Last of March 1674.

      The Laird of M'Intosh his arrogant demeanors in severall affairs wherein my Lord Huntly is concerned, and particularly of the Teinds of Badenoch has brought us to a clear understanding of these differences been betwixt the Laird of Cluny and him anent the Chieftenry and what endeavours have been used be him to frusterat Cluny of the Benefide of the Counsells just determination; and seeing we now understand that most sureptitiously M'Intosh did borrow our names not only in the prosecution of that action, but always since when occasion offered as a mean, to rent yourselves and devyde you ; we have therefore upon Consideration of the justness of Cluny's cause (whereof the emptiness of M'Intoshs
---------------------------------------------------------433-----------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------434-----------------------------------------------------------

arguments does sufficiently convince us) Cluny's and his predecessors constant fidelity to the famely of Huntly, thought fitt to make known both to you and him our dislike to his proceedings togeder with the resolutions we have now (on just grounds) put on to espouse your quarrell against him and whatever may emargin upon that point, and that these may be the more manifest we desire this to be communicat to all your friends of your severall famelies wishing hereby all the name of M'Pherson and all others called the old Clanchattan, and whatsomever name and designation within my Lord Huntlys Bounds or ours to follow our faith herein and the said Laird of Cluny as Chieffe and to pay the same respect and defference to him that becomes kinsmen ; Certefieing any lieving within the bounds above specified that does in the contrary they shall be looked upon not only as unnatural to their chieffe, but likewise as Complyers with those who have no kyndnes for the famely of Huntly (judged unworthy to hold of or depend upon the same) and assuredly taken notice of as such by my Lord Huntly, and Gentlemen, your reall and most asured friend

                                                                                                          (Signed) ABOYN
.                                                                                                           HEL. URQUHART.¹

      Directed to John M'Pherson of Invereshy, Lachline M'Pherson of Pittmean, Donald M'Pherson of Nied and the rest of the surname of M'Pherson.

     Directed to Duncan M'Pherson of Cluny, Esq.

_________
¹ Helen Urquhart, who signs both letters, was the Dowager-Marchioness of Huntly, and curator or curatrix to the Marquis of Huntly of the time.
---------------------------------------------------------434-----------------------------------------------------------