248 REPORT OF THE MEETINGS FOR 1898 



of the house, were observed a flourishing specimen of the 

 somewhat rare Arbutus andrachia, just bursting into blossom, 

 and also a splendid Larch tree — one of a collection introduced 

 about 1740 to Duns Castle and Dunkeld policies, where 

 similar specimens still exist. 



Within Marchmont House, Mr Bernard, after hospitably 

 eatertainiag the company to breakfast, gave full facilities for 

 the inspection of the most valued books in the Library, and 

 the various interesting portraits of the present young 

 proprietor's ancestors, particularly those of the first Earl of 

 Marchmont (Sir Patrick Hume) and his wife, the Lady 

 Grisell Ker. One of the most valued documents in March- 

 mont House which the Club was shown, is an autograph letter 

 from Oliver Cromwell ; a copy of this is, by kind permission 

 of Mr Bernard and of the proprietor of Marchmont, here 

 subjoined. 



SEAL. 

 These are to require you on sight hereof to forbeare 

 to (prejude) ye person of the Lady Pol worth her 

 sonn S. E. Patricke Hume & her family and 

 servant att Red Breese nor to take away 

 spoyle or destroy theire houshould stuffe horses 

 oxen cattle corne or other goods except forage 

 and horsemeate taken by order. But to permitt 

 them quietly and peaceably to reside att her 

 howse att Red Breese aforesd and passe & 

 repasse about theire lawfull occasions without 

 any lett or molestation. 



Given under my hand & seale ye 28th of 

 Decembr 1650. 



0. CROMWELL. 

 To all officers and souldrs 

 under my Comannd. 



