L30/12/51/1

Letter from William Robertson to Dr. William Fordyce, sent from Chatham Barracks. Has received Fordyce's letter with a proposal of writer going abroad with Lord Polwarth.

2 Oct 1777

From: 1777 To: 1777

Does not doubt that it was Fordyce who recommended the writer to Lord Polwarth. Fordyce is aware of Robertsons desire to quit an unprofitable, dissipated military life and endeavouring to get a more solid and settled line. For Robertson to go abroad when he has this plan would be highly imprudent unless a provision for life was made sufficient to compensate the loss he would sustain in giving up the thought of settling down in his profession. Even supposing this aspect could be settled, there is another matter which would concern Robertson; if Lord Polwarth's symptoms are advanced to such a state as to make his recovery doubtful, no consideration would make Robertson engage in going abroad with him. Mention of 'haemoploe' (coughing blood) as being how many consumptive cases begin. Writer refers to his feelings on his treatment and the subsequent death of Sir Gilbert Elliott. The writer does not know Lord Polwarth, but knows his character, and would be happy with him if he had a tolerable share of good health. 'I have now stated my objections to you. Do you in the matter as you shall think fit. If I am to go, the King's leave and the Duke of Argyll's must be had for me.'

item

Fordyce, William,
Robinson, William,
Robertson, William,
Hume-Campbell, Alexander (2nd Baron Polwarth),
Elliott, Gilbert

personal correspondence, illness, consumption