SCOTLAND – SIR JOHN NISBET, LORD ADVOCATE Collection of over 30 letters relating to prominent Scottish judge and Lord Advocate Sir John Nisbet, Lord Dirleton (c.1609-1687), comprising: Autograph letter signed ("Jo Nisbet") to the Duke of Lauderdale ("May it please yr Grace"), regarding his part "...in the affaire of the Lord Melvill...", requesting that the enclosed paper [not present] "...may be transmitted to his Ma:[jestie]...", going on to explain a point of law that "...the advocat though a judge may consult in many cases and in some is obliged to plead as one advocat... I did choose to act as a Judge and in that capacitie with what zeal I did promote his Majesties interest. I may appeal to all the Lords the tenor of my life both as to loyaltie and my suffering for it...", ending by appealing to Lauderdale's "...good opinion..." of him and that "...if a perusal of my paper and these and other considerations which your Grace can offer better than any person his Ma: may be satisfied and for indication of my reputation which is more tender to me than life...", and asking that the King write to the Lords of the Session to confirm "...he is satisfied..." with him, 2 pages, dust-staining and marks, creased at folds, remains of red wax seal, seal tear, folio (298 x 208mm.), Edinburgh, 19 July 1677; with a contemporary copy of the letter marked "Copy letter to the Duke of Lauderdale/ Original", one page, dust-staining, old tape repairs along folds on reverse, folio, [c.1677] Series of 23 letters to Sir John Nesbit, including five from Andrew Hay, and two letters signed from Richard Cork, on legal matters and a case relating to Lord Cranborn, Cork thanking Nisbet for his support; one from Diana Cranborn referring to Richard Cork as her agent; four from Henry Wilkie on behalf of Lord Salisbury "...returned from attending the Earle of Salisbury at his house in Hatfield...", regarding the payment of outstanding accounts; Andrew Hamilton (1, sending books); John Leslie, 7th Earl of Rothes (1, sending a signature from his Majestie for establishing "...a muster of the rebells... the bearer will show it to you... I am desirous to have it done..."); ten from James, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, five signed as Viscount Cranborne, five as Salisbury, on an ongoing dispute, mentioning Messrs Elies, Cork and Kirkhouse, a bill of exchange to be paid to Peter Wedderburn, complimenting Nisbet on his "...careful and industrious pursuit of interests entrusted to him...", etc.; integral address panels, docketed, c.27 pages, dust-staining and marks, some remains of red and black wax seals, seal tears, folio (302 x 202mm.) and 8vo (204 x 150mm.), St Andrews, Edinburgh, London, and elsewhere, 1663 to 1674 Other correspondents including: autograph letter signed ("Lauderdale") as Secretary of State for Scotland to judge Sir Peter Wedderburn, Lord Gosford, Clerk of the Council ("Sir"), confirming he has shown his letter to the King and mentioning the Act of Councell "...for stopping the Proclamation, & send it by the very next post. And hereafter in business of consequence send me over the extract of such acts of importance...", ending "...I am no prophet, but I am...", integral address panel, one page, dust-staining and marks, remains of red wax seal, seal tear, 8vo (227 x 170mm.), Whitehall, 21 February 1662/3; Salisbury to Lord Gosford; Crawfurd to Nesbit's son, etc. (collection) 'MY REPUTATION WHICH IS MORE TENDER TO ME THAN LIFE': THE SCOTTISH LORD ADVOCATE PLEADS FOR HIS CAREER. Our collection relates to judge Sir John Nisbet (c.1609-1687), described as 'one of the worthiest and learnedest men of his age... though he loved money too much' (Gilbert Burnet in A.J. Mann, ODNB). He was appointed Lord Advocate in 1664, when he took the title of Lord Dirleton. Nisbet had a reputation as a formidable advocate and enjoyed considerable royal favour, and despite being appointed advocate to Prince Charles in the 1640's, he managed to retain his practice during the Cromwell era and accumulated a large fortune. He purchased the lands of Dirleton from James Maxwell, Viscount Cranborn in 1663 and, as Lord Advocate, he undertook a rigorous vigorous prosecution of the Covenanters. His fall from grace probably began in the 1670's when he privately expressed opposition to abolish the Scottish parliament whilst acting as a commissioner for Charles II on a possible union of the kingdoms. This resulted in a falling out with Lauderdale and his party and, when his cousin, Sir Patrick Nisbet of Dean was accused of perjury, rumours spread that Nisbet had offered a bribe to settle the case. When he was later accused of taking fees from both sides in a property dispute involving Lord Melville, it would appear his card was marked. Our strongly-worded letter pleads with Lauderdale for his support and influence with the King but to no avail: '...The judges of the court of session were directed to investigate the case and while again nothing was actually proved Nisbet, short of allies, resigned in 1677...' (ODNB). Also present here are letters from Andrew Hay, whose diary giving an insight into the daily life of a Scottish gentleman was published as The Diary of Andrew Hay of Craignethan, Edinburgh, 1901. Another correspondent, James Cecil, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (1648-1683), styled Viscount Cranborn from 1660-1668 was the son of Diana Cranborn (née Maxwell, daughter of James Maxwell, 1st Earl of Dirleton), and Charles Cecil, Viscount Cranborne (1619-1660).