The Marquis of Huntley is unknown to me, more than in general; but much misliked is he here (yet not the worse for that) traduced not only to be popishly inclined, but even a direct Roman Catholic; nay, they spare not to tax him with personal faults. But howsoever, this I am sure of, since my coming here, he hath proved a faithful servant to you; and I am confident will be of greater use, when your Majesty shall take arms in your hand. The Earl of Argyle is the only man now called up as a true patriot, a loyal subject, a faithful counsellor, and above all, rightly set for the preservation of the purity of religion. And truly, Sir, he takes it upon him. He must be well looked to; for it fears me, he will prove the dangerousest man in this State. He is so far from favouring episcopal government, that with all his soul he wishes it totally abolished. What course to advise you to take with him, for the present, I cannot say; but remit it to your Majesty’s serious consideration. The information which you have had from Antrim, the most part of it I take to be true. Perth hath been taxed to be a Roman Catholic; but I find him none. A loyal heart he hath, but no great politician, nor of much power out of the Highlands, and should be encouraged, because he may contribute to the curbing of Argyle. Tullibardin, I take him to be honest; your Majesty knoweth his abilities. He is a true hater of Argyle. Wigton, thanks be to God, hath no great power, for if he had it, it would be employed the wrong way. Sorry I am for it, his ancestors have been so dear friends to mine. Kinghorn, I am grieved for his weakness. A good man he is, but totally misled by his brother Albar, who will succeed in his place, he having no children. Too near of kindred he is to me. Haddington has too much the humour of these times; but he hath oft sworn to me, he will never ask what your quarrel is; yet few of his friends I fear will go along with him in it, in defence of episcopacy. As for Lauderdale, he is a man of no great power; but he is truly honest, and most rightly set in all that concerneth your service. Southesk hath, beyond all expectation, shewn himself forwardly stout in all that hath concerned your service, ever since my coming first to this country. He is a man of great power, rich, and was extremely beloved; but now as much hated. He doth deserve your Majesty’s favour, on my word; and, if not for one consideration, none were fitter to be Chancellor, which I shall advise your Majesty not to dispose of till these troubles be past. Kinnoul, for his part, hath shewn himself both true and forward in all your service; in whom your Majesty may have confidence, according to his power. Finlater, according to his power, hath done his part, as I hear by the Marquis of Huntley. Linlithgow, if his power were according to his affection, he would be useful to you. I must not forget Dalzell, who both is of power to serve you, and has most faithfully done it.