| Description Of Item | Addressed to 'Harry' and started on 25th August. He has not had any news from Scotland and asks after Harry's father's health. He had heard a report that Harry had wanted to come out to India with Sir Archibald Campbell and advised against it 'except you was to come out as physician to the Governor General'. He has moved from the King's Troops under Norman MacLeod to the Artillery and waits for command of a battalion. He asks if Dugald Stewart could recommend him to 'his lordship'. He asks to thank Dr Adam Ferguson for this friendly letter. He writes that Lord Cornwallis has gone up country to inspect military stations with Harry's friend John Fleming. Frank Balfour and is wife are also in the country and he comments on the 'lunatic essay' written by Balfour. Laudie [?] Kinloch went home sick in March. He asks to be remembered to Bob, Betty, Ann, Peggy and Robina. He is going to dinner with 'a most charming girl' Jessy Brown and Sandie Campbell asks after Harry. He adds to his letter after the 'pacquet' is detained. Dr Russell had told him that Harry had not got Hope's class [the Professorship of Botany] and reports that the government had allowed some land for a botanical gardens. He finds it 'rather disgracing' that no scientific man has been sent out to study the natural history. 'The Company ought to send out some person of abilities with a handsome income and liberal support' and thinks Harry should apply. Even with the 'great improvements in Edinburgh' once Harry had been to India he would not want to return to 'Auld Reekie'. He is interested in chemistry and asks for the last course of Black's lectures to be sent him. In index. |