heart.

"We have heard nothing as yet of the Duke of Argyle's return from
London, and I imagine we shall hear nothing from him upon it, when
he does get it and I hope he shall never be askt for it more by us.
The Duke of Atholl will himself send his men against Crafourd.

"I believe I forgot to tell you in my last that Colonel Hay mist
very narrowly being murdered in France, takeing him for the K----
(being in one of his cheases), by Lord Stair's gang, and in their
pockets Lord Stair's orders were found to go to such a place, and
there obey what orders they should receive from Count Douglass[123]
(Lightly), let them be never so desperate. This is something so
horrid that I want words to express it. I tell it you just as those
from France tell me. The fellow was imprisoned by the government
there and reclaimed by Lord Stair. Lord Clairmont was actually
reclaimed by the Regent before they come away; so his being brought
to England after, may work something. I have just now a packet of
news sent me by A. M., for which I thank you. Notwithstanding this
great new General's being come, I see not how they can do anything
at Stirling till the Dutch join them, and that cannot be yet for
some time; pray Heavens the K---- come before them! I know by other
accounts as well as yours, from abroad, that they are not above four
thousand complete and some of these are lost. Our Highlanders have
got in their heads a mighty contempt for them, which may do good.
This goes by the Hole,[124] from when your packet yesterday was sent
me. I have nothing further to add now, but I hope soon to send you
agreable news. Pray give my service to I. H. and desire him to make
my compliments to his landlady and tel her, I hope she is now right
with her son, which I am exceeding glad of. Adieu."

At length, on the twenty-second of December, James landed at Peterhead,
after a voyage of seven days. His arrival dispelled many doubts of his
personal courage, since, after all his deliberations, he adopted by no
means the least hazardous course by traversing the British ocean, which
was beset by British men-of-war. He had sailed from Dunkirk in the
small vessel in which he had embarked, and which was followed by two
other vessels, containing his domestics, and stores for the use of his
army. His immediate attendants were disguised as French officers, and