Part 2, Folios 141-142. A closely written letter dated at the Hague from William...

Part 2, Folios 141-142. A closely written letter dated at the Hague from William Carstares to [William Bentinck] seeking his instructions as to how to respond to James Stewart's letter. As to the situation in Scotland he writes that Bentinck 'may wonder that Scotland should so cheerfully embrace a liberty that is so plainly designed for the advantage of the enemies of her religion, but the violence of extraordinary and inhuman oppressions to which Dissenters [i.e. Presbyterian Covenanters] of that Kingdom have for many years been exposed cannot but make quiet sweet. And yet, Sir, I am confident that they will be found to be zealous Protestants and, I hope, true friends to the interest of the successors'. Carstares, having spoken to the Pensionary, has his permission on 'to write more fully to Mr Stewart concerning the [Protestant] aversion from oppressing the consciences of any' but is to show him that the Prince has such a respect to the Protestant interest that nothing will move him to allow that taking away of laws that exclude Papists from public offices. Carstares says that in light of what the Pensionary told him of the Prince's declarations on these matters he 'cannot see what any true Protestant can except against it'. Lord Melvil [Mevill or Melville], the Marquis d'Abbevill [Sir Ignatius White] and the Duchess of Monmouth are mentioned. [For enclosures see folios 138-140 above].