The Papers of the Rattray Family of Craighall were acquired in 3 bundles from Christie's auction of "Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts from the Library of the 17th Earl of Perth" on November 20, 2003, lot 204.
Papers of the Rattray Family of Craighall, Perthshire are also located at
Processed by Folger Shakespeare Library staff.
[Item title and date], Papers of the Rattray family of Craighall, Folger MS X.c.61 [item number], Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC.
For a biographical history of the Rattray family of Craighall, refer to
The main interest lies in the correspondence, which, in common with most family correspondence of the period, is largely taken up with financial matters. The incursions of the English armies in the middle of the 17th century caused considerable damage to property, especially in the neighborhood of Perth. Some people - such as Lord Spynie - found themselves on the wrong side politically, and so got into difficulties. Others like Lord Kinghorne inherited dilapidated estates, and dedicated their lives (in his case with outstanding success) to the reestablishment of their affairs.
A sidelight on this preoccupation with this world's goods is the requests made by several people (including Lady Maderty) that the Laird of Craighall should look after their property in 1651 when the English were in Perthshire, Craighall presumably being considered a secure place.
On a personal side, the correspondence contains requests for fishhooks, books, and ash saplings; it deals with the problems of education, the qualifications of ministers, the day to day duties required of a laird, and it covers in considerable detail the marital difficulties of James Ogilvy of Balfour.
As the letters were usually delivered by a bearer who knew their contents, there was no need for the writer to be absolutely precise, and many of the letters leave the details of what the writer had in mind to be filled out by his messenger. They are also for the same reason frequently very badly written. Many of the writers cannot be identified with certainty, and mistakes have probably been made. One genealogical fact does emerge from the papers. In the
Letters from or to members of the Drummond family have been transcribed in full. The rest have been calendared in greater or lesser detail according to their apparent interest.
An Index of names found within the collection can be found at the end of the guide.
Additional pencil markings on the manuscripts refer to the previous arrangement by the National Register of Archives in Scotland.
Description based on the calendar made by Patrick Cadell in 1981.
Arranged into two series: 1. Correspondence; 2. Deeds and Receipts.
Series 1 is further divided into 3 subseries: 1.1. Incoming letters to the Lairds of Craighall; 1.2. Incoming letters to the Ladies of Craighall; 1.3. Miscellaneous correspondence.
All materials are arranged chronologically within each series and subseries.
The Earl of Perth purchased the Papers of the Rattray Family of Craighall from Sotheby's in July, 1981. Previously, the collection belonged to Captain Rattray and were part of the Rattray muniments which had been on temporary deposit at the National Register of Archives in Scotland and were catalogued for the Rattray family by the Scottish Records Office. Many of the papers not included in this collection were sold to the National Register of Archives.
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He has been summoned at the instance of the Laird of Pittarrow for the slaughter of Pittarrow's man. He begs that Craighall, "accompanyit with your freindis and servandis" will come to Edinburgh to give "assistans and counsell in my just defence."
Requests "ane thiggin off aschen treis" because they can be got near Craighall. Campbell would like them about the length of a man, and as few or as many as Craighall can spare.
The letter also carries a tack by Sylvester Rattray in favor of David Miller and Janet Alison his wife, of the Mill of Kinhallach, 1606 March 9.
The Council has fixed 13 July for him to take up before it the wrong done to his wife in Forfar by servants of the Earl of Crawford.
Comments on news that Craighall has sent him. Reports that the King has had three meetings with Parliament, and that money has been voted. Says that the Marquis of Brandenburg has been defeated in Cleves by the emperor, and gives various other bits of foreign news.
Thanks for letter, and for family business dealt with in Perthshire. He thinks that Lord Seaton's promotion may be of help to him.
Begs him not to miss the forthcoming meeting of the Earl of Crawford's friends to help sort out Crawford's financial affairs. [This may relate to the curious episode in which the 12th Earl of Crawford was imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle by his friends to prevent his incurring further debts.]
Is very annoyed that the Laird of Craighall has been unable to get satisfaction from the Laird of Fordell. If he had known, he would have come to Rattray that day, but he had a special tryst in Dunkeld that he could not put off. "Sir, I can not merwell aneuch yt yor uncle James Dromond sould hawe socht from yow ye twell bols victuall qlk appertenit to me in ane pairt of my chamerlane boll of fiftie twa bols victuall qroff I am not as yt lawfullie dischargit."
Thanks Craighall for the care he has taken in "tryinge out the man yow watt off." Is glad of the favor Craighall has found with the Earl of Haddington. "Yow have done weill in keiping of the Oglevies from Inverquheithe."
It has been decided to serve Lord Errol heir to his father without delay. 30 August has been appointed for the ceremony. Will Craighall please be at Perth before 10 o' clock on that day.
Craighall is requested to be at Perth on 27 October to elect commissioners for Parliament.
"I merwell grytlie & can not vonder eneuch yt ye send me not the money ye ar debtful unto me..." Will Craighall please pay as soon as he can.
He has raised a suspension on Craighall's behalf against the Hammermen of Edinburgh; he encloses it but it must be returned as soon as possible. He also encloses the marriage contract which Craighall had sent to George Jamesone, and the letters "to be raisit yron." Thanks Craighall and his wife for looking after his niece Margaret Hay.
His intelligence is so bad that he does not know whether the rebels (i.e. the Royalists) have crossed the Ericht. Can Craighall tell him where they are, and whether Montrose and "Allester" are with them.
He has not received an answer to his letter of the previous day. Will Craighall therefore come to Scone as soon as possible.
He has not heard properly about the battle in the west [Kilsyth]. Can Craighall give him any information?
He will receive sixteen bolls of meal. He can send for the remaining four on Monday.
Will Craighall please give them longer credit.
Will he please pay his loan tax and monthly maintenance by ten o'clock on Monday or he will be in trouble. He was no doubt not properly informed of the need to pay, but that is not likely to be considered a sufficient excuse.
Gives information about the progress of his case against Ashintullie. Craighall has sent "overlitle silver for doing of that busines be 4 lib at leist qlk pleis amend."
Young Craighall has told him that he did not need to come west till he had been asked, "seing your niece is still so nice in that affair," young Craighall had resolved to try to bring her to Craighall, where Lyon would meet his correspondent whether she came or not, "and if she still persist in her aversnesse to me ther neids no further prosecuting of it."
Thanks Craighall for a letter received by the hand of his son John Rattray. If John will have patience, justice will be done him. As for the entertainment of Craighall's daughter-in-law while she was at Craighall for her wedding, Craighall will have to get the cost of it from her husband, since Hay has no further authority in her affairs now that she is married.
Thomas Hunter a notary in Dundee has sent Paton a bond granted to him by Craighall. Paton hopes that Craighall will pay as he would be unwilling to be hard with him.
He has got Craighall's precept signed for him, but he must not expect to get his money for the time being with the country in its present state.
He will meet him at the "bote" on Friday, between ten and eleven; he should bring Patrick Robertson with him.
Extensive news of various pleas carried on in Edinburgh by Craighall against Alexander Paton, Francis Angustoun and others. He will do his best for Craighall, but he has done all that he can for Craighall's friend, William Rattray, cordiner in Alyth.
He wishes he had been able to press on with Craighall's business, but will do his best as if he had been concerned in the matter himself.
"Not being certaine of a sermon to morrow, I would earnestly request yow that I might see yow in Rattray at the sunrising in Donald Drummond's house wher god willing I sall attend yow." He has not made up his mind to go to Edinburgh, but would like to talk to Craighall about it.
He is still very interested in the fortunes of the Craighall family in spite of his silence occasioned by political upheavals in both France and Britain. He has found his brother who is now considered one of the best physicians in France and Flanders.
He asks Craighall to receive a sealed bag of money by the bearer John Paxton, "and put it with the rest. Sir tyms is dangerous, and that of myn which is under yor custodie is all my patrimonie."
"Yow ar desyred by thes not to delyver any of my goodis qtsomever to any bot to my wyff or by hir advyc." If there seems to be some danger from the enemy, Craighall is to transport the goods to a safe place.
Will Craighall please give the bag of money Neilson sent him by John Paxton, as well as the two sent by David Wemyss, to the bearer of this letter, his wife. He cannot provide receipts, but hopes that the letter will be a sufficient warrant as he is in "a prisoner's condition at this place."
He knows that Craighall has written already about getting his father released from the Tower of London. The letter has miscarried, and will Craighall please write again. His father was a "privat countrie minister unemployed in public affairs & vas takn out of his aun hous."
He is surprised at the way his letters seem to have gone astray. Can Craighall get Lt. General Monck to write to the Council of State on his behalf, saying that he was just a private man? He thanks Craighall for a letter and some money that he has sent.
He thanks Craighall for money and letter as in Folger MS X.d.61 (35). He has been kept a close prisoner, not allowed out for exercise, and he is lucky to be in good health.
Will Craighall please deliver to the bearer, Fergus Neilson, the writs which his wife entrusted to him. His wife, Jane Drummond, also signs the letter, and adds in her own hand, "my sarves to your good wife."
Good wishes, and miscellaneous observations on public affairs.
He encloses letter from Lord Newark (Folger MS X.d.61 (37)), and asks Craighall to do what it asks him without his presence.
He hopes that Craighall will not be prevented by the "Inglishes" from coming to see him in Fife.
He invites Craighall to his wedding to be held on the 27th of the month, at St. Andrews. He is to bring any friends with him, and if he or his friends have any "venisone or vylde meate" he would like to have it; the bearer has money to pay for it.
He is sorry that he cannot pay the money he owes when it is due, but promises that Craighall shall have it by Christmas.
He has no objection to Craighall's making the best agreement he can with John Anderson, provided that Anderson does not forget the tacks he has of Blair.
Fullerton, and the lairds of Dun and Brigton will pay their debts without fail.
He has received various legal papers from Craighall, but he needs a description of some lands and how they are held before he can complete what he has to do.
His nephew, Alexander Fotheringham's son is bound apprentice to a merchant in London. Craighall must therefore arrange to make available against the following Martinmas the 600 merks owed his nephew by Dame Margaret Lambie for which he is cautioner.
Legal business. Craighall may proceed in his suspension and apprising. Leslie refers again to the need for a proper description of the lands to be apprised.
Rattray had discovered that the last time James Cargill, Craighall's servant was in Edinburgh, he had taken home letters at Craighall's and his mother's instance against Dun, Crichton, Fullerton, and Lord Spynie. Rattray says he has managed so far to prevent their taking out a suspension against him. So if Craighall wants an apprising or ready money, he should come to Edinburgh and see what Rattray has done. This will give him a chance to see how competent Rattray is, "seing yow doe not think me that much worth as to grace me with the smallest of your Imployment bot Imployes strangers." It would be better to have someone of his own family. "I pray give the beirar drink money for I gave him nothing."
He has been dealing with the laird of Morphie, but to no avail. Fullerton intends, "to corroborat your right be ane sufficient cautioner if it be possible to get ane."
This letter also includes what is clearly a draft of a letter from Craighall to a cousin in London.
Craighall sends best wishes to his cousin from himself and his uncle John. "I must say sumthing to yow conscerning yr brother sonne Andrew. We know not what to doe. He is vith his mother where he mispends his tyme and treulie it vere a grait losse it should be so for the younge man hes good parts if he ver in good companie. I have dealt to have had him in seervise with my Lord of Perth, but there is so many demmands vaiting on there that ve could not prevaile." Has he any suggestions for a job in London.
Further information about the progress of a lawsuit. Craighall will owe him 17 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence for a sasine when it has been done, plus any sum he may care to pay for Leslie's pains.
All Craighall's business has been done as the bearer will explain, and he has only to take sasine.
More money is required to get Craighall's sasine registered. He must also produce writs for all the lands he holds as lord of erection, formerly belonging to bishops, provostries, deaneries or the like.
He returns old letters of arrestment with new ones for this year.
The laird of Morphie has called two or three summonses against Dun, but nothing has come of them yet. He has written to Craighall's cousin, young Darrulling, saying that the Earl of Atholl had "called ane reduction against him." He should send Ogilvy his writs as soon as possible.
Brigton has taken out a suspension against Craighall, but in Leslie's opinion this does not prevent Craighall from taking action against him.
Is sorry that any difference should have arisen between them. "Allwayes I thought that no just persute could have angered yow . . . I understand better what yow are now then I did, and sies yow are not to be meddled with nor straiked against the haire, and speciallie be yor awine. Bot if ye wer ane stranger to me and not the onlie man qm I sould respect as my cheiffe I wald have angered yow worss befoir this tyme then I did. Allwayes Sir thair is one thing in the particular qrof I much admyre which is that ane man of qualitie as yow are sould undervalue your selff so much as to vent yowr furie so much as yow doe againste such ane poore boy as me being of your awine kinne and blood." Craighall's anger has been such that he has spoken ill of him to everyone in Perthshire, and all hate him. He encloses Rynd's registered bond and other papers, and even if Craighall will give him nothing Rattray hopes that Craighall will let him "leive besyd yow heir wtout any more quarrells and I sall stryve neither to be offensive nor troublesome to yow." He hears that John Ogilvy has been slandering him. Craighall should not listen, "for as I sall answer to God he hes provine the baisest kneave to me that evir was borne." Ogilvy owes Rattray 18 pounds which he has refused to pay.
He has been very ill though he is now back on his feet. This explains his delay in business. Craighall may sign the discharge and keep the copy which Leslie sends with this letter.
Is sorry to hear of the accident to Pitkindie, and will do all he can to set matters right. He will be at Perth at the time agreed on.
He has received Craighall's letter about the riot against Pitkindie. He will meet Craighall and Pitkindie's friends at Perth next Monday.
Is sorry not to have replied sooner to Craighall's letter. He will be happy to keep Craighall's money, and will offer him the lairds of Inchmartin, Dun, and Fullerton as cautioners.
He has not forgotten what he owes to Craighall and his brother, and hopes to be at Meigle in ten days' time to pay him.
He has been trying various friends to raise money in order to satisfy Craighall, but they want to wait until the Sheriff Clerk of Forfar has been approached to see what he will do for his share. If he could sell some of his land, Craighall would be paid in full.
He understands that Craighall has met with Edzell, Dun and Fullerton over the business Craighall has with Fullerton. Gray will be ready to pay the money he owes Craighall at any time and place Craighall may specify.
He has spoken several times to Fullerton since he and Craighall parted, and he is in hopes that Craighall will shortly be satisfied.
He has met Fullerton who intends to see Craighall again. Edzell would like to do so too, and would arrange to be available at any convenient time after the end of the current week. (This letter carries a list of crop receipts, possibly Craighall's).
He has received the two papers Craighall sent, and with any luck his business will go well.
He has received Craighall's letter in which Craighall says that Fullerton intends to do nothing about raising the money which he owes Craighall, and for which Edzell, Dun, and Gray are cautioners. Dun is with Gray at the moment, and has the money that he owes Craighall. Gray hopes that Edzell will also shortly pay up.
Can Craighall please send him by the bearer one of the most recent discharges he has had from the Bishop of Dunkeld for the teinds of Hallyards. He promises to return it before Friday night.
He is in need of money, and hopes that Craighall can send him 35 pounds owed to both of them by tenants. Craighall's share is 20 pounds, so that if Rattray can have the balance, it would be a help. Also if Craighall can spare 50 of the 300 merks he owes Rattray that would be useful; "I desyr your ansuer schortlie."
Will Craighall and his daughter please come to Hallyards the following day to witness the baptism of Rattray's daughter. "I pray you mak no excus for I vill not tak it veall if ye come not, for I resolve to be verie quiet & ye shall not be hindered in respect of your health vhich I hear is not perfect."
The following Tuesday has been fixed for "the dyet appointed for regulating of anye enormities of the last cas of the excyse." Hay has been asked to convene the meeting, and if Craighall does not bring up anything he wants to raise at this meeting he will not have such a good opportunity in the future.
Dunmure's servant, the bearer of this letter, has told him that Craighall owes him money by a bond, and that Craighall has been trying to get the interest reduced. Dunmure hopes that Craighall is not the kind of person to take advantage of a poor man. Besides the servant is Dunmure's debitor, and Dunmure will therefore certainly assist his servant in getting his money back.
He has heard that Edzell will be meeting Craighall at Meigle between twelve and one that day. Dun will also be there.
"Havinge the ocasion of this bearer our coussinge Tomas Drumond, thes ar to shou yow that I ame in good helthe and in ane verie onorabell charge: Leutenent Colonell to may Lord Douglas regment, the quhilke regment is still mantinett in France and will payet in the tymes of pace. I have onlie one sone and tuo doters." He goes on to say that the eldest daughter was begotten of Dorothy Henderson and the other children of French wives of whom he has had two, both now dead. He asks for news of all the family. "I wiche I could have the onour to have on of yowr childrine heir. I sould bringe hime oute as may oune sone."
He was at Forfar on Monday. The laird of Dun has his money ready, and it can be had whenever Craighall calls for it.
Dated the 18th of an unknown month.
His brother, a doctor in France, needs a proper birth brief, and this cannot be procured without a proper genealogy. Can Craighall please help by looking through his charter chest especially for his father's family. He encloses a draft certificate which Craighall should get properly written out and signed by the people Rattray has listed. The original request for this information miscarried, and there is now some urgency in getting all this done.
Lord Spynie owes him money, and only when he has received it can he satisfy Craighall.
Very happy to do Craighall any service he can. He assumes that Craighall wants his cousin the minister of Ruthven designated as the "person the parishoners hav set ther eye upon."
Craighall knows that all his promises were based on the assumption that he could get his money from Lord Spynie. He will let Craighall know as soon as he has the money.
He has done his best and all he can now say is that Craighall will get his interest before the first of June. The laird of Haystoun will confirm this. He hopes Craighall will not use him any the worse because he is in no position to pay. "Yowe maye easeily put ane rub upon me for the tyme & doe yowr selfe little good in doing so."
He encloses a letter from Haystoun. Will Craighall let him know where and when they can meet to settle accounts.
He will raise money for Craighall's interest when he has received rents due from his tenants. He should be able to pay "anei daye this weik."
Brigton and he are ready to pay their part of the interest due to Craighall. Dun however is not at home. Will Craighall accept their payment in the meantime without Dun's?
He has received a charge of horning from Craighall for his "mosse meale," but Fullerton has not received a farthing from his tenants under this head, and his mill multures were not paid by anyone until between Christmas and Candlemas. Surely Craighall will not press him for the payment of what he has not received.
Wishes Craighall had sent sooner for his money, as the cash Newark had set aside for paying Craighall had now been given to another creditor. But so that Craighall will not be disappointed Newark sends him ten pounds in gold and six pounds sterling and two nobles which makes up two hundred pounds. He will need to have the gold back again however, and asks Craighall to send it later by his son, and he can have money instead.
Not having met Craighall, he has sent the bearer to find out what Craighall thinks in the business. The bearer has full power to act on Newark's behalf. He is agent in all Newark's business and is now secretary to General Lieutenant Drummond.
He is ashamed to ask it, but will Craighall please be satisfied with his interest and 2000 merks at the term. This is because he has just received a charge to pay 5000 merks that he owes to Balmanno's children. He also has a great lawsuit against the Earl of Southesk one of the children's tutors, and this has to be prosecuted with vigour because he knows that if they could the Carnegies would break him.
As Craighall has promised to lend him money as long as he can get it back quickly, Newark asks for a loan of 5000 merks to be repaid at three months' notice. Sir John Leslie of Newton will be cautioner. "Your brother Gen Lieut. Drummond wold willingly see yow heir and so wold your unkle Newwark."
Thanks Craighall for his letter. He will meet him at 8 a.m. on the 8th.
John Lammie has told him that Craighall is satisfied with the security Kinghorne can offer. Craighall can have infeftment of the Barony of Bakie or have it particularly mentioned in Kinghorne's bond as he pleases.
Craighall is to have infeftment of Bakie as security. Will Craighall draw up the bond himself so as to satisfy himself of its contents?
Last week Kinghorne was in Dundee, "wher I had occasion to give out any money I then had." Craighall will get his interest as soon as possible.
It will be difficult to pay Craighall's interest at Martinmas. Would Candlemas do?
He wants a loan of seven or eight rix dollars. "My leg is aknitting," but he is still very weak, and his leg mends slowly.
Invitation to attend the burial of his father.
He had intended to send Craighall's money at once, but Craighall's servant had arrived when he was out, and so had returned empty handed. He apologizes.
He will not be too hurried in pressing Sir Thomas Stewart for payment, but when the time comes he will send Craighall a discharge which he can present to Stewart for Newark's 7000 merks from which Craighall can take what Newark owes him.
He has spoken to Lord Newark on Craighall's behalf, and Newark has promised to send Craighall a power to receive 7000 merks next Martinmas from the laird of Grantully. He sends information about his wife's health.
Newark has been asked by Sir Thomas Stewart to collect his 7000 merks. Consequently he is sending a servant to Murthly, and Craighall should do likewise on the 8th so as to receive his money.
Can Craighall lend him "ten pises and what sourte you ples." He has to go to Edinburgh again. Craighall will be repaid at Martinmas.
He has just received Craighall's letter asking for his money. He now assures him that not a penny that Grantully owes him shall go to anyone but Craighall.
He had hoped to hear about the eight cows he had asked Craighall to buy for him. He is to receive 7000 merks from Sir Thomas. Craighall may keep what Newark owes him both in cash and in whatever Craighall has had to pay for the cows. Craighall is to make sure that the cows are good.
He has seen the letter Craighall has written to him, and the charge of horning it contains. The explanation must be that it relates to Craighall's absences from head courts before Davidson became procurator fiscal, because Craighall had compounded for his absences after Davidson took office by paying twenty pounds Scots.
He had intended to pay Craighall his money in Edinburgh as that was what he thought Craighall had wanted. He expects money at Candlemas, and will either pay it to Craighall's order in Edinburgh or else bring it north with him when he comes.
He had left a servant to deal with his affairs in Edinburgh, and the servant had found himself 500 merks short of what he required to make necessary payments. This money was destined for Craighall, but Craighall will get the first money that Kinghorne has.
If Craighall has not yet been infefted of his lands [unspecified] will he let Lammie know, and he will send over his servitor John McFarlane to do the necessary.
He is sorry that Craighall's man has made a journey to no purpose, though he was lucky to find him at Castle Lyon, as Glamis is now his usual residence. He cannot pay Craighall's interest at present.
His long absence from home has been expensive, but as soon as he is back, he will pay Craighall's interest.
"I received yours this day upon the ice which was the cause of keeping up the bearer all day." Kinghorne will be going to Edinburgh on Monday, and if Craighall needs his interest he can have it there, or else it can be sent to Craighall.
Written on a note from Craighall of 24 January, 1674.
Craighall asks to have his money at Craighall. Kinghorne acknowledges.
His sister Lady Rossie is to be buried next Thursday. The burial is to be at night, "which will be a littell trowbellsome to yow at such a distance by reason of baddnes of the weather, bot I am hopefull yowr relation is such to the defunct that will make yow lay aside all things of that nature iff yowr health and yowr other greater affaires can permitt." Crichton hopes Craighall will stay the previous night with him, and also that he will be able to visit Craighall before long.
He has been to Dalkeith to see Thomas Learmonth, and encloses his advice. The letter deals with possible ways of preventing the effect of a "gift in exchecquer."
Robertson had hoped that Craighall would have been at the church meeting that day. There is nothing wrong with the life and doctrine of the parish minister, but "he hes not a few enemies yt waits his halting; for anie miscariadg in his conversatione, it hes not been soo much scandalous as imprudent." In other men his failings would be petty. In Robertson's opinion if Craighall were to speak out forcibly in his defence at a Kirk Session meeting, that would be the end of the affair. He would effectively stop the mouths of "misinformed or malitius gainsayers."
Would Rattray please ask his uncle to get his sister [Ogilvy's wife] to restore to him the bonds granted to him by James Arbuthnot of Blakstoun. He and Blakstoun are closing accounts, and he needs the bonds or a note of their contents. This would not be so difficult, but "it was not my intentione (when that lady was pleasd to separat her selfe from me, to have kept such ane distance wt her, till I found my name to be odious yea most ridiculous to her which those ignominious calumnies nou publickly knoune to all doeth well testifie.)" She should be in sackcloth and ashes rather than going round contracting debts. She will not even hand over sufficient bedclothes or clothes for her children.
He has received another slight from his estranged wife, and mentions an occasion when she and her father turned their backs on him. He is sorry that his wife had got to see his last letter in which he says some kind things about her. He would rather "have given the whole arme wt the hand yt wrote it, & quhile I breath this life and uhile ther is blood in my veins shee shall newer see my hand urite nor have any kindnesse from me for I find it all truth yt is spoken of her, & I suppose the vorst is not yet knowen . . . lette your sister see this letter."
Ogilvy asks if he may see the minister before he leaves the country, either at Alyth or at Milvehall. He asks Craighall to send on a note to Milvehall as soon as possible.
"It was yr promice att our last pairting to have retired my bonds to me according to our pactione at Coupar at my Lo Meathertie, but if this be my thanks your sister gives me to put me to such expence for my foolish and dotting affectione . . . I shall soon repent me." He will now have to register each bond at a charge of 40 shillings, though some are for as little as four pounds.
He has executed Craighall's letters against Borland who had promised to pay, but he has done nothing against Craighall's tenants who appear to have nothing.
"I have received ane letter from my Lord Meathertie; the hand doeth verrie much resemble your oune. But treuly I may verrie vell say of you as I think nou of my selfe and knoueth it to be treuth thorou sad experience, that my Lo & you both intends to procure your selves more hatred from yt gentluoman; & God knoueth & so doe I whither any of you deserved it or not, and you may shou my Lo yt I am uorse satisfied wt her undeutifull behavior to you then all ever she did to my selfe." He is ill, but will be at Rattray on Monday. "I disyre you vill cause my Lo Meathertie demand that silver stamp from her she hath of mine, & heirafter I shall never disyre to see on groats uorth she hath in her custodie . . . I disyre ye may come doune wt my Lo."
He has had some "littell affaire wt the Laird yr father." He has written to the minister of Alyth, and now to Rattray to get his father to pay him the money he owes him at Whitsunday. "I have seven thousand merks upon my credit & the most pairt of it reasting to bourgesses uho have littel respect to any man after he once faileth to them; and except yr father intends yt my credit shal crack I expect he uill not faile me." He has told the minister of Alyth what he wants done with his little daughter, "or I may rather call her yours in regairde of yr kindnesse to her."
Will Kinghorne please pay Craighall what he owes him as soon as possible as Craighall's creditors are pressing. Kinghorne replies on the same sheet: Craighall can certainly have his money. Is it to be paid to Alexander Trotter in Dundee or sent direct to Craighall?
It will be no trouble to meet Rattray at Alyth; he would go to France if that would contribute in any way to Rattray's health or happiness.
No one at Verdun knows about his ancestry. Would Craighall be so good as to send him his birth brief, "that I may knou if I be comd of Gentelmen or not."
As he cannot be with Rattray he writes to enquire after his health. The bearer of the letter is David Crichton son of James Crichton, sometime in Dillevaird. Rattray should try him for six months. He thinks he will find him a good servant. He sends his regards to Craighall senior and his wife, "not forgaiting my poore An." Will Rattray send him "Some of your best bousked trout hooks."
Thanks Rattray for six trout hooks. "wish I may see you wedded to some good lasse wherof yr is no vant if you would make search for them . . . Your friends in Strathearn uere uell this last ueik excepting my Lo Meathertie uho hath gott ane sad fall att hounting & hath broken some ribs of his side, & he is apprehensive yt the most pairt of them are splited & not broken thorou."
Can Rattray please do something to get old Craighall to pay Ogilvy what he owes him.
Account of diligence in a process of lawburrows is contained in the letter. In answer to Craighall's query, no interest is payable on a tocher or any other sum unless there is a special clause in the agreement to that effect.
He is sorry he did not come Craighall's way on his return from Dunkeld, but he was detained, and in any case had to go round by Coupar. He has seen Craighall's nephew, who seems to prefer an amicable settlement to a legal case in the quarrel between him and his uncle.
Craighall will get his money by Easter.
He encloses a letter from the Laird of Kirkland. He has been in touch with the master of Gray over "an item of Tene thowsand pownd," and asks Craighall to write to Lord Madderty on the subject.
He is sorry he could not come over to Craighall as he has a boil on his thigh which prevents him from riding. He gives various suggestions about the entertainment of the guests at the funeral of old Craighall, and offers a dozen spoons and two silver cups. "Yr sister is treuly verrie ill evry night since shee come home."
He would do all he could for the Craighall family, but feels unable to provide a funeral sermon.
Would do all he could for the Craighall family, but feels unable to provide a funeral sermon.
He sends commiserations on his father's death. "I have roused wp, my dull and shalloue muse to trie what she could say in commendation of her kind friend . . . I confesse it is not as I wold but as I could."
He would have liked to pay his last respects to Craighall's father, but he "receaved ane bruise" a few days before, and cannot risk the journey.
Craighall's sister is very ill; could Craighall come over, and bring his mother.
He requests the loan of "the fuzie . . . If the fuzie com not ther shall be repentance."
George Shepherd and Patrick Crichton have said they wish to be Craighall's tenants. They are both engaged to stay with Crokatt, but he does not wish to stand in their way.
He regrets old Craighall's death. He is prepared to be of service to the son as he was to the father.
He invites Craighall to the funeral of his father James Robertson at Kirkmichael the following Monday at 8 a.m.
His horse is lame and has been put out to grass. Can Craighall lend him a horse so that he can attend the Marquess of Atholl to Perth.
He is sorry that he has not received Craighall's letter until now and that until 12 June he is busy. After that he hopes he may be able to visit Craighall.
He sends his regards to old Lady Craighall. When are they all coming to Balfour? They promised to come eight or ten days after the term, "and we shall have tuo or three dayes excellent fouling against yt time; pray ye come and take a shaire of it . . . I disyr ye'll send me the loan of your keath net & I shall restore it if it be not usfull to me, but not else . . ."
He hopes Craighall will pay the money due by his father.
He apologizes for not writing since he arrived in Edinburgh. In the mean time he sends him some lines concerning archery "(which is a thing much to be commended)."
His daughter is to marry Alexander Don on the 23 June. Will Craighall please come to the wedding.
Can he have permission to get two or three loads of heather from Craighall's moor? Wants to know "giv it will be necessar that I shall come wp to hold that court anent Mitchell's ryot yea or not."
Would Craighall be so kind as to send home the twenty-five deals that Rattray has at Patrick Crokatt's house in Alyth? It would be a great favor as Rattray's horses will be gone all the next week to St. Jonstone or Dundee.
He is sorry that Craighall has not sent a message about a proposed trip to the "Haylands." If he does not hear from him by that night, "I well dou wors then I promiste if wors could be and which is mor I will quit the good opinion I formerlay had of you."
Because of assurances that Craighall gave him when they met at Boat of Kinclaven, Stewart has agreed to pay some of his creditors at the term. Will Craighall please be sure to pay Stewart what he owes a few days before the term?
Writes to his "Ryt honord Chife" with news of a horse undergoing treatment.
If Craighall has not yet delivered the money to Airntally, he is to let the bearer come back quickly, and Robertson will arrange to meet Craighall at dawn the following day.
Craighall only owes him 30 pounds Scots, but the debt has been outstanding for six years, and that is too long. "Ye wrott to me that he was a sillie merchant that could not trust a pound of pepper a yeare. Yitt the soume is mor nor a pound of pepper, and I think the laird might pay it shooner nor sex yeires." He threatens legal action.
He writes to convene the heritors of Perthshire, according to the Council's directions to meet at Perth on Tuesday 8 January at 10 a.m.
A second commission from the Council has told him to bring out the gentlemen of the county. Will Craighall please meet him on Monday night at Perth, "thatt we may goo togither to the Generall randevoz."
He has heard that Craighall intends to demolish the dam that serves the mill of Kirkland which he has just repaired at great expense. Will Craighall please forbear until those concerned have had a meeting. "qch schowld heave been er now if Petfowr had been at hom to quhom I wrot according to qt past twixt yow & me at Sr John Drumond's buriall."
There is no one to whom the bishop would rather lend money than Craighall, but unfortunately he also is having to borrow, and this must be his excuse for not complying.
Craighall's interest will be paid around Candlemas. Kinghorne's kinsman Easter Ogill is much obliged to Craighall, and Kinghorne hopes Craighall will continue to favor him.
Says how much he respects Craighall. Mr. Blair will be able to tell Craighall how often they have spoken of him, "sens oublier de boirre a vostre sante." He hopes they will meet soon.
As soon as Strathmore receives a discharge, Craighall can count on receiving his last year's interest.
Strathmore wants to put his affairs on a sound footing, and has organized his various factors to be responsible for different payments. Robert Ogilvy of Glencally his factor in Tannadice and those parts is responsible for seeing to this. Strathmore will write to him at once.
If it is not too much trouble, Undores would like to have his blench dues. He has to go to Edinburgh, and has not enough money for the journey.
Hopes that Craighall and his wife will dine with him tomorrow. Please will he come because Lindores has some business with him.
Dated November 10.
Rattray has spoken to her brother the doctor, and told him how Craighall is. The doctor says that Craighall should "gett ane suppositour for hes belly." Lady Craighall must also send to Dundee for four "cordiall syrops" and some lemons for "quenching of his drought and strengthening of his stomach." He is to take a spoonful of the syrups now and then in rotation, and a thin slice of lemon with sugar on it for his thirst.
Will his uncle come and pay him a visit to discuss business, and also to bring a copy of Boethius with him. His uncle has returned the letter with a note on it saying that he will come in a day or two.
He has paid Keath's debt to Thomas Curle. Wemyss and Craighall are agreed on all points except for some marches between their tenants which will be settled when Wemyss gets home.
He thanks his correspondent for his kindness, and has been thinking how he might make use of his advice.
He will meet Kirkland and Craighall at Pitkindie on the 18th as arranged. The business must be hurried along, otherwise it will be a reflection on all of them.
He has recently received a letter from Lord Balfour of Burghley which he sends on. Lord Balfour appears to want an amicable settlement, but Duncrub will not accept this, and thereby desert Rossie, unless he has Rossie's agreement. They can discuss this when they meet in Perth.
He will be happy to meet him and Rossie on the 18th of the month at Pitkindie.
The letter then carries a note of the sum that Rattray owed, and of how it was paid, probably in Drummond's hand.
Will the minister please speak to Craighall on his behalf to see that Craighall does not fail to pay him the money he owes him at the term. Craighall might have taken it ill from anyone else, but Robertson is a messenger of peace. Will Robertson also thank Craighall very much for looking after his daughter. She should now go to Dundee or Perth for been as parents to her.
Strathmartin's brother-in-law Baldiven may send to Thomas Whitson in Rattray any time after Wednesday and he will give him meal.
Requests his presence the following day at the burial of his wife Margaret Crichton at the church of Blair.
Bond for 10000 pounds Scots, dated at Clunie, 3 October, 1606.
On the reverse is an assignation by Sir Robert Crichton of Clunie in favor of Robert Maxwell of Brattullo of 1255 merks out of the above bond, dated at Rattray, 5 November 1606.
Master John Rattray, brother of David Rattray of Craighall, stating that as John Rattray has been provided to the subchantry of Dunkeld, consisting of the Kirk of Rattray and the parsonage and vicarage thereof, he will deliver up to his brother any tacks and writs relating to the teinds of the parish as he may have in his possession, dated at Edinburgh 10 February 1623.
Hamilton, collector of taxes in Scotland, to pay to Sir James Galloway, Master of Requests, the sum of 3200 pounds, dated at Whitehall 11 November 1635.
For interest on 500 merks lent to George Rattray in Balkarne, dated at Easter Rattray 6 July 1653.
For the feu duties and poultry payable for the lands of Easter Drimmie life rented to his late wife, at Coupar 5 January 1662.
For the feuduty and poultry due out of his lands of Easter Drimmie for the years 1664-1668, Coupar 29 October 1670.
Hay hands over to his sister "ane litle trunke, ane chayre and ane pewter tanker" and "ane whytt hors" as a token of his complete insicht and outsicht plenishing, dated at Pitcullane 31 May 1675.
For all outstanding debts due by David Ramsay in Milton of Rattray to George Hay of Balhous1e (the assignor's father?), and Francis Hay, his brother, dated at Dupplin 3 December 1679.