We did not exceed the number allowed by the
Meeting of Estates. My Lord Livingstone and I might have had
each of us ten; and four or five officers that were in
company might have had a certain number allowed them; which
being, it will be found we exceeded not. I am sure it is far
short of the number my Lord Lorn was seen to march with. And
though I had gone away with some more than ordinary, who can
blame me when designs of murdering me was made appear?
Besides, it is known to everybody that, before we came
within sixteen miles of this, my Lord Livingstone went off
to his brother, my Lord Strathmore's, house; and most of the
officers and several of the company went to their respective
homes or relations. And, if any of them did me the favour to
come along with me, must that be called being in arms? Sure,
when your Grace represents this to the Meeting of the
States, they will discharge such a groundless pursuit, and
think my appearance before them unnecessary. Besides, though
it were necessary for me to go and attend the meeting, I
cannot come with freedom and safety, because I am informed
there are men-of-war and foreign troops in the passage; and
till I know what they are and what are their orders, the
Meeting cannot blame me for not coming.
Pages:
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206