[1706/10/336]¹

Letter: from the queen

The queen's letter to the parliament 23 January 1707 for dissolving all mines of gold and silver etc. within the dukedom of Queensberry

My lords and gentlemen,

Anne Regina,

We have thought fit to empower our right trusty and right entirely beloved cousin and councillor James, duke of Queensberry, our commissioner to the present parliament, to consent to an act dissolving all mines of gold, silver, tin and other minerals of whatever nature, within the dukedom of Queensberry and baronies thereto belonging, from the crown of that our ancient kingdom, and patrimony thereof, to the end that the same may be conveyed by us and our royal successors to the said James, duke of Queensberry and his successors in the said estate, in such manner, to be held of us and our said royal successors for payment of such feu duties as we and our said royal successors shall appoint, for all burden, exaction or demand in the most free and absolute manner; and also, granting to the said duke and his heirs such other immunities, privileges and exemptions as have been granted to our right trusty and well beloved cousin and councillor [Charles Hope], earl of Hopetoun and his heirs, whereof we thought fit by this special letter to acquaint you, that our estates of parliament may be the more assured of our royal pleasure in the matter above-written, and that our right trusty and right entirely beloved cousin and councillor, who represents our royal person in this parliament, may proceed with greater authority. And so we bid you heartily farewell. Given at our court at Kensington, 23 January, 1706/7, and of our reign the 5th year.

By her majesty's command, David Nairn

To the noblemen, and to the barons commissioners for shires, and to the commissioners for burghs assembled in parliament in our ancient kingdom of Scotland.