XXIV

HISTORY OF THE

[APPENDIX.

that as I am informed no person is capable of Knighting another who is not a Knight himself, andthat the Honour of the Order of the Thistle cannot be conferred upon any person not a Knight: so itwas difficult to find out a proper person to be appointed by His Majesty to represent his Royal personin Knighting your Lordship, and Investing you thereafter with the Ensigns of the Order. But at lastit was thought not improbable, that considering how much your Lordship is in favour with the Kingof Prussia, that His Majesty might be prevailed upon to dub your Lordship a Knight, and put theRibband over your shoulder; which, if he agrees to, you may appoint your own Secretary, or anyother gentleman to read the Oath to you, and to present the Ribband on his knee to the King ofPrussia, to put about your neck, which if His Majesty declines to do, the King will no doubt appointanother to do it.”—Register, f. 213.

FORM OF THE RECEIPT FOR THE MEDAL OR BADGE OF THE ORDER.

“ I do acknowledge to have received from His Sacred Majesty King George the Second, Sovereignof the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the Medal of Saint Andrew belonging tothe said Order, in Gold, weighing three ounces four pennyweights and ten grains, which after mydecease is to be returned to the Sovereign, according to the Statutes of the said Order. Witness myhand this 3rd day of April 1755.

“Hamilton and Brandon.” —Register, f. 253.

FORM OF A RESIGNATION OF THE ORDER.

“ I John Duke of Argyll doe herebye resigne the most ancient and most Noble Order of theThistle into her Majesties hands, Soveraigne thereof, and with her Royall Consent. Witness my handthis 22nd day of March 1709-10.

“ Argyll.

“ Signed in the presence of

“ Queensberry. Mar.” —Original Records of the Order.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE, ANNOUNCING APPOINTMENTS

TO THE ORDER.

“ St. James’s, April 6th, 1763.

“ Sir,—The King having appointed this day se’nnight, the 13th instant, at the time of his Levee,to deliver the Ensigns of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle to the Earl of Marchand Lord Cathcart, I write this to give you notice thereof, that you may give your attendance at thesame time, and bring with you such Instruments for His Majesty’s signing, as are usual and necessary,in order to the performance of that ceremony. I am, with great truth and regard, Sir,

“ Your most obedient humble servant, Dunk Halifax.

“ To George Drummond, Esquire, Secretary tothe Order of the Thistle.”—Register.