to the point of Kintyre, which will soon be done; and then the King has all the boats for his own landing.  I should march towards Kintyre, and meet, at the neck of Tarbet, the foot, and so march to raise the country, and then towards the passes of Forth to meet the King, where I doubt not but we would be numerous.

“I have done all I can to make them believe the King will land altogether in the west, on purpose to draw their troops from the north, that we may easier raise the country if the landing be here.  I have said so, and written it to everybody; and particularly I sent some proclamations to my Lady Errol, and wrote to her to that purpose, which was intercepted and carried to Edinburgh, and my Lady taken prisoner.  I believe it has taken the effect I designed; for the forces are marched out of Kintyre, and I am just now informed Major-General Mackay is gone from Inverness by Moray, towards Edinburgh.  I know not what troops he has taken with him as yet; but it is thought he will take the horse and dragoons (except a few) and most of the standing forces; which, if he do, it will be a rare occasion for landing here, and for raising the country.  Then, when they hear of that, they will draw this way, which will again favour the King’s landing.  Some think Ely a convenient place for landing, because you have choice of what side, and the enemy cannot be on both.  Others think the nearer Galloway the better, because the rebels will have far to march before they can trouble you.  Others think Kirkcudbright or thereabouts, because of that sea for ships, and that it is near England.  Nobody expects any landing here now, because it is thought you will alter the design, it having been discovered.  And to friends and all I give out I do not expect any.

“So I am extremely of opinion this would be an extreme proper place, unless you be so strong that you need not care where to land.  The truth is, I do not admire their mettle.  The landing of troops will confound them terribly.  I had almost forgot to tell you that the Prince of Orange, as they say, has written to his Scotch Council, telling them he will not have his troops any more harassed following me through the hills, but orders them to draw to the West, where, he says, a great army is to land; and, at the same time, gives them accounts that eight sail of men-of-war is coming from Brest, with fifteen thousand men on board.  He knows not whether they are designed for England or Ireland.  I beg you will send an express before, whatever you do, that I may know how to take my measures; and if the express that comes knows nothing, I am sure it shall not be discovered for me.  I have told Mr. Hay nothing of this proposal, nor no man.  If there come any party this way, I beg you send me ammunition, and three or four thousand arms of different sorts—­some horse, some foot.

“I have just now received a confirmation of Mackay’s going south, and that he takes