A. Yes.
Q. Were the letters by the post? had they any post-mark upon them?
A. No; this letter was delivered.
Q. The delivery and date were cotemporary with the transaction, namely, about the 22d of February?
A. Yes, it was on the 22d of February I received it.
[The letters were read, and are as follow.]
"18, Great Cumberland-street,
"22d February 1814.
"My dear Sir,
"I have received the enclosed letter from the Baron; and as I mean to pay him this week for his plans, pray let me know if you have advanced him any money on my account, in addition to the £.50, which I paid him on account last year. You will perceive that he wishes a loan of £.200, in addition to this sum, and that he offers me as security, Colonel Kennedy's assignment. I have told him, that if this sum can be of real service to him, I will advance it to him, I will take his note for the amount; and if he is ever able to repay me, good and well; if not, I shall have had the satisfaction of serving him.
"As I shall receive the middle of next month a considerable sum of money, you will oblige me very much, if you will have the goodness to let me know, what it would cost me to purchase an annuity for the mother of my three natural children. I wish to settle £.200 a year upon her, and £.100 a year upon each of them; her age is 23, past; my eldest boy will be five years next May, the second boy four years next October, and the third one year next April; they are all healthy. I have in my will made a provision for them, but I wish to alter this mode of settlement for them, from motives of delicacy to my daughter, Miss Cochrane Johnstone, as I would not wish to insert their names along with hers.