From David Steuart Erskine, Earl of Buchan (unpublished)
Kirkhill, May 13. 1786
Sir

I do myself the Honour to present to North America a Mathematician and Astronomer Dr. Minto, a disciple of Professor Slop (?) of Pisa and a follower of Messrs. de la Caille & Bernoulli of Berlin.

He is a modest worthy man who seeks for a literary establishment in the United States and will I dare say I obtain it by his learning his dilligence and his Virtue.

He is a Man of few wants, fewer words and of no disposition to mingle in political disputes so I imagine he will be a very usefull accession to the Mathematical department in your Country and as such I beg leave to present him to your Excellency and remain with great Esteem, your obedient Humble Servant

Buchan.

Addressed: For His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin L.L.D &c &c / Philadelphia / by favour of Doctor Minto.
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