Corpus of Modern Scottish Writing (CMSW) - www.scottishcorpus.ac.uk/cmsw/ Document : 322 Title: Letter from Claud Russell About Local Gossip Author(s): Russell, Claud Edinburgh14th July 1785 Dear Campbell, I suppose by this time you will have been informed by Wanchope that Randolph is no longer a member of our ſocietie; and I wish for my own part that we may always get as easily quit of any pests that we may have; the unanimity with which this has been done I uppose will have covinced you, (as well as others that may hear of it) of the propriety & neceſsity of this step of the ſocity, so it will be unneceſsary for me to condescend upon partiarculars. Since I wrote you last I have had a letter from my brother Aleck who is at Calcutta in a good way. Wancchope just now seems to think of nothing but of the Carousal (which they are to have at the Riding School) & of the Gray mare he has had nothing but heart burns since a certain person left th9is & has not been seen half so often in the meadow as formerly; however I believe time & absence will obliterate every thing. Edinburgh begins to quicken a litte since the arrival of Mrs Siddons has been talked of, she has played but once yet, so I have not been to see her, however I understand it is no very difficult matter to get in this season which is fortunate. Prince William henry whom we expect every day seems to take up the towns attention in speculations. Charles Hamilton as I understand is expected here daily. There has been an akward kind of story in town this some time that Miſs McDonald of Largs is six months gone with Child to Hamilton of Wisha, however fortunately she was lately married to a Captn McNiel, altho' I'm told H. cant deny having had crim. con. with her. I suppose by the time you have got this far, you will be heartily tired therefore Dear Campbell for the present adieu & believe me Yours Sincerely Claud Ruſsell P. S. I had almost forgot to mention that yesterday was the last meeting of the ſociety till the 2d wednesday of Novemr 1785 Ill send you in my next some of D. Stuarts propositions which I forgot to get from Home for I have none of them I have inclosed a copy of the Resolutions as they now stand which I suppose you would