[M1704/7/25]¹

[Preference of claimants; address amended and approved; speech made]

Prayers said, rolls called.

Minutes of the last sederunt read.

Ordered that the two Captain Drummonds have preference for their arrears, as is contained in the minutes of the date 23 August instant.

The address to be sent to her majesty read, and, after several amendments made thereon, it was put to the vote approve or not, and carried approve.

After which her majesty's high commissioner made a speech to the parliament as follows:

My lords and gentlemen,

You have now sat long and I think you cannot complain that you have been cut short by frequent adjournments or short sederunts. In this time more might have been done; however, some good laws are passed, and one in particular which gives sufficient evidence of the disposition her majesty was in to have gratified you in whatever was reasonable. I advertised you lately that you had not much longer time to sit, and though I cannot but say the time you have had since has been usefully employed, yet if more dispatch had been made some of those good laws which are before you might have passed. But now I must tell you that I am not allowed to give you any more time, her majesty thinking a short recess necessary at present, so it will not be long before you have an opportunity of doing what still remains fit to be done, for I can assure you no disappointment that her majesty has met with will in the least alter her gracious disposition towards this her ancient kingdom.