_Saranac Lake_, _January_ ’88.
DEAR CHARLES,—You are the flower of Doers. . . . Will my doer collaborate
thus much in my new novel? In the year 1794 or 5, Mr. Ephraim Mackellar,
A.M., late steward on the Durrisdeer estates, completed a set of
memoranda (as long as a novel) with regard to the death of the (then)
late Lord Durrisdeer, and as to that of his attainted elder brother,
called by the family courtesy title the Master of Ballantrae. These he
placed in the hands of John Macbrair. W.S., the family agent, on the
understanding they were to be sealed until 1862, when a century would
have elapsed since the affair in the wilderness (my lord’s death). You
succeeded Mr. Macbrair’s firm; the Durrisdeers are extinct; and last
year, in an old green box, you found these papers with Macbrair’s
indorsation. It is that indorsation of which I want a copy; you may
remember, when you gave me the papers, I neglected to take that, and I am
sure you are a man too careful of antiquities to have let it fall aside.
I shall have a little introduction descriptive of my visit to Edinburgh,
arrival there, denner with yoursel’, and first reading of the papers in
your smoking-room: all of which, of course, you well remember.—Ever yours
affectionately,