Copy of a return to the preceding Letter.
[Sidenote: 28 Oct. 1747]
[Sidenote: _fol._ 473.] MY VERY DEAR SIR,--Your kind and obliging
letter I received yesterday, together with the present you sent me,
upon which I put a very great value, and for which I most heartily
thank you.
I have written to you and Kingsburgh at some length by Donald
Macleod, who left Edinburgh upon Friday last, the 23d instant. But as
this will come soonest to hand, I chuse to repeat some things.
It has been suggested to me by a very judicious person that it would
be advisable in Kingsburgh to deliver up a certain original letter
into some sure hand for the preservation of it But this must be
altogether left to the judgment and discretion of Kingsburgh himself.
However, at anyrate, I earnestly desire to have an exact copy of the
letter, and I hereby engage that [Sidenote: _fol._ 474.] it shall be
as great a secret as at this moment.
I am exceedingly desirous to have the brave and the honest Armadale's
account from his own mouth,[210] which I hope he will chearfully
give. Let it be as exact and circumstantial as possible. Is it
possible to procure Boisdales account in his own words? for I wish
much to have that too. You see I am very greedy, and indeed no
wonder; for these things would be of inexpressible use in future ages.
[210] See ff. 265, 321.
If you think of being soon in this country (as you seem to suggest
in your letter), then you may bring along with you all the several
accounts you can possibly collect, and remember to favour me with the
happiness of the first visit. But if you resolve not to be soon here,
then be so good as to embrace the first sure opportunity that comes
in your way and transmit to me all that you have gathered together
among good friends.
[Sidenote: _fol._ 475.]
I make an offer of my best wishes to the worthy family of Raaza, to
Kingsburgh and his lady, and to Armadale and his concerns.
That all happiness may ever attend you and Mrs. Macleod is the hearty
and earnest prayer of, My Dear Sir, Your most affectionate friend and
very humble servant,