128 Some Lretrrers oF Patrick MILLER. 
Mr Henderson (junior). 
Col. Goldie [of Goldielea]. 
Major Dirom [of Mount Annan]. 
Col. Ross. 
Mr Edward Maxwell. 
Major M‘Murdo [younger, of Drungans ]."° 
To this list were added by ballot :— 
Dr. W. Maxwell, Terraughty. 
Mr Craigie, sheriff. 
Mr J. Aitken, sheriff-substitute. 
Col. de Peyster. 
Mr Archibald Gordon of Halleaths. 
Mr W. Carlyle, advocate. 
Mr John Yorston. 
Mr John Clerk of Locharwoods. 
Mr Graham, junior, of Mossknowe. 
And Mr David Newall, secretary.” 
With a son in Parliament, it is not surprising that these 
letters contain some allusion to current politics. ‘‘ Peter ”’ 
Miller entered politics under the egis of the Duke of Queens- 
berry, who was attached to the party of Charles James Fox. 
The Duke was a great territorial magnate, whose visits to 
Drumlanrig were infrequent and fleeting. After the gaieties 
of london, he seems to have found the society of the county 
rather tedious—and “‘ genteel.”’ 
““ The Duke gave a ball on Monday, now a fortnight. 
The company was very genteel and full, although not so 
numerous as was expected. He was very pleased with it. 
There was a supper, too, which was as much admired as 
any part of it. We were at two of the Assemblies which 
were given by the Hunt. The Duke was made one of the 
stewards. He seemed to enjoy everything very much, and 
said he found himself very happy, and spoke of spending 
more of his time here. However, he went off the second 
day after his Ball.’’® 
From time to time references to the Duke occur, such as :— 
““The Duke of Q. arrived on the 18th. I was at 
Dumfries when he came in. The Magistrates and Trades 
