d the Chevalier during
his residence at Albano; from which it appears that a full commission
had been sent to Lochiel to treat with "such of the King's friends in
Scotland," as he thought were safe to be trusted concerning his affairs.
It was also intimated that James had conceived a high opinion of the
good sense and prudence of Lochiel, from his letters; and encouragement
was given to any future exertions. The uncle then instructed his nephew
how to answer the King's letter in the following explicit manner. These
directions are tolerably minute:[268]

"I think it proper you should write to the King by the first post
after you receive his letter. I need not advise you what to say in
answer to such a gracious letter from your King, only let it not be
very long. Declare your duty and readiness to execute his Majesty's
commands on all occasions, and your sense of the honour he has been
pleased to do you in giving you such a commission. I am not to chuse
words for you, because I am sure you can express yourself in a
dutiful and discreet manner without any help. You are to write, Sir,
on a large margin, and to end, Your most faithful and obedient
subject and servant; and to address to the King and no more; which
inclose to me sealed. I pray send me a copy of it on a paper
inclosed, with any other thing that you do not think fit or needful
the King should see in your letter to me, because I will shew your
answer to this, wherein you may say that you will be mindful of all
I wrote to you, and what else you think fit."

To these instructions assurances were added, that the elder Lochiel, who
had, it seems, been in necessitous circumstances after his attainder,
and during his exile, should be relieved at the Chevalier's expense; "so
that," adds the uncle, "your mind may be pretty easy upon that point."
Donald had, it appears, expressed some discontent at the comparative
comfort in which some of the exiled Jacobites lived, and the poverty of
his father's circumstances, which he had observed when in Paris a few
years previous to this correspondence. Allan Cameron further advised his
nephew to keep on good terms with Glengarry and all other neighbours; to
let "byganes, be byganes," as long as such neighbours continue firm to
the "King's interests;" to avoid private animosities, and yet to keep a
watch over their fidelity to the cause. "As to Lovat," adds the uncle,
"be o