ABSTRACT
John Drummond’s long association with James Brydges (later 1st Duke of Chandos) began in 1705. Outside of his marriage to Agatha, this bond and the friendship involved was to be the major plank of his life. It is scarcely possible to tell Drummond’s story without reference to Brydges. Drummond had been supplying encouragement and patronage to Scottish professionals transferring to London and elsewhere, and Brydges would also become very much involved in this patronage of Scots. He joined Drummond in extolling the contribution of his friend’s compatriots to the war effort; and both did all they could to promote the success of the Union of 1707. During the War of the Spanish Succession and while resident in Holland, Drummond’s duties on Brydges’ behalf were many; most conducted with secrecy and a high-level of mutual understanding. Brydges and Cadogan both made purchases in gold—where the varying differences in price made them money.
