‘you would be sory for the unexresable los I have had of the kindest mother, and two sisters I am now at Mrs Lind’s where it would be no smal satesfaction to hear by a Line or two I am not forgot by you drect for me at Mr Linds hous in Edenburg your letter will come safe if you are so good as to writ Mr Lind his Lady and I send our best complements to you, he along with Lord aberdour and mr wyevel how has also wrot to his sister mrs pursal go hand in hand togither makeing all the intrest they can for the poor capt and meet with great sucess they join in wishing you the same not fearing your intrest the generals Lady how is his great friend were this day to speak to the Justes clarck but I have not since seen her, so that every on of compassion and mercy are equely bussey forgive this trouble and send ous hop’
[737]. Caledonian Mercury.
[738]. Statutes at large, vi. 51.
[739]. In November 1737, the poet is found advertising an assembly (dancing-party) ‘in the New Hall in Carrubber’s Close;’ subscription-tickets, two for a guinea, to serve throughout the winter season.—Cal. Merc.
[740]. Caledonian Mercury.
[741]. Newspapers of the time.
[742]. Caledonian Mercury.
[743]. Daily Post, Aug. 17, 1738, quoted in Household Words, 1850.
[744]. His name was William Smellie. The fact is stated in his Memoirs by Robert Kerr, Edinburgh, 1811.
[745]. Scots Magazine, January 1739.