136 Transactions. 



for those who understand cleaning pictures may probabl}' be able 

 to gett off any liquid that is not of a corrosive nature. However, 

 it is dangerous to lett experiments be try'd on them except by a 

 skilful hand. I want much to know in what circumstances my 

 tennants are now in, and how far they have particularly sufFer'd, 

 when any money may be expected, and how much. 



" As for the projects of arming the country, I find it im- 

 practicable to bring it about in any effectual method. I very 

 early represented the good disposition of the people, and offer'd 

 to employ my endeavours for the publick service, but iiothing 

 was thought adviseable but regular forces. I then offer'd to go 

 down and raise a regiment, to be under military discipline, 

 officer'd by the gentlemen of the country ; but that likewise was 

 rejected, so T believe it will be hard to devise any method that 

 will meet with approbation." 



You will remember that when Mr Fergussou went to Carlisle 

 on 1st January he could not see the Duke of Cumberland, 

 because he was to set out for London early next morning. The 

 reason of his departure was a threatened invasion from France, 

 and Lieutenant-General Henry Hawley led the Government 

 troops into Scotland. The hopes which the Duke of Queens- 

 berry expresses in his letter regarding General Hawley were not 

 realised, for he had been defeated at the battle of Falkirk on 17 th 

 January, four days previous to the date of the Duke's letter, but 

 the news does not seem to have reaced London when he wrote. 

 The Duke of Cumber'land rejoined the Government forces in the 

 end of January, but it was not until 16th April that he joined 

 issue with the Jacobite Army, and defeated it on CuUoden Muir. 

 With these latter events, and with the Prince's subsequent 

 wanderings for fully five months among tlie mountains and seas 

 of the West Highlands, we to-night have no special connection, 

 and I do not propose to enter upon them. 



Before closing, however, I would like to say a little regarding 

 Drumlanrig Castle, although it is so well known to most of you 

 that I need not trouble you with any exhaustive description of it. 

 That imposing pile is built in rectangular form round an uncovered 

 square, which is filled up in the centre until it readies the level 

 of the main floor, on which level it forms a large open flagged 

 court. The main entrance is upon this floor, and is reached 

 from a V)road terrace foi-med in front of the house, and supported 

 upon piers .spanned by arches. Access to this terrace is obtained 



