APPENDIX
I.—PICKLE’S LETTERS
These two letters of Pickle’s, not published in full in Pickle the Spy, illustrate ‘The Case against Glengarry’ in this volume. In the letter dated Edinburgh, 14th September, 1754, we find that, immediately on hearing of his father’s death, the writer sent a note to Gwynne Vaughan, an English official, and went to Edinburgh, writing from Newcastle on his way North. His ‘family affairs are in confusion.’ Now Old Glengarry died in Edinburgh, on September 1, 1754, and, as has been elsewhere shown, Young Glengarry at once repaired to the North. No reader of these letters can doubt that their writer is, or is feigning to be, Young Glengarry. Now no such pretence could possibly succeed in Edinburgh, where Young Glengarry, a man eminently well known, happened to be at the moment. For the rest, the letters are mainly concerned with the Informer’s proposed terms of payment, now that his ‘situation is greatly altered,’ by the death of his father, obviously Old Glengarry. Further comment seems needless, the evidence being beyond suspicion, and capable of but one interpretation.
Dr. Sir,—I have receivd the pleasur of yours of 20 Septr, but have been of late so hurried that I had no time to return a proper answer. I thought I was pritty pointed in my last in regard to a certain stipulation, but as by yours I imagen I was not so well understood, I beg leave to be now more explicite. I waited patiently four years (since 1750) without making the least demand, but for Journy expences, which fell so fare short that I spent all my owne ready Mony, and ran in debt eight hundred £st. Now, Sir, I expect that your friend will pay this sume by way of gratification, which will make me free of all debt contracted during my several trips, for I expect to be considered for what is past, as well as for times coming: I had had his worthy Brother’s[201] paroll for this as well as a promise of his countenance, and protection, in all my other claimes, as I will not varrie the least in my demand, notwithstanding my situation is greatly altered, I will only mention £ five hundred St. yearly, twice regularly payd by Grandpapa, for I won’t absolutely have to dow with any other. If Mr. Kenady (Duke of Newcastle) whose friendship I have a right to Claim, in vertue of his Brother’s promise, will obtain this for me, there is nothing honourable he can think of, but I am able to perform. Only I beg he be not prejudic’d by that swarm of Videts that dally infest him. The Services I can be of are pritty well known, and as I am embark’d I am determin’d to percevere, but then I expect that Mr. Kenady (D. of N.) will fulfill his worthy Brother’s promise to me, which was to clear me of the Debts contracted in my new way of lief, when that is done, and a certain thing yearly fixt, Mr. Kenady shall dispose of me in what shape he pleases. Young Swift (Lochgarry) is arrived, and upon his waiting of 20 (Genl. Bland) was not recevd as was promis’d he should. When I waited of him, he did not receve me as I expected, haughtly refusd the use of a fulsie without I should qualifie. I smiling answr’d, if that was the case, I had then a right without his permission, but that he could not take it amiss that I debar’d all under his comand the pleasure of hunting upon my grounds, or of any firing, which they can’t have without my permission, so that I thought favours were reciprocall. 20 (Genl. Bland) and his Club pretends to be well inform’d of the minutest transaction in the Grand Monark’s Cabinet, O rare polliticians, Poor 21 (Bruce) is greatly to be pityed, for my old friends are mad at my consulting him in all my affairs, and 20 (Bland) and some about him spoke very injurious of him to me. I think this ought to be put to rights. I go North in a few days, I hope to prevail on 21 (Bruce) to follow in order to assist me in making a Judicial rent roll.[202] My stay will not exceed a month, and his not a fortnight, so that if you expect me up, write under 21 (Bruce’s) cover, and I shall obey your comands. But Mr. Kenady (D. of N.), your friend, must enable me to go about it in a proper manner, and I am sure I will performe the business to his entire satisfaction. Young Swift, (Lochgarry) has verbally communicated to me most of Miss Philips (Young Pretender’s) amours. She has turn’d adrift all, or most of her former companions and galants. (This refers to the rupture between Prince Charles and his English adherents.) My presence is much wanted, and ardently wished for by hir, and hir present conductors. But I cant hear any thing materiall till old Swift (Lochgarry) return from hir. What I mentiond concerning Black Cattel is fact, but I hate repetitions, and at any rate must deffer further particulars till my return from the North. I will expect the pleasure of hearing to satisfaction and pointedly from you—I will beg the continuance of your good Offices, and will conclude by making offer of my Compts. to Mr. Kenady and assures him that all now depends upon himself, as Every thing is in his option.
I ever remain, Dear Grandpapa
Your most obedient and most oblidged humble Servt.
Alex Guthry.