they are returned: we
hear it was to vew the roads, and to try if it was practicable to
march their army, which they will find very hard to doe while this
weather holds. The account you gave in yours of their motions and
that detachment was very distinct. The K. read it himself,--it came
prety quick. I entreat you fail not to lett us have what accounts
you can learn, for what comes from you are among the best we can
gett.

"The K. ordered a review of the whole army here this morning, and
they are all to hold themselves ready at one half ane hour's
advertisment. Lett me hear from you soon. Adieu."

Again, on the twenty-fourth of January:

"What is above should have gone this morning, but was delyed. Six
hundered of the clans are gone out this night to reinforce the
garison of Braco and Crief. I hear they have orders to destroy the
corn-yards and barns about Achterardir and Black Ford, which we hear
were revewed by the enemy yesterday. The King signed thir orders, I
can ashour you, most unwillingly; and caused put it in the order
that every thing should be made good to the poor people, with a
gratuity; and if any of them pleased to come to Perth, they should
be maintained and all care taken of them. This you may take for
truth, for no doubt they will make a great noise about it.

"We have just now got ane account of a ship being come into
Montross, but we know not yett what she brings. Adieu,--writte soon.
I am in haste."

"Eleven att night."

On the twenty-fourth of January, the Duke of Argyle marched to Dumblane,
with two hundred horse, to reconnoitre the roads. The report that the
enemy was approaching, was quickly conveyed to Perth; and now was the
order to burn and destroy the village of Auchterarder, the contents of
the houses, all stores of corn and forage, mournfully and promptly
executed. It was supposed by this, that the march of Argyle's forces
would be impeded; but it produced no other inconvenience to that army
than obliging them to lie one night in the open air; whilst the
unpopularity it brought on James and his advisers, was long the subject
of comment to their enemies. It is consolatory to those who wish to
judge favourably of James to find this declaration in Lord Mar's
correspondence.

"The King was forced, sore against his will, to give these burning
orders, as all of us were, could we have