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.
As for the rest of the Council, they are either of no power to serve you in this time, or totally set the covenanters way. For brevity I pass them by, and have sent a list of the whole Counsellors names.
If the Justice Clerk[123] were not so near me as he is, I would say more of him than now I will; yet pardon me for saying, an honester soul lives not.