136 Transactions. 
for those who understand cleaning pictures may probably 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 nothing 
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 I believe it will be hard to devise any method that 
will meet with approbation.” 
You will remember that when Mr Fergusson went to Carlisle 
on Ist 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 17th 
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 Cumberland 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 Culloden Muir. 
With these latter events, and with the Prince’s subsequent 
wanderings for fully five months among the 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 reaches 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 broad terrace formed in front of the house, and supported 
upon piers spanned by arches. Access to this terrace is obtained 
