COPY of a LETTER to MR. JOHN MOIR, Merchant in Edinburgh, and Mr.
ROBERT FORBES in Leith.
[Sidenote: 1746 16 Sept.]
[Sidenote: _fol._ 74.] My dear Gentlemen,--These are letting you know
that I was yesterday on my trial, and after long and most eloquent
pleadings, was brought in guilty. Really, there never came a more
eloquent discourse out of men's mouth, and more to the purpose than
what my good and worthy friend Mr. Lockheart[47] spoke, and he would
tear them all to pieces if justice or law was regarded. I have wrote
to my dear wife, but did not let her into the whole, and I have
recommended to her in the strongest manner to goe forthwith home,
and to manage her affairs at home in the best way possible. And I
recommend to you both as ever you can oblige me (whose former favours
I can never forget) that you back what I have wrote her, and that you
prevail [Sidenote: _fol._ 75.] with her to goe directly home. I never
will forgive either of you if you do not manage this point. For tho'
she would come here 'tis probable she would get no access. And even
tho' she would get no access, our parting would be more shocking to
me than death. My trust was still on the Almighty's providence, and
as that is still the case with me, I hope for the best and prepare
for the worst. In a word, I am afraid there are few here will escape
being brought in guilty. Before this Court there were the most
villainous proofs laid in against me by four of Colonel Leef's men
and a dragoon, of facts that I never was guilty of, not the least
circumstance of what they charged me with. But may God stand with
the righteous, for I freely forgive them. You shall hear from me
[Sidenote: _fol._ 76.] as oft as I can. And for God's cause, see my
wife fairly on her way home. You'll make my compliments to the worthy
ladies of my acquaintance, and all other friends in general, and your
selves both in particular, and I am, with the greatest sincerity and
affection, Dear gentlemen, your most obliged humble servant,