Letter 3522

[fol. 4] Honorble Sir I have the honour of Yours of the 5th instant which was the longer in comeing to my hand that it behoov’d to be returned to this place, haveing left Air upon some bussines here before it went that length; I own my obligation to You for the favour, Am heartily sorry to find Ye’ve been indisposed and hope Ye’re perfectly well recovered; But one thing I’m yet at a loss to know, and that is, Your motto: And therefore I begg Ye’ll add a further obligation and Lett me know what it is. I’m infinitely oblidged to your goodness in letting know a little of Your family; and I hope tho your modestie won’t as a younger-Brother and a seventh son, Yet Ye’ll allow me to Acknowledge you for Cheife, As a Gentleman of the brightest parts in the name. I humbly thank you for the assurance ye give me of showing me what civilitys are in Your power, than which nothing can be more Acceptable for no doubt it’s in your power to do great services to Your freinds: And therefore I shall lay hold of this opportunity and Begg liberty to lett you know what I am: My father of low parentadge But a verry honest man and well skilled in Country affairs, Was Factor to Collonell Charles Catheart, And thought fitt to Bind me Apprentice to a Writer which is the same with what ye call an Actorney in England And I Bless God for it I have no reason to repent his choice, for I hope by this time I have Attained as much of the Airt as shall gain my bread without being a burthen to my freinds: So that what I wou’d inferr from this, Is, that as frequently small vaccancies happen in this Kingdome To which my office as writer might inable me to succeed; If ye’d please use Your-intrest for me at Court, I cou’d soon fish out what wou’d be for me And Acquaint you therewith. Ye can’t miss but [fol. 5] but to think this An impertinent freedome, which I do Acknowledge But as Ye’ve been so good as assure me of your freindship And I don’t know by what happy Accident I’m led in to it, I hope Ye’ll pardon the presumption and Allow me to remaine Honorble Sir Your ever oblidged and most obedient humble servant Andrew Sloane Edinburgh 18th November 1728