Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/The Duke of York to Mr. Sidney, February 3
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THE DUKE OF YORK TO MR. SIDNEY.
Edinburgh, February 3.
I received some days since yours of the 26th of the last month, in which you gave me an account how affairs stood where you are. I hope they will go as they should, and I am very confident his Majesty will do always what becomes him. At the distance I am from London, I can say little: I hope to be there very soon, expecting every moment the Yachts, which his Majesty has sent to fetch me and then I shall be able to say more; all things here are very quiet, and like to continue so; I wish they were so where I am going,[1] and I hope and make no doubt they will, now they see his Majesty will be so steady in his resolutions.
I have not time to say any more now.
James.
When you write, do it without ceremony.
- ↑ The Duke of York, as is allowed by Burnet, had made himself extremely popular apou first going to Holland, by his gentle, just, and moderate government, and, upon leaving Edinburgh, he assured the Lords of the Privy Council that, though his joy was great to go to the King, yet he could not part with them without a sensible trouble and real reluctancy, having met with such demonstrations of civility and kindness from all ranks and orders, particularly the Council, as must ever endear them to him, and make him bear a roost grateful memory of their favours * * * that he would acquaint his Majesty that he had in Scotland a brave and loyal nobility and gentry, a regular and wise Privy Council, and the Judicatures filled with learned and upright persons, and that the disaffected party was not so considerable as those in England represented them.—Burnet, ii. 292. Life of James II. i. 587.