10, 1657, have half the excise of wines and strong waters in Scotland, but not exceeding L3000 in any one year, until he is satisfied of a debt of L145,400 Scots due to him by Scotland on public grounds.] Any influence which the Marquis could now have with the Protector in matters of Scottish Government must have been small; but it was understood that, such as it was, it would be on the side of the Kirk party of the Protesters.

And this had become of some consequence.

In and through 1656, if not earlier, it had become obvious that the inclinations of the Protector to that party had been considerably shaken.

The change was attributed partly to Lord President Broghill.
Almost from his first coming to Scotland, this nobleman had found it desirable to win over the Resolutioners.

"The President Broghill," says Baillie, "is reported by all to be a man exceeding wise and moderate, and by profession a Presbyterian: he has gained more on the affections of the people than all the English that ever were among us.