rant a safe landing, and
I hope that will. The Duke of Ormond is gone to England, and I
believe he has some troops with him and arms and ammunition.

"I hear from Fife to-day that there landed at Leith on Sunday last
four hundred of the Dutch troops. I hope that's all that are comeing
by sea. I have the King's Declaration, which is to be reprinted
here, and shall be dispers'd in a few days. The less that it be
spoke that the King is to land soon, I believe the better, until he
actually does, for that but make the Government more alert. Were he
but once landed, I have reason to belive that there will be a new
face of affairs seen abroad as well as at home in the King's favour,
which is all I dare yet adventure to trust of it to paper; but I
hope in God were the King once with us all will be well.

"There are more officers comeing to us from abroad different wayes,
so it's likely they may be dropping in every day. The Duke of
Berwick stays behind for a very good reason, and is to follow. The
King has been pleased to confer new honours on me, but I do not
think it fitt to take it on me til he comes, and if it pleases not
God he come to us safe, I am indifferent what becomes of all I ever
had, and this may go with the rest. It is goodness in him, and more
than I askt or deserve. I will long to hear from you; and tho' I
desire you not to let the news I write you be much talkt of, yet I
suppose it will be no secret, for I am obliged to communicate what I
get to so many that it cannot possible be keept, and yet I cannot
help this. Tho' Lord Huntley said little to me to-day upon my
shewing him my letters, yet I know it from good hands he is not a
bitt in better humour and that he will now positively go north;
which I suppose he'll write of to me to-morrow, for 'tis seldom now
he'll either see me or let me see him, tho' I take all the ways I
can to please and humour him, but all will not do: however, I hope
will not have many followers. Master of Sinclair is gone this day to
see his father upon a sharp letter he had from him yesterday about
his behaviour. Some others are ashamed of the part they acted, but
if the King come not soon all of them will relapse again. The clans
stand firm, and I hope will to the last.

"Pray try to get notice of what private letters from London say upon
our