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

Letter Book of the Publisher John McMurray Containing Copies of Outgoing Letters, 11 Oct 1765 - 3 Aug 1769

Document Information

Document ID	225
Title	Letter Book of the Publisher John McMurray Containing Copies of Outgoing Letters, 11 Oct 1765 - 3 Aug 1769
Year group	1750-1800
Genre	Personal writing
Year of publication	1769
Place of publication	Edinburgh
Wordcount	24022

Author information: McMurray, John

Author ID	45
Forenames	John
Surname	McMurray
AKA	John Murray
Gender	Male
Year of birth	1737
Place of birth	Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation	Publisher, bookseller
Father's occupation	Lawyer
Education	Some university
Locations where resident	Edinburgh, London