nt and too
proud to let the others see that he was annoyed by a stupid insult he
was powerless to resent. But there exists a letter from Secretary
Murray to Queensberry which makes the business very clear. It is worth
quoting as significant of the petty intrigues in which men of rank and
position were not then ashamed to indulge.

"The King ordered two commissions to be drawn, for your
brother and Claverhouse to be brigadiers. We were ordered to
see how such commissions had been [drawn?] here, and in Earl
Middleton's office we found the extract of one granted to
Lord Churchill, another to Colonel Worden, the one for
horse, the other for foot. So Lord Melfort told me the King
had ordered him to draw one for your brother for the foot
and Claverhouse for the horse. I told him that could not be;
for by that means Claverhouse would command your brother. To
be short, we were very hot on the matter. He said he knew no
reason why Colonel Douglas should have the precedency,
unless that he was your brother. I told him that was enough,
but that there was a greater, and that was, that he was an
officer of more experience and conduct, and that was the
King's design of appointing brigadiers at this time. He said
Claverhouse had served the King longer in Scotland. I told
him that was yet wider from the purpose, for there were in
the army that had served many years longer than Claverhouse,
and of higher quality, and without disparagement to any,
gallant in their personal courage. By this time I flung from
him, and went straight to the King and represented the case.
He followed, and came to us. But the King changed his mind
and ordered him to draw the commissions both for horse and
foot, and your brother's two days' date before the other; by
which his command is clear before the other. I saw the
commissions signed this afternoon, and they are sent
herewith by Lord Charles Murray. Now, I beseech Your Grace,
say nothing of this to any; nay, not now to your brother.
For Lord Melfort said to Sir Andrew Forrester, that he was
sure there would be a new storm on him. I could not, nor is
[it] fit this should have been kept from you; but you will
find it best for a while to know or take little notice, for
it gives him but ground of talking, and serves no other
end."[70]

Bu