L30/12/51/26

Letter from William Robertson, Maker Camp, Plymouth, to Alexander Hume-Campbell, Lord Polwarth. Letter received from Lord Polwarth yesterday gave the writer 'the first intelligence of the exfoliation of a bit of bone. It is surprising that, with its jagged edges, it should have given so little pain. Probably more is to appear, for as long as there is any diseased part to cast off, the wound will not heal up properly.'

18 Jul 1780

From: 1780 To: 1780

Reference to Lord Polwarth's shoulder; the northerly winds have not helped it. If his Lordship has not been bled lately, the loss of 4 or 5 ounces might do good. Suggests other remedies 'but do nothing of this sort without being seen by, or consulting, our friend from Warwick Street [Fordyce].' Suggests not making any alterations in dress, as the weather has not been warm enough. By last accounts 2 days ago, our fleet is still cruising off Brest. Mention of [George Brydges] Rodney in the West Indies. 'The late successes in America flatter us with the hopes of a reconcilliation, but a hearty drubbing of the French fleet would lead to it more effectively, and in a more permanent degree than the possession of towns or provinces brought about by compulsion.' 'Thanks to heaven and to the unconstitutional law of arms, the most rascally mob that ever disgraced a civilised nation seems, at present, to be at an end.' Agrees with his Lordship's opinion with regard to Lord Gordon; putting him to death can have no good effect, but confinement seems necessary. [Lord George Gordon was charged with treason for his role in instigating what became knows as the 'Gordon riots.]

item

Robinson, William,
Robertson, William,
Hume-Campbell, Alexander (2nd Baron Polwarth),
Fordyce, William,
Rodney, George Brydges 1st Baron Rodney,
Gordon, George

personal correspondence, illness, surgery, French Revolutionary Wars, American War of Independence, rioting