COPY of a LETTER to MR. ROBERT FORBES at MY
LADY BRUCE'S[41] lodgings at Leith.
[41] Dame Magdalene Scott, widow of Sir William Bruce of Kinross, a
noted Jacobite, in whose family Mr. Forbes lived until his marriage.
[Sidenote: 1746 24 Aug.]
[Sidenote: _fol._ 70.] Dear Sir,--After making offer of my
compliments to yourself and the Leith ladies, no doubt you have heard
before now that our trials come on the ninth of September next; and
may God stand with the righteous! The whole gentlemen who came from
Scotland are all together in one floor with upwards of one hundred
private men; so that we are much thronged. They have not all got
irons as yet; but they have not forgot me, nor the rest of most
distinction, but the whole will be soon provided. You'll make my
compliments to Lady Bruce and Mr. Clerk's[42] family, but especially
to Miss Mally Clerk,[43] and tell her that notwithstanding of my
irons I could dance a [Sidenote: _fol._ 71.] Highland reel with her.
Mr. Patrick Murrey makes offer of his compliments to you, and I hope
we'll meet soon. I am sincerely, my dear sir, your affectionate and
most obliged servant,