Correspondence of Adam Ferguson: v. 2 (The Pickering Masters) [2] 1851961410, 9781851961412

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The Pickering Masters The Correspondence of ADAM FERGUSON Volume 2. 1781-1816 ― ii ― inline image Neidpath Castle, Peebles Adam Ferguson's home during 1795-6 By kind permission of Malcolm Liddle, Edinburgh ― iii ―   THE CORRESPONDENCE OF  ADAM FERGUSON VOLUME 2 1781-1816 Edited by VINCENZO MEROLLE With an Introduction by JANE B. FAGG Consulting Editor KENNETH WELLESLEY LONDON WILLIAM PICKERING 1995 ― iv ―

Copyright Page   Published by Pickering & Chatto (Publishers) Limited  21 Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2TH Old Post Road, Brookfield, Vermont 05036, USA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher. Pickering [IU1]& Chatto (Publishers) Limited 1995 british library cataloguing in publication data Ferguson, Adam Correspondence of Adam Ferguson. Vol. 1. - (Pickering Masters Series) I. Title II. Merolle, Vincenzo

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III. Series 192 Set ISBN 1 85196 140 2 This volume ISBN 1 85196 142 9 library of congress cataloging-in-publication data Ferguson, Adam, 1723-1816. [Correspondence] The correspondence of Adam Ferguson / edited by Vincenzo Merolle:with an introduction by Jane B. Fagg. p. cm. - (The Pickering masters) Includes bibliographical references and index. Contents: v. 1. 1745-1780 - v. 2. 1781-1816. ISBN 1-85196-140-2 (set). - ISBN 1-85196-141-0 (v. 1). - ISBN 1-85196-142-9 (v. 2) 1. Ethics, Modern-18th century-Sources. 2. Ethicists-Scotland-Correspondence. 3. Philosophers-Scotland-Correspondence I. Merolle, Vincenzo. I. Title. BJ654.F473A4 1995 192-dc20 [B] 95-2 Typeset by Waveney Typesetters Norwich Printed and bound in Great Britain by Antony Rowe Limited Chippenham ―v―

CONTENTS                     THE LETTERS 194-419  Appendix A: Memorial soliciting the principalship of the University of Edinburgh  Appendix B: Ferguson appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy  Appendix C: Baron d'Holbach on the Civil Society  Appendix D: James Beattie, Thomas Gray, Lord Kames, Mrs Montagu on the Essay  Appendix E: David Hume recommends Ferguson for an appointment to the Commission for the East Indies  Appendix F: Ferguson recommends James Ferguson as tutor to the Earl of Morton's sons  Appendix G: To the President and other Members of Congress  Appendix H: Memorial respecting the measures to be pursued on the prospect of the final separation of the American Colonies  Appendix I: Notes on the Enquiry into General Howe's conduct in the American war  Appendix J: Report upon the circumstances of the contested election, in which Major General Fletcher Campbell was engaged in the year 1780  Appendix K: Documents concerning the Roman Republic  Appendix L: Ferguson in Rome  Appendix M: Letters of Sir Adam concerning the annuity of Captain Robert Ferguson  Appendix N: Ferguson appointed Professor of Mathematics in conjunction with John Leslie  Appendix O: The epitaph of Ferguson  Appendix P: Letters concerning the last years of Ferguson and events immediately following his death  Appendix Q: Isabella, Mary and Margaret Ferguson on their pension  Index 

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Though your illness†1260 has not filled me with despondency, the first reports I had of it took away the happiness I shoul

 

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naturally have had in announcing to you my India appointment†1261. The truth is, I was so little disposed to mention that event any of my friends in Scotland—-while I understood you were in a situation not to communicate it to them first—-that I never wro any person here of it; and the only correspondence I have had with your capital of late, is an answer which I thought myself ob

 

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194. From John Macpherson Small, pp. 630-1. Kensington Gore, 13th January 1781 My Dear Friend,

to send to the Duke of Gordon†1262. I have likewise written to the Duchess†1263 this night. Dr Carlyle's letter†1264 of to-day has set my mind more at ease. You have naturally a good constitution; and I place ever hope in your Highland stamina, your philosophy, and knowledge of nature. My friend Carlyle has written me, with an interest in your welfare, and all that belongs to you, that adds, if possible, to m attachment to him. There is a circumstance which, with all his love for you and me, he is not fully known to—-it is that I met yo when I lost my father, and that your children and I are of but one family.—-Farewell. May the power of affection be a power to g health and happiness! If you do not recover your health before I leave this country, I leave it with half my spring of satisfaction a soul. Yours ever John M'Pherson ― 262 ―

March 195. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc 41/46-62 no. 48. Address: To the Reverend Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh. Bath†1265 26th March 1781 My Dear Carlyle I hope you will have the necessary Indulgence for An Invalid†1266 & endure my Delays in writing without abating of your good will to Oblige us in that Way. You make great Allowance for our Anxiety about the Children†1267: you may believe it is mu the less for your concern in them, & indeed is none at all.

1816

Endmatter  

I wished to turn a Stoop†1268 or two in this Race, I am running, before I wrote again. The Progress is Slow but I hope no less certain it is even sensible for the Better & as the fine season is coming on I hope to be reinstated in the use of My Limbs Strength enough for all I have to do in the remainder of My Life. I use the / Bath about twice a Week & have not yet begun to the Waters. The operation so far is exceedingly Pleasant. There is still a little Coldness in the Wind but the Fields & the Houses the Town & the Sky look more like a View in a Showmans Box than what is commonly to be seen on this†356 Terraqueous†1269 Globe. I have heard from Coll. J: Campbell†1270 at London & hope to see him here in his way to Ireland. John McPherson was hurried in his Departure from London†1271. I have been Lucky enough to receive two or three short Letters, he sent in search o since I have been on the Road, & he embarked: The last, after he was under Sail. To the Purpose of your Letter†1272 to him so after my falling Ill; He tells me of so many Efficient People that had promised to Johnstone & him to take charge / of it†1273; fro Chancellour†1274 himself down to Private Secretarys that I am perswaded it can want nothing but a proper Remembrancer†1275 which I must think of, at least, when I go to London.

― 263 ― It grieves me to think of these cruel Fasts you undergo with the Laird of Gilmerton†1276. I am [ang]ry†357 it is not in my Power†358 to mitigate their Severitys. I beg of you to indulge yourself now & then in a good Pot full of Kail Caststocks†1277 & a Bonum Magnum†1278 from some Chrystal Springs, I drink Bristol here but imagine that a good Stoup†1279 full from the Esk†128 anywhere above Inveresk Village†1281 will be as good. I speak from Experience & begin to look as blooming & well on this Brea Water diet as ever I did. We all join in the best wishes to Mrs. Carlyle & you your most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 26 March 1781   Ad. Fergusson 

― 264 ―

May 196. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc 41/46—62, no. 49. Bath 26th May 1781. Dear Carlyle I imagine that if you had no Other evidence of my Convalescence but my deficiency in writing Letters you would think I w coming fast to be in Statu quo. My silence, for some time, has not been for want of Scolding, & indeed, since She Scolds you at the Distance of five hu Miles, what am I to expect here. I got a pretty good set down for having once written to you that we were not Anxious about th Bairns†1282. Her whole concern now is to wonder whether Jamie†1283 will know her again. We are grown such fine People here poor Rustick Jamie will not recollect that he had ever seen us before. I figure to myself that you are now very bussy with the General Assembly, of which I wish you a good deliverance, and offer this wish, with Some Anxiety, as you are left this year by t People who used to take care of you, The Principal & the Lord Advocate†1284: but I hope that the Other Side will have Mercy, & perhaps pull the less if they do not feel any body to pull against them. We have had you here sometimes blocked up, & sometimes Bombarded by the Dutch Fleet†1285. Bruntisland†1286 was actually Bombarded in the last Dutch War & therefore I think you may lay your account with it in this. I think Bayley Cochran†12 ought to have the Causway of Musselburgh taken up and I pray you remember that when a Shell falls / near you: you are not t away but ly flat down till it burst & then take to your heel, as fast as you can, least any more should come. If you can only prot the War for two or three weeks I will come to your Relief & will bring two or three Muskets & Bayonets from Birmingham to Arm Corps which consists of Peter Anderson†1288 a Noted Poacher at Bankhead & George McLean†1289 an eminent marksman & fi Tackle maker at Edinburgh. We are meditating a departure from hence about the 5th of June when our three months at this place will be out. Our Excursion to Clifton†1290 was prevented by cold weather, which with very little intermission has continued ever Since, & is the m grievous that is altogether unexpected at a time when people used to retire from the Heat of this Place. / To do him justice the Sun has keept his Word but this Infernal East wind chills to death while the Sun Scorches. I am no much Agitated with wishes to Comply with People who think it will be of great use to Bell†359†1291 to remain here†360 some tim behind us, & with the Difficulty of having her properly placed. We go by London, to make as short a Stay as Affairs real or†361 ― 265 ― imaginary will permit, you may be Sure that I shall endeavour to bring any commands your Friends may have for Scotland. I am Dear Carlyle most affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Excuse my Intimacy with Johny Wilkes†1292. If you should be questioned about your Correspondence with him. Rememb that which goeth in to the Mouth defileth but that which cometh out†1293 so keep a good Tongue in your own Head you need n care who writes to you. Endorsement: 26 May 1781, Ad. Fergusson ― 266 ―

July 197. To William Pulteney MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Correspondent from provenance and contents o MS. Edinburgh 18th July / 1781 My Dear Sir

I write as you desired merely to tell you what is become of me. I continue to mend†1294. & I hope soon, taking the whole complicated case of my Diet†1295 & recovery together to be in a better Animal as well as Intellectual State than I was before m Illness. I am hastening to put my Papers on the Roman History in a form to go out of my hands whenever it is proper. And shall proceed to fill up my Lectures†1296 to the same Purpose And then I shall be at Liberty to / commit myself entirely to the newsp & watch the Affairs of the Nation. In the mean time I Observe it is said that Lord Cornwallis has joined Arnold†1297: but to what Purpose I know not And the thing certainly merits consideration. I have been regreting all the Way in my thoughts on the Road our Friend Gl Clerk is not in Parliament. A person may as well think to be of consequence in France without being a Gentleman here without being in Parliament. I own The Case occurs in both Countrys: but what a difference there is here. A Private Gentle may hunt a Minister for a whole Winter without being able to see him. A Member of Parliament demands an Interview at pleasu Private Gentleman can never see a Minister except formally & at an Audience, a Member of Parliament can catch / him familiar the House & fix his Ear in the time of dull Speeches & in the Intervals of Bussiness. The Minister shuns the Application of Stran He covets the Courtship of members of Parliament And fears to offend them†362. In Parliament without making long Speeches a person can discountenance nonsense with a very few Words And a Person who has once made an able Appearance in Parliam is a person of Authority within the whole Kingdom. Fools commonly consider every one who differs remarkably from themselves Private as a Madman. But the Publick one way or Other where they are the judges distinguish between a Fool & a Man of Part Sense. I have Sometimes thought it might be made a question at the Robin Hood†1298or some Other Such Place. Who incurs most contempt a Fool among wise men or a Wise Man among Fools? If the wise Man should not take care t Manage / his Superiority he will be in the worst case of the two. In Parliament a Man of Parts is independent of Fools or more than anywhere else. I hope that you will admit these Arguments as of Force And now that Gl C†1299 Health & every Circumstan makes the Ordinary†363 Attention of Parliament easy to him I ― 267 ― earnestly wish that some opportunity were seized to get a Seat: but of the matter I can say Nothing farther And say so much only to you a thinking of it in case it has not occurred. I am Dear Sir With the greatest Respect your most affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson

198. To John Douglas†1300 BL MS Egerton 2182 ff. 47-9, Letters to Bishop Douglas. Edinburgh 21st July 1781 Dear Sir We have at last made our Way to this Place†1301 through many halts & much slow travelling. The Route we took by Birmingham Manchester &c considered as ― 268 ― a Specimen of all England would give a very high Idea of your Industry & Skill in the use of Labour & consequently of your Numbers Wealth, fully equal to the Arduous Contest in which you are engaged. By the Way You did not seem to know when I was in the Sout much you owe to Lord Cornwallis†1302. He has gained the Victories & made the Marches we see in the Gazette without consuming Provisions from Europe. A Gentleman who is here & left him at Wilmington†1303 after having made the March / with him tells me so. paid Friends for what was taken from them And gave Ennemies Notorious or doubtful, receipts of which they may avail themselves hereafter in case of any mistake now made to their prejudice. The heavy and almost insufferable burden of this War comes from the Necessity of feeding an Army in America from Europe why it is not published that we have done without it in this case & may in othe Cases I do not conceive. But in this Zeal for National Affairs I must not forget what touches myself. In the first Place. The Pamphlet y showed to me at Windsor is but just now come to hand. Upon considering the Passage relating to me†1304 it appears that the autho would fairly insinuate that Dr Piercy†1305 had a cheat put upon him at Edr in which I was a principal Actor. This puts me upon my De & I can do no more than plead not guilty. I trouble you with a Copy of My Declaration†1306, if you chuse to permit me, I wish very mu should be†364 addressed to yourself & be†365 so published in the most Current of the News Papers. If that / should not be proper, le address be changed to the Publisher & if you will be so good as forward it with my signature†366 I will be Obliged to you. Dr Piercy I believe passed some Days with Dr Blair†1307 & I do not know what may have passed between them: but I never saw him but once. Although I do not remember the Authenticity of Ossian Poems was then Questioned, the Conversation certainly turned up Antient Poetry: for I remember very distinctly having Shown to Dr Piercy and even left with him Some Scrap or Scraps of Poetry the Earse Language as I myself had written them without any regard to the Supposed Orthography which I never acquired nor Attended to. If Dr Piercy is a keeper of Scraps he may have this still. Having long neglect and lost what I had picked up in this myself†367 I had got some such things both from Mr McPherson & from Mr Mc Lagan†1308 Chaplain to the 42d Reg't & cannot f memory distinguish which it was I gave to Dr Piercy. These Gentlemen I see are never to be convinced. If conjectural Evidence brought they call out for direct Testimony: If Testimony they call out / for the Ipsa Corpora†1309. If the Ipsa Corpora, then Mr Mc Pherson or some one Else has made a Translation into Earse from the Original English of Mr McPhersons Forgery. And I despa seeing the matter cleared up to their Satisfaction as neither Original nor Scotch much less highland Testimony is to be admitted there be no merit in those produc[tions] they ought to have been forgotten†368 long ago. If there is I wish we had the Supposed Originals. The Specimens I have seen apart from The ― 269 ― Curiosity of them are very Interesting as Efforts of the Imagination & the Heart Equal to any Poetry I know, & whether genuine or Spurious. I shall never be Ashamed of having mistaken them for Originals.

I am about to have the Roman History transcribed fair & am only Sorry I have not the means of Submitting it to your Inspection. I should be unwilling to make Booksellers risk their money without some better grounds than their belief of my Indus Talents. Mrs Ferguson joins in best respects to Mrs Douglass†1310. Yours most Sincerely Adam Ferguson ― 270 ―

199.To the London Newspapers Morning Chronicle, 4 August 1781, Public Advertiser, 4 August 1781, St James's Chronicle, 4-7 August 1781; reprinted in Gentleman's Magazine†1311, 51 (December 1781), p. 562, and in the Appendix to the second edition of W. Shaw, An Enquiry in Authenticity of the Poems ascribed to Ossian, London, 1782, pp. 81-2. Transcribed from the Gentleman's Magazine. In a pamphlet, intituled An Enquiry into the Authenticity of the Poems ascribed to Ossian, having read the following passa p. 45,—-'Mr Smith mentions Dr Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry, in which he says, the Doctor confesseth, that he himself hea pieces of it recited; and being compared with the translation, exactly corresponded. Dr Percy does not understand a syllable of ― 271 ― the Earse, and therefore could be no judge. The truth is, Dr Blair and Professor Ferguson, when Dr Percy was at Edinburgh, took ca introduce a young student from the Highlands, who repeated some verses, of which Professor Ferguson said such and such senten Fingal were the translation.' To prevent any inferences which might be drawn from my silence, I think it material to declare that the a passage, so far as it relates to me, is altogether false; and that I never was present at the repetition of verses to Dr Percy by a young student from the Highlands. Adam Ferguson Edinburgh, July 21, 1781 ― 272 ―

August 200. To Hugh Blair Copy of a letter from Dr Ferguson to Dr Blair, as from the Gentleman's Magazine, 52 (January 1782), pp. 12—13. This le appeared also in the Whitehall Evening Post, 8 January 1782. Edinburgh, 18 August 1781 Dear Sir, I have just seen in the hands of Dr Black the letter which you have received from Dr Percy, and am exceedingly vexed to have a difference on a matter of fact with a person whose character I so much respect; I did not imagine that Dr Percy, any mo than you, could have been affected by the late declaration relating to a passage in a pamphlet, on the authenticity of Ossian's Poems, farther than the repetition of your names, which were already made free with. If I had tho Dr Percy any way committed, I should certainly have troubled him with a copy of my declaration†1312, and waited his command before it was published. But it did not occur to me that he, any more than you, could be cited in support of any allegation which concerned me to deny. The most respectful thing I can now do to Dr Percy is to remind him, as far as my memory serves me, of the fact in the conversation which I had the honour to have with him. Among other subjects that of Earse poetry was mentioned, and I remem have shewn him, in my own hand-writing, some scraps which I had received from Mr James Macpherson, or from Mr Maclagga Chaplain of the 42d regiment. I remember a line, or expression, in which the Poet, describing the time and the scene, said, the of day was scorching the mountain, and that Dr Percy was pleased to say it was a Pleonasm, but a beautiful one. I remember have left the paper with Dr Percy, and have since lost every other copy of it. The difference between Dr Percy and me is perhaps not very material; no more, as he states it, than that he remembers I have forgot. If, nevertheless, what he pleased to publish shall seem to corroborate the charge which I have already thought m called upon to deny, I must recur to the intire sense and consciousness of my innocence, and renew my declaration, that I was present at the repetition of verses to Dr Percy by a young Student from the Highlands; and I give my denial in these positive te because I not only do not remember the repetition of verses in Earse, by a Student from the Highlands, by a Student upon that occasion, but because I do not remember the repetition of verses in Earse on any other occasion; and because, though intimate some students from the Highlands, I do not remember that any of them ever repeated verses in my presence beyond a ― 273 ― song or a catch; and this circumstance remains with me with respect to some of them, as a circumstance I noted; so that I am entire persuaded Dr Percy, in recollecting the passages of his few days stay at Edinburgh, must have jumbled together circumstances that point of time, were actually separate; the repetition of verses by a young Student, with the communication of verses in writing by me this supposition does not compose the difference, I must despair of being able to remove it, and must leave the matter to the candou those who are pleased to bestow any thought on me or my affairs. If I should be under the necessity of publishing any more on this subject, I shall, with your leave, send a copy of this lett the press. In the mean time, as I have not the honour of a personal correspondence with Dr Percy, must beg the favour that yo transmit it to him. I am, with great regard and esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and humble servant (signed) Adam Ferguson The Rev Dr Blair To the contents of this letter, I must now add, that although the facts stated by Dr Percy might be admitted on less autho than his, yet as they are entirely contrary to any feeling or recollection I have of the matter, and have been employed to convey very injurious imputation against me, he must excuse me, if I do not admit them. And if he still persist, that over and above the specimen of Earse poetry, which I gave him in my own hand-writing, I likewise procured a Student to recite other specimens to he will farther excuse me, if I insist, that every passage, of which the interpretation was vouched by me, was in truth what it wa given for. As he allows, that I may not have been conscious of any deception in what passed between the Student and him†131 must, in return, allow that he may not be conscious of any misrepresentation of the fact. But I cannot allow that he has made th

best use of his understanding, in thinking it credible, that any person, possessed of a decent character, could be concerned in s a cheat, as he supposes to have been practised upon him. Adam Ferguson| ― 274 ―

September 201. To [John Fletcher Campbell] NLS MS 16747 f. 55, Saltoun Papers. Correspondent from provenance and contents of the MS. Edinburgh 4th Septr 1781 My Dear Sir In compliance with your request intimated by Peter Robertson†1314: Carlyle has procured the Duke of Buccleughs†1315 R Sword & I here with inclose a Shape with the†3680 Dimensions of it both Blade & Hilt in Paper. You have three patterns. No 1 is Sword which I got made lately at Birmingham from a Pattern the Sword Slipper has by him & from which he told me that he ha supplied some Corps in the Service. It cost twelve shillings but what is mettal in the hilt is plated &c. It weighs without Scabbard you see marked upon the Paper†3681 one pound twelve ounces. No 2. Is the shape & Dimensions of the Duke of Buccleughs Sword The Blade seems to be Roman but The Hilt Gothick Modern. / It weighs without the Scabbard two pounds four ounces and a half. No 3 is the Shape of a Weapon I got made by a Cutler here from the Idea I had of Antiques & drawings &c from imitating too closely a wooden Pattern I gave him. The Cutler m the Blade too heavy & the Hilt was to be made proportional so that the whole weighs no less than four pounds ten ounces & a But to make up for this inconvenience it is a Most tremenduous Weapon at either thrust or Cut or rather knock down. My Idea f the use of Such Swords to a modern Soldier was to have in Place of a Scabbard a Parma†1316 or oval shield to hang by a Ho a little shoulder Belt reaching from the right shoulder to the left arm pit. That this shield should be broad enough to cover the P the Arm that carries it from the Elbow to the end of the Clenched fist. This I think in a man of considerable Size may be about Inches & in length it / may be about two feet. To Stretch the Arm forward will be enough to parry &c. The Pattern I have got ma much too strong & heawy resists a Ball &c being a Plate of Iron & two plys of bend leather. The one I mean to have made for Birmingham Sword No 1. Will be only a Plate of tinned Iron with one ply of bend Leather enough to resist a Stab or a Cut. I ha the Project of a Shield which is to include the Knapsack & resist a Musket Ball but this must be for Some Other Paper. You will expect to hear what is become of my tottering Nerves & Fibres†1317. As I continued to mend at Bath so I have g on since my Arrival in this Country & am wonderfully restored to my ordinary feelings so that making some allowance for the Di you saw me keep & which I still probably must continue I have much animal Strength & my poor Pittance of Intellectual ― 275 ― Strength in Statu quo†1318. I mean to / use either however but Sparingly. I am getting my History transcribed And will begin as soon can with Safety to put My Lectures†1319 in writing but cannot set my Face to the labour of Delivering them this winter. So much for th matters. I saw McPherson†1320 about five minutes when I was at London & our Other Correspondents about a certain bussiness all. I am something affraid your Announciation at Mr Edens†1321 may have been Mismanaged. I wrote to that effect as I hoped time to reach before you: but perhaps not & if you are to be at Dublin†1322 the Effect if Material may be still to come. Your Frie here are all well. Poor John Home is much mortifyed at some feeling of neglect. I pray you correct it. He is gone to the highlan see more of the Scene of the never ending War 45†1323. I have brought the Picture from Sir Joshua Reynolds†1324 it is a Mast Piece & greatly Admired. Believe me My Dear Sir your most Affectionate & most humble Servant / Adam Ferguson

202. To Hugh Blair Small, pp. 638-40. Edinburgh, 15th September, 1781 Dear Sir, I return Dr Percy's letter of the 10th inst.†1325, on this disagreeable subject, of the recital of Erse poetry. I am sorry he ha had so much trouble; but ― 276 ― cannot blame myself, as I am satisfied the trouble did not originate with me. I have in what is past, and shall continue in what may fo to confine myself strictly to what is necessary in my own defence. I found it alledged in print†1326, that Dr Percy had a cheat put upo when at Edinburgh, to which I was accessory. In such cases it is often argued that until such or such assertions be contradicted they be supposed true; and I did not choose that my character should rest upon that footing. I was free to deny any concurrence in the ch and even free to deny my having ever been present at any such scene as that in which the cheat was said to be practised. With resp to the last point, indeed, it may be thought that I could speak only negatively, and deny my having any memory of the transaction; an it is no doubt of all past transactions. But there are circumstances which entitle a person to be more or less positive. In this case the that is said to have been put upon Dr Percy could not be practised in my presence without my concurrence; and this every feeling of mind warrants me in denying in the most positive terms. As I never questioned the fidelity of Mr James M'Pherson in his publications was none of those who busied themselves in finding evidence of it. It has happened to me, indeed, to mention a very few particulars Erse poetry that were known to myself; and from my knowledge of which I had taken a very early impression of what mere genius, without the aid of literature or foreign models, may do where the human mind is free and the passions have scope in recital as well a action. I imagined that evidence of its power might have been found in every country if collected before language and manners had changed as to obliterate or efface its productions. There being any remnants of it in the Highlands of Scotland, I imputed to the man and language having changed less than they have done elsewhere in equal periods of time. Whether or no this be honourable for th people I will not at present try to determine. It appeared to me matter of some curiosity in the history of mankind, but very little as ma

of vanity to one corner of this island, much less of jealousy to any other corner of it. The scraps I showed to Dr Percy had a referenc this idea, not the fidelity of Mr M'Pherson's publications. And I was surprised to find myself, contrary to the general tenor of my feelin stated as a fabricator of evidence on that subject. I thought myself free to deny in very positive terms my having ever been present a repetition of verses to Dr Percy by a student from the Highlands; because I never knew a student who pretended to repeat any part specimen of Ossian's heroic poetry. And the mention of Mr John M'Pherson's name does not at all alter the state of my recollection, my memory of him is, among other particulars in which he is well known to me, that he never appeared to be in possession of any p Ossian's poetry. I well remember that he was in some degree a singer, though I do not recollect any particular song but one, which, very few words of any meaning, consisted chiefly of a chorus or burden, not more significant than ― 277 ― lullabolaro or derry down. If he repeated this or any other song that Dr Percy might hear the sound of the language, it is no wonder t should forget that circumstance, especially as I have totally forgot Dr Percy's visit with you at my house. But I hope that Dr Percy, no has seen his minutes, will be sensible that a person may mistake what he thinks he remembers, as well as another may forget what really passed. What he wrote from his memory in a former letter was, that I had sent for a student to your house†1327. What he write now is, that he came to the student at my house. Some other very easy mistake in the circumstances, if recollected, might acquit me entirely of any share in the imposition that was put upon Dr Percy. I confess that I was astonished at the ease with which this charge stated against me in the pamphlet which has given rise to this correspondence. If I had the honour of being sufficiently known to Dr I should certainly request that he would compare probabilities, and consider which is most likely, that I should be accessory to a che that he should mistake some material circumstance of a story sixteen years old. Although I may not be entitled to employ this plea w Percy, I certainly must be allowed to submit it, in case I am under a necessity of more publications, to persons to whom I am better known. There is certainly hitherto no reason to apprehend from me, as Dr Percy mentions, any improper desire of committing my na print. I appeared, from necessity, to prevent inferences which might be drawn from my silence against me. I do not pretend to set up affirmation against that of any other person; but as often as occasion is given to the same inference, I must appear again to the sam purpose. Dr Percy is pleased to say in the letter which I return to you, that if I persist in denying publicly the existence of a recital, &c must then be compelled, much against his will, to produce at large necessary proofs in support of his own affirmation†1328. Dr Percy be pleased to observe, that I do not pretend to know what recitals he may have had made to him. I only deny that I ever was presen any imposition put upon Dr Percy by any pretended recital of Erse, and that I ever was present at any such recital. I am persuaded t there are no proofs to the contrary, of which Dr Percy will not perceive the weakness the more he considers them. At any rate, he m sensible that if any such proofs are supposed, I cannot possibly consent to have them secreted. When they appear, I hope that I too proceed with temper and decency, although I have a little more at stake than Dr Percy, and have my integrity to defend against a mo unexpected attack, which it seems is to be carried on against me in support of his accuracy in conversation. / I am, with much obliga for your good offices in this business, dear sir, your most affectionate humble servant, Adam Ferguson ― 278 ―

November 203. To William Creech SRO, RH 4/26/1, no. 1/119/122. Address: To Mr Creech Bookseller Dear Sir As I have a little business on which I should be glad to converse with you and am confined by a Cold you would Oblige very much by calling here either now or any Other time today that may be most convenient for you. I am most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Argyle Square Wednesday Novr 7, 1781 Endorsed: Adam Ferguson Argyle Square 7 Nov. 1781

1782 January 204. To The Morning Chronicle From Shaw, Enquiry, Appendix, Second Edition, pp. 84-5 January 8, 1782 In an advertisement, dated Carlisle, November 10†1329, and signed Thomas Percy, the attention of the public is recalled, among other particulars, to a ― 279 ― declaration signed by me on the 21 of July last†1330. My sense of how little consequence the subject is to the public, would hinder m intruding myself again in this manner; and my very great respect for the station in which Dr Percy is placed would incline me to be si where I have the misfortune to differ from him on a matter of fact, if I did not apprehend that silence in this case might be interpreted against me. At the date of my former declaration, I had found myself charged in a pamphlet, on the authenticity of Ossian's poems, a accessory to a cheat which was put upon Dr Percy, in a recital of some pretended specimen of that poetry, by a young student the Highlands. Whoever may be the author of this charge, I thought and think myself entitled to say it is false.

I had many reasons likewise to deny my having ever been present at the recital of verses to Dr Percy by a young studen from the Highlands; and it caused me much surprise to find, in a correspondence on this subject, which took place between Dr and Dr Blair†1331, that Dr Percy had conceived of me as having not only been present at the recital of verses by a student, but sending for a student into his company, who, in a deliberate manner, passed upon him what he afterwards believed to be an imposition. Dr Percy may not have been aware of the part which he assigned to me in this imposition, as it depended upon an infere to be drawn from my knowledge of the Earse language; nor was it credible that he meant to apply it to a person for whom he s professed some esteem. But whatever may have been the idea, I flattered myself that upon recollection he would think it more probable that he himself had committed some mistake in the fact, rather than that I should have concurred in such a cheat. In t persuasion I wrote to Dr Blair the following letter, to be transmitted to him; and am now very sorry to publish this or any thing e on a controversy in which neither the attack nor the defence can do credit to any person whatever. [After transcribing the letter to Dr Blair, dated Edinburgh 18 August 1781, (see letter 200), Ferguson continues as follows To the contents of this letter I must now add, that although the facts stated by Dr Percy might be admitted on less autho than his, yet as they are entirely contrary to any feeling or recollection I have of the matter, and have been employed to convey very injurious imputation against me, he must excuse me, if I do not admit them. And if he still persist, that over and above the specimen of Earse poetry, which I gave him in my own handwriting, I likewise procured a student to recite other specimens to h he will farther excuse me, if I insist, that every passage, of which the interpretation was vouched by me, was in truth what it wa given for. As he allows, that I may not have been conscious of any deception in what passed between the student and him, I m in return, allow that he may not be conscious of any misrepresentation of the fact. But I cannot allow that he has made the bes ― 280 ― use of his understanding, in thinking it credible, that any person, possessed of a decent character, could be concerned in such a che he supposes to have been practised upon him†1332. Adam Ferguson

April 205. To James Chalmer NLS MS 968 f. 125. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Leicester Square, London. Blackheath 22d April 1782 Dear Sir At my return from Bath on Saturday evening I found it necessary that I should stay a week or two about London before I to Scotland & chuse to pass as much of that time at this place for the benefit†369 of the Air, as I can. As this is about the time Lord Chesterfields people of Bussiness may be expected to make their half yearly Payment you will please to let me know ― 281 ― what passes. Direct for me†370 at Mrs Atkinss near the Hare & Billet on Blackheath. The penny post†1333 I am told is the best conve hither. I am your most Obedient humble Servant / Adam Ferguson To James Chalmer Esq.r

June 206. To [William Strahan] MS Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Gratz Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent iden from contents. Edinburgh June 13/1782 Dear Sir As I perceive that something must have†371 happened to prevent my Manuscript†1334 going to the Press at the time you proposed; I shall be glad to know the present State of it & when I may expect a proof sheet, as I must take care not to be out Way during any part of the bussiness. I have intimation of Leave to dedicate to the King†1335 & shall in due time send you the in which I mean to profit by it. The fifth and Sixth books are under review & correction. Least a fit opportunity should not offer to send the whole at once I shall have a Copy / taken to go in separate Packets by the Post. Be so good as advise me what is to be done in case†372 the Dissolution of Parliament which is so much talked of should take place. And whether we may trust to the Franks of the Post masters during the interval of Parliaments. I have set one of ou Artists here†1336 to work in Sketching some Maps, but I find it difficult to give both the general views & the Particular Scenes w wish for; you shall know what occurs in the progress of the bussiness. I most sincerely wish you joy of your late news from the Indies. They may help us to procure Friends or to make peace with our Enemies. I would heap Mr Rodney†1337 with Rewards, only for his own Sake, but as Voltair said of Mr Byng†1338 pour encourager les Autres.†374 / Here is miserable weather scarcely a day of Summer continual returns of ― 282 ― east Wind & Rain. Your Friends of this Place are all well. I beg My Complts to Mr Strahan†1339 & Mr Cadel.

I am Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson

207. To William Strahan MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Encloses the engravings after the portrait of Ferguson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, printed in the Roman Republic, and after the portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn, which now hang the Old Senate Hall, Old College, Edinburgh. Edinburgh 18th June 1782 Dear Sir I returne the first Proof†1340 & thank you most sincerely for the attention you have bestowed upon it. I hope you will alwa find me very ready to profit by your hints or corrections. When you proposed a change I have adopted it: or where you express doubt have endeavoured to give some other turn to the expression. ― 283 ― I send it to the Post tonight but may not always have this in my Power, your Post may not arrive so early nor my labours so light. I wrote to you on Thursday†1341 last wishing to know what your Packet of today has told me. I suspected that all your hands might be laid up with the Influenza or as one of my Correspondents calls it the news paper Fever which seems to / Spre far any news paper can procure any Intelligence. We had a report yesterday of a great addition made by Lord Rodney†1342 to his former Victory & Captures, come by Ves from Jamaica into Clyde: but I have not heard what todays Post brings & need not inquire for your Information you will have it i from Other Quarters. Wishing Success to our Work & our Correspondence I am Dear Sr your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Wm Strahan Esqr

July 208. To William Strahan MS Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Dreer Collection, English Prose Writers. Transcribed from a photocopy of the origi Edinburgh 4th July 1782 Dear Sir I am much obliged to you for your Admonitions both general & particular†1343, as you may see from the use I make of th The danger is that I change too much. Hitherto I hope that the Number of Types or Letters is not much changed but be so goo tell me when I am likely to tresspass too far. My manner of writing exposes me to this need of correction to the last moment; Th first draft is always made very rapidly in order to overtake the matter ― 284 ― which is likely to escape me. In this work my Object was to state the Subject. & I thought simplicity the greatest beauty of Stile. If I co attain to Purity as well as perspicuity all would be well. In this I hope you will continue your Assistance. When I come before the Pub shall hope for Indulgence. But the time to indulge me in any thing I can correct is not yet come. The Death of our Worthy Friend Dr Blair†1344 is to me a very real Affliction. The Effect of it to his young Family will conti to be Felt. By one letter in which it is mentioned, he is said to have died Suddenly; but I have not yet got any particulars. My Complts to Mr Strahan & to Mr Cadel when you see him. I am / Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Willm Strahan Esqr

209. To William Strahan MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: To William Strahan Esqr. Edinr 15 July 1782 Dear Sir I returned the proof sheets†1345 which I received on the 12th by the same post & then likewise gave my immediate determination on the question which you proposed relating to the delay of our publication for another year: you will possibly still expect my more deliberate Judgement upon it. The Gentlemen you mentioned†1346 & most of my literary Friends are in the Cou or away in excursions to a distance And indeed if they were here, I could not in this state of a Bussiness so interesting to me b governed by any Other than the decided feelings of my own mind. From my Friends I have already had the most unequivocal encouragement to think as I do in forming the Resolution I have taken. I have been about twelve years employed on this Subje

Efforts indeed have been directed chiefly to the matter: but the Stile I trust is plain & manly, if it does not abound in the orname Composition it is probably not the less worthy of a Subject which is far above such ornaments. The want ― 285 ― of them is an effect not of my failure but of my / Choice. I wished even where the grounds of Applause or Censure are evident to lea the application of them to the Reader Content to relate, to state the transaction, & to specify Characters without intruding with my Judgement. This sort of retention which I think proper to History I have not been always able to Observe even when perhaps most p & the performance must come forth with this & other defects on its head. If it come with reports & prejudices against it: it may not me with a fair reading but it will sometimes or Other meet with what it deserves & this is all I am entitled to wish†1347. Simplicity & plainness of Stile I confess do not imply negligence or want of Care. The Stile of Xenophon†1348 I believe w studied as much as that of Isocrates†1349 tho to a different & a better purpose. I pant after propriety & purity more than I ever can reach. I have great confidence in your Ear accustomed to a better Dia than my own & in your Eye accustomed to the minute inspection of the best writings. I have seized your Amendments greedily felt the propriety of them / for the most part, & even where I should not myself have felt the necessity of a change, gave way to better discernment. It was sufficient that I did not perceive my meaning Suffer by it, I took it for granted the expression was bett But if the changes I myself have proposed be too much I pray you will admonish me: for I am willing to risk the Publication with corrections as the press may require or such as are practicable & easy. I do take very kindly your Solicitude on the question of delay. You promised that I should be Obliged to you & you have k your Word. The 12th proof sheet is this moment Arrived with the King's Speech†1350 for which thank you and am glad to see an of Such a Session. The post has been late of coming & I wish I may be able to return the Proof with this. In the mean time I fin my Letter / And am Dear Sir / your most Obedient / & most humble Servant / Adam Ferguson ― 286 ―

September 210. To William Strahan MS Haverford College Library, the Quaker Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Edinburgh 24th Septr 1782 Dear Sir I have received no Proofs†1351 since the 18th & was somewhat alarmed least any untoward accident had happened: but now glad to see your Name on two packets received yesterday & today with Sheets of the Fair Copy. The Interruption is probab owing to some incidental Bussiness, & considering the kind attention you give me I must complain of Nothing: But you probably not consider or know that my bussiness at College begins about the middle of November & that it would be of the greatest consequence to me to have as much of this work then over & as little to do after that time as possible. This makes me languish every proof sheet that comes. In the mean time to be doing something I send you my Dedication†1352 with Copies of Lord Shelburnes Letters or / Messages to My Friend Mr Greville authorising me to prefix it. I send you likewise Copy of an Advertisement†1353 respecting the use I have made of Geographical names Antient or Modern. This likewise may be prefixed. I now received all the sheets of the first Volume except one which was overlooked in making up the Packet I received yesterday. Sheet 3M from page 448 to page 457 is missing be so†375 good as remind your People to send it. Now I have got the Whole t Sheet stitched together & cut I can go over it more carefully & if there be any Errata which I suspect chiefly in the Quotations to which I gave least attention in the Proofs I will send you a Note of them & the whole together with the above Dedication & Advertisement may be printed on the same Sheet with the title page. As I suspect this first Vol. will be the thinnest, It may not b improper to annex the†376 Index of / each Separately†1354. Each of the volumes as I now project will have a Map†1355; the Sec Volume will have four Maps or Plans. The sooner & ― 287 ― the faster the press goes on the better. I am in the mean time with many thanks for your past attention & hopes of the future. Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Wm Strahan Esqr

October 211.[o [William Strahan] MS Haverford College Library, the Quaker Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent identifi from provenance and contents. Edinburgh 12th Octr 1782 Dear Sir I wish with all my heart that the addition you mention were made & the time may come when I may endeavour to accom it. But you will please to consider that it is actually one of the most Interesting parts of the Imperial History, that I should be obli instead of breaking off into general Reflections at the Accession of Caligula†1356 to continue the detail through his Reign that of Claudius†1357 & Nero†1358, with the great Contest that Followed to the Victory of Vespasian†1359. This Reign with that of Titus† Domitian†1361, & so on to the Blessed Scene which opened with Nerva†1362 & which I should be happy to be able to represent

I am affraid the Materials are†377 fit to furnish Characters of men & opinions of things rather than detail. / For the present at an Rate the attempt is impossible. My College Bussiness which begins next month, altho it admits of what may be done by Snatch altogether ― 288 ― inconsistent with the pursuit of any continued & uninterrupted Series of Subjects. I am now engaged in a bussiness of years, but wh may fall in with my labours in the College as they come, to put in writing what I used to give there in the form of Prelections†1363. I am forbid much writing with my own hand & therefore try a new method of dictating to a Clerk. I am much Obliged to M Gibbon†1364 for wishing to have my hand come So near his Work & if the Publick do me the Honour to bear with a Second Ed should think myself very well employed. However the Reception that may be given to past Labours will very much determine wh to be done with respect to any Continuance. / As to my diligence in forwarding the proofs, I should certainly be very earnest to the work go on with the least possible interruption, if it were only to catch you so long as you are in the mind to give me your Attention and Assistance And since you have done so well & will very near have Swallowed the Cow by & by, I hope you will n worry on the Tail. As to the Period of my History as it stands if you have looked at the last part of the Manuscript you will see i Completed to my Idea†378 landing the Roman Republick to a compl[ete]†379 Revolution in a confessed & hereditary Monarchy. If the Publick call for more however I shall be very glad to be able to furnish it. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 289 ―

November 212. From Christopher Wyvill MS County Record Office, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, ZWF 7/2/28/14. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original, w is, apparently, a copy kept by Wyvill for his own use, the original having been sent to Ferguson. On the same day, 14 Novembe 1782, Wyvill sent similar letters to Chief Baron Montgomery, to Mr Crosby, to Dr Gilbert Stuart. Copies of them in the same MS. Burton Hall†1365 Novr 14th 1782 Sir Having been long accustomed, from the General Spirit of your writings, to consider you as a Sincere and Zealous friend Constitution of our Country, I take the liberty to transmit to you the inclosed Proposal of the Yorkshire Committee†1366 for a Gen Reformation of Parliament, in respect both to its frame and duration; and also, for the extension and better regulation of the Rig Election to Parliament throughout the Kingdom. It would Give the Yorkshire Gentlemen the Greatest Satisfaction to find their propositions are honoured with your approbation, and that of the Committee of Edinburgh; or any other Public Body of men to w you may have the goodness to communicate them. I have the honour to be, sir with Great Respect your most Humble Servant C. Wyvill Professor Ferguson ― 290 ―

213. To the Duke of Montagu†1367 MS William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Shelburne Papers, 83:21. Transcribed from a photocopy of the orig       Memorandum 

Edinburgh 15 Novr 1782  To His Grace  The Duke of Montagu  from Dr Ferguson  at Edinburgh 

A Gentleman in whose ingenuity, the writer of this memorandum has much Confidence, says, that he knows of a method attack against which Gibraltar is not provided, & by which of course it might be taken by the Enemy. The Defence, if known mig defer the event or oblige the besiegers to repeat their attack with disadvantage; but could not in the end prevent the effect of it. He farther professes to know of means that may be employed to keep vessels afloat, when in danger of sinking at Sea, which would be effectual to raise the Royal George†1368 now sunk at Spithead†1369. Adam Ferguson

214. To William Strahan MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: To William Strahan Esqr. My Dear Sir I am not at all Surprised that you should lose patience or that I who abuse it should be scolded: but I hope that matters turn better at least that they

― 291 ― are coming to an end, Seriously I am exceedingly Obliged to you for your Continu[e]d attention: I have been considering often in wh terms I could thank you; for I never felt my Obligation more in all my Life: but I hope that you are a Stock holder just now and that yo be rewarded / for your good deeds even in this life. I pray you mark me among the next corrections†1370 if we are to have Peace. I / Dear Sir your most / Obedient & most humble / Servant / Adam Ferguson Edinr 30th Novr 1782

December 215. To Christopher Wyvill MS County Record Office, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, ZW7/2/28/22. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Prin C. Wyvill, Political Papers, IV, Paper XVIII, pp. 215-16. Address: To The Revd / Mr Wyvill / Burton Hall / Yorkshire by York. Edinburgh, 2d Decr 1782 Revd Sir you have done me a great deal of honour, in making me the conveyance of a proposal from the Committee of Associatio the County of York†1371, for a reformation of Parliament, & for the extension and better regulation of the right of Election to Parliament throughout the Kingdom†380. I took the first opportunity my Health would allow to communicate the contents of your Packet to Mr Ilay Campbell a Gentleman of the first Character in this Country, who, I understood was employed in preparing the Draft of a Bill relating to the right of Election in Scotland. And am desired to return his thanks to you and the Other Gentlemen Yorkshire Committee. This matter is under consideration here, chiefly with a view to reform a Supposed abuse / which has rece crept into the manner of constituting qualifications to vote at County Elections. Persons having extensive Superiorities in this pa the Kingdom, parcel them out to their retainers & Friends in such manner as to multiply Votes without increasing the number of Voters. The person who confers these qualifications being understood to dispose of the ― 292 ― Votes as he pleases. Of those concerned in this reform, many no doubt are willing to reduce the qualifications of voters so as to incr their number: but this like many other reformations, I am told, must be the work of time & some caution. My own earnest wish has lo been, that we had the same Law of Parliament with you as far as relates to County Elections: but I confess that I do not hope ever to obtain it. I am very happy that my writings make me be considered as a Sincere friend / of the Constitution: being so little able to it in practice the least I can do is to pay it all due respect in my Speculations. One of its beauties is that it can withstand many without being overthrown. I know nothing so likely to be fatal to it as the weakness & Cowardice of those on whom its preserva depends. And I sincerely believe that to preserve the rights of the people the Vigour of the Crown is not less necessary than th own. To make us as happy, as our Constitution woud admit of, requires indeed many other conditions, which I hope we shall lo improve or retain. I have the honour to be with / great Respect / Revd Sir / your most Obedient / humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: From Professor Ferguson   Dec. 2. 1782 / Paper 18 

1783 January 216. To [William Strahan] MS Massachusetts Historical Society, Norcross Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent identified from contents (see letter no. 212). Dear Sir In this & two Other packets that go by this post I inclose a list of errata, on to the 321 page of the 3d Vol, so far only the copy has come to my hands, if any more should occur in the Subsequent parts I will endeavour to send them in time. Together the errata I inclose The Table of Contents, the five books transcribed from the printed Copy & at every chapter referring to the p The contents of the†381 Sixth book are transcribed from a Manuscript ― 293 ― & could not refer to the page: but this defect the Compositor I hope will Supply from the Printed†382 Copy which by the time he come this will have been in his hands. How far such a table as I send will be useful or acceptable to the reader you will please judge & determine accordingly; my health & engagements would not permit my attempting any thing more. These particulars will find room enough in the first Vol. The Order as appears to me Should be the Dedication - The Tab Contents - The / Advertisment, which I sent you some time ago†383 about the Geographical names.†1372 And the Errata. In the last there are some, undoubtedly defects of the Manuscript rather than the Press.

You will find by a Letter from Mr Bell†1373 by this Post that the Plates with the Impressions he took of some of the maps now sent off. I was willing to hasten the arrival of the Plates as much as possible & therefore have sent them by the Stage Coa paying the Carriage here. I have had them carefully packed in two Cases, to bear the violent motion to which they will be expos the Coach. If they should go safe there will be some danger in opening the Cases as every Vacuity is filled up with Slips of woo glued in. The Plates are wrapped up in Paper & this will help to distinguish them in forcing open the inner box which must be d very cautiously to avoid mischief be so good as caution the workman who opens them of all this. The Coach they go by, puts u Mr Wilsons the Swan with two Necks Lad Lane London†383 / You may expect them to arrive on Wednesday the 15th & I am promised they will be delivered to you on Thursday the 16th Inst.——-Mr Bell will inform you that he has at the same time sent packing Box with some of the impressions he had taken &c. This I am affraid you will not receive before the 30th. The waggon up in Basing hall Street. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Edinburgh / Janry 9th 1783 Endorsed: Dr Ferguson & Mr Bell on Plates ― 294 ―

217. To [William Strahan] MS Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent identified from letter 214. Edinburgh 23d January/1783 Dear Sir Before I had the very great Satisfaction of your last of the 18th past†1374, I looked impatiently for the time at which I shou repeat my thanks for the continuance of your kind attention to my publication. I am very sensible that if this work should meet w favourable reception, much will be owing to that attention & to the indulgence with which you favoured me in my manner of trea the proofs. I inclose all that occurs to me for the Title page†1375. You will please to consider whether the reference to my forme publication will help to make / me known or any way contribute to set off this. I am / Dear Sir / with the most sincere Respect / & Esteem / your most Obliged / humble Servant / Adam Ferguson

March 218. To [William Creech] SRO RH 4/26/1, nos 1 / 119-122. Argyle [Square] 5th March 1783 Dear Sir I wished to have called upon you today but the Air is so cold that I dare not venture into the Streets. Be so good as let m know if you have any accounts from London of any Parcel of the Roman History sent to you or when it is to be expected. I am of some periodical Publication Review or Magazine in ― 295 ― some / of the last numbers of which there is a Life of Mr Logan at Leith†1376: this I mention as a mark of the publication I mean: be s good as send me so many of the late numbers as you have & order the coming numbers for me. I am your most Obedt humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Adam Ferguson Argyle Square 5 March 1783

April 219. To [William Creech] EUL MS Gen. 1733/93. Correspondent from contents. Edinburgh April 27, 1783 Dear Sir I was informed last year by a Friend†1377, who was then at the Court of Brunswick, That The Duke did me the honour to mention me as an Author, and it was Suggested at the Same time that if I should publish more it might be considered as a pro mark of respect to send a Copy to His Highness' Library. I wish for an opportunity to do so & have mentioned the Commission to some of my Friends here who are going to the Continent particularly Sir James Hall†1378 and my Colleague Mr Dugald / Stuart†1379 who attends Lord Ancram†1380 in an excu abroad. Either of them if he goes by Brunswick will take charge of a Copy of my History†1381 And you will be so good as deliver my Account. I should be glad it were bound Simply & elegantly but not finely. And marked

    'For His Serene Highness  The Duke of Brunswicks  Library from the Author'  I am Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 296 ―

220. From Lord Glencairn†1382 NLS MS 16736 f. 201, Saltoun Papers. Lord Glencairn presents respectful Copts to Professor Ferguson takes the liberty of honouring him with the inclosed†1383 sent to General F. Campbell if he shoud be gone to London it contains letters to be delivered by the General to Lords Graham† Maitland†1385 and Mahon.   Edgerston†1386 May 13  

The general will be so good as 

  Seal the two letters sent open.      Ld G.†1387 cannot send a proper flying  seal as he has not a seal with  his arms here.  Endorsed: Lord Glencairn 1783 Professor Ferguson ― 297 ―

May 221. To [John Fletcher Campbell] NLS MS 16736 f. 203, Saltoun Papers. Correspondent from provenance and contents. My Dear Sir I have just now received the inclosed Packet from Lord Glencairn†1388 & tho I flatter myself I may see you before you se for the South I send this packet to find you if possible immediatly that I may not be obliged to send it after you by post. I was g be told in answer to my last inquiries that you was gone to the Country. I am your most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Argyle Square 15 May 1783

222. To [?William Eden] NLS MS 2257 f. 16. Correspondent from contents and internal evidence. Edinburgh 23d May 1783 My Dear Sir I have sent to My Lord Carlisle the original of which the inclosed†1389 is a Copy. And must repeat to you what I have mentioned to his Lordship, that I distinctly remember the particulars for which Mr Holland†1390 referrs to my knowledge; And tha other parts of his representation are agreeable to what I was made to understand when at New York. He is pleased to desire th would add any things farther that my / recollection of his Services may Suggest. But I am sensible that the case is Sufficiently affecting not to need my assistence if the protection Mr Holland Sollicits depend on your feelings. I am to take the opportunity to thank you on account of my Brother, who in writing to me of the Continuance of favour to imputes it to you†1391 & Sir ― 298 ― Grey Cooper, And I beg that you will accept of My Acknowledgements joined to his. I have the honour to be with great Respect My Dear Sir your most Obliged & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson

September 223. To William Strahan EUL MS Gen. 1731/20. Edinburgh 22d Septr 1783 Dear Sir My having been abroad on an excursion for some weeks has delayed my troubling you as you will find I have done by th post. Six months being elapsed on the first Ins't from the Publication of my History of the Roman Republick; I have according to agreement drawn upon you to Mansfield & Co'†1392 at twenty days after date for a thousand pounds. I mentioned this matter to Mr Creech who thought I should proceed in this manner leaving the partners / to settle this wit other particulars of the transaction among themselves. I am Dear Sir / with great Regard your most obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson William Strahan Esqr 416:13:4 Wm Ss' 416:13:4 F.C. 166:13:4 Th. Creech ———— 1000:(:0†13920 ― 299 ―

October 224. To Alexander Adam†1393 NLS MS 9657 f. 28, Dickson Autographs. Address: To Mr Adam, Rector of the High School, Edinburgh. Argyle Square 2d October 1783 Dear Sir I must insist on not seeing the inclosed any more & that†384 matters may proceed for this year in the ordinary way. I wish that I were a great Prince with a great Revenue & fewer outlets for money that I might deal more nearly in proport what I think of Peoples merits. In the mean time I am your most / Obedient & / most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Note at the foot of the page: 'P. S. I had attended Dr Ferguson's the first year he taught the Natural Philosophy Class, 17 60, gratis.... two years after, when in Watson's hospital, I offered him a fee, but he would not accept it. When his son Adam cam my class in the H[igh] S[chool] I requested he would allow me to return his favour; but next year when I sent back his first quar received this letter'. Endorsed: Dr Adam Ferguson, Edinburgh 2 Oct. 1783; and again, in Adam's handwriting: Dr Ferguson 2 Oct. 1783 return his son Adam's quarter payment. ― 300 ―

225. To [James Chalmer] NLS MS 8886 f. 84. Correspondent identified from contents and internal evidence. The endorsement is similar to the one letters 361 and 392, in Chalmer's handwriting. Edinburgh 20th Octr 1783 Dear Sir you may possibly think that I am forgetting you like your Other Correspondents of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; but Michaelmas†1394 must remind me. I knew exactly the State of your bussiness on receiving your Letter: but our Society very unl trading Company that has Stopt Payment has never yet begun to pay & when they do I hope will never Stop. They have had only one meeting for the first Forms & they have established a Fund for their expence but how productive has yet become I know not. The Person for you to correspond with / I believe is Mr Keith younger of Ravelstone†1395 at Edr who has accepted the O of Treasurer. The Society is to meet for Bussiness on the first Monday of Novr. It will be proper that your Account be then prese & you will either transmit it to Mr Keith in time for that purpose, or if you have formerly sent it to any person here cause them produce it, tho I think it should bear interest & therefore a fresh Copy will be best. Be so good as make the usual Call on Lord Chesterfield's Agents†1396. I am Dr Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Ferguson   

Edinr  r. Octr 24. 1783 

― 301 ―

December 226. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc 41/46-62, no. 50. MS of one sheet, torn on the left side. Argyle Square 24 Decr 1783 Dear Carlyle your Letter has put me into such a Flutter, that I dont know what to Answer to it. Suffice it, for the present, to say [th]at h been tempted on Friday last to venture through the Storm of an Edr Sedan Chair to dine with Sir James Grant†1397 where I dra Cannongate Water & fed up Country Potatoes Turnips & Cabbages was put to bed at night in a fever [which con]tinued†385 ill f eight & forty hours†386 then what would happen if I [should?]†387 Suffer myself to be driven to [Muss]elburgh†388 by your desire The Proposal makes me Shudder, and its coming from you makes my blood run Cold. If you have any Sinister intentions on my I pray you may have a Sight†389 of your Sins, & be forgiven: but such round about ways are not necessary; yo[u] need not take Hammer to break an Egg, as the Saying is. You have only, the first time you Come to Town, to bring a Pair of Bellows in your Pocket & blow the Smallest blast into any Cor[ner]†390 of Argyle Square, my bussiness is†391 your Blood thirsty designs a[ccom]plished†392. And so no more at this†393 but like Compliments from my†394 Spouse who feeds on decoction of†395 & cal Tea. yours &c A.F. Endorsed: 24 Decr 1783 Prof. Fergusson ― 302 ―

1784 April 227. To [William Strahan] NLS MS 5174 f. 1. Correspondent from contents, as from letter 223, and as from Appendix K. Edinburgh 2d March / 1784 Dear Sir As our second term of payment†1398 is come I have drawn upon you of this Date payable at twenty Days after Date for This is the time of Payment which gives me Par here. And I hope that this Advice will find Publick Affairs verging towards some settlement that we may cease to be what I am told we are the derision of Europe. I forgot to Mention that My Bill is to Messrs Mansfield Ramsay & Co. I am Dear Sir with great Regard your most Obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson

228. To James Chalmer EUL MS La. II. 242. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr in Buckingham Street, York Buildings†1399, London. Edinburgh April 10th/1784 Dear Sir As there was little chance of my being in London & I forsaw the necessity of a transaction relating to my Book†1400; I se you the Copies annexed to my last although I did not clearly see what part you should take in the matter immediately. Even in Answer to your Letter†1401 I must proceed on Suppositions, which at this distance I cannot verify, & of which even on the Spot should probably not be a Competent judge. If my Book has had its utmost ― 303 ― sale, it would be very improper for me to grasp at a profit to the hurt of my Booksellers: But if the most profitable part of the Sale is y come either from the lasting demand for it or from their exertion when it becomes their absolute property, I ought not, in justice to my family, to†396 forgo any part of the advantage, that is justly due to me. Messrs Strahan & Cadell have the reputation of fair & / liberal dealers, & I must continue to think they deserve it untill I have reason to think otherwise. Please to let them know that I wish to come definitive Bargain, & try on what terms they are willing to conclude the transaction. I am willing to accommodate them in deferring th term of payment hereafter as may be fit and reasonable. In other respects our Agreement of Febry 28. 1782†1402 I think ought to be basis. As to the Evidence of their having performed the conditions of that egreement I must for the present suppose so, altho if agreement†397 were to be strictly fulfilled they would probably offer such Evidence as the case would admit of; what that eviden I know not & must Submit to you & to them. I cannot entertain any doubt of their having taken the proper Steps to secure the c right to whomsoever it shall be assigned: but as this is probably matter of record, you can / easily know it. I ought probably to have mentioned in my last, that I mean my letters on this Subject to be confidential & Secret.

I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Serv't Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Professor Ferguson   Edinr April 14. 1784 

― 304 ―

August 229. To Thomas Cadell [the Elder] BLO MS Montagu D 7, f. 187. Address: To Mr Caddell Bookseller in the Strand, London. Sir Be so good as furnish Mr Clason†14020 with a Copy of The History of the Progress & Termination of the Roman Republic my Account. I am your most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Edinburgh, August 10th 1784

230. To William Pulteney MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Address: William Pulteney Esqr at Bath. Edinburgh 11 August 1784 Dear Sir I write to you in consequence of a conversation I have had with Mr John Clerk†1403 whose office of Secretary to the Commission of Annexed Estates†14031 determines on the proposed restitution of these Estates to the heirs of the former Proprie This very laudable measure I confess will cause some regret to me, if it ends in turning Mr Clerks Ardour & Ingenuity aside from Publick Service in which I thought they were likely to be usefull. What Provision it may be thought reasonable to make for him u the Reduction I know not: But I am satisfied that with respect to the Objects to which / publick money is destined in the change which is now†398 to be†399 made his usefulness may be greater than it was likely to be in the former Establishment. His Relations, not very wisely perhaps, in laying the Plan of his Life entered him first as a Student of Medicine, then cha his destination to ― 305 ― that of a Merchant, next for that of an Undertaker in Coal Works, but in all these Capacities his thoughts turned upon Works & undertakings more fit for the Publick than himself, Canals & Fisheries, not to mention Naval Tacticks & the fighting of Battles at Sea. than†400 one of his Brothers were†401 Engineers. Four†402 lost their Lives†403 in the publick Service so it was thought impossible th also could be destined to serve the publick in any such Way. The Consequence is that his genius has been continually pointing to on Sort of Objects & his Lot fixing him to another: But was in hopes that his Situation under the / Commission of Annexed Estates migh open some way for it; nor do I think by any means that these hopes ought now to be laid aside. If the Publick now adopt the Forth & Canal†14032 & set about nursing the Fisheries, Mr Clerk may be a most useful Agent in both, And I would fain think he may be contin in the publick Service†404 without any Other Change than that of being employed to inspect the publick concern in the inland Naviga & fisheries. Whether he be employed or no, I doubt he will think of nothing else for some years to come, & he appears to me to have sound & Ingenious conceptions on both these Subjects. But if I mistake not you know him nearly as well as I do, and can distinguish this Account, what may be ascribed to personal kindness & what to conviction of Judgement. I certainly would not endeavour to pas one of these upon you for the Other, And am willing to risk the / whole of my Credit with you upon this point that Mr Clerk will be a m useful Agent for it the Publick in what they do to compleat the inlan[d] navigation from Sea to Sea & to promote the†405 Fisheries. This matter being So stated to the best of my judgement, I am next to intreat, that My Agent Mr Chalmer being soon to conclude my transaction with the Booksellers, may be allo[wed] to wait upon you with some Account of the matter before it is e It is of little consequ[ence] to the publick but not so to me: and it will [give] a great Satisfaction to me, to have your Approbation what we do. I am with the greatest Respect Dear Sir your most affecti[onate] & most humble Serva[nt] Adam Ferguson ― 306 ―

September 231. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell†1404 NLS MS 16737 f. 45. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell at Boguhan†1405. Edr 30th Septr 1784 My Dear Sir

Here is weather which puts an end to my Charioteering, I am affraid, for the Season. I have waited a few days to see if woud change but as what I can use only in fair weather may serve at Boguhan as a provision against foul weather I detain it no longer. We are devouring your fruit, young & old, The Season must have been better with you than here. Otherwise it would no have grown & ripened So well without Fire & Glass neither of which I recollect you employ. J. Home is to be a week or two longer / in the Country, as I am told, & soon after his return here will go to London. We most of us Sick in this house but for Sick people are doing pretty well. The bearer will carry your Commands to Town. I am My Sir your most affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1784 Adam Fergusson ― 307 ―

October 232. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 55. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell of Boghuan by Stirling. Argyle Square 27 Octr / 1784 Dear Sir you may believe that Since I received your intimation of a desire to be lodged for the winter Somewhere in this Side of th Town I have not neglected to inquire if there was any Sort of House to be had. I have not been very Successful: but am this M told that Mrs Betty Johnstones†1406 house in what we call the Society very near hear is to be left furnished. It is a Storey in a L The Rooms are a Dining Room Small drawing Room two bed Chambers & a Kitchen as I am told very well furnished. The Neighbours that is to Say the People over head are two†406 Old Women who neither Spin nor make any noise whatever. I have made no inquiry about the Rent but shall if you desire it. John Home has been returned to Edr sometime and is / gone Again fo few Days to burry his Father in Law Mr Home at Foggo uncertain when he may return. The Old horse Arrived safe upon his ow Legs. And when it is a tolerable day I almost repent having returned your chaise so faithfully. But winter is now so much in earn with us that it is likely I shall not drive any more before Lady Day†1407. Who is here but General Clerk. My Infirmities absolutely prevent my trotting after him or meeting him any where except when he calls for a little here: but I hope for a compleat set dow from him before he goes away. Send me your Orders if you have any about the House it is possible you may have been in it perhaps to see John Johnstone who used to be there with his Sister. I am Dear Sir your most Affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1784 Adam Ferguson ― 308 ―

233. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 231. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell. No date, but received by the NLS among 1786 pap and preserved in the same order. Nevertheless the internal evidence, Fletcher Campbell's looking for an accommodation in Edinburgh, while in the following ones he appears as staying in Milton House, Canongate, suggests that it refers to the winter 1 5, and immediately follows no. 232. [1784] Dear Sir Mrs Johnstones Maid was here looking for you once or twice last night. We could tell her only not to be out the way this morning, which I suppose she will mind. Mr Thomson†1408 on the Calton Hill is empowered to let the house & will inform of the Terms. yours &c A: Ferguson Argyle / Wednesday Morning Endorsed: Argyle Square   Adam Fergusson 

1785 February 234. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 81. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell. Argyle Sqr Tuesday morning 1st Febry 1785 Dear Sir I wished to have got Speech of you yesterday to beg the Favour you would help at a party which is to be here at dinner Friday next. The Company is Mrs Mure†1409 & one of her Daughters the Principal & his Family, And for your encouragement on his Sons†1410 is come from India lately by Land & can tell of the Turks & Saracens so do not fail to engage yourself.

― 309 ― I am but a Sorry Landlord & this weather is likely to make me Still more Sorry yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1785 Adam Ferguson

April 235. To John Macpherson Records, pp. 162-3. Edin., 16th April 1785 My Dear Sir, Since your last to me I have ventured to give some introductory letters to oblige my friends here, and I am sensible that ought to spare you a trouble which your situation will draw upon you most abundantly; but the bearer of this has too strong a c upon me to be resisted. He is the son†1411 of my brother, one of the honestest men that ever lived. He was born in America, a have never seen him, but am certain he will not disgrace your protection. His father and he are refugees from that lost continent, and partake in the distress which a rooted affection to this countr brought upon many. The son, by the unalterable kindness of G. Johnston, and his insuppressable favour in behalf of honest me has obtained leave to go to India, though without any destination or appointment. I have reason to believe that he inherits part o father's sense and worthyness, and is qualifyed for business, and hope you will find protection and good offices for him without interfering with pupils of more expectation. His name is Robert Ferguson, and so I present him to you. We are here nearly in the same state as when you heard of us last. The children all well; your namesake John†1412 particularly thriving, though he is not yet apprised of his relation to you. The mother and I frail and useless, with little object but of keeping ourselves alive till the others can do for ― 310 ― themselves. In all this I hope you will not perceive any touches of melancholy, for my spirits play very easily upon a Gentoo†1413 die without being tied down to the formalities of any caste or exposed to the caprice or rapacity of any master, whether Christian or Moo I am, my dear sir, your most affectionate and humble servant Adam Ferguson

236. To James Chalmer MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Buckingham Street, York Buildings, London. Edinburgh 16 April 1785 Dear Sir I write merely to remind you that I am alive & wish you to apply as usual for the half years Annuity due to me at this term from Lord Chesterfields Trustees. I wish also that in making any remittance to me you will take Credit for the Charges of our lat vexatious transaction &c†1414. I am Dear Sir your most Obedt & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Jas Chalmer Esqr ― 311 ―

237. To Joseph McCormick†1415 MS Staatsbibliothek Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, Slg. Darmstaedter 2a 17722. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: To The Revd McCormick / Principal of the United Colleges / St Andrews by favour of Mr Gardiner†407. Edinburgh 28th April 1785 Dear Sir Give me leave to recommend to your Esteem & Good Offices my Friend Mr Gardiner†1416 who tells me†408 his Friends i your University have proposed him for the Degree of Doctor of Laws. He has been long known to me by the best Character & I should have gladly Supported him in the Same Pretensions here: but his Application is so far gone with you as to make it nece the matter should come to an Issue, which I make no doubt you will find Sufficient Reason to make the most favourable for him am Dear Sir, with the most Sincere Regard your most Obedient and Most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Ferguson

238. To James Hunter Blair†1417 MS Edinburgh City Archives, Bundle 9, Shelf 36 Bay C. My Lord The State of my health having, for some time past, made it desireable for me to have a retreat from my labours in the College, I now resign my office of ― 312 ― Professor of Moral Philosophy into the hands of your Lordship & the Town Council, presenting at the same time my sincere thanks fo honour, which has been done me and the protection I have always received. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect / My Lord / your Lordships / most obliged & most / obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson To James Hunter Blair Esqr / Lord Provost of Edinburgh Endorsement: Resignation of / Mr Adam Ferguson 1785

June 239. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 120. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell at Milton House, Edr. Argyle Square Tuesday Evening 28 June / 1785 My Dear Sir I find the Doctors or their Patients defer our excursion to Pennicuick†1418 sine die. And of this I think necessary to send notice to Milton house†1419 that in case you be in Town the mere desire of giving us your Company should not carry you out of way & give us the Mortification of missing you as well as Pennycuik in this fine weather. I am Dear Sir / your most Affectionate / Servant / Adam Ferguson ― 313 ―

November 240. To John Robertson†1420 NLS MS 16737 f. 147. Address: To Mr Jno Robertson / Writer to The Signet / head of Todrigs Wynd / Edinburgh. Argyle Square / 19th Novr / 1785 Sir I know well how much I might rely on General Campbells kindness: but as I have been at some pains to bring matters to point would rather borrow afterwards than not pay now So shall be glad to see you on Monday Evening as you propose†1421. I am Sir your most Obed.t humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Ferguson   19 Novr 1785 

1786 January 241. From John Macpherson Small, pp. 643-7. [Madras] 12th January 1786 My Dear Friend, When I was but a Company's writer in the Carnatic, I remember I sent you a small bill, which you told me you accepted pleasure, as it came from me, and you bought French cloth with it†1422, being then on a visit to Paris. I have been near a year Governor-General of India†1423, and four years a Supreme Counsellor, and I have sent you nothing but a little madeira, yet you the friend next to my heart, and your interests are dearer to me than my own, as ― 314 ―

they involve the concerns of a numerous family depending on the state of your health†1424. If I have been thus inattentive to your situation, you are yourself the cause, for to you am I indebted for those rules of conduct in my public trusts, which have bound my generosity to your or to my own private interests within narrow limits. You have been occasionally informed of the line pursued by m since I left Europe, the situation in which I found affairs, my labours to retrieve them, and the disbursement of my own income in var attentions to those who were recommended to me, and whom I could not oblige at the public expense. If the line I have pursued was necessary from its satisfaction to my own mind, the example of it was a sine qua non†409†1425 to enable me, when affairs devolved me, to reduce the expenses of this colony about a million sterling per annum, and to silence the cries of thousands who might otherw have just grounds for charging me with partiality and selfishness. I have followed your maxims in the practice of affairs,—- upon perhaps the greatest theatre of affairs, if the greatness of affairs is founded in the numbers of men, and the extent of their interests-the concerns to be extricated or forfeited,—-the wealth might have been acquired, and the consequences that might ensue to individuals, tribes, and nations. The events that hinged upon my ideas and conduct four years ago were more important than those which I can now influence, though I stand at the head and in absolute charge of all our affairs in India. It is, my friend, one-and-twenty years since I began under you the rudiments of these affairs; and as there is no period o life that I look to with such conscious sensation of joy and pride, as that which I passed with you and our noble pupils, so to yo due the account which I can in truth give, and which I am bound to notice to you: It must be interesting to you, and it is for the benefit of our native school, and perhaps of society in general, that I should enable you to know the result, that you may hereaf be the more confirmed in your system. I have amply experienced the truth of three of your favourite positions: 1st. That the pursuits of an active mind are its greatest happiness, when they are directed to good objects, which unite o own happiness with that of our friends and the general advantage of society. Hence the first success in the Carnatic; the subseq efforts in London; the return to India; the visit to Europe in '77; the intercourse with men in business; the friendships of the minis Lord N.'s†1426 selection of me for my trust in 1778. 2d. I have likewise experienced, that he who has not been in contact with his fellow creatures knows but half of the hum heart. But such are the necessary taxes of occupation, of business, and perhaps of life. 3d. That all that rests with us individually, is to act our own parts to the best of our ability, and to endeavour to do good f own sake, independent of events, disappointments, or sufferings. ― 315 ― Under these impressions I have acted and I now act; and if the India Company, the ministers, and the Legislature extend views to the necessity of affairs, and to the future prosperity of Britain and India, as they stand united; and if they will adopt the plans I have laid before them, I am steady in believing that the greatest benefits to Britain from Thule†1427 to the Land's End, a Asia, from Cape Comorin†1428 to Tartary, may flow from the practical operation of the commercial and political systems I have opened for the adoption of the empire. The outlines are clear and strong, as well as the ground of the operations themselves. L on the map and see the field of empire marked by the Thibet Hills from Tartary to Chitagong†1429, by the Ganges from its sourc its embrace of the ocean, and by opposite chains of hills and of wild tribes from Balasore†1430 to the Jumna†1431. This empire asks nothing from Britain but protection and some staples; and it sends to Europe every year about twenty fi Indiamen, loaded with the industry and the production of its extraordinary soil. Each ship is worth £100, 000, one with another. T improvements made in navigation, and the knowledge of climates, and the care of health, enable Britain to carry on this trade, i adopted a liberal plan for it, on a footing to employ a fleet in going and returning, including China and the coasts of the great Peninsula, about seventy ships—now equal in size to 50-gun Ships, why not to 64 and 74? Commerce would then create a nav Britain, at least such as would command the Indian seas; and as in King William's days, the first great operations of our state b by converting our debts into funds or property by regular payments of the interest; so we may here employ the present interest our debts to be a medium for remitting the whole to Britain in an additional investment of goods. Upon this system, which neces forced us to begin here in 1782, by providing what was called a subscription investment, and drawing bills upon the proceeds o goods, India was saved from the jaws of war and the chains of a little monopolist policy, which forced all remittances to Britain through the channels of foreign trade, and which paid the tribute of custom to Lisbon and Copenhagen at a rate that has turned exchange from Copenhagen against England to about 18 per cent. But my system does more; it pours in upon Britain more streams of friendship and of aid, which every officer, civil and m in these colonies wishes to send partially to his relations, and which, in the general remittance and receipt, give the British hear this and your side of the ocean its most delightful exercises, and which gladden every village and place, from the cottages of th of Skye to the palaces of London. I think a still greater scene opens by this commercial intercourse, if our rivals in Europe wished but for a proper share in would embrace much of the repose of the universe, the happy communications of all the inhabitants of the globe from the sourc the Mississippi to those of the Ganges, and from west to east, till the east and the west are united. ― 316 ― I have at this moment at Calcutta ambassadors from Tidore†1432, in the eastern seas, from Thibet, from all the states of and from Timur Shaw†1433, who is crossing the Attock†1434; and as Manilla is opening her trade, I hope to hear direct from Lim before I leave India, and to make the Incas of Peru acquainted with the Brahmin Rajas on the banks of the Ganges. Curious are, besides, the treasures in literature and the oblivious history of nations that are drawing upon us from the researches of Sir William Jones†1435 and others, in Shanscrit, Arabic, and Persian. Even Anacreon†1436 and Euclid's†14361 bes happiest labours may have been long asleep in the translations of this country. And what seems to complete our prospect of ele and useful information, is that the present Governor of Chinsura†1437, who was for seven years in Japan, has brought in the wonders of that country. Their Encyclopaedia is in his hands, and in some of the arts of life and of government, those Islanders Asia, those Anglo-Asiaticks, have left all other nations far behind. While devoting all my moments that are my own to such general considerations, I have perused, and am perusing again, story of the Roman State and their rule of India†1438—Thanks! thanks! my dear friend, but one ambition remains—it is to conve with you at your town over these affairs. Has life in reserve for us this happiness? or is our expectation of it enough? May I be to meet you there worthy in every respect of your esteem as of your affection,—and is it possible to go through the remaining a

my service here with progressive dignity and success. Hitherto all is as you could wish. But all may not be at the farm†1439 as wish. I know the feu-duty embarrasses you, and the dignitas†410 without the otium†411†1440 may be there. Receive, then, the inclosed bill upon my masters, the India Company. Let the amount of it be sunk to discharge the annual feu-duty of the farm du your life, Mrs Ferguson's, and the lives of all your children and their descendants. It will be a future business to buy off the feualtogether; at present I can send you no more. And should fate have deprived me of the future happiness of knowing that you c be conscious of this little attention, those nearest and dearest to you I must consider as what remains to me of you. To them I address this letter; also, in such event, John Fletcher, Home, M'Pherson. Ferguson†1441 will keep a room for me, or any remembrance of the farm house. Tell him (for I will not admit the idea that you have left us) that he is my son. His father was m than the father of your ever affectionate, John MacPherson Mind me to Drs Blair, Home, Robertson, Carlyle, Black, &c &c ― 317 ―

May 242. To Sir George Colebrooke EUL MS Gen. 1731/20. Two Letters to Sir George Colebrooke. Edinburgh 1st May 1786 Dear Sir I am obliged to our friend Mr Gardner†1442 for the agreeable accounts with which he Sometimes favours me, of your We & of the kind remembrance with which you honour me. I believe he was Surprised, in communicating your last Letter†1443 & sta the Purport of your Remarks on the Intollerance of the Grecian & Roman Republicks, to hear me say I was of your opinion. A ― 318 ― Passage from me had given occasion to your Researches, & I was Stated as an Antagonist. In that passage however I looked no fa than the Supposed / Law of the XII Tables†1444 of which I wished to point out Some remarkable Clauses, tending to convey Some n of its Spirit. But even with this restriction I am sensible that the expression to which you allude†1445 is not correct & endeavour to am it in a blotted copy of the Book which is by me. I had taken my impression hastily or been misled by unusual punctuation in the Copy from which I took it. Whatever Slip this sort may have been made, I am conscious of very great care†412 to avoid them & in my desire to state every part of the S fairly, lost every predilection I might originally have had for Persons or things. If I become more correct on the Subject of your Remarks I must†413 thank you for it, as I had not yet attended to the matter & might have overlooked it. Examples of / Intollera are frequent in the History both of Greeks & Romans. And men will ever be disposed to restrain by punishment and Severity whatever they conceive as Objects of Indignation and horror, even Slight deviations from what they conceive as holy in words o Actions. The Vengeance of the Zealot is not a Safe Principle of Compulsory Law†414, but few nations I believe can boast that the never adopted or Abused it. So far as it operates in repressing overt Acts of Injurious or dissorderly tendency it may be justifyed principles of necessity and sound Policy: but its abuses in one Nation certainly cannot be Sustained as precedent to justify its missapplications in another. I should have acknowledged my Obligation to you in this matter sooner if a slight Indisposition from a Cold caught in thes easterly winds had not prevented me, & still disposed me to delay. I now hasten however least my letter should not overtake yo London as Mr Gardner tells you are to leave it about the middle of May. I am with great Respect My Dear Sr your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 319 ―

243. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc 41/46-62, no. 51. Address: To The Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh†415, to be delivered immediately. Argyle Square 13th May / 1786 Dear Carlyle I am glad to hear of your safe return as also of your purchase†14451 and am abundantly eager to see my new property b sensible that I must have patience till there is a proper guide not only to conduct her to this place but to lead her on to the plac her destination as I have no convenience to keep her here above an hour or two & even that under the nose of Dr Blair who objected to the smell even of a Horse. If your Broker can broke me also a travelling governor for her upon reasonable terms as as Bankhead be so good as settle the matter with him & send her on to Argyle Square to receive Instructions for the remai[n]de her travels. I am sorry that her Pregnancy is not yet declared: as for the Opportunity you mention of making that matter sure, I sensible there will be many able / performers: but what party do you recommend? I wish you may not mean to desert your own in Such matters moderation does not become an Ass. I expect two Forreigners and much broken English at dinner today so can even pun upon your Bonne Grace but imagine is†416 lined with something as you talk of its being too warm for Summer. My Wife joins in Complts to yours & is glad to find th letter is still so near the first place Among her Comforts altho your Modesty is so great with respect to the first. It is well for you that you got home†417 on thursday night, if you had been with us at a certain Farm†14452 yesterday & d home in the Evening in a certain Carriage with a certain wind & Rain in your Face your Comfort would have been cold with a

witness & even that Witness not very warm. Once more for Dapple. If your Broker cannot provide me as above be so good as her pick about your Hedges till I can fix a time for her removeal, &c which I will do as soon as possible. I am with best respects this house to yours Dr C your most / affectionate humble / Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 13 May 1786   Ad. Fergusson 

― 320 ―

244. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 169. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell at Milton House, Cannongate. Dear Sir My Man is just now returned from Bankhead having committed Such a Blunder as requires my going there tomorrow mor but I wish to know whether I may hope to see you at any Other time, if not; This call to the Country must be neglected rather th be out of your way when you call. I should set out about 8 in the morning & return before four to Receive J. Home & General M Nab†1446 in the Evening. If I dont hear from you may I venture to think that you do not go before thursday / or Friday, so that I find you at Milton House some of those days. I am My Dear Sir your most Affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Argyle Square/Tuesday 16 May/1786 Endorsed: 1786 Adam Ferguson ― 321 ―

245. To Sir George Colebrooke EUL MS 1731/20. Two letters to Sir George Colebrooke. Edinburgh 25 May 1786 Dear Sir I have received the Favour of your Letter†1447 with the Paper which you do me the honour to communicate, in two Packe Having been for some days in a bustle preparing for a remove to the Country†1448 I am Obliged to plead this As an excuse for delay in complying with your desire of an immediate acknowledgement & hope you will accept of it as such however insufficient Dr Gardner is not in Town: but you may rely on my punctuality in what remains of your injunction. When I see Dr Gardne may expect to hear from me, & tho you may observe that my notions agree with / yours in the main point & that I am even ash of having appeared to mistake it in any instance: yet there is perhaps some difference in respect to the Principle on which the Intollerance†1449 of the Antient Nations you mention & that on which†418 modern Nations proceed. May not such a difference be inferred from the meaning of terms now of great import[ance] but without any corresponding meaning in Other times. Such as In contradistinguished to the Faithful or true Believer &c†419. The Error inconsistent with, or the Creed that is necessary to Salvatio The Zeal for Prosylitism. The detection refutation or suppression of Heresy†420. The Canon of Orthodoxy &c &c†421. If you find besides mere expressions of horror & vengeance against Profaneness, any conceptions of the understanding that correspond to meaning of the terms recited. I must endeavour / to correct my present notions on the Subject. And here I shall leave the Matte having gone farther than I meant in this hasty acknowledgement of your Favour and of the sincere Respect with which I have th Honour to be Dear Sir your Most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson To Sir George Colebrooke Bar't ― 322 ―

June 246. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 173. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell, to the Care of Cox Cox & Greenwood, Charing Cro London, No 5, Duke Street, York Building. Bankhead 17 June 1786 My Dear Sir I received your Letter†1450 here a few nights ago & sent the inclosed to be put in the Post Office at Edinburgh next morn am much Obliged to you for the Attention &c you have bestowed on my Affair†1451, and Am Satisfied with the account you give Principle upon which I proceed is implicit faith. If the undertakers are at ease I am satisfied: & with the immediate Prospect whic you give of our seeing you shall for the present Say no more.

I am glad you remember the suggestion of some years back & should be still better pleased to think you in Earnest. Panurge†1452 is a Sage Counsel & his Scruples lead to the Point: So proceed. We have Still some / Sunshine here: but such a North east wind for Some days as requires more Cloathing than ever I carried in the coldest day in Winter & it puts me more in of the See Blink which we read in the history of Green Land than of the Pine Apples you mention. We have better thing Viz. Eg Butter Cakes & Cabbages & I have forgot every Complaint: but what the Soil & the Climat & the prospect of bad Crops of hay Corn Occasion. It may be matter of curiosity to you to know that I have sold my house in Argyle Square for the house which I carried you to see at the Siennes†1453 Property for Property without any odds or Ballance. And tho the Conveyances are not exchanged the Bargain is concluded as far as exchange of Missives†1454 can Accomplish it. My Object is / to have a farm yard Edinburgh to communicate with this place. And exchange Dung for Hay & Corn &c &c &c. But since I am on the Subject of Pro please know that I have three Mares†1455 & two of them taken [to]†422 the Horse So that by this time next year I may have five Mares besides a She Ass that carrys her Load to town two or three times a week. But this is doing more tha[n] you desired. I w only to tell you that you[r] Letter came Safe which I hope the†423 will also be in due time. I am Dear Sir your most Affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1786 Adam Fergusson ― 323 ―

December 247. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 212, Saltoun Papers. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell. No date, but received by the librar among 1786 papers, which are apparently arranged chronologically. Nevertheless it is not clear whether in the endorsement the a mistake. From the perpetual calendar we learn, in fact, that 5 December 1786 was a Tuesday, while 5 December was a Satu in 1789. 5 Dec. [1786] Dear General Least I should not have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow and because the warning is already too short, I send to beg favour that you will dine here on Monday next with Mrs Mure who nothwithstanding the lameness of one of her Horses has prom to come. I have endeavoured to rouse the Gallantry of John Home to bring her in his Carriage. If you had any thing in Town be a Skittish Mare I should certainly / have applied to you. I am your most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Adam Ferguson    Siennes 5 Dec'r  Saturday 

― 324 ―

248. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 222, Saltoun Papers. No date, but included with 1786 papers. Address: To General Fletcher Campbell. [1786] Dear Sir I am sorry that your Map, in emptying my Pockets, has been mislaid so that I cannot find it. I will continue to look for it: that will be little consolation if it be not found when wanted. yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Adam Fergusson

249. To [Gen. Fletcher Campbell] NLS MS 16737 f. 224. Saltoun Papers. Correspondent from provenance of the MS. No date, but included with 1786 pape For the date see, nevertheless, letter 415. [?1786] My Dear Sir I dont know what to say of this man, it is very teasing & yet this Edition is rather more Correct than I should have expect is scarcely worth while to think of it any more. It is strange that he cant get a thing printed in the same portable form with the pamphlet it answers†1456. If it were necessary to do any more I would try to find out who prints the Actual Grubs that are hawk the Street & so employ the same hands-but I doubt it is not worth more trouble. We shall consider it more at meeting. yours &c/Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Adam Fergusson ― 325 ―

250. To [Gen. Fletcher Campbell]

NLS MS 16737 f. 226, Saltoun Papers. Correspondent from provenance of the MS. No date, but comprised among 1786 papers. The contents, concerning Scottish militia, apparently refer to previous letter and to letter 415. [?1786] My Dear Sir I am exceedingly pleased with the Sketch & the Appendix, I have touched it with my pen where that appeared requisite b you will judge of the propriety of keeping my Corrections &c &c. I send it back with the least possible delay. yours &c Adam Ferguson Friday Morning

251. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 227, Saltoun Papers. No date, but included with 1786 papers. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell, Milton House, Edr. [?1786] My Dear Sir I hope you dont intend to travel today. I had enough of the Sun yesterday & mean to try what repose & shade will do today. I w you would†424 trust your Dinner here today at three OClock. Dr Black is commonly here & Dr Hutton often in the Afternoon. your most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Adam Fergusson ― 326 ―

252. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 229, Saltoun Papers. No date, but included with 1786 papers. Address: To Major General Fletcher Cam at Milton House. [1786] Argyle Square†1457 Thursday Morning Dear Sir This is to remind you of your promise to dine here at three O Clock†1458. But more especially to let you know that Dr Hu with all his impatience is to be of the Party. I told him of the Moor-fowls to tempt him. And so, he said, I shall have five minutes swallowing to make up for an hour or two waiting. Range matters if possible so as to dissappoint him of his waiting. I am yours &c Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Argyle Square   Adam Ferguson 

253. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16737 f. 233, Saltoun Papers. No date, but included with 1786 papers. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell. [?1786] My Dear Sir I will do my utmost to be with you on Thursday, & have not at present reason to doubt my Ability. It was mortifying that I not be with you to day: but I must Sacrifice every thing to college Bussiness†1459 for which every slight cold almost dissables m altho I should feel no Other Symptom. yours most Affectionately A: Ferguson ― 327 ―

254. To John Home NLS MS 16737 f. 235, Saltoun Papers. No date, but included with 1786 papers. Address: To John Home Esqr, St David's Street. [1786] Dear John I am put in mind by Creech of the meeting at Fortune's†1460 to-day, but dare not venture there. I have been colded for s days & am thrown into a Sweat by my Lecture which disqualifies me for any place but my / own fire or a little walk before I shif This I am going to take & beg if General Campbell†1461 be in town you will explain my Absence to him. I am yours &c Adam Ferguson Argyle Monday 2 O'Clock

October 255. To James Chalmer MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr / Buckingham Street / York Buildings / London. Bankhead 19th Octr 1786 Dear Sir I write to remind you of our Michaelmas application to Lord Chesterfields Trustees for the Last half years Annuity. And be the same time you will ― 328 ― inquire for His Lordship & where he now is, As by the news paper accounts he has been some time in England.   I am Dear Sir  your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson P. S. Please direct for me as formerly at Edinburgh where I Expect be soon

December 256. To James Chalmer Boston Public Library, MS Ch.F.8.35, Mellen Chamberlain Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Addres James Chalmer Esqr / Buckingham Street / York Buildings / London. Edinburgh 5th Decr 1786 Dear Sir I wrote to you yesterday, that I am required by a Circular Letter from the Auditors Office & signed by Sir John Dick†1462 Others to exhibit my Account of money received and Disbursed in my office of Secretary to his Majesties Commissioners &c &c America. The Account is to be attested on Oath before a Baron of his Majesties Court of Exchequer & exhibited at the Auditors office on or before Wednesday the 13th Decr at two†425 OClock. Finding from this experience that such requisitions may be rep I am very unwilling to risk†426 any material Paper, which I cannot restore in case it should be lost, by any uncertain Conveyanc And therefore hope that the Inclosed Copy of My Account and of the Commissioners Certificate attested on Oath before a Baro Exchequer here may for the present at least be Sufficient. If not. Please refer to the Attested Copy taken at the War office when was there presented by you. For the same reason that I am unwilling to risk by any uncertain Conveyance the original Account Docket signed†427 by the Commissioners I am unwilling also to risk the vouchers of Particular Articles exhibited to the Commissioners when they passed my Account at New York. All these Papers however if necessary shall be sent to you when required. Most of the disbursements / were made upon mere verbal instructions from the Commissioners and as some of them naturally to be made ― 329 ― without any exaction of Receit or Voucher whatever:_____it was the more necessary for me to present the Account to the Commiss for their Approbation while the occasions were recent in their memory. Thus having given this Approbation I hope will be thought to exhonerate me so far as I was bound to Obey their commands. In case however Particular Articles should†428 be questioned I must trouble you with the following†429 comment.   Article 1st The Commander in Chiefs      warrant endorsed to Governor Johnstone  The Governors Name on the Warrant  is my Voucher.    ___Mr Holland____found a person to convey†430    Papers to New England & the two Separate     Articles of 20 Guineas each refer to that  Service.    Mr Cooper was Clerk to Governour Johnstone 

  & being employed by the Commissioners rece[ived]    a Gratuity of £50 at his departure for England†431    Mr Upham & Allen Loyalists in Disstress.    The Several Articles paid to the Clerk Mr    Derbage. & to the Printers Gaine Robertson    & Rivington Vouched by their Receipts.    Mr Paterson Do.  If such explanations should be called for please to make use of them Otherwise the names of persons in Question need be mentioned. As to the Receipts and Vouchers in my hands I will take the first safe opportunity of sending them to you if they should be necessary. I have deferred concluding my Letter untill / I should have taken the Oath required to the truth of the within Acct & Docke But I have now little to add: further than that I wish very much the Auditors would Satisfy themselves now of the Truth & give m Such a Clearance as may save me from farther trouble. I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient what passes on Exhibiting the Inclosed or what farther may be required from & me. The time limited for my Appearance is on or before Wednes the 13th of this December which I make no Doubt you will attend. I am Dear Sir / your most obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson James Chalmer Esqr ― 330 ―

1787 February 257. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16738 f. 3, Saltoun Papers. Address: To General Fletcher Campbell at Milton House Edr. Siennes 10th Febry / 1787 My Dear Sir This is to let you know that I called at Milton house some days ago to inquire whether you could do us the favour to mee Poet Burns†1463 and some Others at Dinner here tomorrow. I had his works in my pocket to show you & still continue in the mi that he gives the most indubitable proofs of Genius, which I hope will be some inducement to your coming here tomorrow. I write that this Letter may ly for your inspection any time you arrive whether tonight or tomorrow Morning. I have more th one Letter from Jn Home who has been Swearing to the Identity of a Packet / be carried from hence on My Account. I am My Dear Sir with the greatest Respect your most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Siennes Professor Adam Ferguson ― 331 ―

October 258. To James Chalmer MS Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: James Chalmer Esqr, Buckingham Street, York Buildings, London. Edr 1st Octr 1787 Dear Sir I had notice some time ago from the Messrs Drummond at Charing Cross that the following Sums were lodged with them the Messrs Thomas Payne & Son, to my Acc't £32 in Cash.

£13/100 John Stockdales note due 23 Septr you will remember enough of the transaction relating to the Roman History t recollect that whatever came from Messrs Payne on that Acc't should be lodged with Mr Pulteneys Banker & to his Acc't untill h advance was discharged, My desire therefore is that you will take the trouble / to inquire whether Stockdales note be paid and to have the £100 transferred to MR Pulteneys Credit as above. If any formal order be necessary from me to that effect be so go as let me know what it should be & on what Stamp &c. I must at the same time remind you to make at a proper time the usua application for the half years Annuity due from Lord Chesterfields Trustees at Michaelmas. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Ferguson Edinr 5 Octr 1787

November 259. To H. B. de Saussure†1464 MS Bibliothèque de Genève, Archives de Saussure, 110, f. 23. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Edinburgh 24 Nov. 1787 Dear Sir, Give me leave to introduce to your acquaintance and good offices my Friends Mr Johnstone†1465 and Mr Gardener†1466 at the same time to renew my respects to you. It is extreamly agreeable to recall the memory of my having been at ― 332 ― Geneva†1467 though attended with a very sincere regret for the shortness of my stay. Many changes must have happened since the 1774: but I shall forbear alluding to particulars untill I am better informed. One thing I am happy to Know that you are in the train of pursuing your former studies, and excursions to the mountains, and have at last accomplished the Herculean labour of getting to the of Mont Blanc, a difficulty, indeed, which I thought must have remained for ever unsurmounted. Your toils are not lost to the observe even of this country. The former vols. you published are in their hands and Mr Hutton in particular is highly pleased and instructed. He has lon worshipped the same Divinitys with you and embraced every specimen of stone or earth with a most pious attention. His Ideas magnificent and what is more precious and more difficult in science formed with a scrupulous regard to reality. You have some account of them in the paper he has furnished me, to be sent by these gentlemen to you. He had directed a copy for you to the secretary of the Academy of Agriculture at Paris of which he is a member: but as the copy I now send may arrive before the ot he is willing to indulge my request of having this duplicate for the purpose. He has likewise joined a copy of his theory of Rain† It would be a great pleasure to him and to me to pay our respects at Geneva and visit your mountains. There is a company he which it has often been mentioned, but we should draw different ways some to contemplate the Earth, others the Country ancie and Modern and I am particular to follow the Tract of my Friends the Romans†1469: but a scheme that has already given so mu amusement in Nords is not likely to be executed. I trust I shall have from Mr Gardener from time to time some account of my Friends of Geneva. In the meantime I beg to be remembered most respectfully to Madame De Saussure and conclude with aga recommending these gentlemen to your good offices. I have the honour to be Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 333 ―

1788 March 260. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16738 f. 131. Address: Major Genl Fletcher Campbell of Bolghuan. My Dear Sir I called to beg the favour that you will take your chance of a Dinner at the Sciennes tomorrow any time between three a Four. John Johnstone†1470 is now here and has promised to meet you with all his London news. I have also to tell you that I ha line from Sir John McPherson with news of an easy deliverance from his Tryal at the expence of £3000†1471. He seems to be relieved of a great Load and breathes easily. Be sure you come tomorrow. I am Dr Sr yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Milton house Tuesday forenoon 18th March 1788 Endorsed: 1788 Adam Fergusson

August 261. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell

NLS MS 16738 f. 156. Address: To General Campbell at Milton House. My Dear Sir I hope you mean to be here today at Dinner. Andrew Stuart is in Town & if he should not be engaged I will try to make h meet you if not we cannot ― 334 ― help it. Mr Pulteney continued last night in the resolution of departing this morning. I am Dear Sir most affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Siennes Sunday Morning 17 August 1788 Endorsed: 1788 Adam Ferguson

November 262. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 1036 f. 111, Macphail Collection. Address: To General Fletcher Campbell, Milton House. Sciennes 8th Novr / 1788 My Dear Sir We came home last night & I would have been to call for you this morning if I had not begun my motions with a Travel t west end of the new Town which disabled me both in point of time & strength to decline so far from my straight course home in opposite direction. I write this least I should come too late in the morning to let you know I hope Bob Adam†1472 will dine here tomorrow on your Hare & Goose & will like them the better that you are here to Answer for their goodness so I beg no trivial accident may deprive us of the pleasure. I am / My Dear Sir your most Affectionate humble Servant / Adam Ferguson ― 335 ―

1789 December 263. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16738 f. 264. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell Milton House. Dear General As I trust David Hume the Professor†1473 is your acquaintance give me leave to ask the favour of your Company here to dinner on Tuesday next to meet the said Dd Hume & one of our Rumps of Corned Beef &c &c in doing which you will greatly O your most affectionate humble Servant / Adam Ferguson Siennes Friday 18 Decr 1789 Endorsed: 1789, Sciennes, Edinr Adam Fergusson

264. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16738 f. 274. Address: To General Fletcher Campbell at Milton House Canongate Edr . This letter is dated from the previous one. Siennes Sunday morning [20 December 1789] My Dear General I have transferred Dd Hume to Wednesday for which day I hope you are ready to engage yourself. And that John Home will be more free to come than on Tuesday the day on which he was engaged with you to Mr Rannies†1474. All this I hope will be more clearly discussed at Dinner if you favour us ― 336 ― with the Sundays Call, Doctor Black declines exposing himself: but Hutton will I hope make his appearance at the usual time. yours most / Affectionately

Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1789    Edinbr  Adam Fergusson 

1790 January 265. To [Sir John Macpherson] NLS MS 1809 f. 3. Correspondent from contents. Edinburgh 19 Janr y 1790 My Dear Sir I have long since heard of your good Offices to My Nephew Robert Ferguson†1475, & felt my Obligation the more that I h not ventured to Solicit you for favour to him. I supposed you indeed to have trouble enough of that Sort without any addition fro me. I hope however you will give me leave to Assure you that your kindness has not been unobserved & to thank you most Sincerely. I have never had an opportunity of knowing the young man personally but have ever had the best accounts of him an trust he will deserve your Protection. Captn Burnett†1476 who is just now / Setting out for London undertakes to forward this line from me. Mrs Ferguson you m believe joins me in thanking you also on his account. She regrets very much the Reports of your Intended return to Europe; but the Time will depend on yourself or My Lord Cornwallis your Friends in this Country will expect it with pleasure. If I have the ho of being remembered by His Lordship I should beg leave to offer my most humble Respects, My best & most Affectionate wishe have ever attended him in every Bussiness in which he has been engaged. As to news we have many things new in Europe of which the Gazettes will inform you as they do me. Not only a new To and a new College of Edinburgh but a new Republick of France†1477 and a new States General of Brabant & Flanders. People ventured to tell the Court of France that in abeting the / Revolt of America they were setting a dangerous example to ― 337 ― their own people: but even the persons who said so did not distinctly perceive or believe it. The Noblesse of France have had a grea fall than the King. It is resolved that for the future there Shall be no distinction of Persons in that Country, whether they can keep to t resolution is a doubtful question. The experiment is matter of expectation to us for a twelve month[s] or two to come & to you a matte Curiosity at the Arrival of every Ship from Europe. I think that what they are engaged in will make them better neighbours both in Eu & Asia than they have been heretofore. I have the honour to be / My Dear Sir / your most humble & most Obedient / Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Doctor Ferguson, 19th Janry 1790 By the Princess Amelia (Indiaman?) Recd 4th August 1790

February 266. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16739 f. 31. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell at Milton House, Canongate Edr. Dear General In my way to visit the Hudsons bay colony†1478 on Leith Walk†1479 with Dr Hutton we met them coming up to Town. The principal Curiosity among them†1480 Sails for the Orkneys on Thursday: but I prevailed upon them to dine here tomorrow & sha happy if you can be of the Company. Your most Obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson Siennes Tuesday Febry 9th / 1790 Endorsed: 1790 Adam Ferguson ― 338 ―

267. To 'Madam' SRO MS GD 51/9/13—1, 'Extract of a letter' Febry 24th 1790. The Extract is from the hands of a copyist, and the letter is identified by the SRO as from Ferguson. The recipient could be Elizabeth Montagu, who adopted Archibald Alison's wife (see be biographical note), but the provenance of the manuscript, from the Melville Papers, seems to suggest that she could be a lady o entourage of Lord Melville. Madam, According to your desire I have read with attention Mr Alisons†1481 Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste; and am happy to inform you that they have given me much entertainment & instruction. I consider them as a valuable addition to the

Philosophy of the human mind. They are written with great elegance and purity of stile, and discover in their Author an uncomm share of sensibility to whatever is sublime or beautiful in the works both of Nature & Art. At the same time they prove him to be possessed of a very considerable portion of philosophical acuteness in tracing the sources to which all our emotions of this kind ought to be referred. The work now published, which consists of two Essays, is only part of what the author intends on the Subject of taste. In first Essay he examines the effect which is produced on the Mind when the emotions of sublimity & beauty are felt: And, in the second, he investigates the qualities in material objects that are fitted to excite them. The Theory which Mr Alison proposes on the first of these Subjects, as far as I know is entirely new. He ascribes the pleasures of taste, not to any / particular faculty implanted in us by Nature for receiving them; but to 'the union of the pleasure o simple emotion with that pleasure which is annexed by the constitution of the human mind, to the exercise of imagination'. The therefore produced on the mind by a sublime or beautiful object is compounded, according to him, of the elevated or agreeable emotion which that object is fitted to excite independently of its sublimity or beauty, and of the agreeable exercise which it gives the imagination by suggesting a train of associated emotions-He has conducted his investigation very like a Philosopher; in the course of it he has illustrated several important principles in the science of human nature; & in particular he has shewn more successfully than any preceding Author the extensive influence of the Principle of Association over all our pleasures & our pains The second Essay treats of the Sublimity and Beauty of the material World. The object of the Author here is to shew, tha qualities of Matter have not in themselves any natural & independent Sublimity or Beauty; but ― 339 ― all their power to excite these emotions arises from their being associated in our imagination with / qualities that have a reference to or to use his own language, 'from their being the signs or expressions of such qualities as are fitted by the constitution of our Nature produce emotion'. From this account you will easily discover that I have formed a very favourable Opinion of Mr Alison's present publication that his friends may safely refer to it as a full proof of his Abilities. I admire especially the graceful ease and perspicuity of his language. I am Madam &c &c

March 268. To [?Elizabeth Montagu] SRO MS GD-51/9/13-3. For the recipient of this letter see introduction to previous letter. Sciennes 4th March 1790 Dear Madam I can without hesitation or reserve answer the Question which you put to me having read Mr Alisons Book†1482 soon afte was published. This volume is given but for a part of the intended Work. It is written in my opinion with perspicuity ease and Elegance. His Arguments on the different points he undertakes to Prove, full & to me convincing. So that I think it must do him credit with the Publick & satisfy his friends that they may venture to recommend him with great Confidence. I have the honour to be Dr Madam your most Obedt & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 340 ―

July 269. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77, no. 19—20. Edinburgh 31st July 1790 My Dear Friend you have heard that there is more joy in heaven over one Sinner that repenteth than over ten thousand that never Sinned†1483 & so your Letter has gathered charms from your long Silence. Charles Greville forgot to Send me any intelligence picked up what I could from other quarters judging of you as I have frequent occasion to feel in myself that one days procrastin produces ten more & so on in decimal proportion. I wish this letter may overtake or meet you at Geneva†1484 for altho that is a Sensible corner of the world there is not much laid out in the way of Courts or Parliaments to captivate strangers. My hopes are some one will put it in your head to see Mont Blanc†1485 & his Glaciers that you may do homage for Bennevis†1486 & Cairngorm†1487 to that King of Mountains & take his Instructions / how to keep their Snows a little better than they do through Summer. My whole Flock little Johnston†1488 and all have been at Leith for Sea bathing about two months whilst I alone have b here en hermitage but they are coming up this very day when matters will be as usual. John Home is gone to Lochaber†1489 so he may not hear of your Melpomené†1490 for some weeks. Dr Black shall hear of his heavenly muse very soon. And so shall th Principal†1491 & Others who are all well. Mr Pulteney has been here or hereabouts some time on occasion of Elections, he has made a good Batch of Parliament men five in England & one in Scotland†1492. I think he is in better plight quoad†1493 animal L than formerly. We have seen upon your Subject†1494 & his mind is as you know. The Hill is still to be fought up with certain per with whom you will do more by giving them a good opinion of themselves than by giving them reason to think well of you. Howe the†432 matter†433 may come round when you seem careless about it. / The remaining copies of†434 My History of the Roman Republic are now the Property of John Stockdale Esqr Bookseller Piccadilly London.

General Clerk & even my Man of†435 Bussiness†1495 altho he draws Six Shillings & eight pence for every conference we sick of Booksellers that they could hold out no longer & so we have sold the remainder of the impression as above for a Slump Sum†436 which I have pocketed. I am bound not to make another Edition for five years the Period Mr Stockdale thinks necessa sell off &c. It may go faster however in his hands than it did in ours. The French are too bussy translating their Monarchy into a Democracy to mind the translation of Books†1496. The Author†1497 of that you Saw is as bussy as the rest being in the Nationa Assembly. ― 341 ― I am well disposed to take the course you mention with Joseph†1498 & shall point the few Guns I have in that direction. I more Satisfaction in little Johnston than I expected when you Saw us. I have never ceased to think of an excursion to Italy: but charge of George Johnstones Son / forbids it. If ever it take place it must be a Solitary course. My infirmities disqualify me†437 keep with any Companion & the notion that I was a hinder to Others in doing what they wished would be intolerable. If France were perfectly / quiet I coud proceed in a Chaise d'une place from Edr to Brundisium†1499 or Rhegium†1500 wit tiring. The many things I am prepared to look at perhaps to correct myself in, would be occupation enough. Your friend Smith is more. We knew he was dying for some months & tho matters as you know were a little awkward when he was in health†1501; u that appearance I turned my face that way & went to him without farther consideration & continued my attention to the last. He all his Papers except one on the History of Astronomy which will probably come to the Publick. I wish you may be able to read I have written. The Paper being given to blotting I have used a sharp pointed pen & little Ink so that I can Scarcely read but yo eyes are better & so God Bless you. From your most affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 19, Mr Ferguson   31 July '90 

― 342 ―

October 270. To John Adam NRA (S) 1454: 4/208. Address: To John Adam Esqr. Siennes Saturday 2d Octr 1790 Ferguson informs John Adam of having been mistaken about the day, and of having enquired at Bayle's†1502. Sends bes respects to Mrs Adam†1503 & Mrs Loch†1504. ― 343 ―

1791 January 271. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16739 f. 118. Address: Major General Fletcher Campbell No 17 Frederic Street Edr. Siennes 17th Janr y/1791 My Dear Sir I may be dead: but will not Otherwise fail to make one of the Party you mention for Saturday next in the mean time I am most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1791 Adam Ferguson

April 272. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16739 f. 138. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell, North Frederic†438 Street. Siennes April 30th 1791 My Dear Gen I long much for the return of old habits & Practices, was twice in the street this week with intention to reach Frederic Stre I could; but found it rather too much with the prospect of coming back on foot. I am however very Ostensible within these Walls have for†439 some time ventured to the Parlour at Dinner time. If you have lost the habit of coming here of a Sunday & trusting such fare as ours we shall go into mourning but I hope not. yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1791 Adam Ferguson

― 344 ―

October 273. To William Adam†1505 NRA (S), WAGC, 1790 M-Z; 1791 A-Z. Ferguson informs William Adam of having seen in Edinburgh Mr Elphinstone†1506 of the India Board, on the subject of a Cadetship of Artillery on the Bengale Establishment for his son Joseph†1507. He thanks his correspondent for his good offices o which he is not surprised, although 'they bring the more pleasure that they were unsolicited'. He is nevertheless 'grievously affra another years dissappointment', because the boy should have gone out to India with his uncle†1508, and asks William Adam to continue to help him in this matter. He sends respectful compliments to Mrs Adam†1509. Edr 17th Octr 1791

1792 January 274. From William Pulteney NLS MS 1059 f. 115, Melville Papers. The MS is here transcribed only in part. London 2d Janry 1792 My Dear Sir from Various circumstances I have not yet seen Mr Dundas†1510, but†4391 to keep him in mind of what you wished? but sure he would not forget it...... I trouble you at present concerning the case of a Custom House Officer, to ― 345 ― whom I think you can be of Service. His name is Robert Carmichael & had the command of one of the Kings†4392 on the Dumfries†1 Station. I have no connection with him, except that I believe he obtained his Appointment upon My Brothers application..... he appea to me to be a man of principle & integrity & remarkably active..... Mr Staig, who is Solicitor of the Customs at Dumfries, took a very a part in that contested Election†1512, against My Brother & in favour of the Candidate who was Supported by the Duke of Queensberry†1513..... [but] Carmichael wishes were strongly in favour of my Brother. David Douglas Esqr , is the Surveyor Genl of the Customs in that District, & his connections also, lye with the Duke of Queensberry. David Douglas gave in accomplaint against Carmichael, to the Solicitor Mr Staig, charging him with neglect of Dut and Mr Staig laid the matter before the Board at Edinburgh. Carmichael was dismissed from service. D. Williamson Advocate wished soon to apply to the Treasury, in order to have Carmichael be restored.... I believe that an application to the Treasury would be attended with Success, but I feel the delicacy o taking any Step, that Should seem to give a Sort of Victory to an inferior officer over so respectable a Board, tho in truth it coul only the triumph of innocence.... It has therefore seemed to me, that the most proper Step which I could take, would be to state matter to you, & to request that you would wait upon Mr Edgar..... & entrust him to reconsider the Evidence in this case, & that woud suggest some mode of bringing it again under the consideration of the Board, so as Carmichael may be restored...... your affectionate William Pulteney ― 346 ―

275. To William Creech SRO, RH 4/26/1 nos 1/119—22, Creech Letterbook. Dear Sir, My transcriber being out of the ways I have been Obliged to run over the inclosed myself but hope it will be legible & se the Purpose. As I have not time for long negotiation I hope your Correspondent will be at a word with me & I shall wait his Answer. I am Dr Sir your most Obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson Janry 7th 1792 P.S. I should wish to have the work†1514 printed here that I might attend to it: for we should not have the command of th Post from London, now as formerly. If we do not agree I shall wish to have the inclosed returned to me here. Mr Creech

276. To [William Pulteney] NLS MS 1059 f. 122, Melville Papers. Correspondent from contents.

Edinburgh 16 Janr y 1792 My Dear Sir I received your Letter on the subject of Mr Carmichaels dismission†1515, & having had some conversation with Mr William went to my Friend of the Board of Customs†1516, in whom I found no disposition to relent. After reading the papers which were communicated to me I am intirely of your opinion, & returned the Papers with expressions of Surprise that we should differ so much; Said some strong things: but my Friend declined the Argument, said the was no redress to be hoped for but from the Treasury. That he would be glad the Treasury reversed their Sentence but that the ― 347 ― themselves could not do it. I ventured to propound two maxims for the Policy of their Board. Imprimis†1517. That no unfaithful or neg Servant should continue to be employed. 2d & not less Essential to the Service, That no faithful & diligent Servant should be Sacrific private Malice or Pique. All this was true: but they could not recall a Sentence once given. And in the conversation a Case cast / up, relating to a recommendation of mine, which had past some years ago. The Person concerned had behaved so well at a Northern Post that removed him to a more difficult & more profitable Station, the Bay of Glenluce†1518; but he was not there many months, when u a complaint like the present, he was dismissed. The Board I am now told soon after found that they had been imposed upon by combination formed against this man whose Fidelity was not convenient to some of his Bretheren. And it was proposed to resto him: but it could not be done. No reason is Assigned to me for this Policy; but I Ascribe it to a rooted Jealousy of all the Under at the different Parts. And next, to a maxim that as often as a Smugled Cargo escapes; the nearest Officer concerned must Suf Guilt or no Guilt. And last of all, that they are never to remitt a Sentence once past. This last may be thought to strengthen thei Authority: but so long as the Treasury can reverse their Sentences, it would Shake their Authority less to be reversed by themse If this matter must go to the Treasury, I was inclind to put the merits in the form of a reclaiming Petition which with the Answers given to it, might be more accessible to the Consideration of the / Treasury than the whole papers as they were given me: but as the Board of Customs here is now very thinly attended, the effect of this measure would be delay. Mr Reid†1519 a very Consequential member of this Board is now at London & it is material that you see him. I take for granted he will be heard of about the Treasury. I take a very Sincere concern in Carmichaels case. The Effect of the Policy abo mentioned seems to be, that no one having Other pretensions, will risk them on Such a bottom, And the Board will have no Offi but such as they will be in the right to distrust, & to dispatch, as soon one after another, as possible. Your Friend Jock†1520 is well, with a wonderfull proficiency in the Scots Tongue: but tenacious of some London Notions & habits to a degree that is Scarcely credible. I have no Tidings of my application for a Cadetship†1521: but wait with all due Patience & Resignation. I am My Dear Sir with great Respect your most Affectionate most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 348 ―

February 277. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16739 f. 185, Saltoun Papers. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell Frederick Street Edr. Siennes 21 Febry 1792 Dear Sir I have notice of My Sons Josephs appointment a Cadet of Artillery to India & I feel a necessity of accompanying him†440 London that he may either take his passage in the Ships of this Season, or take benefit of the leave given by the Court of Direc to remain at Woolwich†1522 or some other Academy for a year the better to qualify him for the Service. I shall carry my Manuscript†1523 with me & so relieve you for the present of farther wading thro it. I think to be gone tom or next day. I am Dr Sir yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 1792 Edinr   Adam Fergusson 

March 278. To Robert ('Bob') Ferguson Records, p. 168. London, 19th March 1792. My Dear Sir The bearer, Joseph Ferguson, my son, carrys a letter from his†4401 Father to you which might be sufficient for every purp but I cannot let him depart ― 349 ―

without some expression of my affection for you and full confidence that as far as you have opportunity you will be as a brother to hi His uncle, Captain Burnett, will, I hope, be in Bengall to receive him at his arrival and be his parent there; but in his absence I shall r you and gratefully repay any supply that may be necessary to him. He has many letters: one in particular to Colonel Ross†1524, in w remind him of my thanks for good offices to you, of which I shall be glad to know the continuance. It will be obliging to drop me a lett with the return of ships from India with accounts of yourself and this young person in his joining the corps to which he is appointed. I my dear Sir, your most affectionate and most humble servant Adam Ferguson

April 279. To James Chalmer MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. Dear Sir Above you have a Certificate which I hope will entitle you to receive my half years appointment from Lord Chesterfields Banker. You will recollect the Bussiness on which I have lately been at London†1525. It was so far advanced at my Departure th left my Son Joseph Ferguson possessed of an Appointment of Cadet in the Corps of Artillery on the Bengale Establishment and an Order to Captain Dempster of the†441 to give him his Passage to India. I left him in the hands of Captain Dempster & of som Friends in the City for this purpose paying all Costs for Passage & Necessarys on the Voyage or on his arrival. But in case any should remain from oversights, delay or Other Accident I left with him a letter to you requesting that you would be so good as S him to / my Account, & I now renew the same request. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Edinburgh April 6th 1792 ― 350 ―

November 280. To Thomas Cadell MS Milton S. Eisenhover Library, The Johns Hopkins University. Address: To Mr Cadel Bookseller, Strand, London. Trans from a photocopy of the original. Edinburgh 16 Novr /1792 Sir Altho Mr Creech has had access to know our progress in printing the work about which we have been some time agreed†1526. It may be proper for me to acquaint you that it is now finished & that you may chuse your time of publication. I sh wish to have copies sent in my name to General Clerk in Mansfield St Cavendish Square. To Mr Pulteney Bath House Piccadilly Dundas Secretary of State Mr Pitt first Lord of the Treasury. Lord Loughborough†4411. Mr Small late Surgeon to the Garrison of Minorca. And Sir John McPherson when he returns to England to whom you may also give on my account as many copies as h shall be pleased to call for. I have looked over the Essay on the History / of Civil Society†4412†1527: but find nothing material to offer. It is properly introductory & Stimulating to the Study of its Subject & without going farther into particulars must remain in its original form. I am Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson P.S. Mr Strahan to whom I beg my best respects will know where to send to Mr Small ― 351 ―

1793 May 281. From James Macpherson Small, pp. 651—3; Bailey Saunders, Life and Letters of James Macpherson, London, 1894, pp. 293—6. London, May 21st, 1793 My Dear Sir I wrote you a few lines†1528 some time ago, wherein, if I recollect aright, I promised to send you soon after an answer to letter of the 8th of April†1529, on the subject of the proposed printing the original of the Poems of Ossian in Greek character. Ha been, at the time of receiving your letter, immersed in a hurry of business, from which I have not, as yet, wholly extricated myse desired a gentleman†1530, who has for many years, in conjunction with myself, thought critically, of the Gaelic language, to thro opinion upon paper, at his convenience, more for your satisfaction than from either a wish or expectation of making converts of others. This he has done accordingly, as you will find under another cover, which goes by to-morrow's post. As my friend has le little that is material for me to add, I shall not trouble you with a long letter.

Our friend, Dr Blair, I perceive, labours under much want of information on the subject; for there is not one of the points which he states his objections founded in fact, and, that being the case, his arguments and reasons require no answer. I canno conceive what interest, except it was a silly degree of vanity, to give themselves a consequence on account of their knowledge Gaelic, those persons who gave the information had in deceiving our friend. Mr Davidson†1531 writes rationally, but he seems not to know that there is scarce any manuscript to be followed, except, indeed, a very few mutilated ones in a kind of Saxon characters, which is as utterly unknown to the Highlanders as either the G or Hebrew letters. With respect to the cheap copy he mentions, if there should arise a wish for having a small edition, there is s any common printer but can metamorphose the Greek character into something like it in the Roman. With respect to the splend edition now intended, it was never my intention to put it up to sale, so that its grandeur will not keep it out of the hands of thos would enjoy it most. I believe it will appear, from the accompanying observations, that there are not many of those amateurs be Glotta†1532 and Tarvisium†1533. Mr Davidson should be informed, that neither the Irish nor the Scotch Highlanders had ever any alphabet of their own. W they wrote, or attempted to write, they made use of the Saxon characters, which are much more confined than even the Roman from which they are derived. ― 352 ― As I have heard that Mr Davidson is an excellent Greek scholar, he may be induced perhaps to try the effect of the spec now sent on the Highland porter or chairman, in the manner recommended in the accompanying observations. Our friend Mr Ho and even Dr Blair, who are both good Grecians, will be able, I trust, to read the original of Ossian, as it is to be printed in Gree a manner that will be intelligible to such Highlanders as understand their native tongue. But these, I apprehend, are much more circumscribed in number than is generally supposed. The result of the whole is, that I have resolved to follow the example of the old Druids†1534, in writing the Celtic language Greek characters. I shall not, therefore, with Dr Blair, agree, 'That it is the opinion of some of the learned in Earse that must determine the point, and that to them it must be submitted'. Where those learned men are I have never been able to learn. With respect to the clergy, I would rather take their ghostly advice on matters of religion than accept of their opinion about the manne printing profane poetry. I consequently request, that instead of submitting the decision to them you will be pleased to return to m specimen, already in your hands, at your convenience. And after having weighed the observations at your full leisure, and at yo own time, you will please to put them also under a cover to me. You will easily perceive, that this letter is meant only for your o eye; for few men wish to know†442 that they have been so long deceived, on a point which the smallest attention might at once ascertain. With my best respects to all friends, I am, with great esteem, yours most faithfully James MacPherson ― 353 ―

282. To James Macpherson Small, pp. 653—4. Edinburgh, 30th May 1793 My Dear Sir, I am glad you are decided on the form in which Ossian is to be recorded†1535. You may expect to hear different opinions the subject; but if any one thinks he can do better in a more portable form, or in Roman character, this he can easily accomplis from your standard copy; and I shall cease to reason on the subject. Being but a bastard Gaelic man, my ear is a very uncerta for pronunciation or orthography. I will, however, mention what occurs under correction of your better judgment. Will it not be pro to prefix an alphabet, with notice of the power of each letter? If so, I think the two sigmas should be distinguished, the one s th other sh. I think the alpha is sufficiently full and broad in the sound without any additional vowel, as (u), for instance; and I think upsilon should have the power of the English (v), uniformly given to it. The modern Greeks always pronounce it so. The (8), fals numbered with the diphthongs, should always stand for the Italian (u), or English double (oo), as in moon or boon, &c. To illustr these remarks, I have ventured to mark the changes they would make in the specimen. A8ous I see, you spell with a kappa, to ear it is rather a ((), gamma; however you know much better. Query, also whether the nasal sound, when the article precedes a beginning with gamma or kappa, may not be marked with the double gamma, as in the tale of Pharaoh's daughter†1536 (((( ((((( much for remarks which you will not make any use of, as you see cause. I have conformed to your former injunction exactly in consulting no more persons. There are few persons of any education in the Highlands, whether clergy or laity, that do not know Greek alphabet; and perhaps will have easier access to your Ossian in that alphabet than they would in the barbarous orthogra which few, and I among the rest, never learned to read. I know that this would make many a learned man stare.†1537 For there persuading people south of Tay†1538, that all the works of the bards are not to be found in booksellers' shops in Lochaber or Morven†1539 the capital of the country at least. I tryed your experiment on J. Home, and he made it much more intelligible from Greek orthography than from the Roman. I showed him in confidence your flagellation of the Edinburgh critics†1540, and he is m diverted. I admire the fair hand and current writing of Greek in your amanuensis.—And am, dear sir, your most obedient and mo humble servant, Adam Ferguson ― 354 ―

September 283. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77, no. 21. Address: To Sir John MacPherson Bar't to the Care of Messrs Drummond Bankers, London. Frankfort 25 Septr 1793 My Dear Friend

I wrote you a line†1541 from Ostend to give notice of my Safe Arrival on the Continent†1542. I have Since made out so fa my Journey. To this place, where I halt a Day or two: but do not find that I can venture to go in Search of the Marquis Lucchesini†1543 & therefore inclose your Letter to him & consign it to the Post with my regret for not being able to do more. Mil matters are well here, a Devision of French Prisoners has just past a Second is expected at Night & a third tomorrow amountin all to about three thousand men taken in Battle lately by the Duke of Brunswick but I cannot learn where. You pelted me with L from the Continent to which I was not enabled to make any Answer, I should be sorry to return you the Compliment exactly. My pelting will be very Moderate And your Answers I hope will come, tho I dont at present know†443 where to / direct them nearer Rome to the Care of Mr Jenkins Banker, And there, in the name of God let them come as many & as soon as Possible that is say much Sooner than Gleich†1544 & Geswind†444†1545 which I have generally found to be as slow as possible. All I have to say for the present is that travelling even here is certainly a very healthy bussiness, for I thrive wonderfully u it. I have some inducements to go by Munich & to take the Inland Route by Nurenburg &c as I know less of it than I do of the O & the Road I am told is good. I sometimes torment myself with thinking what is become of the World: but as ― 355 ― I have no Commission to govern it, the wisest course is to mind my Route & so shall do in the best humour I can muster. Believe me Yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement, p. 1: Mr Ferguson; and again, on page 4: No 20 Dr Ferguson, Frankfurt Septr 25, 1778

October 284. To James Chalmer MS Canterbury Public Library, Christchurch City Council, NZ, MS 143. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Munich 5 October 1793 Dear Sir Finding myself here at Munich past the Michaelmas Term a[nd] known to Mr Walpole the King's Minister†1546, I have thou a good opportunity to Obtain the within Attestation†1547 which I hope will entitle you to receive my last half years Annuity from L Chesterfield's Banker. If so you will please give notice to My Son Adam Ferguson Writer in South Castle Street New Town Edinburgh, who has a Factory†1548 a[nd] full powers of Attorney from me so that his draft will be to you a discharge or receit eq to mine. I have found travelling in this country sometimes tedious and with ill acommodation but so healthy as to be fit to restor invalids†1549. The Elector†1550 mentioned yesterday at his Levee that the King of Prussia†1551 has declared his intention to Win Berlin. And there is a Report that the Emperor†1552 is about to set out from Vienna to Brussels. What all this portends you will guess. I am Dear Sir your most obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson James Chalmers Esqu. ― 356 ―

285. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77, no. 22. Address: To Sir John MacPherson Bar't / to the Care of Messrs Drummond / Bankers Charing C London. Munich 5 Octr / 1793 My Dear Friend Here I am at Munich in a most prosperous course of travelling waxing in Strength and Patience. I sent you a line from Frankfort†1553 intimating my intention of sending your Letter to the Marquis Lucchesini with my regret for not being able to hunt Military Quarters in Person. I did so in the best French†445 I could muster. The Elector of Bavaria†1554 said at his Levee yesterday that the King of Prussia†1555 had declared his Intention to winter Berlin & to leave his Army under the Duke of Brunswig. There is I find a hankering inclination to Censure his Majesty on a Supposition that more might have been done in the Campaign but I am of the opinion which I guess is also yours that to hem i French and give them as few opportunities as possible to take what we ― 357 ― call crop to themselves is the very Perfection of Conduct. There is a Report here that The Emperor†1556 is about setting out / for Bru & that even part of his Equipage is in readiness. I surprised James Stuart†1557 by meeting him here & find we shall be much together at Rome &c &c. It is now about fort years since I have known him to be one of the pleasantest Naive and best hearted Creatures in the World. I am introduced to M Walpole†1558 here & was a vraie diner D. Ambassadeur†446, all English at his house yesterday: but I shall make no Stay being impatient to get within the Precincts of the Old Republick & no less impatient to be at some place where I can hope to hear fro you & learn something of what is doing in the World for in this Way of Life we are hoodwinked and know no more than can be

when the glasses of the Sulky†1559 are down. I am / My Dear Friend / your most / Affectionately / Adam Ferguson Endorsed, p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and p. 4: No 21 Dr Ferguson Munich Octr 5th 1793

286. [?]To Katherine Ferguson EUL MS Gen. 1731/20. Address: To Mrs Professor Ferguson at Edinburgh North Britain. Venice 19th Octr 1793 My Dear Katey My last letter†1560 was from Verona†1561 where I stopped two or three days, I am now at Venice as you See from the D Town built in the Sea & with ― 358 ― Streets & lanes paved with Water with Boats for Coaches & Chariots without which you could not Stir from the threshold of your Doo without plunging in the Sea. All this you knew but knowing & seeing I find is different. I am strongly impressed with wonder at such a Place but do not delight in it any more than I do in Wapping†1562 or the Pier & Share of Leith. There are numberless Palaces all of M & loaded with ornament but my feeling is not pleasure but Still wonder how the Devil they got there. I have lost all relish for what the Sailors call Ginger bread work even in Marble & in the designs of Famous Architects & so I shall bid this Amphibious Town farewell a soon as I have seen what / it is the fashion for Travellers to see here or at least some part of it. To Verona I came post, perplexed at Stage with the exchange of money which it was impossible to know so fast as it changed among my hands, There I met with a Flore Horse Hyrer who had brought some Travellers to Verona. I made use of his Horses in some little excursions from that Place, Afterwa engaged him to drive me to Padua†1563. And we agreed so well on the Road that I have made a Contract to be driven & fed by him the whole road to Rome at a certain Price. This is a sort of Bargain very common in this Country. We shall travel Slow but I do not w hurry through a Country of which every part will take my Attention. My Driver Antonio Lapini tells me we shall be a fortnight on the R I shall probably write again from some place tho I begin to grudge the Postages of So many letters of which the cost now must be a Considerable Sum: but it is your desire to hear frequently how I go on & you will guess from so much said in this letter without any mention of my health that I have no Complaint. I am certainly stouter than when I left Edr & more independent of / little accommodat that used to be necessary to me. My Blessing to my Dear Children if they follow all the Dates of my letters on the Map it will help forward their Geography shall endeavour as soon as Possible to lead their attention back again through some Route to Edinburgh: but the winter must p here with me & hope it will do so with you at Edr better than usual. I do not attempt to write to any body else till I get to some of My Journey. I am My Dear Katey yours Affectionately Adam Ferguson ― 359 ―

287. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 23. Address: To Sir John McPherson to The Care of Messrs Drummond Bankers Charing Cross London. Venice 19th Octr 1793 My Dear Friend I write merely to let you know of what is become of me & the sum total is that I am well & have come on as prosperous a Speculative Master and a dumb Servant could do without any Other Aid. I wrote a line also from Frankfurt or Munich†447†1564 an account of what I did with your Letter to Ct Lucchesini. I see from News Papers Since that if I had Stayed but a few days m at Frankfort I should have seen him there: but the Secrets of Kings who can know & I should have thought myself in a Scrape amidst the Scarcity of Horses caused by His Majestys Motions. In the way I took by Nurenburgh & Munich I avoided that disstress, came prosperously through the Tyroll and at Verona began to reap the Fruits of my Labours. If you remember the Cimbri or Teutones†1565 are said to have performed wonders aga Catulus†1566 the Roman General in that neighbourhood†448 / And tho it be not of much consequence whether that Tale be exaggerated or not yet I was anxious to judge of its Credibility on the Spot & got on Horse back from Verona for that Purpose & reconnoitred the banks of the Adig[?] for Some little way. So far I had Come Post: but there I fell in a Florentine Vecturino†1567 who had brought Some Travellers from Florence. I his Horses at Verona & agreed with him to drive my†449 thing to Padua we agreed so well on the Road that I have†450 lodged boarded myself with him all the way to Rome. He Seems to be a good humoured Careful Creature & I am happy to escape the Blustering Postilions of the Ecclesiastical State. I told him I should be at Florence soon, tho at Present I go by Loretto†1568, And any Distress befal me my point of Rallyment will be Florence being under the Special Protection of Ct Manfredini†1569 so that Antonio Lapini this Veturino & I are already a Sort of Compatriots. I languish for news from England. I call for News Papers eve where / but nothing has yet overtaken me more than I knew & in part witnessed in passing through Flanders. I sometimes flatte myself that you will not have waited for Accounts of my Arrival at Rome but will have written under Care of P. Moir or Jenkins t Banker, if you have not, pour l'amour de Dieu delay it no longer. I could not pass this place tho it is much too modern to be any Object to me: I wonder at it: but am not much delighted, Si je n'avais que Soixante & dix Ans as Voltair used to Say I would re History with great Avidity: but that is for the world to come. ― 360 ―

I went to the Opera last night & was truly entertained with the Audience†451. I am My Dear Friend yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson

1794 March 288. To [James Chalmer] MS Pierpont Morgan Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Correspondent from provenance and contents. Dear Sir My last†1570 at Michaelmas was from Munich in Bavaria, being now at Florence on my return from the Southern parts of I have Obtained on the Other leaf of this paper Mr Wyndhams†15701 Attestation†15702 to entitle you to draw the half years Annu now due from Lord†452 Chesterfield Banker. When you receive it be so good as pay it to My Account to Messrs Couts in the Strand†453 to help out a little my Credit with them. I am now on my way North & expect to be clear of Italy soon. I am your most Obedient & most humble / Servant / Adam Ferguson Florence 29 March / 1794 ― 361 ―

1795 March 289. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 24. Edinburgh 23 March / 1795 My Dear Friend I know very well the disinclination to write letters when one cannot trust the Post with whatever comes uppermost & have myself the folly to harp on publick affairs of which no part is entrusted to me; so wish I could let them alone; take my share of t profits when they go well & leave the Glory to whom it belongs. Go, as the Scripture says and do thou likewise†454†1571. I have mentioned your Respects to those you mention & we are all happy in the thoughts of seeing you in Summer: But it is an ugly t with you of the South to put off your Journeys north till July August or September when our rainy Season is come & little pleasu on the Roads. May & June tho less convenient in Some respects are Certainly preferable & so I think you should have as much the Summer before you as possible at the outset. Poor Blair has lost his Wife†1572 within these few Weeks & I am sorry to say case is so likely to follow. / Mrs Ferguson is now so intirely worn out with Continued disstress to which a considerable degree of fever is now added little hopes remain of her recovery. On seeing her just now my impression is that no one ever recovered whose Countenance & Aspect was so much altered. You will forgive me for troubling you with this particular I have reason enough to know that nothing Concerning me†455 is indifferent to you. Doctor Black is also far gone in a Consumption & neither it is likely will long Survive th Other. But people who live long like me must be Content to be the last. Of my Books I would rather work on Philosophy†1573 th Roman History to which I have little heart in the present State of the world altho it is that to which the bookselling trade directs attention. In Philosophy I should be doing what I am more likely to continue when I quit this scene of things. But the truth is I do lit any thing & expect no Attention if I were to do more. Here we have been living in Nova Zembla & are yet travelling through Lapland†1574: Many old people have died / but I am yet as well as you saw me. My thoughts are much set at present on retirin the ― 362 ― Country for the remainder of my Life. I have no bussiness and as little pleasure in Towns, And it is wonderful how little occasion I ha the bellows of Neighbourhood to flow up the little fire that is left in me. I cant yet cry and talk admire and blame by myself & so I did i Sulky through all the Roads of Germany & Italy. When you Come here I shall not have the same liking to Solitude. I think with great pleasure that our friend at Florence†1575 has got the innocent people of Tuscany into some shelter from the Storm that threatens. When you write be so good as mention the Respect & Affection with which he impressed me. My Blessing to the Grevils hope Charles has forgiven that I claimed a 40 years acquaintance with him at my time of Life the difference of ten or twelve ye goes for Nothing. If Robert be a favourite so much the better for the Court, I could Submit to be a King myself at that Rate. I am Dear Friend your most Affectionate & humble Servant Adam Ferguson The Event apprehended has taken place. Mrs Ferguson died about an hour after the within was written†15751. Endorsement, on p. 4, upside down: Dr Ferguson, No 23, Edinr 23d March 1795. ― 363 ―

May 290. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 24-25. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Edinburgh 20th May / 1795 My Dear Friend Tho' the time is now approaching at which I have for some time past flattered myself with the hopes of seeing you here; my chance of overtaking you at Brompton with a few lines. The Scheme of a Country Life, which you proposed to dispute, still remains with me; And I have been looking out for som place at which to Settle. Among Others I have seen the Castle of Nydpath on the Tweed†1576, belonging to the Duke of Queen It has been lately dismantled or Stript of its furniture & so far destined to become the habitation of Bats & Owls or what is little such a Tennant as I am. The Servant who showed the place told me that His Grace has been asked to let it†456: but declined, makes my prospect somewhat desperate. I have nevertheless made proposals in Form to the Man of Bussiness here†1577. And the favour that if you should see the Duke of Queensbury you will try to incline His Grace not to forbid any transaction†457 with And I undertake to satisfy you that the Scheme I propose is the best for my family as well myself. I am your most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 24 Dr Ferguson Edinr May 20th 1795 ― 364 ―

291. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 25. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bart at Brompton near London. Edinburgh 24th May 1795 My Dear Friend I wrote to you a Post or two ago to request your Interposition with the Duke of Queensberry to be appointed Keeper of H Graces deserted Castle of Nydpath, as The King appoints keepers of that Sort without a Salary: but instead of saying more on Subject I write now to request that you will renew your Thanks to Mr Mc Kenzie of Seaforth†1578 for his kindness to my Son Jos He paid for his Lieutenancy & now would be glad to pay for a higher step which he mentions as likely to go in Regiment. If so it will be a favour of Mr Mc Kenzie or whoever reports in the matter allow my Son to come on in his Turn for whate may be going by purchase or Otherwise. You see that a long Silence is soon broken when any thing is to be got by it. I am My Friend yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 25 Dr Ferguson Edinr 24 May 1795

June 292. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 26. Address: To Sir John McPherson at Brompton near London. Edinburgh 1st June 1795 My Dear Friend I have just now the pleasure or your letter†1579 & feel greatly Obliged for your immediate movement in my Affairs & to th Duke of Queensberry on your Acc't. His Graces leave to live at Nydpath was the utmost I could wish. ― 365 ― The Castle has not been inhabited but has been kept tight appeared perfectly dry & so far as I Observed not in want of expensive repairs: but before I take any resolution must have a tradesman to advise me. The taxes will amount to something & Ground I have must pay rent: but with all this it may be the most Oeconomical Situation for me & this is my Object. I have nothing to do in this Town & wish to avoid the expence of living in it. So that my continuing to breath may be of s use to my family which it now is not: but of this move when you favour me with your Arguments per Contra. I shall endeavour t have something agreed / upon with the Duke of Queensberrys Man of Bussiness here†1580 to be Submitted to his Grace as so possible. He†458 has already told me that The Duke cannot give a Lease beyond his own Life. But with this I should be Satisfie even his Saying that he will not remove me &c. The Timber I understand is to be Sold†1581 & the Place therefore not likely to Tempt a Succeedeng Lord so that I should little apprehension of being removed during my Life. As for the Company in Seaforths Regiment†1582 I have had letters from Jo about it. The Price he states of £950 which I have agreed and am ready to Lodge whenever called upon to do so†459. I do not whether this price†460 be considered as the difference between the Lieutenancy & Captaincy or how it is; but I am determined t make no Stop in the Matter. I pray you to ply the Duke of Queensberry for instructions to his Agent here to Settle with me as w best can: To say the truth I do not much regret the Prussian Peace†1583 &c &c yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson

Endorsed: N 26 Dr Ferguson Edinr 1st June 1995 ― 366 ―

293. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 27. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Edr 9th June 1795 My Dear Friend In Consequence of your good offices and Coll' Mc Kenzies note†1584, I, by this post do the needfull to forward My Son Josephs promotion. As my Credit at London is with Messrs Coutts & Co I have instructed them to pay to the order of F. H. Mc Kenzie of Seaforth Esqr £950 or £1000 as he shall require upon my Sons Appointment to the Command of a Company in the 7 Regiment of foot. My Account from the Regiment mentioned the Lower Sum which occasions the Alternative in my instructions & may be sure I do not chuse to volunteer even with £50 if it can be avoided but the needful must be done. Your letter refers the Appointment to the 2d Battalion my letters from Joseph refer to the first in which he now is. And tho it would be ridiculous to ke the Army & yet talk of chusing the place of Service yet this is of some consequence to our feelings. My Son was in India†15841 & returned hastily on account of his health we have a kind of Hydrophobia towards India†1584 in my Instructions to the Banker / I have mentioned the 78 Regiment without disstinction of Battalions. I know you will forgive m Sending this notice to you to be Communicated to Mr Mc Kenzie of Seaforth. And as Coll' Mc Kenzie required the money to be lodged with any Banker in London I trust that the ordinary place of my dealings will be found proper enough for the occasion. T Duke of Queensberrys being out of Town may account for his Silence to his Man of Bussiness†15843 here about my future Cast Other matters: but his orders will come when Convenient to His Grace. And I hope you will appear in this Place also when Convenient to you. I am in conjunction with all your Friend[s] whom I see here your most affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 27 Dr Ferguson Edinr 9 June 1795 ― 367 ―

September 294. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 28. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't, Walkers Hotel, Edinburgh. Nidpath Castle 3d Septr 1795 Dr Ferguson†461 My Dear Friend There is a kind of good luck in being Otherwise occupied till we can meet without interruption or Care. If you have Bussi at Edr your humble Servant has had bussiness at Edr and here for Some weeks past that would overwhelm an Upholsterer a Bookseller & a Scavenger. No matter when it began it is continued & far from being ended. The dinners you talk of &c &c may give time at least for so much order as to make this Castle habitable. The Woods Th Hills The River &c are Elysian And the Atmosphere all composed of Vital Air. So that your journey hitherto has agreed with you may here†462 expect the Completion of all its Effects. I write merely to prevent your making such engagements at Edinburgh as will detain you there longer than necessity requ Beware of Edr it is a cramming Place & come here in time to digest and Evaporate all its Mischief. your most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 27 Dr Ferguson   Nydpath Castle Septr 1795 

295. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 29. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't, Walkers Hotel, Edinburgh. Nydpath Castle 4th Septr / 1795 My Dear Friend if your bussiness be any way relaxed I pray you to come here, it is ridiculous to wait the final Settlement of Order either or elsewhere. ― 368 ―

The best that can be said even of the Universe itself or any Created thing is that it is Coming into order†1585. And so are Chairs tables & Books &c &c but if you were here we should not give ourselves any trouble about them. I have been just now w a Long Letter to your Friend Sr William Pulteny & have told him of your being at Edr : but I had better be trying as I now do to you here without loss of time or if that be more Convenient to Summon me to Edinburgh. I am My Dear Friend your most Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 29 Dr Ferguson Nydpath Castle Septr 4, 1795

296. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 41/46-62, no. 52. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. Nydpath Castle 11 Septr / 1795 My Dear Carlyle The Girls tell me that Mrs Carlyle or you were so good as to say that when we should have made our Settlement you wo come and see it. It should be fain to hasten that visit while we may hope for some tolerable weather, having entertainment in so sort for Man & Woman tho not for Man & horse being still without Hay or Oats or Stabling or Pasture, if it were not for an even engagement with Sir John Mc Pherson to accompany to Alva†1586 wherever he calls me to Edr for that purpose his time was uncertain & so must mine be till I hear from him. As soon as I know that you may expect to find me at home I will let you know leave you to Select your days. If Mrs Carlyle were a Chemist like you & me she would soon find that the whole Atmosphere / here about is made of Ox or if she were a Poet like other People she would find that our Water is Nectar & our very bear bannocks†1587 not to say Mutto what the Gods of Old called Ambrosia: But I am sensible it is a Sin to be tempting Peoples Appetites till they are upon the poin Gratification which I hope will be soon. ― 369 ― The Post here is a great Comfort being punctual to his time every day between 3 & 4. So send us your news that whate we do may be concerted. I am Dr Carlyle most affectionately yours &c &c Adam Ferguson P.S. I might take it for granted you know our direction but to make more†463 sure than ever Certainly please to direct for at Nydpath near Peebles. Endorsement: 11 Septr 1795   Ad. Fergusson 

297. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 30. Address: To Sir John MacPherson Bar't at Walkers Hotel, Edinburgh. Nydpath Castle 17 Septr / 1795 My Dear Friend I received your letter yesterday and it is but this moment I have come to the resolution to let your dinner pass without my exemplary Sobriety to check the Consumption of Mr Walkers Wine & butcher meat. I am helped in this resolution by a little frett uneasiness or inflamation in one of my eyes: but a more real cause is that I am indifferent about the mixed Companies and me meetings & this is a natural effect when tete a tetes are interesting in a Certain degree. As you are to be so little time in this Co I Scarcely wish to see you any Otherwise than alone. But how is this to be? Your letter does not much savour of the excursion Alva†1588 we mentioned & I am truly reluctant to your / breaking any party or deviating from any route merely that I may See yo in reality you mean no more than to be transported to Ireland & reach your Port by Glasgow & Aire, Peebles is but a trifle out o your way & by Coming here you will see the fine new road which I am told is ― 370 ― made from the through of Tweed to the through of Clyde not to mention that both these throughs are themselves well worth seeing & being traveled. I have seen a letter from London in which are these words. The greatest Armament that ever went from the Ports of Eng is now assembling for the West Indies under Gl Abercrombie†1589. I would give a great that I could forget the fate of great Armaments & not think of the Risks now to be run: but he who made the Seas & the Climats & the fevers dispose of us as to h seems best. The French Convention are Surely very impudent in pretending to prescribe to the great / infallible Sovereign Peop France whom they shall elect†1590. There are now two long years past since I have seen very clearly that the Armies are to dis of France†1591. These have shown themselves deeply impregnated with the democratical Furor consider themselves as the join Sovereigns of the Country & will proceed to dispose of their interest in it as soon as external Ennemies permit. I hope that our not to depend upon what they are pleased to do. I want to hear from you with some anxiety And Am My Dear Friend Yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson

P.S. On comparing the dates I find your dinner must have been nearly over before I received your letter, And it is some Consolation to me for the want of your Company that my being of it was actually impossible. I deferred closing this letter till the of today came. I have a letter from Sir William Pulteney which I hope you will see before you go to improve your understanding Ireland. Endorsed, on p. 1: Adam Fergusson; and again, on p. 4, No 30, Dr Ferguson, Nydpath Castle, Septr 17, 1795. ― 371 ―

298. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 31. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't, Walkers Hotel, Edinburgh. Nydpath Castle Saturday 19th Septr 1795 My Dear Friend The expedition to Alva is much to my mind but I would fain Spare your Carriage coming so far to fetch me when you ma possibly have occasion to use it in Edr. We have a Fly†1592 goes to†464 Edinburgh on Tuesday by which if the tickets are not a I may be with you at 2 OClock on Tuesday: as tomorrow is Sunday I do not know whether you will receive this letter before Mo morning & I certainly cannot have your Answer before Tuesday afternoon by that time the Tuesdays Fly will be at Edinburgh & first appointment I can make to go by that conveyance will be friday following. If I knew your precise time of wishing to Set out Alv[a] I may possibly be able to get a chaise at Peebles in the mean I am never from home & can be ready to depart at half an hours warning by day or by Night. I am My Dear Friend your most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Adam Ferguson; and on p. 4: No 31 Dr Ferguson, Nydpath Castle Septr 19, 1795.

299. [?]To James Edgar NLS MS 1052 f. 63 (year 1795) Melville Papers. Address: To James Edgar Esqr, Commissioner Board of Customs, Edinb Date from contents and endorsement. [23 Sept. 1795] †465Nydpath Castle to Pendreech†1593 health peace & Salubrity. Retired from the Children of men to live among the lam Sheep & their Shepherds, I am

― 372 ― anxious to know what is passing among the Dogs & the Wolves. And if the Wolves come across the flock, rejoice that they are dogfu opposed. There is malice in your old friend. The Don's cession of St Domingo to the French†1594, with whom both he & we were at W but with how little hearty Cooperation! The Don will never forgive Gibraltar†1595 & who can blame him. I have sometimes asked Jn B how he would like to have Spain lay hold of the Lands End, and pretend to give law in the British & Irish Channels. But Jn thinks that Other Nations should give way to him. He is insulated and at one time thinks he should care for nobody, at another time that every b should be governed by him & never at all knows how to behave himself to Other Nations. But according to the Italian Proverb: Bisog ben coprirsi il viso innanzi di / stuzzicar il vespaio†466†1596. I am glad the Armament is great and may the Blessed Maker of Seas & Winds and Climate favour its unwieldy Bulk. It is long since I thought R. Abercrombie the first of the young men in point of†468 Good Sense Gentleness and Candour. How proc to See him with the Thunder on his Arm. So the Lord of Thunder & of Storms preserve and Prosper him. That is right by all me bring home the Cavalry they will enable Such politicians as†469 I am to Sleep the Sounder. I knew the Strain†470 would be tedio for I had such a one myself: but time will restore the Muscle & may it be really, as well as nominally, that of Achilles, till peace restored which is the never ceasing Object of My Prayers &c &c &c Endorsement: Mr Edgars / of Sept: 23rd / 1795 ― 373 ―

October 300. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 nos 32-33. Address: To Sir John McPherson at Chester†1597 North Britain. Nydpath Castle 10th Octr 1795 Dr Ferguson†471 My Dear Friend I am happy to receive your letter†1598 from Carlisle. Although I am not an Astrologer I thought I saw the right Ascension Stars that caused your declination in our horizon & your course due south†1599 is what I wish. The world is likely to become more tractable in proportion as its difficulties or next to impossibilities increase. What a Cris This comes of Waiting till our ennemies could not find paper to make Assignats†1600 or Shopkeepers†472 willing to take them ev with a bayonet at their breasts. Your Poets and repeaters of Poetry are great fools. It is not Rusticus expectat dum defluat Amnis†1601: for Rusticus knows better: but Aulius†1602 expectat is true reading. The continual burden of my song has been, trust not to what the Ennemy may fail in, but to what you yourselves can do this was imputed to my drinking water while the world about me drank wine. But a Stout heart will yet do much; / Is all Europe Shrink before this mixture of madness and Affectation? Yes, if Europe be on the verge of madness also what will save it. This C

I think should be the last to take fire we have the sea to surround us and may have Armies of men interested to preserve order repel Ennemies: but this is all raving & I write in haste to overtake you at Chester & should have written sooner if I had been a home to receive your letter when it came.   I went to Edr to meet our Friend Johnstone†1603 who at my perswasion came to Consult Doctors. Here the Sky continues to lour & makes me waken from every sleep with something heavy on my mind to be recollected as memory returns. My boys should have much to say to you. Adam is returned from Ireland and I doubt must think how he is to pass the Rubicon†1604 of Writership†1605. For John†1606 I shall certainly think: but much should depend on the Charon†1607 into whose barge he is to Step. While this country lasts the Navy is likely to become its most important Limb & the career it opens very proper to be run by youth of Vigour especially with collateral Support.  But as we are, it is best to take our chance & sink or rise in doing our best: the particular circumstances in which the firs step†473 is to be taken may determine much. God bless you. I shall write to Sr Wm P†1608: soon meantime I ― 374 ― need not tell you to mention my affectionate Respects. I am My Dear Friend your most Affectionate and Obedient / Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed, on p. 4: No 32, Dr Ferguson / Nydpath Castle Octr 10, 1795. ― 375 ―

December 301. To John Johnstone NRA (S) 2838 Scott of Gala Papers, bundle 440. Endorsed: 'Copy of a letter From Dr Adam Ferguson to My Father Mr Johnstone of Alva: Dated Nedpath Castle 3rd Decr 1795. Received the 5th. And never answered. Mr Johnstone Expired the 15th [Nydpath Castle, 3 Dec. 1795] My Dear Sir I was Far from wishing, that you should take to write to me in your Illness: And took measures by means of a correspond which I solicited from Home with Miss Johnstone†1609, to have such accounts as†474 were passing in the Family. It is now prop that I acknowledge the receipt of your Letter†1610. And the Inclosed discharge for Joseph†1611 of which I will not say much. I sh long since have perceived the generosity of your mind. If neither my Family nor myself had been concerned, as we are in the E of it. The Boy himself if matters do not mend, will shed tears†475 for us all. If your complaint†476 resist the Medicine That was thought proper for it, we must Submit†477. Altho Something is yet to b expected from / So much original Vigour of mind & of body: From my age, & infirmities you should have been the Surviver: but is a Prolongation of life, for days, or weeks, or Years unless one had a Specific object, for which to live, under every disadvanta am fully†478 persuaded we shall meet thereafter†479 And know one Another, that you will know your Brother†480, & that I shall know both: but in what manner, it is Probable we can know now no more†481. Than the child unborn can Guess what will become of in the world he is about to enter. For the Future, as well as the Present, it is our joy, That we are in the hands of That Power, by wch The Universe is form & Reserved with Supreme wisdom, & Goodness†1612. May his†482 Blessed Influence rest upon your Mind: & give you the joyfu impression†483 That you never can for a Moment†484 be separated from him: you will probably†485 read with Calmness†486 wha never write wt Some Emotion / more a weakness Than the feeling proper upon The Occasion. I[t] will be difficult for me to resis desire of seeing you: & if I should indulge it soon or at a Milder Season, I beseech you to consider it no otherwise than a Mess sent to enquire after your health. I shall dread to meeting your worthy Sister & your family more than yourself: but I wd fain hop they may have more occasion to rejoice before I See them. I ever am / your Adam Ferguson ― 376 ―

302. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no 33. Nydpath Castle 4th Decr / 1795 My Dear Friend If ever you enjoined me to return the inclosed†1613; that Circumstance escaped me and it was carefully laid up†487 amon Archives as a monument of the times. I rejoice however in the Idea that you have now occasion to call it forth. The times, upon present Rout of the French on the Rhine†1614 & the difficulty of restoring their Force in the present state of their Finances, are probably as favourable as those to which the Paper refers. As to myself I have now only to tell you that I have no hopes of my Friend at Alva†1615. That I am impatient enough to have some settlement at Nydpath to Authorize the repairs &c which the weather shows to necessary. And that My Son Adam is now a Master writer or writer to the Signet at your Service & ready to take the trouble of any† ones bussiness who will employ him. And finally that I am My Dear Friend yours &c

Adam Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 33 Dr Ferguson / Nydpath Castle Decr 4, 1795. ― 377 ―

1796 January 303. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 34. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Nydpath 9th Janry / 1796 My Dear Friend I have just now received your affectionate Letter with the inclosed Commission of Bussiness for Adam†1616 The Writer to Signet & write merely to get out my Breath on this plaguy Situation into which I have got; without the accommodation either of T or Country. Till now we have yet Sheep to kill but this is at an End & nothing almost to be had nearer than Edinburgh with this could fend for the present: but the prospect is yet no better for another year. I do not know Whether Mr Tait†1617 has sent my L of which you have a Copy to the D. of Q.†1618 nor whether it will procure any Answer if he has. You may remember I had som forebodings of this Situation but was in hopes that the D.†1619 would either extricate me or leave me to extricate†489 myself by dealing with the Housekeeper for what he allowed her. I now see the / mistake of having thrust myself into this Situation before was cleared for me one way or another: but I reasoned that I must either occupy this Castle before winter to keep it in repair or aside thoughts of it altogether to the last of which I was extremely reluctant. I am sensible what I shoud do now is to wait the Chapter of accidents, but Patience. The great virtue for Succeeding in a thing has been but very Scantily dealt to me, Old as I am I had rather be doing any; than wait doing nothing, of which this lette itself a Sufficient Proof for it certainly will do you no good nor me any other than employing some minutes of this woful time I h to wait for some Instruction to his Man of Bussiness from the D. ― 378 ― of Q. So much for one Du[ke] if ever I have to do with another I will give them leave to Duck me in the first Horsepond. I am Most Affectionately yours Adam Ferguson P.S. I wrote what you have on the opposite leaf immediatly upon reading your letter but have time before the paper is fol to tell you upon reflection that the matter is worse than you are likely to conceive it. If the warning for the Housekeeper Mrs Donaldsons removeal is not here before the end of January I shall have no hopes of a Settlement & for ought I know die of we for having been such a fool, leaving my Children to shift for themselves. For Gods Sake try what you can do to have a speedy decision either for or against me for either sooner Obtained would have saved me from much inconvenience. A decision in Conversation will not do: it must b[e] [acknow]ledged with the man of Bussiness. Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 34 Dr Ferguson Nydpath Castle Jan. 9 / 1796.

304. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 35. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Nidpath 10th Janry / 1796 My Dear Friend you would perceive in my letter of yesterday that a grievous dissappointment in my expectations of a Settlement at this p begins to stare me in the face, if it shoud actually come, I am certainly in a great Scrape with all my trumpery brought here at a great expence and dilapidation. And it stung me†490 particularly to think that I had ventured so far†491 upon mere words of Politeness from His Grace of Q.†1620 in conversation: but you will See from the inclosed Copy of a Letter†1621 which I obtained Mr Tait that I was not so much to Blame & did not proceed so far without official Communication. ― 379 ― And as I am more reconciled to myself shall wait the event with less perturbation. You would possibly Observe in the Copy I sent yo of a Letter of Mr Tait, why I am so peremptory in my request to have the warning of removeal to the Housekeeper by the end of Janu That is the time of warnings for the whole year. Then habitations are given up or taken & whoever does not provide himself / then m wait for another year, And this to me would be†493 a more expensive &†494 disstressing Situation than any I ever was in: But as I ma great Effort at my Age to get here, if the worst should come†495 must repeat the same to get away. Mr Taits Letter even if I were disp to go to Law is probably not Sufficient ground for any legal Claim, What he did was for the best: And there was nothing amiss but in having to do with a man of Quality whom the Concerns of little men do not touch & who must not be teased with such concerns or w perhaps fully exculpated by his State of health†1622. I write this merely to correct the Chagrin & impetuosity of what I wrote yesterda unless you should find it perfectly easy & proper to stir in the matter to beg that you will leave the Surge to beat as it may. I am glad know your thoughts on the Prospect of Peace. One Effect the very prospect may produce which is to make Parties in France anticip the Speculations or practices I Expected from them when relieved from the Pressure of War. I had a letter from Sr W. P.†1623 at Oxfo his way to Shropshire. He proposed that my family here should be an Asylum in Vacation time†496 to his young Nephew†1624 upon loss of his Second Father at Alva†1625. I can no more think of declining it than if I were his nearest Relation. But I have not the nece Accommodation at present & may not have any better when his Vacation begins. I am Affectionately yours

Adam Ferguson Endorsed, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 35, Dr Ferguson / Nydpath Castle Janry 10, 1796 ― 380 ―

February 305. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 36. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Nidpath Castle 25 Febry / 1796 My Dear Friend Here are no Events, no approach to Negotiation with France, no termination even to the treaty of Nidpath which tho least not the last in Care. If any body think me a Philosopher he is grievously Mistaken. I have done nothing but Peste†497†1626 and inwardly for three or four weeks not to say Months. I do not mean to†498 molest you with these fruits of my Philosophy: but if I not write something there will be nothing from you. And from me it can be only what I have. The Dukes orders to finish with the Terms have been here about a Month And my Assent was not withheld a moment: but the Conclusion is Still unaccountably del This I mention not in the way of Complaint. The Duke you say is already disspleased with this and other delays, let us do nothi irritate: Mr Taits manner to me had every appearance of Candour & Obliging disposition. And tho†499 I cannot explain the prese delay†500: am Anxious least / by any accident or interference of Interests here it should prove fatal to the Scheme of retreat I h formed & which I am now almost too old to look for any where else. Without molesting the Duke with more applications you ma perhaps Observe what is passing & prevent any imputation of the delay†501 to any hesitation of mine in accepting the Terms. Y not tell me in what quarter of the map I am to look for your Country retreat†1627. The extreme of Midlesex is too near. Hertfords is too Cold a Soil; Essex is too low. Kent or Surry must be the ground: but wherever it is I hope it will prove some break in the Eternal repletion of the London eating & drinking As for chearful festivity; from this I doubt you will find no retreat post Equitem atra Cura†1628: And so be as chearful as you please provided you keep a good clear Active meagre habit of Body. I have little correspondence with Edinburgh & feel nothing but the vexation of little troubles in my Situation here. But believe me most Affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 36 Dr Ferguson   Nydpath Castle Feb. 2, 1796 

― 381 ―

306. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 37. Nidpath Castle 29th Febry / 1796 My Dear Friend I wrote lately rather a flapper in the Laputa Stile†1629 to keep you in mind, than a letter. & it is but fair to tell you that I h since procured a Step to be made in the Nydpath Treaty. Having expostulated with Mr Tait on the delay he wrote me for Answe untill he received my Letter he believed that a draft of the Lease was sent to me & that the delay was owing to Myself. It is a curious bussiness that goes on of itself without the knowledge of those who should be the doers of it. The draft however was th sent & I have demurred only to one Clause by which it is proposed that I or my Heirs shall be bound to leave the Castle &c at end of the Lease in Sufficient Repair. I always imagined that as the Castle was dismantled & left to the mercy of the Elements to preserve it in the manner necessary for my own Accommodation & that whenever the Rent Taxes & Repairs exceeded my m I was / to leave as I found it destined to be the Habitation of Bats & Owls. It never entered my head That the Duke meant, whe lease was out that there should be a ground of Action in favour of his Heirs of Entail against my Heirs of Nothing Obliging them Rebuild his Castle for him altho it be already as old as the oldest Ruin in all the Country. This however I hope was matter of fo the draft & will not be persisted in. And this is certainly a negotiation very fruitful in Letters to you since you must hear both of i delays and its Advances. It is not however altogether the occasion of this present writing. I find in the Edinburgh news Paper Th Death of a very Remarkable man & much in your Thoughts as well as Mine James McPherson†1630 The Reviver of Ossian. You certainly know if true what I was told that he had made out a†502 fair Copy of the original Poems. Mr McKenzie Secretary to the Highland Society of London told me he had the Manuscript in his Possession and that a fund was already provided for the expe of Printing it: That it was deferred merely upon a question which had not been determined whether it should be printed in the G or Roman / Character†1631. I had a Specimen ― 382 ― sheet sent me two or three years†503 ago, in the Roman & Another in the Greek Character. With a Literal Latin translation word for [ on the opposite page, the form in which I was told it was intended to print the Whole. I now see or Suspect that the†504 whole load w upon you. The question relating to the Character is a Trifle & whether the Greek or the Roman be employed, James McPhersons orthography differing much from that employed in the Bible &c will require to have prefixed an Alphabet in which the Power & Sound every Letter will be ascertained as much as possible. You will be able to inform yourself fully how the matter stands & I most earnest entreat that you will take it up Seriously & earnestly: for if we die also before it is done I doubt the Papers will be lost & the fund prov for Printing remain unaccounted for. I have heard no particulars of the manner in which that Indignant Soul departed†1632: but he seemed to be drooping abo two years ago when I saw him last. I am My Dear Friend yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson

Endorsement: No 37 Dr Ferguson   Nydpath Castle Feb. 29, 1796 

March 307. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/46-62 no. 53. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. Nidpath Castle 17th March / 1796 My Dear Carlyle I rejoice to find we are both alive that is to say have not forgot one another, as the learned say†505 dead people do, so a hereafter not to have the least remem― 383 ― brance of their best friends. For us it is only letting a maid†506 loose to see her friends and presently our Splanghna†1633 Are moved before without any of these downward noises which the Review tells me Dr McNight†1634 makes the sign of Pity as well as love: for should you and I pity one another, we are come only where every body virtually wishes to be who wishes to live long, And you are in hopes of having five windows added in Front of your House for which you pay no Tax†1635, & I who pay Tax have only one window i Front of mine. It is a whimsical Situation we have got into to be Sure: but has its Alurements both within doors & in the / neighbourho where the People as you are told are very good to us. All the women who have drunken husbands very earnestly press me for their Houses. I am sorry to understand Mrs Carlyle now has so little occasion for my Services: but look forward with great pleasure to the when we may hope to see your Sobriety here: for that is what I understand you mean when you say you have lost all your convivial faculties. The Air is good the Water is Good The Earth is dry And the Castle is lodgeable there is nothing amiss but the Slow pace w which I get into Possession of Country accommodations. They are yet to come at†507 Whitsunday†1636 & Martinmas†1637 next†508 & even then little more than will keep a Cow & Horse. The Dukes Factor†1638 has been here lately & we have arranged so as that the needful for the above purposes may co me†509 as they come to be Out of lease: but if we have little the less we shall spend which is all I am now good for. I slept to Dalkeith House one of the times I / was at Edinburgh & felt then as I always did great Satisfaction in having be there. Lord Dalkeith and his Lady†1639 were then not come: but I am happy to hear Such Accounts of them. John Home & I ha not been so long Silent in the memory of man: but I hope that he too is jogging as usual & that we shall know one another at a Game of Romps with David who I hope will be grievously dissappointed in finding himself an Angel of Light. One of our pleasures here is a dayby post so that I beg you may not wait thereafter for the Coming a Maid for your lette Put, in your Post office at Musselburgh a†510 letter will come to Nidpath Castle by Peebles for two pence. I am with best respects to Mrs Carlyle / My Dear Carlyle yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 17 Mar. 1796   Prof. Fergusson 

― 384 ―

308. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 52. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near Knightsbridge†511, London. Date from contents. Page 2 of the MS is in part torn. [March 1796] My Dear Friend I forward your Paper†1640 as desired to Jno Home & Dr Blair, we shall be happy to have the whole when done. My earnestness for pacific measures on our part has long been great but my hopes of actual Peace very little. The Republick of France†1641 has no chance to exist but in the turmoil of War & if its leaders should have no pretence fo war with Europe in General they will try to keep up the delenda est Carthago†1642 against this Country. What a Prospect for Ag Come it has been louring upon me from the first day of the War & may not clear up while I live. And here is a new & most interesting Crisis. An Assembly of the Batavian People†1643 met on the first of March to Supersede all former Government and deliberate on a new one. The Result is uncertain: but probably the / democratical leaven once†512 admitted into this Batch will never be cleard awa as to restore the former Self electing Aristocracy. It is also probable that the impulse given to that supposed but mistaken Phleg mass on the prospect of Democracy or what is now called Liberty, will produce in that country a new Scene of Energy or nation exertion. What are we to do in this case?Are we to brave the Hostility of this†513 rising Power & press it down into the Scale of France So as to leave no chance of Counterpoise in the rest of Europe. May God who has ― 385 ―

preserved us hitherto forbid. We have nursed the French Republick in its Cradle we have tended it to school & brought it for ought I to a state of Confirmed Vigour in the Issue dangerous if not fatal to Other Nations of Europe: or which certainly the half rotten or Slumbering monarchy can ill resi[s]t. If the new republick of Batavia is to have a separate existence from that of Gaul I would willingl nurse it as a young Hercules who may one day be our Friend and Assistant against this Hydra†1644 of France. Their own Jealousy may†514 naturally enough take this turn against / the Power that is most likely to keep them in bondage & certainly some direction m taken even in the Conduct of our present War with the seven provinces or in our declarations and Policy with respect to them that m facilitate their Coming into our Scale at last: but I must leave every body to his own Affairs & mind my own. The Negotiation of Nidpath†1645 is in a better form than I have known. While we were deliberating on the Safe clause of lease respecting the obligation keep & deliver the Castle in repair the time of Advertising other Subjects in the Neighbourhood is come on. Mr Tait†1646 has been he visited the Premises & has agreed with me that the best form of Proceeding for me is to Come forward with other adventurers in an at once for the whole of what will accommodate me here & the whole be made out for me in one lease. In this I shall be ready before 21st of April the time at which I am told that offers are to be Submitted to his Grace. And I trust you will be glad to find some load taken†515 off your Back as well as my own. I am my Dear Friend / most affectionately yours / Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 52 Dr Ferguson / No date but Remarks Batavian Republic &c &c ― 386 ―

April 309. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 38. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Nidpath Castle 2d April / 1796 My Dear Friend I send this line without the usual cover because a little possible delay in passing through hands may occasion what I wis prevent. The direct call which you mention of my Son Adam to London. I dread for him the Plunge into idleness of which he has t much at Edinburgh. The example of Dissipation & the impression of what is called Genteel in opposition to Bussiness†1647. He at London some years ago to see the Town for a few days & this I trust is enough till bussiness carry him there at some unluck Clients Expence. I wish Burnet†1648 & he to be diverted from it at present without any apparent negative from me. It is only lett drop to another Season when it may be less inconvenient. If the matter were in a certain forwardness any restraint from / me m produce more pain than good & therefore I wish even Burnet who may blab not to know what I write. I have been at Edinr for a to confer with Mr Tait. The Matter of Nidpath now is upon Such a footing that I must be a Bidder for the†516 accommodations w & we cannot by any means wish that The Dukes interest should give way to favour. I mean to go as high as the Subject will be upon me up. And trust only that Ceteris paribus†1649, the keeping of the Castle will procure me a preference in the disposal of appendages. One thing is pleasant that I now have my chance for the accommodations essential to my Settlement here, that I may†517 or be entirely dissengaged, if these should fail me†518. If there should be any offer exceeding mine I shall request Mr T let the Duke know my willingness to go as much farther as necessary. I called for Blair†1650 to discuss Some of his difficulties, relating to the Concern of Forreign Powers in the internal money Circulation of France; but he was confined with an Epidemic C &c &c. yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 38 Dr Ferguson / Nydpath Castle Apl 2. 1796 ― 387 ―

May 310. From Alexander Carlyle MS Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale Univ. Library, Osborn Files. Address: Nidpath Castle near Peebles. Mussh May 3d 1796 My Dear Ferguson On Looking Over my Unanswered Letters I find one from you Dated in the Middle of March†1651 Which reproaches me. Intended to have wrote you after Two Pleasant Visits we had from your Son Jamy†1652, of Whom I may Say as Justly, That He been Né pour La Philosophie†1653, as a Print I once Saw Said of Lewis the 14.th That He was Né pour Les Attitudes†1654. Nor be Sure Jamy is a Douce chield†1655, and Converses very much Like Solomon†1656, & hereafter may prove a very Safe Conveyancer. As we have Some thoughts of paying you a visit about the Latter End of May or beginning of June, I hope you have Got your points Settled with your Great Duke & his Factor†1657, and that you are to Enter Immediatly on the Whitsunday part of you Farm†1658. His Grace Seems to have behav'd better to you Than I expected. For tho' He is a Distant Kinsman of Mine (as I am Descended from the Queensberry Family by two Great Grandmothers, much at the Same Distance as you are from that of Argy yet I must Confess that by all I could Learn, I concluded him to be a Good for nothing rascal. John Hume & Dr Robertson us'd Extoll him, tho in very Different Motives, but I could never Acquiesce in their Praises. I Suppose however that having Now past 70th year†5180, He begins to have some Concern about his Immortal Soul, and foresees, (for Robertson Said He had a large H That you may be of Some use to him in The Regions below, and Introduce him to Some better

― 388 ― Company there than Geo. Selwin†1659 and Jen. Shaftoe†1660, and the Grooms of Newmarket. I hope & trust that you are now Settle Life, and have Got a Moderate Farm of 50 or 60 Acres, the produce of Which may redound as much to your profit, as one in the Par Kirknewton†5181 Described by a Geo. Robertson†1661 in his account [of] / the Agriculture of Midlothian. As I have an occasional Correspondence with the Duchess Buccleugh†1662, Whom I hold to be the Most perfect of all hu Beings, can tell you that they are all well, and that Lady Dalkeith holds on as the Friends of the Family Could wish, And I hope the End of June will bring an Heir†1663 to the Family, by & by to inherit the Estate (tho' I trust not the Qualities) of your Great Landlord†1664. But I forget Nidpath Goes to Lord Wemyss†1665, who is one year older than Queensberry, and has Much the Sa Ideas of Justice, tho' I believe he has More Charity. But He'll be Good to you if He Survive Q: Dr Hugh Blair was very ill of the Influenza, & Said He was Going, but He Did not think So, As I know from Certain Circumstances: for He was all the While composing his Sermon Which He is to preach before the Society for the Sons of the C on Friday the 20th of May, the Prayer Day of the Genl assembly. With much Difficulty I prevailed with him to Undertake it, by th Help of Betty Hunter and John Hill. What can you do better than come & hear it, and Dine with the Society that Day, & rejoice o the Large Collection we Shall Get! Not so Great however as that Wc Dr John Erskine†1666 raised tother Day, by his Sermon be New Society for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen. Their Favourite Missionary was a Glassmaker at Leith: but Geddes†1667, Dr Blacks Friend, had perswaded him to Draw Back: For as the British & Russian and Austrian Missionaries amo the French Pagans, have had Such Small Success in Spite of the Weight of their arguments, There was no Great Chance of hi Doing much by himself Alone, among the Children of Ham on the Coast of Africa. John Home is remarkably well Just now, and bears Situations that you or I would long ago have†5182 away from, with / Remarkable Patience & Good humour. I heard 'tother Day that James McPherson has left Sir John his Fine villa near London & his Library. Is this true? My wife has been wonderfully well thro this Whole Season. April indeed was as Warm as July is for Common. I am in M Ordinary, and Continue to be an Example of Temperance & Sobriety. We Sent our Nephew on Monday morning to visit his Far & Friends As it must be Determind this Summer what Line of L He is to be in, I wish'd that his Father should be first Acquainted with him. He is to Return in June. I'm affraid the Wind is first i East for Some time, Especially as we have a Baltic Fleet of 200, assembled at Leith; and During this Whole Season your Ocean†5183 have been unfavourable to us. But the Hour of the Departure of our ― 389 ― post is arrivd, and I must close, with Saying that my Wife presents her best respects to you, & her Love to the Girls. I am / My Dear Ferguson yours affectionatly Alexr Carlyle ― 390 ―

311. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 39. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Nidpath Castle 7th May 1796 My Dear Friend I Join the writer to The Signet†1668 in most sincere thanks for your good Offices; he has forwarded the letter to Ruthven† & will transact the Bussiness with Mr Charles Gordon†1670 when he goes to Edinburgh. The Bussines of Nidpath is well over as have seen by the documents I sent to you. Thank the Duke†1671 for me. My new Situation†1672 will not be so Ducal & of cours more Professorial. We shall move soon but the direction of Letters may continue the Same till farther notice. You cannot long be loss for Places about London & therefore Ryegate†1673 need not disstress much. Your publick Language is what I have wished the beginning of the War: but my Doctrines are not fit for Publication that is not fit to be told to the Ennemy as well as a Friend I therefore wish I could hold my Tongue even in Company: for I can Conceive what is said upon the Tweed to be repeate Paris. The Ennemy ought not to be told what we rely on for that is telling them to what point they should direct their Force. For Reason Divernois's Pamphlet†1674 appeared to me a / very improper as well as mistaken publication. The French account of the Battle of Montenotte†1675 if true is very Allarming: but my Faith is not fixed. They write in the of Quack advertisement & carry the same Caveat†1676 to distrust. The Battle I take it is fought to prevent their getting Possessi Genoa. And†5184 whatever happened in the Field that day: if they do not get Possession of Genoa they have lost the Battle. I shall apply to the Dukes man of Bussiness†1677 to know what I owe for the time I have occupied the Castle. I am My Dear Friend yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson As I write in Some hurry I had almost forgot your Inquiries about the Dictionary of Italian Geography. It is here Safe, I ha looked at the Article San Marino†1678 and see some short notes of yours Scarcely to be read by any ― 391 ― one but yourself. I mean for the hand write. Shall I send the book to Edr to go by some conveyance from thence. There is another th should not forget. I have lately received a Letter dated at Turin†5185 the 5th of†5186 July 1795 & Signed If I read it right Le Baron de

Chambreis, together with two Copies of an Essay on the Law of Nations about which the Author wishes to Communicate with me & which I am very desirous / to Comply. And if I knew how to forward a Packet would prepare one for him as soon as the plague of changin[g] Quarters will permit. In the meantime I would willin[gly] write a short Line to exculpate myself for the delay that has alread taken place. If you have any Access to the Minister from Turin or any one who can tell us about the Baron de†5187 Chambreis†1679 correct me if I read it wrong I beg that you will inquire. There is a great fault committed by People in writing names in the same Slurr manner that they write Sentences in a Sentence†5188 The Sense helps to read: but in names there is no Help but the distinctness o letters so as not be mistaken. I will tell you next time what I hear about the Burroughs†1680 if any thing past worth attending to yours Again & Again Endorsed: on p. 1: D Ferguson; and on p. 4: No 39 Dr Ferguson Nydpath Castle May 7th, 1796 ― 392 ―

312. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc.4.41/46-62 no. 54. Address: To The Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. Nidpath Castle 9th May 1796 My Dear Carlyle I am happy to hear from you even when part of what you say is not so. I am not accommodated at Nidpath nor there to remain beyond Whitsunday. I have had a grievous time of Suspence but can neither greatly blame myself nor any Other person cannot blame other people because I came here so many months, more than a year, before much could be Settled: nor do I m blame myself because seeing the Situation desireable I saw also that to preserve the Castle in a State to be inhabited I must ta charge of it in Autumn last†1681. For another winter with open doors & windows would have put it past any moderate reparation When the time of renewing Leases came I made my offers, as I thought very high, but there were higher, and at that moment Halyards†1682 a place within two Miles became open, & I secured it. You know enough of the Country to have some notion of Halyards; if not let time and personal Inspection when at leisure inform Mrs Carlyle & you. I enter at once into possession of as much Ground as I wish for, and, what is to me an inconvenience furnished house. For the Room being Scrimp the addition of / our furniture will almost barricade it against us, but as the Offices good we mean to Contend chearfully against all inconvenience. We can Scarcely begin to move before the terms altho the plac already empty. Our Man Servant has been a thief & would have been sent to the Galleys if we had any Galleys; but we can ill till a new come in his place at the Term. So that from the whole My Dear Carlyle you see that your prospect of handing me ove from the Goodness of a present Duke to the goodness of a future Lord has proved Abortive†1683. Their Goodness when we do much want it is ever Abundant & Pleasant but the Lord preserve me from depending upon it for any thing beyond a Day & a Di I remember however in the mean time that I except your Duke & Dutchess†1684 who I believe ― 393 ― are a real blessing to themselves, & that, in my notion is the best thing that Can be Said of any human Creature. I shall be somewha farther from Edinburgh than formerly & in all probability more Seldom there. We join in best wishes & Respects to Mrs Carlyle. I am D Carlyle most affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 9 May 1796   Prof. Fergusson 

June 313. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 40. Address: To John McPherson Bar't, at Brompton near London. Hallyards 2d June 1796 Dr Ferguson My Dear Friend I approve much of your intention to be in Parlt.†1685. It is well understood at London that is the only condition on which o can be of Consequence to the publick or himself. I am not for much of a new Ministry but a new Parlt may turn a new leaf & Something is necessary. If the Duke of Brunswick understands the State of France; he is I suspect the only Prince in Europe w does so. Who has looked so far beyond the present System of Europe, where National exertions are made only from the Surplu Population & Revenue. So as to comprehend what a Nation can do bringing its whole capital of men & every resource at once Action & where every individual from the Lowest is actuated or affects to be actuated with the Passion for democratick Power & national Glory. Such a Nation may want Constancy & steady ― 394 ― firmness: but they may act with an impetus which cannot be withstood. Nothing can†5189 destroy them†519 but tranquillity & inaction abroad which leaves them to pray upon themselves at home. To understand / this Game every mere Soldier is as impotent as any m tradesman of any Other Sort. Regimenteering discipline, & even a good Military Head will not do. We must be prepared like the Anti Statesman†1686 to meet all the human Passions in their inmost recess. Nations of old brought their all into Stake in every Strugle if

worsted they were undone if successful they made the world pay. This is the Game which France is renewing in Europe. And it is no furnishing them†520 with new occasions of exertion that we are likely to evade the Consequence. I should have been glad to have h you canvassing Burroughs in our Neighbourhood: but approve your having taken other Ground. In this District there are 4 or 5 under the Separate influence of at least 3 Dukes who I am told have Compromised matte agreeing to have†521 the Seat for a Friend each in his Turn. Your D.†1687 has had his turn†522 in the last Parlt. The D: of Bucc comes next & intends as I am told his Son in Law Ld Stopford†1688. What the D. of Q.†1689 could mean by wishing to engage y know not if it were not to keep up his Interest at least in one burrough†523 at your Expence. I am glad to hear that by all accou he is likely to gain a clear hundred of Grassum†1690 by my disertion of the Castle. I was certainly / a very improper Tennant to the way of his Operations. I am now at Hallyards about three miles from Peebles & my Letters may be directed as before chan the title of Professor for that of Grazier at Hallyards by Peebles. I am to have Highland Cattle to fatten for winter Beef in the me time I & my Cabinet Council are as much embarrassed with a Refractory Cow that will not let herself be milked as you I hope w with this explosion of madness that threatens Europe. In a former letter you mentioned your namesake John†1691, who is now boarded with the schoolmaster at Peebles & something of a destination of C Payne†1692 for India in which you proposed to embark him when ready but I was uncertain whe you meant when C. Payne was ready or Cabin Boy John. It will be a pleasure to me to think that part of my Blood is to flow by Sea as well as by Land†1693 in this Contest & if it any thing near a Catastrophe in My time I shall be happy to meet it with my old blood in the Front & survive to see the Country or die before it is Otherwise. You may laugh at this but it is often the best consolation I have between Sleeps in the Night. Let m see your Frank†1694 as soon as possible, or never Spare me Postage out of the profess[ion] of Grazing. I am now glad to See The Honble Robt†1695 can help us now as well as the Honble Charles. So God Bless you all Ad. Ferguson Endorsed, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 40 Dr Ferguson / Nydpath Castle June 2d / 1796 ― 395 ―

314. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16740 f. 226. Address: To Lieu't General Fletcher Campbell of Boghuan by Stirling. Hallyards 10th June 1796 My Dear Sir I doubt both the Grey mare & I will be puzled to repay our Obligations at Boghuan. She never could come to me at a mo favourable time, I have pasture for ten or twelve Beasts & am made to expect that I shall cut a thousand Stone of Hay: Such a Stock as yours I know well is apt to overgrow & be felt grievously at a Pinch of Backward Grass, my first impulse was to take a the old mare as soon as possible: but on recollection that, besides her first unexpected Production, she is possibly nursing or to nurse a Second, this may not be proper. I might relieve you of the Colt at any rate if I knew how to have him Conveyed but I a affraid he will neither lead nor Carry. Be so good as order what should be done & if any careful person could be found†524 to le the little animal here, I would willingly pay Costs. All the above Profusion of Grass is not / at the Castle as you Suppose but at new post†1696 I ― 396 ― have just taken having evacuated the Castle. I remained there till near Whitsunday in the same state of uncertainty I mentioned to y about Christmas: The Grounds there were coming to be let, but†525 without any prospect of my being accommodated on any reason terms. The neighbouhood of a little Town brought competitors with whom, it would have been very imprudent for me to contend. The Lords†1697 Passion was for Grassum rather than Rent & tho I offered £707 Grassum†1698 & a Rent of £22 for about forty Acres part Rocky & covered by Wood. I took occasion of the Report of a higher offer to withdraw mine & laid hold of this little Settlement at Hal upon the Manor on the other Side of the Tweed from Nidpath, where I am accommodated at once as above with a Small House, ind but excellent Offices & some fine Pasture of which some small part inclosed. Letters directed to Nidpath will find me but my new dire is at Hallyards By Peebles. I am My Dear Sir your most Affectionate & most Humble Servant Adam Ferguson

315. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 41. Hallyards near Peebles / 20 June 1796 My Dear Friend I must thank you imprimis†1699 for your Friend John†1700. His Ardour for Seamanship seemd to abate at a distance from Other Boys that were also so disposed; but he says that he would like it above any thing else. I do not trust much to his Judge but wish the choice to be his own that he may not blame me for his Sea Sickness. This I doubt might repell him in the first outs he had a retreat before it is over & therefore I wish him to be in a Kings Ship & on a Cruiz[er] before he taste of it & will send to London ― 397 ― by Land if I can find a right opportunity: but this may require Some delay. As for the World I have no hopes but from God & the chap Accidents. It is like John Bull to cry out against all Continental Connections, now†526 when his very existence is at Stake without the And I can only repeat what I have formerly said that he never knows how to behave himself†527 to Other Nations. At one time he wo govern every body, at another he cares for nobody.

This war should have been merely defensive / from the first & terminate as soon a[s] Possible, for it has Served to rock Demon of Mischief in his Cradle: but we would plunge into it trusting to the Cooperation of Other States & now we are over hea Ears & ought to Catch at a Straw, we will have no Assistance. This, in the Sequel of what is past, is the Continued Road to distruction over all Europe, to which there is no Safety now but in the Strict union & Concert of Nations whether in Peace or Wa we have given Other nations occasion to think that we mean or meant our own agrandisement, it is full time to undeceive them the most Sincere declarations, that we withdrew from the Continent because we could promote the common Cause more effectu elsewhere. That we meant no acquisition: but in the way of pledge for the rights of our Allies as well as our own & there is no conquest but we are willing to relinquish for a proper Adjustment in the common Cause of Safety to the Nations of Europe. And there is no exertion which we ought not make in this matter. People talk of Allarms from Russia: but this compared with The All from France is a trifle. I am not much / for Active Hostilities against France for this is like probing the wild beasts to make him f & Roar: but show a firm Resolution throughout Europe not to be the Dupe of his Affectations: or the Ambition of a few upstarts govern the world under the notion of Liberty to them. How I write, you will say, as if I were a Statesman Consulted in the Bussi I would give much that I could banish the matter from my thoughts but this being impossible my next resource is to give vent. I retired to the Country on purpose that I might have a number of little Objects & Cares to divert me from things in which I can b no use either in Practice or Speculation & so much for every mans importance to himself in which I know that you will forgive m Share. I am My Dear Friend your most Affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 41 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards near Peebles / June 20th- 1796 ― 398 ―

316. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 42. Edinburgh 26 June 1796 My Dear Friend I just now receive yours of the 23d†1701 about half an hour after the departure of your little Friend & Namesake†1702 for London, so that the Die is in some measure thrown for him. I had written to his Brother here†1703 to make inquiry about a prop conveyance for him, And yesterday between 4 & 5 in the morning at Hallyards received an Express informing me that my Frien James Stirling†1704 Provost of Edr was to set out for London with a young Son of his own whom he is to enter an Officer in the Guards & that on hearing of my occasion desired to inform me that he would take Charge of my Boy & see him safely to any p should direct in London. This was so favourable an opportunity that I could not hesitate for a moment in seizing it, accordingly, fast as sleeping persons could be†528 awakened and dressed, set out for Edinburgh, took my Boy in passing through Peebles w then heard for the first time of his immediate destination, & carried him through among his Companions waving with his hand in transport of Joy. And he is set out this Morning with Sir Ja's / Stirling who will be a Father to him, till he is Consigned to his Un Samuel Burnett of Iron Monger Lane No 26 Cheapside or to your Order. He has letters written at Hallyards one to you & anothe his foresaid Uncle given him more to serve as a direction where he is to be delivered than to carry any inside Contents. He was taken up at Peebles & forwarded from Edinburgh in the very State of a Peebles Schoolboy, in which this Sudden order to March Surprised him, & it is perhaps better that he should be fitted out at London with Particulars suited to his destinat than that we should attempt any equipment here & I write to His Uncle Samuel Burnett No 26 Iron Monger Lane Cheapside to fi him in Necessarys at my expence. Be so good as let†529 your servant carry the inclosed to the penny Post for that purpose. Yo decide for me what is farther to be done. I mentioned what Passed between Mrs Nugent & me on the Subject & wished you to disscuss the matter with her. She said Captn Nugent†1705 wished to take charge of a Boy of mine & offered to carry this Boy to London with her. I took the matter into Consideration but she departed without Saying any thing more†530; Least she should be affronted or affect to make a Quarrel of our taking to any Other protection at Sea; I pray you to take the choice whatever / it be yourself & recollect what was my wish that Captn Nugents mind should be known before we recurred to any one else. There is indeed no one I should prefer to Captn Nugent & should think My ― 399 ― Boy Happy either with him or C.†1706 Payne whose handsome Remembrance gives me reason to augur well of the Project. My heart is full, & if you were by, my Silence would express enough. We look for Major Burnett†1707 with some fond expectation, if he should overtake me here it will be pleasant to show him the Way to our Country retreat: but if I should be gon Adam†1708 will attend him thither. I too perceived what Sort of Ennemy we had to do with & would have directed My Politics to against the Precise thing that has happened: but this world is a Series of Progress & Decline of Flood & Ebb. Of Volution & Revolution but the State of Europe &c before the year Ninety was such that I saw nothing but the too near approach of a Come could occasion any general Reverse. I am glad you see things in a more favourable light, And whatever is to be the event endeavour to perswade myself that it is more fortunate to have our Lot amidst great Events than in times of undisturbed tranqui only wish if I am to live & see much that I were forty years younger. yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 42, Dr Ferguson / Edinr 26 June 1796 ― 400 ―

July 317. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 43. Hallyards 7 July 1796 My Dear Friend

Being to inclose in Covers within Covers unnumbered letters from this Family to the Soldier & Sailor†1709, I acknowledge the same time your kind reception of our little man at London†1710. He will certainly profit at an Academy or School by any Obje that is presented to his Senses & by†5301 any little manual operation he is led to perform. It will grieve me if he should be much embarrassment or trouble to you & therefore I earnestly pray there may be no more of this than your usual temper will enjoy as pleasure. I am full of Anxiety as usual about the publick & your share in it. Remember I pray to distinguish†5302 what is proper Parliament from what would be so, in the executive Council. In the first every thing†531 that is said goes to Friend & Ennemy alike, whereas an Ennemy should know no more of our but that we mean resolutely equitably & fairly to all Parties. To a person who has long revolved an Idea it appears perfectly / cle in no need of explanation or Comment. To Others it is not so. It would instruct you on this head to have seen a correspondence which I held in the course of last winter with your Friend Dr Blair†1711 on the Subject of your Printed Paper which I sent him at desire. He could not [do]†532 away with the Idea that we who have so much paper Currency of our own should pretend to restr the Currency, that is The making Assignats Ligal†533 tender in France. How do you steer with Sir William†1712 now, there is no I believe better meaning in the Kingdom: but I doubt he is tired of letters from me as I am of writing them. He does not Win by popular Surface either within doors or without; yet all parties listen to him with respect & if he were the mover of a reasonable national measure I would have some hopes. It is pleasant to be talking pacifically when the†534 tide of war as I hope it may is turning in our Favour. And I hope that our government will seriously think how they may convince the world that the continuance War should not be imputed to them. Most Affectionately yours A. Ferguson I pray you excuse so many inclosures &c. The Letter to Sandie Johnston†1713 contains some letters from the young Peo here to the Soldier†1714 at the Cape of Good Hope or elsewhere. If S. Johnstone is not gone some of your people ― 401 ― can give in The Letter at Mrs Fords†1715 in passing. The Letters to the sailor†1716 may lye till he cast up himself. Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 43 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards July 7th / 1796

August 318. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77. no. 44. Hallyards 1st August 1796 My Dear Friend your Letters always give me great Comfort And in Contemplation of the memoir Sur le project de L'Empereur Leopold†17 Particular I cannot refrain some hopes that the Nations of Europe will not tamely wait for a peace that is to arise from the Successive & Separate Surrender of every State to the Republick of France. If there were a Congress of Nations, it would Certa hold a different Language. For the Memoir or project itself does it not need some farther explanation. Two questions may be as In what respect does the French Revolution invade the general System of property in Europe? And how is that invasion to be resisted? &c.†535 Much Obliged for the Plan of The Academy†1718. It is certainly the best place at which our little Friend can wait for his T going to Sea: but as I believe after all that the best Education for a Profession is had in the very scene of the Profession itself seeing the Actual duties of it performed. I hope it is consistent with The Plan of the Academy to / charge Pupils for the ― 402 ― time they remain proportionally without remaining the year and that we shall be ready to accept of a Berth at Sea†536 when a proper opens. In this I understand that there is School on board for young people & that our young Friend will find the proper lessons in Navigation as fast as his years qualify him to receive them. The midsummer vacation may not yet be over at the Academy: but desire my Friend†537 Burnet†1719 in Iron Monger Lane to take your orders respecting Johns Entry & to draw upon me for his ou payable at the Counting house of Mansfield Ramsay & C Edinburgh, Which is all at present from your most affectionate Friend & humble Servant Adam Ferguson P.S. I live in hopes of hearing from you what is actually doing & mean to repay with what is thinking here†538. Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 44 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 1st August 1796.

September 319. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 45. Hallyards 1st Septr 1796 My Dear Friend I have to thank you for two letters†1720 since I wrote last, one inclosing the Correspondence of our little Seaman†1721 to the Other informing me of your Country acquisition†1722 in which I cordially rejoice. I hope it will occasionally give you that possession of yourself which the Town is so apt to disturb.

You are still Consolatory on the State of publick Affairs which is very fortunate for me who have had no Other Consolatio years past. In recollecting some little experience of my own however I come to think that if ― 403 ― one does properly what the occasion requires whether adverse or prosperous Events are not such bad things as they appear to be, I shall leave the subject of Politics a Vous Autre. Thank Mrs Nugent for me on her Project of having our little man rated on board the Caesar. I need not say how happy I shall think him under Captain Nugent. I trouble you with the inclosed Correspondence notwithstanding your being in the Country may increase that Effect. However it may be forwarded when you are writing to your peop Brompton however or when you go thither yourself. We have had a Visit of Dr Black here for about a week but we could not detain h he cannot pass his time in Country, he says, or away from his ordinary Occupations. This I understand. I hope that if you do not take Country Cares & attentions you will at least have your pen and Ink & if not Rus in Urbe, Urbem & Mundum in Rure†1723. My Hay is all Safely got up & yet I am not satisfied till I have better news of Europe. I am My Dear Friend your most affectionate Humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: N 45 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards Septr 1st / 1796

320. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/46—62, no. 55. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. Hallyards 8th Septr 1796 My Dear Carlyle I Observe in the mercantile Style that you have Surmounted the quicksands of Holy Island & the Feasts of Newcastle†172 you could with equal Success encounter the Pot luck of Hallyards I should think you invincible. ― 404 ― This Post was taken, as the saying is, upon the Spur of the occasion because another†1725 appeared not to be tenable. in many respects what I should wish: but if I had been free to chuse, would certainly have preferred one with a little more lodgi order to have a Spare Room for whomever Chance may send on a Stormy night we ly Some of us, three in a Room & others occupy what in the case of a less numerous Family was destined for Servants. In our Chamber of Dine are mounted two Beds that we can lodge while they agree any two persons of / the same Sex & even two persons of different Sexes even if they shou not agree provided they are legally Connected: but as for an Inn to which you look for relief there is not within any practicable distance so much as an†539 ale house at which to lodge a Servant; So that if Mrs Carlyle & you or J. Johnstone†1726 & his Tuto honour & bless us with a Visit, you must march like the Army of Wurmser†1727 at last in two Columns; And warn us†540 of the of your Arrival that we may have a Sheep from the Hills to meet you & give you a Warm reception with Batteries of Mutton and advanced Corps of Sheeps Head Haggish And Puddings such as may keep you alive for better fare at another place: I have no given you my Manifesto, And if you decline the encounter from mere Cowardice or say upon tryal that matters were worse than expected you must not†541 blame me. The Hurry of Hay sow making is over; tho so late, my Hay being all meadow Grass; And have no Corn; what I / may have another year, I know not: but should be glad to have your Agricultural Advice from an experie which you probably have bought as well as myself. Our Pasture was good in its Season: but is now I doubt on its Wayne. The best I can say is that all concerned Women M and Slots†542 are in a thriving Condition as to Health &c. The Girls send their most affectionate Complimts and I have reason to bless them for the Chearfulness with which they accommodate themselves to my retiring or sequestered Humour. The Neighbourhood is†543 Sociable & we visit one another in Cartloads. The way is, I am told, for I have not yet seen, to you at one of the Country & gathering like a snow ball as they roll aloft leave no house unvis[i]ted & no Soul at home in any house to rece Visit till the following Season†544 when the Snow Ball returns again to take them up†545. If I knew when it is to Roll, I should w have you in the way of being picked up & carryed to the next house. In the mean time it would give†546 the People of this Hou great Pleasure to see Mrs Carlyle & you wherever the fates may order. I am Dr C. yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsed: 8 Septr 1796   Prof. Fergusson 

― 405 ―

321. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 46. 22 Septr 1796 Morses†1728 [Hallyards] My Dear Friend I Sit down to write, without knowing what, farther than that I am to inclose Some Correspondence for our little Friend†172 from his kindred here that he may not imagine that he is forgotten. It pleases me to think that he conciliates good will where he & I hope that he will not be deficient in Spirit but for this there is better chance the sooner he makes his transition from the way mere land men to those of the best Philosophers of modern times who Can mount the Waves & Triumph in the Storm. There is besides this enclosed Correspondence a certain duration of Silenc[e] which becomes difficult to endure. I blame myself for my n hearing from you when I recollect that there is more than one letter†1730 Since I wrote last. I hope you go on with an Anxiety, to

Sure, for the Subject deserves it†547: but not with so much expectation of what certain persons may be induced to do as can disstress or chagrin you. For my own part I like to put things at the worst & consider how I can bear that / and what is best to b done under it. If they should turn out better there will be less to endure. I have been diverted of late with a Hypothesis which I means adopt; That our two great German Allies†1731 have playe[d] booby in this War. That the Austrians have given way in ord ― 406 ― to be quit of the Low Countries & have pretensions to an equivalent more Conveniently Situated for them†1732 & That the Other has withdrawn from the Contest & never exerted himself in it to bring Ruin on the Former & have a farther distribution of Territory in whic Lot may be extended. I hope it will appear in good time that the Austrians, who certainly do not play Booby in Italy; will fall like the destroying Angel upon those who venture to drive them on their own ground. The Arch Duke Charles†1733 is I hope now in the first A this After Piece in the†548 Drama. I flatter myself he is not to quit Mr Jourdan†1734 till he has completely cut him up. Even if Moreau† in the mean time should advance to the Gates of Vienna his Situation may be made much the worse by a Victorious Army coming in Rear while the Levies of Hungary & Bohemia salute him in Front. Yet with all this flattery of the imagination I have no Comfort in this Paradoxical War, in which Scarcely any event beyond the boundaries of France can do us any Good. Our Defeats / weaken us & Ou Victories Strengthen our Ennemies they unite France against us & it is from the division of France that its present Rulers our Ennem have any thing to Fear. If we should kill them fifty thousan[d] men in one Battle, they will have just so many fewer turbulent Subjects Govern And the remainde[r] will be the more earnest to Support them against the ennemies of their liberties and of the Glory of Fran This is the engageing point of view in which we of this Island are made to appear whenever Fortune is pleased to favour The War I am told is by no means Popular in France: but the continuance of it is imputed to us†1736 & of course the less Popu is the more we shall be detested. I am curious to know whether we Still expect to Make Conquests or at least that our Ennemie on the Eve of being palsied a la Diverno[is]. That is certainly a Vexatious†549 & not very wise to believe him. Yours most Affectionately &c &c Endorsement: No 46 Dr Ferguson   Morses Septr 22nd 1796 

― 407 ―

November 322. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/46—62 no. 56. Address: To the Revd Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. My Dear Carlyle Let us know what is become of you. Mrs Carlyles letter to Bell†1737 bears that you have Suffered much and been in dang which is more than we knew of from the first reports of your illness, & we supposed it to be no more than one of these feverish colds which are frequent at this Season. I was vexed at missing you when last in Midlothian; & I was prevented from repeating visit by a Cold which confined me some days & hurried me home. If you should be unable to attend to the little Johnston†1738; greatest loss will be his. I felt the whole force of what you wrote†1739 respecting him. He has been long kept under the Awe of Master & by forcible means: for restraint was necessary. But the time must come at which he will either bear himself up on feel of a ― 408 ― Gentleman or be lost to his Friends. When this Ora†1740 should begin is a question: One inducement to begin it now, is that you are way to watch the Effects with Fortitude & Temper. By all means treat him like a Gentleman, & let it not be supposed that he is to be treated Otherwise: but without express declaration that he is at Liberty to be perverse if he please. Such a declaration while he lives those against whom he has the resentment of harsh usage & whom he can vex by misbehaviour because they are accountable for w he is permitted to do, is but an unfair tryal of what he mighta do if left to himself among people whose only concern is not to be troub with any improper behaviour, and who by merely turning their backs can make him feel the Scorn he deserves. If it were not necess continue his Attention yet some time to the bussiness of College I should think of nothing for him but the Company of those whose f would make him feel his mistakes. And if this should not have the proper effect with him, the dissappointment may draw tears from t who had the happiness of intimacy with his Family or who even are acquainted with himself in his more pleasant and better moment which he has scarcely an equal among Boys. The Revolt against harsh measures of restraint however necessary, we may Still hope his case to distinguish from mere frowardness unprovoked. I was dissappointed in not having him & the party you mentioned here & more dissagreeably that it may have proceeded from my Mistake of your Letter, / in which I thought you wished me to write, if there w any Objection to their coming. My Accommodation here†1741 needs the excuse of Surprise; and I have known people pleased with a Scramble when th was not time to do better & this was necessary to me whom time itself would not enable to do better that is than kill a Sheep fo Christians, & send the beasts to look for Provender where it best could be found. That is not a treatment for which to give form invitations. The Cold I caught at Edinburgh is gone & my other infirmities are no more than this time has brought forth. I wish I say as much for the Church and State now Contending with Antichrist himself in the form of Democracy & Atheism†1742. Here w have got a most beautiful retired Kirkyard in which the Ashes of the faithful may have peace without praying for it. This would b security enough to me against impending Storms if I had nobody to think of but myself. But matters are seldom so good as we or so bad as we fear. I am My Dear Carlyle most affectionately yours / Adam Ferguson Hallyards 23 Novr / 1796 Endorsed: 23 Nov. 1796

  Prof. Ferguson 

― 409 ―

December 323. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 47. Hallyards 23 Decr / 1796 My Dear Friend I acknowledge the receipt of Mr Wraxals†1743 Publication & have seen nothing else so likely to do good on both Sides of Water and so having no more to say at present trouble you as usual for the mere Evasion of Postage. The enclosed is an Answ My little mans†1744 first letter from Portsmouth, he has seen the Caesar and did not know there was so large a Ship in the wor His letter also includes one from a Poor Cottager here who has a Son on board The Glutton which the news Paper says is just gone in to Dock at Portsmouth for a little repair. There used to be much intercourse betwixt John & the Parents & there will be joy at the delivery of this Letter. The older Sailor I guess would risk his life at any time for the younger one. My head is full of n Since I read last nights Paper. What is become of our great & Good Ally the Empress of Russia†1745 ad Inferos aut†550 Superos†1746. Will there be any great change of the Scenes. Or who is to be the Empress next: Will the Guards at Petersburgh up with a Male Sovereign &c &c? What a Report from the executive Directory to the Counsel of 500? Never did State anounce own extinction in plainer terms†1747. It is a trick on which to found Some new measures of Finance. The news paper bears that meant to usher in the proposition of a new fabrication of Paper, if so now is the time for your Traveller to Speak or is it meant a Ground of exculpation for the Concessions they are making towards Peace. This is what I wish. And I hope that we shall not qu the smoking flax by Screwing up our demands: for I return to my old Doctrine that tho Peace may be friendly to the Nation it is hostile to the present Rulers. And I am still of opinion that the best way of making War is to have peace with them. I think that understand the State of affairs in Italy through the mist of opposite reports &c And the Party which perseveres, repairing its loss even under Defeat will prevail at last. I ― 410 ― have not yet transmitted the Pamphlet to Dr Blair†1748; being willing to Spare his Purse I wait for somebody that will bear it for nothin and in the mean / time he may be Otherwise Supplied. I believe the Regions are dancing & that Nova Zembla is now here. We have or no Snow but the Thermometer at 10o of Farhenheit†551, so much for the weather wishing to hear little from you I am My Dear Friend your most affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson P.S. The direction of the within should be to John Ferguson with Captain Nugent of His Majesties ship the Caesar at Portsmouth unless you know better†552. Endorsed: on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 47 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 23rd Decr 1796 ― 411 ―

1797 February 324. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 48. Correspondent from provenance and contents of the MS. Hallyards 9th Feb.ry 1797 My Dear Friend in your last, I think, you ask me how the Farm†1749 goes on. O fortunatos nimium Agricolas†553†1750: if they would mind own Affairs & forget what may happen in Europe, till it come to their own doors & then is soon enough for all the good they can I asked a neighbour farmer lately why the late owner†1751 of this place was so fond of it as I had been told: because, he said, gave him a great deal to do. And do you think it a good reason? For us, not†554, he said unless we gain by what we do†555_______. I do not expect much of that recommendation for what I do: but am never idle & can tramp about with unblacke boots or wooden clogs for two or three weeks together, for my Valet de Chambre is gone to the Plough and I am myself consta at work opening drains & turning aside torrents and / yet I am more harrassed with news papers than with all this. It is Sun Shi with you Sometimes when it lours elsewhere: pray let me have a little Glimpse. Say that the Austrians tho' beaten in Italy†1752 m than any thing ever was beaten will not accept of terms for themselves without including us. That Buonaparte is not to go on fo &c &c. I blush for your Alexrs and Caesars who should be ashamed of having strutted so†556 long†557 on the Stilts of military fa for having with some great advantage on their Side won a few Battles against inferior Ennemies: But now I think the Miles gloriosus†1753 bussiness has worn itself out, And I shall never admire any more, except the valour that is employed to repell wr & protect the Orphan & the Widow. To boast of mischief is the worst Sort of Pedantry & Nonsense. And yet I wish for a little of Sort of Pedantry which the Ennemy seems to exhibit in all quarters, in order to meet them if they should come here. / Which I believe in my Conscience they will do Wind & weather Serving even if our fleet were as great again as it is. You and I it seems cannot agree about the Parish exercise of Arms, I grant that, like most new things, it may be attended with Risk: but the greate Risk of all is from the want of it, I. E. Subjugation to a Petulant & outrageous Ennemy who will boast of the Horrors they excite Government will come to this measure as they do to many others when too late: for its operation would not be immediate, if wo only Cultivate the nursery from which Government would be enabled to transplant Shoots indefinitely for the Battalions to be for

for Specific Service at home or abroad. And the People even at their own homes instead of kneeling for Mercy might frown an Ennemy into ― 412 ― Respect: But not to disspute any more; there is more good news I expect from you: That there is no ill military humour / on the Gang but what My Lord C†17531 can appease. No subject has been more in my thoughts than the danger of making the Use of Arms a Separate Profession†1754. If so it must be the highest or lowest & fraught with mischief in either. To Civil Governments who must hav Armies in the pay, one of my nostrums is, look forward to what the Army may, one day, reasonably Ask, and do it Silently before it co in their heads to ask it. And if possible let their heads never Come together upon any Subject of grievance or professional pretensio you deferr to grant till they have demanded, no reason will satisfy them. What has the Court of Leadenhall Street†1755 done in this m But here is enough tho not much about farming. We had a Letter from your little Friend at sea†1756 in bad weather he had been Sick he said at first but that was over. W hope he is now at Spithead & that we shall hear from him soon. I am My Dear Friend most affectionately yours / Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Ferguson   Feb.y 9th 1797 

― 413 ―

March 325. To Robert ('Bob') Ferguson Records, p. 169. MS not traced. In Records both letters 325 and 326 are dated 1 March, but there is no evidence to prov error. Hallyards near Peebles, N.B., 1st March 1797 ..... before this will have come to hand you will, I trust, have heard of the arrival of your friend, my son Joseph, again in He goes at the head of a Company. May his health continue better than it was when he left you (1793)†1757. The lot of a milita man is to go where he is ordered or to quit the service. My blessing to him and you. There will be a letter for him from this fam the same conveyance with this. I am, my dear sir, most affectionately yours Adam Ferguson

326. To Robert ('Bob') Ferguson Records, pp. 157—8. MS not traced. Hallyards 1st March 1797 My Dear Sir I am sorry to acquaint you of your worthy father's†1758 departure from this life. At his age the event is not a matter of su and he met it with great calmness and in the full possession of all his faculties to the last, though under much suffering and bod distress. In the course of last year he had a paralytic stroke from which he in a great measure recovered; but in winter he beca dropsical, and suffered so much from a stifling in his breast that for many weeks before his death he could not be laid in a bed enclose for your satisfaction copies of his will executed some years ago, and of a codicil subjoined during his last illness, in bot which he has with great humanity attended to the necessities of poor and deserving relations, by allotting certain annuities†1759 which I make no doubt his funds are sufficient, although I have not yet received a particular state of them. This my son†1760 is making out from the papers which are in his hands, and of which we ― 414 ― shall transmit a copy to you. It was difficult to save much from the wreck of a fortune which was on the losing side of a great revoluti but there is reason to believe that he recovered as much as could be expected, and he lived in this country with but little expense be some of the charities which he has continued in his will. I reproach myself frequently for not more regularly acknowledging the letters with which you have favoured me. Not being much a man of business my habits have been during great part of my life to defer and procrastinate letters, till there was a dan of their being forgotten altogether; and as most of my friends know this failing, and that I would not neglect any matter of consequence, they were ever ready to forgive me, which I hope you will also, and not discontinue to me the satisfaction of hear your welfare. I send this little packet to my friend Sir John MacPherson, who I hope will forward it and direct it properly. As I ha taken to a country life at this place you will please direct your letters accordingly to me at Hallyards...... Most affectionately your Adam Ferguson

327. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 49. Correspondent from provenance and contents of the MS. Hallyards 2d March 1797 My Dear Friend

I have to acknowledge two or three letters†1761 with their respective inclosures Since I wrote last, in return to which all I do is to give inclosures at least in equal numbers. I owe some letters to our Seaman†1762 at Spithead which I now endeavour t repay. If you meet with Rear Admiral Nugent at London pray tell him that the Little Protegé began his letter from Spithead in the words, It is impossible to express how kind captain Nugent is to me†558. And you may be assured that I feel no less than he do Congratulate the Admiral for me on his Promotion†1763. And Congratulate me too on the nomination of Rhoddam Home†1764 to Caesar on the prospect of his Flag being Removed to Some ― 415 ― Other Ship. I / should long Since have written to my Relation Robert Ferguson in Bengale: but the Vis inertiae†1765 is so Strong that without some particular occasion I should never have acquitted myself of that Debt. The occasion on which I write to him now6†1766 less than the Death of his Father A most respectable & original Brother of mine Whom if you had Known you would have thought a m precious Acquaintance. With the wreck of a Little fortune saved from the Revolution in America he has contrived in his will by little Annuities to asswage the Necessities of a Number of Poor Relations whom indeed he was Supporting for years past. As the Publick become a painful Object at least to us in this Corner who can do nothing for it, I am glad to have any thing else to write. That your Farm†1767 should be pleasant and promise to be profitable I rejoice. Mine is I / believe like the general System of Nature itself better to our exigences than we are always willing to acknowledge; that is; it is fitted to our exigences by giving us something to Complain by never allowing us to rest. What an exotic man you are who never complain. If you should ever again be in the humour of coming Countrey it will be matter of great joy to me. I am My Dear Friend your most Affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson P.S. Be so good as amend or Supply my Direction to Rob't Ferguson if any way wrong†559 Endorsed: No 49 Dr Ferguson Hallyards March 2nd / 1797 ― 416 ―

328. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 50. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Hallyards 16 March / 1797 My Dear Friend Here I am bussy Sowing oats not wild oats but very tame ones I can assure you. Take my thanks for the Thoughts on th Negotiations†1768. I am perhaps the only person in Tweedale†560 who can trace your Steps more or less; but I think I perceive in certain meetings mentioned in the news paper. If the Snow is not too much frozen the Ball you have begun to roll must increase†1769. And so I hope that good will come of it. Having little to say I have long delayed writing & should delay still but for an occasion to Peebles that hurries me being i haste to be gone & we are both perhaps Obliged to it for preventing the effusion of human Ink. All I wish you to know for the Present is that I am most Affectionately yours A. Ferguson Endorsed / No 50 Dr Ferguson Hallyards 16 March / 1797

July 329. To [?William Creech] EUL MS La II 242. Hallyards 5 July 1797 Gentlemn you may remember I took from you when last in Edr Count Rumfords†1770 6th Essay of which the Title is Of The Manage of Fire & Oeconomy of Fuel†561. This is bound separately but is intended as part of a Second Vol. You will therefore now pleas send me the preceeding five Essays forming Vol. ― 417 ― 1st, And all the Subsequent Essays except the 6th which I have already got†562 as soon as they come out whether separate or in a V the 7th Essay is come to hand please send it now by the Carrier†563 & along with The first Vol. The Carriers name is Steel, he puts one Patersons the Sign of Harrow in the Candlemaker Row & leaves Edr on Friday morning. Direct your Parcels to me at Hallyards Peebles. I am your most humble Servant Adam Ferguson

August

330. To Joseph Black NLS MS 8251 f. 104, Stuart-Stevenson Papers. Hallyards 25th August 1797 My Dear Sir Your Queries came at hand yesterday; but in our Situation a day or two must intervene before we can Answer. Ansr 1st I began by taking the Bath two or three mornings in the week, & as I found it agree with me came to take it eve day. At first I remained in the Bath about fifteen minutes: but gradually prolonged the time. '2nd The hour of Bathing is in the morning, & the Patient returns to Bed that he may cool gradually. 3d My Apothecary's Name was Hay, a plain man without pretensions or Quackery. 4th I never used Dry Pumping. Mr Hay prescribed a dose of Castor Oil to prepare for Bathing: but it did not operate & I went on nothwithstanding. ― 418 ― Whoever goes with the Single prescription of Bathing will scarcely need any direction but that of the Chairmen and Guide The Bath I used is called the Queen's Bath. That which is called the Kings immediately over the Spring seemed too hot. / There are Covered Baths made at a great expence with Marble Compartments for People who like to pay dear for what have. I tried them but returned dissatisfied dispirited and felt colded for a day or two afterwards, so that I believe the Choice of Queen's Bath is Material. It is open to the Air. Ladies, Gentlemen, Guides &c &c heep†564 stalking about Pell Mell†1771. I felt or fancyed my Cure was advancing every time I bathed, & so I hope will Mr Stuart†1772, or if it should come insens that will be alike in the end, & that he will make as good a Retreat into Old Age as I have done, that is shake off all responsibi and bless every day that he lives. I know nobody to whom mere existence should be more pleasing than to him. Let him have something to do that will neither confine nor fatigue, & then mere existence in the Company of God is exquisite. I have learned late to call him The Principle of Existence†1773, & in this denomination he can never be away: but I do not understand that the French Chemists have yet admitted him among their Principles. The Girls join me in best wishes. You should be well enough to make them a visit, the good weather is yet come and I am persuaded / The Excursion would do you good. I am Dear Sir your most affectionate & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Doctor Black Endorsement: Copy Letter from / Professor Ferguson to / Doctor Black / August 25. 1797. ― 419 ―

September 331. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 51. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Bromptom near London. The carrier has added the w 'Tunbridge Wells'. MS of six pages. Page five is written vertically, on a different kind of paper. Hallyards 26 Septr 1797 Dr Ferguson My Dear Friend I dont know what has occasioned so long a Silence between us altho I myself am more to blame in it than you. On rece your last I was to write immediatly & having scarcely any thing to write here except the weather was to descant as usual on the political Sky. The Aspect indeed to me though changeing to the common sight has been ever nearly the same. I saw the Frenc Monarchy overturned by a flash of Democratical lightening, striking the Armies of France†1774. And I now see the fate of Europe urged by the Continuance of a Democratical Change in that tremendous Conductor†1775. This even the Officers commanding th democratical Army understood not And many of them have been knocked down Successively by coming too near a Battery whi they did not know to be charged. Lafayette†565†1776 Dumurier†1777 Coustine†1778 Montesquieu†1779 &c &c thinking that because they got Victories & were Popular / the Army would follow & Support them in any plan they chose to follow. All these instances were much alike wheneve democrates became Jealous the Army Suffered them†566 to crush any General or do what they pleased with him: but Dumurier most to my purpose. He gained Signal Victories and the Army called him leur Pere†567 but the moment he swerved from Demo His Chamber and Quarters were crouded with Grandiers having the Buttside of their hats turned foremost & with Republique†56 written upon them†569 in letters of Chalk. A Brigade marchd without his Orders & when he questioned them on the Road he wa obliged to swim a Canal or leap a Ditch†1780 to get away with a Shower of Musket bullets about his Ears. The Democracy of F is represented in the Council of 500†1781 chosen by the People: but three men†1782 not chosen by the People, got into a Dissp which they called the Representatives of the People Royalists & instantly the Armies of France declare against the Representat of People And the Three had the whole military force of France at their disposal to Suppress the Civil & Political Democracy of Country. Whence comes this. Have / the Military no feeling of the Democracy for which they affect so great a Zeal? or have the some view to a manner of enjoying it, which has not yet appeared to other People. It is possible they may have such a View or

― 420 ― may be†570 opened to them: but for the time past & the present I believe†571 that they felt the Spur which drove to Democracy more sharp than any part of the People. I believe that among the points in this Spur the sharpest was the Contemptuous distinction manta on the footing of mere birth†572 against the whole Body of the people in France. This disstinction was made more grievous to every common Soldier than to any other Person in France & the entire remo of it is†573 a triumph to him which he cherishes & glories in more than any other order of men can do†574. In the late Monarchi Army Officered with Noblesse & recruited from the People The private Soldier was a kind of Dog or worse. A Gentlemen would caress his Dog: but a Soldier might die in the Kennel he was too mean a thing to touch the gentlemans notice. The Line of Distinction between them was so insurmountable that no merit could carry a private Soldier over it, he might storm Castle / or tu the fate of Battles; no matter his blood might flow where†575 it would†576; he must toil & Suffer & be a Slave for Life it would contaminate the whole Race Of Nobl[esse] to treat him with any Notice. Can any one wonder that when a prospect opened of b able to break this film all the privates in the French army ran thr[ough] the Breach & still glory in the Idea that they are in the vu Phrase as Good as their General†577 & may come to Command in their turn. This for the present I believe is the great charm o Democracy to them & who Can doubt its Effect. They may in process of time demand Settlements & retreats from Military Serv but that time is not yet come. Thus in my opinion Stands the case with what we and all Europe not excepting the Directory & Democracy of France has to Contend. We Blame the Directory for not making Peace†1783 they neither dare nor can make Peace. The Army must have forreign Ennemies to Devour or will devour at Home. What Conduct this may suggest in this Country I know not: but I am sure that no conduct will be right where the case†578 is not understood & hence the whole Series of our Conduct hitherto or†579 The Coalitio Europe by which we roused excercised & confirmed the Democracy of France /. Within you have a full Sheet that is almost as much as your Unciarium†1784 priviledge can bear, but there must be a cov besides with room for much Wisdom if I had any to Spare. The Plan of operations in such a War is not very easily Settled. The Ennemy desire no better than to be violently threatened with attacks on their Republick one & indivisible. One thing however is certain that every nerve must be strained to put this country in condition not†580 to be Subdued without having its people destro first & the more this is believed, and†581 that we mean no more in the War so much the better. There is talk of representations and Appeal to the sense of the world. Good words I pray, for what have we†582 to do wit censures of what French do to one another. There should I think however be one burden to every Song, that our ― 421 ― enemies seem disposed instead of allowing their Armed Citizens to repose in the Arms of Peace with the rewards & Settlements the have merited, seem to meditate relief, from their claims & pretensions by their destruction in operations which cannot be of any bene themselves or their Country. God Bless you all from your most affectionate &c A.F. Endorsement: No 51 Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 26 Septr 1797 

― 422 ―

October 332. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41 / 46—62 no. 57. The handwriting covers the four pages of the letter, leaving no room for the address for the endorsement. Hallyards 2d October/1797 My Dear Carlyle If what you write from all the sources of information in Scotland be not worth postage, what are you to expect from Mano Water†1785 where we have talked of nothing for three or four months but bad weather. G. Hamilton I think has got his revenge G. of M. I would rather lose 3 Professor ships†583 than run away from B. once†1786. ― 423 ― I have got professor Robisons†584 book†1787 & have read the Introduction but cannot yet conceive what he is to make o Subject meaning free Masonry†585 without being to tell us first of all what it is. I am in hopes the Militia Act†1788 will be amende for the Circumstances you mention make it a sort of Press Act; & the mad people it seems felt it so. If a young man is to be pr because he is 18 & not 24 the natural Consequence and Spirit of the Act should be that at 24 he falls off to make way†586 for younger men in their turn. My son now about 20†1789 had some pretence to exemption his name being enrolled in some one of Artillery Companies but I thought the best I could do was to set an Example to my neighbour Farmers in chearfully giving up his name to the Ballot. And if College call him away I trust that money will procure a Substitute. The French Revolution it seems is still a Curiosity; many things certainly led to it and the French†587 heads a stir after ne things made bolder and wider steps than ever were made before by Mankind in any case whatever: but all this would have com nothing if the French Army had Adhered to their noblesse officers & to the Crown: but they did not; & they made the Revolution They made & will continue to make every change that is to happen in France to the end of time. They were struck with democr as with a Spark of Electricity or a Stroke of Lightening & have continued charged even Since. They will follow no General that swerves from Democracy & will cut the throats of all the Representatives of the People of France if the Cry of Royalism is raise against them. What sort of Whim is this? You will say, for an Army? But it is better founded than perhaps you think. /

Of all the Plebeians in France who felt the galling distinction of Noblesse Connected with the Monarchy. The Rank & File of the French Army did so the most. With Noblesse a man might have†589 genius Bravery merit of any Sort; yet no Power coul affect the meanness of his Condition or give him any hopes of preferment. The moment that the Sky broke over his head & he a Possibility of advancement he felt all the meanness of his former condition & grasped at the Change. Some of the first movem of the Democracy raised multitudes of Private men into Officers, & continue to allow a man in the Ranks to look up to any statio the Army. Do you wonder that they are Democratical. If Buonaparte or any one else should swerve from democracy, so long as think Such Swerving leads to the former disstinction of Noblesse he would Succeed as ill as Du Murier†590 or any one else†179 The moment I saw the Army Adresses to the Directory & to one another it was Evident that no Power in France could make Pe that till the Army is disposed of & Satisfied, no one in France who has any thing to lose will wish to have Peace: for Peace / m bring†591 the Army home; give them leisure to form pretensions & Claims in return for their Services or in Other Words to seize every thing at discretion Must they not therefore be kept abroad and otherwise employed. And if the Directory continue, this will day gall ― 424 ― them as much as it will any one else. What are we†592 then to do you will say? Nothing in my opinion but defend ourselves & this wi proper conduct we are certainly in Condition to do untill thing take some turn in France. The Name & Disstinction of Noblesse may b effaced in France & the Army come under the Management of Leaders and Reasonable men†593 without the terror of falling back in condition of Soldiers for Life without the Possibility of Preferment. I am perswaded that there is no high Officer, Civil or Military in tha country who would not†594 gladly be a General Monk†1791 if he could; but no one dares attempt it. What the Directory calls a Royali conspiracy is the very Stale trick of Faction imputing Plots to those they are to ruin by taking the measures agai[nst] them which the prevention of Plots are supposed to justify & to require. yours &c &c Adam Ferguson ― 425 ―

333. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/46—62 no. 55 bis. Address: To The Reverend Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh. The MS consists of one sheet, the previous, and probably first one, being missing. It is in part torn, and part of the letter continued on left margin. The endorsement bears the date Oct. 2nd, 1797. The reference to Robison's book also proves that it immediately follows letter no. 332, also dated 2 October 1797. 'your Friend Collingwood†1792 is Certainly a man of excellent sense, I shall say nothing of Teneriffe false intelligence†1793 might have misled any body: but the Bombardment of Cadiz could serve no purpose but to disstress & to Alienate a People wh believe in their hearts are disposed to be our friends. I respect Mr Blacket†1794 greatly & am sorry not to have seen him. You d mention J. Homes health & I am in hopes that besides trouts he may get Some Vigour at Longfarmacks†1795 as I yet here at Hallyards. The account of your Ducal Neighbours†1796 is very agreeable all to the Dutchess' complaints for which I grieve very Sincerely but hope they are not very great. Mr Pitts Supposed financial Sch[eme]†595†1797 sounds well. Every one I think should willing†596 to buy up his own Land Tax at 20 yrs†597 [pur]chase &c &c. But let him not undervalue his Enn[emy]†598 for want of Finance, there is nobody can tell how much they may still do without it. And let him not Scold the French Directory for refusing Peace†1798 they cannot make peace & they dare not attempt it. The Seeds in which I have been dissappointed this year & for years past are not better than Carrots & Turnips†1799: Robt Douglass at Galashiels†1800 has under[taken]†599 for my field Turni And I shall move heaven & Earth rather than miss carrots another year. The kind I want is the Large Red Flander Carrot†600 if know any seeds man to be trusted with such a Commission let me know. They talk to me of horn Carrots orange Carrots &c &c I like hemlocks as well..... I have read more of†601 Robisons book & think he has disclosed a scene of Villany to much good purpose. As to free Masonry I have been long apprised of the power of Arcana†1801 in gulling mankind, & what a shallow fellow he is who has no Secrets†602. Endorsed: 2 October 1797 Prof. Fergusson ― 426 ―

1798 January 334. To George Chalmers†1802 EUL MS La. II. 453. Hallyards near Peebles, N.B. 11th January 1798 Dear Sir you do me great pleasure by calling upon me for any thing that can be of use to you. My late worthy Brothers†1803 Estee and Obligations have made you more than a Relation. I certainly could interpret some of the names in the list you have sent me†1804: but think I do better in referring you by th inclosed to My Friend Mr Bisset†1805 ― 427 ―

Minister of the Parish who by this daily use of the language and view of the places can much better connect the name and descriptio together. I know it is a received Notion with Antiquaries here that most names of places in the Country are of gallic original and actua descriptive of the Situation. Much of this no doubt is true / & not a little imaginary as you will easily admit when you consider by what accident names are affixed to places without any meaning. The district of Scotland in which the gallic etimologist is most Successful in this Way is the Counties of Air†1806 & Galway†1807, where no Gallic has been Spoken time out of mind. And yet the inference is fair that it must have been the vulga tongue formerly. As to the fact I have just heard it asserted & no more that a very Old man in the memory of People in the last used to say he remembered when the Common people spoke Gallic about him. And yet the total change of one Language for another totally & radically different is Scarcely to be accounted for without the Absolute extirpation of one Race & Substitution o Another. We perceive how the Latin has been changed into Italian Spanish & even French by time & a mixture of Races. But I believe that the Saxon has come to be Substituted for Welsh or Gallic and a total change made without the†603 removeal of tho who Spoke the one to make way for those who Spoke the Other. And our imperfect account of these removeals & Supplantatio has made me very Sceptical respecting the Authority of our History in many parts. But this is perhaps little to your purpose. Altho' one impression your Dictionary will make on the mind of your readers is: the Scoto Saxon[s] as well as Anglo Saxons are now in possession of a Country originally Gallic. I return the list of names as it save you the trouble of recurring again to the Map and together with my letter to Mr Bisset send you one also to Mr McLaggan Minister at Blair in Athol who is highly reputed as a Gaelic Scholar and Antiquary. If he have proper Maps within his / reach I tr will extend his Observations & interpretation of names beyond his own Parish or immediate Neighbourhood. I am dear Sir with the most Sincere regard your most Obed.t & most humble Servt Adam Ferguson George Chalmers Esqr Endorsement: Dr Adam Ferguson 11th Jan. ry 1798. About the Gaelic names of places in Scotland, & the Etymology of th The Gaelic spoken in Galloway in the last Century. Sends a letter to Mr Bisset Minister of_______and one to Mr McLaggan Minister of Blair in Atholl, who will explain the na in their quarter. ― 428 ―

February 335. To William Cabell MS SRO GD 51/4/504. Address: To Will: Cabell Esqr at the India Board, London. NB Hallyards near Peebles 22 February 1798 Sir This will be delivered by Robert Stuart†1808 who, you inform me has been named by Mr Dundas, Cadet in the companies Service to India. I trust he is ― 429 ― furnished with the proper Certificate of Age, & will be obliged to you for the proper credentials to the India House. I am Sir your most Obedient and most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Mr Cabell at the India Board

March 336. To [Henry Dundas] MS SRO GD 51/4/520. Correspondent identified from provenance, from contents and from letter 335. Hallyards near Peebles 9th March 1798 My Dear Sir I have notice of your kindness in the nomination of my relation Robert Stuart†1809 to an Indian Cadetship. As I believe yo would not suppose me insensible I hesitated whether to give you the trouble of opening a letter on the Subject: But as this is do have no more but to Pray that God may bless and Prosper you for the preservation of us all. I am with great Respect your mos Obliged and most Obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 430 ―

337. To Henry Mackenzie

Mackenzie, editor, Report of the Committee of the Highland Society, Edinburgh 1805, Appendix IV, pp. 62—5. Hallyards near Peebles, 26th March 1798 My Dear Sir I have, within these few days, been honoured with a circular letter from the Committee of the Highland Society, with Que relating to the poems of Ossian†1810. In answer to the first query, the committee will please to know, that about the year 1740, I heard John Fleming, a taylor, in the manner of the country, worked with his journeymen at my father's house, repeat, in a kind of chiming measure, heroic str relating to an arrival or landing of an host and a subsequent battle, with a single combat of two chiefs. This I took down in writin and kept for some time; but was not in possession of when Mr MacPherson's publication appeared. I had no doubt, however, in recognizing the same passage in the arrival of Swaran, and the single combat with Cuchullin, in MacPherson's translation of Fin The few words I can recall, are, 1st, in relation to the hosts engaged: Iomma colan, iomma skia, iomma tria, is lurigh gharibh. And in relation to the chiefs who grappled, and in whose struggle Bha cloghin agus talamh trom moscle fo bhonn an cos. The Committee will be so good as excuse my spelling, and guess at the words as they best can. As John Fleming was t an oldish man, he is probably long since dead. As to the second query-the Committee will please to know that I have, at different times, heard other scraps or fragments repeated; but the principal use I made of them was, to tell my friend and companion at College, Mr John Home, that there were relicks of ancient poetry in the Highlands, and which led him to the inquiries which produced Mr MacPherson's communications. The fragments I afterwards saw in Mr MacPherson's hands, by no means appeared of recent writing: the paper was muc stained with smoke, and daubed with Scots snuff. To the third and fourth queries, I can say nothing, as I am not now in the neighbourhood to which they refer. To the fifth, please to know that I have, very early in my life, and of course very long, heard of Fingal and his race of her and of poetry on their subject, to be found some where in the Highlands. But as to my qualification to give evidence in this mat the Committee will please to know, that the place of my nativity in Athole, is barely within the limits at which Gaelic begins to be vulgar tongue, and where the mythology and tradition of the highland were likely to be more faint than in the interior parts. I am sensible ― 431 ― that mere opinion must go for little in the midst of such evidence as the Committee are in search of. I cannot, however, entire ly supp my own, in addressing the committee of a society of which I have the honour to be a member, though prevented by my infirmities fro taking any active part in the meritorious pursuits in which they are engaged. In the communications which Mr MacPherson at any tim made to me, I was far from apprehending any imposture; but when the poems of Fingal and Temora appeared, I was inclined to thin some pains must have been bestowed, and even liberties taken, in piecing together what was found in separate or broken fragment with defects attending all such traditionary strains. What the collector had to do, or actually did, of this sort, it is impossible to know, i himself has kept silence on the matter. May we not, without attempting to compare the subjects together, recollect a similar tradition relating to the scattered rhapsodies of Homer himself? and as the collector left no intimation of the pains or liberties he took, we emb Homer, as we may now do Ossian, as the sole author of strains which bear his name. When I consider the late fashion of the times, respecting the contents of a language which is now thought so interesting, I am not surprised that the gleanings of Mr MacPherson h left so little vestige behind. It was a language spoken in the cottage, but not in the parlour, or at the table of any gentleman. Its great elegancies were to be learned from herdsmen or deer-stealers. It was connected with disaffection, and proscribed by government. Schools were erected to supplant it, by teaching a different language. There were no books in it, but the manuals of religion, and the so awkward and clumsy a spelling that few could read them. The fashionable world in the neighbourhood, as usual, derided the tone accent of Highlanders, believing their own to be models of elegance and harmony. It was more genteel to be ignorant than knowing what such a language contained; and it required all the genius, learning, and courage of James MacPherson, to perceive and affirm the ancient strains of Gaelic poetry might compare with those of other nations more celebrated. If it should still remain a question wit many, whether he collected or composed these strains, I shall not be surprised; for I believe, that what he got in writing was unknow those who gave it, and the merit of what was repeated scarcely felt. And, in short, that he himself at times was not averse to be thou the author of what became so much celebrated and admired throughout Europe. In writing so much, and so little to the purpose of the Committee's letter, I trust to your usual favour and good nature in helping me to the proper excuses; and am, with the most sincere and perfect regard, My Dear Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant Adam Ferguson ― 432 ―

338. To [? Bell & Bradfute]†1811 MS New York Public Library EM 5939, Thomas Addis Emmet Collection, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations. Hallyards 312t March / 1798 Dear Sir I have had notice from my Son of the Copper plates†1812 being come & have desired him to put them into your hands w my request to have some proof impressions as soon as convenient. That we may consider†604 what is necessary or may be do for their improvement & this I am perswaded you will think right. We are proceeding as you probably know at the press. And I a much allarmed at the probable size or†605 of our Volumes if condensed into four. A lumpy Octavo is of all forms the most inconvenient to me & I break down some of my books into separate vol's. I should earnestly wish if it can be done without grea inconvenience that our book could be divided into six Vol. s. The†606 Stitched should be nearly the same & if more when bound shoud hope the / buyer would be reconciled on account of the more convenient & portable form. I make these remarks to have

considered before the first separation of a Vol. And you will determine what should be done. I am / Dear Sir / your most obedt most humble Servant / Adam Ferguson ― 433 ―

May 339. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 53. Hallyards 14th May / 1798 My Dear Friend your writer at Edinburgh†1813 has a report that you are to be this way in May which I rather wish than believe. If it should So you will find that I, tho a Warlike Philosopher, am far from being against your System of Property & National independence†1 altho I do not know of any way to preserve it among Thieves high way men & conquering Nations but Force alone & to this we look for Safety & even not rely on ordinary means of defence So long as there is Such an Army & Such a directory in France. A the Combina[tion] of Kings served the Jacobin cause in France†1815 The Threats of the Directory serve the National cause in th Island. They will teach & drive as I trust to assume a just Military Posture which no effort of theirs will reverse. And if they persi I trust not be for a Moment or a Single generation but for Ages to / come. For this purpose I wish only in ad[d]ition to what is d that the current of Estimation & honour should be turned as much as possible into this Channel. What is become of Trade? My Answer still is let so much of it as is inconsistent with National Safety go elsewhere. A Valiant People & independent State cann want for Resources. My only difficulty is to hit the just mean between the danger of Subjugation & the danger of wishing to Subjugate Others for men are Such Idiots as to Think that conquests is prosperity & for themselves would sett no limits to eithe complain that the French would be a Conquering & the great Nation by Land: but our publick Scribblers at least are as Offensiv their turn by Sea. Is not rule Britania ov[e]r the Waves as bad as ça ira†1816. The best of us should have a bridle in our mouth hook in our Nose or at least have our tongues pulled out. There was a poor Idiot in my Country who used to call himself Rob machg an Duig: but Others called him Rob Gorrick. I piteous to hear fools talk of the Sovere[i]gnty / of the Seas while they own that there should be no Sovereign of the Land beyon own territory. If vainglory had effect to raise or preserve a just national Spirit it might be endured: but I distrust the effect it is provoking to Others & fraught with inefficient confidence in those who entertain it. So much for Moralization which if does not C the world may at least tell us what to think of it. I have seen some extract of a Work of Dumurier†1817. It is strange that these Frenchmen should know human Nature & its affairs so much better than we do. We think that Law and Act of Parliament should every thing they have more experience of the minds ― 434 ― ]& humours of Men. What I liked most in the land tax Scheme†1818 was that it gave prospect of a more fair Assessment hereafter: b think it seems to languish. If you be idle enough to come here you will find me at home for the printers are at work on the Roman History†1819 & tho they are far from sending me a proof to correct every part I am obliged to be in the Way &c. I am earnest to have right as I can make it. &c &c yours A. F. Endorsement: No 53, Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 14 May 1798 

June 340. From Andrew Stuart NLS MS 8294 f. 66. Stuart-Stevenson Papers. London June 4th 1798 My dear Sir Not knowing your particular address and understanding that you seldom come to Edinburgh I sent a packet for you some weeks ago addressed to the care of our friend Dr Black, and I make no doubt that it has reached your hands here now. That packet contained a book lately finished & published entitled Genealogical History of the Stewarts &c†1820. It is the r of the labours of many years, employed first in collecting the materials and afterwards in arranging them and putting them toget the shape they now appear; fortunately I had collected all the materials before the Severe illness with which I was attacked in th month of May last year; but the greatest part of the Arrangament & ― 435 ― Composition has been done since that Attack, and tho' it sometimes required an effort to set about it, yet in the whole I found to be a advantage to me to have some object of the kind to excite my attention, and to give me employment without anxiety. I was happy to find by a Letter of yours to Dr Black in the month of August last year†1821, which John Davidson forwarde me while in the Isle of Thanet†1822, that you particularly recommened my having something to do that would neither confine nor fatigue. Your sentiments encouraged me to persist in the plan I had adopted. There were in that same Letter some sentiments a on matters / of a deeper concern which to my mind afforded much Nourishment and Comfort, and in which I was particularly ha to find that my Notions coincided so much with yours_____This is a subject on which I shall be extremely desirous to have som further instruction & discussion at meeting, and I look forward to that period with much earnest desire of its taking place this ver season_____. Nothing can prevent it but the State of my health; for if at all able to perform the journey it is fully my intention to in Scotland this year before the Summer & autumn are over. Before making so long a Journey I am first to make the experimen

Journey to Bath & Clifton†1823, from the last of which places I received very great benefit two years ago. The air there is remar Salutary & I shall probably set out about 10 or twelve days hence, & will pay a visit to Bath at the same time. It was toolate in Season when I went there last year, the consequence of which was that I soon caught a cold & cough which obliged me to des from either bathing or drinking the waters. I have many thanks to return you my dear Sir for all the trouble you took last Summer in acquainting me of the course y had followed yourself in a case similar to mine & in kindly communicating to me everyidea that you thought could be of use to me_____be assured that I received with great gratitude / your suggestions and availed myself of them. The Winter & Spring Season are unfavourable for Invalids such as I have been_____I have fought them through tolerably but the progress towards recovering the use of my left hand & Left Leg is very slow_____They tell me it could not be expected the warm weather sets in, from which I am now encouraged to hope for much benefit. When you have had time to peruse the Genealogical History which has occupied so much of my time & attention I shall happy to have the benefit of your observations & sentiments. Tell me fairly, whether you perceive in this work any Symptoms of Paralytick Stroke. I promise to you not to be offended, as tho Archbishop of Grenada was at honest Gil Blas†1824 for telling him real opinion in his Homelies composed after an attack of the Apoplexy. I congratulate you upon the good accounts we have lately had from Ireland†1825, & the appearance of the Rebellion ther being in a fair way of being ― 436 ― crushed before the arrival of their French friends. Still I am of opinion that the French will certainly make the attempt & there seems t no doubt that Buonaparte is embarked on board the fleet at Toulon†1826. An excellent Spirit prevails in most part of this Country at present. Let me have the satisfaction of hearing from you when leisure. & believe me with real esteem My D. Sir yours &c A.w Stuart Endorsement: Copy Letter to / Professor Fergusson / June 4th 1792

341. To Andrew Stuart NLS MS 8294 ff. 76—7. Stuart-Stevenson Papers. Address: To Andrew Stuart Esqr MP, London. Hallyards near Peebles 28th June 1798 My Dear Sir I received your most acceptable present†1827 by Dr Blacks conveyance & tho very little of a Genealogist or Antiquary hav been highly gratifyed. Mere names of Father & Son with dates & Successions always vanish from my recollection And I need so adventure or trait of Character to give them Substance and to make an impression. You have supplied these requisites, And I a now ― 437 ― convinced that your Family is the most Illustrious of any in Europe descending from remote Antiquity thro nobles Crowned Heads Gr Warriours & Heroes noted abroad as well as at home and if the Popedome were not extinguished in a fair way to have the Keys of S Peter & the triple Crown. Their generations serve to Arrange and to illustrate the History & Antiquities of their own Country & in some measure of forreign Nations also. In reading Guicciardini†1828 formerly I was unable to guess who that Obiné Scotzese†1829 could be. And ashamed to say / that hitherto the History of Scotland has interested me less than almost any Other that is Commonly read. Th I should be sorry to account for†608 without owning the defect to be in myself. I have many times attended Buchanan†1830: but notwithstanding his Latin never could get through. I am well pleased wit knock you have given him†1831. His fine genius and wonderful possession of a dead Language never can attone for malice or indifference to truth. His retention in a family who honoured him with an important trust†609 might have excused some bias to h defects or to heighten their lustre: but the Contrary disposition was at least extremely perverse†1832. Your discoveries in the Vat have met the progeny of Robert the Second†1833 beyond the possibility of misrepresentation or doubt. I have now only one diffi left how you come at this moment not to take the Title of Sr A. Stuart of Castlemilk†1834. As to the execution of your work: If yo make a Gil Blas of me I can give every Sort of encouragement about the Homilies†1835. There is the same compleat informatio same fair Statement & fullness if not redundancy of Evidence as in former productions & perfection or Sublimity of Stile; becaus precisely what it ought to be. And I rejoice to think that checks / to Animal life do not always touch the Intellectual faculties. Alo with the Genealogy I had your letter to Dr Black sent to me & have since received your letter to myself. I am not discouraged b slowness of progress in recovering your strength. My own was so slow that except in the effects of Bath & my excursion to Italy never could fix the time of any Sensible advance, Altho I am now certainly as well as could be expected at my time of life, & be probably than I should have been if the check I received about the age of 60 had not put me upon a safer course of life than formerly. It is an old saying that at a certain Age every man is either a fool or a Physician of the two no doubt one had best be a Physician. Altho I suspect that the Skill of such Physycians is mostly limited to their own Case, Yet the causes of health are so the same to every body that except in the case of opposite disseases what is good for one will be so likewise for Another. We too apt to suppose that our peculiar Constitutions require what we have brought upon ourselves by habit &c. There may be for I know a very material difference betwixt your constitution and mine. One inclined to repletion or fullness of Blood, the other not much. I know not what upon ― 438 ―

this account the Doctors may have recommended / to you: but to me the meagre diet and Water has been in a high degree Salutary pleasant. Your own experience of what is attended with least inequality of sensation whether of want or repletion is certainly the bes guide. I have seen a name in the†610 bath list which I suppose to be yours. And hope that you may still reap some benefit from the Queens Bath†1836. Your catching cold formerly makes me suspect that you used the private or covered baths. The difference is prob greater than people commonly imagine. Observe the appearance of boiling immediately over the hot Spring in the Kings Bath, it pro from a discharge of a Air together with the Water, And that Air is what Dr Black who first observed it in other instances, called fixed A Other Chymist[s] have since called Acid gas or Carbonic gas, the same with that which fills the bottom of the Grotto del Cane†1837 n Naples and which upon immersion extinguishes flame or kills an Animal as effectually & immediately as Water or drowning itself. Th respired in too great a propor[tion] may give that check to animal life which we call a Cold. And if so it is certainly material when you approach a Spring of such Air that the Space should be uncovered for the free access of better respiration. Your coming to this country will be a great / Pleasure to many. Mrs Stuart†1838 has a Sister within a few miles of us here hope to be early informed of your Arrival. And tho very much attached to my own Apparatus for sleeping &c will either go witho them or transport them wherever I can have the Satisfaction of passing any time with you. Here is a pleasant enough Shealing† with plenty of Chickens & Garden Stuff if you allow a Philosopher to think of his belly. I direct this Letter to London & trust it wil you wherever you Are. I am My Dear Sir with / the most Sincere respect and Affection / your most Obedient and / most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Ferguson ― 439 ―

July 342. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 54. Hallyards 3rd July 1798 My Dear Friend My Silence is not negligence nor forgetfulness if I had ten thousand of the best letters that ever were written you should them all: but what I can ― 440 ― write from this post, at which my prime consolation is that I have nothing to do but to wait quietly till my time comes. The French I tru altho they may tease, cannot subdue this Armed nation; and all Speculation on the Subject is at an end. I have in my view a most delightful Kirkyard retired & green on the bank of a running Water†1840 & faceing a Verdant hill which in your part of the World would for a tremendous mountain: but to me it gives the Idea of Silence & Solitude away from the noise of folly. And so I fancy myself laid t with a Stone to tell the Rustic Moralist†1841 what / he will not understand; because I sometimes project it should be†611 in Greek as follows: ως εγω τον κοσμον εθαυμασα και συ θεασαμενος χαιρε†1842 but then Again I wish to explain it. And so it should be. I h seen the Works of God, it is now your turn. Do you behold them and rejoice†1843. I would speak my verve for Agriculture in Greek a Ανθρωπος ιχνος γεοργια†1844 And you may judge of my willingness to write when I put all this on paper to you. I have not stirred from home for many months past, till lately, when Admiral & Mrs Nugent being at Edinburgh, led me thi to gratify my sense of their kindness to my little Seaman†1845. And I am Still the more Convinced that Nugent is the most amia faultless Creature upon Earth. In that excursion I met our Friend Sr John Sinclair†1846 in the Street: this put it in his head to wr me since my return hither, an Account of works he is projecting to promote what he†612 calls Statistical Philosophy. I hinted that project is too vast: but he tells me that his mind / is made up, to draw it on a great Scale and on as perfect a plan as possible. that he never Startled at any difficulty that could be Surmounted ever Since he collected as far back as the year 1780 One thou & two hundred men & in one days time made a road of Six miles long over a mountain till then thought impassable†613†1847. T fact is that he has got an instinct to be doing which other people ought to know how to employ without turning him out of place Altho I have so many excuses for writing so seldom, I am not willing to Allow you any, so I pray when you are writing however there be a Scrap for me even if you should not be able to tell me what is become of Buonaparte†1848. By the by is that a genu Prussian†614 paper†1849 in answer to the French demands, which we have in the news paper. It is menacing and I do not see the great Nation can give way to it without appearing to be cowed. They certainly meant to gall us & to secure the Co-operation Prussia against us by transferring Hanover†1850 &c &c your most Affectionately A. F. Endorsed: No 54 Ferguson / Hallyards 3rd July 1798. And again: 3d July '98______Epitaph. ― 441 ―

August 343. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 55. Hallyards 1st August 1798 My Dear Friend To begin where your letter ends. Amicus Amicissimus Indefatigabilis†1851 After having Splashed you before with bad Greek†1852 you are well off that there is ― 442 ―

nothing worse now than bad Latin. I do recollect hearing S. J. E.†1853 desire to have some land Property near his Native Spot but at present know nothing more nor do I know of any fit place at Peebles for your Ward†1854: but shall inquire. There is no property in thi Country you know without a Doer as Allan Ramsay†1855 used to call the Writers when he was Angry with them which he was indeed the greatest part†615 of every hour of his life. If there be any Subject on which to make us your Doer We shall not neglect to do what proper, And for the Sequel if there be any Sequel it must Come as God will have it in the whims & inclinations of those Concerned. A the World I am glad / you think Buonaparte†1856 is gone upon a mere trading or plundering Voyage. In that way he cannot ply long without having the Seas disputed with him. And I patiently wait for the Consequence without Supposing that every encounter of ours be Veni Vidi Vici†1857 for even the great Julius was a Puppy at a time & more so than has yet appeared of Buonaparte. A Combination of Europe including Russia if not properly directed would do us no good. You may possibly remember my Bull†1858. That the proper way of Making War on the great Nation is to make peace with them. In this they are too wise to be caught. I mean their Directors but I think we may make a War as like peace as Possible especially if Europe Combine in it, by keeping them at Bay, leaving them no outlet from home nor goading them with any trifling attacks to keep their attention and Animosities directed abroad. There was an expedition to Ostend†1859 And there is one again now the newspapers say from Margate†1860 mere proofs that we have not yet learned the Character of our Ennemy or the nature of our Contest: / but of that more. I am no oppositionist and this moment think the nation in a most prosperous State. That is to say we have Men Arms & & if we should come to have less wealth we must consume the less either by having fewer mouths or putting less in them. I was in Edinburgh for a day or two when your last letter†1861 came here to Hallyards. Otherwise†616 having now three o such favours to acknowledge shoud have done it sooner. The Roman History†1862 advances but Slowly. The Printers have muc Other work when our Law Courts are sitting; Then much of the bussiness proceeds by a kind of paper War from the Press. Five Octavo Vols. are projected but little more than one is yet printed. I shall be Obliged to your German Author†1863 for his prolong Scheme, tho having Annuities & Sellaries†1864 from Other People'tis like they think I have prolonged enough. I went to Edr to see Our Friend G. Johnstone†1865 and was highly gratified. I am My Dear Friend most affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsed on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 55, Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 1st August 1799 ― 443 ―

September 344. To Robert ('Bob') Ferguson Records, pp. 169—70. Hallyards, 2nd Sept. 1798 ... I cannot enough express my obligation to you on his†1866 account, and your readiness in assisting him in getting forw his line of preferment. It gave me some pain to hear of his anxiety to secure his debt to me by ensuring his life. The proposal w first mentioned to me I rejected, and signified so much to his correspondent at London†1867; but it seems too late to prevent the ― 444 ― Ensurance for one year being payed. I have since authorized my son Adam to forbid it altogether, and hope it will not be repeated. If is to be an insurer, let me be the person. If there were to be a loss, that of the money would be the least. And I mention the subject t trusting you will be so good as to relieve his mind of all anxiety on this account..... I am commissioned by more than one person in th family to thank you for your letters, for if Joseph have reason to complain of our silence, we have you and Mr. A. Johnston†1868 of Calcutta to thank for the only account we have had of him for above 18 months. I am, my dear sir, your most affectionately Adam Ferguson

345. To Bell & Bradfute MS Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale Univ. Library. Address: To Messrs Bell & Bradfute, Parliament Squa Edinburgh. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Hallyards near Peebles 13 Septr 1798 Gentlemen I am glad to see the plates†1869 so little dammaged as they appear to be. The first execution had little elegance or merit any sort; And nothing material at present occurs to me for their improvement: but when reduced I shall be glad to have a proof each separately when perhaps some little addition of names &c may occur. I should think that the two plates Nos 3 & 5 would not need to be reduced as they may somehow be folded into the Octa Vol. but of this you can judge better. If you should imagine it of any consequence to have a representation of the author there is this family a Miniature†1870 well done which may be copyed for the title page in form of a medallion but such things if not well executed are best omitted. I expect to be in Edinburgh soon when I shall call upon you And Am, your most obedient & most humble Ser't Adam Ferguson ― 445 ―

346. To [unidentified] BLO MS Montague D 13 f. 15.

Dr Sir As the Charts belonging to Vancouvers Voyage†1871 are cumbersome and exposed to damage I have thought it best to h them†617 & you will accordingly Observe that they are delivered by the bearer. I am Dear Sir your most obedt & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Chapel Street†18711 25 Septr 1798 Endorsed: Dr Adam Ferguson / Septr 25. 1798 / Chapel Street ― 446 ―

December 347. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc.4.41/46—62 no. 58. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh. My Dear Carlyle I join with this whole house in thanking Mrs Carlyle & you for the Boon of your Bun. I have been co[n]fined above three w by a Scald†1872 in my heels at first neglected but now an Obstinate Sore which will take time to remove. It not only Confines m makes every motion and every posture uneasy. James†1873 tells me there was a full attendance of all the militia men now under Ballot. But such is the effect of the Law not one proposed to serve otherwise than by Substitute†1874; & the Poorest Shepherd Boy proposes to spend the earnings of a whole life to procure a Substitute rather than enlist for an indefinite time for a Militia man. James and I are agreed if Substitutes not to be found he is to serve And he is the only one who will do so quasi willingly. But in these times every man must be milit whatever else he may be†1875. Europe I see is to be again in a blaze of War†1876 greater than ever. God grant the fire Ball of France may break in the Scuffle. The Catastrophe of Greenfield†1877 is Afflicting beyond measure. To say that it is surprising is nothing; for such a thing certainly never entered into the head of any one to Conceive. It is miserable that no friend could interpose in time to save him: what is to be done with Insanity for such it must have been of some kind or Other. For a Man to be convicted of eating turd wh not only had every Sort of precious food but also exposed himself to the gallows for what he did, is wonderful. I am Obliged to for relieving me from the perplexity which / vague reports would have caused me. My fingers are so cold & I write in so uneasy a Posture that I doubt your being able†618 to read my letter & think it best have done. I am with best respects to Mrs Carlyle. your most / Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Hallyards near Peebles 25 Decr 1798 Endorsement: 25 Decr 1798 Prof. Ferguson; and again, in a different handwriting: Ferguson Decr 1798 ― 447 ―

348. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 56. The MS incloses, listing it as no. 56, the letter which is printed above, as no. 105, dated 15 Ja 1778. Hallyards Decr 31st 1798 My Dear Friend here are two†619 packets in return for all your kind remembrances. If I had better you should have it: but confinement ha given me something worse than nonchalance about writing: this comes from a Scald in my leg†1878 which I met with above fou weeks ago. The Surgeon always tells me it is haleing but it is never hale. I am nearly of Dr Thompsons†1879 mind about the Ambition & projected Progress of France. I am only surprised that in this mimickry of the Romans so Aspiring a Genius does no stand in Awe of the proverb Imitatores Servum pecus†1880. The case of Europe is truly alarming and if there were such a Profe as Physician of State I should be for calling a Consultation to prescribe for the Patient whose life is at Stake, Altho / if we are t believe Satyrists & dealers in Ridicule Of all the pretended Markets for Wisdom that of a Consultation of Physicians is the most ridiculous†1881. If I were to prescribe myself, it should be a bandage of dead Wall round the whole Circumference of regal Fran high & impervious that nothing could come to the Republick from without & nothing perspire from within for at least ten years if this time there appeared no returns of Sanity I would agree to have the whole interrd under an appropriate inscription. Here lyes Singular Genius possessed of eminence in every Science & Art. He lived a great statesman & Warriour†1882 but died a Coxcom and now lyes here in sure and Certain hope of raising at the last day to have a dance. In failure of the Above prescription my nostrum is that we should take such a Posture of defence as we Can keep till Go Nature / cause the Storm ― 448 ―

to pass away; for I really do not See any thing we can do to hasten its dispellation. The Armies of France will thrive in the midst of opportunities to Scatter their glories about & while they are pressed from abroad with Counterrevolution have such a Noblessephoib that they will cling to any thing that calls itself Democracy the Reverse of all Armies in the World whose devotion has always been towards a Leader. I am glad H. R. H.†1883 keeps so good Company. If you can infect him with a little of your temper so much the bet for us all at least for those who may live to See or feel it. This will probably find you at your Farm†1884 & I'm affraid the inclosed will b troublesome: but our little man†1885 has had so tremendous a Cruise that I am impatient to him & his Shipmates Joy of their Escape Believe me yours most Affectionately / Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 56 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards Decr 31st 1798 / inclosing one from Edinr Jan

1799 February 349. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 57. The handwriting covers completely the four pages of the MS and there is no room for the addr Correspondent from provenance and contents. Hallyards near Peebles 21 Febry 1799 My Dear Friend I have been in Edinburgh hunting a Militia Substitute for one of my young Men†1886 & we have had such falls of Snow & storms of drifting wind, ― 449 ― Since, as threatened to carry away our roofs and bury us alive so that I have literally forgotten at what point our last Correspondence ended. But I still retain my faculty of troubling you when any thing pinches. You see my young Seeman†1887 has made another Adm therefore has a new Captain perhaps another Ship to look for. It has run in his own head for some time†620 probably at the Instigatio some of his Ship mates that it would be best for him to be on board a Frigate, and it may be so: but I have no will in the matter. Adm Nugent has always expressed a Sort of Paternal good will to him And I / trouble you now merely that I may put you upon considering Case with Admirable†621 Nugent that if a proper berth occur to you for him it may be looked after. And since I am upon family matte must recall to your memory what you Once questioned me about before I. E. The future Profession of another Son†1888 who is Still College. He is a good figure & has not a fault: but I am sett against the Law or any profession more learned than a Soldier: besides this is likely to be the Staple trade of this Country as long as we can defend ourselves against the devouring Volcano of France, and when that is no more we may be indifferent about every profession, but the Grave diggers. I have hesitated too long & I believe must think seriously of concerting the matter with himself & so push for a first Commission in his Majesties Professional Forces by Purchase or Otherwise only wishing to / make the matter as Speedy and a easy as I can & I mention it to you that if you should have an Opinion on the Subject I may know it. Our Roads are so blocked that I have no prospect of getting to Edr soon where my first Steps are to be taken. I have not heard your Lamentations over the most Innocent King of Naples†1889 but have no doubt they are loud enough be heard at Canterbury. I was blockhead enough to conclude from the Neapolitan March†1890 that all Germany was to be in mo at the same time: but I shall for the future as long as I live, think†622 that an Italian Court may play the fool more readily than t torpor of Germany should rouse into Seasonable Action. It is said that the Neapolitans advanced because if they had not the En was coming upon them: but is there no difference in Europe betwixt a Ruin which it will be said the King brought upon himself & therefore deserved And an act of unprovoked injustice & Rapin committed by the general Enemie of / all nations. After this I ha the present no more politicks Short of†623 the Union with Ireland, in which I have no vote. If your Government have no controul that publisher of the Sun newspaper†1891 let them say so. If they have for Gods sake Silence him†624 that he may not continue fomenting bad humour by his impertinent Remarks & absurd Zeal for a cause which he is no way qualifyed to promote, non tali Auxilio nec defensoribus istis tempus egit†1892. I am provoked at every turn of a leaf to see news mongers instead Of telling wh has happened continually giving their opinion as if it were of any ― 450 ― Consequence what they thought. And when I†625 have said so much am sensible of idleness in thinking to controul news papers. I am My Dear Friend most Affectionately yours &c &c A. F. Endorsement:Dr Ferguson, 21st Feb:1799

March 350. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 58. Correspondent from provenance and contents. Hallyards near Peebles / 2d March 1799 My Dear Friend

you have reason to expect a more immediate Answer to your last†1893: but having to consult the principal party concerne your kind offer of a Cadetship†1894; ― 451 ― the late irregularity of our communication with Edinburgh has occasioned this delay. You have made two happy persons. By the acco just now receive, my young Mans mind was nearly in the same state with my own; for some time past hopeless of his present Studie but unwilling to disstress me whom he knew to be for Steadiness in a pursuit once begun. His thanks therefore are very Sincere. If t Cadetship be in the Cavalry so much the better but if in any other Department of the / Service your friendship is the same. And we s be ready at a call upon the Shortest Warning. I can Scarcely find any Subject but this at Present for a letter & before I have done wit please to know that you[r] young Friends Name is James Ferguson†1895 least this should be wanted before you hear more. You ask about my Book in the press we are well entered on the fifth & last Volume†1896: but our press is slow especially while the Courts of Law are sitting & it may be towards Summer before we are done. As to my part of the Edition I shall transc the Conclusion of a Note or Advertisement which I am preparing to be prefixed Containing a Summary View of the Authorities u which†626 the narration is founded for the Satisfaction of English readers, And shall inclose it with this if it can be of†627 any Satisfaction to you. I will not answer if / it will be in the words: but to this purpose I sincerely wish your ArchDuke†1897 Bleu Rib and as much better things as he can desire: but for the Politics my trust is in Providence. I see no head in Europe that is fit to peace or war in proper season. The French have dealt more Artfully by the House of Austria than people think. The transfer of Venice†1898 and its territory to the Adige is a masterly Stroke, Coming in place of the Low Countries it rounds their extensive Monarchy and cuts the thread by which they were Connected with us. As for the Russians poor passive†628 bears I am affraid come westwards only to be ridiculous. You are a great Medicin tant mieux†629†1899. I am affraid the reverse is growing upon m if I knew how to live in hope & not to be dissappointed I would prefer it much. I congratulate Charles Greville on the Highland Presidentship. I hope he†630 Sung his Gaelic Song: but all nonsense apart I am My dear Friend / most affectionately / yours / Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 58 Dr Ferguson Hallyards 2nd March 1799 ― 452 ―

351. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 59. Correspondent from provenance and contents of the MS. Hallyards by Peebles / 4 March 1799 My Dear Friend I have just now received your Letter†1900 in the same cover with our Seamans†1901 dispatch & experience in every thing kind attention to my requests. My Answer to your last was delayed by Accidents but I hope will have reached you before this. You will there see our se of your good offices & may perceive the joy with which we avail ourselves of them. It occurred to me that you might wish witho loss of time to have the young mans Name Viz. James Ferguson†1902. But his age I did not think of. He was born in the year 1 of course is now turned of twenty but not twenty one which I hope is still within the†631 Age at which Cadets are taken into the Service; if it should / exceed the Age of Admission we shall be woefully dissappointed As we have all agreed to prefer the Cade you mention even to an immediate gift of a first Commission in the Kings Service. I write merely to†632 Convey this information our name and Age & Shall not detain my Letter for any Other matter whatever. Believe me to be / My Dear Friend most Affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 59; Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 4th March / 1799 

― 453 ―

352. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 60. Hallyards 20th March / 1799 My Dear Friend I have received your packet inclosing Admiral Nugents line†1903 to you & our Seamans†1904 dispatch†1905 to me. In the am sorry to see some traits of ill humour like a spoilt child when he is taken away from his Mother & cannot brook any less atte than used to be payd to him. I wrote immediately without your Cover least you should be out of the way to check this as soon Possible. He is impatient to be in a frigate & consequently out of humour where he is but my doctrine to him is implicit & even chearful Obedience & I hope he will recollect himself. His conditions as a Sort of favourite with his two last Captains may have him a little & piqued his Competitors in the Ship: But I hope it / will go off. And I shall be glad to take any occasion to trouble†6 Jé Saumarez†1906 with my Solicitude on his account. Our wou'd be Cadet†1907 is now here Ayant pris congé d'Edinburgh And a mean to do nothing here in the way of fitting out, can be at London when required as quickly as a letter by the Mail Coach. He Armed with a proper Certificate of his Age from the Minister of the Parish. It appeared upon inquiry that he was born the 15th o March 1798†1908 & consequently that it is thus & no nearer with him†634 being now 21 out. I have not yet seen Adam Since this bussiness came on the Anvil, he is much detained by Volunteer Duty & would have Consent to accompany his Brother and thank you for me as I am too old to do so myself: but am doubtful whether in these tim can have the necessary leave of Absence†1909. War here or in / Ireland if not on the Seas between us and the Enemy we are

to have†1910. So if we / are not victorious, in my mind happy is he who falls: but I am willing, here in your medicinal Stile†1911 t believe the best. If we have heads we want nothing. What say you. Will the Austrians who refused to answer a question be bul by the March of an Army. & so bid the Russians†1912 go back. My wish is†635 that they would tempt the French to advance into Bohemia or Austria & then receive them on the flank with an Army of Russians & the other with Germans: but we shall see who fool now. I am well enough Aware of my own chance for that Disstinction: but never cease to be my Dear Friend yours most affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 60-Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 20 March / 1799 

― 454 ―

May 353. To [Bell and Bradfute] MS Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Gratz Collection. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent from contents and from letter 345. Chapel Street Friday†636 17th May 1799 Dear Sir I am about my departure for the Country. I wish to make some presents here but now recollect only Sir Ralph Abercromb Lord Dalkeith Lord Ancram†637 & Mr Kerr of the Post Office to whom we are so much Obliged. When the Vols†19121 are Stitche so good as send Copies to these Four†638 Persons, Directed to each from the Author. You will learn at what Shop Lord Dalkeit Lord Ancrams†639 parcels are taken in & they have Messengers every day in Town. I ― 455 ― imagine I shall not trouble you for many more here but if any should occur to yourself or me I may trouble you hereafter. I am Dear S your most Obedt humble Servant Adam Ferguson 18 17-6 6-6 ____ 2.2†640

July 354. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 61. Hallyards near Peebles 15 July 1799 My Dear Friend If you & I were two Ships at Sea we should have long since been haling what Chear Ho†641. But as we are at least one an Idle fellow at land who neglects the small duties on hand merely because he is overrun with leisure or nothing to do. This however is no new case I have known an Idle man delay Bussiness for months: which a very bussy man never deferrs a mome execute. With all this delay I have been not a little Anxious to hear from you What has become of your Friends at Florence†191 The news paper report put our Friend M______†1914 in disgrace. This however undeserved, among Courts, will not greatly surp me, & may have happened in particular under the Influence of Vienna &c. But I hope you can relieve me from this Apprehensio The Enemy I trust must Evacuate Italy And Swisserland &c†1915. But our Project of restoring Monarchy with Priviledged / Noble in France has many difficulties. Property Again to change hands. Low Born men both in Civil & military Stations to lay their hea the dust from which they arose. It was much easier to lay the frivolous corrupted pretenders to Aristocracy in the dust than ― 456 ― it will be to bury their Rascally Successors. The former exclusive pretensions of Birth to consideration & preferment will never be res as long any shred of the low born republican Army Subsists. I have been saying so for years tho nobody seems to mind it. Every Arm would prefer the Monarchy of a favourite Leader to any Other Government. And the whole French Nation Soldiers & all may be asshamed or disgusted with their tryal of Democracy if they are only allowed to Suppose; that want of birth for the future is not to stifl merit of any Condition†1916. So much for the great Scene of Nations. There is another too about which I am somewhat anxious. Do you know Mr Mc Intosh†1917 whose project to give Lectures on the Law of Nature & Nations has been Announced in a preliminary / Discourse? his Lectures taken place? With what success? The Specimen I have seen inclines me to think he is one of the greatest Moralis Island has produced & I consider the publick Character as involved in his Success. Has my new Edition of the Roman Story reached you, have I†642 done right in Spelling my forreign honours†1918 at full length, I could not find out the Customary Abbreviations; you may not be sensible of much improvement. It was a Satisfaction to while in Italy that I was not made sensible of many Blunders by seeing the Country or its Antiquities. Believe me to be most Affectionately yours

Adam Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 61 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards July 15 / 1799 ― 457 ―

September 355. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 62. Hallyards 2d September / 1799 My Dear Friend As the Summer is now passed I take courage to write in hopes we may pass through a winter and see a better one. Ma Surely a vegetable & will yield neither blossom nor Fruit when the season is backward. To this I hope you will impute my Silenc what is worse than Silence a listless indifference about every thing that is passing in world even about my own books Authors & Readers. I am nevertheless willing in the language of Lloyds Coffee House†1919 to under-write your Verses to the Arch-Duke†19 he will reinstate The Mentor where he found him. If you know any particulars I am very Anxious about him. I hear very favourable accounts of Mr McIntoshs performances†1921 at Lincolns Inn†1922. As I judge only from his pamphlet†1923 his Tone tho' perhaps more harmonious is in unison with mine. He had his reasons probably for not mentioning m I am not Solicitous about them. He will probably procure the moral Philosophy that Popularity in England which I wished for but been unable to Obtain. His taking / his ground in the Law is not so apt to allarm the Universities & the Church as if he had call Object Moral Philosophy which those Authorities sometimes mention among†643 the Corruptions of the Times. I need not Ask yo about the Roman History; it would be very bad indeed if you did not commend it: but even if you should not I hope its faults are fewer than they were. I wish the same thing to befall my Other more recent Book†1924, And have warned the Bookseller that if think it will ever bear being reprinted now is their time; while I have faculties left to Curtail its faults. If not my amendments mus to my heirs & take their ― 458 ― chance. By the By as we say upon the Tweed I am just now meditating a work†1925 of no great length or moment. It is to be dramati you with Some Others a Principal Actor. It is to tell what I would have done with my little effects after I am gone. I mean you to have Duplicate†1926 & will place another with my Friend Sir William Nairne†1927 One of Our Honourable Judges if he accept as I doubt no will. In the mean time My Land†644 Lord†1928 is building for my Convenience an addition to my house as if I were to live on through next century†645. Your Magazines†1929 &c that talk of my Life have robbed me†646 of a year for I was born in 1723 & / am of course 76 n past. So indulge me in a little prating about the times that were. If you should the times that are will not be offended; for I really them better than any we have formerly had. The Madness of France has made us understand and relish the Sobriety of our ow forms. The multitude & insolence of so near an Enemy has roused every Soul in Britain to Politics & War as well as Trade. Wo & Children can listen to talk about matters of Consequence to Mankind. The Evils and follies of one quarter become lessons of Wisdom to another And so the world is guided. Storms & Tempests have produced Architecture And the Manufacture of Cloth. S much for moralizing & it is well the end of my paper is in sight otherwise you might have more. It is long since I heard from you am affraid by my own fault, however I hope to hear soon you are well & about reaping your harvest, if so late with you when m we look for it here. I am away from any means of knowing Fordyces†1930 Motions Otherwise should certainly endeavour to find I am sensible of his kindness and always had a regard for him. Believe my Dear Friend yours &c A. Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 62 / Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 2nd Sept. / 1799 ― 459 ―

1800 February 356. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc.4.41/46-62 no. 59. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edr. Hallyards 3d Febry 1800 My Dear Carlyle If letters were of much use; you would have but a bad bargain in such a Correspondent as me. I am like other Sinners o to the checks of Conscience when I find the Consequence of my ommissions as I now do in your Silence when matters that int me are passing in your neighbourhood. Mrs Carlyle to our Girls mentions Admirals Homes Illness & turn for the better. I hope it continued & effectual Recovery & that you will be disposed to tell me so without loss of time. I am myself at present under very Anxious Concern on Account of my Boy†1931 whom the Admiral left on Board the Caesar. I have a letter from Portsmouth tellin that he is sent there among the Sick & is in a state of great debility from a Fever & Diarhea. I endeavour / to be prepared for m loss: but it is his present State of probable dejection that affects me most. The person, who writes to me, is a Mr Hunt employed it seems in the Care of the Sick & Hurt Seamen at Portsmouth. H letter is Obliging & Consolatory. He had engaged a proper Nurse for him & bids me rely on every attention being given to his C and I have written to this Mr Hunt to thank him & request the Continuance of his good Offices: but we are all here in Anxious & Silent expectation. If Admiral Home is well enough to be troubled with questions of that Sort & has any Confident at Portsmouth will be charity to send me his address & recommendation to his good Offices for me in this case; that I may enter into Correspondence with him not being at all

― 460 ― acquainted with the above Mr Hunt, tho disposed to think well of him from the Stile of his letter. I am glad to hear that Mrs Carlyle & yourself hold out well. / Our accounts from Edinburgh are of many Complaints there that make people envy us the sour exposure of our Tweedal hills on which it is most Certain that all of us keep health much better than is common in Softer Climats. Our Government I beli had good Reason for declining present overtures of Negotiation†1932: Namely that our Cue for negotiating is to be taken†648 ou Friends; not from our Ennemys who may possibly & even probably mean throw Squibs of Jealousy & distrust among us. This Answer I believe would have saved a great many Idle words in Ld Grenvilles Note & many more in his tiresome Speech†1933 w seems to imply that we are never to get out of a War till we have an Enemy who will make peace & war for Conscience Sake. common Enemies it is enough that we beat them into the humour of making Peace or that we make it their interest to do so. O other principle than this no treaties could be less secure than those with the Court of Versailes†649. I am Dr Carlyle affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsement: 3d February 1800 Prof. Fergusson ― 461 ―

357. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc.4.41/46-62 no. 60. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. The handwriting covers three and a half pages of the MS, the last half page being written upside down. Hallyards 10th Febry 1800 My Dear Carlyle I have a second letter from Mr Hunt under whose Care our young Seaman†1934 is, informing me that he is so much bett to be able to sit up four hours a day & is likely to be able in a few days to write me himself. This is acceptable news here:But t letter is written not at Portsmouth, as I formerly stated to you, but at Dartmouth in Devonshire so that I am in a sort of a Scrape you and our Friends at Portsmouth. As for you I certainly do not grudge myself the very Affectionate & Obliging part you took in concern: But I am a little out of countenance for the trouble we have given to Captain And Mrs Patton†1935. They will be inquirin Anxiously for our Patient & not finding him†650 will be at a loss how to account for it. Affraid to Alarm us least we should think t worst or imagine they had not made proper inquiry &c I must therefore wish you the farther trouble of a†651 line to Captain Patt tell him my mistake, or rather the Blunder I have committed / in reading Portsmouth in the date of Mr Hunts former letter when should have read Dartmouth. But you will please to know that his D is very like a P having the upright line well marked but the round little or not at all marked till it comes on the back of the upright so (P) and I, reading his letter with some agitation having once read Portsmouth so likely to be the place of naval infirmary, did not return to his date for Correction but sent his letter immediately to my Son Adam at Edinburgh to direct him in making inquiry for a Student of Physick there to whom Mr Hunt refe me for information about himself & the treatment of Patients from the Fleet at that place. I at the same time altho Mr Hunt gave no direction how to write to him guessed at his address & sent my letter to Portsmouth in haste to let him know I would Spare nothing that would contribute to my Sons recovery or present Comfort. This letter he will probably never receive:but he seems t have proceeded kindly without it†652 & I now Answer his last in which he gives me his address pointedly. This explanation†653 to you & our friends & Portsmouth, not to / mention myself whose reputation for Soundness of head may be at Stake. It is not altogether the effect of Old Age: tho being now as I mantain in the 19th Century†1936 I have seen no less than two of them & if should see a third will attend more particularly to the date of Strange letters. ― 462 ― I have the long debate of last week And very much Respect our Friend D's†1937 Speech. But none of them all seem to k the real difficulty of Obtaining any other†654 Sort of Government in France than this of a Military Usurpation. In the†655 first plac where there is a Professional Ar[my]†656 that take it in their heads to Govern no Other go[vern]ment†657 can ever take place. T French Army consisted of 2 or 3.000.000 low born men who never could hope for any preferment & 2 or 3000 Noblesse Officer who held the Others in the lowest State of Contempt. The Revolution dissmissed all the Noblesse Officers increased the pay of Men & filled up every Rank to the highest without regard to Birth. Here is more than any revolution ever did for any Sort of men before. This is their liberty & equality they have fought for it†658 with more impetuosity in Victory & with more perseverance und misfortune than ever any sort of men ever did before: They thought it†659 most secure under a Republican Form: but they will p a Single leader if he is likely to secure them against the Noblesse Otherwise I doubt there is not force or perseverance†660 eno in Europe to / reduce†661 them under the old disstinction of Noblesse Officers, And every Mention of a Return to Royalty with Nobless does but strengthen the Rands†662 of our Ennemies against us. And whatever we may think or wish or hope I would a to whip a School boy who would talk to them of Restoring the King. Of all the people that dealt with Cromwell there was not su fool to be found in Europe as to propose to him Restoring the King. Every Drummer in the French Army is a Cromwell & no ma France that is not a Soldier is worth a Pin†1938. yours &c Adam Ferguson Endorsement: 10 Febry 1800 / Adam Ferguson ― 463 ―

358. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 63. Address: To Sr John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London, M.P. MS in part torn in the margin, spelling frequently to be inserted.

[14 February 1800] My Dear Friend I have had the inclosed from Dr Blair†1939 with instructions to return it to you. Justice is done to our financial†663 Policy & omnia si su†664†1940 with our Armed Landmen & our Glorious Seamen we would be a fortunate People: but something as you wanting in our Conception of things abroad. Some people I find are of opinion that we ought to be sending our Troops abroad t Service. If this Policy be adopted let them go to the Rhine or the Danube to act under Suvarov†1941 or ArchDuke Charles: but n where†665 to retreat they must reembark in presence of an Ennemy & be cut off or lay down their Arms. The habit of begging f Quarter is not a good lesson of Service. You touch the Convention of Pilnitz†1942. I believe very fairly & all I have to Say on tha Subject is that whenever mentioned it should be particularly Specifye[d] & not passed over in general terms. When we are beat desire no more than Safety to Publick and private property but when we are victorious we would have something more for our trouble. In the first Case our Ennemy woud give us peace in the Second we wont have it. So I dont know what is to happen to We would have a Peace in which / it will be safe for us to dissarm; But such a Peace I believe we are never more to See. Whi France exists whether under Military Government or a pretended Democracy This Island must be Armed to be Safe. The late question has been not whether we†666 would conclude with Buonaparte on any Specifyed Terms: but whether in present circumstances we would Suspend all our efforts & those particularly in concert with our allies to try what sort of Terms Buonaparte would offer†1943. To the last Question I would give a decided negative tho I am inclined to think the terms in the present Conjuncture migh better than we may ever ― 464 ― after get Sight of. This Recent Usurper might agree to any thing Short of his own resignation or a relinquishment of the Equality whic army claims. Any treaty Concluded with us would imply the Acknowledgement of his Sovereignty & this he would buy at a great Pric And he would have so much to do in restoring his Country from the dilapidations of recent folly: that I believe the person is not alive would see it his interest to go to War. Nay but he would make a great Fleet so much the Better as Frederick of Prussia once said. Th [E]nglish will take them all. Nations would never be [s]atisfied till they have nothing to fear from Abroad. And if they should ever Com think so the greatest [n]ation on Earth would be undone. I am projecting this for a Cover merely to the inclosed as more might excee legal ounce: but how it is to fold I know not: be that as it may. I / must†667 tell you of a recent relief from anxiety & even desponde[nc the recovery of our little Seaman†1944 from a Fever under which he has been sent ashore to sick Quarter at Dartmouth. I have corresponded with his Medical Foru[m] and at last have a letter from himself saying he is almost quite well. It is pleasant to read with triumph he speaks of his Captain Sr Jas Sumarez kindness & of every Officer & Man about him. That is a noble class of men nourse continual hardship & danger to a contempt of every thing but generosity and Courage. God grant me but a little Spice of their Chara yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson Febry 1800; and again, on p. 4: No 63 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 14 Febry 1800 ― 465 ―

April 359. To William Adam NRA (S), 63, WAGC, 1800 E-L Hallyards near Peebles 12 April 1800 Ferguson recommends Mr Walter Laidlaw†668†1945 'A very worthy young man the Son of a respectable yeomanry family neighbourhood'. Mr Laidlaw has served in the Volunteers, and has taken the resolution to join 'some of the Expeditions now preparing as a Volunteer Candidate '. He has been told that William Adam has 'much Credit in the Court of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief: And that I have much to Say with you'. The circumstances of his Family 'move both respect & Compassion'. Endorsed: A. Ferguson / 12th April 1800

360. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 64. Hallyards 29 April / 1800 My Dear Friend I have been remiss in my Correspondence of late And have to thank you as usual for kind attention to my Concerns, Wh you try to Alleviate my Affliction is not without Effect. Your own presence to my mind is powerful. It is indeed the condition of old and long life to Survive many we would wish†669 to preserve. Poor Josephs Life†1947 has been Short: but not Sunk in dejection had the esteem & regard of those about him without mortification in his little course of Ambition. And it is Some Consolation to that when he looked to me for Aid my Circumstances did not Oblige me to refuse it. And for ought that appeared to him he was fortunate man which is†670 the utmost that mere life whether long or short can procure to any one. For the Sum when it is God we should die it is as good as to live Or rather as I ― 466 ― am perswaded it is to enter on a new life. And thus reason is easily Satisfy'd altho / to Taste the draught is bitter. His name has neve been mentioned here & we commonly meet with recent mark of Tears, which we endeavour to conceal And this he would have done us.

You may believe I anxiously wish you[r] Success in the†671 transaction you mention or what is Still better indifference to may happen. It is supremely pleasant to lean upon those who are disposed to befriend us but not less so to be independent of who are Otherwise. If you have a fault it is believing that all the world must be sensible of the good you intend them. I would be Selfish so far as to do what is right merely that I myself might enjoy it; Be the Theater on which I act great or Small. It is impos to be more Obscure than I am in this place: yet my thoughts I trust will habitually place me in the presence of a Majesty beyon Universe itself & to which the Observation of all mankind if it could be Obtained were as nothing. The Intelligence that Conducts Universe is here present & intimately know[s] what we think and do†1948. May he never be Absent from our thoughts. Believe m most Affectionately yours &c Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 64 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 29th April 1800 ― 467 ―

July 361. To James Chalmer NLS MS 2257 f. 17. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. Hallyards near Peebles 12th July 1800 Dear Sir I am now to write in the mournful Predicament of Heir to one of my own Children. The young man who two or three years ago executed a bond to me in your hands is now no more†1949. The Climat of In has been fatal to his Constitution. A Friend & Relation†1950 is remitting his Effects. A Companies Bill no 37†672 for £562. 10 p. been received on my Account by Coll. Joseph Burnett & not been payable, as I am told, till October has been placed in the han Mrs Couts. Coll. Burnet is now at Edinburgh. I have not seen him, & do not know whether he has endorsed the Bill for payment when due†673 but he has furnished me with the†674 inclosed copie and Acknowledgement of my Property in the Contents. You please present it to Mr. Couts & inquire whether any thing more will be necessary to warrant the Contents of the Bill when paye being placed to my credit in the Books of that House. / There is another Bill for £537. 10 / on the way or rather come by Coll. M Kenzie†1951 of the same Regiment already arrived at London, & daily expected at Edinburgh. When this Bill comes to hand, I s probably place with Messrs Mansfield & Co and believe that when both are paid I shall find it expedient to place the amount of Other of my little Effects have gone through the Hands of Mr Couts & Mr Ramsay into some of the publick Funds. The Accounts of the Regiment will probably have been made up & sent home also by Coll McKenzie & I must desire tha will inquire at the Agents N. Donaldson Esqr White Hall, for the State of my Late Son Captn Josephs Ferguson of the 78 Regiment†675 Account; Obtain an Abstract of it, & let me know how it stands & in case of any ballance Instruckt me in the need have it Settled. I am Dr Sir your most Obedient and most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Adam Ferguson Esqr / Hallyards / 12 July 1800 ― 468 ―

1801 May 362. To William Adam NRA (S) 63, WAGC, 1801 D-G. Address: To William Adam Esqr, Counsellor at Law, Lincoln Inns Square, London. Hallyards near Peebles 20th May 1801 Mr Adam has helped Mr Walter Laidlaw†1952, but Ferguson hasn't answered the letter which William Adam has sent him inform him of the successful conclusion of his efforts. Ferguson assures his correspondent that this 'did not proceed from Indiffe to you', since his friend W. Clerk†1953 informs him that his Silence 'appears to be odd'. He adds that his habits with his correspondent and everyone relating to his family, in the past 'were likely to have an effect very different from that of neglect'. Mr Laidlaw has been sent to Portsmouth, and soon after to the coasts of Africa. Endorsed: Adam Fergusson   20th May 1801 

― 469 ―

September 363. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc.4.41/46-62 no. 61. Address: To the Revd Doctor Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edr. Hallyards near Peebles

8 Septr 1801 My Dear Carlyle I am much Obliged for your letter†1954; It opens one way to the Admiralty†1955 & which I shall certainly take when matte ripe for it. I had not any Conversation nor did I mean to have any with Mr Dundas on the Subject untill I could say we were in Condition for his†676 Interposition. As the Term of my Boys†1956 necessary Service as a Midshipman draws to a Close, I am desirous to know when & Where & by whom Midshipmens examinations to try their qualifications for a Commission is made. My natural recourse for Advice & direction in this matter should be to His present Captain Newman†1957 of the Loire: But there is something forbidding in that Quarter†677 by whose fault I know not†678. The Boy from his entry into the Service had a successio Captains partially kind to him & this perhaps had spoilt / him†1958, or made him ill brook the treatment for which he should have been prepared of a mere Seaman. I have endeavoured all I can to make him think of his Duties on board only let others behav him as they may think proper. He was very impatient to be on board a Frigate as being more Active than a line of Battleship An was looking out for a Captain to whom I might recommend him, When he fell in with the Loire at Plymouth & chose of himself t transferred to that Ship. Captain Newman is by every Account a brave man And soon after he took My son on board, by Admir Homes Advice I wrote to thank him for that favour but had no Answer, which with some other Circumstances makes me unwillin trouble him†679 any more. As the Loire may be at Portsmouth before my Sons tryal can Come on, I should be glad, if it be not improper to trouble Captain Paton in Such a Matter, that without any thing like Complaint of Captain Newmans dissposition towa us, he would advise how / to proceed, and if he†680 have any opportunity learn from Captain Newman what the Boys behaviou been & the propriety of his proceeding to be examined at the end of this Term as†681 a midshipman. Captain Paton Can at the time Answer the Questions I put, When Where & by whom†682 such examinations are made. I should have endeavoured to see in passing through Lothian†683 if I had not found out that the person I had entrusted with stopping my letters for me at Edinburg had done†684 with my newspaper but suffered every letter to be forwarded to this place in my Absence & I was impatient to rec Some packets which I had reason to believe were waiting for me & required Answers. ― 470 ― Here all is Safe and a general Concert of good Wishes for Mrs Carlyle & you in which no one joins more heartily than your Affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: 8 Sept. 1801   Prof. Fergusson 

October 364. To James Chalmer MS State Historical Society of Iowa, Case 1 5 13. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, Lond Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Hallyards near Peebles 5 Octr 1801 Dear Sir The Documents on the Other leaf†1959 of this Paper will speak for themselves. Being apprised some time ago of a paym made by Mr Donaldson Agent to the 78 Regt in part Price of a Company Sold in that Regiment. And my son expressing your d & his own to know how it should be disposed of: As I trust every thing in my Name will like this be the joint & equal Property o my Children, my notion was that it should be vested in my Name, And I mentioned the 5†685 1797, when I understand it is so vested, with exception of My Son Adams own Share who having an Active Cash Account at Edr thinks it more for his advantage [have]†686 it placed to his Credit there, Upon the whole of Bussiness I am desirous to have the Stock Receipt in my Possession ― 471 ― that I may enter a declaration on the back of it whose Property it is. In this according you will do the needful And Oblige your†687 Most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson James Chalmer Esqr Endorsement: Dr Adam Ferguson   Hallyards Oct. 9th 1801 

1802 January 365. To Henry Dundas MS William L. Clements Library, Michigan, Melville papers. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent f provenance and contents. Hallyards near Peebles 18th January 1802 My Dear Sir

I have not lost sight of the subject on which you permitted me to write. And have been kept back more by want of Strength tha good will to the work. ― 472 ― You may consider what follows as a last effort of impending Fourscore & treat it accordingly. You know that I glory in the Volunteer Corps of Great Britain and Ireland not as adepts in the mysteries of War & Military Tactics but as a Specimen of what the Country may expect in time of need And an Evidence that no varieties of Condition or occupation can Silence the great Behest of Nature to defend what they possess. With this in my head / I attacked you on the s of those Corps†1960 That the Peace might not be allowed to extinguish that Fire of which the War had struck out such Sparks. The Publick is well apprised of your merit in Arming so great a Body of the People in defence of their Country, And will lo up to you for Support in case any question arise relating to that measure. It was no doubt Idle in me to think of prompting you matter so well understood; And this Specimen might have warned you of what was to be expected: but you are now in some measure pledged to bear with what may Come. It is a gratification to me; And if real Respect and the utmost deference to your Judgement of what may or may not be entertained or Attempted can attone for seeming presumption I may hope to be forgiven Before the preliminaries of Peace†1961 were known to be Signed I had my doubts whether The present government of Fr was ripe for such a conclusion: but when this / appeared to be the Case & there is so much bussiness to be done for themselves†688 at home, Unless the Republican faction force a War, we may look for a peace of some Continuance & take our measures accordingly. It is nevertheless wise to consider the longest Peace but as a long Truce and a time of preparation for War. Such are hu Affairs And no single Party can mend them, without, what never can be obtained, A consent of the whole. It requires no foresight to Arm when an Ennemy is at the Door; any more than to Cloak when it rains: But the Proverb en to Cloack when it is fair, leaving the Traveller to do what he pleases when it is foul. You may not need this lesson: but you will prevail on your People to Arm in time of Peace with the same Alacrity as in time of War. Then the Threats of an Ennemy to giv Law on the Thames: The Insolent attempts that were made to seduce our People from their Allegiance Suggested the Idea of Volunteer Corps; And the pressure of generous Nature into what appeared a post of danger & of honour soon filled the Ranks. now it is peace and the danger has / vanished; let us not think the occasion is over for such Institutions; nor neglect any measu we can take to preserve them. It is here if ever that speculation itself may be of use and Stumble upon things that do not occur in practice. My Fancy however I doubt is barren, And terminates in little more than one general prescription To make that appear honourable to which wish the Honourable and the Worthy to ― 473 ― repair. In this I need not say that the gracious Regard of the King & the Example of those about him will have a Powerfull Charm. His Majesty is not a Soldier by Profession†1962 I see no reason why he may not be a volunteer: This language may be too free: but it is to you. In well ordered Communities the Military Function however highly respected is Still Subordinate to the Civil. Or in other w the sword tho powerful should be directed by Justice. For this I know not any security so effectual as that of placing the Sword, When Education, the Sense of high Rank, And a mighty Station / in the preservation of order, have already placed the virtues o Candour Magna[ni]mity and Justice. This, in general so wise a measure of Policy, is happily favourable to what we have So earnestly to wish, on the Present occasion. These Islands have their Barrier fortifyed by Nature but to be Safe must have a garrison†689 formed in the bosom of People And the very organs of Civil & Political order turned into Sinews of Strength. Nations for the most part would have it†690 in their Power to force the Service they require: And would command rather t accept of Voluntary exertions. This indeed it is fit they should have in Their Power. But the less that the Iron hand of necessity the Better. If it be Supposed that persons retained to serve the publick as Soldiers can do nothing else; The Power of Defence be restricted within very narrow limits, unless the People at large & otherwise employed be allowed in consistence with their employments to choose the portion of time they will employ in preparing themselves / for those pressing occasions on which de may become an Act of necessity equally devolved upon all. In this the expedience of a Voluntary Militia is sufficiently manifest: but I ought to beg your pardon for couching that point means of cultivating the happy disposition of our People to join the use of Arms even during Peace†691 to their other occupatio what I meant to consider. Here it is Evident that in admitting Recruits we are rather to Select than to solicit; For besides that it is no recommendati any Institution, that it is open to every one; here is a Trust that must not be prostituted. The Magistrate is to be Supported in th discharge of his Duty & his Supporters must be taken from among those who are likely to respect his Person & the Laws he is Appointed to execute. Those who had volunteered during the War may not be questioned: but for Entrants in future, a Patrimon pecuniary qualifications may be required, And a Character without reproach Certainly: For this Purpose a proper form of Attesta may be entrusted with a Magistrate, The Parish Minister &c bearing that the Subject is without reproach, And in his / Condition Life Orderly Independent and frugal. If our Institution should become fashionable as I hope it may, may we not†6911 hope that th Qualifications may become fashionable also. As Fashions however for the most part descend from the High to the Low; ― 474 ― it is surely not too much presumption to hope that there are many well informed liberal & high minded in the upper Ranks who will be pleased to set an Example of so much advantage to their Country. If I had my wish; every member in either house of Parliament under fifty years of Age, should enroll his name in some Volunteer Corps and give due attention to its forms. There is no question of Precedence on this Parade, a place in the Ranks is honourable as the first Station of Command. The Object of this Wish is perhaps already more than fulfilled: but it is no more tha Wish and must rest with those concerned. If I durst talk of Enactment: looking forward to a future period, Suppose twenty one y after the present date; might it not be enacted, That after the year 1823 no one should be qualified for a seat in either House o

Parliament untill after sixteen years of Age his name had stood enrolled five years in a Volunteer Corps and his Attendance on duties been / regular. This it is true would not bring a great Force into the Field; not even if all the members of both Houses should Serve for l is not their numbers we trust to; but their Estimation and example. Nor is our Strength to be calculated by numbering the Arms any one time in hand over the Country: The Object is to exhibit the practice of Arms in such a form of distinction & honour as w excite the Ambition of every ingenuous youth & become a necessary Article in the course of every Liberal Education. The young and the Active may be allured in this matter, by many little circumstances of Celebrity & publick Notice attend the Military array joined with Other County Solemnities. The Ball The Race the Hunt &c &c And honorary prizes for competition Facts of Agility & Strength. We are perhaps too apt to slight such facts as unworthy at least of Gentlemen: but in this we differ from the wisest natio Antiquity, who sought for vigour of mind And the Emulation / of Glory in the excercises and display of a Vigorous body. If what called Learning were the sole or principal Objects of education for all ranks and Conditions of men: few nations could boast of advantages in that respect superiour to ours. Many Foundations for publick Instruction were laid before it was known in what me ought to be instructed; but successive Ages have arrived at last at real Science and Elegant Literature which in one degree or Another are supposed the general Objects of Education for all. There is an Account from Mecklenburg†1963 no less pleasant than new. Of no less than an Institution of a School for Schoolmasters. It is wonderfull that this never occurred before; And that we who†6912 have Boards for Agriculture & Trade &c & should never have a Board for Education to Observe and Supply the wants of succeeding Ages in this Important Article. I would willingly emulate the wisdom of Mecklenburgh: but begin with the Establishment of a Board the Highest and most Dignifyed the can Compose with the / King himself at their Head And next to His Majesty all who serve ― 475 ― or served any of the higher Offices of State Primates Chancellors Secretaries of State &c &c &c. From such a Board all the Instructio might Issue relating to what might be taught & how. It is not likely that they would find†6913 any thing to Suppress in our present Universities:b ut the recent institution of a Military College†1964 & Practical Institute for The Application of Theory to Art show that somethings may be added. And why not annex Military & Practical schools to every University That beneficial Endowments may not separated That letters might accompany Practice & the Literary student be kept in mind of his Manhood & the common cause of His and his Country which may at some interesting time require his exertions. While every Individual is opening a Separate Career for h it is surely a supreme Object of State, that none should be lost to the Community / in any of its essential Departments whether of Or Resource or defence. I need not trouble you with my reasons for so much Anxiety about our internal Strength. Please take for an Emblem The Gyant Briareus†1965. He had 100 Arms & hands, 50 heads & breathed fire at 100 Nostrils. With all this he had but one little He which the whole depended. While the Heart was safe, Briareus could deal his blows and make himself respected at any distanc but if this failed him he was a mere carrion for Vulturs and beasts of Prey. I once thought before I had done to be upon you with an Idea, which has long pressed on my mind, no less than a Proje giving the Privates whether of the Army or Navy a Scale of Estimation & small advance of Day on which every entrant might ho better himself by good behaviour: What Happy effect if it could render the Application or even the fear of Punishment less nece Besides the Policy of this measure it might appear a proper expression of Gratitude for the honours they have procured / to the national Character. One word more and I have done. Away with the absurd Fable, Sovereign at the Sea, which we sometimes so idly repeat and every Party on Earth to the extent of our force, have a right to impede Search & detain everything from going to an Ennem which he might be enabled to annoy us. But the Sea is not a Subject of Properly Idle Pretensions†6914 to homage on: that Elem will sett the world against us, more than real usurpations at Land might do: for the first is galling to Thousands: the other only to few Statesmen. The weather has reduced me to be mostly in bed where I have repeatedly taken up and laid down this paper & now endeavour to make out my treatise†1966. The labour has not been painful. You have been ever present to my mind. Farewell. M Blessing forever attend you. A. F. Endorsed: to 1st Ld. Melville ― 476 ―

366. To Henry Dundas MS William L. Clements Library, Michigan, Melville Papers. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent f provenance and contents. Hallyards near Peebles 28 Janry 1802 My Dear Sir your bearing with these impertinence†1967 without taking any offence is what I expected: And I fear to tresspass on your Nature: but cannot refrain my Assent†692 to the Idea of Universal Training for publick Defence. I agree with The Persians of old are said to have taught all their Children to shoot the Bow as well as to Speak Truth. In these indeed there was no matter for Separate Professions†1968, any more than, in our Case, there is reason to withhold the Powers of Defence from any one who h Country to defend. The only question is How the powers of Defence may be most effectually extended to all who have a Share the Stake. One way is by Compulsory Statute as / in other instances of publick Arrangement. In this way no doubt every Subject ma forced to handle a Firelock: but this is soon Obtained and is of little value if the Heart does not go along with it. There is dange whatever is forced may leave an impression of Servitude and consequently some degree of repugnance to the ― 477 ―

Bussiness. It was not the use of Arms but the National Spirit that has of late decided the Fortune of Europe. Another Way is one on we are already entered. That of fostering Volunteer Corps with attainable marks of Disstinction and Honour. On this Point, what I sai am affraid a little too flippantly. That The King himself might be a Volunteer, could mean little more, than that His Majesty on certain occasions might wear The Volunteer Uniform as he bears the Collar of an Order, that of the Garter or Thistle on its Day. In the Volunteers there can be no repugnance; for they consist of the Willing, and as such are likely to be a Selection of most Worthy. The honours they bear will be alluring / to Numbers, & take like a fashion; infect the mass of the People & to mak free with a familiar Allusion: like jest propagate a kind of Military Ferment or Verve through the Whole. At Rome for Some Ages the Lower Class of the People were not received into the Legions. Every Roman nevertheless w Soldier in his Heart: both he who was enrolled, and he who Aspired to be so. You will infer from this that I am partial to the Volunteer Corps; & the more so that we have them Actually in Use. There French Proverb, with Cautions, when we have already what is good in our hands, against Aspiring to what is better, but may no attainable: Le plus grand Ennemi du bien c'est le mieux†693. I have the honour to be with†694 Respect and affection / My Dear Sir / your most obliged / and most obedt / humble Ser Adam Ferguson Endorsed: to 1st Ld. Melville

March 367. To [unidentified] MS Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif. PU 210-11. Correspondent unidentified, but probably James Lowther Johnstone Hallyards 9th March / 1802 My Dear Sir I am happy to know you are in a fair way of recovery. I am little better than I was when you were here tho from a fresh c Europe is so different from ― 478 ― what it was in my time that if I were going abroad myself it would be to grope my way & look for the places at which to make any Considerable stay. The North of Germany however I believe is the least altered; And as one of your Objects very properly is to see military these are also to be found in the greatest perfection there. Brunswick in my time had many advantages there was an Academy the Court was very gracious as I suppose it still is to travelers from this Country and as language is one of your first Objects, y may there learn both German & French. The People speak the one And Gentlemen the other. / But at whatever place you may for a time at first you will probably shift places to look about your Courts & Cities and fields of Battle or rather Campaigns are w your seeing. And if you carry a few military narratives along with you And consider the Country itself as your Map in reading; th think should help you to become a Soldier above the Common Brute. The method of traveling abroad is no where the same as England. That is to say Chases are not to be had at every Stage you must have some vehicle of your own & post horses are t met with every where. You should have a Sober & trusty Servant to continue with you from home. And trust to every place you to for a Valet possessed of language & every other requisite for the place And try to find out what is best to be done. / I know any Rule but to be attentive & cautious not to offend against the manners of good Company wherever you come. And if there is much profit to be made of your travels most of it may come upon experience and reflection after you are done. Sett out with a Resolution to respect men & end with a proper knowledge of them. This is the best qualification of a Soldier as well as a Statesman†19681 or Gentleman. I am unwilling to detain your Servant or do not think myself qualifyed to be of much use if I sho take more time. & I can scarcey write legibly for the returns of a Cough. You may however be assured of my good will. I am My Dear Sir / your most affectionate / and most obedt humble / Servant / Adam Ferguson ― 479 ―

May 368. To [?William Creech] MS Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Dreer Collection, English Prose Writers. Correspondent identified from contents. T handwriting also proves that the author is the old philosopher, writing from the address of his son Adam in Edinburgh. Dear Sir I return by the bearer Dryden's Works 4 Vol. 8vo†1969: but as I have not had time to look into Thomson's Chymistry†1970 than to incline me to see more. I take the liberty which I understood you gave me to carry the Book to the Country for more leis I am Dr Sir yours &c &c Adam Ferguson Chapel Street May 1st 1802 ― 480 ―

August 369. To Henry Dundas

MS William L. Clements Library, Michigan, Melville Papers. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent f provenance and contents of the MS. Hallyards near Peebles August 2d 1802 My Dear Sir As you gave me leave to write what I thought of your Volunteer Corps†1971, I trust you will take in good part also what o to me on the Subject of Buonapartes Legion of honour†1972. I am the more inclined to trouble you with my impressions, upon s that Institution slightly treated in some newspaper Articles on both sides [of] the water. This I can believe the Government of Fra is not averse to, because this Legion is certainly not meant to allarm us: but to strengthen their own hands without being notice Such Institutions operate as Alternatives are said to do in Medicine without any instantaneous effect, but requiring time are not t counteracted by any similar contrivance once the Consequence begins to Appear. The French Soldiers Enthousiasm for equal claim to preferment is likely [to] abate when the object is secured or no longe contested, / and the State may†695 be obliged to rely on a discipline in which it is†696 not to have any Advantage over its neighbours. For this reason it might be hoped that France should be less formidable in the nineteenth Century than it had been the close of the Eighteenth. But the Genius of a Statesman & Warrior†1973 who in a few years & by a general consent†697 [of] competitors of great renown & Ability has mounted step by step from a very Obscure to the highest Situation is it seems not to the streams of Revolution to spread on the Plain and lose their force. This Policy is likely to be as formidable in Peace as in W has actually said or rather enacted, That every French man is to consider himself as the Defender of his Country. That Armies a be formed by conscription 1st of the young & unmarried, next of an Age more advanced & so on untill the Force that may be employed is that of the whole. While The Law holds this Language to every Frenchman Such allurements are presented as may engage sufficient numb to covet the distinction of a soldier, & fill the ranks with Men not pressed but with adventurers who press to be foremost in the Career of Honour. To this purpose we may refer the frequent Military shows, in which / new standards are erected under oaths Devotion to the Military Duty, with the Ostentatious distribution of honours by which Military Service is signalized and Rewarded more especially the Institution of a Legion of which every Rank from the highest to ― 481 ― the lowest is to be a place of honour to which those of every Rank may Aspire. It is surely not necessary to devise any higher Reward than that with which meritorious Commanders of Armies & Fleets vested in this Country: but the immediat[e] Effect of such rewards, except in mere votes of Thanks and Praise does not descen below the Commander in chief, So far it is good, but partial, while a place in the Legion of Honour is a Spur to Emulation in ev Rank. May we not hope that†698 after witnessing the Effects of National Spirit in our Forces abroad & our Volunteers at home, w mere discipline every where else gave way to the fury of a revolutionary madness, that much may be done to show our sense o Spirit & contribute to foster & Preserve it. I am not partial to former times, or disposed to ascribe the Virtues of men to Ignoranc Poverty: but rather believe that Ranks well employed are favourable to Virtue and Elevation of mind. No Nation Surely ever exh / a better Spirit than Britain has done in the height of its affluence: but there is no reason why that Spirit should be neglected o because they are a great Resource†700 adopted as the only standard of Estimation & ho nour. The Manufacturer I trust will not less qualifyed to ply his Loom because he is conscious that no Enemy will dare to invade his family or his Property. I am far fro being disposed to undervalue the Virtue that has been taken of Military merit: but I wish if Possible to have something devised way of that Institution I have mentioned to Penetrate the Souls of men with Sentiments of Elevation & Honour. That Institution n can be slighted because The Sovereign honour†701 is of it And never can lose the Regard payed to it in every rank unless we suppose its appointments prostituted to Subjects unworthy which cannot be frequent in a Country where the Sense of the Army every thing. I may not be able to see you in this tour to the Country†1974 but be Assured of the most sincere respect And affection as as confidence in your Ability & Love to your Country. I have the Honour to be with the highest consideration / My Dear Sir / you most Obliged / and most Humble Servant / Adam Ferguson Endorsement: to 1st Ld. Melville ― 482 ―

370. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 65. MS in part torn and stained. Address: To Sir John MacPherson Bar't at El[l]is Farm near Tunbr Wells†1975 by London. Hallyards 13 August 1802 My Dear Friend I write merely to inquire, how you do. From hence there is little else to be either said or done. Let that then be the first question. Next are you likely to have any concern in this Liquidation of Arcott Debt†1976 which the news papers talk of. Then. W sense do you put upon this soi disant new Constitution of France†1977. I understand that the Premier Consul†1978 is a great sovereign, Supreme & Absolute standing upon the Pinacle of Military Merit & Force. That apart from Subsistence & self preserv there is no principle of Action in the State but military Preferment. If there be any Other pray tell me of it: But dont put me off w saying that the publick Good is a great Object. I own it: but I never knew the hundredth part of mankind actuated by that alone. are like Planets they must at least have two forces to make them go in their Orbits. One a Projectile by which they would fly, G knows where. Another a Central whose pressure / in every moment is only Nascent but continued & keeps them from flying off. Mans Projectile Force is Directed†702 to some personal Advantage: but there is a central force†703 that keeps him more or less Correctly in a track of innocence or beneficence to those around him. Take the Projectile force from him, he might not go wrong for the most part would fall into the heap and not move at all. I must repeat however that this†704 is to Speak only in General: believe that there are individuals who would be inactive if it were not for a principle of good will to their fellow Creatures which d not allow them to be idle. This Principle however I do not believe is yet the Ruling Passion in France. If you want me therefore believe that this new Constitution of France is any thing more than a projected Contre Dance in which Couples are made to Sta up without a fidle to put them†705 in motion you must tell me what is to bring the Cantonal

― 483 ― Assemblies &c &c together. In short what is the Power or Emolument to be got by running the Career of Communes Cantons / Distri Departments of Senates Tribunates Legislatures & Privy Councils. I know What is to make a man become a†706 Soldier & seek preferment in his Battalion, in the Legion of Honour†1979 & so forth to the very Pinacle of Chief Consul. Even if there be emolument well as Title in Civil preferment & Office, If such be in the gift of the Chief Consul alone The way will be to pay court to him not to run Career of an Actual Political Life. Solve me all this & then I shall have the Pleasure of a letter from you. By the Way I have one from our Friend Mr McKenzie Secretary of the Highland Society telling me of a Subscription on fo some Badges of honour to My Friends the 42†1980. When a list of Subscribers appears I shall be proud to stand at the tail of £ or some Such Pittance, And should beg of him to insert my name but nothing I doubt can be done without publication of Names contributions as in Other projects of a publick Nature. Our Season I think begins to mend on our hands: but we shall have†707 verdure here for the most part of two months to Come. You I trust are far gone in Harvest. But tell me how that is and Believe be most / affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsement, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4: No 65 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 13 August / 1802 ― 484 ―

October 371. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 66. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bart at Brompton near London. Hallyards 26 Octr 1802 My Dear Friend what is become of you? Are we to have Politics only in our letters? And has the peace†1981 made an end of our lucubra I hope that some of these questions will be Answered in the negative and that if we are not in the humour of writing long letters may have the pleasure of short. Cicero†1982 that great Pattern of Eloquence epistolary as well as declamatory†1983 when from wrote to the Mother of His Family†1984: Si Vales bene est ego Valeo†708 and this with his name at top made a whole letter. I ha sometimes attempted to mimick it & think I can do so now. If you are well so am I†709. I shall think such a letter from you Chea a Shilling, & therefore I pray you withhold it not. As for the peace I think it is a more alarming Crisis than any we experienced in War. I am however far from thinking that War would relieve us. God bless you & farewell yours &c A. Ferguson Endorsement: No 66 Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 26 October / 1802 

― 485 ―

November 372. To Alexander Carlyle EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/66-62 no. 62. Address: To the Revd Doctor Alexr Carlyle at Musselburgh by Edinburgh. Hallyards near Peebles 6 N[ovember] 1802 My Dear Carlyle To answer as you desire by return of the Post I by no means feel bold enough to undertake for a Journey to Arniston†19 the course of a week from the present date. I have a very great desire to see My Lord Chief Baron†1986 but there are at presen many insurmountable difficulties that I must positively defer till I can find His Lordship at Edr. We are taken short here in the mi of Harvest with rainy and most Boisterous weather. There is not a Standing Stook to be seen but all leveld with the ground And Pease sheaves are bickering over the Country at the Rate of ten miles an hour. As I have neither men nor horses but what the farm requires the farm is my master and I cannot budge without its leave. Besides I do not know any safe†710 Road from hence Arniston but by Edr or at least Lasswaid†1987. You will make / my excuse for the present to My Lord Chief Baron†1988. In going to Edr I but go from one little home to another & that is all I am fit for in the rest of My Life. You Youth have no idea of the bucklings I require Against Cold by day & Cramps by Night; and tho I envy your Ignorance, hope you never will know better from your own experience at least. I am reall a fit guest for any Gentlemans house above the rank of an Innkeeper. There are great preparations in this County for a Ball tomorrow, And a fine saddle I am told preparing to be run for by horses, which have been in Cart or Plough every working day Six Months past: but I doubt my infirmities will keep me at Home. Here all join in best respects to Mrs Carlyle & yourself. I men my wish for a Gardiner to you that is a fellow who would do any thing†711 he is bid including digging & planting &c &c Yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson Endorsement: 6 November 1802 / Prof. Ferguson ― 486 ―

December

373. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 67. Address: To Sir John McPherson at Brompton near London. Hallyards near Peebles 15 Dec'r 1802 My Dear Friend I am at least two letters in your debt & yet find myself in a fair way to be waiting for a third without considering that at m time of Life there should be some evidence of experience & fact of my being alive to endure any one to trust matters of consequence under my address. The Fact then is that I am alive & will be happy on any occasion that may make what I know your merits the topic of discourse. As to effects they may be little:but that is not what I have to Answer for. You have probably b this time seen your Friend Otto†1989 on Board & I am sorry for it as I believe he is averse to Mischief. I flattered myself once th Principal / was so likewise: but now see that the mountain torrent of Idiotical Ambition is too Strong for any reason. What the D Inducement can Master Buonaparte have to be hasten[ing] all Europe under Despotism to the Ruin of France as well as the Re the Suppression of every Spark of Political Life or Ingenuity in the world. I trust we are to see an Age of Glory not of degradatio this Countrey. I pray you to Congratulate your Friends in Administration on the State of Political Controversy. They have got two three excellent Props. Their own good Intentions. The attack of Grenvilles†1990 And the Support of Fox†1991 & Sherridan†1992 w all the Unshackled Artillery of publick expedience And good Sense. I long to hear from you & am &c &c A.F. Endorsement: No 67 Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 15 Decr / 1802 

― 487 ―

1803 February 374. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 68. Address: To Sir John MacPherson Bart, Brompton Grove, Brompton. Hallyards Fbry 12th / 1803 My Dear Friend I sit down in darkness or in a State approaching to blindness with sore Eyes to acknowledge your kind letters. & my Seamans†1993 Triumph in being passed for Lieutennant. Of what is to be done next I am intirely Ignorant & will therefore Subm any orders he may receive & hope he will†712 be ready Serve in any quarter of the World. My Constant injunction to him is to m his own Duty not how Other People behave to him. It is not always Good to be a Favourite with those who Command. I hope I shall at this time make no mistakes in closing My Letter. I recollect being in a hurry / when I proposed to inclose Friend Otts†1994 letter. I have now Some Curiosity to know what went instead of it. I hope it was not a Billet Doux from any of t Octogenaire Nymphs of this Nighbourhood. If so I can only beg of you to be discreet. I am happy to think you have so much Sc for the exercise of your Beneficent & Peace Making temper. ― 488 ― Reading or writing is a principal Prohibition under which I now lye & therefore Conclude with my most affectionate Respects to you & Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 68 Dr Ferguson   Hallyards 12 Febry / 1803 

October 375. To James Chalmer MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abing Street, Westminster, London. Hallyards 4th Octr 1803 Dear Sir you have as formerly on the Other Leaf of this paper my Affidavit together with the Minister of Manors†1995 Certificate of Residence in his Parish. The Last I should presume is not necessary & you will please to tell me whether it be so or no As the Minister may be from home at the Term as he has now been for some Days. I find myself indebted to My Brother in Law†713 Mr Samuel Burnett £ 32:10:11 and you will please to reserve a round Su Answer it when he sends his discharge to you as he will be told to do. I am Dr Sir your most Obedt humble Servant Adam Ferguson James Chalmer Esqr

― 489 ―

376. To Sir John Sinclair NLS MS 5319 f. 173. Address: Sir John McPherson at Brompton near London. Endorsement: 'Then print the note on the leaf. Copy of Sir John Sinclair's answer to Doctor Fergusson'. On p. 4 there is the following note: 'It is to be observed in this letter from this respectable author that tho' the sense is unexceptionable yet that the spelling is deficient and it has been remarked in various instances that whilst the spiritual part of th mind remains unimpaired the mechanical part of it if I may be allowed that expression falls off and diminishes in point of strengt force. It is said that the Celebrated Earl of Mansfield could hardly spell at all for some time before he died. Spelling depends m on Memoirs which is impaired by disease or age.' Literary Correspondence, Doctor Adam Ferguson, Hallyards near Peebles 24th October 1803-Answered'. The handwriting of the endorsement is clearly Sinclair's: for comparison see, in the same MS, f. 185, letter of Sir John Si to the Earl of Buchan. Furthermore see letter 378, where Sinclair appears as forwarding letters to Ferguson. Hallyards near Peebles Octr 24th 1803 My Dear Sir I have a kind hint on the back of a letter from Sir Jn McPherson franked by you†1996; that the Answer might go through y hands also. I accordingly take the benefit of this Hint & the Rather that it gives me an opportunity without attempting an adequa Return to the great dispatch†1997 with which you honoured me too many months ago, to deprecate your contempt of me for hav so long failed in that matter. This failure at least may inform you that I am in fact superannuated & so far one of your Pets whic wish to preserve as long as possible†714. It is to be hoped that some of them are of more use than I am otherwise you may e'e them go in course. Here are three of us born the same year Viz. 1723. / There is little difference in our Appearance only that I the least weather beatten of the Three. I have had the advantage of exemption from Toil & they till of late have had the advanta Sobriety: But there is another twelve years older than we are having been born in 1712, A Peasant of this Parish his Sobriety y need not doubt. The World for ought he has seen of it may not be twelve Miles†715 broad or long: but he has been distinguishe through Life for Vivacity, is Veridick open Spoken & quoted for bon mots. He was of a good Aspect & Stature: but is now blind ― 490 ― much Shrunk, goes through his usual haunts without any assistance or guide is even offended at being offered any. I see as well as do of a dark night†716 he said to me, & why may not I find my way as well as you do. They tell me I have lived long: but it is just a Gliff†717†1998. I have often thought to get our Minister to Answer all your Queries respecting this Person: but you know the Consequenc Procrastination after four Score. I have the honour to be My Dear Sir your obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson Sir John McPhersons address at Brompton near London

1804 June 377. To [Henry Dundas, Lord Melville] NLS MS 16742 f. 73, Saltoun Papers. Correspondent from contents. Hallyards near Peebles 9th June 1804 My Dear Lord I am aware of the Impropriety of intruding on your Lordship in these times: but my Tenure in the course of Nature cannot long†718, And Anxious concern for a Son†2000 of mine, who has been now for years an unemployed Writer to The Signet at Edinburgh, has become irresistible. I flatter myself that he is not to blame; And I could account for his want of Success, from th train into which the Bussiness of that Profession has got, of which I was not apprised untill it was too late. But a long letter wou not be excuseable. I have not at present any particular / Request to make; if I had I should probably only interfere with some previous Arrangement. My wish is merely to place the Circumstance of my Son in your Lordship[s] View; And leave it†719 to the Operatio that kind intention towards My Family of which I have ― 491 ― So Sensibly felt the effects. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect / My Lord your Lordships most Obliged and / most Ob humble / Servant Adam Ferguson

November

378. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 69. Address: For Sr John McPherson Bart. Hallyards 10th Novr / 1804 My Dear Friend I return Sir W. Ps†2001 letter as you desired And Mr Fordyces also as Sir J. Sinclair through whose hands it came is so g as to give a Pass†2002 for the return also. I doubt Mr F.†2003 mistook the effect of my meeting with him for the Ordinary State o Being. I have heard of young or midle Aged People having their hair turned grey all in one night from the effect of some dissappointment or Sorrow, I do not see why a meeting of Friends might not turn grey hairs black; there is indeed nothing but th want of Facts that prevents my believing it. As for the twelve years he Assigns me I dont doubt but he would give them with he & joy also: but that is not / what I look for; decrepitude and dullness of Sense is the lot of Age And our Author is so good as to us live sometimes till we are tired of Life. Even with this prospect I have my Comforts. The Beneficent and The Great at whose disposal I am does not permit to dread or to regret any thing I cannot help. As to your affairs I need not entreat that you will let me know the Consummation as soon as it takes place. I am reading life of Sir W. Jones†2004 & am glad to be confirmed in an opinion which I took upon seeing him as I once did in Company at London; that he was made for better things than the mere literary Curiosities Antient or Modern which his singular Talent for Language led him at an early period of Life to explore. This talent very naturally pointed him out as a proper Instrument of our Asiatic Government. But I am not so easily reconciled to the detrusion of our Country mana McIntosh into the same Grave†2005 It is melancholy that we have no place in our Domestic System for Moral & Political Wisdom Armed with glowing Eloquen these indeed I have ― 492 ― been told from great Authority are not the Spring or Pulse which gives the movement to our Blood. We must have Party & the jargon Party not the Love of our Country and the candid voice of unbiassed judgement in our debates: But be it so if this choice piece of Machinery would otherwise cease to move. My Blessings be upon you & this I think is a more proper Stile for me than either Respects Complements or Services As in endless sincerity ever yours Adam Ferguson Sir John Mc Pherson Bart Endorsement: Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 10th Novr / 1804

1805 April 379. To Bell & Bradfute NLS MS 585 f. 34, Watson Autographs. Address: To Messrs Bell & Bradfute Booksellers, Parliament Square, Edinburgh. Hallyards near Peebles 22 April 1805 Gentlemen I have received the two Quarto Vols†2006 you sent accompanyed with a Letter from Cadel and Davis concluding with the opinion on the subject of an Octavo Edition. The same they told me a year or two ago; but is not an Answer to the Question I wished you to put. This was to sound them on the Subject of transferring the Property, which as the Sale is so dull I should thin they may not be unwilling to do. If so†720 I should wish to know upon what terms that I might determine what is proper for me t either now or by such improvements as occur to me left to my Heirs. In all this I wish you to proceed as from yourselves withou mention of me. ― 493 ― N.B. you will please to Observe that if Cadel & Davis were to print a new Edition there would be two hundred pounds du me. I am Gentlemen your most Obedient humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Dr Adam Ferguson / April 22d 1805 / Hallyards

May 380. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 70. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. Of this letter in the same collection there is a copy, listed as 70+. Clearly MacPherson considered the letter very importan because it praises his behaviour, and made out the copy. It is endorsed: 'Copy. Letter from Dr Adam Ferguson (author of the Es on the History of Civil Society & of the Rise & Termination of the Roman Republic) to Sir John MacPherson on Hallyards near Peebles 13 May 1805 & transmitted by Sir John MacPherson with the best satisfaction to his sincere friend Sir George Dallas to whom he will soon send the Original proving the Strength of a hand of 82 years.' Hallyards near Peebles

13 May 1805 My Dear Friend I cannot rightly account for my Silence Some time past: Anxious untill I heard the India Bussiness†2007 was so far Settled since somewhat remiss; or rather averse to the Subjects, which we used to write about; & but for the two last copies †† which have sent me, I should have no heart to write now. These Copies I approve much. Your own from Calcutta was a proper Warni the Direction at home. What they ought to have been prepared†721 for†722 & what they ought to have done†723 but they were a of that very Publick from which you had no popularity to expect. Montesquieu Attempted to fix the Principles of different Governments†2008 & if he had touched on Mercantile Government, he would have said the Principle was†724 L'Argent not public but private†726 Pocketting: with your Publick & Liberal Views you was neither to be Understood nor Considered. You do / not te what Sr G. Dallas†2009 ― 494 ― was, at that time: but if my feelings of the Mass be the reverse of Admiration, his part compensates†727. A more manly friendly & Se letter I never read; I am not anxious about any Effect his Suggestions might have. You are, I trust, above any uneasiness of Fortune his Testimony is worth many Millions to a Mind that can enjoy itself. Give me some Comfort, I pray you on the state of publick affairs mean the War†728. We engaged, without the possibility of an Object: but that of defending ourselves: Are we in a Condition to do so? Are w now to find out that the Strength of our Navy was Neglected; And the Enemy have only to Threaten us at home to be masters where else.†729 De Republica non Desperandum†730†2010 is for men in Active life. But for the Superannuated & Idle to be secu is little better than Indifference. I am about closing my 82d year so I trust you will pardon a little peevishness. Yours most Affectionately Adam Ferguson ††Sir George Dallas's Letter 20 Septr 1804 & my Letter to the / India Co as Govr Genl 11th January 1786 [this note, in MacPherson's own handwriting, is written in the margin, the first part at the foot of the page, and the second part continued on right margin]. Endorsed, on p. 1: Dr Ferguson; and again, on p. 4, upside down: No 70 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 13 May / 1805 (see, furthermore, the post-stamp: From Dr Ferguson / receiv. d 17 May 1805 / to be retired to Sr Mc P. / 10 o'clock, MY 17, 1805). ― 495 ―

August 381. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 71. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bart at Brompton near London. Hallyards near Peebles 29th August 1805 My Dear Friend I am sorry to hear Complaints of your Health; And wish you had been more particular. If it proceeds from the habits of a Life continued beyond the meridian, a retreat to the Country is surely the best remedy. This however I doubt is not to be had w the Atmosphere of Tunbridge Wells†2011. And I am perswaded your wisest Course woud be an excursion to this Country & a fe draughts of this Highland Air you would be surprised to see how we baffle even Old Age itself in this part of the World. That is say by the Continuance of animal Life or at least Vegetation. As for capacity & Energy of mind these are reserved for another Life†2012. I / Suspect you are too much Agitated with the winds that blow from so many different quarters of this Political Horizo We who are not entrusted with either Sail or Rudder ought to take our Station as Passengers & not accountable even if the Sh should go down. Such is my Preaching if not my Practice. You may believe at least that I am not indifferent to L. Ms†2013 Affair That Brush is the worst Effect of Party that has past in my Time; but I trust that The Mass of the Country is still so untainted wi Faction that he will have his Rank in the Publick Esteem. Two or three publick Measures which I am Confident were his would set him very high in my mind even if he had been personally negligent of me as I am affraid he was too much so of you. The Commutation of a most Absurd & Oppressive Tax on Water borne Coal. The affection of all Highlanders gained to the State & T King by the R[e]stitution / of forfeited Estates. The Arming of the Country &c &c Are measures untainted with Party or†731 with Interest & the work of a mind that had leisure to do good as well as to†732 Strugle for Power. I have not heard of his Arrival in Country but when I do shall be proud to leave my Name at his Door. Your kindness I am affraid does but tempt My Son†2014 to be troublesome at London. His present excursions thither is a My Mind. His Profession[al] Prospects in this Country as I formerly mentioned are Small: but the Horizon of London & the world beside is no better & I have wished him†733 to abide by what I can do for him here: & if there be no World for him on which to Range that he be Contented with a Nook & a Kail yard on which to breath. Send him down then I pray you as soon as you Ca you come with him ― 496 ― so much the Better. You may growl over publick errata here as well as at London. Your most affectionate A. Ferguson Endorsed, on p. 4, upside down: Adam Fergusson / 29 August 1805; and again, right way up: No 71 Dr Ferguson / Hally 19 Augt 1805.

December 382. To [James Chalmer]

MS Boston Public Library, Mellen Chamberlain Collection, MS ch.H.12. 14. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Correspondent from contents. Edinburgh 27 Decr 1805. Nevertheless you will please direct for me at Hallyards near Peebles_______ Dear Sir I wrote to you about six or eight days ago from Hallyards And my son†2015 soon after from this place relating to a chang Designations or Names which we wish to have made on the stock Books relating to the Long Annuity Part of My Brother Rober Estate of which the Life Rent is bequeathed in Trust to me: But the Reversion to another†2016 & hope that matter is in proper tr Meantime pressing circumstances have occurred here that make it necessary for me to sell out the £120 four pr Cts†734 which soon after Michaels last vested in my name. I therefore earnestly request you to dispose of that little ― 497 ― Stock & to let me know when I may draw on you for the Produce & wish it may be as soon as Convenient. I am Dear Sir your most obedt Servant Adam Ferguson

1806 June 383. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 72. MS in part torn; some spelling to be added on p. 2, right margin. Address: To John McPherson Hallyards near Peebles / 7th June 1806 My Dear Friend It is long since I wrote but I trust you will not Suspect my Silence of unkindness or neglect. You have heard of Old Age & numberless defects: but indi[f]ference is none of them; it magnifies every Care & every Anxiety: but has no Energy to relieve the believe it is the Intention of Nature to wean from this Scene of things & reconcile us to the end of it. And I would willingly be reconciled to its Continuance & take the consolation which Madam Roland†2017 one of Revolutionary Ladies of France had in h imprisonment viz. that she had nothing to do: but to be there. But to have nothing to do because we can do nothing is but indiff Comfort. / Who is this Mr Keene†2018 who attacks you? Some of those perhaps who disliked your Government in India. Are your af Still in Suspence & likely to remain so beyond the present Session of Parliament by mere Arts of Procrastination. If so my firm perswasion is that you cannot do better this Summer than make an excursion to this part of the World. Two or three weeks at Hallyards with your namesake the Seaman†2019 whom we expect to see every Moment would repell every attack of Ill health & People should be cautious how they Speak of themselves: but when attacked the Publick may Sympathize with Defence. you were here I think that you / and I could give such a Simple and unvarnished Accou[n]t of all that has befallen you as would choak the breath of Malice if it succeed so far as to delay your Affair to another Session. Think seriously of this. And be Assure that independently of every Other Consideration the very journey is an ― 498 ― Object & may do more to your Health than even your Farm†2020 Airy as you may Suppose it to be. My He[alth] is wonderfully Good. into the Wa[rm] Bath every Day like an Old Rom[an]. It has banished Cramps Rheum[a]tism & does not Confine me for a moment bu while I am undressed in any weather Summer or Winter. I have been free of Colds or other Complaints for two years. I bath every D because I have nothing else to do. If you were here you should have the bath every Other Day & I am Sure it woud do you good. Mo Affectionately yours / Adam Ferguson Endorsement: No 72 Dr Ferguson / Hallyards by Peebles / June 7th 1806.

October 384. To John Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16742 f. 110. Address: To John Fletcher Campbell Esqr of Saltoun by Hadington. As for the handwriting of the present manuscript, it is to be observed that it is typically altered by advancing age. Hallyards near Peebles 25 October 1806 My Dear Sir you have laid a difficult task upon me; to give way to my feelings & not to appear unworthy of your generous conduct tow me. I should indeed be unworthy if my feelings lay dormant untill this Occasion. You must it seems have heard†735 of the difficu met with in trying to settle my Son†2021 in his Profession as a Writer at Edinburgh. There was a series of dissappointments & fruitless Attempts to Serve him, such as Obliged us at least to abandon the Project altogether, and has almost made me despo any thing that can be

― 499 ― proposed for him, to which his present inability to avail himself of your generous Intention contributes not a little. My Son had Friend were kindly Occupied in his behalf. They projected a new line of Life for him connected with the Army but in respect to Bussiness rat Civil than Military. In this Line they hoped to assist him. / Of this I could not judge; but considering some of those who proposed it co not think it altogether Visionary. The Scheme required in the outset that he should be a military man And that he should serve two years before any Such Appointment as that in View could be Obtained. In prosecution of this Plan Sir James Pulteney†2022 obtained a Commission of Second Lieu't in the 21st Regiment from the Goodness of H. R. H.†2023 The Commander in Chief. And My Son from his Experi as a Volunteer Office[r] made no indifferent Battalion Man. Soon after he had joined his Regiment the Earl of Selkirk†2024 propo to take him as Private Secretary on his mission to America. This after some months expectation Misgave & he returned to Quar Soon after another Friend General Don†2025 commanding at Jersey invited him to be military Secretary at his Post: but the Establishment of Such an Office it seems was to be Obtained at Head Quarters & I doubt is not thought expedient as he has b detained many Months in Suspence at London. But I beg pardon for troubling you / with so long a Story, much less might have sufficed to Show that your Generous proposals tho so well devised for his†736 benefit when in the Profession of a Writer at Edinburgh is now only matter of Gratitude on us. He is now Military†2026 & whatever is thought of for him must be in that Line or not inconsistent with it. And I hope you h not proceeded any inconvenient length in the transaction you Allude to. It will be Some Consolation to embrace you once before I go hence and in this hope I shall Still remain for a Little. My Dear Sir your most obliged And Affectionate / Humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Adam Ferguson / 1806 ― 500 ―

385. To John Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16742 f. 112. Address: To John Fletcher Campbell Esqr of Saltoun by Hadington. As in the previous letter, the handwriting is here typically altered by advancing age. Hallyards near Peebles 26 October 1806 My Dear Sir I write now to account if possible for a Strange dreaming Epistle which I wrote to you yesterday†2027. With such Eyes as are become I have often to guess at what I read. With no better information upon the first glance, I set about answering your ki letter. The words Mr John Home Officer†737 & at your Command†738 struck me with a Fancy that you had bargained with Mr Jo Home for his Office to be at my Command. For whom? But for my Son lately a Writer in Edinburgh†2028. Hence my long Accou his case. My esteem of your proposal as being well devisd for him in his former Situation: but not being applicable now; my hop that you had not proceeded any inconvenient length in the transaction. In Short it is scarcely Credible that a Head so Old as m could run away so fast with a mere fancy, when the real matter was open for inspection. But so it was. I wrote seald and dispat / my letter without looking a Second time at yours. Soon after however I did what I shoud have done before I wrote & finding ho my head had run wild have been Anxious enough for its Reputation with you. Your kind offer to Strengthen my hands in the pre possible Exigence of my Family is matter of grateful feeling which I shall not attempt to express. And I trust that you ― 501 ― will not Suppose me to be actuated by any Saucy Conceit of Independence When I say that whatever may become of the Subject a it is now better placed in your hands than it would be in mine. The Publick and the World have been more propitious to me in point o Provision than I deserved. It is true that I neither eat nor drank like a Prodigal: but a restless Spirit of Activity engaged me†739 in what was no less improvident, a Contest with the Surface of the Earth itself, when it had nothing to Offer but Cold & hunger. And that I have not abandoned to these at last, is more owing to the Providence of my friends than to my own. I am now far from being indigent or much Straightened. I am out of Debt, or nearly clear of that in which my / Sons Affairs engaged me. And it is not fit that I shou encouraged to spend now, even on my children what had better be spared for future occasions. Your Proposal is matter of Obli which I neither do nor wish to decline. Nor do I fear that the effects of any kindness on your Part would engage me in any thing I should not do from long confirmed Inclination. If any occasions called for Aid I shoud be proud to receive it on the Quarter fro which it is now Offered. With the Hope I expressed yesterday of being yet once more able to embrace you & yours. I am / My Sir with the most / Sincere Respect & Affection / your most Obliged & / most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Mr Adam Ferguson / 1806

386. To John Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16742 f. 114. Address: To John Fletcher Campbell Esqr of Saltoun by Hadington. Hallyards near Peebles 27 October 1806 My Dear Sir Here is yet another Letter. Since yesterday I have an unexpected Account of Debts to be payed for my Son†2029 which allarms me much, And the relief you have been so good as Offer will be most Acceptable.

― 502 ― If your Agent pay to Mansfield Ramsay and Co and send me their receipt to My Account, I shall still with the little Streng have left be able to Surmount My Difficulties. This from your &c &c Adam Ferguson To John Fletcher Campbell Esqr Endorsed: Mr Adam Ferguson / 1806

December 387. To Sir John Macpherson EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 73. The handwriting covers completely the four pages of the MS, leaving no room for the address. first sheet is in part torn, and some spelling must be inserted. Hallyards near Peebles 29 Decr 1806 My Dear Friend There is a Gaelic Proverb which I once had occasion to translate VIZ. He who will not Sow in cold weather will not reap Warm Weather. And I can match it now in the correspondence betwixt you & me. He who [w]ill not write Letters will not have an read. For ought I have to write the Silence might still continue: but how am to bear your Silence on every Good or bad that bef you & in which I have to partake. My Son The Man of War†2030 wrote me how much your looks were improved from the time h seen you. And I hope that you are put on Some Moderate / Regimen neither Starvation nor repletion†2031 that may Support you the State to which Cheltenham†2032 has brought you. Man has been called a Microcosm†2033 but you are rather a Macrocosm & must have aliment for feet and Inches. The R must be fixed by Experience & dont decide hastily. The result of two or three Mo[nt]hs at least is Necessary to determine. I nev any inconvenience from the lowest diet to which I have ever been reduced but this may not be the case with you. Have you an Leisure or Stomach for Politics now? You used to be a Medicin tant mieux†740†2034 but I doubt you much change your ton. Hal Kings & Emperors of Europe / were your Friends†2035. Never was such a Contrast of Ability on one ― 503 ― Side to Torpor or folly worse than torpor on the Other. The Austrians were tempted to Temporize with Bonaparte by the gift of Venice which he made them. The Prussians by the gift of Hanover†2036 neither cons[i]dering that he who would make such Gifts could give their Capitals. Europe is still ignorant of what has happened to France. A Revolution which kindled a Fire in the heart of every drumm the French Army & plucked up Leaders of Supreme Genius from the very Mud in which the common State of Things would have bur them. The Cocks are now pitted on the Frontiers of two great Empires in Poland: For I / think that the West from the mouth of the Elb Straits of Dover and the Pillars of Hercules is as much united under one Head as the East from the Vistula to Camshatka†2037. And latter can do nothing to rouse their People to some degree of uncommon exert[ion] they will very soon tire of the War. I do not see why the Emperor Alexr†2038 despising the charge of Plagiarism may not copy Napoleons Legion of Hono[ur] Europe must now see that the Choice every State is to make, is either a Sort of Existence by the permission of France or an exertion for Independence. But I have said enough to condemn myself for being so tardy in writing on the excuse of blindness & old Age. I have wri this letter but cannot read it. But am most Affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsed: No 73 Dr Ferguson ― 504 ―

1807 March 388. To Bishop Douglas BL Egerton MS 2182 f. 89, Letters to Bishop Douglas and others, 1748- 1813. Hallyards near Peebles N.B. March 4th 1807 My Lord I have to remind Your lordship in this letter of two different Persons. The writer of it will sett his name at the end, and ha other Claim to Credit; but for mer[e] instances of Your Lordships Goodness. The Other Person for whom he ventures to address Lordship is Mr William Gardiner†2039, who was some years ago admitted to Holy Orders, with a view to his becoming Chaplin to English residing at Dantzick, where he has accordingly been with great satisfaction to himself & those with whom he was conne Untill the Calamitous Defeat of the Prussians & the Advance of a Victorious Enemy whose threats of Destruction to every thing English on his Way, will account for Mr Gardiners Allarm & Escape to his own Country, where he has come with a Wife, and six Children. He now proposes to offer himself / at home, and hopes for a kind reception in the Bosom of that Church to which he belongs. I was one of the persons who formerly bore Testimony to his merits and am far from having any reason to repeat the co which I have repeatedly taken in his Wellfare. I trust you will forgive my endeavour to facilitate his Approach to your Lordships Notice. Your countenance must be of Signal benefit to him; And if I could in any degree contribute to procure it for him, should I performed a meritorious office for a deserving Man. I am too old to be sure that my interposition may not be improper: but trus

your Lordships Indulgence. I continue to write I hope intelligibly: but my sight has so failed that it is with difficulty I read what I h written & must plead your excuse of inaccuracy. I still conceive you as what you was and cannot apprehend any decrepitude or weekness whatever. ― 505 ― I have the honour to be with great Respect / My Lord / your Lordships / most obedt & / most humble Servant / Adam Ferguson

August 389. To Bell & Bradfute MS Universitätsbibliothek der Humboldt-Universität, Berlin. Address: To Messrs Bell & Bradfute / Booksellers in ye Parliam Close, Edinburgh. Hallyards near Peebles 20 August 1807 Gentlemen I want for a particular purpose a Sett of my little works. That is to say. The Essay on the History of Civil Society, one vol The History of the progress and Termination of Roman Republick 5 Vols 8vo the last Edition. The Principles of Moral & Political Science 2 Vols 4to. Let them be decently bound: The Edges stained of a deep Red or Claret Colour with thick Boards Letter & numbered on the back. I wish to have them soon & when ready please to have them well packed up & sent to me here by the Peebles Carrier. / I am / your most obedient humble Servant / Adam Ferguson Messs Bell & Bradfute Endorsed at the foot of the page: 'Ferguson Adam'; and again : 'Dr Adam Fergusson / Augt 20th 1807 / Hallyards / near Peebles'.

1808 January 390. To William Clerk†2040 MS SRO GD 18/5569/1. Address: To William Clerk Esqr, Advocate, No 8 North St Davids Street, Edinburgh. Hallyards near Peebles Janry 19th 1808 you call upon me to declare how I stand affected to the sale of my Palace in Rose Court†2041. I persist in the purpose to it and a Purchaser may have ― 506 ― possession at Whitsunday next. It would be [in] present circumstances very convenient to me to have it turned into cash. Adam†2042 is threatened with a remove to far distant parts in his rank of Subaltern & presses for aid to buy Promotion. W are Straining every Nerve for that purpose. I believe I told you / the Price I sett upon the foresaid Palace was £500. I shall be g to know your Resolution soon as the time of letting approaches when we must determine what is to be done for a year to come You should have told me how your Father holds out. He is to me the principal Figure in the Picture. I am nevertheless with great affection to all My Dear Sir your most obedt & most h. / Servant Adam Ferguson

391. To William Clerk MS SRO GD 18/5569/2. Address: To William Clerk Esqr , Advocate, No 8 North St Davids Street / Edinburgh. Hallyards 27 Janry 1808 My Dear Sir I have received your Letter acquainting me that you accept my Offer of the House in Rose Court at Whitsunday next for hundred Pounds you having entry to the Premises at that Term and paying the Price at the time of getting possession when I w give the proper Conveyance to the Property. To these conditions I now agree. And now write to Warn the Tennant of this Circumstance and the Necessity of her removeal at the next Term of Whitsunday 1808. And am Dear Sir your most obedt & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson P.S. As to publick Gardens on the House in Rose Court I can give no distinct Account. They had run in Arrear in Adams time. And I was made to pay £10

― 507 ― for the time he occupyd the House what was abt two years. The Regiment to which he belongs has warning to prepare for a Remov the Cape of Good Hope and he tho now Aid de Camp to Gen. Don in Febry has warning to attend if whether we have hopes of bein allowed to purchase a Company if occasion offer & have lodged mony for that Purpose but this is doubtfull. I am Glad your Mother is recovered and that your Father is well. At any rate he must not presume to go before me who his Senior. A. F.

392. To James Chalmer. NLS MS 2257 f. 19. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. Hallyards near Peebles Janry 29, 1808 Dear Sir I have heard from Mr Samu[e]l Burnett of Lloyds Coffee House that the Deed in favour of my Daughters of which the For was sent to America at the desire of Robert Ferguson†2044 is now executed & returned by him. Mr Burnett desires to have my directions about the Paper & I have desired him to lodge it with you in hopes that you may find a Safe conveyance for it hither. Perhaps you may know of some Friend coming to this Country or if you think it safe enough / by the Post I will not grudge the Postage or if it be safe in a Frank†2045. My Friend Fordyce who is not limited as Members of Parliament are to a certain weight will frank it for me. But for this there is no haste. Whatever charge has been already incurred in the matter be so good as discharge to my account. I am now anxious to have my Account with Robert Ferguson as residuary Legatee of His Father & my Brother†2046 now up while I am in the way to look after it and have the Sum I am to Surrender neatly. Ascertained It came to my hands from different Quarters in Separate payments & in the Interval of some years. My son†2 was joint Executor with me / and I relyed upon him for the particulars. He is not now in this Country And my own Notes do not Satisfy me as to the whole amount. I am now ― 508 ― therefore recurring to all the Quarters from which any money was received by me on account of my Brothers Will†2048 to correct or corroborate my own Notes. Part was received from a Mr Mitchel either Banker or Agent. This I believe passed through your Hands. And if any such House or Person as Mitchel now remains be so Good as desire to turn up their Books & say what Sum I received from them o Acct. of my Brothers will. This Compared with your own Books will be Satisfactory to me on that particular Item. I am Dear Sir / most Obedient / & most humble Servant / Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Ferguson   r. 2d Feb. 1808 

May 393. To William Clerk MS SRO GD 18/5569/3. Address: To William Clerk Esq.r Advocate, Edinburgh. Hallyards 19 May/1808 My Dear Sir As the Tenement in Rose Court will be getting open to your Possession about this time, it was my purpose to be in Edin to finish the Bussiness: but I am not so far recovered from my Spring indisposition as to venture so far from Home. And must re you to Mesrs Ramsay Bonar & Co who have an ample Factory†2049 from me & do every thing for me. They are in possession o ― 509 ― the Full Deeds to that little Property & when it is convenient for you to proceed in the transaction will employ to†741 some proper / Pe to attend you & when the Disposition is made out it may be sent here for my Signature before Witnesses. Mesrs Ramsay Bonars & C Receipt to my Account will be a Sufficient discharge for any Money on My part. I am with most affectionate respect to your Father†2050 and Family My Dear Sir / your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson William Clerk Esqr Advocate

September

394. To Sir John Macpherson. EUL MS Dc. I. 77 no. 74. Address: To Sir John McPherson Bar't at Brompton near London. This is the last letter to Sir John Macpherson in the collection of the EUL, and the last one which I have been able to tra After 1808, even considering the care with which Sir John preserved the letters of the old philosopher, and the latter's progressi estrangement from the world, we can hardly suppose that there was no exchange of letters at all between them. During this per Ferguson was in fact still writing his Unpublished Essays (the paper on which essays 6, 8 and 10 are written is watermarked 18 and retained a lively interest in political events. Furthermore, in subsequent years, the Essays passed into the possession of Sir John, who, from a comparison of the handwriting, seems to have personally provided the Index, written on paper watermarked 1 However, if there was any correspondence during this period, between the philosopher and his former pupil, it must have been Hallyards 16 Septr / 1808 My Dear Friend I went into the Case†742†2051 drawn up by your Friends at London, as soon as I received it, And very highly esteem thei part†743 only in it, as well as the Ground That was laid for them, And attempted to write to you immediately; ― 510 ― sed ter cecidere manus†744†2052. I should be sorry to break upon that confidence in Mankind & in Justice which has been a Characteristic of you[r] life. At the same time I wished to guard you against the wounds of Dissappointment in this Appeal to Justice, Candour. What we have to dread is no[t] a direct negative to our Claims, but the delays which Insidious malice may / still procure & w more cruel Effect than any immediate decision could have. These were topics on which I could easily say too much and on which af had written I wished to retract. In short, I applaud your confidence in all worthy men: but would join with al[l] indifference to those wh Otherwise. When Alexander saw Diogenes†2053 he felt immediately that next to Conquering the World that†745 was the very part he should Act. Here is a Tub more roomy than that of Diogenes and it would be joyous for me to see you every moment of My Life. You mention a letter of Sir John Dalling+ but did not inclose it. If it be material that Fordyce should see it: please send it him. I am My Dear Friend your most affectionately Adam Ferguson +I meant Sir George Dallas [this note is in Macpherson's handwriting]. Endorsed: Dr Ferguson / Hallyards 16 Septr / 1808 ― 511 ―

1809 April 395. To John Lee†2054 NLS MS 3432 f. 197, Lee Papers. Address: To the Reverend Doctor Lee / Peebles. On p. 2 the handwriting is continued vertically, and it is as tremulous as in the last few letters, clearly from the hand of a old man, endowed with imperfect sight. Hallyards April 25, 1809 My Dear Sir I should have acknowledged your Favour along with the Russian Performance†2055 sooner but when I was about to do s Letter to the same Effect from Dr Brewster†2056 telling me how the parcel came to him & that he had troubled with†746 of the C for me seemed as he was a Stranger to call for my first Acknowledgement so that he had the first Post & as I do not see to wr more than once a day you have been deferred to the Second. Never was Parent less / able to distinguish his ofspring than I am in this Instance. All the Seasoning of Hallyards canno[t even make out my Name on the Title Page. Dr Brewster calls it my Principles but you guess Better that it is the Text Book unde last title Institutes. Dr. B[r]ewster is your Acquaintance & I wish to be more known to him to this you can help on occasion. Obs how I have mismanaged this Letter in my blindness beginning on a wrong page but I am nevertheless with much Regard your m obedient humbl[e] Servant Adam Ferguson ― 512 ―

October 396. To James Chalmer MS University of Illinois Library. Transcribed from a microfilm of the original. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. St Andrews October 2d 1809 My Dear Sir you will learn on the Other leaf†2057 of this Paper that I have changed Quarters Since my Last. Grown too feeble for Cou affairs I supposed a Town would fit me better And having out Lived all my Friends at Edinburgh I endeavour to mix here with a Society that is very much to my mind And shall be glad to hear of you on every Occasion.

Dear Sir your most Obedient & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson James Chalmer Esqr

1810 July 397. From Carlyle Bell†2058 NLS MS 23927 f. 5. Copy. Edinr 17th July 1810 My Dear Sir The Trustees for the Publication of my late Uncles Manuscripts, have, owing to particular circumstances, come to the resolution of preparing for the press such of them as can without offence be at present given to the Public; It would greatly enh the value of the work if you would favour myself & the other Trustees with those recollections & remarks upon his life & Charac which you are so able to afford____ and you would thereby lay myself under a most particular obligation. Endorsement: 17 July 1810. Copy letter to Dr Ferguson for memorandum of Dr C. No 3. ― 513 ―

398. To Carlyle Bell EUL MS Dc. 4. 41/97, Copy. Small, pp. 663-4. From Dr Fergusson St Andrews 21st July 1810 My Dear Sir I have received your letter acquainting me that Trustees whom you do not name are now deliberating on the publication worthy Friends and your late Uncle's Manuscripts†2059. Of this you must be sensible that I cannot give any opinion. The small p saw or with my impaired sight could decipher did not appear to me intended for publication: but rather the amusement of leisure the exercise of a talent in which our friend excelled, the easy satisfactory detail of familiar occurrences affording a pleasure whic correspondents experienced in every letter he wrote to them. I was so pleased in reading the part you showed me or I could at to read but / it related to things and persons, most of us so obscure as not to be entitled to publick notice, that I should not be willing to exceed what I believed to be the Authors original intention by publication. And I thought myself the more at liberty to g this opinion, that I found my own name repeated with that partial favour which I always experienced from my friend. It was our thro' great part of our time to be neighbours so near as to be frequently together and the opportunities I believe were never will omitted by either. We were Socii Criminis†2060 in the countenance we gave to the first representation of our friend J. Home's Tragedy of Douglas, a charge for which I was never called to Account†2061 But Dr Carlyle was more known & had more enemie who by prosecuting him for this offence declared him innocent of any thing more likely to serve their spite. We were also acces to the formation of a Poker Club†2062, & survived most of its members, & thus had occasion of regret which are but ill refrained the solitary comforts of sequestered Old Age. You cannot doubt my desire to promote / the respect which is due to the memory Carlysle's memory; But how I know not beyond the testimony if it were called for that I never knew a more steady friend or mor agreable companion, and in this I should have so many concurring witnesses as to make my ― 514 ― words of little Account. I shall be anxious to know how you proceed, and I beg I may hear from you. I am with best respects to Mrs Bell yours most affectionately (signed) Adam Ferguson

October 399. From John Henning†20621 MS SRO GD 51/9/346-2. Address: Dr. A. Fergusson, St Andrews, Fife. Dr. A. Fergusson. Dear Sir Having been from home for eight days I take the first moments after my return to answer a Card which I find laid on my signifying your desire to know whether I would undertake to make a full sized Bust of the Right Honble Lord Melville. I am reque in the Card†747 to write to you. I assure you my Dear Sir that I do feel much flattered from this mark of attention from a Philosopher with whose mind I h had considerable intimacy for the last twenty years of my Life. I would certainly have found it gratifying if I had anticipated that any day I should personally know Dr Fergusson and that should do me the honour to make the request qhich he has done with best respects to the Ladies. I have the honour to be with greatest respect and esteem your obliged and humble svt John Henning

Edinburgh Octr 3rd 1810 ― 515 ―

400. To Henry Dundas, Lord Melville MS SRO GD 51/9/342, Melville Papers. Correspondent from contents and provenance of the MS. The handwriting of Fer is very tremulous, typical of the last period of his life. St Andrews 7 October 1810 My Dear Lord The Within is a List of Publications now in my possession. Dr Hill†2063 had left this place on his Way to Duneira†2064 but trust this may come to hand before he ― 516 ― comes away. I am particularly fond of Troop Ships or floating Barracks While the Continent is as one Party against us & we are surrounded by the sea our Army should be afloat. I am glad to think I may live to see or Grant the Bust if not the Statue†2065 and have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect / your Lordships most Obliged / & most Obedient Humble Servant Adam Ferguson

December 401. To Henry Dundas, Lord Melville MS SRO GD 51/1/352-1. Correspondent from provenance and contents of the MS. St Andrews 28 December 1810 My Dear Lord The Inclosed†2066 has come to me without a Name. On being read to me I think it worth your Lordships notice. The mea to which it relates seems to call for all that kind of Benevolence & Wisdom which have distinguished so many of your Lordships that I shall hold myself Excused for this Intrusion. Your protegé†2067 is now at Sea more penetrated with your favour than with any other thing that has†748. I have the honour who with the greatest respect Your Lordships most blind†749 but most affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Ferguson ― 517 ―

1811 July 402. To [Archibald Alison] NLS MS 5319 f. 175. The handwriting is not Ferguson's. Just the signature, very tremulous, is his. Correspondent from contents. St Andrews 11 July 1811 My Dear Sir you will accept of my thanks for your Ingenious and valuable Performance on the Subject of Taste†2068. My defect of sight which renders me dependent on others for what I hear read, has so long deferred my acknowledgeme I have indeed suspected that the distinction of Beauty & Deformity any more than those of Merit and Demerit Happiness Misery†2069, were not applicable to any mere Corporeal Essence or Form. In this you have confirmed me by your ample and satisfactory Induction of Facts throughout the departments / of Matter which we commonly fancy distinctions so expressed. I was personally acquainted with the Late Capability Brown†2070 and if I could have put your work in his hands should ha endeavoured to divert him and his Employers from the search of Capability and Beauty in subjects were it is merely Fanciful to in which it is real. But this I may be told is Moralizing and adverse to the Taste of the Age. Be this as it may. I am happy to lea the Culture of Taste in such hands as yours. I am my Dear Sir with most Sincere Esteem your obliged & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson ― 518 ―

1812

February 403. To Walter Scott NLS MS 3882 f. 80, Letters to Scott. Address: To Walter Scott Esqr , North Castle Street, Edinburgh. The handwriting is in another hand than Ferguson's, apparently Sir Adam's. Just the signature, very tremulous, is in Ferguson's hand. St Andrews Febry 26th 1812 My Dear Sir I have just learned by a letter from my Seaman John†2071 that I am now possessed of your kindness and friendship to th Seaman as formerly to his Elder Brother†2072 and I would do more if I could than hasten in this way to Acknowledge it but I de of being able to fulfill your kind intentions by attempting to write a letter of solicitation to His Grace the Duke of Buccleugh†2073. little access I personally had to his Noble Father†2074 would not justify any such liberty. I should by that means be known to his Grace together with my Son as a Bore†2075 for life this word is possibly now out of fashion but it was used in my time to Signif person or thing that was carefully shunned forever. That man was a Bore who repeatedly teased you with long visits and dryed the source of every agreeable / conversation by continual returns to some tiresome Matter in which he was concerned- he was called in Italian Siccatore a name more easily understood from its derivation than Bore which owed its meaning to the applicatio alone. Unless therefore you think yourself Warranted to recommend our Seaman to the Duke of Buccleughs notice as a young of Merit to be received occasionally into his Graces Company and unless his Grace should find him so upon tryal I should desp any advantage to be gained by a connection formed in the Character of a Bore. His Grace's Father I had occasion to observe h some predilection for the Character of a Seaman - it is open - it is Candid - it is Manly and not to be shaken [by] trifling difficult and therefore acceptable as a Companion to his Grace. ― 519 ― You will pardon any / thing that is wrong in this Letter and believe me to be though little accustomed to dictate what othe are to write. Most truely your obliged and affectionate humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Professor Ferguson   26 Febr 1812 

April 404. To Robert Dundas, Lord Melville St Andrews University Library, MS 4119, Melville Papers. The handwriting is very disorderly, typical of a very old and almost blind person, as described in the postscript. The posts is apparently from the pen of Margaret Ferguson: for a comparison see EUL La. II.501, Margaret Ferguson to J. Clunie, 9 June 1809. St Andrews 4 April 1812 My Dear Lord Give me leave to indulge myself in the Satisfaction I receive on your Lordships accession to the Head of the Admiralty Board†2076 when your name is endeared to the fleet by the Memory of your Fathers Beneficence. I always experienced from him a Goodness which flowed from the Heart and to which I was not insensible. If his Partiality should be hereditary I may meet with a Notice from your Lordship to which I am not otherwise entitled. It indeed / but an ill return on my part to be adding to the load of importunities to which you are now exposed but I cannot forbea reminding your Lordship that I have a son†2077 in the Navy for whom to implore your Protection in the Way of his Profession a ― 520 ― Way in which he may incur Competition with Persons of a Class and was never surpassed by any order of Men in the World: but it re with him not to be exemptd from this†750 and if so it will rest with me / thankfully to acquiesce in the Judgement you will pass on his Claims. He will be to Lay his Respects to your Lordship soon and will trouble you with his name & Services in a more legible hand th mine. / I have the Honour to be with great Respect / My Dear Lord / your Lordships most affectionate / most obedien[t] humble / Ser Adam Ferguson P.S. Mr Ferguson had for some time discontinued to write for his Sight scarcely inables him to see the Paper, much less see the point at which he Left off when he lefts the Pen for a supply of Ink- but as he never wrote to Lord Melville with any oth hand but his own he was resolved to renew the attempt trusting that every person who bears the Title of Lord Melville will forgiv defects and if he cannot read favourably interprete his meaning.

June

405. To Henry Mackenzie Mackenzie, pp. 125-9. St Andrews, June 3, 1812 My Dear Sir I am sorry to feel that I can do but little to supply the defects of your materials, in framing the intended Memoir relating to life of my very particular friend John Home. My intimacy with him began at College, about the year 1743, or 44. I left Scotland i summer 1745, did not return till the year 1751, and had no fixed residence in Scotland till near 1760, and my recollection of transactions, or rather of dates, within this whole period, is very imperfect, and even perplexed. ― 521 ― As to Mr. Homes early visits to London, I heard of one in company with some of Mr. Adam's family, and believe it was th met with his repulse from Garrick, and made his address to Shakespeare's monument†2078. I know not whether he was then presented to Lord Bute, but have heard of his interviews with Mr. Pitt, afterwards Earl of Chatham. His openness, ardour, and warmth of / heart, recommended him equally to Mr. Pitt and Lord Bute; but the political difference which arose and increased be these personages, lost him the one in the same degree as he acquired the other. It was, I think, in his first visit to London, he fell in with Collins†2079 the poet, perhaps introduced by Mr. Barrow†2080, wh you suppose, was his fellow adventurer in the castle of Doune, and continued through life his warm and affectionate friend, as I experienced by Home's recommendation. Home's access to Lord Bute procured Barrow the office of paymaster to the army, dur the American war, where scores of millions passed through his hands, and left him returning to England, I believe, nearly as po he went. I lived, as you suppose, with Mr. Home, at Braid, a farmhouse two miles south of Edinburgh; but as to the date, I can sa nothing, but suppose it may have been after the first representation of Douglas†2081 at Edinburgh, and after he was far gone in favour of Lord Bute. I remember he was then much engaged in versifying, but cannot say what. I think, but may be mistaken, it was in some changes or amendments wished by Lord Bute, in the tragedy of Agis; and even in concert with Garrick, who was beginning to r the influence of Lord Bute more than he had formerly regarded the applications of Home. I / am by no means qualifyed to ment what different subjects, or works, Mr. Home attempted or executed, as I myself, during the busiest time of his life, was much engaged abroad, sometimes in the Low Countries, in Germany, Switzerland, and even in America. As to any attempt of his in comedy, I never heard of any such thing; and, if the public are not much interested to know the failures as well as successes o literary men, I should be willing to have the attempt in comedy you mention entirely suppressed, as one of the mistakes we com in moments of dulness or error. As to what you call the party at Moffat†2082, I cannot pretend to recollect the date to which it may be referred. I believe i not any concerted party. John Home was there by himself - lived at the Ordinary - and met with James M'Pherson at the Bowlin Green. M'Pherson was there with his pupil, young Graham of Balgoun (now Lord Lynedoch)†2083, living with his mother, Lady Christian Graham†2084, at her Brother, Lord Hopetoun's house, in that village. What passed between John Home and James M'Pherson, I soon after heard of; and had no doubt it was a continuation of what had passed frequently betwixt Home and mys on the subject of reported traditionary poetry in the Highlands. There was another highlander there, who, as well as ― 522 ― Mr. Home, I understood, obtruded on M'Pherson / with inquiries on that subject. M'Pherson confirmed the report; and being asked whether he could exhibit any specimens, said he was possessed of several; and on Home's wishing to have some translation, M'Ph agreed, and furnished him with some of those fragments which were afterwards printed in a pamphlet, and drew that public attention which gave rise to the further proceeding on the subject. David Hume was not at Moffat when these interviews with M'Pherson took place; he was, you know, a professed sceptic cannot properly be said to have ever formally affirmed or denied the authenticity or imposture of the poetry in question†2085. He began, and continued to call for evidence-perhaps for more evidence than the circumstances of the case could admit; but this, y know, is the essence of scepticism; _____to most men, day- light is sufficient evidence that the sun is rising or risen; but the sc would always have more, even if the rays are vertical. As to the project and subscription which afterwards took place, to dispatch M'Pherson to collect more poetry in the Highla I was not then in Scotland, nor heard of it till some time afterwards. Mr. Home certainly never entertained any doubt that the original of Mr. M'Pherson's translations was traditionary in the Highlands. As to the society he mostly frequented at London, you seem to be sufficiently informed. Lord Bute generally treated him w an uncommon degree of affection; their minds were much at unison in all the sentiments of admiration or contempt. The sphere attentions paid to Mr. Home at London, no doubt extended after the representation of Douglas†2086; but I have ever since been little in London to be apprised of particulars for your information; and as to the defects of what you might expect from me on the subject of this letter in general, I trust you will forgive it, being now for many years declining, while you and many other younge are advancing in knowledge and power. I am visited sometimes by Dempster, who is possibly too old for your acquaintance, but I call him a younker†2087, being myself about to enter on my ninetieth year. / I am, My Dear Sir, / with great / esteem, Your most obedient, and most Humble se / Adam Ferguson ― 523 ―

406. To Henry Mackenzie Mackenzie, pp. 59-60, mentioned as 'a letter to me, received but a few days ago'. Apparently it follows the previous one, dated June 3rd, 1812.

[St Andrews, June 1812] 'I happened once to have occasion for £200. John Home told me he had £200 more than he had immediate use for, and lent it me upon my note of hand. Soon after, having received some money, I remitted to my agent at London this £200, with the interest due upon it, with directions to pay it to Mr. Home, in discharge of my debt. My agent paid him the money, and begged / have up my note. He said he could not recollect any thing of a note, but he would look for it when he went to Scotland. The circumstance was forgotten by us both for several years, when at last, having married and got a family, I began to think that it w possible the note might appear against my children ― 524 ― after both our deaths; and I wrote to Mr. Home, requesting, that if he had not found the note, he would write a letter to me, acknowle that the debt had been paid, and that the note, if it appeared, should be of no avail against me or my heirs. I had a letter from my friend in reply, saying, that to talk of finding any such note among his papers, was like talking of fi the lost Books of Livy; but he gave the acknowledgement in the letter, in what he conceived the most proper terms, though perh in terms too poetical to be good in law. If ever the note appears, said his letter, it will be of no use, excepting to shew what a fo thoughtless, inattentive fellow I am'.

407. To Henry Mackenzie Mackenzie, pp. 46-7, 69. [St Andrews, June 1812] 'The truth seems to be - as our venerable colleague Dr Adam Ferguson expresses it, in a letter to me on the subject of M Home's dramatic writings - that the theatrical compositions, like every other human production, are, in the abstract, not more lau or censurable than any other species of composition, but are either good or bad, moral or immoral, according to the / managem or the effect of the individual tragedy or comedy we are to see represented, or to peruse' (Mackenzie, p. 46). 'I need not to give any further account of the book, which is fresh in the recollection of the Society; but I may inform them, that was read in its native state before it was emasculated by his later alterations, by a very competent judge, Mr Ferguson, who wa interested and pleased with it. He said to me, however, with his usual frankness, in the recent communication which I have mentioned above, that he himself had contributed to spoil his friend's History of the Rebellion' (Mackenzie, p. 69). 'I had often laid down to him those principles of historical composition on which I afterwards wrote my Roman History; first, that narrative should be plain and simple, without embellishment; and, secondly, that it should relate only great public events, and tra only the characters of individuals connected with them, without descending into the minuter details of biography. Now these____ Dr Ferguson____ were perfectly applicable to my subject, but not at all to that of my friend. The rebellion of 1745 was too ― 525 ― unimportant in itself to make a history, without borrowing such ornament from style, and such interest from anecdote, as Voltaire has given to what may be called his Historical Romance of the Expedition of Charles Edward Stuart' (Mackenzie, p. 69).

1813 October 408. To James Chalmer MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. The handwriting of this letter is not Ferguson's. Only the signature, very tremulous, is in his own handwriting. Address: To James Chalmer Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. [St Andrews] October 4, 1813 Dear Sir you have the usual attestations on the other leaf of this paper†2088. I endeavoured to hasten the Miss Burnetts in denomination of their Agent supposeing their Annuity†2089 to be payable at Term but have learned that it is not payable till Christmas so that they may proceed at leisure. I sent them a Copy of your last L and we must wait their pleasure. I am Dear Sir your most Obedient & most Humble Servant Adam Ferguson

1814 November 409. To William Robertson, Lord Robertson†2090 NLS MS 4947 f. 124, Mure of Caldwell Papers. The letter is introduced by the following note: 'Copy of a letter from Profe Ferguson to Lord Robertson written in the age of 93. Novr 24, 1814 St Andrews'. The note is in the handwriting of the same pe who made the copy. My Dear Lord

I have received your letter containing the two copies of the inscription on your fathers Monument†2091 one for Mr Demps which I have delivered & ― 526 ― know his Sense of yr Kind Remembrance as well as My own of the Honour you have done me-In these acknowledgements I am afra you will think me all too Slow but this is now the mode of my Existence & ill qualified to change it. It has enabled me to communicate some of the learned men who join me in applauding the Eloquence & the appropriate terms of that composition. The Authority of Dr Gregory†2092 has no need of such Supports but I am fond to mention it. I thought your Fathers Birth†2093 & mine had been more sc dated but I see his preceded Mine by two whole years—altho I have survived so long to become my own Monument perishing you w say—but only more so-as less permanent than some other Grave Stones. I remember to have seen in Italy Miles & Leagues of anci high ways strewed on right & left with continual Vestiges of Monuments now destroyed or in ruins with scarce a Name to Mark for wh they were intended but your fathers Memory is independent of such materials more fortunate than Tacitus or Livy. His works entire r for / ages indefinite to shew that in his time the British Stile in able hands was fit to Emulate & cope with theirs it were too much vani me to think the opportunity will last of giving judgement how little I had profited by the Example he set me of liking talents & intellectu Eminence. My way is now directed to the trackless Grave & there My course Should terminate but for the happy thought that there is somewhat after death to which this nursery & school of human life is no more than preparation or a prelude. Meantime however I remain &c ― 527 ―

1815 April 410. To John Ferguson NLS MS 3886 f. 142, letters to Scott†2094. Address: Walter Scot Esqr, Piccadilly. Neither the handwriting nor the signatur in Ferguson's hand. Apparently they are in Sir Adam's hand. St Andrews 21st of April / 1815 My Dear John your letter has been read to me, and I would have sooner attempted something in the way of answer, but for want of Strength, and even now, what I do will be of as little Satisfaction to you as to myself. In your case I do not see what the Prince himself could do, If you were convicted of a crime his Prerogative could Pardon, but in nomination for Employment in which his Ministers alone are accountable they cannot forgive interference, and if they do not forgive, are powerful to resent. Still further b from me at Ninety two, to make my first approach to His Royal Highness's Notice, is an act of mere Presumption, and in this / t however Bold you yourself may be in action, will indulge my caution. I Prize your Victory in obtaining the kind affection of Walter Scot, and others I could name, more than some Battles howe loudly talked of, but knowing how the Admiralty stand affected, my decided wish is that you wait the Chapter of accidents, and discontinue all further applications for the present. For Money it appears to me you have enough if carefully conducted. Here too in open arms extended to receive you; and you may perform the part of Chief in my impending obsequies, an o which will there become you[r] and leave no stain behind to blot your future life. Believe me to be with more concern than I can express your affect. Father Adam Ferguson Endorsed: Fergusson, April ― 528 ―

1816 February 411. To William Adam NRA (S) 1454, 2/553. Correspondent from provenance and contents. St Andrews Febry 3d 1816 Ferguson thanks William Adam for the communication with which he has honoured him, on the first verdict of a Scottish in a Civil question. Assures his correspondent that this 'will be an Epoch in our History; and the luminous declaration with which Court was Opened, will transmit your Lordships name with Honour to Posterity'. He hopes to see William Adam in summer, for 'a moment of much pleasuring recollection', and then it can be, for him, ' a moment to take my departure' (for the same subject cf. Appendix P, c). Endorsement: Mr Fergusson St Andrews Febry 3d 1816 being in his 93rd year Expressing his Satisfaction on the result o 1st Jury Trial in [two illegible words].

UNDATABLE LETTERS 412. To [unidentified]

Small, p. 602. According to Small, the contents of this letter refer to the period immediately following the campaign of Flanders, when, 'on the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen), 18 October 1748, Ferguson obtained leave of absence, and visited t scenes of his youth, where he spent much of his time in wandering amongst the Perthshire mountains'. The letter itself, directed an intimate friend', was nevertheless written 'at a subsequent period'. Ferguson himself, writing to Henry Mackenzie (see letter 405†), confirms that 'I left Scotland in the summer of 1745, did return till the year 1751'. He was furthermore at Logierait in 1758 (see letter 405, n. 5†, and for a 'short journey in Perthshire' in October 1775 see letter 100†). [?Edinburgh] '.... If I had not been in the Highlands of Scotland†2095, I might be of their mind who think the inhabitants of Paris and Versailles the only polite people in the world. It is truly wonderful to see persons of every sex and age, who ― 529 ― never travelled beyond the nearest mountain, possess themselves perfectly, perform acts of kindness with an aspect of dignity, and perfect discernment of what is proper to oblige. This is seldom to be seen in our cities, or in our capital; but a person among the mountains, who thinks himself nobly born, considers courtesy as the test of his rank. He never saw a superior, and does not know w is to be embarrassed. He has an ingenuous deference for those who have seen more of the world than himself; but never saw the neglect of others assumed as a mark of superiority'.

413. To [?Andrew Stuart] MS Huntington Library, San Marino, Ca. PU 210-11. The correspondent is unidentified, but could be Andrew Stuart, and t letter could have been written in 1772, when there was an intention of appointing both Ferguson and Stuart to the Committee o Inquiry into the affairs of East India Company (see Hume to unidentified, 30 July 1772, Appendix E; see furthermore, HL, II, p. 2 Nevertheless, it could also be Colonel Stuart, Andrew's brother, who served in the East India Company at that period. For this reason, apparently, all of them took an interest in the affairs of the Far East. As for the date, it can be observed that Ferguson's handwriting is similar to that of his letters of the same period. [1772] Dear Sr The inclosed are Answers to some Queries I put to a Relation of My Wife now at Aberdeen who lived long at Batavia†20 quality of English Consul. The Dutch have reputation for good Government & I wished to have some notion of their Establishme India. These queries were put carelessly in a Postscript & with little recollection. The Answers however are disstinct and Satisfa I have them here for your perusal that if any thing occur to you I may question him farther. I shall write him sometime next wee after I have again considered this Paper & got your Animadversions. Please consider whether this Dutch Book†2097 may / be w ordering. / I am / Dear Sr / yours most / affectionately / Adam Ferguson Mr Stuart ― 530 ―

414. To John Davidson EUL MS La II 193. No address, but the correspondent is undoubtedly John Davidson, Writer to the Signet, Scottish antiquarian (see more biographical information in letter 93, n. 3) as from contents and provenance. To Davidson are in fact direc two letters of Smith, contained in the same MS, f. 191 (see Smith's Corr., pp. 160, 247. The first of these letters is undated, but second is dated 5 July 1780). The present letter could have been written at the same period, on the assumption that the MS was ordered chronologica Dear Sir, I am much Obliged to you for Answering the Inclosed & am Ashamed you shoud have so much trouble. The Candleshers†751†2098 looks very Learned but like most branchs of learning become familiar when known. I am sorry you had no patience to take your lesson of so much consequence to your Eyes. I am Dr Sr Most Affectionately yours Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Adam Ferguson Edinr Mr Davidson

415. To Gen. Fletcher Campbell NLS MS 16741 f. 125. Address: To Major General Fletcher Campbell. No date, but this letter refers to the pamphlet Reasons Against a Militia for Scotland, which was published in Edinburgh e in 1783 (see Robertson, Conclusion, p. 233 ff.). The letter's principal subject is an answer to the pamphlet, apparently written by Fletcher Campbell, and retouched by ― 531 ― Ferguson, and is interesting in showing the philosopher's keenness to secure a wide circulation of the pamphlet. It could also refer to contents of letters 249 and 250 (nevertheless, the MS has been received by the library among the papers of the year 1800).

My Dear Sir Having heard yesterday that an Answer was coming out to the reasons against a Scotch Militia I sent for it, & got the Inclosed. I have since shown it to Mr N___†2099 who is of the same opinion with me, that Such fine paper & Print &c is unsuita the Spirit of the performance, that it even mars the effect. He thinks it worth while to have another impression without loss of tim that it should be in coarse Paper &c and Sold for a penny, no matter he says whether the Sale pay Costs that there / is some Subscription fund to which the ballance of expence may be charged &c &c. Upon this Idea I have Scratched a few touches for use & correction. If you approve they may go into the impression proposed. N_____is very desirous that it should be in the han the Cadies†2100 & sold for a penny at the Door of the Parliament house on Tuesday Morning. I hope that this will find you Safe arrived in Town. I am very glad you have had so good a day. We of this house hear much of your Olla†2101 on Tuesday but do know whether we Should come to it or no. Dugald Stuart was here to make an Appointment / to take us up in a Coach which I have agreed to at hazard tho upon counting noses I wish you may have room for every body whom the reputation of an Olla may Attract. Yours most Affectionately A. F. Endorsed: Adam Ferguson ― 532 ―

416. From John Home Boston Public Library, MS Ch.H.12.12. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Address: Professor Ferguson at Scie As for the date, the letter goes back to the years 1786-1795, when Ferguson lived at Sciennes House. You dont care for a†752 but if you care for a very pretty woman come here & dine to day. Lady Eleanor†2102 & General Fletcher are the company invited†753 a very fine day. I think you may venture. I am yours J. Home Monday

417. To Robert Dundas, Lord Melville EUL Dc. I. 42 f. 397 v., written upside down. Correspondent from contents. As for the date, the MS goes back to the last years of the life of Ferguson, and follows the letter dated 4 April 1812 (see letter 404†). The handwriting is very disorderly, typic the last period, and probably it is just a draft of a letter which was never sent. MDL The Inclosed having come to me without Name on hearing it read I have felt the Subject enough to think it Worthy of you Lordships Notice. There seems to be a plan in this great Bussiness for that a human Proceeding for which†754 your name so distinguished and hence no doubt you will forgive this trouble. Your Protegé is now at Sea more penetrated with your Lordships Favour than with any thing Else that befallen him.....' ― 533 ―

418. To Lord Shelburne†2103 NLS Acc. 11138. Edinburgh Febry 3d/ 1762 My Lord I have often Encouraged my acquaintances here with hopes that the Friends of the English Militia woud support our Moti in Parliament, and was perhaps in danger of encroaching a little on the Art of Political Lying if I had not been sure of your Lord to save me from that Reproach. If your Old Ennemys are still in Array against us there is no help for it. I joined in the Clamour which I sent your Lordship some Specimens & did all I coud to encrease it, not with any very Sanguine expectations of Success with a Conviction that at all Events this one of the best objects which we can have in View. Even the English Militia may for oug know fall into dissuse after a Peace; but I apprehend it has already given a twist to our manners, & may like the infusion of so new blood bestow at least a temporary Vigour & serve to / prolong the Life of the State. The next best thing to the procuring of Actual Political Establishments for this purpose is turning the Attentions & desires of men to such Establishments & to make the think & disspute about them. There has been Nothing worthy of Notice published since the last Paper I sent your Lordship. But Numerous meeting of Country Gentlemen has been held to think of the Proper methods of applying to Parliament for a Militia & care is now devolved on about twenty of the Number under the Name of a Comittee who meet frequently & with other things ha sent Circular letters to all the Counteys & Burghs of Scotland to recommend this Subject as a proper one on which to instruct th Representatives. They write Likewise to some of The Members of Parliament at London who were most Active in supporting the former mo We already see Some cause to rejoice in the Zeal which is discovered by Numbers here, we shall see more if Politicians Elsew from Affection Candour / Remissness or Stupidity in which last they are not perhaps always wanting shoud suffer our Motion to made & our Law to pass. We shall at least by returning frequently put them to their Shifts for Evasions & this too in my Philoso doing a good thing. So that you see I am not hard to please on the Article of Success. I woud willingly hope however that we m prevail some time or Other. Mr Hume instead of being Averse to Turbulent Conversation has made himself Member of a Society call themselves the Poaker Club in Alusion to the use of that Instrument when fires like ours need to be Stirred. ― 534 ― But I write with so much pleasure that I forget the time it woud take to read my letter. If there was any thing either to amuse or intere from this†756 Country I woud lose no opportunity of expressing the Respect & Esteem with which I have the Honour to be My Lord

your Lordships most faithful humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Febry 3d. 1762 Mr Ferguson concern.g Scotch Militia

419. To Lord Shelburne†2104 NLS Acc. 11138. Edinburgh Febry 15th/ 1762 My Lord I have made up a Packet of newspapers for your Lordship. It contains some Specimen of the Controversy which Subsists here about the Militia. Our Cold reasonings deserve very little notice at London, but there are some strokes of a different stile in some of these Papers, & I cannot resist indulging my own Partiality to the Subject. I believe your Lordship has been told of an which I have a view to here in the way of Preferment. I mentioned it lately to Coll' Clerk & must refer to him for Particulars. It is place of Principal in Our College, The person†2105 who holds it now is very old & I am just now informed that he is taken Ill & considered as Dying. How far your Lordship can or ought in Propriety to interfere in it a question which I avoid thinking of. It is very great Pleasure to me to think that I coud have recourse / to your Lordships Protection & favour upon a proper occasion, w expecting any Attention to my request where it is improper. This place however stands in my way & is the only one which from Situation I ― 535 ― coud expect to Reach, Which is all the Apology I can make for this Trouble And am with the greatest Respect My Lord your Lordships most faithful & most humble Servant Adam Ferguson Endorsement: Febry 15th. 1762 Mr Ferguson ab.t Militia in Scotland ― 536 ―

― 537 ―

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The Letters 194-419  

 

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APPENDIX A The following documents from the Saltoun Papers (most of them brought to my attention by Jane B. Fagg), regard the principalship of Edinburgh University in succession to John Gowdie (who died on 19 February 1762: see letter 29†).

    Appendix A       Appendix B       Appendix C       Appendix D  

Of these, nos 1 and 2 are in Ferguson's handwriting; no. 3 is from an unidentified correspondent; nos 4 and 5 again in Ferguson's handwriting; as for no. 6, it is in John Home's handwriting, which is clearly recognizable. 1) NLS MS 16725 f. 128.

    Appendix E       Appendix F       Appendix G       Appendix H       Appendix I       Appendix J       Appendix K       Appendix L       Appendix M       Appendix N       Appendix O       Appendix P       Appendix Q  

Mr Goldie Principal of the College of Edinburgh who is come to a great Age is I am informed taken Ill & considered as dy That place is at the Disposal of the Town Council. And in case of a Vacancy The person who appears fittest to me for the Offic Mr Adam Ferguson at present Professor of Natural Philosophy. His Character is well known to My Lord Bute & his Affection for Lordship is a great merit with me. He has already given proof of his merit & Abilitys here by contributing in his Station to raise t Reputation of the University since he has been a Member of it & by increasing the number of Students particularly in that branc which he teach[e]s. He has also gained the Affection of the youth and acquired a degree of Esteem & Authority peculiar to hims Endorsed: Scrol to London, February 1762. 2) NLS MS 16725 f. 129. Mr Goldie Principal of the College of Edinburgh, who is come to a great Age is I am told taken Ill & considered as dying. Place is at The Disposal of the Town Council in case of a Vacancy The person who appears fittest to me†757 for the office Mr A Ferguson at present Professor of Natural Philosophy. He is well known to my Lord Bute & his affection for His Lordship is a gre

    Textual Footnotes

merit with me in his Station†758. He has already given proof of his merit & abilitys by contributing to raise the reputation of the University since he has been a member of it & encreasing the number of Students particularly in that branch which he teaches.

    Footnotes To The Text

has alsogained the Affection of the youth & acquired a degree of Esteem & Authority peculiar to himself†759.

    Index  

― 538 ― All the other persons who are supposed to be Candidates have either reached a Period of Life when Men cease to exert themselves in a new Situation or are engaged in cares &†760 occupations that must in part call off their Attention from the Duty this Office†761; or have been already favoured with other Preferments. Mr Fergusons sole occupation is Science & Literature, th no†762 kind of Preferment within his reach†763 besides this office of Principal, which may be considered as the proper reward o Professor who has disstinguished himself. As he stands at the head of the Course of Philosophy a sort of claim seems to result thence & such a Claim is well supported by the Esteem of People of discernment, & by the Testimony of those who upon the occasion are his Rivals every one of whom I believe if he himself was out of the question woud name Professor Ferguson as th fittest man to be Principal. If being in orders was a necessary qualification which I believe it is not although the office has been generally possessed by Clergymen, Mr Ferguson has that qualification with this advantage that he retains the Character without being incumbered with any charge out of the University. I shall be glad to know My Lord Butes opinion & yours in this matter. From the Papers which you sent me The Spanish W appears to be the Sequel of a haughty manner assumed†764 & of unhappy†765 Altercations†766 begun by a former Minister, wh his Successors could not Alter without Lowering the Character of the Nation. For ought appears to me both Nations may have b brought into a War†767 which neither of them really†768 intended shoud take place. And in this belief I woud willingly hope that a proper Management we may still entertain the Prospect of no very distant peace. Endorsed: Scrol to London February 1762 3) NLS MS 16725 f. 130. Mr Goldie Principall of the Colledge of Edr dyed yesterday Morning severall of this Citys Ministers have declared themsel Candidates My Answer to them I was not yet acquainted with the inclinations of the Town Councill; while Mr Couts affair is in dependance I woud think it is proper for me to interpose in any our affairs dependency upon our Town Councell. ― 539 ―

The Clergy of every Colledges should be chosen out of Clergy I send a list of the severall Principalls. Fergusons name will be next mentioned. I woud propose to mention Ferg name till I hear from you in answer to last post 4) NLS MS 16725 f. 131. Since My last Mr Goldie Principal of the College of Edinburgh is dead. I have already given you my opinion about the ch of a Successor. The Clergy I am told†775 lay Claim to any Preferments of this kind which fall in our University, as being the only rewards which their order has to expect & the only Objects which are left to excite their Emulation in Literature or any Other kind of Mer which they may distinguish themselves. This claim of theirs however does not exclude Mr Ferguson who thoat present a Profes the College is likewise an ordained Minister†776. But without excluding their Pretensions†777 any prejudice to their Pretensions I it unjust to exclude Professors in Universitys from the hope of the same†778 preferments which may likewise†779 excite their Emulation to distinguish themselves. Literary merit shoud meet with its reward in them as well as in the Clergy. Clergymen are frequently†780 called to fill every kind of Vacancy in our Universitys and are made Professors in the different branch[e]s of Science†781. And I do not think that the little which I am told some of them pretend to have to be†782 the exclusive Claim of being†783 promoted to the head of Colleges shoud be acknowledged. The practice hitherto has not been Regular in their favours. For at St Andrews and Aberdeen there were likely three head Colleges who were Laymen†784. One Mr Young†2106 a Layman†785 was head of one of the Colleges at St Andrews before the Colleges were United. At Aberdeen Mr Blackwall†2107 who is lately dead was Principal of the one College and Mr Chambers†21 now Principal of the other and both Laymen†786†787. And I do not apprehend that any difficulty coud arise from this quarter†789 the present case. Mr Ferguson however whom I mentioned in my Last is not affected by this question because he is a Clergym fact†790 tho at present a Professor in our University. Endorsement: Memd relating to a / Principal of a College / Febry 1762. ― 540 ― 5) NLS MS 16725 f. 132 v. And I think it my Duty to inform you of every circumstance relating to this affair†791. Endorsement: Memorandum / about the Principall / of Edinr / Febry 1762. 6) NLS MS 17603 ff. 60-1. MEMORIAL Professor Ferguson is the most proper person to be the Principal of the university of Edinburgh because he hath already given proof of his merit and ability by raising the reputation of that university & encreasing the number of students, particularly i branch which he teaches at present. He has also gaind the affection of the youth, and acquired a degree of esteem / and autho peculiar to himself. All the other persons who are supposed to be candidate, have either reached a period of life in which men cease to exe themselves in a new situation, or are engaged in cares and occupations, that must in part call off their attention from the office Principal or have been already favoured with other preferments. Professor Ferguson has no occupation but science, has no preferment and if he does not obtain the principality (the proper / reward of a professor who has distinguished himself) can neve any thing else. As he stands at the head of the course of philosophy, a sort of claim seems to result from this but a much stron one arises form the sentiments of the publique in his favour confirmed by the testimony of those who upon this occasion are his rivals every one of whom, if he himself was out of question would name Professor Ferguson as the fittest man to be Principal. Mr Ferguson is also happily possessed of a qualification / not absolutely necessary, but generally required. He is a Clerg with this advantage to ― 541 ― the university, that he retains the character, & is not incumbered with a charge. Endorsed: 'February 1762, Memorial for Lord Milton, from M. I. H.†2109 ― 542 ―

APPENDIX B Ferguson appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy (1764); MS Edinburgh City Chambers, Bundle 11, Bay C, Shelf 36. We George Drummond Esqr Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh David Flint Andw Alison John Stephen Walter Hamilto Baillies Patrick Lindsay Dean of Gild and William Ramsay Treasr Together with the remanent Council & Deacons of Crafts ordin extra.ry of the said City being in Council assembled Considering that the office of Professor of pneumaticks and Moral Philosoph this City's University has become vacant and in our Gift by the Resignation of Mr James Balfour of Pilrig†2110 Advocate, and be fully satisfied with the abilities & good Qualifications of Mr Adam Ferguson late Professor of natural philosophy in the said Unive for Dischargeing the Duties of that important office, Therefore and in Terms of and agreeable to our Act of Council bearing Date 23d day of May last, We hereby Nominate Constitute & Appoint the said Mr Adam Ferguson to be Professor of pneumaticks & philosophy in this Citys University in place of the said Mr James Balfour and that ad vitam and Culpam Declareing his entry the to have been & begin at the term of Whity last notwithstanding of the date hereof Giving & Granting to him the salary annexed said office and haill†2111 priviledges thereto belonging to be enjoyed as fully & freely in all respects as the said Mr James Balfo any of his predecessors in the said office did or might have enjoyed the same, Declareing always As is hereby expressly provid declared that the said Mr Adam Ferguson by his acceptation here of is and shall be hold on & oblidged to give a Course of pub Lectures and regular attendance and application for Instruction of the Students under him at the usual time & place yearly / dur

the Session of the College With power and liberty to the Sd Adam Ferguson to uplift & receive from the Students attending his Lectures Such fees and Emoluments as have formerly been in use to be paid to the other Professors in the University any act o Council to the contrary notwithstanding As also that he shall be Subject and liable to Such Rules & Instructions as the Magistra Council and their Successors in office have made or shall make with regard to the foresaid affair, With & under which Provision Commission is granted & to be Accepted by the said Mr Adam Ferguson and no otherwise. In Testimony where of the said Lord Provost Baillies Dean of Gild & ― 543 ― Treasurer have Subscribed the present as also Clerks in name & at the Desire of the remanent Members of Council (written upon S vellum by J: F. Writer in Edinr ) Like as have caused the Seal of the City to be thereto affixt at Edinburgh &c &c. Endorsement: Scroll Commission to Mr Adam Ferguson / 1764 ― 544 ―

APPENDIX C On the letter of Baron d'Holbach (see letter 54†). For the understanding of the Essay it appears essential to emphasize the importance of the letter of D'Holbach, in which, apparently, its author gives a specimen of his own philosophy rather than an interpretation of the true meaning of the Essay itse And, in fact, his reference to the 'foggs that hang over our understanding', to the necessity of rescuing morality 'from the hands those who have made it their study to render it obscure' (i.e., of the clergy) is the recurring theme of the French Enlightenment, Montesquieu to Condorcet. But, if we consider the content of the Essay, we must conclude that the interpretation of D'Holbach perfectly corresponds to its true meaning, which is, essentially, that 'whatever is, is natural', and that 'instinct and habit, not reas and calculation create social forms' (W. A. Dunning, A History of Political Theories from Rousseau to Spencer, 1920, pp. 66-8). furthermore, as for Hume and his disapproval of Ferguson's reasoning in the Essay, 'what he found alien and untenable was su the insistence upon the inevitability of progress, upon the principle of perfection. These doctrines Hume had repudiated in the 'philosophes'; it is thus no coincidence that the 'philosophes', for their part, approved of Ferguson' (Mossner, p. 543). And, of course, the consideration of the real attitude of Ferguson towards revealed religion can be of help, from this poin view. In the letter to Adam Smith, dated Groningen 1754 (see letter 3†), Ferguson, then thirty-one years old, asks Smith to write him 'without any clerical titles, for I am a downright layman'. In consequence of the publication of the Morality of Stage Plays, he called, in an anonymous pamphlet entitled The Players Scourge, 'an avowed deist' (see Fagg, pp. 44-5). His sharing in the ideo of the Moderate Party is indicative of his political and philosophical ideas. Lastly, a biographical detail which, as far as I know, h until now escaped notice, helps to explain his philosophical opinions. Writing to Lord Melville on 20 August 1799 concerning the office of principal of the University of St Andrews, George Hill observed that it would have been superfluous to make any offer t Ferguson, who 'has, I am afraid, too great an aversion to the Church to accept of an office which would require him to resume dress and the station of a Clergyman: he might have an Assistant, indeed, to do the ― 545 ― duty of the small parish of St Leonard, which, for more than a Century, has gone along with the principality' (St Andrews, 20 August NLS, MS 8 f. 21, Melville Papers). And, in fact, having been consulted, Ferguson declined (Robert Dundas of Arniston to Henry Dun Melville Castle, 17 October 1799; NLS, MS 8 f. 37, Melville Papers: both these MSS have been brought to my attention by Michael F ― 546 ―

APPENDIX D James Beattie, Thomas Gray, Lord Kames, Mrs Montagu on the Essay on Civil Society.   a) 

Beattie to Gray, 30 March 1767: 

'A Professor at Edinburgh has published an Essay on the History of Civil Society, but I have not seen it. It is a fault comm to almost all our Scotch authors, that they are too metaphysical: I wish they would learn to speak more to the heart, and less to understanding; but alas! this is a talent which heaven only can bestow: Whereas the philosophic spirit (as we call it) is merely artificial and level to the capacity of every man, who has much patience, a little learning, and no taste....' (Thomas Gray, Correspondence, Oxford, 1935, letter 437, vol. 3, pp. 953-4).   b) 

Gray to Beattie, 12 August 1767: 

'I have read over (but too hastily) Mr Ferguson's book. There are uncommon strains of eloquence in it, and I was surpris find not one single idiom of his country (I think) in the whole work. He has not the fault you mention: his application to the hear frequent, and often successful. His love of Montesquieu and Tacitus has led him into a manner of writing too short-winded and sententious, which those great men, had they lived in better times and under a better government, would have avoided' (Thoma Gray, Correspondence, letter 452, vol. 3, p. 975).   c) 

Lord Kames to Mrs Montagu, Edinburgh, 6 March 1767: 

'..... My pretext at present is to recommend to you a book lately published here, and which probably has reached the sho Andrew Millar, entitled, An Essay on the History of Civil Society. This subject, not less beautiful than interesting, employs some vigour in writing, and much original thought. Besides tracing minutely the history of society from its dawn in the savage state to meridian lustre of civilization, sciences and arts, it has a further aim, which is, to wean us from selfishness and luxury, the reign characteristics at present of all commercial nations, and to restore the manly passions of heroism, generosity, and love of our species. The aim is noble; but the disease, I doubt, is too far advanced to be cured by any characters that can be formed with The book will amuse you, and you will think

― 547 ― yourself obliged to me for putting it into your hands. At the same time, I don't say it is without faults: but these I reserve as a pretext another letter when you have perused the book....' (A. F. Tytler, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Honourable Henry Home of Kames, Edinburgh, 1807, vol. 2, pp. 48-9).   d) 

Mrs Montagu to Lord Kames, 24 March 1767: 

'I am vain that your Lordship thought me worthy of Mr Fergusson's work. I had indeed got it from Lord Shelburne, before was to be sold at the booksellers, so had read it before I had your letter. The character of the author, and the subject of the bo made me very impatient for it. I approve extremely of Mr Fergusson in the preference he gives to the magnanimous virtues, abo the effeminate and luxurious arts of modern life; and wish he could infuse into us some of the Spartan spirit he admires so justl the same time, if he learnt the practice of virtue at Sparta, it was at Athens he was taught to make it doctrine. A Lacedemonian might have said, when he swallowed his black broth, as Alexander did in his ambitious enterprize, What do I suffer that the Athenians may prize me!........ However, as we Britons are in much more danger of becoming Sybarites than Lacedemonians, it very meritorious in Mr Fergusson to endeavour to preserve the native fire of courage and magnanimity in the human breast..... cannot express to your Lordship the pleasure and delight with which I read this elegant work of Mr Fergusson; but as my admir can do him little honour, I will give you who are his friend the pleasure of knowing it is admired and approved by all the persons judgment in literature, or who have that nobler taste, the love of virtue' (Tytler, Memoirs, pp. 50-1)   e) 

Lord Kames to Mrs Montagu, Blair Drummond, 16 April 1767: 

'I have endeavoured to do Mr Fergusson a pleasure by your elegant epistle, which isupon the road to him with my compliments, and he will make it most hospitably welcome. I wish I had as good reason to be pleased; but you behave to me l buskin'd Queen acting a capital part in a capital play, without once admitting me behind the scenes[?][?]..... The Professor is the subject; not a word of my concerns..... you have discovered the cloven foot, a rivalship between the two authors. I confess the fact....' (Tytler, Memoirs, p. 52). ― 548 ―

APPENDIX E David Hume to unidentified, recommends Ferguson for an appointment to the Commission for the East Indies (NLS, MS f. 31; Fagg, p. 123, in part). Edinburgh 30 of July 1772 I have hesitated, for some time, between the fear of intruding with my opinion when it was not ask'd, and the Apprehensi lest I should be wanting to an intimate Friend on an Occasion where I might possibly be of some small Service to him. But as t latter Danger appear'd to me the greatest, I have broke thro all the Difficulties, and have ventur'd to give you the present Troub which I hope your Indulgence will excuse. I have heard that my Friend, Mr Ferguson, has been recommended to you as the mo proper Person to be appointed Secretary to the Commission of Supervisors for the East Indies; and that, from his general good Character, you were much inclin'd to favour him. I have liv'd in the greatest Intimacy with Mr Ferguson for above twenty years; and tho' I admir'd very much the Beauty of Genius, known to all the World from his Writings; I assure you, that his Probity, Integrity, and Greatness of Mind, which are also known to everybody in this Country, have always been the chief Foundation of the Esteem which I bore him. I do not more than repeat to you the general Voice, not only of all his Acquaintance but of the Public; and I have the Satisfaction to find that my gr affection to him has not render'd me partial in this particular. As far, therefore, as my Testimony can have any Weight with you, far as the public Opinion, which in these Matters ought to have great Weight with every body, I may venture to say, that Mr Fer will be recommended as the Person the most proper for this Trust, that cou'd possibly have been pitch'd on†2112. I am with great Regard Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble Servant David Hume ― 549 ―

APPENDIX F Ferguson recommends James Ferguson as tutor to the Earl of Morton's sons (NLS MS 3450 ff. 77-9; James Ferguson is apparently the relative of Ferguson mentioned in letters 60 and 65 to Adam Smith). [?1776] In the beginning of the year 1771 Application was made to Mr James Fergusson to take the charge of the Earl of Mortons†2113 two sons†2114, who were then boys, the eldest, not above ten years of Age. This Application was made by Professor Ferguson, who at the same time, informed him, that it was in his power, to go to Paris with Baron Mure's sons if that would be more agreeable to him. His Answer was, that he would either take charge of Lord Mortons sons in Britain, with a salary of £100 per Ann., or go Abroad with Messrs Mures for £200. Baron Mure did not choose to give these terms, as a person who had never been Abroad, would answer his purpose; An F. accepted of Lord Mortons offer, with this exception; that his Salary was not to exceed £90 or £80 the first year, till they shoul Acquainted. Mr F. accordingly entered upon his charge in February 1771, and for his fidelity in the discharge of his duty / to his pupils during five years that he remained with them, he has the satisfaction to have received the strongest expressions of approbation Lady Morton†2115, when they parted. He found his situation extremely agreeable, as his patron the late Earl of Morton was one of the worthyest and best of m

As Lord Aberdon†2116 had been dangerously ill during the whole Autumn 1771, a warmer climate was judged necessary the entire re-establishment of his health. Accordingly the family set out for France in February 1772, where their stay was to be regulated for Lord Aberdons healt Altho a 100 £ per Ann. was a very good Salary for Mr Fergusson while Lord Mortons family remained at his Lordships Country-seat where he had no occasion to be at any expence, yet it was by no means adequate, were they to go abroad, whic came to be the case. ― 550 ― So sensible was Professor Ferguson of this, that when he wrote to Lord Morton that Mr. F. the gentleman he had recommended to his Lordship had agreed / to take the charge of his sons, with a salary of £100 a year while they remained in Britain; he stipulated that there must be an encrease of salary if they went Abroad. At this distance of time, he cannot precisely what the encrease was to be, but to the best of his recollection, it was to be an additional hundred pounds And that this was th Sum, is the more probable, that £200 a year was the sum demanded by Mr Ferguson had he gone Abroad with Baron Mure's s Professor Fergusson made this Alternative, of an Additional Salary in case the young gentlemen were to go abroad, in consequence of a conversation with Lord Morton in which his Lordship informed him, that he meant to send his two sons and th tutor to some provincial town in France where there was an Academy. And if £100 a year was not Adequate to the expence of living at a provincial town in France, it is submitted how much le adequate it was to the necessary expences in dress and other Articles, which Mr F. was obliged to be at, by travelling with a fa of the rank, which he had the honour to travel with. / Accordingly, Mr Fergusson was instructed, that his necessary expence when Abroad, considerably exceeded a £100 a ye So sensible was Lord Morton that it must be so, that when at Paris, in their way to Italy, he meant to have made Mr. F. a prese fourty Guineas. Mr. F. during the whole tour laid out all the Cash, paid all the Accounts &c &c. In making them up, he took credit to hims no more than a £100 for his yearly Salary. He had two reasons for this. First, he was not certain that Professor F. had made th Alternative which he had wished him to make, of an Additional £100 a year in the event of his going abroad; nor was he sure o fact, till in a conversation with that gentleman a few weeks ago, he was informed of it. 2dly. He was too well acquainted with the character of Lord Morton not to be very certain, that his Lordship would take c that he should be no loser by leaving it to himself. Besides, had the late Earl of Mortons plan of education for his sons (and what was My Ladys too till after Lord Mortons d been followed out / which was to send the two young gentlemen to a publick school, and Mr F. along with them, who was to rem with them till he had finished Lord Aberdons education, and made a second tour to the continent with him, Mr F. would have be little anxious about the success of his present claim. But as Mr F. upon his return to Britain experienced a very unexpected treatment, by having his pupils taken from him, an sent to a Publick school without any Tutor in consequence of some new ideas respecting their Education that had been recently adopted, and he by the death of one of the most ― 551 ― honourable of men deprived of any compensation for his necessarily encreased experiences and trouble while abroad, he think[s] in justice to himself that he is intitled to insist for 400 £ for the four years he was abroad, in consequence of the alternative proposed to late Lord Morton by Professor F. & agreed to by his Lordship in his letter of Janry 4th 1771 in which he says: 'It is upon your recommendation that I shall agree to Mr. F's terms that are much higher than what are usually given in this country.' ― 552 ―

APPENDIX G To the President and other Members of Congress. This is the earliest of the documents concerning Ferguson and the American Revolution, and is transcribed in Proceeding the Commissioners (EUL, pp. 66-71; the Proceedings are in Ferguson's handwriting from p. 225 onwards, p. 316 being the last Nevertheless the EUL owns the original of this letter (MS La II 73/170), here transcribed in note. The original MS comprises the part of the letter, approximately one third, and terminates on p. 2. Its right margin is cut, and, as a consequence, many words a missing. As for its provenance, it is located in the Laing collections (David Laing, Edinburgh 1793-1878, Scottish antiquary, son William Laing, bookseller). On the foot of p. 1, upside down, there is an endorsement, apparently in Ferguson's handwriting, but jotted down with an of a different quality, and consequently going back to a more recent period: 'To His Excellency the / President and other Membe of the Congress. That the / commissioners took the first / opportunity after their arrival'. This proves that Ferguson preserved the original of this letter, and that part of it (i.e., its first sheet) was recovered by David Laing, somewhere in Edinburgh. Letter to the President and Other Members of Congress, His Excellency Henry Laurens the President, and other Member Congress. Gentlemen With an earnest desire to stop the further Effusion of Blood and the Calamities of War, We communicate to you with the possible delay after our Arrival in this City†2117, a copy of the Commission with which His Majesty is pleased to honor Us, as a the Acts of Parliament on which it is founded, and, at the same time that We assure you of our most earnest desire to reestabli the Basis of equal freedom and mutual safety the Tranquillity of this once happy Empire; you will observe that we are vested wi Powers equal to the Purpose and such as are even unprecedented in the Annals of our History. In the present State of our Affairs, though fraught with subject of mutual

― 553 ― Regret, all parties may draw some degree of Consolation and even Auspicious Hope from the recollection that cordial Reconciliation Affection have in our own and other Empires succeeded to Contentious and Temporary Divisions not less violent than those We now experience. We wish not to recall Subjects which are now no longer in Controversy, and will reserve to a proper time of discussion, b the hopes of mutual Benefit and the Consideration of Evils that may naturally contribute to determine your Resolutions as well a own on this important occasion. The Acts of Parliament which we transmit to you having passed with singular Unanimity, will sufficiently evince, the dispo of Great Britain, and shew that the Terms of Agreement in Contemplation with His Majesty and with Parliament are such as com to every wish that North-America either in the hour of temperate Deliberation or of the utmost Apprehension of danger to Liberty ever expressed. More effectually to demonstrate Our good Intentions we think proper to declare even in this Our first Communication that are disposed to Concur in every satisfactory and just arrangement towards the following among other Purposes. To consent to a Cessation of Hostilities both by Sea and Land. To Restore free Intercourse, to revive mutual affection, and renew the common Benefits of Naturalization through several of this Empire. To extend every Freedom to Trade that our Respective Interests can require. To agree that no military Forces shall be kept up in the different States of North America without the consent of the Gene Congress or particular Assemblys. To concur in measures calculated to discharge the Debts of America, and to raise the Credit and Value of the Paper Circulation. To perpetuate Our Union by a Reciprocal Deputation of an Agent or Agents from the different States who shall have the Priviledge of a Seat and Voice in the Parliament of Great Britain or if sent from Britain in that case to have a Seat and Voice in Assembly's of the different States to which they may be deputed in order to Attend in the several interests of those by whom th are deputed. In short to establish the Power of the Respective Legislatures in each particular State, to settle its Revenue, its Civil and Military Establishments, and to Exercise a perfect freedom of Legislation and Internal Government, so that the British States throughout North-America acting with us in Peace and War under one Common Sovereign may have the irrevocable enjoyment every Priviledge that is short of a total Separation of Interests, or consistent with that Union of Force on which the Safety of our common Religion and Liberty depends. In our Anxiety for preserving those Sacred and essential Interests, We ― 554 ― cannot help taking notice of the Insidious Interposition of a Power, which has from the first Settlement of the Colonies been actuated Enmity to us both. And notwithstanding the pretended date or present form of the French Offers to North-America yet it is notorious these were made in Consequence of the Plans of Accommodation previously concerted in Great Britain, and with a View to prevent Reconciliation and to prolong this Destructive War. But we trust that the Inhabitants of North-America connected with us by the nearest Ties of Consanguinity, speaking the language, interested in the preservation of similar Institutions, remembering the former happy Intercourse of good Offices and forgetting recent animosities will shrink from the thought of becoming an Accession of force to our late mutual Enemies; and wil prefer a firm & free and perpetual Coalition with the Parent State to an insincere and unnatural Foreign Alliance. This Dispatch will be delivered to you by Doctor Ferguson the Secretary to His Majesty's Commission and for fuller explanation and discussion of every Subject of difference, We desire to meet with you either Collectively or by Deputation, at Ne York, Philadelphia, York Town or such other place as you may propose. We think it right however to Apprise you, that His Majes Instructions as well as our own desire to remove from the immediate Seat of War in the Active Operations of which we cannot t any part, may induce us speedily to remove to New York; but the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Land Forces†2118 (who joined with Us in the Commission) will if it should become necessary either Concur with us in a Suspension of Hostilities or will furnish all necessary Passports and safe Conduct to Facilitate our meeting and we shall of course expect the same of you: If af the time that may be necessary to consider this Communication and transmit your answer the Horrors and Devastations of War should continue we call God and the World to Witness that the Evils which must follow are not to be imputed to Great Britain. A we cannot without the most real Sorrow anticipate the Prospect of Calamities which we feel the most Ardent desire to prevent. W are with perfect respect Gentlemen your most Obedient and most humble Servants Philadelphia June 10th 1778 ― 555 ―

― 556 ―

APPENDIX H EUL Dc. I. 42 ff. 417-21. Published by Yasuo Amoh in Kochi University Review of Social Science, no. 37, March 1990, p 81ff. The reference to the 'Spanish war' suggests that the memorial was written by Ferguson after April 1779, when Spain enter the war on the side of France.

Memorial respecting the measures to be pursued†792 on the present†793 immediate prospect of†794 a final separation of American Colonys from Great Britain. The Danger and the consequences of this separation are so†795 great as to justify every tryal that can be made to†796 prevent it. The Party now in Possession of the Government of America is†797 in Treaty & Alliance with the Ennemys of Great Britain order to effect the†798 final separation of the British Colonys from their Mother Country & in order to preserve†799 the Sovereign which this Party have assumed to themselves†800 & are determined to Mantain. All persons well affected to the King & to the British Nation all persons averse to the present state of affairs & who wish reestablishment of their former Constitution, tho numerous are dissarmed†801 & Keept in Awe by their Ennemys. The efforts made from Great Britain at an Enormous expence of men & of money†802 towards subdueing the Revolted P or even Protecting the well affected have not produced the desired†803 effects. These efforts cannot / be†804 repeated by successive†805 Reinforcements from Europe without insupportable burthen to the State & in the present prospect of a French W without interfering with the†806 defence of Great†807 Britain or the necessary operation of the War against her Ennemys. At the same time the final Separation of North America from Great Britain And the Consequent opposition of their Interes will render the Navigation of the Atlantic The Fisherys of Newfoundland The Possession of the West India Island[s] & even the Commerce of India at first†808 Precarious & in the end untenable to Great Britain without an Enormous expence which even the objects cannot Repay†809. On the Contrary any Political Connection however slight between Great Britain and Her Colonys Aided by the dispositions which arise from a ― 557 ― common Extraction from near†810 consanguinity from speaking†811 the same language having the same†812 manners & Customs F Mutual Naturalization which will tend to perpetuate these bonds of Connection, may at least for a / Considerable period prevent the separation of North America from Great Britain, mantain the Idea of a Common Interest between them†813 Involve these Colonys†81 the same Friendships & Enmitys with Great Britain†815 & consequently†816 in the Case of every War afford to Her shipping†817 frien Ports from Labrador to Florida, render the Navigation of the Atlantic The Fisherys the Possession of the West India Islands the Trad India secure. Furnish an Ample Supply of Naval Stores, Give willing allies to man her fleets, recruit her Armys and increase the†818 number of Privateers to prey upon her Ennemys. In preserving an object of so much consequence & now exposed to such imminent danger of being lost; it is supposed, t measures however expensive if necessary to attain the end & even of uncertain issue if in this respect equal to any others that be devised, are still to be adopted. And under this aspect of things the following operations and neasures are proposed. N.B. Measures at the outset appearing to be the most expensive are often least so in the End†819. 1st That New York†820 be / fortifyed with the Contiguous Posts of Brookland & Paulus Hook so as to be in condition, if necessary†821, to hold out a Siege. 2That the Army favoured by concurring offensive operations from Canada†822 Penetrate to Albany & in the nearest conve Station fix upon the Ground of a Fortress to receive a Respectable Garrison & to withstand a Siege†823. †824 In these fortified Places 6 Months stores & Provisions to be always Keept. The object is that†825 New York should

command†826 the Harbour & the entrance to Hudsons River from the Sea. Albany†827 Awe the Back Settlement &†828 preserve the Communication[s] with Canada & the Friendly Indians. †829And these Fortifications if effected it is supposed would constitute the Strongest Posture that his Majestys forces cou

have in America†830. N. B. Measures taken for Perpetuity & calculated to give Great Britain a firm Possession of this important station & unite the principal sources of Her strength in this Quarter of the World, may incline the Americans to end upon Equita terms a war in†831 support of which measures are Taken of such permanent Effects. 3. That all the new Levys that may be wanted for the War be made in America And upon the same footing without distin as British Levys. With Rank half Pay &c. Officers from the British Regiments to be promoted in these Levys and American Gentlemen desirous to serve on the British Establishments received into these or into†832 the Old Corps / It being understand[a that all American Officers at the end of the War if not otherwise ― 558 ― employd or Provided for in the states to which they belong are to have half pay on the list of the British Army†833. And that Private m shall be entitled to the Benefits of Chelsea Hospital and the out pension on the same terms with the other troops of His Majesty. 4. That the People of America in their Several states or Colonies†834 be invited to chuse representatives form their Asse & meet in Congress for their Common Safety, to restore the freedom of Trade and in every other respect devise for themselves Enjoy the advantages of Civil Government exercised in Name of & under the Authority of The King. Subject only to such peculia exceptions as during the necessary stay of an Army may be necessary to the Safety of the Places they occupy. 5†835. That if any Civil Convention†836 of one or more States or Colonys shall be formed under due allegiance to the Kin that such state or Convention shall be encouraged to Ishue Paper Money on the Credit of funds settled†837 to pay an interest fo supported by the Credit of Great Britain. 6. That Assurances / be given that as soon as any State or Colony or the Congress of any Number of States or Colonys have Established their Legal Government under the Authority of the King and shall declare themselves in condition to defend themselves, that in such Case all forces on the Establishment of Great Britain shall be†838 withdrawn & no force whatever be k

up within the Territory of such Colony or Congress without their own Consent. And that a Proclamation setting forth this plan for Military Levys in America & for the freedom of Trade & the Restoration of Civil Government be fortwith made Public. If it shoud be thought that this plan cannot be adopted or that it cannot be executed under the Pressure of a French and Spanish War. It is submitted / whether all thoughts of Coercion in America shoud not be laid aside. For†839 it has been†840 foun from experience that in the mode of War hitherto Practiced†841 that the progress of the Army where they have gone has been attended with†842 a growing dissaffection of the Countrey without any one advantage whatever. A War of Devastation woud be invidious & if not successful†843 throw America for ever into the arms†844 of France. It is Submitted therefore whether if this important station on the North River is not to be mantained†845 the wisest course woud not be to Evacuate America entirely upon the following Simple Conditions. 1st That those who have appeared on the side of Union with Great Britain shoud be safe in their Persons & Propertys. 2. That the Trade of both Countrys shoud be free, and all their ports mutually open to each other. N.B. It merits Consideration whether / Canada Nova Scotia & The Floridas shoud not be abandoned. Canada if Independent might hasten the Devisions likely to arise in America & which may bring some of the Partys to a c Union with Great Britain. ― 559 ― Or if returned to its submission to France might occasion Jealousy of that Power in America. The Floridas in the same manner if left to be occupied by Spain might have a similar Effect. Any such Possessions occupied by†846 Great Britain woud keep the Jealousy or awaken Animosity against us & serve to prolong the Union of the Colonys among themselves and their dissaffection to us†847. †848 It is however highly probable in the present situation of affairs that / Great Britain cannot whether relax her Operatio [to] give way to any Claim of Her Ennemys nor Abandon a Single Possession in America without confirming the People of this Continent in their alliance with France And without provoking farther demands & Insults & giving to the world a general impressi her Weakness which may in the consequences be fatal to her affairs.

If she is to withstand the dangers that now distress†849 her she must stand on her present ground or fall. She will grow weaker in her step [if] she retracts & weakest of all in her last Retreat & within her own Isle. ― 560 ―

― 561 ―

APPENDIX I Notes on the Enquiry into General Sir William Howe's Conduct in the American War, 10 May 1779†2119. BL, Autograph, Add. MS 34416 ff. 329-36, Auckland Papers. Stevens, X, p. 995. Published by Jane B. Fagg and Yasuo A in Eighteenth-Century Scotland, no. 5, 1991, pp. 10-13. Manuscript with many corrections. The spelling has often been supplied The immediate Object of the Inquiry now depending before the Commons of Great Britain is Whether Sir Wm Howe is a of Capacity & has ably conducted The American War. This Question is of very little consequence to the Publick & may be decided in any Way without affecting the State otherw than by promoting or defeating†850 the Purpose of Party. The Inquiry however has led to Questions of more Moment. 1st How far the State has a Right to Employ the Ordinary means of War in order to Suppress a Rebellion which has outl all the Grievances from which it was Supposed to Arise, & how far his officers have already Abused these means. And What Prospect / remains to Great Britain of being able to effect a Reunion with Her Colonies. As to the 1st Question. It is not easily conceived how Subjects in Arms against Their Sovereign & in Alliance with his ennemys, should be entitled to more favour than the Subjects of a Forreign Prince at War upon some problematical Questions o State. The Subjects of a forreign Prince involved in a War by their Sovereign may not have incurred any personal Guilt by that Circumstance And it is not Lawfull to Distress them except so far as that is allowed in order to Disstress the State to which they belong. But Subjects in Rebellion incurr a Personal Guilt & may be disstressed not only in order to disstress their Community but likewise in order to Punish Their Crime. When a Controversy nevertheless, whatever may have been its origin, / has been brought to the ordinary Issue of War. I must be conducted according ― 562 ― to the Rules of War least Innocent Subjects employed against Rebels & Criminals shoud be exposed by Retaliation to Suffer what J permits to be inflicted on Rebels & Criminals Alone. War is supposed to permit Reprisals, Circumvention, Force, Bloodshed Slaughter & a Variety of means that may be emp to force an Ennemy to Justice.

In the use of these means however the operations of War are limited with a View to the End, & to†851 the just measure o Hostilitys that may be necessary to Obtain it. No Act of Hostility not even the smallest Molestation to the Person against whom it is employed is Lawfull Except so far necessary to prevent a Wrong, or / to redress an Injury. The Principle from which the Rules of War are derived is. That a Person apprehending wrong may defend himself at the Expence & Hazard, and if necessary†852 even by the Suffering & Destruction of the Party who wrongs him. And the Source of the Limitation is likewise Obvious: That he is not to do harm wantonly nor beyond what is necessary t preserve or recover his Right. The first & most ordinary Species of Hostilitys in case an ennemy persist in the Wrong, Are seizing his Person & Effects His Territory & in case of Resistance, Military Execution & Slaughter. 1st - A Party Aggrieved has a right to make War at the Expence of His Ennemy, And therefore has a Right that is†853 ne Contested, to raise Contributions, to exact / Supplys of every Sort, as far as they are Necessary to Support, the War or as far a they tend by distressing the Ennemy to compell the Ennemy to Justice. Armys on the Territory of an Ennemy sometimes Spare the Countrey from a Consideration of Safety & Expedience to themselves.†854 It is expedient to Protect a Countrey†855 which†856 is the Seat of War, in order to enjoy its Resources which might be exhausted at once if the Countrey was laid Waste or exposed to Rapin. An Army endeavours to Avail itself of the Resources of an Ennemys Countrey either by Exacting regular & Measured Contributions under a perfect Security to the Persons & remaining Property of those who pay those Contributions. Or by means Still more Mild by requiring the Ordinary Supply of the Camp at a Marketable & Reasonable Price. / If the reasonable dem[and] whether of a free Contribu[tion] or Marketable Supply a[re] refused it is undoubtedly Lawfull to Exact Complyance under Pain or Military Execution. And Countreys in the Power of an Ennemy for the most part are so well apprised of what they have to Expect that they never refuse such Contributions or Supplys. ― 563 ― 2 - Every Person that is Found in Arms is Supposed to Resist & may be proceeded against accordingly. And Every Hous from which Hostilitys are Committed may be destroyd & is accordingly destroyed to deterr the Peasant from Practices that Appr to assassination & hurt particular persons without affecting the General Cause. 3 - An Army being to Withdraw from a Countrey or being to†857 leave it to be occupied by an ennemy may if Expedient† break up high Ways / demolish Bridges. Fell Timber. Destroy Forrage Provisions, & every Species of accommodation that would facilitate the operations of An Ennemy. This is Practised by Armys on the own Territory of a Friend & the Right was never Questioned on that of an Ennemy. When a Party at War is to Abandon a Possession that may be instantly turned against him by an Ennemy, it is undoubte lawfull to consult his own Safety by destroying Such Possession. Thus not only Arsenals & Magazines†859 with their Contents of Arms Amunition stores and Provisions. Not only Fortresse Docks & Harbours but Sea Ports of any description†860 Towns & Villages are destroyed when they are likely to become a dang Accession of Force to an Ennemy. And the Party who persists in the Wrong so / long as to render those or Other Acts of Hostility necessary against him ha one to Blame but himself. If The Party whose Right is withheld from him, abstain, upon Considerations of Humanity or Prudence, from such Severit this conduct depends upon his own Choice & cannot be exacted from him by any Strict Rule of Justice. On the Contrary Justice to the Cause in which he is engaged may frequently make it necessary for him to proceed so fa These Maxims of War have not been practised much less Abused in the general Conduct of the American War. Accidental outrages take place without making any Part in the Plans or Systems of Hostilitys. The Plan of the War seems to have been formed upon an Idea that we / were engaged in a Contest with our Brethren to reclaimed by the mildest Possible Methods, That their Armys were to be defeated but their Persons and Property Spared. No contributions were exacted, No Markets were forced, The Peasant lived undisturbed within Reach of our Cannon†862 & denyed that Relief & those Supplys which a Single discharge could have forced, or Amply punished him for refusing. Must Great Britain forego every Right that is not to be recovered upon such Maxims of Lenity or rather Timidity†863 as th ____If so Every Obstinate Ennemy or Rebel may forever with hold her Rights. But the American Rebels must not be flatterd. ― 564 ― Every Species of War that is lawfull against an ordinary Ennemy is lawfull against them. / And as the Passions of men are more Violent in Civil and Domestic than in Forreign Wars, The Obstinate American Reb who professes to throw himself into the Scale of France, against his own Countrey, has more Severitys to†864 dread from his In Countrey than any Forreign Ennemy would have to dread in the result of an Ordinary War. The Congress now Usurping the Government in America & Violently restraining the People from returning to their Allegian Duty, Intend the deepest Wound that ever was aimed at Great Britain, and appea[r]s to be Animated with peculiar Sentiments o Animosity & Rancour.

The Consequences of their Pretensions to Independence, Are the Dissmemberment of the British Empire by a Separation the whole Continentof North†865 America from the / Crown of Great Britain: The Consequent Exclusion of Great Britain from the Naval Resources which she had with so much Care†866 Studyed to acquire†867 on the Other Side of the Atlantic. Her Exclusion time of War†868 at least from the Parts†869 of†870 the Atlantic become†871 precarious & insecure, & consequently the Danger o her Possession in the West East Indies become†873 equally precarious Insecure, or†874 a Ready Prey to her Ennemys. And las all the Eventual transferance of all the Maritime advantages now Enjoyed by Great Britain to Her Ennemys. Whoever therefore sees nothing to be regretd in the Contest now Subsisting with the Rebels in America & in its Consequences, besides / the hardships likely to be Suffered by the American Rebel in Carrying to its full Completion this System Wrong & Injustice to this Countrey & whoever feels not the wrong the[re]by intended & actually impending to Great Britain: is no his Heart, a British Subject but an Alien & an Ennemy. When it is considered That, in case†875 the Ennemys of Great Britain whether forreign or Domestic Prevail in this Quarre Countrey will†876 be Stript of Possessions†877 improved with so much Care; will be deprived of the expected Returns from then reduced to this Single Island, with Towns going to decay And Inhabitants Perishing for want of their former Resources: With a P Enured to Wealth disused to the Virtues, / required†878 to Support them in Poverty; & in no Condition to Strugle with the difficul of so new a Situation; No longer able to mantain such†879 Fleets & Armys for the Defence of her Coasts & therefore an Easy P to any forreign Ennemy. When it is considered, that these are the Evils which we are now Striving to Avert: The Person who†880 affects to Weep over†881 the temporary Sufferings which the Americans may†882 draw on themselves by persisting in this Rebellion, will, it is ho change the Object of his Fears or Confess himself to be an Ennemy not a Friend to Great Britain. ― 565 ― This Idle Inquiry has likewise been directed to Cloud the Prospect of Great Britain in Her endeavours to recover / Her Int in the American Colonies. Her Difficulties are Exaggerated; Her Forces & her Resources are depreciated & Vilifyed†883; in order to Support a Chara for Ability in the Officer who has been Employed in this Service. And The Empire of Great Britain must be dissmembered rather we must Suppose any Defect in the Capacity of our General who certainly might rise in our Esteem†884 as much by the diffiden which†885 Modesty inspires as by any Pretences to Ability & Superiour Genius but from his failure hitherto to Restore America t Duty the Obvious Consequence, I hope, is not despair of our Countreys Cause but farther & some different exertion†886. We must Protect & Support our Friends on that Continent, & dissarm†887 our Ennemies. We must Put our Friends in Possession of Civil Government & reserve the effects of Military Government for†888 our Ennemys. I do not mean to insinuate†889 that the Reverse has hitherto been done, experience is not necessary to condemn The Idea†890 whether real or Supposed. The Force of Arms is ever but a small part in the great operations of State to restore & to heal a Wounded Community. The Force of Wisdom & of Justice the Sense of Mutual Interest, directing the Arms that are to be employed against a desperate Faction usurping†891 the Government of North†892 America, may soon do more than has yet appeared to be Practised†893. The mere Military Move has hitherto performed however much tho supposed above Censure have been able to Accomplish. ― 566 ―

― 567 ―

APPENDIX J 1783, July Report upon the Circumstances of the contested Election, in which Major General Fletcher Campbell was engaged in the 1780. NLS MS 16765 ff. 225-30. Within these few days I have been desired to peruse and to Report my Opinion upon the Contents of certain Letters whic pass'd in the Months of June, July, August and September 1780, between Major General Fletcher Campbell and Mr James MacPherson; and also between Mr MacPherson and Professor Ferguson, in relation to an Election Contest, in which General Fletcher was then engaged. If I rightly understand the Object of this reference to me, it is this, that from the perusal of these Letters I may give an O on Two Points - The 1st, whether the Election Contest in which General Fletcher was then engaged, appears to have been undertaken by him at the desire and by the Suggestion of certain persons connected with Government; or whether it Originated General Fletcher himself and his friends, by their Suggesting the plan to the friends of the Minister, and desiring the aid and sup of Government for promoting the success of that object.- The 2d Point is, whether General Fletchers persisting in the Competitio the Burroughs in Scotland, after the first expectations of Success had failed, was imputable to him, or to the friends of Governm who Corresponded with him from London. All the Circumstances of this affair are quite new to me, I can only state the impression conveyed to me from the perusa certain Letters of Correspondence, which I never had occasion to see till within these few days; of which Letters an Inventory a subjoined. 1780 June 10th. The first of these Letters from Mr James MacPherson to Professor Ferguson dated 10th June 1780 clear indicates a wish on the part of Government, that Colonel Fletcher should become Candidate for the Burroughs then represented

Mr Dempster: and as I do not know with certainty what Conversations had preceded this Letter; the Contents of the Letter itself me to think, that the first Suggestion to Colonel Fletcher of his becoming ― 568 ― Candidate for these Buroughs had proceeded from this Letter. This appears particularly from the paragraph which begins with these words ____'I was this morning with R. (Mr Robinson). He wishes to have Perth &c out of D's (Dempster's) hands._____The Burroug are 5 &c. 'The two Principal ones take nothing_____they only wish for a Friend of Rs (Robinsons) and that friend to be a Countryma R. thinks our friend the Colonel who left us t'other day the fittest man possible. The thing is certain by common but able management. Let it be set about immediately before D. turns his face to the North Pole'. The last paragraph of the Letter is in these words:_____'An exertion in this business will be highly pleasant here'. July 8th In a Subsequent Letter of 8th July 1780 Mr Mc Pherson writes to Professor Fergusson thus: 'My neighbour (Mr Robinson) recommends to you to gain on any terms the 3 poor ones (i.e. Burghs) - The Rich and Independent (meaning, as is supposed, the 2 Burroughs of Perth and Dundee) will be gain'd in another way. Places may be promised, and they will be given such as choose that line; in short every thing we can do, shall be done. This I am authorized to write you.' From the Contents of these Letters it seems plain, that Colonel Fletcher was not the person solliciting, but sollicited to sta from these Burroughs; and that a great degree of encouragement was held out to him for embarking in the contest; particularly, some reason was given him to expect, that Government would be able to assist him in the 2 Principal Burroughs, which must m Perth and Dundee. July 14th Mr MacPherson writes to Professor Ferguson that certain circumstances had occurred, which / rendered it abso necessary for Colonel Fletchers friends, to declare him immediately Candidate for these burroughs. 1780 By this means Colonel Fletcher, who was then in Ireland (having left Scotland on June 1780 the day after Mr Mc Pherson's first Letter of 10th June reach'd his hands) was in his absence brought on the field as a Declared Candidate. July 15th Mr MacPherson wrote to Colonel Fletcher then in Ireland acquainting him that leave of absence was sent to him desiring him to make the best of his way to Scotland. July 20th At this date Professor Ferguson wrote to Mr Mc Pherson acquainting him, that agreeable to his directions he ha waited on the Duke of Atholl; and then the Letter relates what had passed at this interview. In the course of that relation Profes Fergusson mentions that he had acquainted the Duke of Atholl that Colonel Fletcher 'had some time last Spring consulted his fr in Government on a different object, and had this recommended to him; that his friends in that quarter therefore would probably themselves the more indispensably called upon to support him - that this attempt was their own suggestion'. ― 569 ― This paragraph in the letter from Professor Fergusson to Mr MacPherson joined with the Contents of the Letters from Mr MacPherson already mentioned put it beyond a doubt, that the notion of attempting Mr Dempster's Burroughs did not originate w Colonel Fletcher, but was suggested to him on the part of Government. 2d Point. If this point be established the next thing to be considered is, whether after being thus embarked, the persisting the Competition for these Buroughs, after the first expectations of the Success being so practicable had failled, was imputable to Colonel Fletcher or to the friends of Government at London. The opinion to be formed on this 2d Point / depends on the terms of the Correspondence Subsequent to the 6th August for it appears that Colonel Fletcher arrived from Ireland in Scotland in the end of July or beginning of August and that having vi the Towns, and in about a week after his arrival he dispatched an Express to Mr MacPherson, with two letters one from himself the other from Professor Ferguson dated 6th and 7th August. The purport of both which Letters was that the two principal Towns were unfavourable to him, and that the other three, excepting Cupar, were very difficult & uncertain. That Mr Paterson on whom Government had reliance for his assistance in Dundee, had declined that aid; on the whole, these Letters advised a handsome retreat. 1780 Augst 6th Professor Ferguson writes to Mr MacPherson:"If P. (i.e. Perth) with C. (Cupar) could be secured, then Col F. could afford to struggle hard for a third-But without this the affair seems desperate, and a handsome retreat is all that can be effected for the credit of A. (Administration) as well as his own. Dempster is exceedingly popular, everyman of us disposed to wish him personally well, it is painfull to be against him up any other idea than that his Seat must be disposed of to some body else if not to us. In Colonel Fletcher's Letter to Mr McPherson of 7th August he enters into greater detail, and shows that he had been embarked in a very unpromising pursuit which from what he had learnt in the course of his visit to the Towns was now become almost hopeless. One of the paragraphs is in these words: 'It is not for your neighbours advantage or mine, to make, far less continue an unsuccessful attack. If P. (Perth) while it is yet open, as some of our Friends flatter themselves, could be gain'd by him, to save our Credit, I would / bestow whatever I formerly proposed to make another; this is the only way left. He will judge of the means can be employed and their effects. If that cannot be done, it only remains that we abandon directly in the handsomest manner w people here may suppose we precipitately engaged in. August 7th Of this date Mr MacPherson wrote to Colonel Fletcher, acknowledging the Receipt of the Express with the two letters above mentioned; ― 570 ― And then he adds: 'We do not think the business yet quite desperate. An Express with Letters to the Advocate, Colonel Murray &c w sent to you some time to Morrow. When the battle becomes desperate, but not till then, we shall make the best retreat we can. We s endeavour to secure you here if we cannot effectually serve you there.

August 20th Mr MacPherson to Colonel Fletcher writes: 'I thought you would have heard from me long ago, but tomorrow told an express will be sent you that will decide the fate of the Business, at least your resolutions we shall not neglect to do he what you may fail in there. But you must exert yourselves with Spirit, as this is a favourite Point. August 25th On Friday Evening the 25th August Mr MacPherson wrote to Professor Fergusson, giving him a hint of the expected dissolution of Parliament, and desiring Colonel Fletcher to go directly to his Post. He adds, 'the long, long look'd for Express I am told will be sent tomorrow'. August 28th Mr MacPherson wrote to Colonel Fletcher inclosing Letters to various pers from Mr Robinson, requesting their assistance in favour of Colonel Fletcher: - And on the same date late in the Evening, he wro Professor Fergusson, Saying, 'that he had that day received a very discouraging Letter from their friend Colonel Fletcher; but th knew his character so well that he would fall in the last ditch'. Then he adds - 'I / much regret that decisive powers relative to a situation here have not been sent - An Express may come too late, yet it may be ventured'. August 27th - Colonel Fletcher wrote a Letter to Mr MacPherson dated from the borough of Forfar†2120, wherein he says town declares to morrow for Dempster, and the business, before desperate, is now lost - I left Saint Andrews last night at Twelv clear determined for, and found them here unanimous against - Happy that it is terminated soon; for I had neither Temper, healt nor fortune to continue long. Yet nothing I think has been omitted in the different situations we were obliged to take. My friends propose that I should immediately go to London to secure the other and explain all matters. - Farewell, a viole headache with Drink, fatigue, and vexation puts an end to this - No Express arrived'. September 2d: Mr MacPherson to Colonel Fletcher acknowledges the receipt of both his Letters, and writes - 'you have tw gain the third at any rate - Don't my dear friend desert your Post, But it ought to have been preconcerted to empower me heremay depend upon every thing, in my power'. September 1st Professor Fergusson to Mr MacPherson writes, that the Express to Colonel Fletcher had arrived, and had delivered to him that morning- He then mentions the Declaration of the Burrough of Perth against him - and intelligence receive the Burrough of Forfar having also declared against. In this letter from Professor Fergusson there is a paragraph in these words: ― 571 ― 'It appears now that the encouragement conveyed to you, as from the Principal Burroughs was altogether without foundat The report of it may have piqued them to declare otherways - Saint Andrews has been gained, not by the influence of Colonel Nairn†2121, who has till very / lately avoided Colonel Fletcher & his Friends, but by a very active friend and some expence; whic had produced the effect before the Letter to Nairn arrived._____That to Lord Kinnoul was instantly sent. As was that likewise to Fotheringham of Poray†2122 - but, as I now believe, all too late; as will those which were received and forwarded this morning. Whatever further Colonel Fletcher may do here, for the credit of Administration or his own, the time is come, when his hopes of being elected, must come entirely from your quarter of the world: And I most earnestly exhort you to fix without delay the altern on which he proceeded, as necessary to justify his Expence, - save his credit upon a disappointment here, - and enable him to patronize the friends of Government, and his own in these Buroughs. - I am well persuaded that Government will find in him a v respectable friend and able support'. Septr 1st Colonel Fletcher wrote to Mr MacPherson the following Letter: 'I need not repeat what Professor Fergusson writ this post. - Two of the best of my friends set out this night for Forfar - their return decides forever our hopes here. A Passage in Letter 28th 11 at night alarmed me, -I have acted with the greatest Confidence in my friends, though against my own Opinion. I despise the odium, loss of money &c. - But my object I must attain here or there'. September 5th Mr MacPherson of this date addressed to Professor Fergusson and Colonel Campbell jontly the following Letter: 'My dear Friends, I have received all your Letters. - Every thing you wish will be done here; but, perhaps, only when it is late. - You shall have the letters, the Promises and the performance wanted. - I shall do every thing / in my power. - For God's dont desert your ground. - Let prudence for once give way to Spirit. - Many very many other affairs of the same kind demand attention; and, if that attention depended entirely upon your humble servant, things would have long since been brought to bear flatter myself you will have a Government Express to morrow. - We are sensible we have been deceived by Sc-ls†2123; But all M are liable to deception. - I shall write to morrow. Keep up your Spirits. - I could say each of you tu ne cede malis†2124. J. M. I received all your Letters down to the 1st. From the perusal of those parts of the correspondence which have now been stated, I cannot avoid being of opinion, on 2d Point, That Colonel Fletcher after being embarked in this plan of the Scots Burroughs by the Suggestions on the part of a fri of the Minister; was induced to persist in it contrary to his own Sentiments and to those of his particular friends in Scotland. Ma motives for his not abandoning the Contest were pointed out to him in the Letters from Mr MacPherson. - It was stated that it w ― 572 ― favourite Point, and that no expence should be spared. - Expectations were given of a packet that was to decide the business, which however was delayed from week to week. Hopes were held out that if he had failed there, they would provide him with a Seat in Eng - It was intimated to him, that when the business became desperate then and not till then, a retreat would be thought of &c. Upon the whole of the Correspondence it seems to me, that tho' there was on the part of the friends of Government a gr predilection for Colonel Fletcher, yet there were two objects in view, the one to get the Burroughs out of the hands of Mr Demps the other to secure a Seat in Parliament for Colonel Fletcher by Supporting him in these Burroughs. This far I think myself authorized to Report from the Perusal of the Correspondence. - What follows is founded chiefly up information verbally received from Colonel Fletcher; though some parts of it are proved also by the Correspondence above mentioned. That St Andrewsone of the 5 Burroughs was made for him entirely by his own exertions and expence, without any aid fro Government. - That Cupar, another of the Burroughs also declared for him, the merit of which Colonel Fletcher also acknowledg be due chiefly to General Skene whose aid was obtained by Government or from him.   That from this it appears, that the Support which government expected to be able to give him in the two principal Burroughs Perth

and Dundee, and which was stated to him as an inducement at the time of his embarking, proved totally delusive. He has no doub that the Friends of Government who, from a reliance on a probable interest in the two principal Burroughs, engaged him in this undertaking, were misled by wrong information, - but he feels that he has been the sufferer: - He averts that all the heavy expences  of the contest, which amount to a very considerable Sum, were defrayed by him, not by government: And tho' the refunding of these Expences is at present no part of General Fletcher's object, yet he thinks he has some reason to complain of the following hardships First. - That after having been so embark'd, and so prevaild upon to persist in a very disagreeable Contest; and after hav incurred such / heavy expence and trouble; and when his prosecution of the plan recommended to him of attacking Mr Dempste Burroughs, had deprived him of the opportunitys he might otherwise have had of securing a Seat in England, No attention has b paid on the part of Government, to the other part of the alternative which was hung out to him, that of providing a Seat for him England, if disappointed of the object in Scotland. Secondly. That Mr MacPherson in repeated Letters, authorized him (Colonel Fletcher) to come under certain engagement respect to Offices that might become vacant in the Burroughs in question, which however he has never been enabled to fulfill: particularly in a Letter from Mr MacPherson to ― 573 ― Professor Fergusson 7th August 1780 there is the paragraph - 'Assurances are given to me that every place vacant or to be vacant i or all the Cities will be given to Colonel Fletcher's recommendation and to his only. - This matter is fixed, and assurances may be accordingly given'. In Consequence of this direct Authority Colonel Fletcher thought himself well warranted to give assurances of the nature above alluded to in several of the Burroughs; but in no instance has he been enabled to fulfill any engagements of that sort; to this day he continues to be harassed by the solicitations and importunity of many persons in these Buroughs, founded on the assurances which he had thought himself authorized to give them. But above all, the greatest object of General Fletcher's anxiety at present is, that the real circumstances of this case, and whole of his conduct, should, upon the Report of impartial persons, connected in no shape with these transactions, be brought u the view of Lord North - The uneasiness which General Fletcher has suffered, from the possibility of mistaken notions upon the whole of this business, has made him feel it indispensably necessary to the ease of his own mind, that the truth of facts should ascertained; So as that, after all the disappointments he has met with, he may not suffer the additional Mortification of having h Conduct misunderstood by Lord North, or in any other respectable quarter. This is the reason that has been assigned to me for so earnestly requesting a Report to be made of the circumstances o case, such as they should appear to me from the perusal of the Correspondence. Berkley Square   10 July 1783  

signed-Andw Stuart 

  Inventory of Letters which have been    shewn to me at the time of forming    the preceding Report  No 1 Letter from James MacPherson Esquire to Prof. Ferguson 10 June 1780   No 2 

" 

Do 

Do  

29 June 

  No 3 

" 

Do 

8 July 

Do  

  No 4 

" 

Do 

Do  

14th July 

  No 5 

" 

Do to Colonel Fletcher Campbell  

15th July 

  No 6 

Do to Professor Ferguson  

27 July 

  No 7 

Do 

Do 

to Do  

7 August 

  No 8 

Do 

Do 

Do  

11 August 

  No 9 

Do 

Do to Col. Fletcher Campbell  

20th August 

  No 10 

Do 

from 

Do  

28 August 

  No 11 

from 

Do 

Do to Prof. Ferguson  

28 August 11 at night 

― 574 ―   No 12 

" 

Do 

Do to Col. Fletcher Campbell  

Friday Evening 

  No 13 

Do 

Do to Professor Fergusson  

2nd September 

  No 14 

Do 

" 

Do " 

" 

" 

5th September 

  A 

Letter from Professor Fergusson to James MacPherson Esq. 20th July 1780 

  B 

" 

Do 

Do  

6th August 

  C 

Do 

Col. Fletcher Campbell Do  

7th August 

  D 

Do 

" 

E 

Do 

" 

Professor Ferguson to Do  

1st September 

F 

Do 

" 

Coll. Fletcher Campbell to Do  

1st September 

Do to Do  

27 August 

 

 

― 575 ―

APPENDIX K Documents concerning the Roman Republic. 1) NLS MS 646 ff. 5-6, Mackenzie, Autograph Letters. Copy of my Second Letter to Mr Carmichael†2125 in 1781. 'Fergusson has given the World lately an important Work, a History of the Rise & Fall of the Roman Republic. Of this the are Different Opinions; but the most prevalent is rather not so high as the former character of the Author would have led people form. He has treated his subject rather in a Narrative than in a reflective way, & has been Sparing of those / general & philosop views of the Subject which is the great Distinction between Modern History, since the time of Montesquieu, & the Ancient. His S this Work is very different from that of his former, being Studiously Simple & unadornd, even Sometimes to a Degree of Coarse Incorrectness, instead of the pompous rich & sometimes I think bombastic Periods of his Essay on the History of Civil Society'. 2) EUL, La. II. 419, John Logan, Letters 1783-86. John Logan to Gilbert Stuart,†2126 8 March 1783: 'Dr. Ferguson's Roman History hath been advertised. The pomp and gl the point & anthitesis; and all the tawdry and meretricious ornaments which mark and disgrace some popular historians, he avo disdains. He writes History with the simplicity and dignity of an Old Roman. The public however will discover that his manly eas writing is as different from the colloquial cant of such / a Vulgar Scribbler as Henry†2127 as the robe of a rustic Dictator is from garb of an ordinary plough man'. John Logan to Alexander Carlyle, 10 June 1786: 'Dear Sir, I take the opportunity of a frank to Musselburgh to send you a hasty lines. General Campbell tells me that there is a translation of Dr Fergusons History into French, and that it is exceedingly received at Paris. I intend to introduce it into the English Review for this Month under the article of foreign intelligence. Perhaps might not be amiss to have some fresh accounts of it in other periodical perks. I remember a Review of it by you in one of the Newspapers. I wish you could send me a Copy of it and I shall endeavour to dispose of it in the best advantage'. ― 576 ― 3) MEMORANDUM (MS Massachusetts Historical Society, C. E. French Papers; transcribed from a photocopy of the orig MEMORANDUM Westminster Febry 28th 1782 It is this Day agreed between Dr Adam Ferguson of the University of Edinburgh on one Part, & Messr s Strahan & Cadel Booksellers in London, and Mr William Creech Bookseller in Edinburgh on the other part as follows. The said D.r Ferguson, having written and compiled a Work entitled 'The History of the Roman Republick' to be printed in three Volumes in Quarto of the same form and Type with Gibbon's Roman Empire, doth agree to dispose of the Copy right ther the said Mess.r s Strahan, Cadell and Creech for the Sum of two thousand Pounds to be paid at the times and in the Proportion following Viz: One thousand Pounds part of the two thousand Pounds six Months after the Publication of the said Work, five hu

Pounds more twelve Months after the said Publication and the remaining five hundred Pounds eighteen Months after such Publication. Provided nevertheless and it is hereby agreed between the said Parties: that in Case Messr s Strahan, Cadell and Creec shall not have printed more than fifteen hundred Copies of the said three Volumes, and that the Price for which the Book shall sold in Sheets to Booksellers in Numbers shall not exceed forty Shillings Sterling, And the Price for which it shall be sold†894 in boards in retail shall not exceed two Guineas and a Half; that the said Dr Adam Ferguson hereby binds himself, his heirs, exec and Administrators to take upon his own Acc.t at the Price of two Pounds Str. so many Copies of the above fifteen hundred as remain unsold at the time when the last Payment of the Copy money as above shall become due. And the said Mess.r s Straha Cadell and Creech agree upon being / so relieved of the Copies remaining unsold, to reassign the Copy right to the said Dr Ada Ferguson. Adam Ferguson Will. Strahan Tho. Cadell William Creech for one†895 of the within ― 577 ― 4) GUL MS Gen 50112 Gentlemen 26th December Edinburgh, December 13, 1799 £269. 12. 6 Please pay to Messrs Mansfield Ramsay & Co ten days after date two hundred and Sixty nine pounds twelve Shillings a Six pence being the ballance due in my account with you. Adam Ferguson ― 578 ―

APPENDIX L Ferguson in Rome: a biographical note. The long projected 'excursion to Italy'†2128 at last took place. The philosopher 'shook hands with us boys one day in sum 1793, on setting off, in a strange sort of carriage, and with no companion except his servant James, to visit Italy for a new editi his history. He was then about seventy-two, and had to pass through a good deal of war'†2129. From Ostend Ferguson wrote to his friend John Macpherson, to inform him of his safe arrival. After travelling through Flanders, on 25 September he was at Frankfurt†2130, on his way to the South. Ten days later, on 5 October, he was still at Munich†2131, where he took part in social activities with the British community in that city, but confessed to be 'very impatient to within the Precincts of the Old Republick'. In his next letters, to his wife Katy and to John Macpherson†2132, both dated Venice 19 October, he told them of his trav through Tyrol and to Verona, where he began to visit the historical places associated with the Roman Republic. He informed Macpherson of the more recent events in Germany, and to Katy described Venice, 'a Town built in the Sea & streets & lanes paved with Water with Boats for Coaches & Chariots', expressing his wonder at the 'numberless Palaces all of Marble & loaded with ornament'. The Italian translation of the Roman Republic, in four volumes, was then in preparation at Ven The first two volumes, with the title Ricerche Storiche e Critiche / su le cause dei progressi e del decadimento della Repubblica Romana; le quali servono a compiere la storia romana di Rollin e Crevier. Opera di Adamo Ferguson tradotta del francese / Ven presso Antonio Zatta e figli 1793- 94, are in fact dated 1793, while vols. 3-4 appeared in 1794. In the introductory pages of volu 2, the publisher took care to print the 'licence' of the 'riformatori dello studio di Padova', following the declaration of the 'Inquisito Generale del Santo Offizio di Venezia' that in the work there was 'nothing against the Catholic Faith..... and nothing against goo principles and public decency'. This licence was dated 23 April 1793, and was recorded on 7 May 1793, several months before arrival of Ferguson, in the 'register of the illustrious executors against blasphemy'. But neither in these letters nor elsewhere in his correspondence ― 579 ― Ferguson make any mention of this translation, although it is difficult to suppose that he was not in touch at all with the publisher or t he was not informed that a translation of his work was then in progress. After some excursions to Padua and to other neighbouring places, avoiding hurry 'through a country of which every part w take my attention'†2133, he travelled towards Florence, where he was under the special protection of Count Manfredini, and whe spent some weeks. It must have been in this period, indeed, that he became a member of the Royal Academy at Florence and the Etruscan Society of Antiquaries at Cortona. Soon after, he left for Rome, travelling by the eastern route to Loreto, where he was apparently attracted by the desire to the artistic treasures of the town, along with places of eastern Italy associated with Roman history. Unfortunately, after the two letters from Venice, there are no letters of his from Italy, apart from the short one to James Chalmer, dated Florence 29 March 1794†2134, on his way to the north, at the end of the sojourn. Thirty years earlier it had been the turn of Gibbon to visit Rome. He conceived the first idea of his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire 'on the fifteenth of October 1764, in the close of the evening, as I sat musing in the Church of the Zoccolanti or Franciscan friars, while they were singing Vespers in the Temple of Jupiter on the ruins of the Capitol'†2135; and in 1786 Goethe arrived there, on 1 November, leaving for Naples on 21 February of the following year, as he narrates in his Italienische Reise.

When Ferguson reached Rome in November 1793 at the acme of the neo-classical revival, the Scottish archaeologist an painter Gavin Hamilton, who had resided there for more than fifty years, had been excavating for nearly a quarter of a century t marbles of the suburban villas. But what the social life of the philosopher in the 'eternal city' was, what his thoughts in front of t ruins of the Roman Empire were, is a matter of conjecture, because there are virtually no records left. At that time British visitors tended to congregate in the area around the Piazza di Spagna, 'gaining for it the title of the G degl'Inglesi', as mentioned by Basil Skinner in his work on the Scots in Italy in the 18th Century†2136. By the Piazza itself and i neighbouring streets there were inns nostalgically named Albergo di Londra or Albergo d'Inghilterra. As for Ferguson, John Byre written a letter to Patrick Moir, his nephew, recommending him to provide the philosopher 'with an Apartment in some quiet dece House', informing him that 'he eates nothing but vegetables'†2137. Ferguson, nevertheless, must have taken better rooms above Spanish steps, as it was normally done by wealthier travellers, and as had been done many years earlier by Robert Adam. The principal meeting places, in the area around the Piazza di Spagna, were then the coffee-houses, 'which partook very much of the nature of social clubs, each with its own particular following distinguished by nationality or ― 580 ― wealth'†2138. While the Caffè Greco 'had a large clientèle mostly artistic and with a markedly German emphasis', for the British trave 'patron and artist alike, the Caffè degl'Inglesi was most frequented, and here the visitor, seated amid decorations in the Egyptian tas Piranesi, could enjoy the advantage of a subscription newspaper from London, a scene happily documented in David Allan's drawin The Romans, narrates Thomas Jones in his Diary, 1778, used to arrange the English visitors 'into three Classes or degre The first Class consisted of the Artisti or Artists, who came here, as well for Study and Improvement..... The second, included w they termed Mezzi Cavalieri. In this class were ranked all those who lived genteely, independent of any profession, kept a servant__perhaps__and occasionally frequented the English Coffee-house. But the true Cavalieri or Milordi Inglesi were those w moved in a Circle of Superiour Splendour__surrounded by..... Travelling Tutors, Antiquarians....'†2139. Ferguson was clearly of the second class, having his carriage and his own servant. His literary fame had preceded him, he was soon made a member of the Arcadia Academy, with the Arcadian name of Megaste Leonteo†2140. Like any other emine foreign visitor, he took a distinguished part in the social and intellectual life of the city. While at Florence he had been under the protection of Count Manfredini, in Rome it is not difficult to suppose that his literary merits and his connections introduced him t refined society both of the British residents and of the Roman nobility. Apart from Gavin Hamilton (1723-1798), who was a member both of the St Luke Academy and of the Arcadia, early in th nineties there were active other Scottish archaeologists, such as Colin Morison (1732-1810) and James Byres (1734-1817)†2141 Ferguson had given to his friend Macpherson the address of 'P. Moir or Jenkins the banker'†2142. Jenkins, in fact, 'ranks as one of the most influential residents in Rome in the eighteenth century. Men called him 'Illustris and .... his doorway could still be crowded with petitioners'†2143. As for Patrick Moir, 'the English Banker in Rome', as he was referred to, he was the representative of a great family enterprise, and Byres was usually accompanied by him in his antiquarian business transactions of his later years, before retiring to Britain when the French entered Italy. These antiquaries used to play the role of Cicerone or introduttore to the visitors in their visits to classical ruins, which generally took one month. At the same time the main business of cicerone in Naples 'fell into the hands of another Scot, James Clarke (d. 1799)', who received travellers passed on by Byres and Moir†2144. As for Ferguson, after visiting Rome he certainly went south to Naples. In a letter to Andrew Stuart six years later†2145, a telling his friend that his health had improved during the excursion to Italy, he mentions the Grotto ― 581 ― del Cane. The thorough knowledge displayed in the description of it, its being in a place of archaeological interest - some of the epis of Virgil's Aeneid are set in the neighbouring areas - prove beyond any doubt that he had visited it. The British envoy in Naples was Sir William Hamilton, who was the uncle of Robert and Charles Greville, formerly Ferguson's pupils, and to whom he needed no introduction. From Naples, Ferguson must have moved southwards to visit the temples of Paestum, of which an early but definitive account had been given in 1763 by another Scottish traveller, James Bruce. But this visit, although probable, is undocumented, whil visit of his to the far South, to the archaeological ruins of Sicily, is just a matter of conjecture. After visiting Naples he returned to Rome, where he prolonged his stay during the last period of the winter, taking part in social activities, in the sessions of the Arcadia Academy, in visits to the Roman monuments and to the palaces of the Roman n His dignified manners must have won him the admiration of his hosts ('Romans polite to strangers' is the subject of a celebrated painting by David Allan). He must have visited the neighbourhoods of Frascati, Tivoli and the lake of Albano. And, last, he must somehow enjoyed the Roman Carnival with its horse-racing and masked balls, 'most adequately recorded by David Allan in a se of drawings and engravings'†2146. But, of all the activities of this period, there are no records at all. Merely, on 29 March 1794†2 in a hasty letter from Florence to James Chalmer he remarked: 'I am on my way North & expect to be clear of Italy soon', as if something had recalled him home. Although when he returned to Edinburgh he was 'younger than ever'†2148, yet the death of his wife Katy was to ensue in than one year, and his life had to take a different turn. The visit to Italy was to remain in his thoughts as a matter of distant recollection. Many years later, in November 1814†21 the age of 91, fifteen months before death, writing to Lord Robertson from St Andrews, where he had retired, he told of having in Italy 'Miles & Leagues of ancient high ways strewed on right & left with continued Vestiges of Monuments now destroyed or i ruins..... but your Fathers Memory is independent of such materials more fortunate than Tacitus or Livy. His works entire remain ages indefinite to show that in his time the British stile in able hands was fit to Emulate & cope with theirs'. He failed then to re his memory the right quotation: that of Horace who, at the end of the Odes, proud of his own work, wrote: 'Exegi monumentum perennius' ('I have raised up a monument more durable than bronze'). (V. M.) ― 582 ―

― 583 ―

APPENDIX M Letters of Sir Adam concerning the annuity of Captain Robert Ferguson a) Sir Adam to James Chalmers; MS Boston Public Library, Acc. 1001; transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Addr George Chalmers Esqr /Office for Trade / Whitehall / London. Edinr Chapel Street 3d March / 1797 Sir I have to Acquaint you that your friend & Acquaintance Cap.t Robert Ferguson of Perth died there on Saturday the 11th d Febry last, and that he has named as his Executors his brother Dr Adam Ferguson (my Father) and myself. I make bold to trouble you on the present occasion, as you have all along behaved in so very friendly a manner to the G Old Gentleman, and been at considerable pains in the management of some of his little affairs. I find his last quarterly Allowance from Government as an American Sufferer fell due about the time of his death, may I therefore beg the favour of you to write me a few lines mentioning if the Captn sent you a rec.t for this last quarterly payment, o will be necessary that my Father & I transmit you a power of Attorney along with an Attestation as to the precise time of his decease, to enable you to uplift this Sum at the Treasury. I am ashamed of this intrusion on your / more important Concerns, but hope you will excuse if for the Sake of your late f & Some Near relations of his in Perthshire (his legatees) who stand much in need of What little Cash he has left them. I remain with respect / Sir / your most obedt & humble Servt / Adam Ferguson WS. George Chalmers Esqr Endorsed: Adam Ferguson, Edin 3 March 1797 about ( ? ) Quarters allowance due to his late Uncle Captn Rob. Ferguso who died 11 Feb. having appointed him & his father Dr Adam Ferguson executors. ― 584 ― b) Sir Adam to George Chalmers. MS Staatsbibliothek Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, Slg. Darmstaedter 2a 1772. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Edinr Chapel Street 10th May 1797 Sir I am favoured with yours of the 5th Currt inclosing a Bank Note for £20 being one quarters allowance due to the decease Capt Robt Ferguson on the 5th Janry last, & have Again in My own & Fathers Name to return our best acknowledgements for th very friendly part Which you have all along taken in the Concerns of my late Good Uncle. In Consequence of what you State in last, both My Father & I are of opinion, that it will be unnecessary to make Application to the Treasury for the Small allowance d for the period from the 5 Janry to the 11th Febry / for the furthering of Which you have so friendly offered your Services. My Father begs his kindest respects, & if in the course of your literary researches here, he can be of any little Service, h desires me to assure you of having his best endeavours at command, & he hopes the Want of a personal Acquaintance, will on part be no bar to the Communication. I remain with esteem / Sir / your most Obedt & obliged humble Servt / Adam Ferguson. Endorsement: Adam Ferguson Edinr 10 May Acknowledging Rec.t of £20 being a Quarters Allowance due 5 Janry to his Uncle Captn Rob. Ferguson, who died 11 Feb. c) Sir Adam to James Chalmers. MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. Addres Jas Chalmer Esqr Esqr, Abingdon Street, Westminster, London. Edinr Chapel Street 26 Octr 1798 Dear Sir In My Absence, My friend Mr Anderson received your favour of the 16th Currt Containing draft on Mr Thomson for the su £30:14:6 being 1/2 Species payment on the late Capn Fergusons Long Ann-This Sum I have received, which Littles our Acc. t a time & / I am Dear Sir / your Most Obedt Servant / Adam Ferguson Jas Chalmer Esqr Abingdon St. West. London Endorsed: Ad. Ferguson / WS Edinburgh / r. Octr 29. 98. ― 585 ―

APPENDIX N Ferguson appointed Professor of Mathematics in conjunction with John Leslie (12 March 1805). Edinburgh City Archives, Bundle 11, Shelf 36 Bay C. We the Right Honble &c Considering that the office of Professor of Mathematics in the University of this City is at present vacant by the resignation of Professor Adam Ferguson and Professor John Playfair†2150 late Professors thereof, and that it is incumbent on the Council as Patrons of the University to supply the vacancy with a well qualified Person or Persons And being

satisfied with the abilities and good qualifications of the said Professor Adam Ferguson, and Mr John Leslie†2151 Author of an Experimental enquiry into the nature and propagation of Heat and other publications; Therefore in terms of and agreeable to / o Act of Council of this date we hereby Nominate and Appoint the said Professor Adam Ferguson and Mr John Leslie jointly and longest liuer†2152 of them to be Professors of Mathematics in the University of Edinburgh and that ad vitam and Culpam,†2153 hereby giving granting and disponing to them, and to the Surviver of them, during their or his enjoying the said office the Salary Annexed thereto, with power and liberty to the said Professor Adam Ferguson and Mr John Leslie and surviver of them as afore to uplift and receive from the Students attending their or his lectures such / fees and emoluments as have formerly been in use paid Providing always and declaring that they were elected and†896 are Appointed under the express condition of one of them g a course of public lectures, & giving regular Attendance & Application for instructing of the Students under them or him yearly a usual time & place during the Sessions of the College, And also acclaring that they or either of them by their acceptation hereo be Subjected and liable to such rules and regulations as the magistrates and Council have already or may hereafter make with respect to the said office. &c in testimony. Endorsement: Scroll Commission By The Lord Provost Magistrates & Council & to Professor Adam Ferguson & Mr John 1805. ― 586 ―

― 587 ―

APPENDIX O The problem of the Epitaph had long been in Ferguson's mind, at least since 1798, when he wrote to John Macpherson letter 342†) his reflections on the 'delightful kirkyard' on the Manor Water, 'faceing a verdant hill', in which, he then supposed, hi bones would rest one day. He added, furthermore, in ancient Greek, a 'farewell' to the Universe, which is perfectly in line with th philosophical contents of the Unpublished Essays - which he had then apparently begun writing - and with the cosmology, or ide the universe, of Newtonian origin, which can be considered as the 'secret substratum' of the Essays. Ferguson considered this problem until he died. We find, indeed, among his papers, the drafts of an Epitaph which he tri write and write again, in tremulous handwriting typical of the last period of his life. They are worth being transcribed both for biographical reasons and because they somehow complete his idea of the universe, of the 'cosmic' destiny of man, typical of th eighteenth century philosophy.   a) 

EUL Dc. I. 42 f. 410. EPITAPH. 

We whose Bones are buried here / have trod like you this stage of Earth / And seen these†897 works of God / That reac from Earth to Heaven / The Sight is glorious behold it / And rejoice. If understood it will / more than recompence the Ills you / S while in this Nursery of / Intellectual Being, of which you form / a Part your Malice & your other / Childish Follies are repressed Stripes. Mean Well to your fellow / Creatures & be diligent. Occasions / will not be wanting for your best / Affections nor†898 to your / Faculties & call forth your Strength / The Scene extends beyond your / Sight seek not to descry it Never / died Infant in t Parents Womb / anticipate the Light of Day in which / he was to Act his Part of†899 Manhood, / yours is yet to come beyond th Precincts of this Parent Sphere.   b) 

EUL Dc. I. 42 f. 411 r. UNIVERSAL EPITAPH. 

To The Living From The Dead / We whose Bones are buried here / have trod like you this Scene of Earth / And seen Th Works of God / which you ― 588 ― behold. The Sight is / glorious and if Understood / will more than Recompence The / ills you Suffer: While in this / Nursery of Intellec Being, your / malice & your Other Childish Follies / marked for Reprobation are / repressed with Stripes. The / Summit of your Glory is to / Mean well & be Diligent. The boundless / that placed you here will find / Successive Stages for your Action. / Inquire not When Where It is better / far than can you can†900 Guess or Fancy / when did the Infant in Parents Womb / Anticipate the Light of De...†90 The Uses of his Limbs and / Organs. The Tasks fire / hard for him on Earth.....†902   c) 

EUL Dc. I. 42 f. 411 v. 

As we whose Bones are burried here / Have seen The Works of God / So ye living in your Turn / Behold them an[d] rejo The Light is glorious / And if Understood / Will more than Recompence the Pains / you feel. While in this Nursery / of Intellectu Being / your Follies are / with Stripes / Even we whose Bones / are buried in this Ground / Have been Spectators of the Earth Heavens. Ye Living in your / Turn behold them & rejoice / The Sight is glorious and if Understood / will more than recompence Pangs / you feel: while in this Nursery of / Intellectual Beings your Follies / [are repre]sseda with Stripes.   d) 

EUL Dc. I. 42 f. 412 r. 

We whose Bones are buried here / have trod like you this Stage of Earth / And seen these works of God from / Earth to Heaven. The Sight is / Glorious it is now your Turn Enjoy / it and be glad: But know yourselves / Among the Chief for whom the Plan / is laid. The†903 Parent consigns / his Child to School that he may learn / what fits him for his Station and / the Course h to run. What has / The Almighty Parent done for you / That he has done for I rear & every / living Creature. They are made to Spring from Seed & set a growing / you are made to Spring from / Ignorance a set a learning. All the / World is a School to yo / This occasions are presented to†904 / your best affections to which your / Faculties & call forth your Powers: / Where is this to or When†905 / Should it end? There is more than / you can ever learning†906 your life & / Being is progressive than (one illegib word) / buried (reading conjectural) it we cease. The†907 that is / Aged moulders into the†908.

― 589 ― Despite Ferguson's drafts, the Epitaph inscribed in the wall of the Old Cathedral of St Andrews, where he is buried, was written by Sir Walter Scott. It runs as follows: 'Here rest / the mortal remains of Adam Ferguson, LLD, / Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh / was born at Logierait, in the County of Perth, / on the 20th of June 1723, and died in this city of St Andrews / on the 22nd day February 1816. / Unseduced by the temptations of pleasure, power or ambition / he employed the interval betwixt his cradle and grave with / unostentatious and steady perseverance in acquiring / and diffusing knowledge / and in the practice of public and domestic virtue. / To his venerated memory / this monument is erected by his children / that they may record his piety to God a benevolence to man / and commemorate the eloquence and energy with which he / inculcated the precepts of morality / and prepared the youthful mind for virtuous actions. / But a more imperishable memorial of his genius exists in his / philosophical an historical works / where classic elegance, strength of reasoning, and clearness / of detail secured the applause of the age in wh he lived / and will long continue to deserve the gratitude and command / the admiration of posterity'. ― 590 ―

APPENDIX P Letters concerning Ferguson's last years and events immediately following his death.   a) 

Hugh Cleghorn to William Adam, St Andrews 2d April 1811 (NRA (S), 63), 1811, A-F. Cleghorn informs Adam of the loss of t Pandora sloop, whose commander was John Ferguson, the philosopher's son. Tells him that the old man is ' extremely anxio about the result of the Court Martial'. He was at first ' greatly agitated', his two Elder Ladies have supported him, but the prob 'dwells strongly on his Mind'. 

  b) 

Hugh Cleghorn to William Adam, 2 June 1811 (NRA (S), 63), 1811 A-F 

Cleghorn has seen again the old philosopher, who 'was calm. The settling of his affairs (probably suggested by the sudde death of Lord Melville) gives him a momentary occupation', but he is afraid of him 'when these are arranged'. Ferguson is anxio about John, but 'from his great Age & unimpaired feelings' Cleghorn rather wishes 'that his friends would on this occasion think him, than Urge him to think for himself'. Encloses the draft of a letter for John, to be written to Sir Jas Saumarez (the scroll is o 2-3 of the MS).   c) 

Sir Adam Ferguson to William Adam, from St Andrews 19th Janry 1815 (NRA (S) 1454/2-77). Sir Adam wants the recognitio the brevet of Major in the Army, in order to be promoted to the rank of Major-General. 

Tells William Adam that his father 'has of late been rather infirm and has suffered Considerably from the late Variable & s weather', but his mind 'Continues Vigorous & unimpaired'. The philosopher has perused the letter of William Adam to Dempster the introduction of trial by jury in Civil Cases, and hopes to live to congratulate him in person (for this problem see letter 410†).   d) 

Sir Adam Ferguson to William Adam, St Andrews 26th Janry 1815 (NRA (S) 1454/2-77). 

Sir Adam informs William Adam of the particulars relating to his capture on the part of the French, on 25th October 1812 Duenas, Spain. He was made prisoner and sent to Verdun, and liberated by the entrance of the allies into Paris. ― 591 ― 'My Father desires his Kindest respects to you & I am happy to Say that his Health is considerably improved and his Spi equal & good.....'   e) 

Sir Adam Ferguson to William Adam, 18 Sept. 1817 (NRA (S) 1454/2- 167): 

'..... I am happy to say that my Fathers Manuscripts which were in the possession of Sir John MacPherson have by that Friend been Sent down to this Country, and I have no doubt are now in the hands of our friend Mr Cleghorn'. A London bookse has offered £500 for the Copy-right. Dr Lee's Life of the philosopher should be prefixed to the Work.   f) 

John Lee to Hugh Cleghorn, St Andrews 22 Octr 1818 (NRA (S) 14542/202). 

John Lee informs Hugh Cleghorn of the progress of the life of Ferguson, and complains of the behaviour of his surviving relations, who 'have not favoured me with a single article of information which has not been begged or almost extorted'. About t end of May, when they left St Andrews, Dr Lee obtained 'a parcel of old letters written chiefly between 1770 & 1780' (apparently letters listed in the catalogue NLS. 1932. 20). Within a few days of the departure of the family, Dr. Lee discovered that they had 'a considerable number of books which might have been of some use to me, such as Translations of Dr. Ferguson's different works, some of which in addition to the prefaces & notes of the translators, possessed [of] the advantage of having been revised by the Author before publication'. Nevertheless 'the utmost indulgence' he could expect was a rapid Survey of them before they left St Andrews. He then learned 'a good many letters from Mr David Hume to Dr Ferguson had been given to Mr Walter Scott'.   g) 

Capt. John Ferguson to Lord Melville, 11 Brompton Grove, 20th June 1820 (MS SRO GD 51-9-405-1): 

'Capt. Ferguson presents his respectful compliments to Lord Melville. Hopes his Lordship will excuse the liberty he has ta in enclosing a copy of his Fathers Epitaph. The Lord Chief Commissioner (William Adam) and Sir Walter Scott were kind enough to draw it up'.

― 592 ―

APPENDIX Q Isabella, Mary and Margaret Ferguson on their pension (EUL MS La 492). 7 november 1820 'Considering that His Majesty by his Royal Warrant dated the twenty second day of August one thousand eight hundred a twenty years, has been graciously pleased to grant to us an Annuity or yearly Pension of two hundred pounds Sterling..... it bein inconvenient for us to uplift and discharge the Same ourselves, Therefore we do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint Mess Ramsay Bonars and Company Bankers in Edinburgh to be our true and lawful Attornies for us and in our names to receive from paymaster of the Civil establishment Scotland, now and for the time being the Said Annuity or yearly pension of two hundred po Sterling..... In witness whereof these present written upon Stamped paper by Adam Ferguson late Captain in His Majestys Fifty eight regiment of Foot are Subscribed by us at Huntley Burn near Melrose in the County of Roxburgh the twenty fifth day of October thousand eight hundred and twenty years before these witnesses Captain John MacPherson Ferguson of the Royal Navy and th Said Adam Ferguson the writer hereof. Isabella Ferguson Mary Ferguson Margt Ferguson ― 593 ―

INDEX Abercromby, George xxx, 28-30 Abercromby, Lord Ralph 370, 372, 454 Adam, Alexander, AF's letter to 299 Adam family xxii, xxvi Adam, James xxxii-xxxiii, 53, 54n.   Adelphi project 106, 107n.  Adam, John xxii, xxiii, xxvi, 6n., 53, 54n.   Adelphi project 120    AF's letters to 3-9, 342  Adam, Robert xxii, xxv, xxviii-xxx, 334, 579   Adelphi project 106, 107n., 120  Adam, Susannah xxvii, 306n. Adam, William (architect) xxii Adam, William (politician) 120, 121n., 532n.   AF's letters to xcix, 344, 465, 468, 528    epitaph for AF c, 590-1  Adam, William (uncle of politician) 53, 54n. Adams, Samuel 201, 203n. Alexander I, Emperor of Russia 503-4 Alexander, William, Lord Stirling, AF's correspondence with 190-2 Alison, Archibald xcix, 338-9   AF's letter to 517-18    Essay on Taste lxxv  Alison, Dorothea (née Gregory) 338, 339n. Alston, William 62, 69 American Revolution xlvii-lvi, 95- 6, 118, 133-5, 156-7, 159, 166-7, 552-66

Amiens, Peace of (1802) lxxxvi, 484 Ancram, Earl of 295, 296n., 454 arbitrary power 85-9 Argyll, Dukes of xx, xxx-xxxi, 70n. Arnold, Benedict, General 156, 157n., 266, 267n. atheism 408 Atholl, James, 2nd Duke of xxiii Atholl (Lord John Murray), 4th Duke, and Perth election lviii, 221, 222n., 243-4, 246, 248, 252 Atholl, Mary, Dowager Duchess xxiii, xxiv 5, 8n. Austria, war with France 405-7, 411, 421n., 453, 454n. Balfour, James xxxvi-xxxvii, 57, 58n., 59, 60n., 543 Banbury, 4th Lord 92, 94n. Bankhead (AF's farm) xxxviii, lvi, lxxiv-lxxv, 159, 218   AF gains ownership 316, 319-20, 322    AF sells (1793) lxxvii    Sir John Macpherson and lxxiv, 119, 316  Barrow, Mr 521, 523n. Batavian Republic, Netherlands lxxxiii, 384- 5, 529 Bath, taking the waters at 417-18, 435, 438 Bavaria, Elector of 355-6 Beattie, James xliii-xliv, 97-8   on Essay on Civil Society 546  Bell, Andrew, engraver 293 Bell and Bradfute (booksellers), AF's letters to 432, 444-5, 454- 5, 492-3, 505 Bell, Carlyle, AF's correspondence with about Alexander Carlyle 512-14 Bentham, Jeremy li, 170n. Binning, Lord (Charles Hamilton) 158, 159n. Bisset, Thomas 426-7, 428n. Black, Alexander lxxv, cxiv Black, Joseph xlv, 44, 115, 139- 40, 143, 218, 325, 336, 340, 362n.   and AF's absence in America 193, 194n.    AF's biography of xcvii    AF's letter to 417-18    annuity to Miss Burnetts 525    on death of Katharine Ferguson lxxvii    death xcvii    dislike of country 403 

  illness 361    and marriage of AF xxxix, 64-6, 67n.    scientific discoveries 45n., 435    on Sir Adam Ferguson 387n.    treats AF after stroke lxii, lxiii, lxiv, 261n., 267n., 332n., 417-18    visits to AF lxxv  Black Watch 483   AF as chaplain to xxiii-xxv, xxviii-xxix, 3- 10  Blair, Hugh xii, xxii, xxviii, xxxix, xlv, lxiii, 53, 54n., 103n., 218, 319, 410   AF's letters to xii, 272-3, 275-8    death of wife lxxvii, 361, 362n.    illness 388    interest in fiscal policy xcvi, 384, 400, 447n.    and Ossian poems lxix-lxx, 268, 269-70n., 271-3, 275-80, 351-2 

― 594 ― Blair, James Hunter, Lord Provost, AF's letter to 311-12 Blair, John (chronologist) xxii, xxvii, 3, 7n.   death 284  Blair, Katharine lxxvii, 361, 362n. Bonaparte, Napoleon lxxxii, lxxxv-lxxxvi, 356n., 391-2n., 405n., 406-7n., 411, 419, 421n.   campaign in Egypt 436n., 441n.    defeated by Nelson c, 442, 443n.    as first consul 482-3, 486    Legion of Honour lxxxvii, 480-2, 503    peace overtures 460, 462-4    and Tsar Alexander I 503-4n.  booksellers and publishers xiv; see also Bell & Bradfute; Cadell, Thomas; Creech, William; Strahan, William Boyle, Robert 124, 126n. Brewster, Sir David 511 Brougham, Henry, friendship with James Ferguson lxxxix, xc Brown, Capability 517, 518n.

Brown, Ebenezer xxviii Bruce, John 103n., 128 Bruce, Robert xxxvi Brudenell, George see Montagu, Duke of Brunswick, Duke of 295, 354, 393 Buccleuch, 3rd Duke of 160, 163, 383, 392-3, 425, 426n., 454, 518-19   and Parliament 394    sword 274  Buccleuch, 4th Duke of 518-19 Buccleuch, Duchess of (Elizabeth Montagu) 383, 388, 389n., 392-3, 425, 426n. Buchanan, George, Rerum Scoticarum Historia 437, 439n. Bunbury, Mr 52, 54n. Burgoyne, John, General 156, 157n. Burke, Edmund lvi, 73, 75n., 457n. Burnet, James (AF's father-in-law) 64   AF's letters to 65-6  Burnett, James (AF's brother-in-law) 105-6, 107n., 119 Burnett, Joseph (AF's brother-in-law) 105, 119, 336, 337n., 344, 349, 399 Burnett, Samuel (AF's brother-in-law) 386, 387n., 398, 402, 488, 507 Burns, Robert lxxv, 330, 365n. Burton, John Hill lxxiv Bute, Lord xxii, xxxiii-xxxiv, 25, 26n., 48n., 521-2   AF's letters to 40-1    on Essay on the History of Civil Society, 73    hires AF as tutor xxix  Byng, John, Admiral 281, 282n. Byres, John 579-80 Cabell, William, AF's letter to 428-9 Cadell, Thomas (bookseller) xl, lxxvi, 73, 74n., 138n.   AF's letter to xl, 304, 350  Campbell, Alexander 515n. Campbell, George, and marriage of AF 65 Campbell, Islay 125, 126n., 291 Campbell, John Fletcher see Fletcher Campbell, John Campbell, Sir Archibald 98-9, 105, 206-7, 210, 223, 225n. Carlisle, Frederick, Earl of,   AF's letter to 203-4    and American Revolution li, liii, 186, 192, 203-4, 236, 237n., 297  Carlyle, Alexander xii, xxii, xxvii-xxviii, lxxviii-lxxix   AF assists with editing of work xcix, 512-14 

  on AF and Lord Milton xxxii    AF's letters to xii, xiv, xlv, liv, lxxxiv- lxxxvi, xcv, 123-6, 201-3, 262-5, 301, 319-20, 368-9, 382-4, 392-3, 403-5, 407-9, 422-6, 446-7, 459-63, 469-70, 485-6    on AF's restlessness xxxiii    and AF's Roman history lxiv-lxvii    and AF's stroke 261-3    background 126n.    buys mare 319    death xcviii    friendship with AF 513-14    illness 407    and John Lee 511n.    on John Wilkes 265n.    letters to AF xx, 387-90    on Sister Peg xxxv    Anecdotes and Characters xii    The Question Relating to a Scots Militia xxxiv    and window tax 383, 384n.  Carlyle, Mary lxxviii, 125, 126n., 319, 388-9, 407 Carlyle, Thomas lxvii Carmichael, Robert 344-7 Catherine II, Empress of Russia 409, 410n. Cavendish, Lord George 129, 130n. Chalmer, James xcvii-xcviii   and AF's annuity 158, 164-5, 167-8    AF's letters to 257, 280-1, 300, 302-3, 310, 327-31, 349-50, 355-6, 360-1, 467-8, 470-1, 488, 496-7, 507-8, 512, 525, 579,   letter from Sir Adam Ferguson 584    letters to AF 164-5    papers xcix 

― 595 ― Chalmer, Robert 305 Chalmers, George   AF's letter to 426-8    background 428n.  Chambreis, Baron de 391 Chandos, 3rd Duke of 128, 129n.   letter to AF 129-30  Charter Schools 9-10 Chesterfield, 4th Earl of (Philip Dormer Stanhope) 4, 7n., 101n.   on Essay on the History of Civil Society 72-3    Letters to his Godson 7n.  Chesterfield, 5th Earl of (Philip Stanhope)   AF as travelling tutor to xliv-xlvi, 100-3, 109-32    and AF's annuity 148-55, 157-9, 161, 164- 5, 167-8, 240, 257, 310, 327-8, 331    character 112    letter to AF 153-4  Clason, Patrick 304 Classon, Marianne xcix Cleghorn, Hugh, on AF's health 590 Cleghorn, William xxi, xxxvii Clerk, John, of Eldin xxvii, 304-6 Clerk, Robert, General xxxvii- xxxviii, xl, xlvii, 33, 34-5n., 51, 53n., 63n., 100n., 266, 267n., 307   letter to AF 68-9, 118  Clerk, William 468   AF's letters to 505-9  Clinton, Sir Henry 157n., 170, 171n., 197, 205, 206n., 209, 212   AF's letters to 200-1, 208  Cochran, John 264, 285n. Cockburn, Lord lxiv, xcix, 362n. Coke, Thomas W. liii Colebrooke, Sir George xlii-xliv, lxvii, 106, 107n.   AF's letters to 317-18, 321  Collingwood, Lord 425, 426n., 470n. Collins, William 521, 522n. Congalton, Dr Charles 29, 30n. Constitution

  AF's views on 291-2    French 482-3  Conway, Henry Seymour 73, 74n., 79n. Cooper, Sir Grey l, liv, 133, 134n.   letters to AF 137-8    and Robert Ferguson 297-8  Cornwallis, Lord 183, 184n., 206n., 215, 235, 266, 267n., 268, 269n., 336   as Governor-General of India 317n., 412  Coustine, Comte de, general 419, 422n. Coutts, Thomas lxvii Crawford, Sir Patrick 14, 16n., 17 Creech, William (bookseller) lxvi, lxxvi   AF's letters to 108, 278-80, 294- 6, 346, 416-17, 479  Cullen, William 31n.   AF's letters to xx, 30-2  Cumberland, Duke of 4, 8n. D'Alembert (Jean Le Rond) 116, 117n. Dalkeith, Lord see Buccleuch, 3rd Duke of Dallas, Sir George 493-4, 510 Dalrymple, Sir John xlix, l, 31, 32n., 133   on AF's writings xxxv  Davidson, John, Writer to the Signet 147   AF's letter to 530  Davidson, Mr 351-2 De Grey, Thomas 200, 201n.   AF's letter to 197    letter to AF 197-8  Démeunier, J.N. lxxxii, 342 democracy 408, 419-20, 423-4, 448, 455-6, 462 Dempster, Captain 349 Dempster, George lvi-lx, xcix, 226, 231n., 522   and Perth election 238, 246, 253n.  Deskford, Lord xxxviii D'Estaing, Comte (Charles Hector) 229, 232n., 235 d'Holbach, Baron (Paul Henry Dietrich)  

on Essay on the History of Civil Society 77-8, 544    letters to AF 77-8  Dick, Sir John 329, 330n. Dickson, David 4, 7n. Dodsley, R. and J. (publishers) xxvii Don, Sir George, general 499, 500n., 507 Douglas case 54-5n. Douglas, John, Bishop   AF's letters to lxii, lxv, lxviii-lxix, 267-70    see Gardiner, William  Douglas, William, 4th Duke of Queensberry see Queensberry Drummond, Alan 247, 248n. Drummond, George, Provost of Edinburgh University xxxi-xxxii   AF's letters to 59-60  Drummond, Robert, Archbishop of York 71, 72n. Dryden, John 479 Drysdale, John xxxiii-xxxiv, 4, 7n.   recommendation of 47  Dumouriez, Charles du P[?]rier, general 419, 421-2n., 433 Dundas, Henry, Lord Melville lvi, lviii-lix, lxvii, lxxxvi, xciii, 134, 135n., 171, 264, 338, 344   AF commissions bust of 514-16 

― 596 ― Dundas, Henry, Lord Melville - continued   AF's letters to xiii-xiv, 429, 471-7, 480-2, 490-1, 515-17    asked for patronage lxxxviii, 490-1    election management 481, 482n.    letter from Robert Dundas of Arniston 545    on Napoleon 462-3    and Perth election 245-7, 250    political career xcvi    and Sir Adam Ferguson 490-1    tried for fraud 495, 496n.  Dundas, Robert, of Arniston 485, 486n., 545 Dundas, Robert Saunders, Lord Melville xciv, 519-20

  AF's letters to 519-20, 532  Dunning, John lxi, 109, 110n., 237n., 238 East India Company 99-100n., 107n., 153n., 315, 344n., 412, 483n., 529   proposed commission to India xlii-xliv  Eden, William lvi, 171n., 173, 192   and American Commission xlix, li, liii-liv, 173, 181, 183-4, 186, 199, 206, 209-10, 214, 226-32, 235-7, 297-8    and Ireland lxi    and Robert Ferguson 297-8    Four Letters to the Earl of Carlisle 226, 231n.  Edgar, James 76, 77n.   AF's letter to 371-2  Edinburgh Town Council, AF's letter to 103 Edinburgh University xxi-xxii   AF fails to become Principal (1762) xxxv- xxxvi, 534-5, 537-41    AF as Professor of Mathematics 326    AF as Professor of Philosophy xxxi-l, lxv- lxvi, 33, 34n., 35-7, 57-60, 122-3, 311- 12, 542-3    AF's letter to College Committee 36    AF's retirement from lxxiii-lxiv  Elibank, Lord xxviii, 31, 32n. Eliot, Edward, Baron Eliot of St Germans 129-30n. Elliot, Andrew, Governor of New York 236, 237n.   AF's letters to 192, 194    letter to AF 195  Elliot, Gilbert xxvi, xxix, xxxi, 31, 32n., 73   AF's letters to xxxiii, xxxvii, 24-7, 37-40, 42-4, 62-3  Elliot, John 134, 135n. Elphinstone, Eleonora 532 Elphinstone, William 344 Enville, Duchesse d' 111 Erskine, John 388, 389n. Erskine, Sir Henry 31, 32n. Erskine, Sir William, AF's letter to 180-1 faction 226-7 Fagnani, Maria 365n., 389n. Falconer, William, of Halkertoun 15, 16n.

  AF's letters to 20-1  farming, AF's interest in lxxiv- lxxv, lxxix- lxxx, 322, 394-6, 404, 411, 415, 425, 485 Farquharson, Andrew 123, 126n. Ferdinando I, King of Naples 449, 450n. Ferguson, Adam   and American Revolution xlvii-lvi, 95-6, 118, 133-5, 156-7, 159, 166-7, 552-66    asked to write for government xlix-li    at Hallyards Manor lxxix-lxxx, 392-512    at Nydpath Castle (1795) lxxviii-lxxix, 363- 93    aversion to the Church 544    bad temper xxiv    and Black Watch xxiii-xxxv, xxviii-xxix, lxi, 3-10, 25-8, 483    blindness 487-8, 500, 503, 511, 517, 520    childhood xx-xxii    continues link with Church xxix    death c    diet lxiv    disagreement with Adam Smith lxxxii, 341, 342n.    education of Grevilles xxxvii-xxxviii, 62-3    education xxi-xxii    effects of stroke (1780) lxii-lxv, 261-6, 267n., 274-5, 355, 437-8    epitaph c, 440, 441n., 587-9, 591    finances lxxiii-lxxiv, 302-3, 313-14, 316, 327-9, 331, 360, 365, 501    and French Revolution 433-4    friendship with John Macpherson 313-14, 316, 509-10; see also Macpherson, Sir John    in General Assembly of Church of Scotland xxxviii    habit of procrastination 414, 455, 490   

health 203, 226, 301, 446-7, 498    Highland tour (1766) xxxviii-xxxix    importance of friendship to xxxii    leaves army xxv, xxix-xxx    as librarian xxviii-xxix    made Doctor of Laws (1766) xl    marriage xxxix, 63-8    on militia see militia    moves to St Andrews (1809) lxxx, xcviii- xcix    ordination xxii-xxiii    and Ossian poems see Ossian poems    parents xx, xxv    pensions xlix-l, lv, lxxiii-lxxiv    as Professor of Mathematics lxxiii-lxxiv, 326, 585-6 

― 597 ―   as Professor of Moral Philosophy xxxi, xxxvi-xxxvii, xliv-xlv, lxv-lxvi, lxxiii, 57-60, 122-3, 311-12    as Professor of Natural Philosophy xxxi- xxxii, 33, 34n., 35-7, 40-1    restlessness xxxii, xxxiii, xlii    retirement lxxii-lxxxii, 326    as Secretary to American Commission li-lvi, 171-217, 328-30, 552-5    seeks appointment to Commission of Supervisors for East India Company 98- 9, 100n., 548    as teacher xxxvii, xlii    translation of Works xiv, xl-xliii, lxvi, lxxvi, 113-14, 342n., 511n.    trip to Italy (1793-4) lxxvii, lxxxii, 354-60, 578-82    as tutor to Earl of Chesterfield xliv-xlvi, 100-3, 109-32    as tutor to Lord Bute's sons xxix-xxx, 25 

  will 458    Analysis of Pneumatics and Moral Philosophy xxxix    Essay on the History of Civil Society xl-xli, lxvii, 27, 68, 71-4, 341, 342n., 350, 544-7    History of the Proceedings in the Case of Margaret xxxiv-xxxv, 39n.    History of the Roman Republic lxiii-lxviii, lxxxi, 138, 141, 142n., 266, 269, 275, 281-8, 290-6, 298, 302-4, 317-18, 332, 340, 342n.    new edition 432, 434, 442, 445, 451, 454, 456, 505    reviews lxvii, 575-9    Institute of Moral Philosophy xli-xlii, 108, 113-14    Memorial...[on] a final separation of the American Colonys from Great Britain 556- 60    Minutes of the Life and Character of Joseph Black, M.D. xcvii    The Morality of Stage-Plays Seriously Considered xxviii    Notes on the Enquiry into General Sir William Howe's Conduct in the American War 561-6    'Of the French Revolution' 370n., 385n., 395n., 421n., 456n.    'Of Statesmen and Warriours' 395n., 412n., 476-7    Principles of Moral and Political Science lxxvi-lxxvii, lxxxi, 288, 346, 350, 457-8, 492-3, 505    Reflections previous to the Establishment of a Militia xxvii-xxviii    Remarks on a pamphlet published by Dr Price l-li, 137    Sister Peg xxxiv-xxxv, 39n.    study of eloquence (unpublished) xxix    Unpublished Essays 77n., 97n., 232n., 337n., 361, 362n., 368, 370, 385n., 395n., 466n., 503n., 509  Ferguson, Adam (AF's nephew) 193, 224, 225n. Ferguson, Sir Adam (AF's son) xiv, xxvii, xc- xciv, xcvii-xcviii, 98, 100n., 355, 374n., 399   accompanies James to Portsmouth 453, 454n.    on AF's health 590-1    character 386, 387n.    finances 470-1, 501-2 

  and Henry Dundas 490-1    letter to George Chalmers 428n.    letter to James Chalmer 496    letters concerning annuity 583-4    in London 495-6    military career 499, 506-7, 590    as Writer to the Signet lxxxvii-lxxxix, 373, 376-7, 390, 413-14, 490, 498-9  Ferguson, Alexander (AF's brother) xx-xxi, lvi, 26-7, 163, 223-4, 225n., 232-3, 250 Ferguson, Bob (AF's nephew) lxxxviii, xcii, xcvii, 309, 310n., 336, 413   AF's letters to xiv, 348-9, 413-14, 443-4    death of father 413-15    and Joseph Ferguson 443-4    later career 507, 508n.  Ferguson, Charles (AF's brother) xx-xxi Ferguson, Isabella (AF's daughter) xxxix, xcvii-xcviii, 98-9, 100n., 263n., 264   on pension 592  Ferguson, James (AF's son) 100n., 156n., 264, 502   career xl, xc-xcii, 449-53    character lxxxix, xc, 387    friendship with Henry Brougham lxxxix, xc    and Militia Bill xc, 423, 446, 448-9  Ferguson, James (relative) 97-8, 104   recommended as tutor 549-51  Ferguson, Janet (AF's sister) xx-xxi 41, 42n. Ferguson, John Macpherson (AF's son) xl, lxxii, xci-xciv, 100n., 100n., 309, 316, 440, 497   AF's letter to xiv, 527    career 373, 374n., 394, 396-402, 409, 412, 414, 448-9, 469    character 400, 405, 453, 464, 469    illness 459-61, 464   

later life 374n.    as Lieutenant 487    loss of Pandora 527n., 590 

― 598 ― Ferguson, John Macpherson (AF's son) - continued   and Sir John Macpherson 394, 396-8, 400- 2, 412, 449    and Sir Walter Scott 518, 527n.  Ferguson, Joseph (AF's son) xl, lxxxvii- lxxxix, xci- xcii, 100n., 117, 118n., 375   career 341, 344, 347-9, 365-6, 413    death 465-6    estate 467    insures life 443-4, 467  Ferguson, Katharine (nee Burnet, AF's wife) xxxix-xl, xlv, 98-9, 195, 301, 319   AF proposes to 63-8    AF's letters to xiv, 357-8, 578-9    and AF's stroke lxii, lxiv    and AF's trip to Europe (1793) lxxvii    and AF's visit to America li    at Joseph Black's house lv-lvi    birth of seventh child lxxii    death lxxvii-lxxviii, 361-2, 581    finances lxxiv    ill-health 156, 309, 361    letters to John Macpherson 169-70, 193- 4  Ferguson, Margaret (AF's daughter) xl, xcvii- xcviii, 100n.   on pension 592    writing for AF 519  Ferguson, Mary (AF's daughter) xxxix-xl, xcvii-xcviii, 98-9, 100n., 262, 263n.

  on pension 592  Ferguson, Mary (AF's sister) xx- xxi, 429n. Ferguson, Colonel Patrick xl   AF's biography of xcviii, 215  Ferguson, Patrick (AF's brother) xx-xxi Ferguson, Robert (AF's brother) xx-xxi, lv, lxxxviii-lxxxix, 236, 297-8, 309, 426   death xcvii, 413-15, 583-4    letter to AF 234-5    will 507-8  Ferguson, Robert (AF's great-nephew) xcii Fergusson, Adam (AF's father) xx, xxv, lxxii Fergusson, Adam (AF's namesake) 120, 121n. Fergusson, Captain John (unrelated) 120, 121n. Fergusson, Mary (née Gordon, AF's mother) xx, xxv Fleming, John, and Ossian poems 430 Fletcher, Andrew, Lord Milton see Milton, Lord Fletcher, Andrew, of Saltoun 70- 1n. Fletcher Campbell, John xxvi, xxxii, xxxvii, lvi-lvii, lxii, 47, 48n., 57-8, 262   AF's letters to xii, 23-4, 48-9, 61-2, 69-71, 274-5, 297, 306-9, 312, 320, 322-6, 330, 333-7, 343, 348, 395-6, 498-502, 530   and AF's sons xciii    attempts election in Perth burghs 237-56, 272-5, 307-8, 567-74    financial help to AF lxxiv, 500-2    letters from Sir John Macpherson 249, 252    and militia bill lxxii-lxxiii    seeks accommodation in Edinburgh 307-8    travels with AF xxvi-xxviii, 14-24    visits to AF lxxv, 324-6, 333-6    Reasons Against a Militia for Scotland lxxiii, 530-1  Fletcher, Elizabeth xxvii-xxviii Fletcher, John see Fletcher Campbell, John Fletcher, Margaret 69, 70n. Fontenelle, B. 11, 13n. Fontenoy, Battle of (1745) xxiii- xxiv, 6n. Fordyce, George 458, 459n. Forth & Clyde Canal 305, 306n.

Fotheringham, Thomas Ogilvy 571, 574n. Fox, Charles James liii, 486, 487n. France   AF's prescription for 447    Legion of Honour lxxxvii, 480-2, 503    peace with 425-6, 442, 460, 462-4, 472, 476n.    war with 370n., 372, 376-7, 379, 384-5, 390-2, 397, 400, 405-6, 409-10, 419-22, 446, 447n., 453    see also Bonaparte, Napoleon; French Revolution  Francis, Sir Philip 94n. Franklin, Benjamin xlii, 174-5 Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria 355, 356n., 357 Frederick II, the Great, King of Prussia 15, 16n. Frederick William II, King of Prussia 355, 356n. freemasonry 423, 425 French Revolution lxxxii-lxxxvii, 336-7, 340, 385, 408, 419, 423, 503 Gaelic language   AF's mastery of xxiii, lxviii, lxxi, 353, 430- 1    Ossian poems lxviii-lxxii, 268-73, 275-80, 351-4    Scottish place-names 427    status of 431  Gambier, Admiral, correspondence concerning ship tonnage 182-3 Gardiner, William, Bishop Douglas 311   AF's letter to 504-5 

― 599 ― Garrick, David 26n., 33, 34n., 521 Geddes, John, Bishop of Morocco 388, 389- 90n. Gentleman's Magazine, and Ossian controversy lxx-lxxi Georgia merchants, AF's letter to 204 Germain, Lord George lv-lvi, 200, 205, 206n., 208-9, 211, 213, 417n.   AF's letters to 187-8, 217  Gibbon, Edward   AF's letters to 135-6, 141-2    letters to AF 138-9    Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire xlvi, lxxvi, 135-6, 138, 141-2, 288, 579  Gibraltar 372

Glencairn, Lord   letter to AF 296    and militia bill lxxii-lxxiii, 296-7  Goethe, 579 Gordon, A. (AF's relative) 66 Gordon, Alexander, 4th Duke 261 Gordon, Charles 390, 391n. Gordon, Duchess of 261, 262n. Gordon, Lord George lx Gordon, Mr 11-13 Gordon riots lx, 237-9 Gowdie, John, Principal of Edinburgh University xii, 46, 535, 537-8 Grafton, 3rd Duke of 96, 97n. Graham, Lord George 3, 7n. Graham, Thomas, General 521, 523n. Graham, William, Duke of Montrose 296 Grant, Major James 10 Grant, Sir James 301 Gray, Andrew 4, 7n. Gray, John, 11th Lord Gray lviii, 244-5 Gray, Thomas, on Essay on Civil Society 546 Greenfield, Professor William xcv, 446, 447n. Gregory, James, Professor of Medicine 526 Grenville, George, Stamp Act 84n., 95-6 Grenville, Lord (William Wyndham) 460, 486, 487n. Grenville, Thomas, Lord 486, 487n. Greville, Charles Francis liii, 99, 105, 119, 153, 163, 195-6, 340, 362, 394, 395n., 451, 581   AF supervises education of xxxvii-xxxviii, 62, 63n.    dedication of Roman Republic to 286  Greville, Francis, Earl of Warwick 99, 100n. Greville, George (Lord Warwick) 104, 106n., 119 Greville, Robert Fulke 105, 119, 362, 394, 395n., 581   AF supervises education of xxxvii-xxxviii, 62, 63n.  Grey, Miss 33, 34n., 35 Grieve, Henry 102, 103n. Groningen 11, 12n. Haddington, Lord (Thomas Hamilton) 158, 159n. Haldane, John xxviii Halkett, Elizabeth xxvii Hall, Sir James 295, 296n. Hallyards, AF living at lxxix- lxxx, 392-512 Hamilton, Duke of, and Douglas case 54-5n. Hamilton, Emma 63n., 450n. Hamilton, Gavin 579-80

Hamilton, Horatio 450n. Hamilton, Sir William 63n., 581 happiness, discussion of xxxii Hastings, Warren 251n., 317n.   and Code of Gentoo Laws 250, 251n.  Henning, John, letter to AF 514-15 Hepburn, Thomas 78, 79n. Hertford, Lord 51-2, 53n. Hewitt, John 129, 151 Highland Society lxxi-lxxii Hill, George 515, 516n. Holderness, Lord (Robert d'Arcy) 117, 118n. Holt, Sir John 92, 94n. Home, Henry, Lord Kames see Kames, Lord Home, John xxii, xxvi-xxvii, xxix, 5, 8n., 37, 39n., 76, 120, 152, 156, 306-7   AF asks for patronage for 42-3    AF's friendship for xxxiii 162    AF's letters to xii, 33-5, 133-5, 139-40, 165, 327    AF's recollections of 520-3    appointment as conservator xxxiv, 43n.    contact with 383-4    and David Hume xlvi, 142n., 143-4, 522    death xcviii    on Duke of Queensberry 387    electioneering for John Fletcher Campbell lvii    health 202, 388    helps AF to become Professor of Philosophy xxx-xxxi    letters to AF 49-50, 143-4, 532    loan to AF 523-4    and Ossian poems lxviii, 352, 521-2, 523n.    and Perth election 241, 250, 256    as soldier 224, 225n. 

  travels 340    visits to AF 320, 323, 335    Agis xxix, 25, 26n., 521    Douglas xxii, xxviii, xxix, 513, 514n., 522, 523n.    History of the Rebellion of 1745 275, 524-5  Home, Mary 224, 225n. Homer, 38, 39n. ― 600 ― Howe, General Sir William liv-lv, 156, 157n., 160, 170n., 178n., 223, 225n.   enquiry into conduct in American war 561-6  Howe, Richard, Earl Howe 177, 178n. Hudson's Bay Colony 337 Hume, David xxvi-xxviii, xl, 33, 34n., 39- 40n., 383   AF's friendship for 162    AF's letters to xiii-xiv, xxxii, xlv, 55-7, 75- 7, 111-13    on AF's plans to go to India xlii-xliii    correspondence with AF on church xxxviii    death xlvi    on Gibbon's Decline and Fall 136n.    helps AF to become Professor of Philosophy xxx-xxxi  and History of England 79   illness 97, 138-41, 143    and John Home xlvi, 142n., 143-4, 522    letter on politics xlii    letters to AF xiii, 51-5, 71-5, 78-9    on Ossian poems lxix    augmentation of pension 79    recommends AF to Commission for the East Indies 99-100n., 548  Hume, Baron 335 Hume, Josey xiii, xxxiii, 52, 54n., 55-7

Hunt, Mr 459-61 Hutton, James 218, 219n., 325-6, 336-7   visits to AF lxxv    Theory of Rain 332  India   culture 316    economic value 315    John Macpherson as Governor-General 313-17    Joseph Ferguson's career in 341, 344, 347- 9, 366    Nawab of Arcot 96n., 106, 107n., 153n., 482, 483n., 498n.  Innes, John, Colonel 234, 235n. intolerance, AF's views on 317-18, 321 invasion of Britain, projected 33- 4, 37-9 Ireland xcv-xcvi, 221, 227, 230-1, 449-50, 453, 454n.   AF in 9-10    rebellion in 435-6    wish for independence lxi  Italy, AF's visit to 357-60, 439n., 578-81 d'Ivernois, François 390, 391n. Jardine, John 51, 53-4n. Johnson, Samuel xlii, 77n.   on Ossian poems lxix, 107n.  Johnson, Thomas, Governor of Maryland 191   AF's letter to 189-90  Johnstone, Alexander (illegitimate son of Governor) 400, 401n., 444 Johnstone, Betty 307, 333n., 375 Johnstone, George, Governor liv, lxiii, 68, 163, 164n., 171, 172n., 173, 329   and American Commission li-liii    American opinion of 185n.    and Bob Ferguson 309, 310n.    bribery 184-5    death lxxv   

illegitimate sons 400, 401n., 442, 443n., 444    leaves America 184-5    leaves son in AF's charge 340-1    letters to AF 184-5  Johnstone, George (illegitimate son of Governor) 442, 443n. Johnstone, John, of Alva lxxviii, lxxxix, 68n., 307, 333   AF's letter to 375-6    death 379    illness 373, 375-6  Johnstone, John Lowther 69n., 347, 379, 404, 405n.   brought up by AF lxxv, 340-1    character 407-8  Johnstone, Sir James 68n. Johnstone, William see Pulteney, William Johnstone Jones, John Paul, support for America 220, 222n. Jones, Sir William 316, 317n., 491 Jones, Valentine, Colonel 186 Julian, Emperor 162, 163n. 'Junius', letters of 93, 94n., 97n. Kames, Lord (Henry Home) xxvi, 75, 76n.   on Essay on Civil Society 546-7  Karl Ludwig von Habsburg, Arch-Duke of Austria 406-7 Keene, Whitshed 497, 498n. Keith, Alexander 300 Keith, George, Lord Marischal xxxiii, 53, 55n., 57 Keith, Robert 117, 118n. Kettler, David lxxxii Kinloch, Sir David 28-9 Kinnoul, Lord lviii, 244-5, 254 Knox, William, AF's letters to 179-80, 188, 205, 208-14 P Lafayette, Marquis de 419, 421n. Laidlaw, Walter 465, 468 Laing, Malcolm, on Ossian poems 432n. land tax 434 Laurens, Henry, AF's letters to 176, 189 Laurie, Gilbert, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, AF's letter to 101-3 ― 601 ― Le Moine, Abraham 14, 15n., 18, 20  

letters to AF 19  Le Sage, Alain-René, 436n.   his Gil Blas, 435  Lee, John   AF's letter to 511    biography of AF xxxv, 591  Legion of Honour (France) 480-2, 503 Leopold, Grand-Duke of Austria, later Emperor 362, 401, 402n. Lermond, Baillie, AF's letters to 37 Leslie, John, joint Professor of Mathematics with AF lxxiv, 326n., 585-6 Lind, George, Lord Provost 49-50 Lind, James 102, 103n. Linton, Lord (Charles, 7th Earl of Traquair) 201, 202n. Locke, John 124, 126n. Logan, John lxvii, 295   on History of the Roman Republic 575  London newspapers, AF's letter concerning Ossian poems 270-1 Lorimar, James c Louis XIV, King of France 51, 53n. Lucchesini, Girolamo 354, 355n. Lyttleton, Lord 38, 39n.   on Essay on the History of Civil Society 73  McCormick, Joseph, AF's letter to 311 Macdonald, Archibald 203, 204n. McDowall, Colonel William 61, 62n., 70 Mackenzie, Francis Humberston 364, 366 Mackenzie, Henry lxxvi, 26n., 50, 483   AF's letters to 430-2, 520-5, 528    and Ossian poems 381  Mackenzie, John Stewart, Lord Privy Seal xxiv-xxvi, 49, 50-1, 241, 244-5, 248, 357 Mackenzie, Kenneth, AF's letter to 132-3 Mackintosh, Sir James   goes to India 491, 492n.    lectures on 'The Law of Nature and Nations' 456-7  Macknight, James 383, 384n. MacLaggan, James lxix, 269, 270n., 272, 427 McLean, Allan 223, 225n. McNab, Archibald 320 Maconochie, Allan, AF's letter to 219-20 Macpherson, James lx, 95, 97n., 106, 107n., 119, 155, 511n.

  AF's letters to 353-4    bequest to Sir John Macpherson 388, 402, 403n.    campaigning for John Fletcher Campbell lvi-lx, 237-8, 241-9, 251-6    death lxxi, 381-2    and John Home 521-2    letters to AF 351-2    and Ossian poems lxviii-lxxii, 268-73, 275- 80, 351-4, 381-2, 430-2, 521-2, 523n.    Fingal, An Ancient Epic Poem lxix, lxxii    Fragments of Ancient Poetry lxix    History of Great Britain 119-20, 121n., 125    The Rights of Great Britain 134, 135n.    Temora lxix, lxxii  Macpherson, Martin 155 Macpherson, Sir John lvii, lix-lx   AF asks financial advice from lv    AF writes of Katharine's death lxxvii, 361- 2    AF writes to about French Revolution lxxxii-lxxxiii, lxxxv, lxxxvii    AF writes to about Nydpath Castle lxxviii- lxxx    AF's comment to on death of Adam Smith lxxv-lxxvi    AF's letters to xii-xiv, lxxv, xcv-xcvi, 95- 100, 104-7, 119-22, 152-3, 155-7, 159- 64, 166-7, 171-2, 177-8, 195-6, 218-25, 232 239-40, 243-7, 250-1, 254, 309- 10, 336-7, 340-2, 354-7, 359-71, 373-4, 376-82, 384-7, 390-403, 405-7, 409-12, 414-16, 4 22, 439-43, 447-59, 463-6, 482-4, 486-8, 491-8, 502-4, 509-10, 578-9    and AF's stroke lxii-lxiii    appointment to Supreme Council, Calcutta 261-2    background 96n.    and Bankhead lxxiv, 119, 316    bequest from James Macpherson 388, 402, 403n.    and Bob Ferguson 336 

  country retreat 380, 391n., 402, 403n.    friendship with AF 105-6, 162, 261, 313- 14, 316, 509-10    as Governor-General of India 313-17    health 495, 502    hired as tutor to Grevilles xxxviii    in India 96n., 313-17    and James Ferguson lxxxviii-xciv, 449-52    and John Ferguson 394, 396-8, 400-2, 412, 449    and John Fletcher Campbell 249, 252, 567- 74    letter from AF on Gordon riots lx, 239    letters from AF about America xlvii-xlix    letters from Katharine Ferguson 169-70, 193-4    letters to AF 237-9, 241-3, 245-9, 251, 253, 255-7, 261-2, 313-17    loses seat for bribery 333    as MP for Horsham 393-5, 416n. 

― 602 ― Macpherson, Sir John - continued   and Nawab of Arcot 153n., 482, 483n., 498n.    and Ossian poems lxx-lxxi    pamphlet on British rights xlvii    and Perth election 239-40, 250, 567-74    political career xliv, xcvi,, 333, 393-5    visits to AF 367-71    writes index to Unpublished Essays 509    Open Letter to Whitshed Keene 498n.  Mahomed Aly, Nawab of Arcot 96n., 106, 107n., 153n., 482, 483n., 498n. Mahon, Lord see Stanhope, Viscount

Maitland, James, Earl of Lauderdale 296 Malcolm, Sir Pulteney xciv Manfredini, Federico 359, 360n., 579 Mansfield, Lord (William Murray) 71, 72n.   on Essay on the History of Civil Society 72  Marischal, 10th Earl xxxiii, 53, 55n., 57 Mathieson, Alexander 54n., 56-7 Mayne, Edward, letter to AF 196, 198-9 Melville, Lord see Dundas, Henry, Lord Melville microcosm, man as 502, 503n. militia   AF's support for xxvii, xxxiv, lvi, lxxii- lxxiii, 124, 133-4, 218, 224, 225n., 228- 9, 411-12, 472-7, 533    AF's sword and shield design 274    Scottish Militia Bill (1797) xc, 37, 39n., 140, 423, 424n., 446    Smith on 143  Mill, John Stuart, Autobiography lxvii Millar, Andrew 79, 138n. Milton, Lord (Andrew Fletcher) xxxii, 26, 35, 61, 62n., 70n.   AF's letters to xiii, 13-19, 21-3, 28-30, 35- 6, 41-2, 45-8, 57-9    death xxxvii, 69, 70n.    hires AF to accompany son xxvi-xxviii, 13- 19, 21-3    letters to AF 50-1    and Lord Bute xxxv-xxxvi  Moderate Literati xii Moir, Patrick 579-80 Monk, George, Duke of Albemarle 424 Montagu, Duke of (George Brudenell)   AF's letter to 290  Montagu, Elizabeth (bluestocking) 75-6, 77n.   AF's letters to 338-9    on Essay on Civil Society 547  Montagu, Elizabeth, Duchess of Buccleuch 383, 388, 389n., 392-3, 425, 426n. Montesquieu, Baron de 38, 39n., 419, 422n. Moore, Sir John 370n. Moreau, Jean Victor, general 406, 407n. Morison, Colin 580 Morris, Richard, bribery of 185n.

Morton, 4th Earl of 549-51 Morton, Lady 549 Mountstuart, Lord xliii Mudie, Dr P. xcix-c Mure, Anne 53, 54n., 308, 309n., 323 Mure, William 53, 54n.   death 139, 140n.  Murray, James, Colonel, and Perth election 243, 245, 248, 252 Murray, Lord John xxiii, xxix-xxx, 5, 8n. Murray, Sir James see Pulteney, Sir James Nairn, John, Colonel 252, 254, 571, 574n. Nairne, Provost 247, 248n. Nairne, Sir William 458-9, 531 Napoleon see Bonaparte, Napoleon Nawab of Arcot 96n., 106, 107n., 153n., 482, 483n., 498n. Nelson, Horatio xcii, 63n., 426n., 443n., 450n. New York Gazette, AF's letter to 187 Newman, James, Captain 469, 470n. Newton, Sir Isaac 38, 39n., 124, 126n. Nicols, John lxxi North, Lord xliii, l, lv, lvii, lx, 93n., 97n., 134, 135n., 261n., 314   and Perth election 241, 244-5, 249  Nugent, Sir Charles, Admiral xc-xci, 398-9, 403, 414, 440, 449, 453 Nugent, Mrs 398-9, 403, 440 Nydpath Castle lxxviii-lxxvix, 363-93 Ogilvy, James, 5th Earl of Findlater and 2nd of Seafield, AF's letters to xxv, 9-10 Ossian poems lxviii-lxxii, 53, 54n., 107n., 268-73, 275-80, 351- 4, 381-2, 430-2, 521-2, 523n. Oswald, James 174-5 Otto, Louis Guillaume 486-7 Paine, Thomas liii Park, Mungo xcv, 445n. parliament   power of aristocracy in returning to 393-4, 395n.    powers of 80-3, 90-3    reform of lxi-lxii  patronage lxxv, 132-3, 221, 223-4, 232-3, 236, 304-5, 309, 311, 314, 336, 344-5, 428-9, 465, 504-5   AF's sons and lxxxviii-xciv, 490-1    rules of lxxv, 518 

― 603 ― pension   AF granted xlix-l, lv, 140 

  AF transfers to Katharine 262    to AF from Edinburgh University lxxiii- lxiv  Percy, Thomas, Bishop, and Ossian poems lxviii-lxxii, 268-80 Perth burghs, attempts to elect Col. Fletcher Campbell 237-56, 571-4 Pigot, George, Governor of Madras 120, 121n., 153n. Pigot, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet 198-9 Pitt, William, 1st Earl of Chatham xxxiv, 92, 94n., 425, 426n., 521 Playfair, John lxxiii, 586n. Poker Club xxxv, lxxii-lxxiii, 76, 134, 513, 533 postal service 249, 257, 281, 383, 394, 395n. Praslin, Duc de (C[?]sar de Choiseul) 52, 54n. Prevost, Augustine, Colonel 228-9, 232n. Price, Dr Richard 137   Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty l    Observations on the Populousness of England and Wales 235, 237n.  Pringle, Sir John 47-8, 108, 122, 123n., 141, 143 Protestant Association lx Pulteney, Sir James (formerly Murray) 499 Pulteney, Sir William Johnstone xxvi, xlii- xliii, xlv, l-li, lxi, 38, 39n., 68n., 84n., 171, 334, 340, 368, 370, 373   AF's letters to xiv, lxxv, 80-94, 127, 215, 266-7, 304-6, 346-8    and AF's visit to America li-lii    asked for patronage lxxxviii    character 400    death 341n.    and John Lowther Johnstone 379    letters to AF 173-5, 344-5  Queensberry, 4th Duke of (William Douglas) lxxviii-lxxix, 345   and Maria Fagnani 365n., 389n.    and Nydpath Castle 363-5, 377-82    and Parliament 394, 395n.  Ramsay, Allan (painter) 442, 443n. Reed, Joseph, bribery of 184, 185n., 187 Reid, John, Colonel 221, 222n. religious belief 418, 465-6, 526 Reverdil, Salomon  

AF's letters to xiv, 113-15    translation of Institutes xli, 114n.  Reynolds, Sir Joshua, portrait of AF 233, 234n., 275, 282, 444-5 riots lx, 90, 93n., 237-9   'Popish Bill' and lx, 202n.  Rivington, James (bookseller) 186 Robertson, Alexander 132-3 Robertson, George, General View of the Agriculture of the County of Midlothian 388, 389n. Robertson, John, AF's letter to 313 Robertson, William, Lord Robertson, AF's letter to 525-6, 581 Robertson, William, Principal of Edinburgh University xii, xxi- xxii, xxvii-xxviii, xxxi, xxxvi, xcix, 4, 7n., 38, 39n., 160, 218, 3 340   AF's letters to xii, xiv, xlv, 115-16    on Duke of Queensberry 387    letter from John Macpherson 98    memorial to 525-6    resignation 264    as tutor 63n.  Robinson, John lvii-lviii, 134, 135n., 171   AF's letter to 216    letter to AF 216-17    and Perth election 238, 241-2  Robison, John (philosopher) 423, 424n., 425   and Joseph Black xcvii-xcviii  Rockingham, Marquis of (Charles Watson Wentworth) xiii, liv, 93, 94n. Rodney, Admiral (George Brydges), victories in West Indies 281, 282n., 283 Roland, Madame (Jeanne Phlipon Manon) 497, 498n. Rose Court, AF sells house in 505-9 Ross, Alexander, Colonel 349 Ross, David, of Inverchassly xxxviii Rouet, William 30, 31-2n. Rous, George liii-liv Royal George, sinking of 290 Royal Society of Edinburgh lxxiii, xcvii, 300 Russell, James, Professor xxvi, xxxi, xxxvi- xxxvii, xxxix, xliv, 59, 60n., 62 Russell, John, 4th Duke of Bedford 47-9 Sackville, Lord George 27 St Andrews University xxi

Sandhurst, Military College 475, 476n. Sandwich, Lord (John Montagu) 247, 248n. Sarsfield, Patrick 111 de Saumarez, Sir James, Admiral xci, 453, 454n. de Saussure, Horace Benedict, AF's letter to 331-2 Saville, Sir George 87, 93-4, 128, 149, 151 Sawbridge, John 90, 93n. Sciennes House, Edinburgh lxxiv-lxxv, 322-3 Scobie, James 221, 223 Scott, Lady Frances lxvii Scott, Sir Walter xxv, lxxxvii-lxxxix, xciv- xcv, 393n. ― 604 ― Scott, Sir Walter - continued   on AF's daughters 100n.    AF's letter to 518-19    epitaph for AF c, 441n., 589, 591    and John Ferguson 518, 527n.    meets Robert Burns lxxv, 330n.  Select Society xxvi Selkirk, 5th Earl of 499, 500n. Selwyn, George 365n., 388, 389n. Shaftoe, Jenison 388, 389n. Shaw, William, and Ossian poems lxviii-lxx Shelburne, Lord (William Petty) liv, 68, 286   AF's letters to 533-5    on Essay on the History of Civil Society 73  Sheridan, Richard Brinsley 486, 487n. Simson, Robert 145 Sinclair, Sir John xcv, 440, 441n.   AF's letter to 489-90  Skene, David, Laird of Hallyards 393n., 458, 459n. Skene, Philip, General lviii, 244, 245n., 246, 252, 393n., 411 Skinner, Basil 579 Smith, Adam xxvi-xxvii, xxx, 132, 141, 218   AF's help to xxxiii    AF's letters to xiii, xxv, 10-13, 44-5, 97-8, 100-1, 104, 110-11, 142-3, 146-7    and David Hume 142n.   

death lxxv-lxxvi 341    disagreement with AF lxxxvi, 341, 342n.    helps AF in Stanhope affair xlv-xlvi    on John Wilkes 265n.    on militia 143    The Theory of Moral Sentiments 31    The Wealth of Nations xlvi, 120, 138  Smith, Revd John   and Ossian poems 268, 269n.    Galic Antiquities lxix  socinianism 116, 117n. Spencer, John (later Earl Spencer) 3, 7n. Stamp Act (1765) 95-6, 179n. Stanhope, Charles, Viscount Mahon 109, 110n., 148-52, 168, 296 Stanhope, Lovell xlv-xlvi, 149, 151   AF's letters to 128-9    letter to AF 129-30  Stanhope, Philip, 2nd Earl   and AF's annuity xiv, 109-10, 145-6, 148, 154-5, 157-9, 161, 164-5, 167, 240    AF's letters to 130-1, 145-6, 148, 154-5, 157-9, 167, 240    letters to AF 109-10, 131-2, 161  Stanhope, Philip, 5th Earl of Chesterfield see Chesterfield Stanhope, Philip, Viscount Mahon 98n. Stephen, John, AF's letters to 60 Stewart, Dugald, Professor 193, 194n., 295, 296n., 330n. Stewart, Robert (AF's great-nephew) 428-9 Stirling, Sir James, Lord Provost xc, 398, 399n. Stoddart, James, AF's letter to 122-3 Stopford, Viscount 394, 395n. Story, Zebadiah 179-80, 196 Stowe, Fenwick 33, 34n. Strahan, William (publisher) lxv, 79n., 137, 138n.   AF's letters to xiv, 30, 281-8, 290-4, 298-9  Stuart, Andrew xxvi, xlii, xliii, lx, lxiii, lxiv, lxxvii, lxxxi, xcv, 156, 174, 333-4   AF's letters to 529-30, 580-1 

  and Douglas case 53, 54-5n.    letters to AF 434-9    suffers stroke 418, 434-5, 438    Genealogical History of the Stewarts 434-7  Stuart, James 152, 153n., 156 Stuart, Lady Louisa 357n. Sun newspaper 449-50 Suvorov, Field-Marshal 463, 464n. Swartz, Joachim 14, 15n. Switzerland 111-13, 115-16, 124-5, 331-2, 340 Tait, Mr (Duke of Queensberry's agent) 377- 81, 385-6, 390 taxation 230   of coal 495    land tax 434    window tax 383, 384n.  Thompson, Sir Benjamin, Count von Rumford 447   'Of the management of fire and the economy of fuel' 416-17  Townshend, Charles xxxiii, 38, 40n., 73, 90, 93n. Townshend, Thomas liii Vancouver, George, Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean 445 Venice 357-60 Voltaire (François Marie Arouet) xiv, xlv, 12, 13n., 112, 113n., 116-17, 124, 281 Walpole, Horace 185n.   on Essay on the History of Civil Society 73    on Ossian poems 280n.  Walpole, Robert 355, 356n., 357 Walpole, Sir Robert 82, 84n. Warwick, Lord (George Greville) 104, 106n., 119 Washington, George lii, 156, 157n.   letter to AF 170-1 

― 605 ― Wedderburn, Alexander xxvi, li, liv, lxiii, 73, 75n. Wemyss, Francis, 5th Earl of 388, 389n. Wentworth, Charles Watson, Marquis of Rockingham xiii, liv, 93, 94n. West Indies 370 Wilkes, John xlii, liii, 265 Wilkes, John, expulsion from Parliament 80- 2, 84n., 87-8, 92 Wilkie, Thomas (AF's brother-in-law) 41, 42n.

Wilkie, William xxvii Wilson, Alexander 4, 7n. Wishart, Dr 58, 59n. Witherspoon, John lii, 201, 203n.   AF's letter to 178    Serious Enquiry into the Nature and Effects of the Stage xxviii  Wordsworth, William 365n. Wraxall, Sir Nathaniel 409, 410n. Wright, Sir James 206, 208   AF's letter to 207    letter to AF 210  Wyndham, Sir George O'Brien 360, 361n. Wyndham, William see Grenville, Lord Wyvill, Christopher lxi, 237n.   AF's letter to 291-2    letter to AF 289 

Yorkshire Association lxi-lxii, 233, 237n., 289, 291-2

Textual Footnotes †356 The last three words are inserted above the line. †357 The last fourteen words are inserted above the line. †358 The word 'So' is crossed out. †359 Underlined in the original. †360 Reading is conjecture only †361 Inserted above the line. †362 The last five words are inserted above the line. †363 Reading conjectural. †364 The seven two words are inserted above the line. †365 The word 'to' is crossed out. †366 The last three words are inserted above the line. †367 The last fourteen words are inserted above the line. †368 The word 'So' is crossed out. †3680 Inserted above the line †3681 The last two words are inserted above the line. †369 Replaces the word 'sake', crossed out. †370 The last three words are inserted above the line. †371 Inserted above the line. †372 Idem. †373 The word 'not' is crossed out. †374 The last four words are underlined in the original by Ferguson himself (this information has been supplied by the

librarian).

†375 Occurs twice in the original. †376 One word is crossed out. †377 The word 'rather' is crossed out. †378 The MS is apparently torn. †379 Idem. †380 The words 'of a proposal' to 'the Kingdom' are underlined in ink in the original, apparently by Ferguson himself (this information has been supplied by the librarian). †381 The last three words are inserted above the line. †382 One illegible word is crossed out. †383 All the underlining in this letter was done by the writer; this information has been supplied by the librarian. †384 The word 'may' is crossed out. †385 MS torn, reading conjectural. †386 MS torn, one or more words are missing. †387 MS torn, one or more words are missing. †388 MS torn. †389 Written in the margin. †390 MS torn. †391 MS torn, one word is missing. †392 MS torn. †393 MS torn, one or more words are missing. †394 MS torn, one word is missing. †395 MS torn, one word is missing. †396 Inserted above the line. †397 The last two words are inserted above the line. †398 The last three words are inserted above the line. †399 The word 'now' is crossed out. †400 The last two words are inserted above the line. †401 The word 'were' is superscribed to 'was'; the word 'an' is crossed out. †402 This word is inserted above the line, and replaces the word 'and'. †403 Inserted above the line, replaces the word 'Life', crossed out. †404 The last four words are inserted above the line. †405 Occurs twice in the original. †406 Replaces the word 'too', crossed out. †407 The words 'by favour of Mr Gardiner' appear crossed out. †408 Inserted above the line. †409 Italics as in Small. †410 Idem. †411 Idem. †412 Inserted above the line. †413 Idem. †414 Idem. †415 Underlined in the original. †416 Replaces the words 'must be'. †417 Inserted above the line.

†418 Occurs twice in MS. †419 The last four words are inserted above the line. †420 Underlined in the original. †421 Inserted above the line. †422 Inserted to facilitate the sense. †423 MS cut on right margin, one or more words are missing. †424 Inserted above the line. †425 MS appears torn, the reading is conjectural. †426 Idem. †427 Inserted above the line. †428 Reading conjectural. †429 Inserted above the line. †430 Reading conjectural. †431 Idem. †432 Replaces one illegible word crossed out. †433 Written in the margin. †434 The last four words are inserted above the line. †435 Inserted above the line. †436 As in MS. †437 Inserted above the line. †438 As in MS. †439 Inserted above the line. †4391 Some illegible words. †4392 One illegible word. †440 Inserted above the line. †4401 Probably 'your' was intended. †441 One illegible word, apparently the name of a ship. †4411 The word 'Loughborough' occurs twice in the original, the first time being crossed out. †4412 The last three words are inserted above the line. †442 All the words here printed in italics are in italics in Small. †443 Inserted above the line. †444 The last two words are underlined in the original. †445 In small initial in MS. †446 Underlined in the original. †447 The last two words are inserted above the line. †448 This word is inserted under the words 'in that'. †449 One illegible word. †450 The words 'I have' occur twice in MS. †451 This word is crossed out. †452 Inserted above the line. †453 The last three words are inserted above the line. †454 The last two words are underlined in the original. †455 Inserted above the line.

†456 Inserted above the line. †457 The word 'from' is crossed out. †458 Replaces the word 'The', crossed out. †459 Inserted above the line. †460 Inserted above the line. †461 As in MS, apparently in Ferguson's own handwriting. †462 Inserted above the line. †463 Inserted above the line. †464 Replaces the word 'of' crossed out. †465 The MS is torn. †466 This sentence is underlined in MS. †467 The word 'not' is crossed out. †468 The word 'of' occurs twice in MS. †469 Inserted above the line. †470 This word is underlined in MS. †471 Apparently in Ferguson's handwriting. †472 The word 'not' is crossed out. †473 Inserted above the line. †474 In MS this word is erroneously spelt 'are'. †475 One illegible word. †476 Replaces the word 'disorder', crossed out. †477 Underlined in MS. †478 Idem. †479 The last three words are underlined in MS. †480 Underlined in MS. †481 The words 'no more' are underlined in MS. †482 The words 'may his' occur twice in MS. †483 In MS this word is spelt 'empression'. †484 Underlined in MS. †485 Idem. †486 Idem. †487 The last two words are inserted above the line. †488 Inserted above the line. †489 Replaces the word 'extract', crossed out. †490 Inserted above the line. †491 Idem. †492 Idem. †493 Idem. †494 Idem. †495 Idem. †496 The last three words are inserted above the line. †497 Underlined in MS. †498 nserted above the line.

†499 Idem. †500 The word 'but' is crossed out. †501 The word 'from' is crossed out. †502 Inserted above the line. †503 Idem. †504 Idem. †505 Inserted above the line. †506 The word 'to' is crossed out. †507 The word 'Christmas' is crossed out. †508 Inserted above the line. †509 The last two words are inserted above the line. †510 MS torn; one word is missing. †511 The words 'near Knightsbridge' are in a different handwriting, apparently in the carrier's handwriting. †512 Replaces one illegible word crossed out. †513 Inserted above the line. †514 Reading conjectural only. †515 Inserted above the line. †516 Inserted above the line. †517 The last three words are inserted above the line. †518 Inserted above the line. †5180 One illegible word is crossed out. †5181 Reading conjectural. †5182 One illegible word. †5183 Idem. †5184 Inserted above the line. †5185 The words '& Signed' are crossed out. †5186 Occurs twice in the original. †5187 Inserted above the line. †5188 The words 'a sentence' replace the word 'these', crossed out. †5189 Occurs twice in MS. †519 Inserted above the line. †520 Written in the margin. †521 Inserted above the line. †522 Idem. †523 The last five words are inserted above the words 'at your Expence'. †524 Inserted above the line. †525 Idem. †526 Inserted above the line. †527 Idem. †528 Inserted above the line. †529 The word 'the' is crossed out. †530 The words 'of the matter' are crossed out. †5301 Replaces the word 'had', crossed out.

†5302 The last two words are inserted above the line. †531 The word 'thing' is inserted above the line. †532 Inserted to facilitate the sense. †533 As in MS. †534 Inserted above the line. †535 The last two words are inserted above the line. †536 Idem. †537 Inserted above the line. †538 The postscript is written on the left side of the page. †539 Inserted above the line. †540 Idem. †541 Idem. †542 Probably 'sloths' was intended. †543 MS torn, reading conjectural. †544 Inserted above the line. †545 Idem. †546 Idem. †547 Inserted above the line. †548 Idem. †549 One illegible word; apparently a Z is crossed out. †550 In MS the Latin conjunction 'aut' is erroneously spelt 'out'. †551 As in MS. †552 This postscript is inserted on the left side of the page. †553 In MS this word is erroneously spelt 'Agricolos'. †554 Underlined in MS. †555 In MS the word 'do' is followed by a line †556 inserted above the line. †557 One illegible word is crossed out. †558 The last twelve words are underlined in the original. †559 The postscript is inserted in the left side of the page. †560 As in MS. †561 The last nine words are underlined in the original. †562 These words are underlined in the original. †563 The word 'Carrier' is inserted above the line and replaces one illegible word crossed out. †564 Probably 'keep' was intended. †565 In MS this word is spelled 'Layfayette'. †566 Inserted above the line. †567 The last two words are underlined in the original. †568 This word is underlined in the original. †569 Inserted above the line. †570 Idem. †571 The last two words are inserted above the line. †572 The word 'maintained' is crossed out in MS.

†573 Inserted above the line. †574 The last two words are inserted above the line. †575 Reading conjectural only. †576 Inserted above the line. †577 The last five words are underlined in the original. †578 The last two words are inserted above the line. †579 Inserted above the line. †580 Idem. †581 Idem. †582 Idem. †583 Reading conjectural. †584 The word 'Robisons' is superscribed to the word 'Robertsons'. †585 The last three words are underlined in MS. †586 Inserted above the line. †587 In small initial in MS. †588 The last three words are underlined in MS. †589 Inserted above the line. †590 As in MS. †591 Inserted above the line. †592 Underlined in the original. †593 Inserted above the line. †594 Idem. †595 MS torn. †596 MS torn, inserted to facilitate the sense. †597 MS torn, one illegible word. †598 MS torn. †599 The word 'taken' has been added above the line. †600 The last four words are underlined in the original. †601 The word 'the' is crossed out. †602 The last two sentences are inserted on left margin, high. †603 The last two words are inserted above the line. †604 The last four words are inserted above the line. †605 One illegible word. †606 One illegible word. †607 Replaces one illegible word crossed out. †608 One illegible word is crossed out. †609 Inserted above the line. †610 Idem. †611 Inserted above the line. †612 Idem. †613 MS reads 'impassible'. †614 Inserted above the line. †615 Inserted above the line.

†616 Inserted in the margin, replaces the word 'or', crossed out. †617 Inserted above the line. †618 Inserted above the line. †619 The last two words replace the words 'is a', crossed out. †620 Inserted above the line. †621 As in MS. †622 Inserted above the line. †623 Idem. †624 Idem. †625 Idem. †626 Inserted above the line. †627 Inserted to facilitate the sense. †628 Reading conjecture only. †629 The last three words are underlined in the original. †630 Inserted above the line. †631 Inserted above the line. †632 Idem. †633 The word 'to' is crossed out. †634 The last six words are underlined in the original. †635 Inserted above the line. †636 In small initial in MS. †637 Inserted above the line. †638 Replaces the word 'three', crossed out. †639 Inserted above the line. †640 Apparently in Ferguson's own handwriting †641 The last three words are underlined in the original. †642 Inserted above the line. †643 Inserted above the line. †644 Idem. †645 Inserted above the words 'the next'. †646 Inserted above the line. †647 As in MS. †648 MS torn, one word is missing. †649 As in MS. †650 Inserted above the line. †651 Idem. †652 Idem. †653 In MS this word is spelt 'explaination'. †654 Inserted above the line. †655 MS torn; the word 'the' is missing. †656 MS torn, reading conjectural. †657 MS torn. †658 Inserted above the line.

†659 Idem. †660 The last two words are inserted above the line. †661 From the word 'reduce' to the end the handwriting is continued upside down. †662 Apparently 'ranks' was intended. †663 In MS this word is spelt 'financical'. †664 Underlined in the original; the word 'omnia' is followed by two abbreviated words, which, apparently, have no equiva Latin (see here, n. 2). †665 One illegible word is crossed out. †666 Inserted above the line. †667 The last five words are written in the low margin of the page. †668 Underlined in MS. †669 Inserted above the line. †670 The last two words are inserted above the line. †671 Inserted above the line. †672 The words 'no 37' are inserted above the line. †673 The last four words are inserted above the line. †674 Inserted above the line. †675 The last four words are inserted above the line. †676 Inserted above the line. †677 The last three words are inserted above the line. †678 The words 'on that Quarter' are crossed out. †679 Inserted on left margin. †680 Inserted above the line. †681 One illegible word is crossed out. †682 The words 'when' 'where' and 'whom' are underlined in the MS. †683 One illegible word. †684 MS torn; one word is cut. †685 One illegible word. †686 MS torn. †687 One illegible word. †688 The last two words are inserted above the line. †689 MS reads 'guarison'. †690 Inserted above the line. †691 The last three words are inserted above the line. †6911 Idem. †6912 Recurs twice in MS, the second being crossed out. †6913 Inserted above the line. †6914 MS reads 'prentensions' †692 The last two words occur twice in MS, the first time being crossed out. †693 The last four words appear underlined in the original, probably by Ferguson himself †694 The MS is apparently cut. †695 Inserted above the line. †696 Replaces the word 'was', crossed out. †697 One illegible word.

†698 The word 'that' is crossed out. †699 One illegible word. †700 Idem. †701 Reading conjectural only. †702 Inserted above the line. †703 Idem. †704 Idem. †705 Idem. †706 Idem. †707 Idem. †708 The last six words are underlined in the original. †709 Idem. †710 Inserted above the line. †711 Idem. †712 The last three words are inserted above the line. †713 Reading conjectural only. †714 The last two words are inserted above the line. †715 Inserted above the line. †716 The last eleven words are underlined in the original. †717 The last twenty-four words are underlined in the original. †718 The last two words are inserted above the line. †719 Inserted above the line. †720 Inserted above the line. †721 Underlined in the original. †722 Inserted above the line. †723 The last two words are underlined in the original. †724 Inserted above the line. †725 Underlined in the original. †726 Idem. †727 The last three words are underlined in the original. †728 Underlined in the original. †729 Idem. †730 The last three words are underlined in the original. †731 Inserted above the line. †732 Idem. †733 Idem. †734 The reading of the last two words is conjectural only. †735 The last two words are inserted above the line. †736 Inserted above the line. †737 The last three words are underlined in MS. †738 Idem. †739 Inserted above the line. †740 The last three words are underlined in the original.

†741 As in MS. †742 This word is underlined in MS. †743 Reading conjectural only; the word 'part' is written above one illegible word. †744 The last four words are underlined in MS. †745 This word is underlined in MS. †746 One illegible word. †747 The words 'by the Card' are crossed out. †748 One or two illegible words. †749 Underlined in MS. †750 One illegible word. †751 Reading conjectural. †752 Two illegible words. †753 Some illegible words. †754 Some illegible words. †755 Inserted above the line. †756 Idem. †757 The last seven words replace the words 'I woud recommend'. †758 The whole sentence is inserted between the two lines. †759 All this part of the letter, from the beginning to 'himself', is crossed out. †760 The words 'cares &' are inserted above the line. †761 Replaces the word 'Station'. †762 The word 'other' is crossed out. †763 Two illegible words are crossed out. †764 Inserted above the line. †765 Inserted above the line. †766 The words 'which now' are crossed out. †767 The last two words are inserted above the line †768 inserted above the line. †775 The last three words are inserted above the line. †776 The last sentence is crossed out. †777 The words 'excluding their Pretensions' are crossed out. †778 The two last words are inserted above the line. †779 The words 'which' and 'likewise' are inserted above the line. †780 Inserted above the line. †781 Replaces the word 'Education', crossed out. †782 The last 13 words are inserted above the line. †783 The words 'Claim of being' are crossed out. †784 Two lines are crossed out. †785 Inserted above the line. †786 The last three words are inserted above the line. †787 The words 'were likewise exceptions to the Pretended Rules' are crossed out. †789 The last two words are inserted above the line. †790 Idem.

†791 The last two words replace the words 'matters of this kind', crossed out. †792 Replaces 'to avoid'. †793 Inserted above the line. †794 The last two words are inserted above the line. †795 The last six words are inserted above the line, and replace the words 'this object is now in so much hazard & the consequences of it so'. †796 The words 'obtain it' are crossed out. †797 The word 'are' is crossed out. †798 Replaces 'its'. †799 Replaces 'maintain'. †800 The last six words are inserted above the line, and replace the words 'party has assumed'. †801 The last four lines replace seven illegible lines crossed out. †802 The words 'have failed, not produced the effect expected from them' are crossed out. †803 The last five words are inserted above the line. †804 Some words (apparently 'longer supported') are crossed out. †805 this word is inserted above the line. †806 The word 'necessary' is crossed out. †807 This word is inserted above the line. †808 The last two words are inserted above the line. †809 Replaces 'Reimburse', crossed out. †810 Inserted above the line. †811 Idem. †812 The last three words are inserted above the line. †813 The last two words are inserted above the line. †814 The last two words are inserted above the line, and replace the word 'them'. †815 The last three words are inserted above the line. †816 The words 'furnish to Great Britain' are crossed out. †817 The last four words are inserted above the line. †818 The last two words are inserted above the line, and replace the words 'by their privateers'. †819 This sentence is written on the left side of the page, and crossed out by the author. †820 The words 'New York' are in small initial in MS. †821 The last two words are inserted above the line. †822 The last seven words are inserted on the left side of the page. †823 The words 'untill it is Relieved' are crossed out. †824 The letters 'N B' are crossed out. †825 The last four words are inserted above the line. †826 The last two words are inserted above the line, and replace 'to command', crossed out; furthermore, the words 'new are written on the left side of the page. †827 The word 'to' is crossed out. †828 The word 'to' is crossed out. †829 The paragraph from 'And these fortifications' to 'permanent effects' is written on the left side of the page. †830 Two lines are crossed out. †831 Replaces 'to'. †832 The last three words are inserted above the line.

†833 Inserted above the line, replace the word 'officers', crossed out; in MS the order of the sentence is as follows: 'are to have half pay on the list of the British Army / if not otherwise employed or Provided for in the States to which they belong'; the is nevertheless altered by the present editor, according to numbers written by the author. †834 The last two words are inserted above the line. †835 Paragraph 5 is inserted on the left side of the page. †836 Replaces 'establishment'. †837 The last three words are inserted above the line. †838 Inserted above the line. †839 The word 'For' is crossed out. †840 The last two words are inserted above the line, and replace 'is'. †841 The last seven words are inserted on the left margin of the page. †842 The words 'great expence with loss of men And' are crossed out. †843 The last three words are inserted above the line. †844 Inserted above the line, replaces 'hands', crossed out. †845 The last 13 words are inserted on the left side of the page. †846 Two lines are crossed out. †847 The lines from 'N B' to 'to us' are crossed out in MS, with two vertical lines. †848 The words from 'it is however' to 'within her own Isle' are written in the left margin, and are apparently intended to replace the lines crossed out. †849 Reading conjectural. †850 The last two words are inserted above the line. †851 Inserted above the line. †852 The last two words are inserted above the line. †853 Replaces one illegible word crossed out. †854 The last four words are inserted above the line. †855 The word 'in' is crossed out. †856 The words 'an Army is to make' are crossed out. †857 The words 'being to' are inserted above the line. †858 The words 'not only' are crossed out. †859 The words '& Magazines' are inserted above the line. †860 One illegible word is crossed out. †861 The last five words are underlined in MS. †862 Replaces the word 'Guns', crossed out. †863 The last three words are inserted in the left margin. †864 Inserted above the line. †865 The word 'North' is inserted above the line. †866 The last four words are inserted above the line. †867 The words 'with so much care' are crossed out. †868 The word 'time' is crossed out. †869 The last three words replace the word 'rendering', crossed out. †870 Replaces 'of', crossed out. †871 The word 'become' is inserted above the line, and replaces the word 'sic', crossed out. †872 The last three words are inserted above the line. †873 The word 'become' is inserted above the line. †874 Replaces '&', crossed out.

†875 The last two words replace 'if', crossed out. †876 The word 'will' is written in the margin, and replaces 'still', crossed out. †877 One illegible word is crossed out. †878 The words 'what might' are crossed out. †879 Inserted above the line. †880 The word 'now' is crossed out. †881 Replaces the word 'for', crossed out. †882 The word 'now' is crossed out. †883 The words '& Vilified' are inserted above the line. †884 The last seven words replace one illegible word crossed out. †885 The words 'in the world' are crossed out. †886 Replaces the words 'change of Plan', crossed out. †887 The words '& dissarm' replace one illegible word crossed out. †888 The words 'our Military dissorders & Severitys' are crossed out. †889 The last three words replace the word 'say', crossed out. †890 The words 'Such Proceedings' are crossed out. †891 Replaces the words 'that has usurped', crossed out. †892 Inserted above the line. †893 The last six words are crossed out, but necessary to the sense. †894 One illegible word. †895 Idem. †896 Occurs twice in MS. †897 One illegible word. †898 Occurs twice in MS. †899 Occurs twice in MS. †900 MS cut. †901 A few illegible words ensue. †902 MS cut. †903 One illegible word. †904 Idem. †905 Idem. †906 As in MS. †907 One illegible word. †908 Idem.

Footnotes to the Text †1260 'The morning of the day when he was taken ill, he made a fatiguing excursion into the country in very cold and ble weather, and returned to town just before dinner, very much chilled; he then went out to dine with a party of friends and ate and drank in his usual manner. He was taken ill a few hours after, with a hemiplegia, and confusion of his head, and perversion of h sight, and a quick full pulse; but his tongue was not affected' (The Case of Professor Ferguson, drawn up by Dr Black, MedicoChirurgical Transactions, VII, 1816, p. 230). †1261 In January 1781 John Macpherson was appointed by Lord North to the seat of the Supreme Council at Calcutta, bu appointment was severely criticized in public. †1262 Alexander Gordon (1743—1817), 4th Duke of Gordon. Representative Peer of Scotland, 1767, afterwards Lord Kee of the Great Seal of Scotland and Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, he had Gordon castle rebuilt from the plans of Baxter of Edinburgh. During the American war he raised the Northern Fencibles, and in 1793 the Northern or Gordon Fencibles (DNB; SP †1263 Jane Maxwell (?1749—1827), Duchess of Gordon, born in Edinburgh, was married to Alexander, Duke of Gordon, October 1767. She became an arbiter of fashion in Edinburgh, while in London she formed a social centre of the Tory party and a confidante of Pitt. Her last years were very sad, and she was estranged from her husband and led a wandering life DNB).

†1264 Not traced. †1265 A residential and resort city eleven miles south east of Bristol. In the 1st century AD the Romans developed the wa springs there (Aquae Sulis). †1266 Ferguson refers to his illness (see previous letter). †1267 During Ferguson's illness one of his children, Mary, went to stay with Alexander Carlyle at Musselburgh (see Isabel Ferguson to her cousin Jenny, in Records, pp. 144—5). †1268 Stoop, stoup, 'a post marking out a circular race-track' (SND). †1269 Terrestrial. †1270 John Fletcher Campbell. †1271 In consequence of his appointment to the seat of the Supreme Council at Calcutta (see previous letter, n. 2). †1272 Mentioned in previous letter, text corresponding with note n. 5. †1273 The letter here mentioned is apparently about trying to transfer Ferguson's pension to his wife. †1274 Alexander Wedderburn, Baron Loughborough. †1275 The name of certain officials of the Court of Exchequer, having the duty of bringing various matters to the attention the proper person; but here 'reminder', 'memento' (Webster's). †1276 Gilmerton is a suburb on the south side of Edinburgh. It is not clear to what Ferguson refers. †1277 Kail is a variety of cabbage, or a soup in which cabbage is a principal ingredient; a castock (kail+stock) is a stock o

(SD). †1278 A magnum is a bottle containing two quarts of wine (OED); i.e., 'a good bottle'. †1279 A wooden pail or bucket, especially a narrow-mouthed one for carrying water from a well (SND). †1280 The River Esk. †1281 A village south of Musselburgh, Carlyle's parish for fifty-seven years. Inveresk has considerable Roman remains. †1282 Bairns is the Scots word for children. See previous letter, text corresponding with n. 3†. †1283 James Ferguson, b. 1778, Ferguson's youngest child. †1284 In consequence of the 'No Popery' disturbances of 1778—9, Principal Robertson had retired from ecclesiastical pol in 1780. As for Henry Dundas, apparently he was not going to the General Assembly because he was detained in London. In A 1781 he had been appointed chairman of a Committee to inquire into the causes of the war in the Carnatic. †1285 It is not clear to what he refers. †1286 Burntisland is a town in the county of Fife, on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. †1287 Apparently John Cochran, bailie of Edinburgh. †1288 Unidentified. †1289 Unidentified. †1290 A suburb of Bristol north of the river Avon. †1291 Isabel Ferguson, Ferguson's eldest daughter. †1292 John Wilkes (1727—97), politician, the 'friend to liberty', was well known to Carlyle, who made his acquaintance at Leyden in 1745 (Carlyle, pp. 86—7). Carlyle adds that Scotsmen 'were always Wilkes's Favourites, till 1763, . . . when Wilkes became a violent Party Writer, and wish'd to Raise his Fame and Fortune on the Ruin of Lord Bute'. Furthermore, when Wilkes published no. 45 of the 'North Briton' (23 April 1763), Adam Smith said: 'Bravo, this Fellow will either be hang'd in Six Months, o will Get Lord Bute Impeach'd' (Carlyle, p. 220). †1293 'Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man', M

15:11. †1294 From his illness: see above, letters 194—5. Nevertheless, according to Dr Black, 'after remaining a season at Bath Ferguson returned to Edinburgh without having received any evident benefit from the use of those waters, his limbs on one side being very weak and flaccid. For the rest of his cure he trusted to time and to a strict regimen' (The Case, p. 231). †1295 'With respect to Diet the proper management of it depends on the State of the Pulse but in general Patients who a [this] situation agree best with a very cool and mild Diet, our friend Mr Ferguson here is an example of it. He had a stroke of th same kind many years ago and / was bled once & blistered & kept an issue open in his head for some time but his principal Remedies have been gentle Laxatives when they were needed & a strickt attention to his Diet and manner of living. He learned experience that solid meat was improper for him & gave him restless uneasy sights. He therefore lives on Broth bread & vegeta for dinner & eats them with a good appetite & in very sufficient quantity to feed any man in health. He takes his breakfast like o persons, & in the afternoon tea & bread &c but no Supper whatever & never at any time drinks any thing but water. On this die is become strong & active & in my opinion enjoys better spirits & more equal good humour than he did before he was taken ill' Black to George Black, 22 December 1787, EUL MS Gen. 874. V. ff. 23—4).

After his illness 'wine and animal food besought his appetite in vain; but huge messes of milk and vegetables disappeare before him..... I never heard of his dining out, except at his relation Dr Joseph Black's, where his son Sir Adam..... used to say delightful to see the two philosophers rioting over a boiled turnip' (H. Cockburn, Memorials of His Time, 1856, p. 50). †1296 Apparently Ferguson refers to his courses of Lectures, for use in class, of which some copies are in the possession the EUL (for the same subject see also letter 201, text corresponding with n. 6). †1297 In spring 1781 General Benedict Arnold was engaged in a marauding expedition to Virginia. As for Cornwallis, 'I hoped.... by rapid marches, to be between General Green and Virginia, and by that means force him to fight' (Earl of Cornwallis Lord George Germain, Guildford, 17 March 1781, as from London Gazette, 2—5 June). Ferguson refers apparently to this episo †1298 Unidentified. †1299 General Robert Clerk. †1300 John Douglas (1721—1807). Born in Fifeshire, he was at the battle of Fontenoy, 29 April 1745, and in 1748 was travelling tutor to Lord Pulteney, son of the Marquis of Bath. He attacked Hume's argument upon miracles in a book called The Criterion, 1752, and was author of several political pamphlets, which made him known as an acute and vigorous writer. At the request of Lord Sandwich he edited the journals of Captain Cook, and helped to arrange the Hardwicke Papers, published in 17 He became Canon of Windsor in 1762 and of St Paul's in 1776. In 1787 he was appointed Bishop of Carlisle, in 1788 Dean of Windsor, and in 1791 was transferred to the bishopric of Salisbury (DNB). †1301 From Bath, where he had tried the waters during his illness (see letters 195 and 196). †1302 On 15 March 1781 Lord Cornwallis defeated the Americans at Guilford Court-house, and in May effected a junction General Phillip's force at Petersburg. †1303 For this subject see letter 197, n. 4†. See furthermore London Gazette, 10—14 July 1781, Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germain, on the account of Lord Cornwallis having entered Virginia. †1304 'Mr Smith [Revd John Smith, minister of Kilbrandon, in his Galic Antiquities] mentions Dr Percy's Reliques of Ancien Poetry, in which he says the Doctor confesseth, that he himself heard pieces of it recited; and being compared with the translat exactly corresponded. Dr Percy does not understand a syllable of the Erse, and therefore could be no judge. The truth is, Dr Bl and Professor Ferguson, when Percy was at Edinburgh, took care to introduce a young student from the Highlands, who repeat some verses, of which Professor Ferguson said, such and such sentences in Fingal were the translation. Mr Smith, if he looks i the second and third editions of the Reliques, will find the Observations there no longer; and that Dr Percy, on reflection, had ju reason to suspect that this young student had previously been taught the part he recited, and the lines might as readily be any common song as the original of Fingal; for they knew it was impossible for an Englishman to detect it' [William Shaw, An Enquir the Authenticity of the Poems ascribed to Ossian, London, 1781, pp. 25—6. William Shaw (1749—1831), Gaelic scholar, born in Arran, educated at Ayr and at King's College, Glasgow, became acquainted with Dr Johnson in London; published the Gaelic an English Dictionary, containing all the Words in the Scottish and Irish Dialects of the Celtic, 2 vols, London, 1780, and the Memo the Life and Writings of Dr Samuel Johnson, London, 1785: DNB; Revd John Smith (1747— 1807), educated at the University o Edinburgh, ordained by Tarbert Mission 1775, admitted at Kilbrandon June 1777, DD Edinburgh 1787. He was the author of Ga Antiquities, Edinburgh, 1780: FES]. †1305 Thomas Percy (1729—1811), Vicar of Easton-Maudit, Northamptonshire, 1753 until 1782, Dean of Carlisle and Bish Dromore in Ireland; he published Five Pieces of Runic Poetry, 1763, and edited the Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, 3 vols, (DNB). †1306 For the declaration see letter 199. See also John Nichols, Illustrations of the Literary History of the Eighteenth Cen London, 1831, VII. The advertisement was published in Public Advertiser, Morning Chronicle, St James's Chronicle, General Eve Post, and Gentleman's Magazine, no. LI, Dec. 1781, p. 567, no. LII, Jan. 1782, p. 13. †1307 In autumn 1765, when Percy spent 'a week with you most agreeably at Edinburgh' (Dr Percy to Hugh Blair, Alnwick Castle, 17 August 1781, as in Small, pp. 633—5). In this letter Percy insisted upon saying that on the same occasion Blair introduced him to Ferguson. But, during the conversation, Percy having entertained doubts of the authenticity of Ossian's Poems Ferguson 'sent for a student who was a native of the Highlands [identified by Percy as John Macpherson, who was then Fergus pupil]... who recited some passages in Earse, which being then translated to me, contained part of the description of Fingal's Chariot... You then desired me, in a future edition of my Reliques of Ancient Poetry, &c, to testify what I had heard... accordingl my second edition, 1767, I related in a note what had occurred.' But some years later Percy became acquainted with a gentlem who was also an intimate friend of James Macpherson, and who, 'in the most solemn manner assured me that the Poems of O

were almost all the productions of Mr M'Pherson's own genius... When I urged to him the transaction, at which I myself had bee present, he assured me I had been imposed on.' And then Percy began to believe Ossian's Poems 'to be modern, but no less brilliant, proofs of Scottish genius', and in the third edition (1775) suppressed the note. When Mr Shaw 'called on me just before set out for the Highlands... I related the transaction at which I had been present, and the positive assurances I had since receiv from Mr M'Pherson's friend, that I must have been deceived.' As for Ferguson, 'the lines were certainly recited in his presence, as I perfectly well remember, although he may have en forgot the occurrence. Thus far I had written, before I saw the advertisement published by Mr Ferguson. As he hath committed himself to me, I am now compelled to give my testimony to the public. I perfectly well remember the transaction, though Mr Fer may have forgot it; we may both be sincere, though my recollection may, in this case, have been better than his.' †1308 James MacLaggan (1728—1805), born at Ballechin, Perthshire, educated at St Andrews University, ordained by the Presbytery of Dunkeld, February 1760, became chaplain of the 42nd Foot. He composed the Gaelic words of the Garb of Old G and translated part of the scriptures into Gaelic. His collection of Gaelic manuscripts was presented to the University of Glasgow 1910 (FES). †1309 Proof supported by written evidence. †1310 Elizabeth Brudenell Rooke, Douglas's wife. †1311 This letter was introduced in the Gentleman's Magazine by a notice which runs as follows: 'Though the Controversy respecting the Authenticity of the Poems ascribed to Ossian, has already filled many Pages of our former Volumes, we cannot forbear inserting the following Elucidations that have lately been addressed to the Public'.

The letter of Ferguson is followed by two letters respectively noted as No. II and No. III, by W. Shaw and Thomas Percy

'No. II. Having no interest to gratify but the love of truth, I have no reason to be sorry when any falsehood is detected. M Ferguson has denied that he was present when the attempt was made to convince Dr Percy of the genuineness of Ossian. My relation was not from my own knowledge. I desire to acquit Mr Ferguson, whose presence or absence makes no difference in th question; and I am too well supported by truth to need, or to wish, the help of falsehood. The attempt was really made, and Dr was for a while credulous, with which I do not mean to reproach him; for I have confessed that I once was credulous myself: bu shall be credulous no more till the Works of Ossian are produced'; W. Shaw, Aug. 31.' 'No. III. In one or two pamphlets lately published, concerning the authenticity of Ossian's Poems, great liberties have bee taken with my name, and two advertisements on the same subject, signed Adam Ferguson and W. Shaw, have appeared in the news-papers; one of which only came to my notice very lately. It is with the greatest reluctance I enter at all into a controversy which I am so incompetent a judge, from my utter ignorance of the Earse language; but regard to truth compels me to give the following relation of a fact respecting it, which has been greatly misrepresented. On October 8, 1765, I arrived at Edinburgh, where I passed five days with the Rev. Dr Blair, who, among many learned a ingenious men, introduced me to Dr Ferguson, Professor of Moral Philosophy. To this gentleman he mentioned some doubts I h entertained concerning the genuineness of Ossian Poems: and he, in the evening before I left Edinburgh (viz. October 13), invit to drink tea at his house, where he produced a student, a native of the Highlands, who recited several passages, or verses, in (some of which he afterwards sung to me) as what he had heard in his own country; and I perfectly remember, that when he interpreted the verses to me, some of them appeared to contain part of the description of Fingal's chariot. Dr Ferguson also gav me, in his own hand-writing, some specimens of Earse poetry in the original. Dr Blair afterwards desired me to mention the reci had heard, in the next edition of the Reliques of Ancient Poetry; and, in compliance with his request, I gave a short account of had passed, in a note to the first volume of my second edition, 1767 (p. xlv). Some years after, on discussing this subject with a judicious friend, a native of Scotland also, who knew much more of the grounds of the Earse poetry than I did, he made it cred me, that there might be some deception in the case, and advised me to suppress the passage in question; which I did, soon af my third edition, in 1775. But as I never believed Dr Blair to have been conscious of any deception in what passed between the student and me, so the same may have been the case with Dr Ferguson also, as he now appears so entirely to have forgot the whole transaction. Thomas Percy. Carlisle, Nov. 10, 1781.' Note: No. II appears on p. 567 and No. 111 on pp. 567—8. †1312 See letter 199†. †1313 This letter, as it appeared in the Whitehall Evening Post, 8 January 1782, was followed by this postscript: 'The word Dr Percy's advertisement are: As I never believed Dr Blair to have been conscious of any deception in what passed between th Student and me, so the same may be the case with Dr Ferguson also, as now he appears so entirely to have forgot the transa †1314 Apparently Peter Robertson of the trustee office, no. 2 Drummond Street (as from Aitchison, 1797—81). †1315 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. †1316 A Parma sword (so called from Parma, a city in Northern Italy). †1317 As a consequence of his illness (see letters 194†, 195† and 196†). †1318 Latin locution, usually 'status quo ante', 'in the same state as before'. †1319 Apparently the Lectures (see letter 197, text corresponding with n. 3†). †1320 James Macpherson. †1321 Apparently concerning the election. †1322 This proves that the correspondent is Colonel Fletcher Campbell, who is referred to as being in Dublin in letter 181 as going to Ireland in letter 174). †1323 Here Ferguson refers to Home's History of the Rebellion of 1745 which was published in 1802. †1324 The portrait of Ferguson by Sir Joshua Reynolds (see letter 171†). †1325 Dr Percy to Dr Blair, 10 September 1781, as in Small, pp. 636—7. †1326 In W. Shaw, Enquiry, pp. 25—6 (see above, letter 198, n. 5† and n. 8†). †1327 'In Autumn 1765.... you introduced me to.... Professor Ferguson [who] sent for a student that was a native of the Highlands' (Dr Percy to Dr Blair, 17 August 1781, as in Small, pp. 633— 4); 'On Wednesday, October 9th, Mr Ferguson dined w me at your house; and on the Sunday following, October 13th, after evening service..., you caused me to drink tea with Mr Ferguson. At his house it was, during that visit.... very certain it is, that then and there the student was produced to me, who re vivâ voce the passages in Earse' (Dr Percy to Dr Blair, 10 September 1781; as in Small, p. 636). †1328 'But if he still persists in denying publicly the existence of a recital, which at your desire I once mentioned in print... must then be compelled, much against my will, to produce at large necessary proofs in support of my own affirmation' (as in Sm p. 637). Nevertheless Percy added, in a postscript to the letter, that 'My Lord Algernon Percy, who has been here since I wrote you last, but who is since gone away, could not distinctly remember, as I had at first understood him, that Mr Ferguson was pre when Mr Macpherson repeated the Earse poetry to me; but he remembered that fact better than could have been expected, aft years' interval, considering too, he was but a boy when it happened' (Algernon Percy was the younger brother of Hugh Percy (1 —1817) 2nd Duke of Northumberland: DNB). †1329 For these problems see letters 198†, 199†, 200†. †1330 See letter 199†. †1331 Cited in letter 202, n. 3† and 4†. †1332 For the same subject see W. Shaw, Enquiry, Appendix, p. 81, Extract no. 1: 'The following letter was published in t James's Chronicle of Jan. 19th, to which no reply has been made, Mr MacPherson being conscious to himself of having given authority to publish a falsehood: No. 1, To Mr James MacPherson. Sir, I call upon you in this public manner to inform the world, whether, as Mr Clark says, in his libel, you have given him authority to say, that you did not promise to give or show me some

poetry of Ossian, as I have related in my Inquiry into the genuineness of these compositions? And, if you have done this, you h given him authority to publish a falsehood. [?] W. Shaw' (John Clark was the author of An Answer to Mr Shaw's Enquiry into the authenticity of the Poems ascribed to Ossian, Edinburgh, 1781). See also Walpole (The Yale Edition of Horace Walpole's Correspondence, edited by W. S. Lewis, vol. XXIX, pp. 239—40 William Mason (1724—97) the poet, the friend and admirer of Gray, 22 April 1782: 'I forgot to tell you that lately Dr Percy, the n Bishop of Dromore, told me or rather proved to me a curious anecdote; you know Professor Ferguson denied positively in print a Highland lad of his house, and in presence of Dr Blair, recited some of the pretended poems of Ossian in Erse, which I think Blair has also denied. Dr Percy has lately found I believe on coming to town two letters from Blair, which he had forgotten..... an both he mentions the fact of the lad's recitation in Ferguson's house and presence. I saw these letters myself and so did Lord Ossory, the Bishop of St Asaph, and one or two other persons who were with me. "Well", said I, "Mr Dean, and will you not prin these letters to take off the accusation of falsehood from yourself?. " He seemed afraid to do so. This timidity sets those Scotch impostors and their cabal in a still worse light than their forgeries, as it shows their persecution of all who oppose them.' †1333 For the penny post see letter 185†. †1334 Of the Roman Republic. †1335 The dedication to the King is dated Edinburgh, 1 February 1783. †1336 Andrew Bell. †1337 The victory of Admiral Rodney at Dominica (see letter 207, n. 3) †1338 'Dans ce pays il est bon de tuer de temps en temps un amiral pour encourager les autres' (Voltaire, Candide, chap The Complete Works, XLVIII, p. 224).

John Byng (1704—57), Admiral, failed to relieve Minorca in May 1756, and some of his ships sustained great loss at the hands of the French fleet. He then decided not to renew action and to return to Gibraltar, but was immediately superseded in th command of the fleet and sent home under arrest. On 27 January 1757 the court martial sentenced him to death, recommendin nevertheless mercy on the ground that his misconduct arose not from cowardice nor from disaffection. The King refused to ente this recommendation, and the sentence was carried out. Byng was shot on the quarterdeck of the Monarque in Portsmouth Har on 14 March 1757 (DNB). †1339 Andrew Strahan (1749—1831), youngest son of William. He carried on his father's business successfully and was a between 1796—1818. †1340 Of the Roman Republic. †1341 See above, previous letter†. †1342 George Brydges, 1st Baron Rodney (1719—92), Admiral of the Fleet, distinguished himself in the Caribbean Sea. I February 1762 he reduced Martinique and took possession of St Lucia, Grenada, and St Vincent. On 16 January 1780 he defea the Spanish squadron south of Cape St Vincent, and relieved Gibraltar. On 8 April 1782 at Dominica he defeated the French fle the Comte De Grasse, whose flagship, the Ville de Paris, surrendered to him. This victory restored the English prestige, which h been shaken by the surrender of Cornwallis (DNB). †1343 On the printing of the Roman Republic (see letters 206—207). †1344 John Blair died 24 June 1782. †1345 Of the Roman Republic (see letters 206—207). †1346 The letter of Strahan has not been traced, and the person here mentioned is unidentified. †1347 For the style of the Roman Republic see Appendix K†. †1348 Xenophon, Greek historian, 432—355 BC, author of the Anabasis, Cyropaedia, Hellenica, and Memorabilia, or Recollection of Socrates.

His style was greatly admired, especially by the Atticists, although his Atticism is not of the purest quality. His works were translated into Latin by Cicero and by the Italian writers of the Renaissance. In the 17th and 18th centuries his admirers include Bossuet, Shaftesbury, Winckelmann and Rollin. †1349 Isocrates (436—338 BC), Attic orator he founded, c. 392 the famous rhetorical school, or 'Schola Isocratea', near th Lyceum. His works (Against the Sophists, Antidosis, Panegyricus, Areopagiticus, etc.) were regarded by the Greeks as represen the 'smooth or florid school of prose style, in contrast with the 'austerity' of Antiphon' (EB). †1350 'Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majesty's Command, said.... It is his Majesty's Royal Will and Pleasure, That this Parliament be prorogued to Tuesday the 3rd of September next.... and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the Day of September next' (London Gazette, 9—13 July 1782, pp. 1—2, 'The King's Speech'). †1351 Of the Roman Republic, but it is not clear whether he intends 18 July or August. †1352 To the King (prefixed to vol. I). †1353 Printed in vol. I along with a list of errata, just before the Index of the volume. †1354 Each volume has, in fact, an Index of the contents. †1355 Vol. I has a 'Map representing the Relative Position of the Principal Kingdoms and States on the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea'; vol. II has two major maps: 'Italy with the Provinces of Caesar' and 'Theatre of the Campaigns of Macedon and Thessaly', and two minor ones, 'Theatre of the Campaign of Segra or Sicoris', p. 428, and 'Theatre of the Campaign in Afri end of the volume; vol. III has a map on the 'Roman Empire under Augustus'. All these maps were engraved by Andrew Bell (s letter 216, n. 2†). †1356 Roman Emperor 37—41, successor of Tiberius, showed great cruelty and was engaged in wild despotic caprice.

†1357 Emperor 41—54, extended Roman rule in North Africa, and made Britain a province. †1358 Emperor 54—68, stepson and heir of Claudius, became infamous for his debaucheries and extravagancies, for his burning of Rome and persecution of the Christians. †1359 Emperor 69—79, the founder of the Flavian dynasty after the civil wars that followed Nero's death. †1360 Emperor 79—81, conqueror of Jerusalem in 70, completed the construction of the Flavian amphitheatre, better know the Colosseum. †1361 Emperor 81—96, second son of Vespasian, was known chiefly for the reign of terror under which prominent membe the Senate lived during his last years. †1362 Marcus Cocceius Nerva, Emperor 96—8, the first of a succession of rulers traditionally known as 'the five good emperors', became Emperor on the assassination of Domitian. †1363 Apparently refers to the Principles. †1364 Of this wish of Gibbon no record has been traced. The history of the Roman Empire begins with the reign of Comm (180—93), after the initial three chapters devoted to a survey of the Empire under Trajan, Hadrian and Antoninus (98—180). †1365 Burton Hall near Bedale, Yorkshire. †1366 For Wyvill and the Yorkshire association see letter 173, n. 4.† †1367 George Brudenell, 4th Earl of Cardigan, was created Marquess of Montermer and Duke of Montagu on 5 Novembe 1766. Died in May 1790. Elizabeth Montagu, wife of Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, was his daughter (CP, SP). †1368 The Royal George sank as a result of an accident on 29 August 1782, while in the dock at Spithead for refitting. O nine hundred people died in the wreckage (see A Narrative of the Loss of the Royal George at Spithead, August 1782; includin Tracey's Attempt to raise her in 1783, printed & published by S. Horsey, 1842; see W. Cowper's poem Loss of the Royal Georg 'Toll for the Brave! / The brave that are no more! / All sunk beneath the wave / Fast by their native shore!'). †1369 Spithead is a strait of the English Channel between the coast of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It shares in the fortifications of Portsmouth harbour. †1370 Of the Roman Republic, which was then about to be published. †1371 For this subject see letter 212†. †1372 Of the maps of the Roman Republic (see letter 210, n. 5) †. †1373 Andrew Bell (1726—1809), engraver, rose to be the first in his line in Edinburgh. He engraved all the plates to illus Smellie's translation of Buffon, which appeared in 1782. He was originally the half proprietor of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, an the death of Colin Macfarquhar, became sole proprietor (DNB; Kay, I, 86). The letter has not been traced. †1374 Not traced. †1375 The draft of the title page of the Roman Republic, in Ferguson's own handwriting, is enclosed with the letter. It runs follows: 'The History / of The / Progress and Termination / of the / Roman Republick / in three volumes / By Adam Ferguson LL

Professor of Moral Philosophy / in the University of / Edinburgh / And Author of the Essay on the / History of Civil Society. / Vol or &c &c / London. Printed &c &c &c.' †1376 John Logan (1748—88), born at Soutra, Fala, Midlothian, was educated at Musselburgh Grammar School and Edin University. In 1773 he was ordained and admitted to the parish of South Leith, but resigned on 27 December 1786. He was the author of the tragedy Runnamede, 1783. His Ode to the Cuckoo was pronounced by Edmund Burke 'the most beautiful lyric in language' (DNB). A life of Logan is prefixed to the Poems and Runnamede. A tragedy, 1805. The life of the year 1783 has not traced. †1377 Unidentified. †1378 Sir James Hall (1761—1832), baronet of Dunglass, geologist, applied the test of laboratory experiment to geologica hypotheses and tested the principles of his system by a careful study of the rocks in various parts of Scotland and in Italy. Durin travels he also paid considerable attention to architecture and in 1797 laid before the Royal Society of Edinburgh an Essay on t Origin and Principles of Gothic Architecture (DNB). †1379 'In 1783 Mr Stewart visited Paris for the first time, in company with his friend Lord Ancram, afterwards 6th Marquis Lothian. Of the particulars of this visit no record has been preserved' (Memoir of D. Stewart, by John Veitch, Edinburgh, 1858, p xxxi-xxxii). †1380 William, 6th Marquis of Lothian (1763—1824), succeeded his father in 1815. During the greater part of his life he w known as Earl of Ancram. He was Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian and Roxburghshire, and Colonel of the Edinburgh militia. His se wife was Harriet Montagu, daughter of Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and Elizabeth Montagu (SP). †1381 Of the Roman Republic. †1382 James, 13th Earl of Glencairn (1749—91); Captain in the West Fencible Regiment, 1778; a Representative Peer of Scotland, 1780 (SP). †1383 Apparently refers to the contents of MS 16736 f. 196, minute, dated 3d May 1783, of the 'Committee appointed by meeting of Noblemen and Gentlemen of Scotland to conduct an Application to Parliament for the establishment of a militia'. †1384 William Graham, 2nd Duke of Montrose (1712—90). He was elected Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, 21 January 1742, but resided chiefly in England (SP). †1385 James Maitland, Earl of Lauderdale (1718—89), Lord Rector of Glasgow University 1780—1 (SP).

†1386 A parish on the southern border of Roxburghshire. †1387 Lord Glencairn (see n. 1†). †1388 See previous letter†. †1389 Not traced. †1390 Unidentified. †1391 Apparently to William Eden, who received Robert Ferguson 'with Politeness & kindness' (see letter 172†). Sir Grey Cooper also helped Robert. †1392 The bank founded in 1738 by James Mansfield. One of the partners, John Mansfield, died in September 1760, and presumably in consequence of that event the firm appears in 1761 as Mansfield, Hunter & Co. It was subsequently changed to Mansfield, Ramsay & Co, and so remained until in 1807 it became Ramsay, Bonars & Co (A. W. Kerr, History, 1926, p. 54). †13920 This note has been jotted down at the back of the letter, apparently by Strahan himself. †1393 Alexander Adam (1741—1809), writer on Roman antiquities, born at Forres, Morayshire, educated at the University Edinburgh, headmaster of Watson's Hospital and, after 1768, Rector of the High School of Edinburgh. His best known work is th Roman Antiquities, 1791; his last work is the Latin Dictionary, for use in schools, 1805 (DNB). †1394 The feast of St Michael, 29 September and the university and law term beginning near Michaelmas. †1395 Mentioned in Kay, II, 211, as an adherent to the 'Edinburgh Company of Golfers', vested of the property of the 'Gol

House'. Ravelston is a mansion in Edinburgh. Sir Archibald, executed at Carlisle for his share in the '45, sold it in 1726 to Alexan Keith, a soi-disant descendant of the 3rd Earl Marischal. The latter's son, Alexander (1705-92), built the present mansion (see Waverley, chap. IX, Sir Walter Scott's note, which mentions Alexander Keith as the owner of Ravelston). †1396 This further proves that the correspondent is James Chalmer, Ferguson's agent in London. †1397 Sir James Grant (1738-1811), baronet of Grant, MP for Elgin, Forres and Grant, one of the original office-holders o Highland Society, 1784, and Lord-Lieutenant of Inverness-shire, 1784-1809 (DNB). †1398 For the Roman Republic: see letter 223†, for the first term, and Appendix K† for the financial agreement between t author and the publishers. †1399 York Buildings, Buckingham Street, between the Strand and the River Thames. †1400 To the Roman Republic. †1401 Not traced. †1402 See Appendix K†. †14020 Patrick Clason (d. 1811) 'filius natu quartus Iacobi in parochia de Logie, comitatu de Stirling', MA University of Gla 1758, tutor to the Earl of Dunmore, afterwards schoolmaster of Logie, correspondent of Adam Smith (W. Innes Addison, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, 1913). †1403 John Clerk (1728-1812) of Eldin, 7th son of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, purchased the small estate of Eldin in the p of Lasswade, where he settled down, devoting much of his time to artistic and scientific pursuits.

He was the author of an Essay on Naval Tactics, which is said having contributed to the victory of Nelson in 1805. He m Susannah, a younger sister of the Adam brothers (DNB). †14031 The annexed estates were lands belonging to Jacobite families confiscated by the State after the rebellion of 1745 1784 Henry Dundas restored the estates to the families which had previously owned them. †14032 The Forth & Clyde Canal, or the Great Canal, constructed to connect the Firths of Forth and Clyde. Work was beg 1768 and the canal was opened for traffic in 1790. In 1784 financial assistance was given by the Government, which handed £50,000 of the revenue from the forfeited estates of the Jacobites to the 'Company for the Forth and Clyde Navigation'. †1404 John Fletcher Campbell. †1405 An estate and a burn in Stirlingshire; its mansion was the seat of the Fletcher Campbell family. †1406 Probably sister of John Johnstone (see last sentence of the letter). †1407 Our Lady Day, or the feast of the Annunciation, 25 March. †1408 Unidentified. †1409 Anne, daughter of James Graham, Lord Easdale and wife of Baron Mure of Caldwell. †1410 Apparently James, second son of Principal Robertson. Born 1753, he distinguished himself under Lord Cornwallis in Carnatic and became a general in the British Army. Or Ferguson could be referring to the historian's third son, David, who was Army, and raised the 1st Malay Regiment in Ceylon. †1411 'Bob', son of Robert Ferguson, and nephew of Ferguson (see in Records, p. 145 n., the letter of recommendation, d 23 September 1785, from G. Johnstone to Lord Macartney, Governor of Madras, on his behalf, and, on pp. 148-60, detailed biographical information about 'Bob', who amassed a large fortune in India. After losing his money in the Spanish Bonds, 1823, spent his last years in London at 15 Southampton Place, where he died in October 1830). †1412 John Macpherson Ferguson.

†1413 Gentoo, i.e. Hindu. †1414 Apparently the subject of letter 228†, 10 April 1784. †1415 Joseph McCormick (1733-99), educated at St Andrews University, DD, edited the State Papers and Letters Address William Carstares, to which is prefixed a life, Edinburgh, 1774. In May 1782 he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in July was presented by George III to the charge of St Leonards in his native presbytery in conjunction with the principality of t United Colleges of St Andrews (DNB). †1416 Apparently William Gardiner, who became LLD of St Andrews University on 4 May 1785, on testimonials signed by Alexander Fraser Tytler, advocate (later Lord Woodhouselee), Alexander Abercromby, advocate (later Lord Abercromby), and He Mackenzie, advocate (this information has been supplied by Robert N. Smart, Keeper of the Muniments of St Andrews Universit †1417 James Hunter Blair, Bt. (1741-87), Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1784-6. A partner in Coutts's bank in Edinburgh, he w interested in the plans for rebuilding the university, and carried through the building of the South Bridge. He is known as a friend Burns (LPE). †1418 A town and parish ten miles south of Edinburgh, the home of the Clerks. †1419 Milton House is in the Canongate, Edinburgh, facing Salisbury Crags. It was built by Lord Milton in what had been originally the garden of Lord Roxburgh's house. †1420 Williamson's Directory for the years 1786-8 records a John Robertson, accomptant, head of Todricks Wynd, a John Robertson, writer, Carruber's close, and a John Robertson, writer, Mealmarket stairs. In the Directory for the years 1784-5 John Robertson of Todrick's Wynd does not appear at all. In A Directory of Edinburgh in 1752, compiled by John Gilhooley, Edinburgh 1988, is listed John Robertson, writer, Todrick's Wynd. It is not clear whether the last one is the same person as the one mentio by Ferguson, or a relative. †1421 The same subject is mentioned in letter 246, text corresponding with n. 2†. †1422 For this episode see letter 103†. See letter 73† for Ferguson's visit to Paris. †1423 On Hasting's resignation as senior member of the council in February 1785, Sir John became Governor-General of He was superseded by Lord Cornwallis in 1786 after which he returned to England. †1424 For Macpherson's concern about Ferguson's health see letter 194†. †1425 Latin, 'indispensable condition'. †1426 Lord North's. †1427 Thule is the Greek and Roman name for the most northerly land of the world (see Virgil, Georgics, I, 30, who allud the Shetland Islands calling them 'ultima Thule'). †1428 Cape Comorin is a headland in Kerala, forming the southern-most point of India. †1429 Chittagong is the chief port of Bangladesh, formerly the Porto Grande of Portuguese and Venetian voyagers. †1430 Balasore is a town in the province of Orissa, India. †1431 A river in North India, rising in the Himalaya and falling into the Ganges near Allahabad. †1432 Tidore, or Tidor, a mountainous island of the Moluccas, Indonesia. †1433 Timur is in southern Kazakhstan. The Shaw here referred to has not been identified. †1434 Attock is a district in the Rawalpindi division of the Punjab, in the Peshawar division, Pakistan. †1435 William Jones (1746-94), oriental scholar, is chiefly remembered as a pioneer of Sanskrit learning. He was the auth the Persian Grammar, 1771, of several translations from oriental literature, and of the Essay on Bailment, 1781, which establish his reputation as a jurist.

He spent ten years in India from December 1783 being in intimate friendship with Sir John Macpherson (DNB). Apparent Macpherson refers here to the 'resemblance between Sanskrit and both Greek and Latin', noticed by Sir William. †1436 Greek lyric poet, born about 570 BC in Asia Minor, enjoyed a reputation as a composer of hymns as well as of tho bacchanalian and amatory lyrics which are commonly associated with his name (the Anakreontics). †14361 Greek mathematician, fl. 300 BC, author of the Elements in 13 books, of the Data, of the book on Divisions, of the

Optics. †1437 Chinsura is a town in western Bengal twenty-four miles from Calcutta, formerly the principal Dutch settlement in Be †1438 Historically erroneous. The Romans never conquered India, although there was a frequent commercial intercourse between India and the Eastern regions of the Empire. †1439 Bankhead. †1440 From Cicero, De Finibus, II, 105, 'cum dignitate otium', i.e. the combination of status and retirement. †1441 John Macpherson Ferguson, the philosopher's son. †1442 Mr Gardner in letter 245 is mentioned as 'Dr Gardner'. Apparently he is the same person as 'Gardner John, Dr, Merchant Street', as in Williamson's Directory 1786-88, but could also be 'Gardner John, banker, Broughton Loan', or even Dr W Gardiner, mentioned in letter 237.

†1443 It is not clear whether he refers to a private letter or to one of the Letters. See nevertheless Sir George Colebrooke Letters on Intolerance; including Ancient and Modern Nations, and Different Religions and Sects (London, 1791). In the preface, it is stated that 'the substance of the third and fourth letters on the intolerance of Ancient Nations was written by the author, som years ago, to a friend in Edinburgh'. †1444 See 'Law of XII Tables', Roman Republic, 1783, I, pp. 36-9. †1445 See n. 2†. †14451 A mare (see letter 246 text corresponding with n. 6†). †14452 Bankhead. †1446 Archibald McNab, Colonel 1777, Major-General 1781, serving 41st Foot. †1447 Not traced. †1448 Bankhead (see letter 255†, dated from Bankhead). †1449 For this subject see letter 242†. †1450 Not traced. †1451 It is not clear what he refers to, but see letter 240, text corresponding with n. 2†. †1452 A character in Rabelais's Pantagruel. He is Pantagruel's attendant, and symbolizes cunning. †1453 Siennes, or Sciennes, a suburb of Edinburgh near Grange Road. The building is the so-called 'Sciennes-House'. Th Burns and Scott met on 11 February 1787 (see letter 257†). †1454 In Scots law, a document in the form of a letter interchanged by the parties to a contract. †1455 For the same subject see letter 243†. †1456 For this problem see letter 415†. †1457 This proves that the date is 1786. In fact, in letter 246, dated 17 June 1786, Ferguson informs Fletcher Campbell t he has bought the property at Sciennes, having sold the house at Argyle Square, while his earlier letter from Sciennes is dated February 1787 (see letter 257†). †1458 For the same subject see letter 251†. †1459 Ferguson had retired in 1785 from the Chair of Moral Philosophy (see letter 238†), but had been appointed to the C of Mathematics, in conjunction with John Leslie (see Appendix N†). The reference to the College business renders uncertain the of the letter. †1460 Fortune's was a tavern in greatest vogue in Edinburgh located in the house formerly the residence of the 9th Earl o Eglinton. Meetings of the Poker Club were held there, 'which lasted in Great Vigour Down to the year 1784' (Carlyle, pp. 213-4) gay men of the city, the scholarly and the philosophical, with common citizens, all flocked here' (Cassell's Old and New Edinbur by James Grant, 1883, I, p. 231). †1461 John Fletcher Campbell. †1462 Sir John Dick (1720-1804), Head Auditor and Controller of the Army Accounts in London (CB). †1463 Robert Burns (1759-96) published his first volume, Poems, chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, in 1786 at Kilmarnock, an with additions at Edinburgh, in 1787.

On 11 February 1787, among the guests at Ferguson's house was Walter Scott, then a lad of fifteen and friend of Adam, Ferguson's eldest son. According to Scott, there were several literary figures present, including Dugald Stewart. 'Of course, we youngsters sat silent, looked, and listened. The only thing I remember.... was the effect produced upon Burns by a print of Bunb representing a soldier lying dead in the snow, his dog sitting in misery on the one side, on the other his widow, with a child in h arms.' Beneath the print there were some lines, and no one but Scott remembered that they occur in a poem of Langhorne. 'I whispered my information to a friend present, who mentioned it to Burns, who rewarded me with a look and a word, which.... I s recollect with very great pleasure' (Scott, Familiar Letters, 1894, II, p. 14; Lockhart, Life of Sir Walter Scott, 1887, I, pp. 185-6; J Blackie, Life of Robert Burns, 1888, pp. 86-8). This was the only occasion on which Burns and Scott ever met. †1464 Horace Bénédict de Saussure (1740-99), Swiss geologist and physician (son of Nicholas de Saussure, 1709-90). D his travels to European countries, including Great Britain, he distinguished several kinds of minerals. On 3 August 1787 he asce Mont Blanc, and in 1789 Mount Rose. When de Saussure was stricken by a paralytic stroke in 1779, Dr Black was requested b Marcet, De Saussure's physician, to prepare an account of Ferguson's case (see J. Black, 'Additional Particulars connected with Saussure's Case', Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, VII, 1816, p. 228). †1465 Unidentified. †1466 Unidentified. †1467 For the visit of Ferguson to Geneva see letters 69-72††††. †1468 Hutton's Theory of Rain appeared in the first volume of the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1788. †1469 Ferguson was to visit southern Europe and Italy in 1793-4 in order to see the scenes of his Roman Republic (see 285-8††††, and Appendix L†).

†1470 John Johnstone of Alva (1734-95), son of the 4th Baronet and brother of George, William, Alexander and Betty Johnstone. He amassed a large fortune in India and was the founder of the house of Alva. He married Elizabeth Caroline, daug of Colonel Keene and niece of Sir Benjamin Keene, Minister at the Court of Madrid (C. L. Johnstone, History of the Johnstones Edinburgh 1909, pp. 178-82, passim). †1471 'In 1778 Macpherson was again elected to the House of Commons for Cricklade, but was unseated for bribery on t petition of his opponent, Samuel Petrie, and cast in penalties to the amount of £3000' (DNB). The letter from Macpherson has n been traced. †1472 Robert Adam (1728-92), architect, the most celebrated of the four Adam brothers. Born in Kirkcaldy, he was educat Edinburgh University where he formed friendship with Hume, Robertson, Smith and Ferguson (DNB). †1473 David Hume (1757-1838), judge, second surviving son of John Hume of Ninewells and nephew to David Hume the philosopher. In 1786 he became Professor of Scots Law at the University of Edinburgh and in 1822 a Baron of the Scots Exche He was the author of the standard work on Scottish criminal law, first published in two vols in 1797, Commentaries on the Law Scotland, respecting the Description and Punishment of Crimes (DNB). †1474 Unidentified. †1475 See letter 235†. †1476 Joseph Burnett (1752-1833), Lieutenant 1778, Captain 1786, Lieutenant-Colonel 1798, retired June 1798 (OBA). †1477 These topics, recurrent in subsequent letters, are developed in Unpublished Essay no. XIV. †1478 The subject of this letter is not clear. †1479 The walk linking Edinburgh and Leith. North Bridge had been built in 1769 by Provost Drummond mainly in order to improve the access to Leith, J. Grant, Cassell's, Old and New Edinburgh, III, pp. 150-63. †1480 Unidentified. †1481 Archibald Alison (1757-1839), son of Patrick Alison, Provost of Edinburgh, published in 1790 his Essays on the Nat and Principles of Taste, dedicated to Dugald Stewart. His Sermons, 1814-1815, in the style of Hugh Blair, were much admired a an exposition of his theories was given by Jeffrey in the Edinburgh Review for May 1811.

In 1784 Alison married Dorothea Gregory, who, from the death of her father, Dr John Gregory (1724-73) to the year of th marriage, lived with Mrs Elizabeth Montagu. In 1800 he became minister of the Episcopal Chapel, Cowgate, Edinburgh, and pas the rest of his life in this position, living in and around Edinburgh (DNB). †1482 For this subject see previous letter†. †1483 'Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need n repentance', Luke 15:7. †1484 Apparently Macpherson was then on his way to Vienna, which he visited in 1790. †1485 Mont Blanc, which separates Italy from Switzerland, is the highest mountain in Europe, and rises to 4812 metres (1 feet) above sea-level. †1486 Ben Nevis, in Inverness-shire, attains an altitude of 4406 feet above sea-level. †1487 Cairngorm is a mountain between Banffshire and Inverness-shire, and rises to an altitude of 4084 feet above sea-le †1488 John Lowther Johnstone (1783-1811), 6th Baronet of Westerhall, only legitimate son of Gov. George Johnstone and Charlotte Dee. His father (d. 1787) left him an annuity of £200, with the injunction that from the age of six he should be educate Scotland. In 1800 he became an ensign in the Coldstream Guards. In 1802 while in Edinburgh he got into a scrape and when ordered to his regiment in London, left debts over £10,000. In London he associated with blackguards and absconded to Scotla On the death of his childless uncle, Sir William Johnstone Pulteney, he inherited Westerhall. In 1810 he was returned for Melco Regis, Dorset, but died the following year, aged 28 (The Commons). †1489 Lochaber is a territorial district in the south of the mainland of Inverness-shire, pre-eminently Highland, abounding i glens, moors, and lofty mountains. †1490 The Greek muse of tragedy. †1491 William Robertson. †1492 For this subject see letter 274, n. 3†. †1493 Latin adverb, meaning 'concerning'. †1494 Reference unclear. †1495 James Chalmer. †1496 The French translation of the Roman Republic, which appeared in Paris in 1784-91, with the title Histoire des progr de la chute de la république romaine, par Adam Ferguson, Professeur de Philosophie Morale à l'Universitè d'Edimbourg, vols 11784, vols 4-7, 1791, chez Noyon Libraire. Volumes 1-3 were translated by Jean Nicholas D[?]meunier; volumes 4-7 by Jacques Gibelin. †1497 Jean Nicholas Démeunier (1751-1814), then député aux états généraux, where he took an active part in the reformations undertaken by the assembly (NBG). †1498 Joseph Ferguson (1774-99), Ferguson's son (for his biography see ecords, pp. 166-72).

†1499 Brindisi, whose harbour directly links Italy with Greece. †1500 Reggio Calabria, facing Messina across the Strait. †1501 Concerning the Essay on Civil Society, 'Smith had been weak enough to accuse him of Having Borrowed some of Inventions without owning them. This Ferguson Denied, but own'd he Deriv'd many Notions from a French author and that Smith been there before him' (Carlyle, p. 144). Ferguson, nevertheless, frequently quotes Smith in his college lectures (see Lectures, passim). †1502 John Bayll, or Bayles Tavern, in Shakespeare Square. John Bayll 'managed the George Square Assemblies which held in Buccleuch Place. In his tavern his annual balls and suppers, in 1800, were under the patronage of the Duchess of Bucc and Mrs Dundas of Arniston' (J. Grant, Cassell's, Old and New Edinburgh, III, p. 125). †1503 Jean, daughter of John Ramsay, and wife of John Adam. †1504 Probably the wife of David Loch, an extensive merchant at Leith, and author of Letters on the Trade and Manufactu of Scotland (Kay, II, 236). †1505 William Adam (1751-1839), politician, was the son of John Adam, the celebrated architect. As an MP for several constituencies, he supported Lord North and figured chiefly as a legal member of the Parliament. He was Solicitor-General to th Prince of Wales 1802; Privy Councillor 1815; Lord Chief Commissioner of the Scottish Jury Court 1816; Lord-Lieutenant of Kinro shire; Counsel of the East India Company and an intimate friend of Sir Walter Scott (DNB). †1506 William (1740-1834), son of Charles, 10th Lord Elphinstone, in 1757 entered the service of the East India Company his rare ability and energy he rapidly rose in the service, and about 1786 was elected a Director of the Company. On three sep occasions, 1804, 1806 and 1814, he occupied the position of chairman, and resigned his directorship in 1826 (SP). †1507 For the same subject see letter 269, text corr. with n. 16†. †1508 Apparently Joseph Burnett (1752-1833; see below, letter 277†, where he is mentioned as 'his uncle capt. Burnett'), Gadgirty, Ayrshire, Lieutenant 1778, Captain 1784, Major 1797, Lieutenant-Colonel 1798, retired June 1798 (OBA). †1509 Eleonora, Adam's wife and daughter of the 10th Lord Elphinstone. †1510 Henry Dundas, Lord Melville (see letter 276 n. 7†). †1511 Capital town and parish on the south western border of Dumfriess-shire, a royal and parliamentary burgh. †1512 'The 4th Duke of Queensberry, an absentee, had the principal interest in these burghs, but was opposed by Sir Jam Johnstone of Westerhall..... Johnstone, the sitting member in 1790, was opposed by Queensberry's candidate, Patrick Miller... T election, more contested than any election remembered in Scotland, was remarkable for his corruption, costing Queensberry at £8000 and Johnstone over £12000'. Patrick Miller was nevertheless elected on 12 July 1790 (The Commons, Constituencies, Scotland, Dumfries Burghs). †1513 William Douglas (1724-1810), 3rd Earl of March, latterly known as 'old Q', succeeded as 4th Duke of Queensberry August 1778, on the death of his cousin, Charles, the 3rd Duke. His follies and extravagancies rendered him a conspicuous figu the clubs of London. He successively lived at Newmarket, in his villa at Richmond, and in his house at Piccadilly, and was a munificent patron of Italian opera, partly owing to his admiration of prima donnas and dancers (DNB). †1514 The Principles of Moral and Political Science, printed in 1792 'for A. Strahan and T. Cadell, London, and W. Creech

Edinburgh'. †1515 For this subject see letter 274†. †1516 James Edgar. †1517 Latin locution, meaning 'first of all'. †1518 Glenluce Bay is a village and a valley in Wigtonshire, in Old Luce Parish. †1519 One of the colleagues of Adam Smith at the Custom Board (see Smith's Corr., Appendix D, and K, Original Portrai

pp. 387-8). †1520 John Lowther Johnstone. †1521 For his son Joseph: see letter 269, n. 14†, letter 273†, and letter 274, n. 1† (this was probably the reason why Pu had been looking for Dundas). †1522 Metropolitan borough of London, once the seat of a Royal Military Academy, founded 1741. †1523 Of the Principles (see letter 275†). †1524 Colonel Alexander Ross (1742-1827) was Cornwallis's secretary. Windham in his Diary, London, 1866, p. 63, record that he and Burke met him at Adam Smith's house in Edinburgh on 13 September 1785. †1525 See letter 278†. †1526 The Principles. †1527 The next edition was the 6th, London, 1793. †1528 Not traced. †1529 Not traced. †1530 Unidentified.

†1531 Unidentified. †1532 Clota, Latin word for Clyde. †1533 Tarvisium (Italian Tarvisio) is a town of Roman origin, in north-east Italy, province of Udine. †1534 Druidism was the faith of the Celtic inhabitants of Gaul until the time of the Romanization of the country, and of the Celtic population of the British Isles up to the time of the Romanization of Britain; and, in parts remote from Roman influence, u the period of the introduction of Christianity. The Druids, as they are described by Caesar in De Bello Gallico, were an ancient o of religious officials. †1535 For this subject see previous letter†. †1536 Bathia, Pharaoh's daughter, who brought up Moses: 'Bathia, the Pharaoh's daughter, came, attended by her maiden and entering the water she chanced to see the box of bulrushes, and, pitying the infant, she rescued him from death' (The Talm †1537 Apparently a silent quotation from Milton, Sonnets, XI, lines 8/11: 'Why is it harder, sirs, than Gordon,/Colkitto, or Macdonnel, or Galasp?/Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek/That would have made Quintilian stare and gasp' (th has been suggested to me by James G. Howie). †1538 Loch Tay, Perthshire, south of the river Tay. †1539 A parish in north-west Argyllshire, which forms the greater part of a peninsula extending south westward to the Sou

Mull. †1540 The 'opinion upon paper..... more for your satisfaction than from either a wish or expectation of making converts of others', which he has sent to Ferguson 'under another cover' (see letter 281†). †1541 Not traced. †1542 On his way to Rome. For the subject of the visit to Italy see Appendix L†. †1543 Girolamo Lucchesini, from Lucca, Tuscany, 'the well known diplomatic of the court of Frederick II of Prussia, the kin table companion and secret Minister of State and War, afterwards residing ambassador of Frederick William III at Paris' (ESNI). †1544 German, 'immediately'. †1545 Geschwind, German, 'quick, fast'. †1546 Apparently the Hon. Robert Walpole (mentioned again, next letter, n. 7), the youngest son of Horatio, Lord Walpole (1678-1757), diplomat, the brother of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford. He is referred to in H. Walpole, George III, IV, p. 12 from NHL, p. 186 n.). †1547 Not traced. †1548 A 'Factory' in Scotland is 'an authority granted to a person to act on behalf of another' (SND). †1549 Here Ferguson refers to the paralytic stroke which he suffered early in 1781. †1550 The Elector of Bavaria, Karl Theodor, Kurfürst von Pfalz-Bayern (1724-99), an 'enlightened' prince, and a magnifice patron of arts and literature. On the death of Emperor Leopold II, 1 March 1792, he became Vicar-Emperor. In 1793 he took pa the war against France, but lost Mannheim. He also took part in the 2nd coalition, his army being under Austrian command (AD †1551 Frederick William II (1744-97), grandson and successor, 17 August 1786, of Frederick the Great, as King of Prussia During the campaign of France, 1792, he personally led his army, but at Valmy was defeated, with the Duke of Brunswick, by Dumouriez and Kellermann. In January 1793 and January 1795 he took part in the second and third partition of Poland. On 5 A 1795 he signed with France the separate peace of Basel, leaving to the French the left bank of the Rhine (NDB). †1552 Franz Joseph (1768-1835), the son and successor of Leopold II of Tuscany (d. 1 March 1792), faced Napoleon in t coalitions of 1792-7, 1799-1801, 1805, 1809, which ended with the treaties of Campoformio, Lunéville, Pressburg, Schönbrunn, consequence of which Austria lost its western territories. After the defeats of Aspern and Wagram, 1809, he appointed prince Clement Metternich as his foreign minister, and had to accept the marriage of his daughter Mary Louise with Napoleon. After th battle of Waterloo he was the main supporter of the principle of legitimacy, i.e., of the restoration of the ancien régime in Europe (NDB). †1553 See letter 283†. †1554 See previous letter, n. 5. † †1555 See previous letter, n. 6. † †1556 See previous letter, n. 7. † †1557 Apparently Hon. James Stuart Mackenzie (see letter 33 n. 1) † described by Lady Louisa Stuart as 'the best humo mortal alive' (The Commons). But, possibly, James Stuart (1741- 1815), General, born at Blairhall, Perthshire, educated at Edinb Univ., 1757. He served in the American War of Independence, and afterwards in India, 1782-1805 (DNB). †1558 See previous letter, n. 1. † †1559 A light two-wheeled carriage, or chaise, for one person. †1560 Not traced. †1561 A city in north-east Italy famous for its Arena. It is situated on the Adige at the southern end of the Brenner Pass. †1562 On the river Thames south of Tower Bridge.

†1563 Padua is about thirty miles west of Venice. †1564 See letters 283† and 285†. †1565 The Cimbri and Teutones were defeated by Caius Marius in 102 BC at Aquae Sextiae (Aix-en-Provence), and in 10 the Campi Raudii near Vercelli, Piedmont (see Roman Republic, I, 370-6). †1566 Catulus was compelled by the Teutones to withdraw to Verona, on the Adige. †1567 I.e., a coach driver: see previous letter†. †1568 Loreto is a town on the Adriatic sea, south of Ancona. †1569 Count Federico Manfredini (1743-1829), who served Austria against the Turks and was promoted General and Mag of Hungary by Emperor Leopold. In 1791 he became Prime Minister of Arch-Duke Ferdinand in Tuscany and afterwards was Fie Marshal Lt. of the Austrian Army. †1570 See letter 285†. †15701 Apparently Sir George O'Brien Wyndham (1751-1837), 3rd Earl of Egremont. A politician and patron of fine art, he appointed August 1793, to a seat on the board of agriculture. For many years he was a leading figure in London society (DNB) †15702 Not traced. †1571 Luke 2:37. †1572 Katharine, daughter of James Bannatyne, minister of Trinity College, whom Blair had married in 1748, died 9 Febru

1795 (FES). †1573 Apparently refers to the Unpublished Essays, which he was then writing. †1574 Curiously enough, Lord Cockburn in his Memorials, p. 49, says that Ferguson, after his retirement from teaching, 'lo like a philosopher from Lapland'. †1575 'In 1789 [Macpherson] visited Florence, where his advice was asked by the Grand-Duke Leopold on financial and administrative matters. When Leopold became Emperor in 1790 he visited him at Vienna' (DNB). In 1791 Leopold was succeede a Grand-Duke of Tuscany, by his son Ferdinand III. Apparently Ferguson refers here to him. †15751 See also, on the death of Katharine Ferguson, the letter of Joseph Black to his brother George, dated Edinburgh, March 1795: 'Dear Brother... our friend Mrs Ferguson has fallen a Victim to the Severity of this winter, She was worn down to an

extreme degree of weakness and died about 6 or 7 days since[?]Adam desires me to Send his love to your Son George & his friends in Ireland....' (EUL, Gen. 874/V/70-71). †1576 An old fortalice on the north bank of the river Tweed, one mile west of Peebles, the residence of the Fraser family, progenitors of the family of Lovat and Saltoun. In 1650 the castle was garrisoned by the young Lord Yester against Cromwell, b being battered on its southern side, was at last forced to surrender.

In 1686 it was purchased by the 1st Duke of Queensberry, and by him settled on his second son, the Earl of March. Dur the first half of the 18th century it was the summer home of the Earls of March, the 3rd of whom in 1778 became by inheritance Duke of Queensberry. †1577 Mr Tait. †1578 Francis Humberston Mackenzie (1754-1815), Baron Seaforth and Mackenzie, MP for Ross-shire, 1784-90, in 1787 raised a Highland regiment for service in India, in 1793 the 'Ross-shire Buffs', 78th foot, or 2nd Seaforth, and a second battalion the regiment in 1794, which was amalgamated with the 1st battalion at the Cape in 1795. In 1798 he was appointed Colonel of 2nd North-British, or Caithness, Sutherland and Cromarty militia, and in November 1800 Governor of Barbados, where he promo law for the relief of the slaves (DNB). †1579 Not traced. †1580 Mr Tait. †1581 About 1798 the Duke of Queensberry stripped the ground near Drumlanrig and Neidpath Castle of the geater part o their fine plantations in order to furnish a dowry for Maria Fagnani, whom he supposed to be his daughter. 'On the same lady George Selwyn, also in recognition of paternal claims, bestowed a large fortune; and it was generally supposed that Queensber and Selwyn were both equally mistaken' (DNB).

William Wordsworth, after visiting Neidpath with his sister Dorothy in 1803, satirized in a sonnet the behaviour of the 'Degenerate Douglas', who destroyed 'A brotherhood of venerable Trees / Beggared and outraged.... many hearts deplored / Th of those old Trees'. The depredations of the Duke were also the theme of a poem by Robert Burns, who conceived a special aversion for him. †1582 For the same subject see previous letter†. †1583 The peace of Basel, 5 April 1795, between Frederick William II of Prussia and the French. †1584 For this subject see letter 291. † †15841 Joseph Ferguson. †15842 See Appendix E† for Ferguson's unsuccessful attempt to get an appointment on the Board of Supervisors for the

Indies. †15843 Mr Tait.

†1585 The recurring subject of Unpublished Essays: see, e.g., no. 1, 'Of Perfection and Happiness', no. 2, 'What may be affirmed or apprehended of the Supreme Creative Being', no. 13, 'Of Cause & Effect Ends & Means Order Combination and De †1586 A town and parish in Stirlingshire, about six miles north-east of Stirling. In 1775 the estate was sold by the owner, Alva, to a cadet of the Westerhall Johnstones, i.e. to John Johnstone. †1587 Bear, bere, bair, is a hardier and coarser kind of barley; a bannock is a round flat cake, often of oats. †1588 For this see previous letter. † †1589 Sir Ralph Abercromby of Tullibody (1734-1801), the general who shares with Sir John Moore credit for renewing the discipline of the British soldier, was educated at the universities of Edinburgh and Leipzig, and entered the army in 1756. As MP opposed the American war, but distinguished himself in the campaign in Flanders in 1793-5. In November 1795 he started for th West Indies at the head of 15,000 men, to reduce the French sugar islands, and on his return, December 1797, was sent to Ire to command the troops there. Immensely popular in Scotland, in June 1800 he reached Minorca as commander of the troops in Mediterranean, but was wounded by the French in the battle near Aboukir Bay on 21 March 1801, and died on 28 March on bo the flagship, the Foudroyant (DNB). †1590 Apparently refers to art. XII of the Constitution of 1795, which established 'the qualities required to belong to the Co of Ancients', and to art. XIII, which established that 'half the members... shall go out every two years'. Furthermore, on 17 July t Convention decided the modes 'to determine who shall be the members who go out of the Convention'. †1591 This is the leading idea of the essay 'Of the French Revolution', Unpublished Essay no. XIV. †1592 A fast stage-coach. †1593 Apparently refers to Pendrich, Lasswade, Midlothian, but the reading of the text is conjectural. †1594 The Dominican Republic was the first European colony in America, established by Columbus in 1493. By the treaty Basle in 1795, Spain ceded it to France, which already owned it in part. †1595 Gibraltar was conquered by the British troops in 1704, during the war of Spanish Succession. During the American it was besieged by the Spaniards from 29 June 1779 to 6 February 1783, when the siege came to an end in consequence of th treaty of Versailles. †1596 'Cover your face well, before stirring up a hornet's nest'. †1597 A hamlet near the left bank of Jed Water, seven miles south-west of Jedburgh. †1598 Not traced. †1599 See letters 297† and 298†. Macpherson was then at Edinburgh, setting out for Glasgow and Ireland. †1600 Assignats were paper money issued by the revolutionary government of France. †1601 'The yokel waits for the river to flow away', Horace, Epistles, I, ii, 42. †1602 Neither in the lexicon of Horace, nor, in general, in Latin literature, can be found any plausible reference to the nam Aulius. But, apparently, Ferguson refers to himself. †1603 John Johnstone of Alva. †1604 To pass, or cross the Rubicon, i. e. 'to take a decisive step that commits one to an enterprise'. The Rubicon is a riv North Italy, marking the ancient boundary between Italy and the Cisalpine Gaul. By taking his legions across it, in 49 BC Julius Caesar committed himself to war against the Senate. †1605 A Writer to the Signet (WS) was a member of a society of solicitors in Edinburgh. †1606 John Macpherson Ferguson, the youngest of Ferguson's four sons, was born in Edinburgh on 15 August 1784, and entered the Royal Navy as a 'first class volunteer', in December 1796, at the age of twelve, on board the Caesar, being employ three years in the blockade of Brest. After serving on several warships, on 22 October 1810 he obtained the command of the Pandora, a sloop which wrecked on the Skawe reef off the coast of Jutland. In consequence of this misadventure he became fo some time a prisoner of the Danes. He afterwards commanded the Nimrod on the Leith station, 1815-17, and the Mersey in So America, 1823-7. He retired on 1 October 1846.

He married Elizabeth Lauder Guild, with whom he had one son, Adam (Addie), who joined the Black Watch, and died in September 1865. Admiral Ferguson died on 8 June 1855, aged seventy. His mortal remains rest, with those of his wife and his in Old Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh, side by side with Sir Adam, the 'Merry Knight' (Records, pp. 180-4; NBD). †1607 Charon, the aged ferryman who in Greek mythology ferried the souls of the dead across the river Styx. †1608 Sir William Pulteney. †1609 Miss Betty Johnstone. †1610 Not traced. †1611 Captain Joseph Ferguson. †1612 A recurring topic in Ferguson's Unpublished Essays: see. e.g., no. 13, 'Of Cause & effect Ends & Means Order Combination and Design': 'One System of Nature, consisting.... of Ends & Means, bears in every Department the Indications of Intelligence, of Wisdom & Goodness in the first Cause' (f. 4). †1613 Not traced.

†1614 'A general attack was made by the Austrians, under Clairfait, on the 10th inst., on Pichegru's army, ..... the French driven from all their posts..... On the succeeding day, the French were again attacked by the Austrians, in the vicinity of Franken where they sustained a second defeat..... General Clairfait took possession of Worms on the 11th, and established his headqua at Frankenthal' ('Defeat of the French', in Edinburgh Advertiser, 1- 4 December 1795, p. 357). †1615 John Johnstone of Alva (see previous letter) †. †1616 Adam Ferguson, Ferguson's son. The letter has not been traced. †1617 The Duke's man of business, as referred to in letters 292† and 293†. †1618 Duke of Queensberry. The letter has not been traced. †1619 Duke. †1620 Queensberry. †1621 Not traced. †1622 The Duke of Queensberry suffered growing infirmities during the last period of his life, which he spent in his house Piccadilly, now no. 138, next to Park Lane. The peculiar porch of his house, still standing, was constructed to suit his infirmities. †1623 Sir William Pulteney. †1624 John Lowther Johnstone. †1625 John Johnstone of Alva. †1626 Italian (Latin 'pestis'), for plague. †1627 Macpherson's 'country acquisition', mentioned in letter 319. † †1628 'Black care mounts on the horseman's pillion' (Horace, Odes, III, i, 40). †1629 Laputa, the flying island in Swift's Gulliver's Travels, whose inhabitants are addicted to visionary projects; hence chimerical, absurd. †1630 James Macpherson died at Belville, Inverness-shire, on 17 February 1796. †1631 For this subject see letters 281† and 282†. †1632 Of the death of Turnus Virgil writes in the last line of the Aeneid: 'Vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.' †1633 In ancient Greek, inward parts, viscera, or intestines. †1634 Apparently James Macknight (1721-1800), DD, author of A Harmony of the Four Gospels, London, 1756, and of A Literal Translation ... of all the Apostolical Epistles, Edinburgh, 1795 (DNB). It is not clear which review Ferguson means. †1635 Here Ferguson refers to the window tax (see Carlyle, passim). †1636 Whitsunday is the seventh Sunday after Easter, and one of the Scottish term days, ordinarily 15 May, but in certain cases 26 May or 28 May. †1637 The feast of St Martin, 11 November. †1638 Mr Tait. †1639 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and his wife, Elizabeth Montagu. †1640 For this subject see letters 317 n. 3† and 323 n. 6. † †1641 The French Revolution is a recurrent topic in the letters of this period, and is also the subject of Unpublished Essay XIV, 'Of the French Revolution with its actual and still impending consequences in Europe'. †1642 'Ceterum censeo Carthaginem delendam esse' ('for the rest, I think that Carthage must be destroyed') were the wo with which Cato the Elder used to conclude every speech in the Roman Senate. In consequence of his exhortations, in the yea BC the Romans destroyed Carthage, which, though defeated in the two Punic wars, was still a danger to the greatness of Rom †1643 Of the Batavian Republic. With the Treaty of The Hague (16 May 1795) the Republic of United Provinces was chan into a democratic, egalitarian, Batavian Republic (1795-1806), with a Directory and two Councils. †1644 The Hydra was a many-headed snake of the Lernean Marshes in Argolis whose heads grew again as they were cu It was killed by Hercules. †1645 From this reference, occurring in letter 306, the date of the present letter has been inferred. †1646 This episode is mentioned in letter 307 to A. Carlyle. Also from it has been inferred the date of the present letter. †1647 'Adam has a complete belle lettre Education.... He has also by nature a vein of pleasantry & good humour... But I w he had also the Solid & usefull good qualities which you possess which are attention to business & accuracy & dispatch in the execution of it. Adam can do business, but he does not like it & is deficient in proper activity attention & sharpness: He likes be to spend his time in company & jaw' (Dr Black to his nephew George, 9 November 1799, EUL MS Gen. 874, f. 122). †1648 Apparently a son of Samuel Burnet, who is mentioned in letter 316† as residing in London, and in letter 375† as Ferguson's brother-in-law.

†1649 Latin locution, meaning 'other things being equal'. †1650 This subject recurs in letters 308†, 317† and 323†. †1651 See letter 307†. †1652 James Ferguson. †1653 'Born for philosophy'. †1654 'Born for the attitudes'. †1655 Scottish for child, i. e. good child. †1656 King of Israel, c. 970-930 BC, famed for his wisdom. †1657 The Duke of Queensberry and Mr Tait. †1658 Hallyards near Peebles. †1659 George Selwyn (1719-91), wit and politician, adopted Maria Fagnani, daughter of the Marchesa Fagnani (she marri 1798, Francis Charles, 3rd marquis of Hertford, and died at Paris, 1856). A dispute between Selwyn and Queensberry as to the paternity of Maria was never settled. Both Selwyn and the Duke left her large sums (DNB). †1660 Jenison Shaftoe (c. 1728-71), of Wratting Park, Cambs., MP 1761-71, was 'a well known sportsman, owner of race horses, member of London Clubs, and gambler'. Once he rode '100 miles a day on Newmarket Heath for 29 successive days; a again, for a bet, 50 miles in two hours' (The Commons).

As for Queensberry, who had a house at Newmarket overlooking the race-course, he owned an unsurpassed stud of race horses, and dressed his stablemen and jockeys in scarlet jackets, velvet caps, and buckskin breeches. In 1756 he won a match person, dressed in his own colours (DNB). †1661 George Robertson (1750-1832), topographical writer, occupied a farm at Granton, near Edinburgh, and was actively engaged in agricultural affairs in different parts of Scotland until shortly before his death. Among his publications is the General of the Agriculture of the County of Midlothian, Edinburgh, 1793, London, 1794; 'with additional remarks of several respectable gentlemen and farmers in the country', Edinburgh, 1795 (DNB). For the parish of Kirknewton see Appendix 6, pp. 53-60, 'Examp of Ingenious Economy in the practice of Mr Johnston of Hillhouse, near Kirknewton'. †1662 Elizabeth Montagu, wife of Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. †1663 The first child of Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and of Elizabeth Montagu (who were married in London, 23 March 1795) was George Henry (1798-1808). †1664 The Duke of Queensberry. †1665 Francis, 5th Earl of Wemyss (1723-1808). On 23 December 1810 on the death of William, 4th Duke of Queensberr castle and barony of Neidpath were inherited by Francis Wemyss Charteris (1772-1853), as heir of his mother Ann Douglas, wif David, 3rd Earl of Wemyss and only daughter of William, 1st Duke of Queensberry (SP). †1666 John Erskine (1721-1803), DD, theologian, born in Edinburgh and educated at the university there, was the son of Henry, Lord Cardross, Professor of Scots law. In 1758 he was transferred to New Greyfriars, Edinburgh, and in 1767 to Old Greyfriars, where he became the colleague of Principal Robertson, with whom he was associated for twenty-six years. He was t author of twenty-five publications, and was heartily devoted to the doctrines and aims of the evangelical party (DNB). †1667 John Geddes (1735-99), Scottish Catholic prelate, educated at the Scots College of Rome, 1750, and superior of th seminary at Scalan, 1762-7. In 1799 he was appointed coadjutor to Bishop Hay, Vicar Apostolic of the Lowland district of Scotla and on 30 November 1780 he was consecrated at Madrid Bishop of Morocco in partibus infidelium. He resided for the most par Edinburgh, making occasional excursions throughout the country (DNB). †1668 Adam, Ferguson's son (for the same subject see letter 303 n. 1.) †. †1669 Ruthven, Angus, near Alyth. †1670 One of the Gordons of Hallhead, related to Ferguson (see 'Minutes', p. 1). †1671 The Duke of Queensberry. †1672 At Hallyards near Peebles, where he was to move (see letter 313†, 2 June 1796, the first letter dated from Hallyard †1673 Reigate, a town in Surrey, about twenty miles from Central London (apparently the country retirement of Macpherso see letter 305, n. 2†) †1674 François d'Ivernois, Swiss politician and economist (1757-1842), in consequence of his opposition to the French revolution was sentenced to death but in 1794 took refuge in England where he spent twenty years. In 1797 he was knighted b George III, and at the Congress of Vienna represented his country. He was one of the authors of the liberal constitution of Gene (Larousse).

The pamphlet mentioned here by Ferguson could be Réflexions sur la guerre en réponse aux 'Réflections sur la paix' adressées à M. Pitt et aux Français, London 1795; or even Coup d'oeil sur les assignats et sur l'état où la Convention actuelle les finances à ses successeurs, London 1795; or, alternately, Etat des finances et des ressources de la République Française a Janvier 1796, London, 1796. †1675 At Cairo Montenotte in the province of Savona, north-west Italy, Napoleon won his first battle against the Piedmonte army on 10-12 April 1796. †1676 Latin, 'let him beware'.

†1677 Mr Tait. †1678 A republic in Northern Italy between Romagna and Marche, the smallest republic in the world, situated mostly on th slopes of Mount Titano (749 m. high). Cardinal Valenti Gonzaga in 1786 besieged it in order to incorporate its territory in the ecclesiastical state, but in 1796 it was 'recognized' by Napoleon as a 'sister republic'. †1679 Unidentified. †1680 For this subject see letter 313†. †1681 For this problem see letter 306†. †1682 A mansion in Manor parish, Peeblesshire, on the left bank of Manor water, three miles south-west of Peebles. Here 1797 Ferguson received a visit from Sir Walter Scott, and took him to see the Black Dwarf (see Scott's Introduction to the nove Black Dwarf).

During this period the proprietor of Hallyards was the Skene family (Pitfour from 1747 to be called Hallyards). For Philip S see letter 180 n. 10†. David Skene, 4th Laird of Pitfour and 8th of Hallyards, died unmarried in 1803 and was succeeded by his aunt, Mrs Moncrieff, who died 1826, aged 96 (BLG., p. 2320). †1683 See letter 310, n. 15†. †1684 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and his wife, Elizabeth Montagu, as mentioned in letter 310†. †1685 Sir John was elected MP for Horsham, Sussex on 30 May 1796. †1686 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. XIV, 'Of the French Revolution', and a reference to the contents of Unpublished Essay no. IV, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1687 The Duke of Queensberry, who in 1790 secured the return for Linlithgow Burghs to William Grieve (d. by 1806), his medical attendant (The Commons). †1688 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, in 1796 returned for Linlithgow Burghs James George, Viscount Stopford (1765-183 who had married his daughter, Lady Mary Montagu Scott on 29 January 1791 (The Commons). †1689 Duke of Queensberry. †1690 The Grassum was 'a sum paid by a tenant at the grant or renewal of a lease' (NSD). †1691 John Macpherson Ferguson, Ferguson's son. †1692 Captain John Willett Payne (1752-1803), Rear-Admiral, who distinguished himself in several actions in America. Tow the end of the summer of 1796 he was appointed to the Impétueux (DNB). Apparently Ferguson refers to this appointment. †1693 His sons John and Joseph. †1694 For the subject of the frank see letter 193 n. 1†. Ferguson means that in any case he will pay for the postage of th letters of his friend, if they are not franked. †1695 Robert and Charles Greville. Robert was elected MP for New Windsor in 1796. †1696 Hallyards. †1697 The Duke of Queensberry. †1698 See previous letter n. 6†. †1699 Latin adverb, meaning 'first of all'. †1700 John Macpherson Ferguson, Ferguson's son. †1701 Not traced. †1702 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1703 Adam Ferguson, then Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh. †1704 Sir James Stirling of Larbert (1740-1805), Bt., Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1790-2, 1794-6, 1798-1800. Son of a mer in Edinburgh, he moved to the West Indies as secretary to the Governor of Jamaica, and on his return became partner in the banking house of Mansfield, Ramsay & Co. He held at various times the posts of director of the Bank of Scotland, Master of the Merchant Company, President and Director of the Chamber of Commerce (LPE). †1705 Sir Charles Edmund Nugent (?1759-1844), Admiral of the Fleet, entered the navy in 1771, and after various service the Mediterranean and in North America, in Spring 1795 was appointed to the Caesar, which he commanded in the Channel un promotion to the rank of Rear-Admiral (20 February 1797). He became Vice-Admiral in January 1801, and Admiral of the fleet in 1833. In 1783 he was returned to Parliament as a Member for Buckingham, and in that capacity was a steady supporter of the government (DNB). †1706 Captain Payne. †1707 Joseph Burnett. †1708 Adam Ferguson, Writer to the Signet. †1709 Joseph and John Macpherson Ferguson, Ferguson's sons.

†1710 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1711 For this subject see letters 308† and 309†. †1712 Sir William Pulteney. †1713 Apparently Alexander Johnstone, illegitimate son of Governor George Johnstone. †1714 Captain Joseph Ferguson. †1715 Unidentified. †1716 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1717 Emperor Leopold II died on 1 March 1792. His successor was his son Francis II (1768— 1835). It is not clear what project Ferguson refers to. †1718 For his son, John Macpherson Ferguson. †1719 Samuel Burnet, Ferguson's brother-in-law. †1720 Not traced. †1721 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1722 Apparently the 'fine villa near London' referred to in letter 310 by Carlyle as having been left to Sir John by James Macpherson, or the 'country retreat', mentioned above, letter 305† (see also Reigate, mentioned in letter 311, n. 6†). †1723 'Rus in Urbe', Martial, Epigrammata, XII, lvii, 21. The continuation, partly from Martial, partly coined by Ferguson, ca translated: 'if not the country in the city, then the city and the world in the country'. †1724 Lindisfarne, in the North Sea, about eight miles off the coast of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The feasts of Newcastle prob refer to some private event in the family of Carlyle, whose sister-in-law was living at Newcastle (see Carlyle, p. 209 and passim †1725 Neidpath Castle. †1726 John Lowther Johnstone (see letter 304, n. 5). †1727 Sigmund Dagobert, Graf von Würmser (1724—97), Austrian Field Marshal, in 1795 was supreme commander of the army on the Rhine. On 1 July 1796, while at his headquarters at Trient, he received orders to relieve Mantua from the siege of French. On 5 August, between Castiglione and Rovereto, his army, divided in three columns, was defeated by Napoleon, who blocked the way to Mantua. The city capitulated on 7 February 1797 (BLKO). †1728 The word 'Morses' is in a handwriting other than Ferguson's. Apparently it indicates the carrier's name. †1729 John Macpherson Ferguson, Ferguson's son. †1730 Not traced. †1731 Austria and Prussia. †1732 The Austrians aimed at taking the Republic of Venice, which was eventually ceded to them by Napoleon (Prelimina of Leoben, 18 April 1797, afterwards Peace of Campoformio, 17 October 1797). In return they ceded the Low Countries to Fran †1733 Karl Ludwig von Habsburg (1771—1847), Arch-Duke of Austria, 3rd son of the Emperor Leopold II. In 1796 he was appointed to the supreme command of the army on the Rhine, and repeatedly defeated Jourdan and Moreau, obliging them to recross the Rhine. Soon after he had to face Napoleon in Northern Italy at the battles of Tagliamento and Tarvisio. Until 1809 h the most formidable opponent of the French. He beat Napoleon at Aspern (21—22 May 1809), but at Wagram (5—6 July) was obliged to withdraw to Znaìm, where an armistice was signed (BLKO). †1734 Jean Baptiste de Jourdan (1762—1833), French revolutionary general, winner of the battle of Fleurus, 1794, was th unsuccessful opponent of Prince Karl von Habsburg in the 'memorable' campaign of 1796 and in the campaign of 1799, when h was again defeated. In 1813, as military commander of King Joseph Napoleon in Spain, he was defeated at the battle of Ebre b Wellington (NBG). †1735 Jean Victor Moreau (1763—1813), the most celebrated of the French revolutionary generals after Napoleon, the win of the battle of Hohenlinden (December 1800), in September-October 1796 was obliged by Arch-Duke Charles to withdraw from German soil, in a retreat which took forty days, until he could cross the Rhine again, on 24 October. In 1799 he was offered the dictatorship, but refused on the ground that he was born to command armies, not government.

Having become the main opponent of Napoleon, in July 1804 he left France for the United States. In June 1813 he move Russia, hoping to raise part of the French army against Napoleon, whom he considered the author of all the evils. Died in Bohe on 2 September having been wounded by a bullet shot by the Guard of Napoleon itself (NBG). †1736 This was, for example, the opinion of John Millar of Glasgow, who maintained that Great Britain had declared war o France essentially in order to check, 'in this country, the progress of French opinions', and that repeatedly British governments 'refused to negotiate and to receive explanations offered them by the French', because 'our ministers were in reality desirous of joining the framers of the league of Pilnitz, and of entering into a war of extermination against France' (see Millar, Letters of Cri Letter VIII, to the Editor of the Scots Chronicle, 12 July 1796 in Letters of Crito, on the Causes, Objects and Consequences of Present War, Edinburgh, 1796, p. 36 and p. 43, Millar, Letters of Crito & Letters of Sidney, edited by V. Merolle, Milano, 1984, p and p. 90). †1737 Bell Ferguson, Ferguson's daughter. †1738 John Lowther Johnstone.

†1739 Not traced. †1740 Italian word, meaning 'right time'. †1741 At Hallyards. †1742 In the French Revolution. †1743 Sir Nathaniel Wraxall (1751—1831), Bt., MP, author of historical memoirs. Among his publications are the Memoirs Courts of Berlin, Dresden, Warsaw and Vienna in the years 1777, 1778, 1779, London 1799, and Historical Memoirs of my own Time, from 1772 to 1884, London, 1815. But Ferguson apparently refers to the History of France from the Accession of Henry I the Death of Louis XIV, London, 1795, or, more probably, to The Correspondence between a Traveller and a Minister of State in October and November, 1792, preceded by Remarks upon the Origin and the Final Object of the Present War, as well as upon Position of Europe in October, 1796, London, 1796. †1744 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1745 Catherine II, or Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, died on 17 November 1796. She was a patron of literature a promoter of Russian culture, encouraged arts and sciences. She founded schools and carried on an extensive correspondenc with, among others, Voltaire and Diderot.

She was succeeded by her son Paul (1754—1801), who involved his country in the second coalition against Napoleon (1 but soon after adopted an anti-British policy, and was assassinated on 21 March 1801 (EB). †1746 'Ad Inferos aut Superos', Latin, 'in Hell or Paradise'. †1747 See 'Message of the Executive Directory to the Council of five hundred', 10 December, 'on the present difficulties'. executive Directory said that 'the pay of the troops remain unsettled... the disgust, arising from their wants, naturally occasions desertion... The Contractors, who daily supply the wants of the armies, with great difficulty obtain only a small part of the sums to them... the disaffected agitate every part of the Republic; murder and assassination are organized in many places, and the administration of police... is unable to check these disorders.... etc.' (The Times, 19 December 1796). †1748 See letters 308†, 309† and 317†. †1749 Hallyards. †1750 'O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint, agricolas!', i.e. 'Ah, blest beyond all bliss the husbandmen, did they but kn their happiness!' (Virgil, Georgics, I, 458 f.). †1751 General Philip Skene. †1752 For this subject cf. letter 320, n. 4†. †1753 'The boastful soldier', from the title of a play by Titus Maccius Plautus (c. 250—184 BC), Roman writer of comedies †17531 Lord Cornwallis. Having been urged by Dundas to go again to India, on 1 February 1797 he was sworn in as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief. †1754 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. 4, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1755 The London office of the East India Company. †1756 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1757 The date 1793 as in Records, apparently added by the authors. †1758 Robert Ferguson (1719—97), Ferguson's brother. †1759 For the annuity of Captain Ferguson see Appendix M†. †1760 Adam Ferguson, Writer to the Signet. †1761 Not traced. †1762 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1763 Captain Nugent was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on 20 February 1797. †1764 Rhoddam Home, Lieutenant 1772, Captain 1779, Rear-Admiral 1779 (The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Roya Navy, II, p. 455). †1765 Latin, force of inertia. †1766 Robert Ferguson (see previous letter†). †1767 For this subject see letter 319 n 3†. †1768 It is not clear to what Ferguson refers. †1769 It is not clear to what he refers. In September 1796 Macpherson had obtained a seat in Parliament for Horsham. †1770 Sir Benjamin Thompson (1753—1814), Count von Rumford, inventor, born at North Woburn, Massachusetts. He mo to Great Britain in 1775, where Lord George Germain appointed him secretary for Georgia, and, in September 1780, under-secr for the colonies. On 17 September 1783 he left England for the continent and spent eleven years at Munich in the service of th Elector of Bavaria as Minister of War. As an inventor, the main object of his life was 'the practical management of fire and the

economy of fuel'. The most relevant of his works was the foundation of the Royal Institution of Great Britain in Albemarle Street London. (DNB). †1771 Pall Mall in London. †1772 Andrew Stuart of Torrance. †1773 In his Unpublished Essays, passim. †1774 'They formed armies, they took officers from the ranks & from the lowest Station' (Unpublished Essay no. XIV, 'Of t French Revolution with its actual and still impending consequences in Europe', f. 8; 'a multitude roused by expectation of a risin Sun of Glory to their Country & unlimited Elevation to preferment & honours, excited in the breasts of every Individual & conduc by Leaders who had gained their Stations by the sole proof or Appearance of Genius & Superior Ability' (ibidem, f. 12). †1775 Napoleon who, soon after the peace of Tolentino (19 February 1797) resumed hostilities occupying the Republic of Venice in May 1797. He defeated the Austrians in a battle on the rivers Tagliamento and Isonzo and crossed the Alps. Austria w consequently compelled to peace, and in the preliminaries of Leoben, 18 April 1797, committed itself to the cession of the Low Countries. †1776 Marie-Jean-Paul Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757—1834), French general and politician, distinguished himself in American War of Independence and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine. In 1778 he felt outraged by a manifesto of the commissioners and challenged Lord Carlisle to a duel (for this episode see Fagg, pp. 187—8). In 1780 he was given by the Congress the task of defending Virginia, menaced by Arnold and Cornwallis.

During the French Revolution, as commander of the Garde Nationale, he spent his enormous popularity trying to modera excess of the populace in favour of a limited monarchy. In August 1792 he had nevertheless to leave France. The Austrians ma him prisoner, kept him in captivity for five years, and released him on 19 September 1797 (NBG). †1777 Charles François du Périer Dumouriez (1739—1823), French general, the victor at Valmy with Kellermann, and at Jemappes. Being hostile to the Jacobins, after the defeat of Neerwinden he agreed with the Austrians in order to evacuate Belg to march on Paris and re-establish constitutional monarchy. The army, nevertheless, did not support his plans and, when the delegates of the Convention tried to arrest him, he took refuge in the Austrian camp. He died in exile at Turville Park, in Buckinghamshire, England (DBF). †1778 Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine (1740—93), French general, took part in the American War of Independence and distinguished himself in the siege of Yorktown.

On 13 May 1793 he was appointed Supreme Commander of the army which was to conquer Belgium, but, owing to the difficulty of the situation, could not take the 'vigorous offensive' which the Convention expected of him. On 14 July 1793 the Com de Salut Public, dominated by the Jacobins, recalled him to Paris, where the Revolutionary Tribunal accused him of secret intelligence with the enemy and sentenced him to death. The execution took place on 28 August (DBF). †1779 Baron de Montesquieu (d. July 1822 at Bridge Hall, Canterbury), grandson of the author of the Esprit des Lois, too in the American War of Independence and in 1792 left France, joining the army of the 'émigrés'; or, alternately, Anne Pierre, ma de Montesquieu-Fezensac (1739—98), one of the forty members of the nobility who in 1789, joined the 'tiers [?]tat'; having been appointed commander of the army of the south, in September 1792 he conquered Savoy but being charged with compromising dignity of the republic in the negotiations with Geneva, in November had to take refuge abroad. He was allowed to return to Fra in 1795 (NBG). †1780 'Dumurier [sic] led them to Victory, in two or three Instances, and when fortune turned against him on the Side of th Revolution, he proposed to dispose of his Army & join the Austrians in Restoring the King: but.... the people were now Sovereig the Army belonged to the People. When Dumurier met a Column on the March and asked by whose Orders they Moved, he wa answered by the Question, What are you, & was fain to leap a Ditch to get out of Their Way, & was followed by a Volley of Sho which he escaped to meditate on the effects of a Revolution which he hoped to conduct' (Unpublished Essay no. XIV, f. 9). †1781 The Council of 500, which in the 'Constitution of year III', 1795 shared the legislative power with the Council of the Elders (see L. Villat, La Révolution et l'Empire 1789—1815, PUF, 1947, I, pp. 335—40). †1782 The Directorial Triumvirate which on 4 September 1797 alleging a royal conspiracy, with the help of the army decla null and void the elections in 49 departments, invalidated 145 deputies and ordered the deportation to La Guyane of 53 more. †1783 For this subject see previous letter, text corresponding with n. 7. †1784 Latin, 'which is worth 1/12 of the capital a year'; Livy, vii, xiv, 1; Tacitus, Annals, vi, 16. But apparently one ounce li was imposed on privileged correspondents. The sheet has not been traced. †1785 A tributary of the Tweed, which it joins near Hallyards. †1786 It is not clear to what Ferguson refers. †1787 John Robison, Proofs of a conspiracy against all the religions and governments of Europe, carried on in the secret meetings of free-masons, illuminati, and reading societies; collected from good authorities, Edinburgh, 1797.

John Robison (1739—1805), 'one of the greatest mathematical philosophers of his age', born at Boghall, Stirlingshire, educated at Glasgow University, professor of Natural Philosophy in Edinburgh, 1773, and general secretary of the Royal Society 1783, was the author of Elements of Mechanical Philosophy, and of A System of Mechanical Philosophy. In 1799 he prepared f press and published the lectures of Dr Black, whom he had succeeded, in 1766, as a lecturer in chemistry in Glasgow Universit (DNB). †1788 On this subject see Scots Magazine, 59, September 1797, pp. 704—5, which occurred at Tranent, East Lothian. 'In former times our patriotic writers declaimed with vehemence against Government for not putting Scotland on the same footing w England, in refusing[?] Scotland a Militia, and not trusting the Scots with arms to defend themselves... the Militia Act is now in general better understood... in several parishes subscriptions have been entered into by inhabitants to raise a fund for providing substitutes, in case the ballot should fall upon those who might find it inconvenient to serve personally ... we hope that similar p will be generally adopted.' †1789 James Ferguson, b. 15 March 1778.

†1790 For the same problems see previous letter n. 4†. †1791 George Monk (1608—1670), 1st Duke of Albemarle, on 2 January 1660 at the head of the troops quartered in Sco crossed the Tweed into England, and on 3 February entered London.

He soon put an end to the confusion that characterized Richard Cromwell's regime, dissolving parliament and ordering a one. When he refused the supreme power, the Stuart monarchy was restored in the person of King Charles II. †1792 Cuthbert, Lord Collingwood (1750—1810), Vice-Admiral, as commander of the Excellent distinguished himself in the action off Cape St Vincent, 14 February 1797, and in 1797—8 continued service before Cadiz. In the battle of Trafalgar (21 Oct 1805) he led the lee line and by Nelson's death succeeded to the chief command. His career was closely connected with Nelso career at different and critical stages, and he is generally spoken of as Nelson's compeer and as one of the greatest of England admirals (DNB).

Admiral Collingwood was related to Carlyle's wife, having married Sara Blacket, eldest daughter of Carlyle's sister-in-law, (Carlyle, pp. 209—12). †1793 '... intelligence having been received that a treasure-ship from Manila had put into Teneriffe, it was decided in July t make the attempt... By midnight the frigates were within three miles of the landing place; but there strong wind and contrary cur delayed them... This discovered, the hope of surprise was lost... The following morning, July 23rd, Nelson abandoned the attem upon the fort, recalling the frigates' (A. T. Mahan, Life of Nelson, 2nd ed., 1899, vol. I, pp. 299—303). †1794 Apparently John Erasmus Blacket of Newcastle, Carlyle's brother-in-law (Carlyle, p. 209). †1795 Longformacus is a small village and a parish in Lammermuirs district, in the presbytery of Duns. †1796 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and his wife, Elizabeth Montagu. †1797 Pitt's budget of November 1797 showed a deficit of twenty-two millions; 'three millions he borrowed from the bank; twelve he obtained from the bank; twelve he obtained by a new loan, and the remaining seven he provided for by a triple assessment[?], charging the payers of assessed taxes on a graduate scale' (DNB). †1798 'On the 16 Sept. Lord Malmesbury got an order to quit the kingdom within a few hours, and the negotiation for pea broken off, but nothing is said regarding this step in the Paris papers. Time will probably unravel all these mysterious transaction (Scots Magazine, Vol. 60, September 1798, p. 699, Foreign Intelligence). †1799 For the same subject see letter 328. †1800 Galashiels is in Selkirkshire, 28 miles south-east of Edinburgh †1801 Latin, 'secret, mysterious things'. †1802 George Chalmers (1742—1825), antiquary and historian, born at Fochabers, Moray, was educated at King's College Aberdeen and at the University of Edinburgh. When twenty-one years of age he accompanied his uncle to Maryland and practis a lawyer at Baltimore. Returning to Great Britain at the outbreak of the war he settled in London in 1775, and devoted himself t literature. In 1807 he issued the first volume of Caledonia, designed to embrace the whole antiquities and history of Scotland in volumes, but only three were published, the second in 1820 and the third in 1824 (DNB). On the subject of this letter see also N MS 21.1.8., f. 249, Sir Adam Ferguson to George Chalmers, Office for Trade, Whitehall, London:

'Dear Sir, I am favoured with yours of the 2d Currt inclosing a letter to My Father, along with a list of Gaelic Names of dif places in Perthshire, which I have forwarded to him at Hallyards by Peebles where he at present resides. It would give me muc pleasure could I be of any assistance to you in the very laborious and extensive work in which you are engaged..... I would fain however that My Father be of Some little use to you, Loggierait is the place of his Nativity, and he Still retains a little smattering the Gaelic language, but it is now so long Since he has visited his Native country that I am much afraid his memory may fail hi little, he is however I believe acquainted with some intelligent people in the district of Perthshire from which you wish the explan to be given.... My Father will think himself fortunate can he be of any little Service to one Who has been always thro' life So Ste a friend to his Worthy deceased brother....' (the letter of Sir Adam is dated Edinburgh Chapel Street, 9 Janry 1798). †1803 Robert Ferguson, whose acquaintance George Chalmers could have made at Baltimore and whom he could have s again in London. †1804 Not traced. †1805 Thomas Bisset, son of Robert Bisset, minister of Blair Atholl; ordained February 1755, DD St Andrews November 1 d. October 1800. He married Ann, daughter of Adam Fergusson, minister of Moulin. His son Robert, LLD (1759—1805) was the author of the Life of Edmund Burke (FES), and of a short Life of Dr Adam Fergusson, 1798. †1806 Ayrshire is a county in south-west Scotland. †1807 Galloway is an extensive district in the south-west corner of Scotland. It originally included parts of Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire. †1808 Robert Stewart (1776—1800), son of Adam Stewart of Cluny, Perthshire, Cadet 1797, Ensign 1798, Lieutenant 179 (OBA). Adam Stewart was the son of Ferguson's sister Mary and of Duncan Stewart. †1809 For this subject see previous letter†. †1810 For the Ossian controversy see letters 198†, 199†, 200†, 202†, 204†, 404† and 411†. On the subject of this letter Malcolm Laing's preface to The Works of Ossian, containing the Poetical Works of James Macpherson, Edinburgh 1805, pp. x-x the correspondence just published by the Highland Society, Dr Adam Ferguson tells us, that he had informed his friend, Mr Joh Home, of certain ancient poems preserved in the Highlands; one of which..... he himself had committed to writing,... from the recitation of a journeyman taylor at his father's house...... The venerable Dr Ferguson, however, will be surprised to learn, that t passages are not to be found in Fingal, nor indeed in MacPherson's Ossian; but the identical words are contained in the Irish b of Ossian Angus an Clerich...' †1811 Correspondents identified from letter 345.

†1812 Of the Roman Republic: see letter 345 n. 1†. †1813 Adam Ferguson, Writer to the Signet, Ferguson's son. †1814 Apparently the subject of the 'printed paper' to Dr Blair, mentioned in letter 317, text corresponding with n. 3†, and letters 308† and 309†. †1815 The same subject occurs in letter 321, text corresponding with n. 9†. †1816 Ça ira ('it will go') was a song of the French revolution whose words were put to an older tune called 'le carillon national'. The song rivalled the 'Carmagnole' during the terror, but was forbidden by the Directory. †1817 Général Dumouriez, Tableau Spéculatif de l'Europe, 2nd edition, September 1798, partially translated into English b Joseph Stockdale as A Speculative Picture of Europe, London, 1798. †1818 See Hansard, Parl. Debates, 'Debate in the Commons on Mr Pitt's Proposition for the Redemption of the Land Tax' 22, 23 April, 9, 30 May. †1819 The Roman Republic, a new edition, five vols, revised and corrected, Edinburgh, 1799. †1820 Genealogical History of the Stewarts, from the earliest period of their authentic history to the present times, by And Stuart, Esq. MP, London, 1798. See also Supplement to the Genealogical History of the Stewarts, with corrections and additions containing Answers to an Anonymous Attack on that History published at Edinburgh in Feb. 1799, under the title of The Geneal History of the Stewarts refuted, By Andrew Stuart, Esq., MP, London, 1799. †1821 See letter 330†. †1822 Thanet, isle of, forming north-eastern tip of Kent. †1823 Clifton was then a residential suburb of Bristol in county Avon. †1824 Gil Blas is the masterpiece of Alain-René Le Sage (1668—1747), French novelist and playwright who specialized in picaresque narrative. It was translated into English by Smollett in 1747. For the episode here referred to see vol. III, chap. iv (p —8 in Smollett's translation). †1825 'Early on Saturday morning his Grace the Duke of Portland, sent a letter to the Lord Mayor for the public informatio The principal contents of these dispatches were however anticipated in the Times of Saturday, stating that many thousands of th rebel troops had been surrounded on the Curragh of Kildare, and had laid down their arms, and delivered up a number of their leaders' (The Times, 4 June 1798). †1826 For the campaign in Egypt. †1827 The Genealogical History (see above, previous letter) †. †1828 Francesco Guicciardini (1483—1540), Florentine politician and historian, was the promoter of the League of Cognac May 1526, between the King of France and the Italian states, against the Emperor Charles V. Notwithstanding his efforts as a general lieutenant of the Pope, the Lutheran Landsknechte of Georg von Frundsberg in May 1527 entered Rome, and horribly sacked the city. This episode marks the end of the Italian Renaissance.

Guicciardini was the author of Storie Fiorentine, Dialogo del Reggimento di Firenze, Ricordi politici e civili, Considerazion discorsi del Machiavelli, Storia d'Italia. †1829 Stuart or Stewart, Bernard or Bérault, 3rd Seigneur of Aubigny (c. 1447—1508), son of John, and grandson of Sir J Stuart of Darnley, 1st Seigneur of Aubigny, was high in favour with the French sovereign. In 1494 he accompanied Charles VIII triumphal entry into Florence. Thereafter he was made Governor of Calabria and Lieutenant-General of the French army, and in 1495 gained a great victory near Seminara over the King of Naples and Consalvo de Cordoba. In 1499 he took part in the cam of Louis XII in Italy, and was appointed Governor of Milan. In 1501 he completed the conquest of Naples, but on 21 April was defeated at Seminara, and imprisoned in the great tower of Castel Nuovo at Naples. He died in Scotland at Corstorphine and h body was buried at Blackfriars, Edinburgh (DNB; but see esp. Guicciardini, Storia d'Italia, passim; see furthermore Genealogical History, pp. 197—208, 'Proofs concerning Bernard or Bérault Stuart'). †1830 The Latin Rerum Scoticarum Historia, 1582, of George Buchanan (1506—82), historian and scholar, was long the m source for the knowledge of Scottish history. Buchanan was also an elegant poet in Latin and the author of De Iure Regni, 1579 which he defends the limited monarchy, states the duties of monarchs and subjects to each other and the right of popular electi the kings (on Buchanan see J. D. McFarlane, Buchanan, 1981). †1831 After printing several documents which prove the 'falsehood' of Buchanan, Stuart writes: 'Buchanan has outstript all authors in the extent of the falsehoods which he has ventured to give as real history, and in the desire manifested by him of bastardizing King Robert III and of making it be believed that the children of King Robert II by Euphemia Ross had a preferable to the crown of Scotland. This falsehood was not of an innocent nature, but very malicious, and might have been productive of bad consequences. Whatever Buchanan's views may have been in propagating these fictions, they cannot fail, when detected, o discrediting him as an historian, and at the same time affecting his character as a man' (Supplement to the Genealogical History 424—5). †1832 Buchanan celebrated the marriage of Mary and Darnley in Strenae et Pompae, and in reward for his services recei pension and other benefices. He was appointed tutor to the King, but in the Detectio he calumniated Mary and charged her with intention to murder not only Darnley but also her own child. †1833 Robert II (1316—90) the Steward, son of Walter III, Steward of Scotland, and of Marjorie, daughter of Robert the B was crowned at the Abbey of Scone on 26 March 1371. †1834 Andrew Stuart succeeded to the property of Castlemilk, Lanarkshire, on 18 January 1798, on the death of Sir John Stuart of Castlemilk. †1835 For the reference to the 'Homilies' see previous letter, text corresponding with n. 5†.

†1836 For this subject cf. letter 330†. †1837 The Grotto del Cane is in the Solfatara di Pozzuoli, the crater of a Volcano 12 km. north of Naples, which Ferguso must have visited during his excursion to Italy, especially as in the neighbouring areas are set some of the episodes of Virgil's Aeneid. In particular the Grotto del Cane ('dog's grotto') is so called because the carbon dioxide which comes out from the grou being heavier than the surrounding air, settles itself at a height of one and a half feet approximately, killing a dog, but not a stan man. †1838 Margaret, Stuart's wife and daughter of Sir William Stirling, 4th Baronet of Ardoch, Perth. The sister here mentioned not been identified. †1839 A high or remote summer pasture, usually with a shepherd's hut. †1840 The churchyard of Manor parish, in Peeblesshire, whose church stands on the left bank of the Manor Water. David Ritchie, the 'Black Dwarf', is buried there. †1841 'And many a holy text around she strews / That teach the rustic moralist to die' (Thomas Gray, Elegy written in a Country Churchyard, Strophe XXI). †1842 Ferguson has apparently in mind the following lines: 'I have admired the universe, even so fare well, stranger, havi admired it yourself also', ὡς αὐτὸς τὸν θεῖον ἐγώ ποτ ἐθαύμασα κόσμον ξεῖν οὕτως χαίροις καί σὺ θεασάμενος †1843 The Edinburgh Review, CXXV, January 1867, p. 43, commenting on these words, wrote: 'Would that his friend Walt Scott had contented himself with the 'bad Greek' in place of the illjudged panegyric with which he disfigured the scarcely less romantic resting place (i.e., the Old Cathedral of St Andrews) which the old man's bones found at last'. †1844 'Agriculture is the footprint of man' (but, correctly, ἀνθρώπου ἴχνος γεωργία). †1845 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1846 Sir John Sinclair (1754—1835), first president of the board of agriculture, born at Thurso Castle, Caithness, educate the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Oxford, member of the Faculty of Advocates of Edinburgh. As an MP, 1780—1811, h supported Pitt, and on the impeachment of Warren Hastings formed, with Sir John Macpherson, the party of 'armed neutrality'. I 1794 he raised the Rothesay and Caithness Fencibles and the Caithness Highlanders. The first volume of his Statistical Accoun Scotland, in 21 volumes, appeared in 1791, and the last in 1799. He was also the author of Observations on the Scottish Dialec 1782, and of a Dissertation on the Authenticity of the Poems of Ossian, 1807 (DNB). †1847 After inheriting his estates in Caithness Sir John 'at once began improvements, the chief of which was the construc in one day, of a road across the mountain of Ben Cheilt, hitherto supposed impassable' (DNB). Ben Chielt, or Benachielt, is 940 high. †1848 Bonaparte had landed at Alexandria on 1 July 1798. See Scots Magazine, vol. 60, July 1798, p. 498): 'Another conjecture is still thrown out, that..... Bonaparte, after drawing our fleets into the Mediterranean, will make a slip out and elude t and land his force in Ireland'; 'A General discomfited in Aegypt returned to take the whole conduct of France upon himself' (Ferguson, Unpublished Essay XIV, 'Of the French Revolution', p. 12). †1849 'The King of Prussia has rejected the overtures of France to enlarge his dominions by annexing a part of Germany while they reserved to themselves the left bank of the Rhine' (Scots Magazine, p. 499). †1850 'And what could be expected from Parties who having Rights or Properties of their own to Mantain accepted as a G from the Robber one the unoffending Republick and Territory of Venice, The Other a like gift of Hanover and Then provoked a W with the Donor because he presumed to intrigue for confederacy with some of the Powers in their Neighbourhood' (Unpublished Essay no. XIV, p. 17). †1851 Latin, 'dear friend, very good friend, indefatigable'. †1852 See previous letter†. †1853 [? Sir James Edgar]. †1854 Unidentified. †1855 Apparently Allan Ramsay (1713—84), the painter. From October 1736, for three years, he resided in Rome, working under the Italian painters Imperiali and Solimena, then went back to Edinburgh, where he founded the 'Select Society' in 1754. years after this date he migrated to London. He spent his last years in Italy and died at Dover August 1784, on his way to Scot

Ferguson could nevertheless be referring to his father, Allan Ramsay (1686—1758), the poet and author of the Gentle Shepherd, who spent his life in Edinburgh, where he was a very popular and successful bookseller (DNB) and whose shop in th Luckenbooth he must have often visited in his youth. †1856 On 1 August, the date of this letter, Nelson destroyed the French fleet at the Bay of Aboukir. †1857 'I came, I saw, I conquered': see Suetonius, Divus Iulius, xxxvii, 2; according to Plutarch, I, 2, in a letter by Caesar, announcing to the Senate the victory of Zela, which concluded the Pontic campaign. †1858 Apparently Ferguson's idea that the way to defeat France was not to fight her but to allow her to 'self-destruct'. He convinced that the army will do so if they have no foreign enemies to fight. †1859 On 14—20 May 1798, when the British troops of General Sir Eyre Coote, which had been disembarked from the sh of Captain Sir Home Riggs Popham, had to surrender to the French. †1860 A town in north-east Kent on the Isle of Thanet. 'Another secret expedition sailed from Margate on Monday last, un the orders of Capt. Lawford. It stood to the northwards' (Edinburgh Evening Courant, 28 July 1798). †1861 Not traced.

†1862 The Roman Republic, 1799. †1863 Unidentified. †1864 Sellarie, Scots for salary. †1865 George Johnstone (1764—1813), baptised 10 December 1764 at Pensacola, West Florida, illegitimate son of Gove George Johnstone. In 1781 he was Writer at the East India Company, Bengal, where he held several appointments, and, after h return to England was MP for Aldeburgh, 1800—2, and for Hedon, 1802—13 (The Commons). †1866 On account of Captain Joseph Ferguson, d. 1799, Ferguson's second son (for his biography see Records, pp. 166 †1867 James Chalmer. †1868 Apparently Alexander Johnstone, illegitimate son of Governor George Johnstone. †1869 Of the Roman Republic, engraved by Andrew Bell. †1870 The miniature after the portrait of Ferguson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, printed in the frontispiece of the Roman Repu The miniature is by John Beugo (Edinburgh 1759—1841), known for his engraving of the portrait of Dr Nathan Spens, after Rae and of the portrait of Robert Burns, after Alexander Nasmyth. †1871 To George Vancouver, Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean and round the world, 1790—5, edited by Jo Vancouver, 3 vols, London, 1798. George Vancouver (1758—98), English explorer, on 1 April 1791 sailed from Falmouth, on bo the Discovery, touching Good Hope, exploring the south-west coast of Australia and New Zealand, and reaching Tahiti on 30 December 1791. He continued his examination of the coast from San Francisco northwards, returning to England in October 17 by Valparaiso, Cape Horn, St Helena. Died at Petersham on 10 May 1798, having corrected the proofs of all but the last few pa of his work (DNB).

As for Ferguson's interest in geographical discoveries during this period, it must be observed that Mungo Park, the famou African explorer, visited him in October 1798 at Hallyards (see J. Ferguson to H. Brougham, Hallyards Oct. 15, 1798, in R. H. M Buddle Atkinson and G. A. Jackson eds, Brougham and his early friends, London, 1908, I, pp. 45—7; as cited by Fagg, p. 289) Mungo Park (1771—1806), in 1795—7 explored the Niger river. In June 1798 he visited his family at Fowlshiels, near Selkirk, th place of his birth, and remained there until the end of the year preparing the account of his travels, which appeared in Spring 1 In October 1801 he undertook a medical practice at Peebles. He died on the Niger during his second African journey (DNB). †18711 Chapel Street was the Edinburgh address of Adam Ferguson, Writer to the Signet. †1872 A sore caused by chafing of the skin (SD). †1873 James Ferguson, Ferguson's son. †1874 For the same subject see letter 332 n 4†. †1875 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. IV, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1876 1798 was the year the Second Coalition (1798—1802) began against Napoleon. Early in December the French had declared war against the Kings of the Two Sicilies and of Sardinia. †1877 William Greenfield (d. 1827), joint Professor of Rhetoric and successor of Hugh Blair in the Chair. Owing to an undisclosed immoral act he was removed from his Chair at the end of 1798, had to give up his church and go to London.

He was Blair's colleague at the High Church of St Giles. Burns preferred Greenfield to Blair as an eloquent preacher. He published pseudonymously Essays on the Sources of the Pleasures derived from Literary Compositions, which ranks with Beatti Essay and Burke's On the Sublime (Grant, II, pp. 358—9; FES). †1878 For the same subject see previous letter†. †1879 Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count von Rumford (see above, letter 329 †n.). †1880 'O imitators, you slavish herd' (Horace, Epistles, I, xix, 19). †1881 Apparently Ferguson has in mind Molière's plays Le Médecin malgré lui and Le Malade Imaginaire. †1882 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. 4, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1883 His Royal Highness, i.e. the Prince of Wales. †1884 For this subject see letters 305 n. 2†, 319 n. 3† and 327 n. 7†. †1885 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1886 For his son James (see letter 347†, to A. Carlyle). †1887 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1888 James Ferguson. †1889 Ferdinando I di Borbone, King of Naples 1759-1825, son of King Charles, afterwards Charles III of Spain. He was uneducated and rough (see Mario Praz, Diario di uno sciocco, 'a diary of the body, certainly not of the spirit', in Gusto neo-class Milan, 1990, pp. 296-9). Married Maria Carolina of Austria, sister of Emperor Joseph II. In 1799 he had to leave Naples and tak refuge in Palermo under the protection of Admiral Nelson. On the return of the Austrians he hanged 120 republicans (see B. Cr La rivoluzione napoletana del 1799), mainly at the instigation of the Queen, who was a close friend of Emma Hart, wife of the B envoy Sir William Hamilton and lover of Nelson. †1890 The march of Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo (1744-1827) who, at the head of the Sanfedisti (reactionaries) advanced agai the Neapolitan republicans, re-conquering the city and restoring the monarchy.

†1891 The Sun was 'Printed by B. McMillan, and published by J. Beswick, At the Sun Office, No. 112, Strand'. It was in fa of union with Ireland, but its arguments were clearly disturbing for the Government. On 8 February it had been severely censure the Irish Parliament which as its editor Mr O'Donnell said, 'was grossly and scandalously abused, by assimilating it to the Nation Assembly of France, and by a presumptuous assertion that the overthrow of the Rebellion in this Country might justly be ascribe the timely aid of the British Militia'. Mr O'Donnell added, 'was in confidence of the Minister'. Some of its recent articles were furthermore 'a false, scandalous and malicious Libel, in the highest degree derogatory to the deliberate wisdom, and general co of that House' (The Sun, 16 February 1799). †1892 'The hour calls not for such succour, nor such defenders', Virgil, Aeneid, II, 521 f. †1893 Not traced. †1894 For this subject see previous letter†. †1895 James Ferguson (1778-1859); Cadet 1798; Ensign 27 September 1799; Lieutenant 28 October 1799; Captain 7 February 1809; Major 13 February 1823; Lieutenant-Colonel 1824; retired 25 November 1824; (OBA; for biographical details see Records, pp. 185 ff., Scott's Journals, and Lockhart, Life, passim) . †1896 Of the Roman Republic. The Advertisement here mentioned extends from p. v to p. xxv, and is dated Edinburgh, 1

1799. †1897 Apparently Ferguson has in mind Grand-Duke Leopold of Tuscany (see above, letters 284 n. 7† and 289 n. 5†). †1898 For this subject see letter 321†. †1899 'Le docteur Tant-Pis, Tant-Mieux', in French, a too pessimistic or too optimistic doctor. †1900 Not traced. †1901 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1902 See letter 350, text corresponding with n. 3†. †1903 Not traced. †1904 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1905 Not traced. †1906 James, Lord de Saumarez (1757-1836), Admiral, in 1778 served in North America. He was in command of the Spit and in the battle of the Nile, 1799, was senior captain under Nelson. Shortly afterwards he was appointed to the Caesar, on 1 January 1801 was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, and in March 1808 was appointed to the command of the Baltic Fleet which he continued to hold for the next five years. In September 1831 he was raised to the peerage as Baron Saumarez of Guernsey (DNB). †1907 James Ferguson. †1908 As in the original, but the correct date is 1778. †1909 Adam actually had leave of absence, and 'was very lately at Portsmouth accompanying his Brother James who is g to India a Cadet' (Joseph Black to George Black, Edinburgh 26 May 1799, EUL MS Gen. 874, V, ff. 114-15). †1910 As a consequence of the general situation, Ireland was then suffering frequent disturbances. The Executive Directo France had declared war against Austria and the Grand Duke of Tuscany on 11 March. †1911 For the same subject see letter 348 n. 4† and 350 n. 7†. †1912 'The Austrians may also now be said to be flanked by the Russians, a part of whom, on the 21st of February, pass through Ratisbon' (Edinburgh Advertiser, 15-19 March, p. 1). †19121 Of the Roman Republic. †1913 For this subject see letter 350 n. 5†. †1914 Reference unclear. Probably Ferguson refers to Count Manfredini. †1915 'MacDonald is now retreating towards Genoa.... Moreau will fall back from Tortona, and the two Generals will bend course by Nice towards France immediately; for.... it would be almost impossible for them to take a tenable position in the Geno territory' (Caledonian Mercury, 15 July 1799). †1916 'Birth was the great distinction Sanctioned by Legal Priviledge as well as custom & Manners.... Men of Doubtful Bir were sometimes necessary for their Talents.... yet thought themselves honoured by Notice from the slightest Coxcomb of a Nob and honoured even by acceptance of their Services.... The Rank & File were low born who were not thought to consider their exclusion from preferment as Injurious.... they took Officers from the Ranks & from the lowest Station wherever genius or Ability could be found.... It now became Manifest that the National Troops of France were Sensible of their Share in the projected Revolution and had lost their Zeal for Royalty.... and the meanest soldier in the Ranks felt the Revolution & relyd on preferment could but distinguish himself' (Unpublished Essay no. XIV, 'Of the French Revolution', ff. 2-8). †1917 Sir James Mackintosh (1765-1832), philosopher, born in Aldourie, Invernesshire, educated at King's College, Aberde and at Edinburgh, where he studied medicine, becoming president of the Royal Medical Society. In Spring 1788 he moved to Lo where he was drawn towards politics. In the Westminster election of 1790 he supported Horne Tooke. In April 1791 he publishe Vindiciae Gallicae in answer to Burke's Reflections but his revolutionary ardour was cooled by events and he became an admire Burke, adopting his view of the French Revolution. At the end of 1798 he published an Introductory Discourse in which he attac Godwin, and from February to June 1799 gave a course of thirty-nine lectures on 'The Law of Nature and Nations'. He was also author of a Dissertation on the Progress of Ethical Philosophy, 1830, and of a History of the Revolution in England, 1834 (DNB)

†1918 The History of the Progress and Termination of the Roman Republic, by Adam Ferguson, LLD FRSE, Late Professo Moral Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh; member of the Royal Academy in Berlin, of the Royal Academy in Florence, of Etruscan Society of Antiquaries in Cortona, and of the Arcadia in Rome. †1919 So called after the 17th century 'coffee house' of Edward Lloyd (d. 1713), in which underwriters and merchants congregated. †1920 See Sir John Macpherson, Verses addressed to the Archduke Charles (a copy, dated 1807, is in the possession of

BL). †1921 For the same subject see previous letter, text corresponding with n. 5†. †1922 One of the four London legal societies having the exclusive right to admit persons to practice at the bar (Webster's Dictionary of the English Language) . †1923 From the 'Introductory Discourse'; the lectures were in fact never published. †1924 He apparently refers to the Principles. †1925 Apparently his last will. †1926 For the same subject see also Appendix P(e) †. †1927 Sir William Nairne, Lord Dunsinane (1731-1811), admitted Advocate March 1755; joint Commissary-Clerk of Edinbu 1758; Sheriff-Deputy of Perthshire 1782; Senator of the College of Justice under the name of Lord Dunsinane 1786-1809; autho Disputatio Juridica, Edinburgh, 1755. He was the uncle of Katharine Nairne or Ogilvie, whose trial for murder and incest attracte great attention in August 1765 (DNB). †1928 David Skene, 4th Laird of Pitfour and 8th of Hallyards. †1929 Unidentified. †1930 George Fordyce (1736-1802), physician, born in Aberdeen, was the favourite pupil of Dr Cullen at the University of Edinburgh where he graduated in October 1758. After studying at Leyden he settled in London as a lecturer in medical science 1770 he entered St Thomas's hospital on the death of Akenside, and held that office until his death. In 1776 he was made FRS in 1787 fellow of the College of Physicians. Among his works deserving mention are the Treatise on the Digestion of Food, Lon 1791 and A Dissertation on Simple Fever, London, 1794 (DNB). †1931 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1932 On the part of the First Consul who, early in January, had sent a letter to the King offering to open negotiations for

peace. †1933 William Wyndham, Baron Grenville (1759-1834), youngest son of George Grenville, educated at Eton and Oxford, s member of the privy council Dec. 1783, speaker of the House of Commons, January 1789, soon after Secretary of State for the home department. On 8 June 1791 he was appointed secretary of state for foreign affairs. On 4 January 1800 he replied to Napoleon's letter to the King, throwing the whole blame for the war upon the French. In November 1801 he forcibly stated his objections to the peace, the terms of which he considered 'fraught with degradation and national humiliation' (DNB). †1934 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1935 Charles Patton (1741-1837), Commander 1781, Post-Captain 1795; during the whole of the war superintended the transport service at Portsmouth. He was the author of An Attempt to Establish the Basis of Freedom on Simple and Unerring Principles, Edinburgh, 1793, (RNB, NBD). †1936 1800 is in fact the last year of the 18th century. †1937 Henry Dundas's speech, which maintained that the overtures of Napoleon were not sincere, that there was no reme but the overthrow of such government, and that 'we can have no peace with France, unless under a prince of the House of Bou (Hansard, Parliamentary History, 1800, Debate in the Commons on the King's Message respecting the Overtures of Peace from Consular Government of France, pp. 1242-53). †1938 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. XIV, recurring particularly in the letters of this period. †1939 For the interest of Dr Blair and Sir John in financial policy see letters 308†, 309†, 317†. †1940 Probably 'omnia si sint' was intended, Latin i.e. 'if all things were so'. †1941 Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov (1729-1800), Russian field-marshal, distinguished himself against the Turks in 1773-4 again in 1787-91. In 1799 he was summoned by the Tsar to take field against the French army in Italy where he defeated More Cassano and MacDonald at the Trebbia, besieging Genoa. Soon after his lieutenant Korsakow was defeated by Massena at Z[? and he had to withdraw to Vorarlberg. Early in 1800 Suvorov returned to St Petersburg in disgrace. †1942 By the Convention of Pillnitz (Dresden) in August 1791 the Emperor Leopold II and Frederick William II, King of Pru agreed to take common action against an attack on the part of France. †1943 For the same subject see previous letter†. †1944 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1945 Unidentified but apparently a relative of William Laidlaw, a friend of Walter Scott (see Lockhart, Life, passim). †1946 The Prince of Wales. †1947 Captain Joseph Ferguson, second son of Ferguson, d. Nov. 1799 (for biographical details see Records, pp. 166-72

'I have read with pleasure and profit your Letter to our worthy institutor Ferguson. Such reflections have an excellent effe Poor Ferguson has met with a severe blow, which I had to announce to him, the death of his favourite Son Joseph, who was a Captain in P. Scapostris Regiment in Bengale. I send you his answer to my letter.... I had written to him yesterday in terms not line you recommend' (EUL MS Dc.I.77 no. 64a, John Macpherson to unidentified, but apparently to Charles or Robert Greville, o John Lowther Johnstone, who had been Ferguson's pupils). †1948 This subject frequently recurs in the Unpublished Essays, which Ferguson was writing during this period (see Unpublished Essays, passim). †1949 Captain Joseph Ferguson (for the subject of the insurance see letter 344). †1950 Robert Ferguson (see Records, p. 170). †1951 Colonel Alexander Mackenzie, mentioned in Joseph's last will (see Records, p. 170). †1952 For this subject see letter 360†. For the bond see letter 344†. †1953 Apparently William Clerk, 'one of the Jury-Court Clerks', and brother of Sir John Clerk (1757-1832), Judge, Esq. of They were sons of John Clerk of Eldin, the author of the Essay on Naval Tactics, and of Susannah Adam, sister of the celebrat architects of that name, and cousins of William Adam, the addressee of this letter.

On William Clerk was devolved the small estate of Eldin, near Lasswade, on his brother's death (DNB; Kay, II, pp. 438-4 †1954 Not traced. †1955 Ferguson apparently refers to Admiral Collingwood, who was married to the eldest daughter of Mrs Blackett, Carlyle

sister-in-law. †1956 John Macpherson Ferguson. †1957 James Newman, Captain August 1794 (The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy, II, p. 664; in Steel, Lis the Royal Navy, February 1804; he appears as Post-Captain). †1958 For the same subject see letter 352†. †1959 Not traced.

Concerning the same problem, see the following letter of Adam Ferguson to James Chalmer, dated Edinburgh 13 Dec. 1 'Dear Sir, The last favour I had of yours was of the 17th Octr last with draft of Mr Thomson for £31:18;10 which was duly honoured The purpose of My Now troubling you, is to beg of you with Conveniency, to apply to Mr Donaldson of Whitehall relative balance of £950 which remains to Come from the 78th regt part of the proceeds of My late brother Josephs Commission in the Same. Here have been of late a good many Arrivals from Bengal, and Mr Donaldson I trust has had Some Communication on th above business from Capt Jas Fraser and the Pay Master of the Regt who by a Memorandum Subjoined to Mr Donaldsons Acc my late brother (& transmitted by you to me on the 17 July last) fall to remit the former £550 and the latter £400 as the prices o Company & insigncy in my brothers Succession in the regt. My Father feels Considerable uneasiness at the delay which takes place in the final Settlement of this transaction, & trus you will have the goodness to represent the Matter in the proper terms to Mr Donaldson. I am Dear Sir / your most Obet humbl / Adam Ferguson. Jas Chalmer Esqr Abingdon St West (Adam Ferguson WS to James Chalmer, MS City of Dunedin Public Library. Address: 'Jas Chalmer Esqr Abingdon Street Westr, London'; this letter has been transcribed from a photocopy of the original). †1960 Of the militia. It is not clear, nevertheless, where Ferguson 'attacked' on this subject Henry Dundas, who was Secre of State for War 1794-1801. †1961 '..... Suddenly and unexpectedly signed on Thursday evening, the first day of October, by Lord Hawkesbury and Mr and confirmed by the arrival of the agreeable ratification of the Preliminary Articles from the Chief Consul of France on Saturday 10th day of October' (Scots Magazine, October 1801, pp. 725-6). †1962 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. IV, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1963 Mecklenburg is a territory in Northern Germany, on the Baltic sea. It is not clear what account Ferguson refers to. †1964 The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The 'Senior Department' of the Military College was formed in 1801. †1965 Giant with fifty heads and three hundred hands (see Homer, Iliad, i, 403). He was the son of Poseidon and Gaea. †1966 Apparently Unpublished Essay no. IV. †1967 For the subject of this letter see previous letter†. †1968 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. IV, Of Statesmen and Warriours. †19681 This again refers to Unpublished Essay no. IV, Of Statesmen and Warriours. †1969 John Dryden (1631-1700), the author of Heroic Stanzas, 1658, Indian Emperor, 1665, of the Conquest of Grenada, 1670, of Absalom and Achitophel, 1681. Following the accession of James II he became a Catholic and wrote The Hind and the

Panther, 1687, a poem which represents an attempt to reconcile Anglican and Catholic political interests. On the death of Charles II he attempted a Pindaric ode, Threnodia Augustalis, 1685, the first of several poems in this for During the last part of his life he dedicated himself to translation and published Fables, Ancient and Modern, 1799. The edition of his works mentioned by Ferguson has not been identified. †1970 The Elements of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, in three vols, Edinburgh 1798-1800, by John Thomson (1765-1 physician and surgeon, member of the Medical Society, fellow of the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 1793. In 1805 he was appointed professor of surgery at the College of Surgeons, in 1806 Professor of Military Surgery at the University of Edinburgh, in 1832 Professor of General Pathology (DNB). †1971 For the same subject see letters 365-366††. †1972 The Ordre de la L[?]gion d'Honneur was created by Bonaparte, then first consul, on 19 May 1802, as a general mi and civil order of merit. It was conferred without regard to birth provided that anyone admitted swears to uphold liberty and equa (for the subject of 'distinction and honor' cf. letter 366†). †1973 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. IV, 'Of Statesmen and Warriours'. †1974 For the general election of 1802, when Lord Melville managed the Scotch elections in the interest of the governmen successfully that out of the forty-five members returned only two were Whigs. †1975 Municipal borough in south-west Kent, fifteen miles south-west of Maidstone. Chalybeate springs were discovered i 1606, and subsequently became a fashionable spa. Ellis Farm is six miles south of Tunbridge Wells, about thirty-five miles sout of London. †1976 'Bonds have been issued by the Madras government for the payment of private creditors of the Nabob of Arcot. His Highness was greatly in debt to numerous individuals and his Bonds bore an enormous discount. Some persons, however, anticipating the measures which have been adopted in the Carnatic, and which have rendered the India Company responsible fo these debts, have made extensive and successful purchases' (Edinburgh Advertiser, 10-13 August 1802, p. 1). †1977 La constitution de l'an dix, announced in Le Moniteur of the 5th of August in the shape of a Senatus Consultum, w surrendered all the power of the state into the hands of the First Consul. †1978 Bonaparte. †1979 For this subject see letter 369 n. 2†. †1980 The 42nd Regiment, or Black Watch. †1981 Peace of Amiens, 25 March 1802. †1982 Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), 43), Roman orator, philosopher, statesman, the author of De Officiis, De Repub

De Legibus. †1983 Ferguson refers to Cicero's letters, of which more than 900 survive, and to his orations. †1984 To his wife, Terentia ( Cicero, Ad Familiares, XIV, 21). †1985 An estate in Borthwick and Temple parishes, Midlothian. The mansion on it stands on the South Esk. The original e belonged to Sir James Dundas who was knighted by James V, and has come down regularly to his descendants, famous as law and statesmen. †1986 Robert Dundas of Arniston (1758-1819), Solicitor General for Scotland, 1784; Lord Advocate, 1789; MP for Midlothi 1790-1801; appointed Chief Baron of the Exchequer, June 1801. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville (DNB). †1987 A town and parish in Midlothian on the left bank of the North Esk, six miles south-east of Edinburgh. Lasswade Co was the home of Sir Walter Scott from 1798 to 1804. †1988 See n. 2†. †1989 Louis Guillaume Otto (1754-1817), plenipotentiary minister in London, 1800-2, for the peace negotiations with the B government. He left London in August 1802, but was soon after appointed plenipotentiary minister at Munich and, in 1809, ambassador at Vienna. Napoleon made him Conseiller d'Etat, Grand Officier de la L[?]gion d'Honneur and Comte de Mosloy (N †1990 Thomas Lord Grenville and William Windham had long been opposing the Addington administration (the so-called N Opposition) on the peace with France, while the old Whig opposition had approved it. On 8 December in the House of Common Grenville criticised the administration on the army estimates (the episode here referred to by Ferguson). Fox, on the contrary, ha declared that 'we have nothing to dread from France but a rivalry in commerce' (Hansard, Parliamentary History, 1802, p. 1071) 'there was no reason why a larger establishment than usual in former periods of peace should be maintained in Great Britain' (i p. 1045). †1991 Charles James Fox (1749-1806), statesman, showed early sympathy for the French Revolution. In 1793 he declare the war, then imminent, was an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of another nation. In 1799 he was indignant at Lord Grenville's reply to the overtures in the First Consul's letter of 25 December. In 1802 he had several interviews with Bonaparte i Paris, and on his return expressed the conviction that he wished for peace. On Pitt's death (21 January 1806) he took office in Grenville's administration as foreign secretary, and began negotiations with France, which failed (DNB). †1992 Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816), statesman and dramatist, the author of The Rivals, 1775, The School for Scandal, 1776, The Critic, 1779, and proprietor of Drury Lane Theatre in succession to Garrick. He joined Fox in his efforts for political reform, and opposed the war with the colonies. At the beginning of the French revolution he stood firm with Fox in maintaining the right of the French to form their own government, and against interference. He opposed the French when they b to propagate their principles by the sword (DNB).

†1993 John Macpherson Ferguson's. †1994 Louis Guillaume Otto (see previous letter, n. 1) †. †1995 Of Manor Parish. †1996 By Sir John Sinclair. Macpherson's letter has not been traced. †1997 Not traced. †1998 A gliff in Scots is a glance, a gasp expressing surprise (SND). †2000 Adam Ferguson, WS. †2001 William Pulteney. The letter has not been traced. †2002 A permit which would pay for the mailing of the letters. Probably it was for MPs. †2003 Fordyce. †2004 William Jones's Memoirs, by Lord Teignmouth, 1804. †2005 Sir James Mackintosh had accepted a position in India, sailing with his family in February 1804 and landing at Bom on 26 May. Apparently Ferguson is referring to this circumstance. †2006 The Principles of Moral and Political Science, two vols 4to (see letter 389†). †2007 Ferguson apparently refers to the war with Holkar, a Mahratta chief, for which see Scots Magazine, May 1805, p. 3 'Since the events in our publication for March, relative to the war with Holkar, the British arms have suffered a temporary revers fortune, by the defeat of Col. Monson's gallant detachment, owing to insurmountable difficulties'. He could nevertheless refer to Macpherson's private affairs. †2008 See Esprit des Lois, III, Des principes des trois gouvernements, chap. IX. †2009 Sir George Dallas (1758-1833), political writer, educated at Geneva, at the age of eighteen went out to Bengal as a writer in the East India Company's service. On his return to England he published a pamphlet vindicating Hastings, 1789, and in 1793 the Thoughts upon our Present Situation, with Remarks upon the Policy of a War with France. In 1799 he published Considerations on the Impolicy of treating for Peace with the present Regicide Government of France. He frequently took part in debates in the house on India where his opinion had great influence (DNB). †2010 Common Latin locution, 'one must not despair (of the destiny) of his own country'. †2011 At Ellis farm, near Tunbridge Wells (see letter 370†). †2012 Apparently he has in mind the subject of Unpublished Essay no. XXII, 'Of the Sciences of which the subject is Mind †2013 On 13 February 1805 a report of five commissioners appointed to inquire into the frauds and irregularities which we supposed to exist in the several naval departments was presented to the House of Commons, giving rise to considerable suspic against lord Melville, then first Lord of the Admiralty. On 12 April he was formally impeached of high crimes and misdemeanours after a trial lasting fifteen days, on 12 June he was acquitted of all the charges (on this subject see particularly M. Fry, The Dun Despotism, Edinburgh, 1992, p. 261 ff.). †2014 Adam Ferguson WS. †2015 Adam Ferguson WS. †2016 Unidentified. †2017 Jeanne Phlipon Manon (1754-93), wife of Jean-Marie Roland de la Platière, inspirer of the Girondins, was arrested 31 March 1793 following her husband's imprisonment and, having been sentenced to death on 8 Nov., 'comme complice de la conspiration contre l'unité et l'indivisibilité de la république, la liberté et la süreté du peuple français', was beheaded next day. S said, just before dying: 'Oh Liberté! que de crimes se commettent en ton nom!'. †2018 In 1806, in a discussion on Indian affairs, Whitshed Keene, the MP for Montgomery, availed himself of the opportun censure Macpherson's relations with the Nawab of Arcot. Macpherson replied to the implied charges in an Open Letter to Whits Keene, Esq., MP, dated 31 May 1806. †2019 John Macpherson Ferguson. †2020 Ellis Farm. †2021 Adam Ferguson WS. †2022 Sir James Murray (afterwards Pulteney), 7th Baronet (1755-1811), of Clermont, Fife, MP for Weymouth & Melcomb Regis 1790-1811. He took name of Pulteney on his marriage, 1794, to Henrietta Laura, Baroness of Bath. He was Colonel and to the King 1789; Major-General 1793; Adjutant-General to the Duke of York in Flanders 1793-4; General 1808 (The Commons) †2023 The Prince of Wales. †2024 Thomas, 5th Earl of Selkirk (1771-1820), in 1803 went to Canada where he started a settlement on Prince Edward Island in the Gulf of St Lawrence and another near Detroit. In 1806 he was chosen a Representative Peer and took an active interest in public affairs, publishing pamphlets on Army and Parliamentary Reform. In 1811 he formed another settlement in Can on the Red River (now the city of Winnipeg). In 1815-19 he travelled the Great Lakes, the Mississippi to St Louis, and thence v New York to Montreal (SP).

†2025 Sir George Don (1754-1832), general, entered the army in 1770 and saw active service at Minorca and Gibraltar. In 1793 he accompanied the Duke of York's army to the Netherlands. After the departure of the army for England, he remained in Germany as military commissioner with the Prussian Army. In September 1799 he took part in the expedition to the Helder unde Duke of York as Commander of the 3rd division, but was captured by the French. In 1804 he was appointed second-in-comman the forces of Scotland, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey 1805-14, and, in August 1814, Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar (DNB). †2026 For the military career of Adam Ferguson WS see Appendix P(c-d)†. †2027 See previous letter†. †2028 Adam Ferguson WS. †2029 Adam Ferguson WS. †2030 Apparently James Ferguson. John Ferguson is in fact usually referred to as 'the Seaman'. †2031 Ferguson refers to Macpherson's health (see letter 381†). †2032 In Gloucester, England: resort, since 1716, when mineral springs were discovered there, and hunting centre. †2033 The idea of man as a microcosm is recurrent in Greek philosophy in Anaximenes, Protagoras, Heraclitus and Empedocles, and found its most famous expression in Plato's Timaeus. It reappears in Stoic and Christian philosophy, and in th philosophers of the Renaissance, like Paracelsus and Bruno. This is also the general philosophical meaning of the Unpublished Essays, whose substratum is essentially Stoicism along with Newtonian philosophy (see Unpublished Essays, passim). †2034 The same expression occurs in letters 348† and 350†. †2035 The Emperor Leopold. †2036 Again the subject of Unpublished Essay no. XIV, 'Of the French Revolution'. See in particular letter 342 n. 11†. †2037 'The assembling of Armies from Austria & Russia at one time & that of Russia and Prussia at another time operate merely as many Calls on the Military Leader of France, so superiour to everyone that was likely to be opposed to him, to come possess himself of Germany & Poland quite to the Frontiers of Russia. Of these another Battle might possibly have given him possession & left no one to dispute his Empire from the Attlantick to the American Straits to the North of Camchatka' (Unpublish Essay no. XIV, f. 15). †2038 Alexander I (1777-1825), Emperor of Russia, son of Paul I.

Soon after his accession he denounced the League of Neutrals and made peace with England (April 1801). Then he cam openly to proclaim his admiration for French institutions, and Napoleon repeatedly tried to detach him from the coalition. The tw emperors met at Tilsit in June 1807 and again at Erfurt in October 1808. At the end of 1818 the 'enlightened' and 'liberal' views Alexander began to change, and from this time dates the ascendancy of Metternich over his uncertain mind. In November 1820 signed the Troppau protocol, which consecrated the principle of intervention (for the Legion of Honor, see letters 366† and 369† †2039 Apparently William Gardiner (1768-1816), licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, ordained December 1803 (FES) †2040 William Clerk, or Clark, eldest son of David Clark, merchant in Edinburgh, admitted advocate 7 July 1803, died 8 November 1863, aged 86 (Register). †2041 Rose Court is in George Street. In Rose Court was built the first edifice of New Edinburgh. The foundation of it wa on 26 October 1767 (Cassell's Old and new Edinburgh, II, 118). †2042 Adam Ferguson WS, Ferguson's son. †2043 Adam Ferguson WS, Ferguson's son. †2044 'Robert Ferguson of the Indian Salt Department resigned his position in 1801 and set off for America, where old Ro Ferguson of Perth (i.e., his father) had had property.... he returned in very good circumstances to England after no very long sta America, but lived principally at Bath and Bristol....' (Records, p. 193). †2045 For the same subject cf. letter 193 n. 1†. †2046 Robert Ferguson (d. 1797). †2047 Adam Ferguson WS. †2048 'I, Mr Robert Ferguson, presently residing in Perth. Whereas I sometime ago executed a deed or later will..... by wh appointed my brother, Professor Adam Ferguson and Adam Ferguson his son to be my executors for behoof of Robert Ferguso son, and being now resolved to make a codicil thereto, I do hereby appoint, bind, and oblige my said executors and son to con to pay to each of my nieces aftermentioned..... a yearly free annuity of £10 sterling during each of their lives.... The nieces I allu are the 2 daughters of my brother Alexander Ferguson, now in Coupar Angus; Miss_____Wilkie.... daughter of my sister, Janet Ferguson..... and the daughters..... of my said brother, Professor Ferguson at Edinburgh' (4 January 1797; Records, p. 158). †2049 A Factory in Scotland was 'an authority granted to a person to act on behalf of another' (SND). †2050 David Clerk, mentioned in letter 390 n. 1.† †2051 The Case of Sir John MacPherson, Baronet, Late Governor General of India; containing a summary review of his administration and services. Prepared by friends from authentic documents, August 1808. †2052 For this citation from Virgil see letter 169 n. 18†. †2053 Diogenes (c. 400-c. 325 BC), Greek philosopher, founder of the Cynic school, lived at Athens in extreme poverty (le says in a tub). 'The whole world was not half so wide / To Alexander, when he cried / Because he had but one to subdue / As paltry narrow tub to / Diogenes' (Butler, Hudibras, i, 3).

†2054 John Lee (1779-1859) became amanuensis to Alexander Carlyle in 1804, who entrusted him with the manuscript of autobiography. In 1807 he was ordained Minister of Peebles. In 1812 he became Professor of Church History at St Mary's Colle St Andrews, and was chosen as Rector of the College. In 1820 he became Professor of Moral Philosophy in King's College, Aberdeen, and in 1821 accepted a call to the Canongate Church, Edinburgh. In 1825 he was translated to Lady Yester's Church in 1834 became minister of St Giles. In 1840 he became Dean of the Chapel Royal, Stirling, and in the same year was elected Principal of the University of Edinburgh. The General Assembly elected him moderator in 1844 (DNB). †2055 Apparently the Russian edition of the Institutes, 1804. Also the Principles was translated into Russian in two vols, in 1804. Apart from these works the Lenin Library, Moscow, also owns the 1817-18 edition of the Essay on the History of Civil Soc in Russian. †2056 Sir David Brewster (1781-1868), natural philosopher, editor of the Edinburgh Magazine, 1802, and of the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. He was the inventor of the Kaleidoscope, which was patented in 1816. His Treatise on the Kaleidoscope was published in 1819, while the Treatise on Optics appeared in 1831. From 1837 to 1859 he was Principal of the United College of Salvador and St Mary at St Andrews. From 1859 until his death he was Principal of Edinburgh University, and in 1864 was app President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His first wife was Juliet (d. 1850), youngest daughter of James Macpherson (DNB) †2057 Not traced. †2058 Carlyle Bell was the youngest son of Captain Thomas Bell and of Janet, Carlyle's sister (Carlyle, p. 300). †2059 Carlyle's Anecdotes and Characters. †2060 Latin, 'partners in crime'. †2061 For the representation of Douglas see Carlyle, pp. 157ff. In defence of John Home, Ferguson published The Morali Stage Plays, and Carlyle An Argument to Prove, That the Tragedy of Douglas Ought to be Publickly burnt by the Hands of the man (see, furthermore, Rev. Ebenezer Brown to the Moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, accusing Ferguson of going to th playhouse 'not only before your sentence..... but continues to do so still avowedly .... and says, we are told, that he resolves to persist in doing so, forbid who will' (see HMC, II, pp. 416-18). †2062 For the Poker Club see letter 35 text corresponding with n. 5†. †20621 John Henning (1771-1851), modeller and sculptor, born in Paisley, went to Glasgow in 1799, and about 1802 to Edinburgh, where he studied at the Trustee's Academy under John Graham and was commissioned to make busts of several prominent citizens.

In 1811 in London he modelled a reduced copy of the Parthenon which attracted attention at the time, and afterwards executed similar models in relief of the cartoons of Raphael. He was one of the founders of the Society of British Artists (DNB). In consequence of the above letter, John Henning wrote the following letter to Lord Melville: 'Edinburgh Decr 22d 1810; 48 Mid Rose St My Lord, By a letter from my venerable Friend Dr Adam Fergusson dated Octr 5th I am imformed that your Lordship agreable to hi very ardent wish had agreed to sit to me he desired me at same time to enquire after your Lordship when you might be in Edin to receive instructions I accordingly waited on my friend Mr. A. Maconochie who informed me that your Lordship would not be in Edin. till near the end of Decr. when your Lordship was to be at Melvile Castle. I have therefore presumed to write to request yo Lordship would have the goodness to inform me when and where it may be convenient to wait upon your Lordship to receive instructions in regard to gratifying the wishes of the Ancient Philosopher. Your Lordship's knowledge of the world will find an excuse for my vanity and presumption in writing on this Business. I ha the honour to be with the greatest respect your Lordships most obt. svt. John Henning P.S. If it might be more convenient I would strive to wait on your Lordship at Melvile Castle where I might probably be en to do the Business with your Instructions':MS SRO 51/9- 346-1; Address: 'The Right Hon.ble Lord Melville, Melville Castle.' (Alex Maconochie, 1777-1861, Lord Meadowbank, son of Allan Maconochie, MP, was appointed an ordinary Lord of Session and a Lo Justiciary on 1 July 1818, resigned his seat in the bench in Nov. 1843: DNB). See also the following letter from Alexander Campbell to Lord Melville, London 31st Janry 1811: 'My Dear Lord, / As I kno you are perfectly well acquainted with Professor Ferguson, I know no better way of complying with his desire, than to enclose to this letter to me, which, as he himself says, I really believe, is likely to be one of the last he will write. Relieve me ever My Dea Lord / Yours most faithfully / A. Campbell (MS SRO GD 51/9-353. Address: Right Honble Vist Melville, Melville Castle, Edinburgh letter here mentioned has not been traced. (A. Campbell, 1764-1824, musician and miscellaneous writer, organist to an episcop chapel in Nicholson Street. Among his pupils was Walter Scott, to whom he gave singing lessons: DNB). †2063 George Hill (1750-1819), educated at St Andrews and Edinburgh Universities, after having held the chair of Greek sixteen years, in 1788 became professor of Divinity at St Mary's College and in 1791 was promoted to the principalship. Soon a he was appointed one of His Majesty's Chaplains for Scotland and in 1799 received the deanery of the Chapel Royal. For these latter preferments he was much indebted to the 1st Lord Melville, with whom he was on terms of friendship. Moderator of the General Assembly, 1789, he succeeded William Robertson as leader of the Moderate Party, a position which he held for upward thirty years (DNB). †2064 A mansion in Comrie Parish, Perthshire, the favourite residence of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, commemo by the Melville Monument. †2065 For this subject see previous letter†. †2066 See SRO 352/2, a 'Memorandum' concerning the case of Ireland: 'It seems to me that the admission of Roman Catholick Members into the Houses of Parliament is now necessary and therefore apart from every other consideration just. No Objection seems to remain but that which arises from the Roman Catholic Clergy in Ireland having refused the King a Veto in th

Promotion of their Bishops.... a measure so just and Noble should not be restrained by the Caprice of any single tho considerab Class of Men.... etc. etc'. †2067 John Macpherson Ferguson. †2068 The second edition of Alison's Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste, Edinburgh, 1811. †2069 For this subject see Unpublished Essays, passim, but particularly no. I, 'Of Perfection and Happiness', and no. XXI the Intellectual System' (both these essays are written on paper watermarked 1806). †2070 Lancelot Brown (1715-83), landscape-gardener and architect, born at Harle, thirteen miles west of Morpeth, Northumberland, known as 'Capability Brown', was the founder of the modern or English style of landscape-gardening. He laid o remodelled the grounds at Kew, Blenheim, and Nuneham Courtenay (DNB). †2071 John Macpherson Ferguson. †2072 Adam Ferguson WS. †2073 Charles William Henry, 4th Duke of Buccleuch and 6th Duke of Queensberry (1772-1819; succeeded his father, deceased 11 January 1812) was educated at Eton and sat as an MP from 1793 to 1805. He and his Duchess, Harriet Katharine Townshend, are best known as the friends of Sir Walter Scott, who dedicated to the Duke The Lay of the Last Minstrel (SP). †2074 Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. †2075 The word 'bore' arose in this sense after 1750. In 1812, date of the present letter, it appears as commonly used: se e.g., Edin. Rev. XX. p. 74, 'A King is in these tribes really regarded as a sort of .... bore' (OED). †2076 Robert Saunders Dundas (1771-1851), son of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, one of the keepers of the Signe Scotland. In May 1800 he became MP for Midlothian, and in 1809 filled the office of Irish Secretary from April to October. On h father's death in 1811 he became 2nd Viscount Melville, and the following year was appointed 1st Lord of the Admiralty, an offic which he held for fifteen years. He took particular interest in polar expeditions, and Melville Sound was so called after him. He h several offices in Scotland, and took up residence at Melville Castle (DNB). †2077 John Macpherson Ferguson. †2078 On this subject see letter 14 n. 6†. †2079 William Collins (1721-59), born at Chichester, educated at Oxford. He was the author of the Odes on Several Desc and Allegoric Subjects, 1746, upon which his fame as a poet mainly rests. In the Autumn of 1749 he met John Home at Winche where they were visiting a mutual friend, an officer named Barrow. Collins then gave Home a copy of An Ode on the Popular Superstitions of the Highlands of Scotland, which in 1788 was communicated by Alexander Carlyle to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and published in that society's Transactions as well as separately in London (DNB). †2080 At the beginning of the Rebellion in 1745 John Home took the side of the Hanoverians and became a volunteer in corps which was formed in Edinburgh. 'In this corps he served at the unfortunate battle of Falkirk, and, after the defeat, was tak prisoner along with some others of his fellow volunteers, and committed to the castle of Doune in Perthshire, from which the pa contrived to escape by cutting their bed-clothes into ropes, and letting themselves down from the window of the room in which t were confined. One of their number, Mr Barrow, a young English student then in Edinburgh, an early and intimate acquaintance Home's, broke his leg in the descent; but Mr Home escaped unhurt' (Mackenzie, pp. 5-6; but see J. Home, History of the Rebe in Scotland in 1745, Edinburgh, 1822, pp. 136-9, for this episode). †2081 At the theatre in the Canongate, on 14 December 1756. †2082 Moffat, a town in the north of the Annandale district of Dumfries-shire, on the left bank of the River Annan, fifty-one miles south-south-west of Edinburgh. Macpherson was residing at his Moffat house when writing the Ossianic poems. 'Towards end of the year 1758... we find him settled as tutor in the family of Mr Graham of Balgowan, in charge of the young Graham wh afterwards became Lord Lynedoch... He accompanied his pupil on a visit to the manse of Logierait... The minister's son, Adam Ferguson... as far as can be gathered, was at the manse during young Graham's visit... When he heard that MacPherson was t accompany his pupil in the following summer to Moffat, Ferguson gave him an introduction to a friend there' (Saunders, James Macpherson, pp. 63-4). †2083 Thomas Graham (1748-1843), Baron Lynedoch of Balgowan, General, MP for Perthshire 1794-1807, raised the 'Perthshire Volunteers', with which he served at Quiberon and Gibraltar. In 1796 he was appointed British military commissioner the Austrian army in Italy, in 1799 organized the defence of Messina, and soon after was sent in command of the troops which besieged the French garrison at Malta. Later he served in the Peninsular War and commanded the left wing at the battle of Vito 21 June 1813, shortly after crossing the Bidassoa river and establishing British troops on French soil (DNB). †2084 Lady Christian Graham (1714-99), sister of John, 2nd Earl of Hopetoun, married Thomas Graham of Balgowan (SP †2085 For the opinion of Hume on the authenticity of Ossian's Poems see letter 35, n. 21†. †2086 Douglas was produced at Covent Garden on 14 March 1757. †2087 In Scots, 'a young nobleman' (SND). †2088 Not traced. †2089 Dr Black's annuity. †2090 William Robertson (1753-1835), eldest son of the historian, a member, 1770-99, of the Speculative Society, to whic contributed essays upon 'Roman History' and 'The Effect of Climate upon Nations', admitted Advocate 1775, chosen Procurator the Church of Scotland in 1779, took his seat on the Scottish bench as Lord Robertson on 14 November 1805, and resigned in 1826. †2091 In Robertson's monument in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh. It is transcribed in Epitaphs and Monumental Inscrip in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh; collected by James Brown. With an introduction [by David Laing] and notes, Edinburgh-Londo

1867, pp. 194-5. †2092 James Gregory (1753-1821), Professor of Medicine at Edinburgh University, son of Professor John Gregory. Born a Aberdeen, in 1776 he was appointed Professor of Medicine at Edinburgh, and in 1790 succeeded Cullen in the chair of the Pra of Medicine. Among his works are the Philosophical and Literary Essays, 1792, and Epigrams and Poems, 1810 (DNB). †2093 William Robertson was born in 1721 and Ferguson in 1723. †2094 The same MS, f. 141, encloses the following letter from John Ferguson to W. Scott:

Brompton Grove Friday Morning My Dear Sir, enclosed is a Copy of My Fathers letter. I have now to return you my most hearty and sincere thanks for your kind exertions in my behalf, although not crowned w Success, this I most sincerely wish you to believe, that my feelings of gratitude are the same, and can never be forgot. My Brother Adam come to Town to Morrow for a couple of days. With best respects to the Ladys. / I am yours / with sinc regard / John M. Ferguson. †2095 According to Chambers' and Thomson's Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen, II, p. 6, in the same year as publication of the Essay (1767) Ferguson 'revisited the scenes of his youth, and delighted the old parishioners of his father by recollecting them individually, while they were no less proud that their parish had produced a man who was held in such estima in the world'. †2096 Batavia (renamed Djakarta in 1949) was the capital of the Dutch settlements in Indonesia. †2097 Not clear. †2098 Candleshers, Candyl shers, i.e. snuffers (DOST). †2099 William Nairne, who was a member of the militia committee established in December 1782 (Robertson, p. 149). †2100 The Cadies in Edinburgh were an organized body of errand boys (see 'Edinburgh History Magazine', 1990, no. 4, 'A Useful Set of People, The Society of Running Stationers or Cadies', by S. M. Marwick). †2101 An Olla was a jar, or pot, used for cooking; also a dish of meat and vegetables cooked in this (OED). †2102 Apparently Eleonora Elphinstone (1747-1800), daughter of Charles, 9th Earl of Elphinstone and wife of William Ada Woodstoun, grandson of William Adam, the architect (SP). †2103 William Petty (1737-1805), first Marquis of Lansdowne, better known as Lord Shelburne, politician and patron of literature and the arts. During this period he was a political ally of Lord Bute. See also the note on p. clii. †2104 See note on p. clii. †2105 John Gowdie (see letter 29† and Appendix A†). †2106 William Young, younger of Kirkton (died 1746). He was a Regent at St Salvator's College 1691-1733, and Principal 1733-1746 (for this information I am indebted to Roger Emerson). †2107 Thomas Blackwell (1701-57), the author of the Enquiry into the Life and Writings of Homer 1735 and of Letters concerning Mythology 1748, was Principal of the Marischal College from 1748 to his death on 8 March 1757 in Edinburgh. †2108 John Chalmers of Sclattie, Tulloch and Clunie (1712-1800; Regent at King's College 1742- 6; Principal 1746-1800 ( this information I am indebted to Roger Emerson). †2109 I.e., Magister Iohannes Home. †2110 James Balfour of Pilrig (1705-95), educated at Edinburgh and Leyden, appointed to the Chair of Moral Philosophy 1 in 1764 was transferred to that of the Law of Nature and Nations. He was the author of A Delineation of the Nature and Obliga Morality, with reflexions upon Mr Hume's book entitled 'An Inquiry concerning the Principles of Morals' 1753, of Philosophical Es 1768, and of Philosophical Dissertations, 1782 (DNB). †2111 Haill, i.e. whole (SND). †2112 Ferguson was nevertheless disappointed in his claim (for this subject see Fagg, pp. 119-25). †2113 Charles Sholto, 4th Earl of Morton (1732-74). In 1759, as Lord Aberdour, he raised a corps of light dragoons. He w one of the Lords of Police till his death (SP). †2114 George (1761-1827), 5th Earl of Morton, created Baron Douglas of Lochleven August 1791, Lord High Commission the Church of Scotland 1820-4, Lieutenant of Fifeshire and Midlothian, Vice President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; and, secondly, Hamilton Douglas Halyburton of Pitcur (1763-84), entered the navy at an early age, but died in the shipwreck of a boa which he was commander, off New York. It was discovered on New Year's Day 1784 lying on the mudbanks of the New Jersey (SP). †2115 Katharine, Morton's wife and fourth daughter and co-heir of John Hamilton, second son of Thomas, 6th Earl of

Haddington. †2116 Charles Sholto, Earl of Morton. †2117 Philadelphia †2118 Sir Henry Clinton.

EUL MS La. II 73/170. To His Excellen[cy] the President and other [Members] of Congress &c. Gentlemen, With an Earnes[t desire] to stop further Eff[usion] of blood, we seize the [first] moment after our A[rrival to] communicate you..... of the Commission..... His Majesty is pleased..... us, together with the [will of] Parliament on whic[h it is] founded. And w ha[ve]..... as we are vested with [full] Powers you will be..... Sincerity of our disp[osition to] employ them in to restore upon the of] equal freedom and.... Safety the peace of [this] happy Empire. On this occasion tho fraught with Subjects of Mutual regret we recollect with some degree of Consolation that many of th happiest Establishments of our Constitution which is justly considered as a Model of Civil Liberty, have taken their rise from temporary divisions & Civil / dissensions not less.... than those we have rece[ntly].... experienced. But we.... mentioning Subjects wh[ich] now no longer in Cont[est]..... And reserve to a more.... [proper] time of discussion both.... hopes of benefit & the c[essa of Evils which are..... to determine you as we.... ourselves on the impo[rtant] questions that may.... the present occasion.... The Acts which.... [com]municate to you having.... with a Singular Unan[imity] are sufficient to express [the most ami]cabl dissposition of [Great] Britain & to show th[e]..... terms of agreement in.... [contem]plation with His Maj[esty].... with Parliament, a come up to every.... America either in the hon[ourable] Moderation or of the utm[ost] Jealousy of Liberty.... And the sense in wh [un]derstand them carrys.... cession that is short of a separation of Interests; ..... is consistent with that of Force on which the c[ontinuation] of our common Religion [and] liberty may depend. We Confess that we ar[e]..... on the Present occasion by.... Insidious interposition of Power which we can have no.... mot[ivation]..... †2119 Mentioned in letter 161†, 10 May 1779.

Late in 1777 General Howe went into quarters at Philadelphia, where he was accused of spending the winter in the eage pursuit of pleasure. To the surprise of all, no attack was then made on Washington's starving troops at Valley Forge, although th number was reduced to less than five thousand men. Howe claimed that means available were never sufficient to justify such an action. Early in 1779 he obtained, along with brother, the admiral, a committee of the whole House to inquire into their conduct of the war in America, thinking that it had bee unjustly impugned by the ministry. Various witnesses were examined, but the inquiry was without result, and the committee adjo sine die on 29 June, and did not meet again (DNB). †2120 A royal and parliamentary burgh, the seat of a presbytery, and the capital of Forfarshire or Angus. †2121 Apparently John Nairn, son of John, 3rd Lord Nairn, officer in the British Army, being Captain in the 1st Royal in 17 and ultimately Lieutenant-Colonel, died at St Andrews November 1782 (SP). †2122 Apparently Thomas Ogilvy Fothringham of Pourie, Colonel Scots Fusilier Guards, died 1790 (BLG). †2123 It is not clear to whom he refers. †2124 Latin, 'do not surrender to evil'. †2125 William Carmichael was U.S.A. Minister to Spain, 1781. †2126 Gilbert Stuart (1742-86), historian, author of A View of Society in Europe, 1778. He had reviewed in severe terms t second volume of Henry's History of Great Britain. †2127 Robert Henry (1718-90), born at Muirton, Stirlingshire, educated at the University of Edinburgh, author of The Histo Great Britain, in 4 vols, from the invasion of the Romans to the death of Henry VIII. The history passed into several English edi and was translated into French in 1789-96. Its author was granted a pension from George III (DNB). †2128 See letter 259, text corresponding with n. 6†, and letter 269†. But John Fleming, Robert Adam and his circle in Edinburgh and Rome, 1962, pp. 186, 201, 223, informs us that Ferguson had projected a visit to Italy as far back as 1756. †2129 Cockburn, Memorials, p. 50. †2130 See letter 283†. †2131 See letters 284†-5†. †2132 See letters 286†-7†. †2133 Letter 286†. †2134 Letter 288†. †2135 Gibbon, Memoirs of My Life, edited by B. Radice, London, 1991, p. 148. †2136 Edinburgh, 1966, p. 11. †2137 See NLS, Moir-Byres papers, deposit 184, ff. 3-4. This document has been brought to my attention by John Ingame

of the Paul Mellon Center for the Studies in British Art. It is addressed 'All'Ill. mo Sigr Sigr / Al Sigr Patrizio Moir / Gentilhome In / a la Posta Restante / Rome, and runs as follows: '.... Our Friend Dr Ferguson, Brother in Law you know to Mrs Pr. (?) Byres le this the 7th Curent [as in MS] on a gont [as in MS =jaunt] to Italy I gave him a letter to you, he'll write you from Vinice [as in M provid [as in MS] him with an Apartment in some queit [as in MS] desert House, as he eates nothing but Vegitabels [as in MS] be necessary that the People of the House undertake to dress them for him, he has only a Single Servt with him, but will requa in MS] a Vallet / de Pluss, he will probably be weth [as in MS] you by the end of Octr he is a very sensible Clever man, his wo Sivel [as in MS] Society and his Roman History are much estimed, his conversation will be interesting and agreable to you, he great friend of your friend Sir John Mackferson [as in MS] how speaks higly [as in MS] of you, and beges [as in MS] to be kind rememberd'. †2138 Skinner, Scots in Italy, p. 11.

†2139 Cited in Fleming, Robert Adam, p. 193. †2140 See Biblioteca Angelica, Archivio 5, Catalogo dei Soci per nome Arcadico, Custode Godard ('Megaste Leonteo-Mr Ferguson Inglese'; this document has been brought to my attention by Dr Carla San Mauro). †2141 Skinner, Scots in Italy, pp. 19-22. †2142 See letter 287†. †2143 Skinner, Scots in Italy, p. 17. †2144 Skinner, Scots in Italy, p. 21. He also informs us that in 1783 James Clarke accompanied Allan Ramsay and his so John 'to the Grotto del Cane, to Portici and to the collection of drawings in the library at Capodimonte'. †2145 See letter 341, text corresponding with note 9†. †2146 Skinner, Scots in Italy, p. 10. †2147 See letter 288†. †2148 Cockburn, Memorials, p. 50. †2149 See letter 409†. †2150 John Playfair (1748-1819), mathematician and geologist, was the author of Elements of Geometry, 1795, and of Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth, 1802. In 1785 he was appointed joint Professor of Mathematics with Adam Ferguson, and in 1805 exchanged his chair for the professorship of Natural Philosophy. †2151 John Leslie (1766-1832), mathematician and natural philosopher, author of Experimental Inquiry into the Nature and Property of Heat, 1804; Elements of Geometry, 1809; Elements of Natural Philosophy, 1823. In 1805, when appointed to the Ch Mathematics, he had to face the opposition of the ministers of Edinburgh, who professed to see in him a champion of freethoug 1819 he succeeded John Playfair in the Chair of Natural Philosophy (DNB). †2152 I.e., liver, living. †2153 'Ad vitam', Latin, 'for life'; 'ad Culpam', Latin 'for misdeed, transgression'. Ad vitam aut culpam were the usual terms appointments with life tenure. It gave office for life and the holder could only be dismissed if some very serious offence was pro

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