Earl Hume, who is very frank, is taken
prisoner to Edinburgh, but will be let out on security. Earl
Breadalbane keeps close in a strong house he has, and
pretends the gout. Earl Errol stays at home. So does
Aberdeen. Earl Marischal is at Edinburgh, but does not
meddle. Earl Lauderdale is right, and at home. The Bishops?
I know not where they are! They are now the Kirk invisible.
I will be forced to open the letter, and send copies
attested to them, and keep the original till I can find out
our Primate. The poor ministers are sorely oppressed over
all. They generally stand right. Duke Queensberry was present
at the Cross when their new mock king was proclaimed, and, I
hear, voted for him, though not for the throne vacant. His
brother, the Lieutenant-General, some say is made an earl.
He is come down to Edinburgh, and is gone up again. He is
the old man, and has abused [deceived] me strangely. For he
swore to me to make amends. Tarbat is a great villain.
Besides what he has done at Edinburgh, he has endeavoured to
seduce Lochiel by offers of money which is under his hand.
He is now gone up to secure his faction (which is melting),
the two Dalrymples and others, against Skelmorly, Polwart,
Cardross, Ross, and others, now joined with that worthy
prince, Duke Hamilton.
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