainhall's laborious lucubrations. Your

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Lord Hardwicke to President Dundas.

"Grosvener Square, March 16, 1762.

I am extremely obliged to your Lordship for your kind present and kinder letter, which gave me much pleasure. The latter made me hope that you were got free from the gout, and had recovered your "health and spirits. This was very agreeably con"firmed to me by Mr. Moncrieff, when he was so good as to deliver me the Book of Decisions of the English Judges during the Usurpation, by your Lordship's "order. I will confess to you that I am a little angry "with the Editor, for publishing a work of that kind so drily and nakedly, without the names of those judges, or any historical anecdotes accompanying "it. This was the more material, as it is chiefly a matter of curiosity, since I doubt much whether your Lordship and your brethren will suffer the Deci"sions to be quoted on you as authorities. There is

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very little to be found about this Constitution in the "histories of those times. I find in Scobell's Acts and ordinances, anno 1654, cap. 16, an Act giving certain powers to the Commissioners for administering justice in Scotland; but only the title is printed, not the Act at large, so their names do not appear. In Whit"lock's Memorials I find two short notes, page 508, of "their first appointment to sit at the usual place; and page 509, that they met and heard a sermon, and that "Mr. Smith, one of them, made a speech to the company of the occasion of their meeting. This is the only name I can find; and 'tis remarkable that it is "the same with your first English Chief Baron after "the Union. If your Lordship could, without trouble, procure me any historical anecdotes concerning these "Kinless Rascals, I should esteem it a favour."

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"him into the writer's way of thinking on the subject "in question, I am sure it cannot inform and may probably mislead. The scene is prodigiously changed since your Lordship saw us; indeed it has changed "several times. The actors, who have gone off and come on, you know, and in general the motives are no secret. I think none of the persons whom you "have honoured with your friendship here, have been "left upon the stage some time. As to myself, no great part could be taken from me, because I had none, but that seat which I had been permitted to retain in the King's Council, I was excluded from just before the last session of Parliament. When I "said the motives of these alterations are no secret, I "mean't that the object of them must appear to everybody to have been the elevation and support of one "man's power. A conduct too, in my apprehension, not necessary to that end, if it be considered from "the time of our Friend the Duke of Newcastle's being "forced out to this day. For a forcing out it un

Your Lordship has undoubtedly heard of me as an opposer. It is true that in conjunction with several "of your Lordship's and my old Friends, I have opposed certain particular measures. When I have done so, it has been according to my judgement and con"science, with the greatest Duty to the King, and a "sincere zeal for his service, and that of the Public; "and I am not ashamed of it. That great scene the "Parliam'. is over; but we are now got into a strange " flame about an object, in himself of no great consequence, Mr. Wilkes, and it has spread far and wide. "I trust your Lordship will not believe I have made myself a Partizan in that cause. How far the particular paper for which he is prosecuted, is a seditious "libel, is by the Crown submitted to the Law, and "there it ought to be determined. I daresay your Lordship will not suspect me of countenancing any "indecent treatment of the King, whom I honour and revere, and for whom my Duty and affection are "invariable; and that you will as little suspect me "of approving any abuses or calumnies upon Scot"land as a nation; a practice, which I have allways, "in concurrence with my Friends, disapproved and "condemn'd.

"I have had the happiness of being acquainted with "too many persons of worth and honour in Scotland to give in to such injurious reflections, and I hope I may appeal to my zealous endeavours, both in and "out of employment, for extending the Liberty, and promoting the Welfare of that Country, as well as "for improving the Union in general, as proofs that I am utterly incapable of giving countenance to anything that may tend to postpone and disappoint that "national end. I don't say this from an apprehension "that I stand in need of a justification to your Lordship. It would be doing injustice to our Friendship to suppose it. But I have heard that attempts have "been made to represent or insinuate me and my "Friends as enemies to Scotland, and was willing to "enable you positively to contradict them. I don't mean that your Lordship should do this officiously or by avowing that you have it by any direct correspondence with me; but only to warrant your doing "it with certainty whensoever you shall see occasion. "I hope your Lordship enjoys perfect health. I "need wish you no more; for I hear with the greatest pleasure how successfully and honourably you go on in discharging the functions of your high office with an increase of applause in the public, and of your own fame; on this head I can only say Fac ut Facis." Letters from Mr. H. Pelham to the first President Dundas, 1748 to 1752.