L30/12/54/7

Letter to Alexander Hume-Campbell, Lord Polwarth from his nephew, Hugh Scott, sent from Mertoun. Prevented from writing sooner by a severe toothache. Will acquaint Lord Polwarth on the state of Berwickshire's politics, from all the information he has obtained.

28 May 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Writer does not consider it correct to officially declare himself a candidate so long before the general election. (Explains reasons). 'The principal object we have in view is the preservation of your family interest.' Have confirmed that Sir Alexander Don does not intend to stand. Saw Sir J Stuart on arrival in Edinburgh. To the astonishment of the writer and many others, he has given up all thought of his son standing. The reason is fear of losing his own position; he thought that if he irritated the Baronet [John Paterson], the he might persuade Lord Marchmont to get his office taken away. Saw various others who gave encouragement. Wedderburn's friends do not think he will stand. It is the decided opinion of the writer's friends that there is an opposition forming which may break out at the next election or soon after 'which unless guarded against with the greatest caution will get entirely the better of your interest in that county. The Duke of Gordon is the most likely person to head opposition to the family interest. His connections are extensive and he could become a very dangerous opponent.' Reference to other opinions obtained. On the whole the writer has met with encouragement. [Refers to writer's potential candidature for member of parliament for Berwickshire]

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item

Scott, Hugh,
Hepburne-Scott, Hugh,
Hume-Campbell, Alexander (2nd Baron Polwarth),
Don, Alexander,
Stuart, J,
Paterson, John,
Hume-Campbell, Hugh (Earl of Marchmont),
Wedderburn,
Gordon, Alexander (4th Duke of Gordon)

family correspondence, PARLIAMENT, Berwickshire