It is with the greatest Concern that I acquaint you of the Loss of your old Friend my Father. When I recollect the very long Intimacy that subsisted between you, I conceive it my Duty to mention more particularly his Situation latterly. On the 4th. Instant, he returned with me from Brighthelinstone, and from that time grew gradually weaker till the 9th. when he died. Through the whole of his Illness, he was perfectly recollected, and sensible of his Situation; suffered little Pain, and was composed, nay chearful, to the last. It has been no small Satisfaction to his Family to discover daily how much he was esteemed by all Ranks. Even those who envied his Prosperity when living, now acknowlege his Virtues and Abilities.

I wish, Sir, I could give you an favourable account of my Mother’s Health. She is at present at Bath, in a very weak State indeed; and I much dread that we shall not long have the Opportunity of shewing her those Attentions to which she is so justly intitled from our Gratitude and Affection. My Sister Spottiswoode and her three Boys are quite well. My Brother and his two Girls, the same.

The Letter I now have the Honour to enclose, has been returned from Paris, where I had sent it. It contains a Request from an old Friend of my Father’s (Mr. Garden of Troup, Member for Aberdeenshire), and as I knew my Father would have used his Influence with you had he been able to have written, I took the Liberty of conveying to you what I knew to be his Sentiments.

I beg leave to add that if I can be of the least Service to you, Sir, in this Quarter, I shall think myself honoured by your Commands. In the mean time, I remain, with much Esteem and Respect Dear Sir Your most obedient and faithful humble Servant