A letter of this date, from James Morphie, tailor in Edinburgh, to
the Earl of Airly, has been preserved, and is in its way a curious
memorial of the past. When found a few years ago in Cortachie Castle,
it contained five pieces of cloth, being, we may presume, those alluded
to by the writer, and all as fresh as on the day they were cut.
[Sidenote: 1647.]
‘RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD--I received your lordship’s letter, and have
tried for the nearest swatches of cloths I could find, conform to the
orders received, and has enclosed them in this letter, with the prices
written by them. As for the Kentish cloths your lordship desired, there
is few or none to be found; but we expect some to be home shortly.
There is only ane swatch of Kentish cloth here, with the price thereof.
Likewise receive the piece that was taken out of the tail of your
lordship’s doublet. Any of thir clothes your lordship pleases, send
for them by the first occasion, or [ere] they be gone. Not troubling
your lordship ony forder, but rests your lordship’s humble and obedient
servant, JAMES MORPHIE. From Edinburgh, the 17 day of September 1647.
[Addressed] For the Right Honourable the Earl of Airly.’