The earliest letters are those addressed to the 1st Duke, and deal with his bargaining with the King of France for the restoration of the lands and dignities which were granted to his predecessors. Subsequent writers include the 2nd-4th Dukes, and Anne, wife of the 3rd Duke. Of their letters the most interesting are those of the 3rd Duke, which show the relations which existed between him and the Government, especially the King, Lauderdale, Livingstone, Melville, and Stair. Most of the letters are written to Charles, 2nd Earl of Selkirk, son of the 3rd Duke of Hamilton.