Corpus of Modern Scottish Writing (CMSW) - www.scottishcorpus.ac.uk/cmsw/ Document : 225 Title: Letter Book of the Publisher John McMurray Containing Copies of Outgoing Letters, 11 Oct 1765 - 3 Aug 1769 Author(s): McMurray, John 1 Letter Book John Mcmurray Edinburgh 11th. Octr. Answered Col. Rob.t Gordon his letter of the 4th. inst; that I was much obliged to him for his friendship and wishes for my pros-perity; and was very happy that Sir Robert was satisfied with the condition I had left his affairs in.- That I had sent yesterday a sample of some Smyrna and Sicilian wheat to Sir Robert, which was reared by a farmer near this place, and I thought curious enough for Sir Roberts inspection &c. Edinburgh 11th. Octr answered William Gordon Esqr his letter of the 5th. was sorry the commission of the books did not turn out quite so well as he meant; but had some satisfaction that he thought them worth the money.- With regard to my own clothes to send them by land or Sea as soon as he could and to advise at same time; to make a bargain if they came by land for the carriage and I would stand to it. If he would send me a list of what books he wanted, I would endeavour to pick them up at an auction here as cheap as I could - the auctions begin next month, and there are often valuable books disposed of at them &c. Edinr. 11th. Octr. answered Mr Wm. Brands his of the 29th Sepr; approved of his [salting] his own fish and sending them to market himself.- desired him as soon as he could to get a proper correspondent in London to sell them. That I just now had~ received a letter from my friend in London containing something concerning myself which if it took place would be his own fault if he continued much longer the hands of the philistines.- Was obliged to him the fish he promised me; - to send them as soon as he could and to advice me &c. Edinburgh 12th Octr. wrote Capt Geo: Dick that I had been about one or two weeks at my fathers house and would certainly before now have had the pleasure seeing him, but the truth was I had not been very well; expected to have that happiness in ten or twelve days. In the mean time I would have much satisfaction if he would drop me a line informing me of his and his Lady's health &c. Edinburgh 15th Octr. Answered Mrs Mcmurray her's of the 6th, that I was excessively uneasy at the treatment she met with at home, and were it in my power she should not be a minute longer under the dominion of those that used her so barbarously. That she might entirely depend upon me in every concern, as I was resolved to support her as my wife while I had one sixpence in the world. And therefore if the usage she re= =ceived could not be borne any longer to board herself some other place. - That if she still had the £6 bill I formerly sent her it would yet be paid upon presenting, but if she had it not, to write me with an account of what money she wanted and I would find her another.- Desired, since she promised to comply with all my requests to send me a particular accot of Mrs. Humes behaviour. To let me know also what effect my letter to her father had upon him &c. Edinr. 15th. Octr. Ansd. Mr. Weemss his letter of the 6th, that I was extremely sorry to find he could use his own daughter and my wife ill; that unless I had seen it by his letter I would have believed it from no other mortal. - That her coming here just now would be highly inconvenient. - I was sensible her board must be be expensive, and therefore I was willing to pay for it henceforth & advance. - That in short I had & was still endeavouring to pick up a little money in order to live comfortably together which I was sorry to say he was thwarting very much. If he would point out a reasonable scheme I was willing to follow it; but if he did not, he would allow me to proceed my own way. - That my stay here might be 6 months, and perhaps not the half of that space when I would come to Brompton &c. &c Edinburgh 18th. Octr wrote Mr. A: Paxton, that I con= =tinued still in the same mind as when I wrote him~ last, and if he could procure me to be appointed super= =intendant over any of the new purchased lands in Grena= =da I would readily accept of it, only to make the best bargain he could for me. - To write me if he liked pickled oysters and I would send him some for now was the season here.- That I had sent him inclosed Rob.t Duncans bill on James Perrol Esqr for £10.,6..3 to procure pay.t of and to advise me. - that if I drew upon him myself soon for £20.. or £25.. to answer my bill without further advice &c &c. &c Edinr 28th. Octr. Wrote Sir Rob.t Gordon that I could not procure him a groom at £5.. a year, - that £8 or £10 was the least could be offered, and that some even doubled that sum. Should always be happy to serve him &c. &c. Edinr 28th Oct.r Answered the Rev.d Mr. A. Murray his letter of the inst., that our project with re= =gard to the Duke had miscarried; but that I would not droop or refine on that occasion. I had another in view, which I would acquaint him with as it succee= =ded . Wished Miss Penny Joy of her marriage. - Told him the manner in which I lived since I came here, and the books I had bought. - Wrote him news about the Clergy here, particularly Blair, Hunter, & Dick, and promised to continue it from time to time. Inclosed him a letter to Mr Gordon of Clunie which I bade him read, seal, direct, & get delivered. - to write me soon & not to mind postage. &c Edinr 28.th Oct.r answered [In]s Gordon Esq.r his letter of the 19th., that altho my project of getting into the Duke's service had miscarried, I was not the less oblig'd to his good offices, for which I thanked him in the most sincere manner &c &c Edinburgh 29th. Octr. Answered Mr Wm. Weemss his letter of the 20th. inst. Endeavoured to persuade him of the rectitude of my intentions with regard to his daughter. That I was apt to believe we both meant well, if we could each think of the other. - That I should think well of him for the future, and begged he would entertain the same opinion of me. That I should be with him in a month or two and give him all satis= =faction in person; till that time happened, I entreated he would remain easy and contented. - Was exceedingly sorry that Nancy was out of order; desired her not to write until she was well and could do it completely. In the mean time I inclosed for her the remainder of that story the first part of which I had before sent her &c &c Edinr. 29th. Octr. Wrote my Aunt McFadzen enquiring after her health, and begging she would let me have a line from herself. - That if a letter from me now and then would contribute to her ease she might be certain it should not be wanting - that I would probably go for London in two or three months &c. &c. Edinr. 29th. Octr. Answered Mr. A. Paxton his favour of the 25th. that I was exceedingly con= =cerned for his ailment and begged as soon as possible to hear how he was. - that I would Cr. him for the £6 he paid to the order of Mr Weemss.- That I had drawn upon him this day pay a in 40 days for £20 to the order of Mrs. Th: Hutton which I begged he would honour. That I did not succeed in my intention of getting into the D: of Gordons service; so that now I must push someway; that I did not doubt of his willingness to serve me, and that whether the project he mentioned took place or not I should not be the less obliged to him. - desired again earnestly to hear how he was. &c &c Edinr. 5th. Novr wrote Mr. A: Paxton & inclosed him Mr Gordon of Clunie's & Colo. Gordons letters - the first giving accot. of my project for getting into the Dukes service being put off; the other to show upon what terms I remain'd 13th Sir Robt. & his family these letters inclosed for his perusal, that if he thought they could be of service in promoting the scheme. scheme he first mentioned he might show them.- -that my sisters anxiously desired to know how he was; that I hoped he had got perfectly free of his inflammatory rheumatism &c. &c. Edinr. 14th. Novr. Wrote Sir Robt. Gordon that I had hired Wm. Wilson for a groom to him at the rate of £5 a year and gave him 15/ to carry him north and my own expense was 1/.- that I recd. my box safe, and delivered Mrs. Taylors book and card sent her by the Col. - That I received Mr Gordon & the colonels letter and should write them soon that I had agreed with Wilson that he should be at Gordonstown in 14 days from the date hereof &c Edinr. 17th Novr. Wrote Mr. Jas Perrol and inclosed him Capt. Wilsons receipt of the~ Betsy for a cask that contained for him 6~ barrels of oysters; two of which were from myself & 4 from Robt. Duncan. That there were likewise two more directed to Mr Paxton wch he would be so kind to advise him of by penny post. - that I would see him when in London &c Edinr. 20th. Novr. Ansd. Mrs. McMurray hers of the 14th. inst. Informed her she might expect me in Brompton in January. In the mean time if she had any regard for me, to give me without reserve these reasons she had for pressing my return so strenuously, and not to be so long in sending me an answer &c. Edinr. 20th. Novr. answered Capt Perkins his letter of the inst. . wished him Joy of his marriage; thank'd him for his regard for myself - desired however the favour of~ another letter & that he would be more explicit for at present with his reserve & my wifes I was quite perplexed. - I was to be in Brompton in January &c. Edinr. 1st. Decr. wrote Mrs. Bell by the carrier & sent her the thread ordered in Sir Roberts letter to me; with offers of my service to her whilst I remain here. Edinr. 1st. Decr. Wrote Mrs. Anderson; desired her to give me the whole history of her marriage with the reas.ns could induce her to take such a step &c. Edinburgh 1st. Decr. Wrote Mr Wm. Falconer in answer to his of the 5th. ult.a excused my si= =lence because I was in the country. - Sent him a swatch of linen such as I wore and what I paid 2/7 & 3d for: if he approved it to write me, & send his exact measure, with the number he wanted and I should get them instantly made and either carry them to him myself or send them by a safe hand. - Dr Robtson was still in Edinr and I should faithfully deliver him any commands he might trouble me with. - If he could send me an extract from his Cha.s 5th. - thank'd him for the elegant & affectionate lines he addressed to me; and nothing would make me prouder than to see them inserted in a third edition of the Wreck- to write soon, because I might quickly leave Edinr &c. making a ruffd shirt wou'd cost 1/8 or 1/10. Edinburgh 6th. Decr. Ansd. The Revd. Mr. Murray his letter of the 21st. Novr. sent him a swatch to match what he sent me at 2/2. - to write soon for I was going to Londn in January; perhaps sooner - was very melancholy owing to un= =lucky accidents &c. Edinr. 11th. Decr. Answered Mrs. McMurray hers of the 28th. Novr. that she had by her letter given me a good deal of satisfaction; tho' there was a great con= =tradiction between her and her fathers letters, which I would make more plain at meeting. To know in what manner Mr Weemss recd. my last, and if it gave him any satisfaction; that I would expect a letter from him when he was able to write one &c. &c. Edinr. 15th. Answered Sir Robt. Gordon his letter of the 21st. Novr.; that I had recd. the 20/ note and with the [overplus] 4/ bought thread & sent it by the carrier to Mrs. Bell. - Should be uneasy until I heard that the groom was arrived and gave him satisfaction;- hoped that Mr Lessly found no difficulty in managing his business. - Told him of 2 mobs that happened lately here on acc.t. of the scarcity of meal &c. &c. Edinr. 15th. Decr. Answered Colo. Gordon his letter of the 26th. Octr. last; that I faithfully left the card & book for Mrs. Taylor at her house; told him also of that Lady's contemptuous treatment of me when I went to wait upon her. - Gave him history of the diversions in town; - that I would be glad to hear of Mr Lesslys having counted easily wth Sir Robts. tenants; - thanked him for all favours &c. &c. Edinr. 17th. Decr. Ans.d Wm. Gordon Esqr. his letter of the 27th. Octr.; that I had recd. my box in safety & was obliged for his care of it. - that I could not procure Johnsons Dictionary at £9: - Inclosed him copy of verses which Mr. Falconer sent me; and told him the news I had got from that Poet concerning the new Editn. of Shakespear.- That with regard to myself; the schemes I had in view proved abortive, and that I was going to London sometime next month upon chance; that probably I should stand in need of some recommodations there to introduce me at first into business, which I would be indebted to his friendship & the Cols. to procure for me. &c &c Edinr. 22d. Decr. Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his letter of the 7th & 21st Novr. - Was extremely sorry that~ after all his pains the project meant for my advantage proved abortive; but was nevertheless as much obliged to him as if he had succeeded.- That I was resolved to come to Londn. upon chance & thought to be there sometime next month. Hop'd he received 2 small barrls pickled oysters that I sent him sometime ago addressed to Mr Perrol. - Wish'd him & the family in crown Street comp.ts of the Season &c Note. Sent this & the following letter by Capt Andw Lyon. Edinr. 22d. Decr. Answered James Perrol Esq.r his letter of the 25th. Ulta.; was glad he had received the oysters and that they pleased him. - That I should be in Lond.n sometime next month, and if the cause he mentioned was not determined before that time should be very ready to be of service to him as far as I could. - Was happy that the [P]ss: Royal's accounts turned out pretty well, and wish'd him~ success in the application he was making to get him= =self indemnified for victualing the two ships.- Should not forget to bring with me to London the 6 comfits he wrote about. 'c 'c Edinr. 26th. Decr. Answered Mrs. McMurray her letter of the 20th. inst. - Was very much pleased~ with her conduct, and while she continued to behave with such prudence she might depend upon my conti= =nued affection and regard. - That I found from the~ whole tenor of her & her fathers letters that my intentions were suspected; but unjustly. - However my presence they should have, since they desired it, to clear all doubts. But that not being able to live upon my half pay I would find it necessary to push my way some where;- that her friends might consider this till I arrived. - In the mean time she might depend that it would afflict me exceedingly if ever necessity should force us again to part. - To let my letter be perused by her Father Uncle & Aunt. &c &c &c. Edinr. 4th. Jany Answered Mr. Wm. Falconer his letter of the 9th. Ulto.; that I had now followed his directions about the linen. I had bought enough to make 7 shirts at 2/7 & 3d and that 3 or 4 of them were made. I should carry them all with me to London when I came there the end of this month. - Inclosed him a frank & desired he would write me soon with all his news &c &c Edinr. 4th Jany Answered the Revd. Mr. Murray his letter of the 26th Ulto complaining of his long silence; especially as I was extremely uneasy when I wrote him last, & was still so. To send the franks he had got for me inclosed to Mr Wm. Kerr of the~ Post office, and to write me at same time &c. Edinr. 4th. Jany Ansd. Mrs. Anderson her letter of the 26th Dec.r reproaching her for not writing at more length and desiring her to do it by post &c. Edinr. 8th Jany. answered Sir Robert Gordon his favour of the 27th. Decr; inclosed him a note of the prin[¿] sum & @ rents he was due to Mrs. Anderson; that I would not fail to look out for a cook to him; that I would ansr. Col. Gordon's letter either before I went to to England or immediately upon my arrival there.- -That I was now determined to exert myself to procure a competency some-where, and that trifles would not discourage me - gave him all the news of the place &c Edinr. 8th. Jany. Ansd. Mrs. Mc.Murray hers of the 2d. inst; that she should always find me an honest man, notwithstanding the apprehensions that were given to the contrary. - That some of her nearest friends had behaved very foolishly and by such conduct had hurt me without benefiting themselves; but as this could not now be helped, the best way was to bury it in silence. - That I was confident whatever I told her was safe, and that whenever I came to Brompton she should be my only confident. - Wish'd her aunt joy on her marriage; desired a quick answer. &c Edinr. 17th. Jany. Ansd. Mr. Brands his letters of the 12th Ulto of 3d & 6th inst; told him of the prospects I had in view since I left the north. - That when I went to London I should not fail to inform myself at to ye state of the salmon market & if it would answer he should not fail to have my assis= =tance; - thought he had settled his nephew very well.- To write me all the news about Gordonstown. - if he thought Sir Robt would leave the country this summer &c Edinburgh 25th. Jany. Answered Mrs. Mc.Murray her letter of the 14th. inst; that a vessl. would sail from Lieth the 8th. or 10th. of Feby and that if possible I would take my passage in her; made the strongest professions possible of my sincerity & the uprightness of my intentions, and beseeched her to act up to the maxims she had adopted and repose herself entirely upon me. - That an unlucky accident wch happened lately was the cause why I was not at Brompton the beginning of this month according to my promise; and it was this and only this pre= =vented me from coming & not any design; - Was extremely sorry for her sickness & desired to be acquainted directly how she was. &c Edin. 25th Jany Answered Mr. Weemss his of the 14th; made protestations of my being soon w.th him, and that I should agree to every reasonable measure of setting me either again in the marine service or in any other manner. - Was anxious to hear how Mr. Webber was, as he informed me he had been bad: - Told him of the improvements about Edinburgh since he left it; and that I would bring to Brompton some books as he desired &c &c. Edinburgh 28th Jany Ansd. Mr. andW. Hunter his of the 21st; that I would have been in London e'er now had I been well; since he went away I was quite melancholy having intimacy with nobody; was sorry that R. Finlay should be obliged to go abroad in a station so far below his merit ; gave him advices for the regulations of his conduct &c to write soon Edinr 28th Jany wrote Mr A: Paxton that I longed to hear from him; would have seen him before now had it not been for an unlucky accident that happened me; that when I came up I intended to~ push to be named purser of an indiaman; desired his sentiments of this scheme and if he could assist me in promoting it; - that I had drawn on him this day in favours of Miss Nelly Warden for £6..6..0 wch I beg'd he would honour; to write me soon and send a certificate that I may get filled up for my half pay &c Edinr 28th Jany. Ansd. Mr. Wm. Falconer his of the 16th. inst.; sent him copy of the love letter he so often desired, but protested against all ludicrous animadver= =sions; that I would endeavour to be in Londn. the middle of Feby, desired he would write me in the~ mean time; his shirts were finished & in my possession &c. &c. Edinr. 1st. Feby Ansd. The Revd. Mr. Murray his letter of the 4th. Ulto, thanked him for the franks he sent me; gave him all the ecclesiastical news I could mus= =ter, particularly about Mr. Hunter, Mr. Dick and Mr Plenderlieth; inclosed also an extract from D: Hume's hist. that note at the end of his last vol: where he endeavours to Justify himself from the im= =putation of scepticism or irreligion. &c. Edinr. 1st Feby Ansd. Mrs. Anderson her letter of the 26th. Jany. gave her my advice in relation to her behaviour after marriage: N: B; this was a very long letter containing six quarto pages prettyclosely wrote; desired she would be careful to render her answer distinct and explicit &c. sent thru & the preceding letter by the Elgin carrier Edinr. 1st. Feby wrote Sir Robt Gordon that wth much trouble I had hyred a cook for him at six guineas a year; that he had gone for Aberdeen two days ago and I hoped would answer, that the money I laid out on this man was as set down on the top of the next page. Pd Wm Wm.son's freight to Aberdeen£0.. 5.. 0 Pd to bear his charges from thence to Gordonston0..7..0 Gave him in earnest0..0..6 Expences at his shipping at Sundys0..1..6 Do wth different people to look for a cook0..2..6 To a man for procuring the person now sent0..1..0 0 17..6 Edinr. 1st. Feby answered Col. Gordon his letter of the 24th. Decr.; gave him all the news of the place; wrote about Miss Westry the actress; Lord Kinnaird; and the riding school;- thanked him for his offers of serving me, which I would no doubt accept of when I went to London;- that I had hired a cook for Sir Robert with much trouble occasioned by the smalness of the wages, but I hoped the person I sent would answer; - that I hoped he had no~ money in the hands of Mr Taylor, as I was sorry to inform him that that gentlemans affairs were in disorder &c &c Edinr. 3d. Feby. Answered Wm Gordon Esq.r his favour of the 3.d Jan.y; was sensible of the honour he did me in his correspondence, tho some of his comp.ts were rather high; that D: Hume I heard was going to publish a continuation of his history; that if Rousseau continued in Londn. till I went there I should certainly see him; was obliged to him for his offers of serving me; I would let him know how I would accept of them when I went to London &c &c Edinr. 14th Feby Ansd. Mr. Andw Hunter his letter of the Inst. wishing him prosperity, and that I~ should look upon his friendship as very unsubstantial if he did not write me upon his passage and when he arrived in the E: Indies; that all his acquaintances here wished him well; - to answer my letter directly if he got it in England Edinr. 19th Feby Ansd. Mr Wm Weemss his letter of the 30th. Jany that I longed exceedingly to be wth him but that bad winds had hitherto prevented me; hoped Mrs Weemss was well &c Edinr. 19th Feby wrote a letter of complement to Miss Southerden owning my unpolite behaviour in not answering before her letter in Jany. 1765, but altho it was unacknowledged it was not unregarded; on the contrary I was much obliged to her for it.- Wished her much happiness in the choice of a husband - Begged she would endeavour to keep my wife in spirits till I came to Brompton; as I had promised to be there before this time but had not been so good as my word &c &c Edinr. 19th. Feby wrote Mr. A: Webber, was sorry to hear of his being in such an indifferent state of health; that I wished he had got a state of his case drawn out and sent me and I would have laid it before a Physician in this place who I thought would be more capable to bring him relief than any with him; that if he got this done yet and sent to me it might not too late.- That I expected to have seen him in Jany., but an unlucky accident prevented me; however I would very quickly take my passage; in the mean time beseeched Mrs. Webber and him to entertain a favourable opinion of me &c &c Edinr. 19th Feby wrote Mrs. Mc.Murray, was sorry her fathers hurry in answering my last prevented her being then at Rochester from writing, but his haste was quite un-necessary. I was still detained in this place by an unlucky accident that had happened as well as by bad winds; but if this delay gave her~ uneasiness she was not the good girl I took her for. - To observe well the contents of this letter & my last, & she could not fail of being composed, and to write me her sentiments relative thereto. - That I had wrote to Miss Southerden & Mr. Webber, & would have left their letters open, but I knew ye persons y.mselves would show her them &c. Edinr. 25th Feby Ansd. Colo. Robert Gordon his letter of the 8th inst; that it was imagined Mr Twould yet have enough left to pay every body. - I recommended for agents Wm Wilson, Alexr. Hart, and Archd. Mcharg; but imagined the last would answer best. - That I recd. 20s from Sir Robt the overflow of which after paying the 17s/6d he owed me for the cook should be applied as he directed viz to pay ye postage of his letter, altho without yt encouragement I would willingly pay double for every letter he favoured me with; desired Sir Robt to send what covers he had by the carrier, & I would use them as I had occasion.- Informed the Col: of the races that begun this day and inclosed him a letter from this town to the town of Glasgow and a play bill. &c Edinr. 3d March. Wrote W: Gordon Esqr. and inclosed him a letter I had published in a whim about our players and managers, which was originally wrote to him till it entered into my head to print it. That by the initials he would find it was still addressed to him.- God knows what he would think of it; I submitted myself to his animadversion; but it was more than probable that it would be the last publication I would ever attempt. That I expected letters every day from him and the Colonel &c Edinr. 5th. March answered Mr. Wm. Weemss his letter of the 25th Feby which I told him did not give me all the satis= =faction I expected. - That I had received Mr. Webbers case but without the least syllable of direction whether I should lay it before a physician. However as I imagined it could be sent me for no other purpose I had done so, and he had the Doctors advice inclosed. To tell Mr Webber to send again immediately his case drawn out by a proper hand for his last was quite imperfect, and I would try to lay it once more before the physician and get still better advice, that when I recd this I would instantly set out for Brompton. - That my wife had still possession of my heart, tho I thought it odd not to receive an answer from her to either of my two last letters. - That he should always find me notwithstanding his prejudice against me a man of integrity and truth &c Edinr 17th. March 1766 Ansd. Col: Gordon his letter of the 1st. Recommended Mr. Waltr. Ross strongly for an agent to Sir R. provided he is necessitated to change; that I thought this Gentn. was rather preferable to those I had before mentioned. Was glad the cook offered well. - Inclosed him anoythr copy of the printed paper I sent Mr. Gordon wth notes; hoped this performance would not make an impression wth. him against me; that that I was now sensible of my error in writing it. - that if he wrote me soon I might yet hear from him e'er I went to London &c &c Edinr. 22d. March Answered Mr. Wm. Weemss his letter of the insl.; told him I was better pleased with it than I had been with many of his former, because he was more explicit and told his mind frankly; that I was extremely sorry to find Mr & Mrs. Webber had taken my delay so ill, but begged he would make every excuse hecould think of until I appeared; that I had taken my passage in the Nancy Capt. Hamilton who would sail on Tuesday or Wednesday; that however he must not be impatient but wait at least 20 days from the receipt of this e'er he wrote. - That I had received my wifes letter wch I was not extremely pleased with, but referred all complaints & remonstran= =ces till I saw her. In the mean time I was well pleased she did not live under the same roof with her sister who had the small pox; that I never had them neither so when I came to Brompton must go to Mrs. W's first. - That I did not fear of satisfying Mrs. Weemss when I saw her of every doubt she had of me &c Edinr. 1st. of April Answered Colo. Robt. Gordon his letter of the 22d. March; described and told him where Sir Robt would find a lodging when he came to Edinr. which I imagined would fit him in every respect. Was sorry I would be gone from Edinr before he came to it, and was much obliged to him for his kind invitation to be a family man when he should arrive; - that however, if Sir Robt was neces= =sitated to have a person to go over Mr. T.'s accounts and thought I was capable, that I would come to him from Londn; that I was to sail directly in the Nancy Capt Hamilton. Recommended again Mr. W. Ross for an agent, if Sr. R; was obliged to get another - blamed Sir R: for not counting yearly wth Mr T., that his not doing it hurted his character. - Desired the Colo. to read no part of my letter to Sir Robt but what he approved of N:B: a long letter this being 4 folio pages Great Yarmouth 3d Apl. Wrote Mr. Kerr that I was so far on my way to London; and that if it had been clear weather we should have been up in 4 days from our leaving Lieth Great Yarmouth 4th. Apl. Wrote Mr Wm Weemss how nigh I was to him -and that when I came it should be his own fault if I did not satisfy him every particular relative to my conduct he could demand &c Great Yarmouth 4th. Apl. Wrote Mr Archd Paxton that I was this length in my way to London, and inclosed certificate for my half pay for the last half of 1765 London 8th Apl. Wrote Mrs. McMurray to Bath how much I was overwhelmed with sorrow on the notice I had just received of Mr. & Mrs. Webbers death, and on her own present situation; gave her all the comfort it was in my power to do, and instructions how to regu= =late herself as to Mrs. Webbers will; desired her to bring it up and to send me a copy of it be= =sides; and to come away herself as fast as possible &c. London 8th Apl. Wrote Mr. Wake apothecary at Bath thanking of him for the trouble he had taken on my wife's account, and entreating him still to assist her in the management of what she was about, which I knew to be quite out of her sphere; to send me a copy of MrsWebbers will and to deliver it to my wife as she had right to it if she was named executrix; that I had wrote to my wife to come up, as I did not see anything now of importance enough to detain her &c London 8th Apl. wrote Mr. Weemss of my arrival, and what sorrow I was in occasioned by the melancholy news I had recd; desired him in the mean time to give me all the intelli= =gence he could of Mr & Mrs. Webbers affairs to take advice upon &c. London 9th Apl. wrote Miss By. McMurray of my arrival, and that when I was settled I would write her more at large. - In the mean time she might write me under one of the covers I left and send me any letters there might be for me &c London 10th. Apl. Ansd. Mr Weemss his letter of the inst. ; that if Mr. Twopenny was a good man & one that understood his business he was more capable to direct him than me. - In the mean time my advice was that he should pay no debt; no money, nor anything on Mr Webber's account as he would surely be liable for it till all was settled - Reproached him for his ungenerous surmises of me; declared my being faithful &c London 14th. Apl. Wrote Mr Peter Adie surgeon in Edinburgh Dartford 15th April wrote Mr. Andw Simpson junior at Wiewfield Brompton 17th Apl. wrote Capt Jas Hamilton of the Nancy to put the bedding I left in his ship on board a Lieth trader and to acquaint me with her name. July 12th There is a chasm here for near 3 months occasioned by my sickness at Brompton in wch time many letters that were sent me & answered are not taken notice of in this book. London July 11th. Ansd. Wm. Gordon Esqr. his letter of the 26th June; was highly obliged to Sr Robert the Colo, & him for their solicitous enquiry after my health; that I was growing better and would soon write to the Colo.- Recommended to him very strongly Mr W: Ross for an agent to Sir Robert. - Gave him what literary news I had. - desired to know who fell heir to the titles & estate of Sutherland &c Londn 12th July wrote Mr W: Ross in Edinburgh that I had recommended him strongly to Sir Robt Gordon for his agent and wished he might succeed - that it would be a disappointment to me if he did not. That my silence had been owing to sickness London 12th. July wrote Mr Tom. Thompson of Edinburgh - told him that I had been very ill, wch occasioned my not writing, but that I still enter= =tained the greatest regard for him - enquired after Jock Finlay &c London 14th July wrote my sister Betty that I hoped I should recover - gave her an account of my present circumstances and situation and expected in return a long letter £700 30 1766 Londn 14th. July wrote Mr. D: Hamilton Edinburgh enquiring after him and giving him an account that I was getting the better of my disorder, and would be glad to hear of his success in the china trade. London 16th July wrote Mr. Wm Weemss that I had not yet got advice about Mrs. Penny's writings but ex= =pected it tomorrow. - In the mean time he need not be~ afraid of my taking any rash step, as I was determined to proceed wth. the utmost caution. - I had sent by themachine Mrs. Weemss's preserved ginger which I hoped would please - desired he would not fail to inform me of my wifes health after the hurry she had been put into by Penny &c London 16th. July answered Mrs. Mc.Murray her letter of the 13th.- that I was extremely sorry I was absent when Penny called upon her; but hoped the hurry he put her in was attended with no bad consequence to her health. Desired her particularly to inform me how she was. - Gave her an account of the manner in which I had lodged her money wth Mr Paxton, and inclosed her that gentleman's note for £130 by which she would see that I had not lessened her funds - that I also had an overplus of ten guineas for other occasions.- I had sent her by the machine 2 pair cotton stockings wth which I desired her to try on, and return, if they did not fit her. - likewise had sent a small pot of Len. Electuary which I had got from her cousin Forbes for her use. - Told her that I was myself in but indifferent health.- Things sent by the Brompton machine were preserved ginger 2 pair cotton stockings 1 pot Len. Electuary London 19th. July answered Mrs. Mc. murray her letter of the 18th. inst. - was surprised she gave me no information concerning one of the most material articles I had wrote about; beg'd that she would do it immediately.- desired she would come to London saturday first the 26th. inst. and I would meet her at the Blossoms inn & London 22d. July Answered Mr. Weemss his letter of the 21st. Was surprised that he should be so fearful of me; - that I would detain Mrs. Humes writings whilst I could do it wth safety or until all matters were properly settled. - Told of Mr Penny's being with me today and what passed on that occasion; that Penny was to write for his wife, and I was to stay in town one day extraordinary for her; - that I hoped if he did not betray too much fear, to settle every thing properly & for his childs advantage.- That I agreed to Nancys staying where she was, since she inclined it; but desired her to send me 2 [bohea] tea by Mrs. Perkins on thursday &c London 27th. July wrote Colo. Robert Gordon in answer to his of the last; told him my present situation; that I was yet but feebly recovered from the disorder I was lately afflicted with, which preven= =ted my writing sooner. that I now enjoyed by my wife about £700, and gave him liberty if he would to reveal my marriage. Asked him if he thought Sr Robert would use his interest to get me upon full pay; for if I could accomplish this I could do my duty and remain at home, as I now kept house at Brompton Brompton 31st. July wrote Mr. A: Paxton, and~ told him I had not yet got rid of that cruel dis= =temper I was so lately afflicted with; that if I conti= =nued bad, I would certainly come again to London for some good advice. - at any rate I would probably be there soon, for Mr Weemss wanted to place the money of his youngest daughter in the stocks, would come himself to London for that purpose, and I very likely would attend him. - Desired the favour of Mr Paxton to send me a 1/2 hhd of porter by Blands [hoy]; and to tell me if Ja.s Pearson delivered him a box after I left Londn. and if he sent it to my sisters by what Vessel &c. - to inform me how Mrs. Elder did. Brompton 31st. July wrote Ja.s Pearson infor= =ming him that I sent him by the machine eight stocks and a thin waistcoat which He would according= =ly receive, and what I hoped would be of service to him. that he would likewise get 2 fans, which I desired to have mounted for me; and that he might send them to me, together with my fuzee, and his china bowl [wch I would allow him for] by Blands hoy which would sail in 6 or 7 days &c Brompton 13th Augt. wrote Mr. Wm. Kerr complaining of his silence; that I found myself better in health than when I wrote to my sister; that I recd. Betty's last letter, and would have answered it e'er now but could not procure a frank; that I had sent my sisters a box wch Mr Paxton was to give Capt. Hardy whom he menti= =oned would sail 4 days ago, it was to be directed to Mr Graham wine cooper and the rect. probably sent to Mr. Kerr -that I had wrote Colo. Gordon for Sir Robts. interest to get me upon full pay in this division. - Was extremely sorry for Mrs. Kerrs illness. &c. note of articles sent my sisters 2 pounds breakfast tea 17 china cups & saucers of 3 different kinds 4 small basons or bowls 1 pair stilyards. very good ones Brompton 4th. Sepr. wrote Ja.s Pearson, would be glad to see him in Brompton at his liesure and conveniency. - Desired he would, the same day he received this letter, go to Mr Paxton, and inform him, that I would send him on saturday by the machine a small parcel directed for him in which he would find a letter &c &c Brompton 5th. Sepr. Wrote Mr A: Paxton by the Brompton machine in answer to his of the 28th. Augt;- inclosed him certificate for half pay for first half of 1766;- sent him also a pound bohea tea for Mrs. Paxton at 4s. - desired the favour of his sisters Miss Jenny & Grizzy to come & reside here for 8 or ten days & probably they would pick up some better tea. - Mrs. M.cMurray also wrote a note at the bottom of this letter praying them to come. Told him I had sent him three letters to the Gordonstown family open for his perusal by which he would see that I had implicitly followed his advice in my behaviour to that family; - that he would seal them properly & forward them by post after he had examined them. - To tell Messrs Penman & M.cdougal that I expected they would call at mer in their route to Dover as they promised; and that if they would give me a days notice in order to procure a horse I would give them a convoy to Canterbury &c &c Brompton 6th. Sepr. Wrote Sir Robt. Gordon Barrr should be extremely glad to hear that he had arrived safe at Gordonstown and was well after the fatigue he must have undoubtedly received in coming from Edinburgh;- -laid before him the inconvenience attending the not~ clearing with his agents once in every one or two years; which I told him my regard for the family made me mention. Requested his interest in order to have me brought upon full pay into the marine service; that I flattered myself I was recovering my strength daily, and as I did not chuse to be idle, that service would fit me best in my present situation &c &c Brompton 6th. Sepr. Answered Col: Gordon his letter of the 13th. Augt. laid before him how convenient it would be for me could I get again into full pay; and pressed very much for his own & Sir Roberts assistance for that effectthanked him very much for his great kindness to me and that if I could be favoured with my present request, I should hold it in perpetual remembrance &c. &c. Brompton 6th Sepr. Wrote Wm. Gordon Esqr; that altho he had not answered my last I did not impute it to negligence, but to unavoidable reasons that prevented him.- expected in his next, all the Edinr news. inclosed part of the paper wch I promised in my last that was wrote in a sort of continuation of my printed letter to him wch it occasionally animadverted upon - that I would conclude it in my next &c Brompton 15th Sepr. Answered Mr A: Paxton his of the 12th inst that I would attend hissisters coming this week as he wrote mebegged he would procure me a couple of franks my sisters had recd the box he had been at the trouble of sending them &c. Brompton 6th. Octr. Wrote Mr Wm. Kerr, that I had received my sister Bettys letter a few days ago; - was obliged to him for all his letters however hastily wrote; - that I had sent letters to the Gordonstown family about six weeks ago soliciting Sir Roberts interest to get me upon full pay, but had as yet received no answer - that Mrs Weemss was in a dangerous way; &c &c depended upon hearing soon from him; and that Betty should be sure of having a long letter from when I could procure a frank. &c Brompton 7th. Octr Wrote Mr. A: Paxton that his Sister was in good health, and that I had taken the liberty to draw upon him this day for 12 guineas which I begged he would honour. &c.- Brompton 13th. Octr Ansd. Mr D: Hamilton his of the Augt last; wish'd him success in carrying on the china business wth his sister; but if she should at last be obliged to look out for a partner, that I expected I should have the first offer. - Recommended Robt Duncan to him as a couper for his father's work & desired the favour he would use inte= =rest to procure it for him. - Begged he would ask at Mr Ross in James's court whether he got a letter from me dated 12th. July last, as I was surprised I never had got answer to one that I wrote him then.- expected from him a long letter of news &c. Brompton 17th. Octr. Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his of the 8th. ins.t; Informed him that his sister Miss Jenny had set out for Londn. this day where I hoped she would arrive safe - that I was heartily wearied of an idle life & wished to be employed some way or other. - To tell Messrs Penman & Macdougal that I would be totally affronted if they passed this way without calling upon me &c. Brompton 5th. Novr. wrote Mr A: Paxton - desired he would give a guinea to John Finlay whose character I ac= =quainted him with, & begged he would besides give him a little good counsel &c Brompton 5th. Novr. ansd. Jna. Finlay his letter of the 4th. desired he would go to Mr Paxton who would give him a guinea &c Brompton 6th. Novr. Wrote Mr. Jas. Finlay that I had got a letter from his brother and had ordered him a guinea as he complained of poverty - that the best thing in my opinion that could be done for him, was if possible to have him appointed Surgeons mate of an Indiaman &c Novr. 17th. Mrs. Mcmurray wrote Mr Kerr that I had been grievously afflicted with a pain in my right side but that she hoped I was getting the better of it &c Novr. 18r. Wrote Mr Hy Smith broker for instructions how to transfer my part of the £300 stock he purchased a few weeks ago totally to Mr Weemss. - wrote very earnestly, & begged to hearquickly from him &c Brompton Novr. 18th. Wrote Mr A: Paxton was surprised not to have heard from him about Finlay. - Beseeched he would instruct me how to transfer the Stock I bought when in London totally to Mr Weemss. That I had got no credit from that transaction; and would be most unhappy 'till I had finished it by a transfer. - That I would send him to-morrow or next day £50 to be added to the £130. - Acquainted him how bad I had been with a pain in my right side &c Brompton 18th. Novr. wrote Mr. Archd. Paxton and sent him £50 which I desired he would put to my credit & acknowledge &c. N: B: Mrs. Mcmurray delivered the £50 & letter to Mr. Benifold this day who was going directly to London and who promised to deliver it himself to Mr. Paxton Brompton 25th. Novr. Ansd Jn.o Finlay his letter of the 19th and inclosed him 2 letters from his brother wch. I had just received; that as he now had a limited Credit upon Mr. Arbuthnot he had no occasion for my assistance. That I found his friends were endea= =vouring to have him appointed Surgeon's mate of an indiaman which scheme I hoped he would pro= =mote as much as he could. - That I was in a very indifferent state of health, which I desired him to acquaint Mr. Paxton with - expected he would write me with whatever happened to him &c Brompton 6th. Decr. wrote Mr Archd. Paxton, that I was a good deal better in health, and if I continued recovering proposed coming to London after x.mas, & once more endeavour to get employment. - Expected Mr. Elder would call upon me in his return to London. - thanked Mr. Paxton for all favours &c Brompton Decr. 8th. Wrote James Pearson that my wife & I, would be fond of his company to pass Christmas with us, and desired he would come some day this week &c. Brompton 14th. Decr. Ansd. Mr. Jno. Finlay his of the inst.; desired he would come to Brompton and he would then concert in what manner to write to his friends; - remitted one guinea in a bill upon Mr Paxton &c Brompton 24th Decr. wrote Mr Jas Finlay Junr. that his brother having threatened to Return to~ return to Scotland, to prevent him I invited him to Brompton, and that he was now wth me & would tarry ten or 12 days. - That if he proposed his remaining in England 'till the departure of the spring india fleet he could not well allow him less than s20 a week to subsist on. - That next month I was to go to London myself, and if I observed any tendency in his brother to extravagance or debauchery I would not fail to in= =form him, and even forbear all intercourse with him myself. - That I had advanced him one guinea more; - Expected an answer to this letter soon &c. 1767 London 20th. Janry. Wrote Mrs Mcmurray that I had arrived safe in London & had waited upon Sr A: Grant that in my next I would be more full &c. &c. London 22d. Janry. Wrote Mr W: Kerr of Edinbg condoling him on the loss of his wife: - that I had waited upon Sir A: Grant, wth. the reception that Gentleman gave me: - as yet was perfectly at a loss what plan of business to follow: - promised to write my sisters in a few days &c London 23d. Janry. Ansd. Colo. Robt. Gordon his letter of the Octr. last; - that sickness had prevented me from doing it sooner. - Gave him a full accot. what reception I had from Sir A: Grant & was much obliged to his good officers on the occasion; - that Mr. Gordon had not been so kind as to answer any of my letters;- but to ensure a letter from them both I had inclosed a frank &c London 23d. Janry. Wrote Sir Robt. Gordon thanking him in the most Respectful manner for his recommen= =dation of me to Sir Alexr. Grant which I should always retain the most grateful remembrance of. - That I was very happy to hear, that he was soon to undertake a Journey to London, when I hoped to be so happy as to wait upon him &c London 27th. Janry. Answered Mrs. Mcmurray hers of the 25th.; that I was more than ordinary pleased wth. her letter; to go on giving me tokens of her love, & to assure ~ herself of my sincerity, and to give no ear to the ill that was said of me. - That I was doing all in my power since I was here, but as yet to little effect. &c. London 27th. Janry. Wrote Mr Wm. Kerr of Edinr., and inclosed him a public Ledger of this day, wherein was inserted an occasional essay of mine on the dispute 'twixt Hume & Rousseau signed a Lieut. of marines; this I sent not only to gratify his own curiosity but to have it inserted if he thought proper in one of the Edinr. papers &c London 28th. Janry. Wrote Wm. Gordon Esqr. com= =plaining of his silence, and hoping soon to hear from him. - Inclosed him the Public Ledger wch. contained the essay I had wrote concerning the debate betwixt Hume & Rousseau, for his opinion and~ animadversions &c. London 29th. Janry. Wrote my sister Betty, excusing my long silence, & acquainting her of my situation. - to trouble me wth. any commission she wanted from London, and I would get it done.- gave her an accot of the behaviour of Jno Finlay wch. I did not approve of. - that I had sent a~ specimen of my works to Mr Kerr, and wanted her opinion before I proceeded to write more &c Londn. 29th. Janry. Ansd. Mr Jas. Finlay Junr. his of the 6th. inst.; that the whole money he owed me for wch I inclosed his brothers rect. was £2..12..6 this wth s5/2 posta made in all £2..s17..d8 wch I begged he would remit me to London as I had no occasion for for any money in scotland. - that I would advance his brother no more without his express orders; hoped he would do well &c London 31st. Janry. answered Mrs. Mcmurray her letter of the 29th. - gave her assurance of my love & constancy & was well pleased with her affection. - Desired her to acquaint me with the opinion her mother entertained of me, and how she was herself in regard to health &c London 4th. Feb.y answered Mrs. Mcmurray hers of the 2d instant that I proposed being at Brompton on the 12th. - was obliged to her for the marks of confidence she reposed in me, which should never be repaid on my side with baseness or perfidy; - that I had been able as yet to get into my business, but did not despair, for what I wanted could not be completed in a day &c. London 7th. Feby answered Mrs. Mcmurray her favour of the 6th. - desired she would bid her father send me the paper by which I transferred the whole stock, as that deed must be produced at the bank before a letter of attorney is made out to receive the dividends; - was perfectly happy she was~ well in health &c &c London 9th. Feby wrote Mr. Wm. Weemss thanking him for his kindness to my wife during my absence; told him that I had sent him by the machine this day 2 loaves of sugar which I begged he & Mrs. Weemss would accept of; was sorry to hear he was ailing, wish'd him free from the disorders that afflicted him &c. sent at same time six of my dirty shirts to my wife Brompton 19th. Feby ansd. Mr H: Smith his letter of the inst. and sent him the certificate he desired by which I hoped he would get a power made out without further hin= =drance for Mr A: Paxton to receive the dividends of Mr. Weemss's stock Brompton 22d. Feby Wrote Mr. Wm. Kerr & inclosed him two franks for the use of my sisters. - That I had only received Betty's letter of the 31st. Decr. this day; was sorry that her present was unfortunately lost in the Betsy Capt. Wilson; but my wife & I were greatly obliged to them for it, notwithstanding this accident. - That I had come to Brompton the 12th but without doing the business I had gone to Londn for &c Brompton 4th. march wrote Mr Henry Smith StockBroker that I was surprised not to have heard from him with every thing requisite to settle Mr. Weemss's stock in the manner I had mentioned &c Brompton 5th. March Wrote Jas. Madden Esqr. with copy of my memorial that I proposed to say before the Admty petitioning to get upon full pay; - desired the favour that he would correct it and instruct me in what manner to render the reception of it most favourable & successful &c Brompton 12th. March Ansd. Mr. A: Paxton his of the 20th Feby. - inclosed him a paper empowering him to transfer £300 Stock to Mr. Weemss: When this was done to send a letter of Attry. and Mr Weemss would fill it upon his favour to receive the dividend; - thanking him for all favours &c. Brompton 15th. March ansd. Jas. Madden Esqr. his letter of the 10th. inst. and inclosed him two fair copies of a memo= =rial from me to be presented to the Board of Admiralty.- And that I hoped if I succeeded in being promoted to full pay never to give him occasion to repent interesting himself in my behalf &c Brompton 20th. March Ansd. Colo. Robt. Gordon his favour of the 13th. Feby; gave him all the news in my~ power; was affronted at Mr. Wm. Gordon's not writing me as I had good deal to say to him. - Was sorry Sir Rob.t's Journey to London was put off till next session; hoped~ however that nothing would prevent it then. - Would be fond provided it was convenient for him to introduce me to Colo. M.ckenzie of this division who might be of some service to me in my intention of getting into full pay.- -told him of the D: of Gloucester being here &c Brompton 20th. March Ansd. the Revd. Mr. A: Murray his letter of the 1st. Sepr. last; excusing my silence so long on occasion of sickness, but that my regard always continued. Enquired after all friends. - Desired the favour he would employ Grant the Barber in Elgin to make two bag wigs for me for which he would give him 12/each and I would remit him the money; - expected a long~ letter and all the news of the place &c. Brompton 21st. March wrote James Finlay Junr. and sent him a letter I had this day from his brother; and was sorry that there was but little prospect of his doing well. - I had not sent to Mr. Arbuthnot for the money I had laid out, but proposed doing it when I heard from him &c Brompton 26th. March Wrote Capt. James Perkins at Portsmouth, congratulating him upon his being~ happily situated: - remembered Mrs. M.cm. & myself in the kindest manner to Mrs Perkins & desired to hear from him Brompton Apl. 22d. Wrote Mr Jas. Finlay giving him an account of his brother, wth directions in what man= =ner I thought he ought to be supplied; wondering that I had not heard from him. - That I had asked Arbuthnot for the money he desired I should receive from him, but that he told me he had got no directions concerning it &c London 27th. Apl. Wrote Mrs. Mcmurray giving a favourable answer to her letter of the 26th. inst. London 2d. May Answd Mr. Wm. Weemss that I had yesterday paid the money £3..13..6 to Messrs. Hilton & Biscoe on his account; if he had occasion to pay away any more to send a £10 B: note in his next letter. - That I had hitherto failed in getting upon full pay, notwithstanding all the pains I had taken.- -That I proposed to stay in town a few days longer to try yet yet what could be done. But after all should I not succeed, I intended removing from Brompton & to go to some cheaper country &c London 5th. May Answered Mrs. Mc murray her letter of the 3d. was exceedingly sorry for the vexatious situation she was in; but as she knew it was owing to necessity & not to my inclination, so I hoped she would bear it with patience until I came to Brompton when I would endeavour to comfort her.- Desired she would write me directly and be particular in what regarded her father & mother's behaviour &c. London 5th. May Answered Mr. Wm. Weemss his favour of the 3d. that the £300 Stock was at last wholly transferred to him at the bank; that I had received £6 of dividend, and that he might empower whoever he pleased to receive it henceforth, but that I did not incline Mr. Paxton should &c. London 6th. May wrote Mr. Denneston Hamilton enquiring after him; to know if he intended to follow his father's business; how the china trade went on, that in respect to this last my mind was still the same &c Brompton 19th. May Answered Wm. Gordon Esqr. his letter of the 11th. March. inclosed him the remainder of Theatrical strictures - an epigram by Donaldson - & proposals for Falconers Marine Dictionary. - told him that I had begun a work myself in the literary way, but left it off being being conscious of my inability to bring it to a conclusion. - Gave him all the news in the literary way I could think of, and told him of the conversation I had wth the Honrble Mr. Wemyss concerning the honours of Sutherland &c. - inclosed a frank Brompton 20th. May Wrote Mr Wm. Kerr com= =plaining of his silence, and acknowledging the receipt of a cask of pork from my sisters and letter from Betty dated 11th. March last &c Brompton 25th. May Ansd Colo: Robt. Gordon his letter of the 24th ulto- Gave him all the political news - and an abstract of Capt. Wm. Douglases tryal Just published; wth. a copy of the memorial I gave to the Admty in order to be put upon full pay &c Brompton 25th. May answered The Revd. Mr Murray his favr. of the 23d; thanking him for his care in getting my wigs finished, and desiring him to get them sent to Mr Branders for me;- bade him inform me how I should remit him the expence & owning my marriage &c Brompton 1st. June Wrote Mr. A: Paxton that the adjutant of marines had sent me notice yesterday that I was appointed upon full pay in this division -and that I looked upon myself as only indebted to him for it; that my commission had not yet come to Chatham; gave directions about it & receiving my pay &c Brompton 5th. June Ansd. Mr. A: Gilchrist his favour of the 2d. June and inclosed him the smart ticket he desired Brompton 5th June Wrote John Stewart Esqr. a letter of thanks for his interest wth. Sir Geo: Yonge Bart which got me upon full pay &c Brompton 5th. June Wrote Mr A: Paxton that this day I had received my Commission so that he need make no further enquiry about it. - That my promotion would occasion me some expence, therefore if I drew upon him for 8 or ten pounds to be pleased to honour my bill. - Inclosed him my letter to Mr Stewart for his approbation to deliver &c Brompton 14th June Wrote Mr James Pearson enquiring after him and the success of his business. - desired him to enquire particularly for my stone knee buckles wch. I imagined I had left in my lodgings in London: to get the 7th. volume of Smollets Hist. from Mr Falconer and give it to Capt. Graham who would bring it to Chatham when he came himself. - Asked when he would find liesure to come to Brompton, & acquainted him that I was appointed upon full pay &c. Brompton 14th. June Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his favour of the 5th. acquainting him of my having drawn upon him to the order of James Boyes for £8..8..0, and inviting him strongly to be as good as his promise in coming to Brompton together with his sister Miss Grace & that I expected them some day this week &c. Brompton 28th. June Ansd. Mr. J: Finlay his letter of the inst; condoled wth. him on his present disagreeable situation, but desired him to exert his patience & to persevere to the end, and wish'd him~ great success: promised that I would write his~ father in a few days &c. Brompton 10th. July Wrote James Pearson to know the reason of his silence, that I had waited near a month to hear from him but without having a line:- desired, if it suited his liesure to see him at Brompton &c Brompton 26th. July Wrote Mr A: Gairdner surgeon of the Fox Indiaman hoping he was come home in safety in that ship & desired him to write me as soon as possible with information &c. Brompton 26th July Wrote James Pearson desiring the favour he would let me hear from him, as I was very uneasy about his silence &c Brompton 2d. Augt. Ansd. Col: Robt. Gordon his letter of the 22d. June; informed him that I had got appointed at last upon full pay by the interest of Sir Geo: Yonge and did duty at the Chath.m Division;- was obliged for giving me his free sentiments concerning the Stile of my memorial, which indeed had ocurred to myself but that it was not in my power to advance any thing else wth. any truth. - Begged if it was not too much trouble that he would write me once more before he left the~ country, and inform me as near as he could of the time Sir Robt & the family proposed to set out. - Sent him a printed paper about the Edinburgh playhouse &c Brompton 2d. Augt. ansd. the Revd. A: Murray his favour of the 28th. May; was surprised not to have heard from him in answer to my last, & wth. some intelligence about my wigs - informed him that I had got upon full pay &c Brompton 6th. Augt. Ansd. my sisters Betty & Biny their letter of the 30th. Ulto. blamed them much in being so hasty in censuring me for my silence; inclosed Betty the essay which I wrote about Hume & Rousseau; was excee= =dingly concerned for the death of Mrs. Gilliland; desired to know how Mr G: supported his loss of wife & son; that I had recd a letter from Mr Gairdner who was come home in the Fox~ Indiaman & desired to be remembered to them; thanked Betty for knitting me a piece worsted for britches; directed her in what to send them; gave her thanks also in my wife's name for the fine pork she sent; but I desired she would not trouble herself in sending such articles for the future, as I was well enough convinced of her affection without these proofs &c. - that I had been upon full pay since the 29th. May last and was embarked on board the Yarmouth Capt. Gambier Brompton 7th. Augt. Ansd. Mr. J: Finlay his favours of the 3d. July & 2d. Augt.; was glad to hear from him, and had I not thought him to have sailed would have wrote him sooner; desired him to be well advised before he left the Adml. Watson; promised to write his father, tho lately I had become very indolent in the letter writing way; - desired to hear soon from him with a specimen of the Adventures of J: F: &c Brompton 8th. Augt. Sir I am obliged to trouble you wth. a letter otherwise I shall never be forgiven by your son, who before he sailed extorted such a promise from me, and will be very much offended if he learns I have deceived him. John passed two nights with me before he sailed from Gravesend, and I have had 3 letters from him since he has been at Plymouth, for there the Adml Watson is at present, and there she is likely to remain for six weeks to come. This happens extremely unlucky for your son who would be much better at sea. In his last he informs me that he has some prospect of of being appointed Surgeon of another ship, and I do not dispute but that there may be a possibility of this. In return however I have advised him to be cautious, and to be extremely well advised before he thinks of quitting his present Station. Yet he must not be discouraged from promoting himself, and all I hope for, is, that he will act in this matter with more wisdom than rashness. He has had now some experience, and I think if he uses his cool Judgement is capable of taking care of himself. Both in his conversation and letters, he has menti= =oned your generosity to him, in terms of the highest gratitude and filial affection. He is far from being deficient in knowledge either natural or acquired. The heat of youth, and a strong passion of partaking all the amusements of the age has been wholly the occasion of all his misbehaviour and mistaken conduct. A very few years however will abate the fervency of the one, and with the want of novelty the desire for the other will naturally diminish. These events cannot now be very remote, and then he will have a right to your approbation, as much as before he deserved your censure and reproaches. From my observations upon him at present I think he amends; and both for his sake for whom I entertain an affection, and for yours who have always shown yourself a disin= =terested friend to my father and his family I have con= =tributed my feeble endeavours with cheerfulness to promotehis his thorough reformation; - neither do I despair of success andhope that in the end he will give you all satisfaction. My best compts. & wishes wait upon Mrs. Findlay and her daughters who I hope wth your son are in good health. To hear the same of yourself will give me real satisfaction, who am with much regard Sir &c To James Findlay Esqr [Cotts-] Edinr. Brompton 14th. Augt. Wrote Mr. Wm. Falconer congratulating him upon his promotion to the Swiftsure; enquiring after his wife; desiring him to give the 7th. vol: of Smollets Hist: to Jas. Pearson, and asking soon to hear from him; - bade him put my name into the list of his Subscribers &c. Brompton 14th. Augt. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton that his Sister was well & received his last letter, but was not just now dis= =posed for writing. - That I would be obliged to-day or tomorrow to draw upon him for 4 guineas which I hoped the ½ pay would reimburse, as that of the army was already advertised to be paid &c Brompton 14th. Augt. Ansd. Mr. J: Pearson his favr. of ye was glad of his success in business; - desired he would ask Mr~ Cumming for the money he owed him, as he should have paid him long ago; - was surprised at the account he gave me of Gilchrist but did not doubt but that he would behave honourably; gave him Joy of his renewal of acquaintance wth Miss Patterson, desired he would make my Compts to her, and told him I hoped to see both she & him at Brompton;- not to make himself uneasy in not calling on Mr Paxton with the money he owed me as I was only sorry that it was not in my power Just now to give him more until he was easier. - That the present letter was sent him by Mr Abbot who would bring me the book from Mr Falconer provided he could get it;&c- desired if he had time to come to Brompton and I would give him the coat I promised him &c Brompton 27th. Augt. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton that with much persuasion his sister agreed to remain at Brompton 'till Saturday on which day she proposed to come to London &c Brompton 30th. Augt. Wrote Mr Wm. Kerr, to inform my sisters that I would willingly get myself embarked on board the Emerald were it in my power; but that I was not first for sea duty, and that at present I belonged to a guardship which should render this scheme difficult to put in execution;- desired my sisters would send me four pair shoes & a doz best horn spoons - sent 2 franks for their use &c. Brompton 1st. Sepr. Ansd. Mr. J: Finlay his favour of the 24th. Ulto. encouraging him to adhere to his present station on board the Admiral Watson.- Sent him copy of the letter I wrote his father, the 8th Ulto. &c Brompton 1st. Sepr Sent Philip Stevens Esqr the months returns of marines under my command on board the Yarmouth for August. Rochester 3d. Sepr. 1767 Sir On the 27th. Augt. I wrote you a letter & inclosed an essay consisting of something more than 4 full pages signed “an officer of marines” which I requested of you in the name of a good many Gentlemen to give a place in the Gazetteer. We imagined the subject was not of so private a nature to be unfit for your paper, nor altho not executed in the very best manner, yet not so extremely bad to be rejected in that account. We therefore, as it was very interesting to the three divisions of marines at Portsmouth, Plymouth, & Chatham; and in particular to the last, where the dispute was first started & contended, were in great hopes of seeing it made public. And altho it might arrive too late to have a place on Saturday as desired, yet were pretty sure it would appear on Monday. But Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, being elapsed, and it neither being inserted, nor any reason given for rejecting it, I am requested to write to you concerning~ it.- If you are willing to oblige a good many officers by the publication you may keep the copy for that pur= =pose. If not, you'll be pleased to return it to me, for we have not another.- I now give you my address, which I desired you to require if wanted; this however with my name you you have no occasion to make public. I am Sir & c direct for me Lieut of marines at Rochester To Mr Chas Lay printer Newgate Street London Brompton 7th. Sepr Wrote Mr. A: Paxton to go to Mr Chas Lay Printer and direct him by no means to make public the author of the Essay that was sent him should any enquiry be made &c. Brompton 13th. Sepr. Ansd. Col: Gordon his favour of the 16th Ulto told him of the disturbance that was raised at this division of marines by the Commanding Officer wanting to introduce a new sea roster, and inclosed him a letter addressed to the Lords of Admty which appeared in the Gazetteer the 5th. inst. on that subject;- was quickly in hopes of seeing Sir Robt. and the family in London. &c Brompton 13th. Sepr. Ansd. Mr A: Gairdner his favour of the 10th. inst; that I had no friend upon whom I could rely at Deal to transact the business he wrote about; ad= =vised him to come to Brompton himself, and then he could either go on to Deal or have his goods sent him here from thence, and probably might get them disposed of at Chatham &c. Brompton 20th. Sepr. answered Mr John Findlay his favr. of the 7th. and sent him copy of the letter I had from his father in answer to the one I wrote that Gentleman &c Brompton 5th. Octr. wrote Mr Alexr. Rhind and inclosed him a letter from the Revd. Mr. Murray of Duffus;- sent him at same time a bill on Mr. Archd. Paxton for £1:4:0 to be placed to Mr Murray's Cr.- -Desired to hear from him;- that he would have recd. my letter a great deal sooner had the~ parson given me his proper direction &c Brompton 16th. Octr. Ansd. Mr. James Perrot his favour of the 13th. Augt.- Desired the favour of him if there was any method in his knowledge by which with the assistance of a little money I could be pro= =moted a 1st. Lieut., to write me on that subject. -Introduced to his acquaintance Mr. A: Gairdner of the Fox Indiaman; told him that this Gentleman had some articles unsold which Mrs. Perrot might be in want of &c. Brompton 20th. Octr. Answered Mr. A: Gairdner his favour of the 18th; thanked him in the sincerest manner for his rich present to my wife; that his letter to me I regarded in a high degree and that I would ever keep it in my possession -entered something into the subject he mentioned desired his advice for the future government of myself, and that he~ would also bestow a little of it upon Mrs. Mcmurray. To acquaint me in his next of the prices of his handker= =chiefs & 3lb tea which I had received.- Inclosed a letter from Tavenor the pilot at Deal;- that if he approved of my going to that place on horseback attended with a servant to~ bring his articles at once from thence, I would go with~ pleasure. But to consider maturely of the matter for if I undertook the adventure & miscarried in it I should hardly ever forgive myself &c. &c. &c. - a long letter Brompton 24th. Octr. Ansd. Mr. A: Gairdner his favours of 22d. inst. that I would conform to his directions in prosecuting my Journey to Deal when I had got the better of a cold in my neck and shoulder that I had catched a few days ago. In the mean time if any thing further ocurred relative to this Journey to write me;- was happy at the promise he made of making us another visit; was only affraid that as he expressed so much happiness at the first there would be a falling off on on the second.- Mrs. M.cM: was obliged to him for the pains he was taking to procure her the nanken; that it would take 3 pieces to make a Habit &c. Brompton 29th. Octr. Answered Mr. Denneston Hamilton his letter of the 20th. inst. ;-that altho I was upon full pay I had no objection upon a fair prospect to enter into partner= =ship with Mrs. Hutton for whom I had a great regard. And therefore as soon as her directors (which I supposed to be Mr. West & her elder brother) offered terms I would give them an ingenuous answer. In the mean time that Mr Kerr of the post office might be spoke to of this~ matter as my friend &c Brompton 29th. Octr. Wrote Mr W: Kerr, and inclosed him the letter I had from Mr. D: Hamilton containing a distant hint of my going into company with Mrs. Hutton; asking his advice, and telling him that I myself was inclined to it provided her business was as good as when I left Scotland;- begged him to write seriously in answer with every thing that occurred to him on the subject &c Brompton 30th. Octr. Answered my Sister Biny her letter of the 23d.; that my sentiments on the affair she wrote were favourable; that I approved of Mr Gilliland;- and thought that my sister could not bestow herself better.- As to other things I left them to be managed at the discretion of my three sisters &c. Brompton 2d. Novr. Wrote Mr A: Gairdner that I had returned from Deal safe, and sent him an account of what I had brought with me. - that as Mrs. M.cM: wrote him the day before I had nothing more to add save that I expected to see him at Brompton every day &c Brompton 8th. Novr. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton in answer to his last favour; begged his pardon for not writing sooner; and gave him an account of the bills I had lately drawn upon him. That as Sir Robt. Gordon and his son the Colonel were arrived in town I proposed to come up this month together with Mrs. McMurray. In the mean I should like to hear from him &c Brompton 8th. Novr. Ansd. Col: Robert Gordon his favour of the 7th. congratulating Sir Robert & he upon their arrival in town - that I proposed to do myself the honour of waiting upon them sometime this month &c memorandum about this time I went with Mrs Mcmurray to London and did not return until 24th. Decr. I wrote sevl letters during that period in answer to a good many I received, but they are not mentioned in this book, because I had it not with me. Brompton 28th. Decr. Wrote Mr A: Paxton thanking him for his many civilities to me & my wife - Inclosed him his note of hand for £170 - returned him the Mss: play with my critique upon it, and desired he would animadvert as freely upon my performance of Sir L: Egevile: - that Mrs Weemss was very ill &c sent 2 books to Miss Jenny Brompton 28th. Decr. Wrote Mr A: Gairdner than= =king him for all favours & desiring him to come for 8 days to Brompton and to bring wth him Andw Hunter &c Brompton 29th. Decr. Wrote Col: Robt Gordon begging he would thank Sir Robt Gordon most Respectfully in Mrs. M.cM's name for the attention he was pleased to honour us with whilst we were in town. - Desired the Col: to mention me favoura= =bly to Col: M.cKenzie, and I would endeavour to do Cr to the report he might make of me. - Ask'd him to come to Brompton; but if the Journey should prove inconvenient now I should expect him & Mr Gordon without fail when Sir Robert's cause was decided &c. Brompton Janry. 7th. Wrote Messrs Richardson & Urquhart under the Royal Exchange desiring them to send me as much as had been published of the Court Miscellany with the volume of poems they had published.- That if they could send me a proof sheet of Sir Launcelot Edgevile I would correct it.- Inclosed them an Epigram, with a love-letter and Some verses to insert in their magazine if approved of if they were not to return them &c. Janry. 8th. Wrote Mr A: Paxton expressing surprise that he had not acknowledged the receipt of my last and a parcel which I sent along with it by the Bromp= =ton machine the 31st.- beg'd to hear from him in answer &c Janry. 8th. Wrote Mr A: Gairdner to know the reason of his not answering my last and inviting him to Brompton for 8 days along with Mr. A: Hunter &c. Janry. 18th. Ansd. Col: Gordon his letter of the 1st. inst. ex= =plained to him the nature of my conduct in relation to the proposed alteration of the Sea roster; that I had never re= =flected in the smallest degree upon Col: McKenzie, & would be fond to be recommended to him:- that the roster was at last settled conformable to ye plan I had proposed in my public letter &c &c Janry. 11th. Wrote Mr. Wm Kerr in answer to his of the 8th. ulto., thanking him for the pains he was at about the copartnery business of Mrs. Hutton, which I had in consequence of his letter given up thoughts of. but was much offended with D: Hamiltons conduct from whom I had never yet heard. - Informed Mr. Kerr of the kindness of our friends in London which city Mrs. Mc.M: & myself left on the 24th. Ulto.- That I was hopeful Sir Robert Gordon would carry the Peerage of Sutherland, altho he had powerful opponents to discomfit.- Desired he would send me in his answer, some of the Edinr theatrical papers and a play bill &c January 17th. Ansd. Mr. A: Gairdner his favour of the~ 15th. inst. - acknowledged the Justness of his remarks & the goodness of his advice upon my mischievous temper; was obliged to him for his thoughts upon that subject which I would endeavour to profit by. Was afraid my wife~ could not go to Scotland this year on accot. of Mr. & Mrs. Weemss' illness & other reasons wch. I gave him. Still expec= =ted to see him at Brompton before he went north &c. &c Brompton Feby 5th. Wrote Mr. Andw. Hunter surgeon inviting him to come to Brompton and enquiring after Mr. Gairdner to whom I wrote the 17th. Jany. but had no return. Desired he would acquaint Mr Gairdner that I was offered 9 guineas for the piece silk and 5 for the flowered muslin, and wanted to know how I should act.- Complained much of the silence of all my friends and beg'd to hear instantly from him &c Feby 5th. Wrote Wm. Gordon Esqr. that I was willing to solicit his correspondence wth. one letter more before I gave over the pursuit.- Wished Sir Robert success in his claim to the peerage of Sutherland.- Informed Mr Gordon of the publication I had made of Sir L. Edgevile in the Court Miscellany, beg'd he would pursue it & inform me of his impartial sentiments of the performance.- Beg'd he would write me soon and fix a time when he was to make good his pro= =mise & come to Brompton &c Feby 10th. Wrote Messrs Richardson & Urquhart was sorry they did not incline to answer my last, but I did not propose to solicit for an answer since I perceived their backwardness -Desired the favour they would publish a few corrections of Sir L: Edgevile which I sent them for that purpose &c Feby 17th. ansd. Mr. A: Gairdner his favour of the 14th.; was obliged to him for that letter wch. I hoped would be of service to me. Acquainted him that Mrs. Weemss died the 10th.; and that my wife bore it better than I expected. - Ask'd him if I might dispose of his piece of muslin & piece of silk one guinea less than he first required.- that I had had no word from Paxton, Hunter or my friends in Scotland &c Feby 21st Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his favour of the 20th. thanking him in my wife's name for the little dog he proposed to send her, and informing him that Mrs Weemss was dead, and that Mr. Weemss pro= =posed to live with his daughter & me &c March 25th. Wrote Capt. George Dick a letter of divisional news, with a news paper concerning the sea duty of marine officers, and apologising for my silence hitherto &c &c sent it to Edinr. by Wm. Gordon Esqr. Brompton Kent April 1st. Ansd. Mr. A: Gairdner his of the that altho I was not much inclined for another expedi= =tion to Deal, yet since it was to serve Mr. Sykes, & that he required it I would set out, and when I fixed a day would inform him, but at present the weather was too cold & boisterous for traveling on horseback &c Apl.1st. Ansd. James Perrot Esqr. his letter of the 29th. March - that I had taken the liberty this day to draw upon him at 3 months date in favr. of Stephn. Haven or his order for £20 which I hoped was right; that Mr Froughton declined taking the bill at all on account of the remote payment.- Condoled with him sincerely on the loss of his brother-in-law &c Apl. 9th. Wrote Mr James Girdwood Taylor, & desired him to send my white stocking britches when finished to me by the Brompton Machine.- Inclosed him an advertisement wch. I desired he would get inserted for me 3 times in the St. James's chronicle the expence of wch. I would repay him &c &c. - Sent this by Dr Hunter Brompton Kent Apl. 12 Wrote Mr A: Gairdner that I had been to Deal & was returned in safety- expected to see or to hear from him soon &c Apl. 21st. Ansd. Mr. Archd. Gairdner his favour of the 15th. and told him that I would follow the direction given in that letter &c &c Apl. 27th. Ansd. James Perrot Esqr. his favrs. of the 12th and 21st. inst.- that no pursers here paid to the officers in ordinary any necessary money whatever. - Was sorry he continued so long without a house.- was very ready to do him any service in the agency way; only wished that it lay in my way to get him recommended when I would do it wth. pleasure.- -Would call upon whenever I came to town &c May 8th. Ansd. Mr J: Sykes his letter of the 3d.- that I would settle the accot. he speaks of wth Mr. Gairdner when I saw him.- Beg'd he would send me by the Brompton machine 2 pamphlets wch I left at his house - and to give me what intelligence he could of Mr Gairdner, who was 2 letters in my debt &c Brompton Kent May 8th. Wrote Mr J: Pearson that on tuesday or Wednesday last I sent him by the Machine 6 stocks and was surprised he had not acknowledged the~ receipt of them &c May 20th. Wrote my sister Biny a long letter enquiring after her, and giving her an accot. of my publication of Sir L: Edgevile.- Commissioned another small cask of pork and desired her to send my Latin Dictionary &c. &c told her also of Mrs. Weemss's death, & that Mr Weemss lodged at my house May 20th. Ansd. Miss E: McMurray hers of the 16th ulto. - that I relied so much upon her discretion that I hardly believed she could take any step in the affair she mentioned that would displease me- desired she would send me first conveniency some pounds of Barly for broth & 6 or 8 carraways. - Sent her from Mrs McMurray 2 silk handkerchiefs & a magazine was very sorry for my fathers condition May 20th. Wrote the Revd. Mr. A: Murray in answer to his favrs of the that I still remembered him & his family with much affection, thanked him for his care in sending me the wigs desired soon to hear from him &c May 20th. Wrote Mr. W: Brands renewing our cor= =respondence and declaring my regard for him;- was sorry he was passing his time to so little advan= =tage where he was and wished he had gone to the~ E: Indies wth. Col: Gordon; that it was not too late to follow him. - Expected to have a long letter from him with his own history and an accot. of Jn. Roberts affairs, and desired him to write quickly &c May 20th. Wrote Major Claud Hamilton infor= =ming him that nothing extraordinary had happened at this division since he left it with regard to marine affairs - told him of the reviews of the 12th. 13th & 25th Regts - wished him much pleasure in the Country and beg'd to hear from him &c. Nota. the 5 preceding letters forwarded by Mr Archd Gairdner May 29th. Wrote Mr A: Paxton that I had sent him £35 by Mr Twopeny attorney at Rochester who was to call with it on tuesday and would leave it at Mr Stewarts in his absence. - That I was uneasy at Mr Weemss's behaviour, who just now proposed to make a distinction in favour of his youngest daughter contrary to Justice and equity. - That I hoped Mr Paxton was entered into partnership wth. Mr Stewart; and if money was necessary - that I should be glad to give him what assistance lay in my power &c June 2d. Ansd. Mr. Jas. Pearson his letter of the 26th May that I was glad he had finished the Rss: Amelia's work who I hoped would reward him for it. - That I did not now desire the sword blade.- In place of it beg'd he would send me the north Briton No. 45 if he could~ procure it &c Sir 9th June About 2 weeks ago I took the trouble of calling upon you at your house in the country to speak to you concerng your house in Love Lane lately possessed by Mr Troughton -you promised to consider what I mentioned, and to call upon upon me Saturday last, which as you have not done I am induced to trouble you with this letter. I then told you that I had purchased the lease from Mr Troughton (for wch. indeed I paid 20 Guineas) But finding it disa= =greeable to some people wth whom I am connected to enter it myself, I proposed to purchase from you the house out-right at a reasonable price, or to dispose back to you the Lease, because it would be entirely inconvenient for me to trouble myself in letting a house that belong'd to another person, especially as I may soon go abroad. As there are fix'd & moving articles in this house to the amount of a considerable sum which be= =long to the tenant, and which puts it in his power to leave it in a strange condition provided he quits it in disgust, So I think it would be for a Landlords evident advantage to become master of these, as he never can replace them if they are taken or torn away for four times the amount he may now purchase them for. To make you somewhat sensible of this inclosed you have a rough list of some of them, for I had not time just now to take account of the whole.- you You must be sensible that it is entirely out of my way to be engaged in letting this house unless you propose to sell it to me altogether.- For this reason I am willing to enter into a fair bargain with you, & either to purchase the house; or to return you the lease even to my loss upon an appraisment or by a private transaction.- You'll observe that it can be worth no person's while so much as yours to do a thing of this kind. Should you however be so much an enemy to your own interest as to decline this offer, I must submit, and endeavour the best way I can, to get a tenant for the house for 2 years to come in terms of the lease. But as in this case I shall meet with no favour from you. So at the expiration of that term you must not be displeased if in your turn you meet with none; and if the house very well worth 13 guineas of rent now is not left worth seven.- You must not be offended at my plain dealing. I act by every person as I should chuse them to act by me; and I tell you my whole mind in order to come to a conclusion at once.- I shall expect your answer in two or 3 days; and shall be happy at any time to see you at my house. I remain Sir &c To Mr Geo: Courthop June 15th. Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his favour of the 9th.- was happy at the account he gave of Willie's success in the~ E: Indies; and the tokens of his affection he sent from thence to his brother & sisters &c. spoke the goodness & gratefulness of his heart.- Told Mr. Paxton of Mr. & Mrs W's con= =tinued & unaccountable hatred of me, notwithstanding the pains I had ever taken to gain their good opinion;- that I was trusted in nothing material, and even the guardian= =ship of his youngest daughter Mr. W: proposed to give to a stranger altho I had a natural right to it & never declined it.- that I foresaw the consequence of this, would be cavil & dispute in affairs where we had a Joint concern; and if Miss H: should chance to die, her fortune to which her sister was heir would be recovered with trouble difficulty & loss;- that I had laid these things before the young girl, informing her also that her choice of a stranger in preference to me, would not only be a slight put upon me, but that by putting herself under the protection of such a one she would naturally become herself strange to her sister who was her nearest relation, and must have a greater inducement to see her well taken care of than any other person could have have provided it was left to her.- That these considerations made such an impression upon Hetty that yesterday she chose me her guardian. - That now I desired the favour of Mr Paxton to send me a power for Mr W: to transfer me £500 in 4 PCts. wch he proposed to have done to Mr Kirby if that Gentleman had been chosen guardian, and begged he would excuse the trouble I gave him which I was truly ashamed of &c. June 16th. Mrs. McMurray wrote to Miss Jenny Paxton requesting the favour of her to come to Brompton about the middle of next month - and begging her mama's acceptance of a pound of tea which she would receive along with this letter viz by the machine &c June 23d. Ansd. Mr. W: Falconer his Letter of the 15th.- & was much obliged to him for his account of Wilkes's trial, & I forgave the warmth he discovered agt that man on account of the motives from which it proceeded viz loyalty to his King and affection to his native country. - That Mr Meger of the Glory readily signed the receipt (which was inclosed) & took the money, & behaved otherwise very well. - Recommended Mr Perrot strongly to him for a coal mercht & requested his interest for him amongst his friends. - Informed him that as as I came home from the Crown in Rochester where I had accidentally got much in liquor on tuesday night last I was beset in Chatham by 4 or 5 stout shipwrights (on accot of some gallantry I was foolishly showing to a girl who had spoke to me in my progress) who got me down and maltreated me so sadly, that there wore at present as many [spots] in my face as in the moon, and that I would be obliged for some days to keep the house. - Desired he would exhibit this in the papers, and set forth the courage of four or 5 strong English men manfully bruising & beating an unfortunate Scotsman whom they catched in a corner &c June 27th. Ansd. Mr James Perrot his favour of the 16th. approved of the branch of business he had entered into, which from my knowledge of him I doubted not would turn out beyond his expectation; that any little assistance I could give him in the recommendation way was much at his service. - That I was prevented from coming to London, on account of some business that concerned me here that I was under the necessity of getting settled be= =fore I could look upon myself any way at liberty. With regard to the odd £30 wch. he would remain in my debt after my bill for £20 was discharged, he need not be uneasy as it should should remain in his custody as long as I could spare it and that I wish'd it was in my power to serve him with a larger sum.- Hoped for better accounts of his & his family's health than his last afforded &c Brompton 2d. July 1768 Sir I am induced to lay a complaint before you not so much from any satisfaction I may receive from it (for I had resolved to stifle it) but out of regard to other officers of this division, who in the like situation may have the same base advantage taken of them, and suffer as cruelly as I have done if no notice is taken of the offenders. It is perhaps needless to inform you, for you must have heard of it, that in coming from Rochester tuesday sen'night last I was set upon by three stout fellows in Chatham two of them artificers in the Yard, whose names are below, who taking advantage of the state of intoxication they perceived I was then unhappily under, took that oppor= =tunity of showing their bravery by attacking me altogether in a body, when I was incapable of defending myself, and had not a single creature with me. - Nay their mag= =nanimity went so far, that when I was thrown down by the force force of numbers, I was held by one whilst the others safely threw in their blows upon me with deliberate vigour, fury and perseverance. The result of this action~ was, what might naturally be expected from the odds of numbers: The Gentlemen shipwrights got off conquerors; and the enemy (myself) was left in a situation more easy to be conceived than described.- Suffice it to inform you that every part of my face, head, & temples, was cut and mangled in a very desperate manner, and that since that time I have been confined within doors. You'll naturally imagine that such severe treatment must have proceeded from the greatest provocation. I thought so myself; until next day the voice of the whole neighbourhood unknown to me declared it's indignation at the usage I had undergone; it's resentment at the infa= =mous authors of it; and it's desire that the villains should be brought to condign punishment.- But as I really entertained but little resentment myself; and was besides somewhat ashamed of the disgrace (inhumane as it was) which I had incurred, I determined to pass it over in silence. But yesterday it was urged to me that the arrogance arrogance of these barbarians would rise upon this lenity; and that their escape would only serve to encourage them for a fresh attack upon any other Gentleman of the marines that might unfortunately fall in their way, to all of whom it seems they have conceived the most inveterate antipathy.- On this account, Sir, I make my application to you, not doubting but that I shall receive what redress lies in your power; and that you will be as ready to punish the cowardice and cruelty displayed upon this occasion as I am to require it. As my own recollection is deficient in most of thecircumstances that happened that night to me, I have taken the liberty to send to you one or two accidental witnesses that will satisfy you in every particular. With regard to the shocking appearance I made next day, Mr. Gordon & Mr. Downes surgeons who saw me, I believe will not hesitate to testify. The whole I submit to your better Judgement. If you think the treatment I have met with and a regard to conse= =quences require the chastisement of these perfidious rascals, I am convinced if in your power it will be inflicted. But should they escape, I will not impute their triumph, for such their escape must be to them, to your want of inclination to do Justice, which your known character confutes, but rather that that the complaint does not properly fall under your~ cognizance. In this case the burning of this espistle, after begging a thousand pardons on my part for the trouble I have given you, puts an end to the matter.- In the mean time let me assure you that it is with muchpleasure I take any opportunity to subscribe myselfwith great regard and Respect Sir & c To Thomas Hanway Esqr. Commissioner of Chatham Dock Yard N:B: Apprehensive that this letter would not have the desired effect in procuring adequate satisfaction for the outrage complained of, it was thought proper to suppress it. July 10th. Ansd. Major Claud Hamilton his favour of the June; thanking him for that letter, and giving at his request all the Divisional news. Told him that Colonel Machenzie had stopt officers from exchanging duties; and had ordered one of the officers for the day to be always upon the parade Chatham. - That Captt. Pitcairne's son Wm, was pro= =moted to be a 2d. Lieut. in Room of Mr. Gwyn deceased. -Desired the Major to destroy my letters after perusal &c July 20th. Ansd. Mr. A: Paxton his letter of the 24th. ult.o was much obliged for the readiness he ever showed to serve me; that his letter to Mr. Weemss did not hurt me; on the contrary he seemed well pleased with it, and said that he was now contented with his daughter having chose me for a guardian -that he had transferred the £500 stock to me. Mrs. Mc.Murray was concerned to have no answer to the letter she wrote Miss Paxton - begged Miss Jenny would come to Brompton on tuesday, and we should look upon it as an honour if he could by any method accompany her Was exceeding glad to hear he expected his brother so soon from Italy - desired he would give me notice immediately when he arrived, that I might come to town & see him &c Augt. Ansd. Mr. W: Brands his letter of the 10th. June -was obliged to him for his news, and was sorry for the fatigue & perplexity he had lately undergone. Hoped he would succeed in the E:Indies, and would be very happy to see him at my house &c Augt. 12th. Wrote Thos. Cumming Esqr. making apology for my not calling upon him when last in town, and desiring to forward me Mrs. Samuel's letter that I might answer it. - Gave him account of the K: of Denmarks having yesterday passed thro' these towns with the~ honours that were shown him &c. &c Augt. 15th. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton and inclosed him Letter of attorney from Mr. Weemss empowering him to transfer to me £500, 4 [PCrs] which I begged he would get done quickly.- When executed not to return it to me but another letter of Attry from me to him em= =powering himself to receive dividends.- Expected that in his next he would acquaint Mrs. Mc.m: of the precise time to expect him & his sister to Brompton, and beg'd he would not disappoint us.- Desired the favour he would write me on wednesday or thursday as I was impatient &c Brompton Kent 18th. Augt. 1768 Sir You are very right; Mr Weemss's transfer did not pass at the bank, not because it tended to a fraud, but for want of a formality Archd. being wrote for Archibald. Of this I was aware, and therefore got Mr Weemss to execute a formal one the 15th. inst.; whilst I acknowledged on the back of the old one (until Mr Twopeny should draw out a proper paper for that purpose) that I received the money in trust for Hester Weemss.- This last I find you have used the unnecessary freedom to lodge a caution against, and to transmit another power of your own for Mr. Mr. Weemss to sign. I was the first person that lodged any part of my sister Hetty's money in the funds; and I took the precaution (similar to what you are now attempting) to insert my own name in the paper along with Mr. Weemss's. This however he and his wife took so hainously amiss, that tho I chear= =fully conformed to their will & immediately altered it, yet it left such an impression to my prejudice, that I believe Mr Weemss has not forgot it to this day; and if Mrs. Weemss retained any ill-will against me at her death it was principally owing to that transaction. I stand now in the same situation of circumstances with regard to Hetty they did at that time. Why then ought her money to be lodged in my hands with more restriction that it was in theirs, when I was the person that implicitly~ resigned it to them?- But I am willing of my own accord to be restricted in this matter and to sign a formal declaration of trust which in your hearing our attorney was directed to draw up. This would have been pro= =perly done and peace been preserved in the family had it not been for your caution. The nature of the paper you have sent I am a stranger to; and as you was not employed you had no business that I know of with it. As long as Mr Weemss & his daughter were satisfied, I I see no reason you had to be dissatisfied. You will therefore be kind enough, Mr Kirby, if your design be (what I have hitherto believed) to promote peace & concord amongst us to withdraw your caution and to allow Mr Weemss's proper letter of attorney of the 15th. instant to be duly transferred which every individual of this family desires I am & c To Mr Geo: Kirby London N:B: Mr Weemss in a note of his own writing at the bottom of this letter desired Mr Kirby to allow the Letter of Attorney abovementioned to pass he being satisfied with the security of trust which I have given & am to give Augt. 18th. Ansd. Mr A: Paxton his favr. of the 17th.; that the caution lodged against Mr Weemss's letter of attorney was an attempt made by Mr Kirby to vex me for his not being chosen guardian for Hetty himself.- That my indig= =nation was excited nevertheless against the author as it in some degree reflected upon him [Mr P] which I could easier forgive than any injury offered myself, and which on that account I would not fail properly to resent.- However in order to make his character triumph over all petty attempts, Mr Weemss wrote him this post himself confirming the transfer in my favour and desiring desiring he would show his letter at the bank for them to pass that deed, which he had again inclosed him for that purpose. Was exceedingly sorry for the accident that has befallen Mr Stewart- And was not at all plea= =sed with the little prospect he gave me of seeing him & one of his sisters this summer; that I had a mind to revenge it by sending Miss Weemss to town, as a change of air and good advice was necessary to make her overcome her cough which she yet felt severely.- But that the Miss Paxton must in this case study their own conveni= =ency, and acquaint us with it frankly without overstretching their complaisance &c Augt. 18th. Mrs McMurray wrote a letter to Mr. Kirby requesting him to keep peace in this family by with= =rawing his caution against Mr Weemss's transfer in my favour at the bank, and to allow it to be execute &c Augt. 18th. Miss Hester Weemss wrote Mr Geo: Kirby in terms of the preceeding letter; and further that as she was the principal party concerned, and very well satisfied with her brothers conduct, she beg'd he would not interfere Aug.t 22.d Wrote Mr A: Paxton thanking him for so readily accepting the offer of a visit from my sister.- That I proposed to send Hetty to town on Wednesday, and would take it as a favour if his sister or himself would attend her landing place at the Blossoms Inn.- Limited her stay to 14 days w.ch I beg'd he would not alter as her expences run on at Maidstone the same as if she resided there.- Desired he would write to his brother if he came home by the way of Dover, to take place in the~ machine for Rochester only & to pass one night e'er he went further with me.- Beg'd & entreated to be indulged this favour &c. Sepr. 5th. Wrote Mr James Perrot, that I could not send him the things for his garden for the reasons I gave him;- Apologising for my silence & excusing it on account of other business with any father-in-law &.c.- that I had got a pound of carraways for him which he should not fail to have &c Sepr. 5th. Wrote Mr A: Rhind merch.t. desiring the favr that he would send me a power by wch. Mr. Weemss couldtransfer to himself & to me £100 in 3½ [PCts]. 1756 & another power by wch. Mr Weemss alone might take the dividends - Gave an invitation from Mrs. Mc.m: & self for Mrs. Rhind to come to Brompton for a month &c Sepr. 6th. Wrote Mr Josh: Snowball mate of the Dolphin at Standgate Creek in answer to his letter to Mr. Weemss;- that we would willingly pay him 3s:6d a gallon for his brandy, and thought ourselves obliged to him besidesThat I paid Capt. Mackarell 9 guineas for the 2 casks red wine, and that I wish'd they were both fairly off my hands at that price or even less; for they leaked, and I was afraid would not stand the bottle; - Mr.W: & his daughter returned him many thanks for the presents he sent them - If the Capt could get me the white wine would esteem it a very great favour &c Sepr. 7th. Ansd. Mr A: Rhind his favour of the 6th., was much obliged to him for the dispatch he made~ with the paper I desired which I would not fail to~ return when executed. - Offered him Mrs. Mc.Murray's & my best compts. & wishes to Mrs.R: and hoped for a favourable minute to her, and desired to have a line immediately upon her delivery &c Sepr. 12th. Sent Mr A: Rhind the transfer of £100 3½ PCts duly executed by Mr. Wm. Weemss to M r. Wm Twopeny & me; and desired him to get it transferred at the bank immediately &c £53 Rochester 14th. Sepr. 1768 Sir Pay to Mr Archd. Paxton on account of~ Lieut. John Mc.Murray five days after sight Fifty three pounds value received by John Pitcairn To Doctor Pitcairn Warwick Court Warwick Lane London 14th. Sepr. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton and inclosed a bill for £53 of which the above is a copy; desired him to procure payment and to place the money to my credit; that I was much obliged to him for permitting me to send him what money I had by me; but if it proved troublesome to be free enough to acquaint me Madam 17th. Sepr. My sister I fancy will be at school before this reaches you. She has in a good measure got the better of her cough, and I am hopeful the air of Maidstone will not provoke it to return. Mr Mc.Murray & all of us are very well pleased with with the progress Hetty has made in her education under your tuition. We only think that if she is backward in any thing it is in writing & reading. For she reads without life or emphasis as if she understood not what she was reading; difficult words she either passes entirely over or calls by a wrong name; and her writing is not near as good as we could wish. This we impute to want of practice, or to her own youthful inattention & neglect; and we know we need only give you a hint of the deficiency for you to make her apply closer and to improve in these articles as much as she has done in expertness with her needle. Indeed writing and reading are qualifications that so much above all others distinguish one of our sex from a meer domestic animal that they ought to be attained at any rate; and therefore Mr M.cMurray, & I, request, that the practice of these may be her chief study & employment during the remaining part of this half year. I know that if she gives her mind to them she will not fail to excel, and we expect to see great improvement by christmas. If Hetty likewise were taught not to be so obstinate & positive in her own opinions, and to listen with more reverence and respect to those that are wiser and elder than herself, she could could not fail being much the better woman for it. But at present she seems to insist upon being her own mistress out of School; and contradicts with great pertness & vehemance those that have a different thinking from herself, or that pretend to direct any thing in a different manner from what she has been accustomed to. The unpropriety of this behaviour with a little pains she cannot fail early to dis= =cover, for she does not want sense. Indeed it might be first occasioned by her mother's too great indulgence. But she may be told that as she behaves obliging, goodnatured, and docile at school; it is as necessary to behave in the same manner elsewhere. For if the practice of these qualities at Maidstone renders her esteemed & beloved; the practice of them at Brompton, at London, or any where else, will not fail to have the same effect. But as obstinacy, illnature, pride and contradiction, are treated with hate & contempt and disdain at Maidstone, so will they not fail to be treated in like manner in another place. - But I do not mean that you should make a long lecture imme= =diately to my sister upon this subject. I desire you only to speak to her when occasion requires, as if from yourself, and what your own observation points out to you to to you to be needful. This will be attended with a better effect. For letters of this kind how necessary so ever they may be for the welfare of young minds, are generally by them disliked, are construed to flow from other motives than a desire of their real good, and may leave a bad impression upon them against their best friends. For this reason I have acquainted Hetty with my design of writing to you concerning her writing and reading; but the other part she is a stranger to; tho I am hopeful under your government, & direction, she will nevertheless profit much by it. I am Joined by Mr. Mc.Murray & Mr. Weemss in complements to you & our acquaintance at school. I shall expect to hear soon from you and Remain Dr Madam Yr. affect. humble Servant Ann Mc.Murray To Mrs. Hawkins at her Boarding school Maidstone Sepr. 20th. Wrote to Mr. A: Rhind begging an answer to my letter of the 12th. as I was something uneasy that that epistle was so long in being acknowledged &c. Sepr. 26th. Ansd. Mr. Wm. Kerr his favour of the 20th. Feby~ last; excusing myself for publishing the Chevalier Ramsey's letter at which he had taken offence; inviting my sister Biny to come to Brompton; sending directions how Mrs. Mc.Cormick was to act in order to recover her sons wages; and desiring to have a further accot. of the Edinr.Stage &c. Sepr. 27th. Wrote Mr. A: Paxton and inclosed him a~ power to receive the dividends for £500 and desired the favour he would advise me when the money was paid; that his sister was very well &c Octr. 9th. Answered Mr. Wm. Brands his letters of the 8th. & 20th. Augt. apologising for my long silence;- that Mr A: Brander was a better hand than me to write to concer= =ning the India affair, as I was not at present my own Master and could not go to London when I pleased &c. Octr. 9th. Wrote to Mr. A: Paxton that I could not be in London before tuesday; that I was yet fond of going into Mr Sandbys business, and if he continued to approve would certainly carry that project into execution; that Mrs. Mc.Murray would chearfully contribute every thing to assist me &c Octr. 9th. Wrote Mr. Wm. Kerr that I had some thoughts of going into the bookselling business which was approven of by my friends, particulars of the scheme I sent him. That it would require £1000 to buy the stock &c. and as I could not raise all that money myself asked if he would assist me with £400 &c. Octr. 9.th Wrote Mr Sandby that I would be in town in tuesday - that I proposed to examine the catalogue on wednesday morning and give an answer to his proposals that day or next &c Bromton Kent 16th Oct.r 1768 Dear Will Since I saw you I intend to embark in a scheme that I think will prove successful, and in the progress of which I had an eye towards your participating. Mr. SandbyBookseller opposite St. Dunstans church has entered into company with Snow & Denne Bankers. I was introduced to this gentleman about a week ago upon an advantageous offer of succeeding him in his old business. which by the advice of my friends I propose to accept. - Now altho I have little reason to fear success by myself in this undertaking; yet I think so many additional advantages would accrue to us both were your forces and mine Joined, that I can not help mentioning it to you and making you the offer of entering into company. He resigns to me the lease of the house; The goodwill but £50; and I only take take his bound stock and fixtures at a fair appraisment which, will not amount to much beyond £400; and which if ever I mean to part with cannot fail to bring in nearly the same sum. The shop has been long established in the trade, It retains a good many old customers; and I am to be ushered immediately into public notice by the sale of a new edition of Ld. Lyttletons dialogues, and afterwards by a like edition of his history history: these works I shall sell by commission upon a certain profit without risk; and Mr. Sandby has promised to continue to me always his good offices and recommendation - These are the general outlines; and if you entertain a notion that the conjunction will suit you, advise me, and you shall be assumed upon equal terms;- for I write to you before the affair is finally settled; not that I shall refuse it if you dont concur (for I am determined upon the trial by myself,) but that I think it will still turn out better were we joined; and this consideration alone prompts me to write to you. - Many blockheads in the trade are making fortunes, and did we not succeed as well as these, I think it must be imputed only to ourselves. - Make Mrs. McMurrays complements & mine to Mrs. Falconer we hope she has - reaped much benefit from the salt water bath. - Consider what I have proposed, and send me your answer soon. Be assumed in the mean time that I remain Dear Sir Your affectionate & hble. Serv John McMurray My advisers & directors in this affair have been. Thomas Cumming Esqr. Mr Archd Paxton Mr Saml Paterson of Essex House Messrs. J: & W: Richardson printers These after deliberate reflection have unanimously thought I should accept of Mr Sandby's offer To Mr Wm. Falconer now at Dover 16th. Octr. Dear Sir Altho you must before this time have answered my letter of the 9th., yet I have now to acquaint you that the affair is finished, and that I propose going to town on wednesday directly to enter into business. Whether it fails or not I cannot say. But sure I am if it does I shall not be accused of rashness or precipitation; for I have gone into it after the maturest deliberation and by the advice of many Gentlemen that I am confident have a regard for me, and who are all of great knowledge & repute. - I forgot in my last to inclose you J: Richardson's first letter to me upon the subject; as I do it now. The affair required dispatch otherwise I should certain= =ly have had your opinion of the matter before I engaged. But I flatter myself you cannot disapprove of what has been trans= =acted. I shall further acquaint you without ceremony, that my carrying on the business at first easily and without being encumbered will depend pretty much upon your favourable answer to my last. If my request is granted, I shall at all times warmly acknowledge the obligation, and perhaps on your accot exceed myself in industry & application in order to be able to make you a return. But if you refuse me, do not imagine I shall construe prudence into a want of friendship or regard, or find fault with that conduct which in the same circumstances I should most likely be very apt to follow with With regard to my sister Betty's affair be pleased to tell her, that I leave her entirely to her own discretion and to your advice. Were I to be asked if I am rather in= =clined to the match, I should certainly answer in the affirma= =tive; but for all that I confess myself a very incompetent Judge of the matter - I remain Dr Sir &c To Mr Wm. Kerr Edinr. London 19 Novr. Wrote Mr Benifold to know the~ reason of his silence & Mr Weemss's - That I had transferred Hetty's money in the names of Paxton & Twopeny & M.cMurray,- so that now it was entirely out of my Power to meddle with it further than to receive the Dividends.- Inclosed him Aynsworths receipt for 10s:3d. subsistence; to allow out of it 1s..0½ for the sergt. Major - and to write soon how he did &c. 24th. Novr. Ansd. Mr Benifold his letter of the 20th., and inclosed for his perusal a letter I had from Mr. W: which I desired him to return together with a letter for Mrs. Murray left sometime ago at his house &c. 29th. Novr. Ansd. Mr Wm. Kerr his letters of the 28th & 29th Octr. & 5th. Novr; thank'd him in the most grateful manner for the pains he took in ordering every thing relative to my fathers funeral; the manner of which I was much satisfied with.- That I was also very well pleased with the settlement he had made of his affairs; and that if my Sisters proportion did not turn out con= =siderately larger than mine I proposed to relinquish all claim to the overplus £40 and to give them a discharge for the same.- Informed him of the state of my~ business; thanked him for his offer of assisting me which I gratefully accepted, and desired him to remit me £100 instantly; and to recommend me to Mr Cairns and his friends in town &c. &c 29th. Novr. Wrote Mr Twopeny accusing him of being so long in raising the money upon the mortgage to supply my necessities upon my first entering into business.- That I had transferred my sister Hetty's money in stock to him, Mr Paxton, & myself; that I learnt Mr W: was dissatisfied with it; but as I had acted right I did not concern myself about his opinion Novr. 28th Wrote Capt Davidson paymaster at Chatham to send me a note by which to receive my pay in town as I had two months to take the beginning of December &C Decr. 19th. Wrote Mrs. Hawkins concerning Miss Weemss's affairs; together with copy of a letter I wrote to Mr Benifold which I desired her to return. That the farce of a new Guardianship made no alteration with Regard to my paying Hettys bill; and therefore I was ready to pay it to her order whenever she~ pleased &c. Sir London 28th. Decr. 1768 As my private affairs require my attendance longer than my leave of absence which expires with the month will permit, I beg you will do me the favour to Entreat my Lords Commissioners of The Admty to allow me to fall upon half pay. I am with Great Respect Sir Your obliged & very obedt Servt. To Lieut Col: Mackenzie Chatham No. 32 Fleet Street 28th. Decr 1768 Dr Sir Altho it is with regret that I propose to quit The Chatham Division, where there are so many Gentlemen for whom I entertain the utmost friend= ship & Regard; yet rather than be in any fear or disquietude myself, or occasion murmurs amongst my brother subalterns I have taken the Resolution to solicit for half pay. The difference betwixt full & half pay is not to me an object worth the disputing about. It is the Honour of belonging to the Division rather than any other advantage which I covet; and had the Gentlemen been unanimous I should have been fond to enjoy this privelidge a little longer.- At any rate I profess myself much obliged to those who were willing to indulge me. And as to the others who objected to it, I believe that their scruples arose rather from some nice punctilios wch. are often capricious & arbitrary, than from any dispute or illwill to myself.- You will therefore be kind enough to make my best complements to them all. I shall always recollect them with much affection & Respect; and I heartily wish that the vacancy I make may be filled up by some Officer of approved merit entirely agreeable to them. My letter to the Commanding Officer I despatch this post; so that if you have any~ friend to serve, I give you the earliest notice that you may avail yourself of it, for I resign in favour of no particular person whatever. I return you my warmest thanks for your good offices to me in this affair; and one of my chief studies in life shall be not to render myself unworthy of the notice your friendly disposition has induced you to take of me.- Mrs.Murray Joins me in Respectful Complements to Mrs Pitcairn, Miss Pitcairns, yourself & family.- We hope to have the honour of seeing the Young Ladies & their Mama when they come to town. I shall Ever Remain Dr Sir Your ob: & very obedt Servt To Captt. Pitcairn Decr. 31st. Wrote Mr Wm. Kerr, and inclosed him a Power of administration for my fathers sister to sign in order to take her sons money.- Sent him some Papers of Wilkes's for his amusement &c. 1769 Janry. 12th. Wrote Mr Wm. Twopeny and sent him copy of Mr Weemss's letter of the 9th. inst. to Mrs.Murray.- Desired him to caution Kitney agt. paying rent to Mr. Weemss; to get notice from Parson Wigmore what money he was owing Mr Webber at his death; and to bring the writing of the farm with him when he came to town &c No. 32 Fleet Street 8 Feby 1769 Mr Kitney Notwithstanding the many oaths and declarations wch. Mr Wm. Weemss has made before you & myself that he never more would interfere in the business of the farm at Yelstead. I have reason to apprehend that he may be so far misled as to disregard these; solemn as they were, and to make a demand upon you for the rent at the usual time of payment.- This therefore is to caution you against paying the rent of the said farm to Mr. Weemss, as if you do, I must undoubtedly prosecute you for the same over again.- You will also observe to take no directions from Mr Weemss or his agents in relation to the business of the farm as they have not the smallest concern with it.- But whatever you have to say write to me, as I am the only person who can indemnify you in this matter.- This notice I give you for your advan= =tage and am Yours No. 32 Fleet Street 9th. Mar. 1769 Dear Hetty Your Sistter received your Letter wherein you complain that She had forgot you- It is you my dear that as forgot her- You know with what readyness she answered you from Chatham and sent your things But when she had done this, you never took Notice that you had got them safe or made any return untill you was leaving Maid-stone, and then Sent her an open peice of paper in my Wig-box. In Short my Dear the treachery & base behaviour of Mr. Kerby & Mr. Binnifold, who have taken from her your Love and her fathers, Has overcome your Sister: She is not well; and altho she is bad Just now, was yet worse a Little time ago - most of this proceeds from her regard to youI pray God to keep you both well & happy- That you may always perceive how ready we both us are to answer your demands I sent you by the Machine in the Morning the following articles in a parcelYour [backles] are rather Large but you are growing one of the Books (I leave it to your Choise which) make Miss Yauntlet a Present of for me the others you will no doubt make use of for your improvement Nobody wishes you better than I do, or can be more anxious after your welfare in every shape- my behaviour hitherto has partly shown this, and I shall continue to Show it as Long as I know you to be worthy of it, which you now are, I beg of you my dear to be very carefull of your behaviour for your own sake and to take your Mristresses advice in every thing Mr. Paxtons family are well: they frequently enquire after you particularly Miss Grace who wants you for a Companion to walk about with her- Their Second Brother is come home from Italy a verry fine painter. He his to Draw your Sisters picture when She is able to Sit. Your Sister Send you her Love & I remain Dear Hitty Your verry Affectionate Bror. John Murray- Thing in the Parcel To Miss Weemss 4Coper Plate Keys 2Copy books 1fine morocca pocket book 4Childrens books 1Amusing Instructor 1Pair of Bristol Stone Buckles 2Pencils - 2 Sticks of Wax- John Paxton Portrait & history [Painter] Member of Incorporated Society of Artists 1766 sent from Rome their Exhibition that year Samson [in distress] [¿] contributed in London 1772/3 Exhibiting QA 1769 Potraits well painted [admistred] [died] 1780 London 1769 March 7th. Wrote Mr. Wm. Kerr of Edinr. Dear Kitty ? Hetty I am glad that you recvd the small articles I Sent you in safety, and that you are pleased with them. your sister also receves more then ordinary content every time she learns you are in health. No consideration would with-hold her from seeing you at Maidstone were you indisposed - As I find that the Enemies of your fathers peace & mine have found means to impose verry much upon the Person who Copied for you your Last Letter. I think it just necessary to inform you as follows the truth of which you will be more convinced of at riper years-- I became your Guardian from my affection to your Sister and from my regard for you and my care and concern for you have been disinstrested ever since-- Upon my leaving Brompton I find that the Person in whome I most confided has been wicked enough to spirit up your father to take the manugment upon himself and has enticed you (for which you are not to blame) to agree to it- In the mean time Mr. Beniford from Inatrested views has procu=red himself to be Chosen your Joint Guardian & to cover his own deceit has raisd a popularery against me Now my Dear I oppose this for the following reasonsFirst, your Father from a knowledge of his incapa= =city solemly swore he would never attempt this thing for the future & Declar'd his satisfaction at my conduct, which he would always have been pleased with if honest people had continued about him Secondly your fathers Opinion of Mr. Biniford was never good and your mothers was still worse of this you cannot be ignorant - Further my Dear it would be a stairr upon my Carracter to resign up any thing to Benifold who as used your sister and my Wife so basely and treacheresly- Can your Sister do you think forgive the man who has been the means of sowing discord and animosity betwixt herself and father & all of us, and which must at Last be determined in a Court of Justice. It is Necessary from a regard of my self that I clear up my own Charac= =ter in my concerns with your affairs & Your fathers where the expence may fall I know not but I shall never shun the explanation. Let me assure you my dear KittyHetty you are imposed upon by a bad man for his own Ends-- By one who as taken Advantage of your fathers weeknesses and your tender years to excite you against your best friends & nearest connections If you Live you will find this to be true-- In the mean time cultivate the affections of your sister who Loves you. Correspond for the future with her not only in words, but In confidence in affection & Love and always believe me untill I prove myself otherwise Your verry affectionate Brother J. Murray 1769 London March Madam Nothing lately has given me so much concern, as to observe that the person who gave Miss Weemss the Copy of her last Letter to one by the strain of it has endeavoured to infuse into the young ladies not an opinion of the base & unworthy treatment I have met with from her mock Guardians: but a belief that I am the person in the rong. When Miss Weemss arrives at age she will not be more willing to demand from me an account of her affairs, then I shall be to deliver them [less]. But untill that time happens I should Look upon myself to merrit all the suspi= cions what have been wantonly throne upon me by the vile people who have enticed the easy Mr. Weemss from his daughter & myself, the only two that he ought to rely upon did I acquiesce in any shape with their proposals & intrested viewsI owe it to the Sister in Justice of the wife whom I love to take care of her; and this I am determined to do whilest it is in my power-- I am sertain that by this time you are tolerable well convinced how unworthily I have been treated Nothing can show it more than that when I was upon the spot these pretended friends were mute & motionless: who have now taken the opportunity of imposing upon a week man and destracting a whole family - Miss Weemss's letter has drawn from me the inclosed and as I rely upon your better Judgment it is in your option to deliver I am obliged to you for your mindfullness in doing me service. I flatter myself you will never find that any honest man is ashamed of my acquaintance - Mrs Murray is no worse: we both Join in Compliments - I am Madam Your most obedt. Servt. John Murray London 1769 March 24th. Wrote my sister Biny that I should be glad to see her in London; that I had wrote Mr Kerr 3 weeks ago, but had not heard from him which made me very uneasy &c March 31 Wrote Mrs. Gilliland to inform me as quickly as she could of the reason of Mr Kerr's silence &c Apl. 18th Ansd. Mr Kerr his letter of the 9th. thanking him for all favours &c July 5th. Wrote Mr. Wm. Kerr & inclosed him my sister Betty's contract of marriage Dr Sir No. 32 Fleet street 3d. augt. 1769 After undergoing a deal of solicitude & uneasiness the title deeds are at last found. This happens luckily & unluckily for me.- Luckily because I shall be enabled to raise the money I at present stand in need of by them.- Unluckily as it may raise in your mind impressions to my prejudice, as if I meant to have concealed them for a dishonest purpose in order order to have availed myself of them doubly; to you and to another. Whatever may happen, I do not deserve any such suspicion. Mrs. Murray it seems had put up herself the papers in question. They were in her custody un= known to me. And had not your last letter shar= pened her attention & memory, they might have re= mained forgot where they were until chance had discovered them. This is a true narrative of the matter whatever face it may carry. Mr. Weemss was right in his description of them, the string with which they are tied being the same. I have dis= -patched them to you this morning by the Brompton machine. And since that have found two writings more; they seem to be duplicates upon parchment and begin in this manner “This is the final agree= "ment made in the court of our Sovereign Lord the “King” &c- They appear to be neither signed nor sealed, so I shall keep them either until I see you or 'till I have a private opportunity to send them. I called at your house with Mrs. Murray who is returned from Dover, on tuesday evening, and am very glad that I did not see you, as I should have sworn and with truth at that time that I knew nothing nothing at all of the writings.- Now that you have them I shall be particularly obliged to you to advance me another £50 which I Just now stand much in need of; and the sooner you negotiate the mortgage altogether the better, tho I flatter myself that no interest beyond 4 ½ PCt will be required. I have only to mention that it will gall me exceedingly if this transaction is made known to Mr Weemss or his counsellors. I remain with sincerity Yours &c I really want £50 immediately or a larger sum, and you will oblige me much to make me a remittance To Mr. Wm. Twopeny Attorney Rochester