Another Letter I have read from France, which signifies the distractions
in that Kingdome, especially about Burdeux to bee formidable,
all taking example from the English, yet pretend as faire for the
Personall safety and honour of the King and Queene Regent, as ever
they in England did for theirs, when first they broake out into open
Rebellion, only that they will not indure Cardinnll Mazarine no more
then the English would the Lord Strafford or Canterbury: the face of
things there looking just as they did in England in 1642. That an Expresse
was come, from the Marquesse of Montrosse, to the Queene of
England then at Paris; wherein hee gave her to understand, that hee
had sent away about 200. of his prime Officers, and as many of his
Souldiers as hee could get Shiping for at present, for Scotland; and
that hee had newes brought him, they were all safely Arrived there;
and that (God willing) hee would shortly follow after himselfe with
the rest of his Forces; and doubted not but to give a faire Accompt of
the Designe within a few Moneths after, &c.
To confirme rhis, I have perused another Letter dated at Edenburgh
the last of Sep. 1649. which comes from, and to noble hand, which
relates more particularly, that without all peradventure the Officers
and Souldiers mentioned in the former, were safely Arrived in the Isles.
Of Orkney; and that the Marquesse of Montrosse himselfe was dayly
expected there; that the Hye-landers flock in to them in great numbers
and sundry Gentlemen from all parts of Scotland, with many souldiers,
that they are like in a short time to encrease to a great Army; the newes
whereof so startled them at Edenburgh, that they forthwith Ordered
Collonel Carre and Major Straughan to martch to the Islands of Orkney;
but (say the Letters) 'tis much feared rather to joyne with, then suppresse
them; for it is verily beleeved the King and they have shaken
hands, and are agreed upon all things; the Scots having in their last
Message to him, not so much as urged the Covenant to him, but only
that hee will tollerate it; which if hee would, then they assure him particularly,
That they will lay out themselves in their best and speediest Indeavours
for his Personall preservation, and for the Restauration of him
to his Estates, and in assisting him for prosecuting the Murtherers of his
Father, &c. That they have at present in Readinesse 5000. Foote,
and 2400. Horse for his Majesties service; which are all their poore
Countrey can beare when they doe not martch: But that they have in
Readynesse to bee imployed when there shall bee occasion 9449. Foote,
and 2772. Horse, which are to bee for martching within twenty-foure
houres warning, upon paine of 400. Marke Scotch for every Horseman,
and 100.l. Scotch for every Foot-man: and that they have store