GLENCAIRN (Alexander Cunningham, d. 1670, from 1664 10th Earl)

Finely penned Letter Signed 'Glencarne' to 'My Lord', asking him to present "this Signator" (not present) and "interpose with his Sacred Ma[jest]ie in behalf of that familie which now I represent that it may taste of his Royall bountie", assuring his Lordship that "iff ever I be in capacitie to retribute your Lordships kyndness in anie measure, I will be as readie as anie", explaining that "the forfaultor [loss by forfeiture, under the Commonwealth] of all these persons which I crave, will not much exceed twentie thousand pound And for most part they have wodsetts [mortgages] of my owen estate and hold of me", adding that "my fathers sufferings in that common cause with your Lordship is well knowen", 1 side 8¾" x 6¾", Edinburgh, 5th January

The writer's father William (c. 1610-1664, from 1631 9th Earl), had been a Commissioner of the Treasury in Scotland, and in 1643 opposed sending help to the English Parliament. In 1648 he was deprived of his offices for joining 'the Engagement' to rescue Charles I, and of his peerage in 1649. In 1653-1654 he commanded the forces in Scotland for Charles II, and for a while made headway against Monck, until defeated at Dunkeld. In 1655 he was arrested by Monck and excepted from Cromwell's 'Act of Grace'. When however Monck marched to London in 1659-1660, Glencairn was one of the Commissioners sent to treat with him, and he lived to be Lord Chancellor of Scotland in 1661.

Item Date:  1667

Stock No:  51162      £750

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