In a letter to Mr. Orme, of unknown date, Glengarry says that his sister-in-law ‘is infamous.’ On the same affair of the nephew he writes again:—
[No date.]
‘Sir,—I have been frequently since my father’s death abused in the good opinion conceived in former days of those that ought and were generally believed steadfast friends to this familly, but I must confess I least of all expected it from any of yours, and least of all from yourself personally. I had a letter lately from Robison of Ballnicaird acquainting me that Provost Drummond and you, despairing of the amicable agreement twixt my nephew and me, intended to push matters to the utmost, this was strange proceedings, without ever acquainting me, and in any event a strange procedure between me and my nephew when the opinion of any one or two eminent in the law might in a few moments decide the whole without further expences, and when they come to the age to judge for themselves I believe they will be little oblidged to their present directors, Mr Drummond only excepted. I sent for my nephew and niece, their not arriving is laid to your advice, tho up to that time I little believed it, and from that Instant foresaw Mr Robison and their infamous mother’s drift. As Mr Drummond is so very good as take the trouble to look after any so very near connections, least by others’ drift he should be Deceived, I must act the needful to have a near relation of the father’s side subjoined with him to take care of the whole, and their Education, and bring their Mother and Mr Robison to account for their intermissions with his effects and moveables, most of which he received as payment, and at his Death were very considerable, there are still living witnesses that can prove this, and I have which I believe may be in my Agent’s custody, his discharge or Bond for 6000 merks, pay’d by his father of his bond of patrimony. Should this stand in law, as it ought in equity, and Justice, I will refer any differences of this kind to any named by Mr Drummond, and another by me.
‘... Acquaintance, friendship, and blood connection might expect a friendly demand, not by a Sheriff Officier.
‘But as the world has taken a turn, and that men of business are not to mind such punctilios, I have nothing to say but that I hope it may not be long when a blood relation and connection with this family may be claimed both as an honour and protection, it was so formerly, and may be still the same.’
(He adds that he wishes proceedings stayed still he comes to Edinburgh, and refers to his ‘late violent indisposition.’)
‘Your sincere friend and affect. Cousine.’
This undated letter is probably of 1758, though early in 1759 Glengarry had another very severe illness, from which it may be doubted if he ever entirely recovered. He writes to Mr. Orme, ‘I am drinking goat-whey and milk, that is my diet.... I shall be soon upon my leggs, and see you soon.’
The following is an important letter, undated in the draft, to the Chief of the Macleods:—
[Undated. Really of June 21, 1758.