THE SPEECH OF PATRICK Earl of Marchmont, etc. His Majesty's high Commissioner to the PARLIAMENT OF SCOTLAND. On Monday the 22 of August 1698.  
My Lords and Gentlemen,  
YOU may remember, that his Majesty in his gracious Letter to you, taketh Notice, that the Fonds given in the former Sessions have fallen short of what was expected, which has occasioned Arrears to be due to the Forces lately disbanded; And that there is also a Debt upon the account of the Frigates, and that the Forts and Garrisoned Places need Reparation: Therefore His Majesty recommends to you to provide what may be sufficient for these Ends.  
You have heard the Overture has been made of a Pole, to be imposed for the use of the disbanded Forces, and I hope you will proceed to the Consideration of it.  
As for the maintaining of the Frigates, His Majesty thinks, that the continuing the Imposition of Tonnage upon ships will be one proper Fond for that purpose.  
And I am commanded to represent to you, that the safety of the Kingdom doth require, that the Forts and Garrisoned places, particularly, that of Fort William be sufficiently repaired, and that it is necessary the Magazines be well furnished with Arms and Ammunition.  
I have good Reason to be persuaded, that you will provide effectually for these needful Purposes; And that as you hitherto have done, you will still continue, to do what will be much to His Majesty's Satisfaction, and will greatly tend to the safety of this Kingdom, and to your own Honour and Reputation: Then will your Actings witness to the World, that you are alwise thankfully mindful of the happy Deliverance you have had from the Dangers to which your Religion and Liberties were formerly exposed.   

Edinburgh, Printed by the Heirs and Successors of Andrew Anderson, Printer to the King's most Excellent Majesty, Anno Dom. 1698.