L30/11/151/42

Typed transcript. Sent from Wrest:

12 Apr 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Visits from Bland and Hugh Scott. Talked over Berwickshire. The gentry have sent me word by Hugh that if I will support him at the general election, they will join in supporting the family interest headed by me, - throw out Sir John Paterson; but if not they will choose a man independent of the family interest. My father's personal weight is gone. Hugh and I have agreed that he shall not stir against Sir John Paterson unless someone else does, but if he hears of it he declares at once, and I give him an ostensible letter to say how much I approve of him. If necessary I could go to Mertoun alone. Yesterday met Sir George Osborn, who told me Southill might still be come at almost on any terms; son only 3 years old; better to say out £200 next year for a lease there than £150 at Leighton. Going to Southill this morning. Tomorrow we go to Leighton. Received very civil message going through Woburn from the Duke of Bedford who had been down for the Easter holidays.

item

Bland,
Scott, Hugh,
Paterson, John,
Osborne, George,
Russell, Francis (5th Duke of Bedford),
Hume-Campbell, Amabel, 1st Countess de Grey, 5th Baroness Lucas,
Hume-Campbell, Alexander,
Hume-Campbell, Hugh (3rd Earl of Marchmont)

CORRESPONDENCE, elections, Berwickshire, SOUTHILL, WOBURN