2110-5-8-24

[Montrose]

79A Elizabeth Street S.W.1.

Sloane 8797

May 31/31

Dear Buchan

I have been reading your "Montrose" with great admiration

You make him live, very vividly.

What a terrible land to live in Scotland must have been, under the Geneva discipline!

I almost agree with the Dutch Burgher mentioned by Motley, who said, "Rather the Spanish Inquisition than the Geneva Discipline ... die pökige hüre". The Inquisition at least left private life free. It is a pity my people sold the sword, Charles I

gave to Montrose.

I must go to Abbotsford to see it some day. Montrose was a great man, but at times I think I could have got on better with Claverhouse.

With thanks & admiration for your fine study of the gallant Grahame,

Yrs very sincerely

RB Cunninghame Grahame

PS.

You know the letter in which Henrietta Maria, exhorts "her sweet lord" to be "more gracious". His manners were the reverse of gracious, & lost him many supporters. His, more or less, sainted son, had really good manners ... learned in adversity, no, born with him, for manners cannot be acquired