Folio 169. A lengthy letter from Lord Melville to the King mainly giving his reasons...

Folio 169. A lengthy letter from Lord Melville to the King mainly giving his reasons for advising the King to accede to the people's wishes regarding the government of their church. He will endeavour to follow the King's commands although he regrets the limitations the King has imposed. He asks whether he should rescind the Act relating to the articles 'for that is the thing they strike much on'; he does 'not think it is now to be stood upon, though it be indiscreet in them to desire it; but when it is evident that they design that nothing should be done but the Parliament adjourned or dissolved, it should be the more guarded against and what you desire will be the more easily carried when this ferment is over'. The 'Jacobins' [Jacobites], 'the Club', the Duke of Hamilton, the 1669 Act concerning the Supremacy, [Viscount] Tarbet and Sir George Mackenzie are mentioned. Melville also requests instructions regarding the ships and parties that are going to 'the Highland coast. He says he is afraid [the Earl of] Breadalbane may prove 'tricking' being 'a mighty cunning man' who 'loves money well and would be sure to have a part advanced' but Melville thinks it would be enough for the King 'to put so much as you think fit to be bestowed in some person's hand whom he will trust to be paid at such times and on such conditions as you shall think fit'. [General] Mackay and [the Duke of] Argyll are also mentioned.