1686] DIARY OF PATRICK GORDON. 163 and equity which I had on my syde

Passages from the diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries : A.D. 1635-A.D. 1699"

1686] DIARY OF PATRICK GORDON. 163


and equity which I had on my syde, may appear from the many remon-
strances which I gave in ; which, because they could not answer, they passed
all over, and told only all were tales or fables. The copyes of all my remon-
strances are apart.

I insisted to have a copy of the order on the Earle of Middletons letter, Decembe
and my remonstrance, pretending not to understand the true sense of their
words, saymg that I would send the copy of their order, and fearing that
if I wrote any thing of my self, it might disagree with their Majesties
order. But the incongruity of a word or two in the order letted that they
would not give me a copy of it, and with much ado I recovered the
origiuall of the Earle of Middletons letter.

The Boyar being at his village, I went and msisted for the copy of the Decembe
order, Avhich he promised me. I came late home.

I did writt to Collonels Hamilton, Ronaer, and Menezes, and informed Decembe:
them of the progress of my effaires.

I received letters from the Earle of Melfort, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Meverell, Decembei
and another letter from the Earle of Middleton to the same purpose, as also
from my cousin Alexander, and my sonnes from Doway.

I returned answer to my sonnes letter, ordering James to stay there as Decembei
he had been ordered before, and telling John, that seemg he had no mmd
to learne, I had ordered his going to Edinburgh to stay at the . . .
some tyme to gett some knowledge in the lawes.

Bemg Christmasse, Fetka Mieln* came and told me of my wyfe bemg Decembei
on the way, and that she would be here on Moonday.

I^went and did meet my wyfe and children m Semenofsky, and came to Decembei
the Slobod with them about midday. •

^ I got orders to writt to the Earle of Middleton, and to show it in the Decembei
pricase or office first.

I show the letter into the office in Latin, which being translated was December
approved of, and I ordered to send it by the first post.

1 sent the forsaid letter, a copy whereof in my other copy booke of December
letters, by post, m a coverto to Mr. Frazer.



* [His servant.]