the
Dutch troops come to England,) that you could not penetrate farther
into that country with safety, and retiring back into Scotland would
have many inconveniences.

"Dalkeith is but a short way from Stirling, where we on this side
must pass (I mean near it), and I hope we shall attempt it very
soon; and when we do, your being in the rear of the enemy could not
but very much incommode them, and be of great advantage to us. The
Duke of Argyle would be so hemmed in at Stirling by your being on
the one hand of him and our being on the other, that I scarce see
what I can do but to intrench myself, and by that our passage over
Forth and joining of you might be very easy; nor do I see how the
Duke of Argyle in those circumstances can subsist long there. Were
we once past Forth and joined on the south side, we should soon make
our way good to England, and then should be much more able to put in
execution the project of our English friends, without being in any
danger of returning back to Scotland. It would be of great
consequence to have possession of Edinburgh, but I hear just now
that the Duke of Argyle has sent two regiments of dragoons, so tho'
perhaps that may prevent your getting possession of that town, yet I
scarce believe that they will be able with all the detachments that
the Duke of Argyle dare adventure to send from Stirling to make any
attempt against you at Dalkeith, which is so strong a place
naturally; and should the enemy return again from Stirling, you
might either follow them in their rear without danger, or take
possession of Edinburgh. Were once Lord Seaforth come up to us and
General Gordon with the clans which I expect every day, I shall not
be long of leaving this place, and I shall likewise be able to send
more foot over the water, as I sent the last, if you want them, and
your being at Dalkeith, they could easily join you. Should most of
the Dutch troops come to Scotland, as is probable they will, it
would be very hard for us here to pass Forth without your
assistance, which would be a great loss and a grateing thing. I hear
to-day from about Stirling that Sir William Blacish is upon the head
of several thousands in the North of England, but your Lordship and
our English friends will know the truth of this better: be it as it
will, I do not think it alters