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to James Dundas

Offers his brother encouragement in spite of an unspecified "disagreeable situation."

GLC02549.01

to James Dundas

Describes a discussion he had about his brother (the recipient) settling down, the need for assistance from "friends," and the good chances of his success.

GLC02549.02

to James Dundas [fragment]

Thanks his brother for a gift. Discusses paying part of a debt. Writing about his mother, he states: "My Mother generally speaks her mind too freely, tho she commonly means well."

GLC02549.03

to James Dundas

Complains about his profession as a doctor and compares it to being a "galley slave." Describes a man abroad named William Roberts as unambitious. Mentions, and discounts, the prospect of war in India and comments on related political and military...

GLC02549.04

to James Dundas

Discusses their correspondence, James's last visit, which lacked in amusements because of David's "disagreeable employment," and his son. Notes receiving a letter from William Robertson in Madras, India, and discusses the death of Lord Pigot in...

GLC02549.06

to James Dundas [fragment]

Indicates that he was sorry to hear about his brother's "disagreables" and offers a travelling metaphor for the difficulties of life. Regrets that they have not seen each other recently.

GLC02549.08

to James Dundas [fragment]

Describes a trip to Portsmouth. Also discusses visiting the House of Commons, where he heard a debate in which Charles Fox and Lord North spoke. North closed his speech by hoping "that the Eyes of Europe would soon be opened, & see the necessity of...

GLC02549.09

to James Dundas

Discusses his wife Isabella, whose "proper sense of Religion joined to a firm mind" has helped her adjust to "her misfortunes." Comments on the suffering of their mother, which James had informed him of, and asks James to give their father his best...

GLC02549.10

to James Dundas

Offers a detailed description of the Gordon Riots. Describes the mobs' activities, including the release of prisoners, lighting of fires, extortion, and assaults on members of Parliament and known Catholics. Admits his suspicion that the French...

GLC02549.11

to James Dundas

Discusses the Gordon Riots, mentioning that there are 25,000 soldiers in London and 60-70 of the rioters were shot (and many others taken prisoner). Reports that Lord George Gordon (the rioters' leader) was questioned by the Privy Council and "sent...

GLC02549.12

to James Dundas

Discusses sending his ill wife away to convalesce, referencing an essay by Montaigne in which he mentions being fonder of his wife after they have been apart. She will be "Sea Bathing, which I believe to be the most powerful restorative we have."...

GLC02549.13

to James Dundas

Extends wishes for their mother's recovery, comments on his wife's improving health from sea bathing, and provides other family news. Reports hearing that Lord North received a message about Lord Cornwallis being attacked by General Horatio Gates....

GLC02549.14

to James Dundas [fragment]

Discusses contested parliamentary elections in the south, remarking that "from the eagerness to get into Parliament, one would think that more Patriotism prevails now than ever." Notes that there is great expectation for news from Admiral Darby and...

GLC02549.15

to James Dundas

Discusses information about their brother George and letters he has been sending. Describes the fleets at Portsmouth and compares them to the locusts of Egypt. Asks James to obtain a "Seal Cutter two scales with our Arms Cut upon a good Cornelian...

GLC02549.16

to James Dundas

Mentions the marriage of D. Erskine and the parliamentary elections. Describes his first visit to the opera, which he detested. Compares listening to songs in foreign languages (he does not understand) to "those poor bigots who say their prayers in...

GLC02549.17

to James Dundas

Discusses some family news, commenting on his separation from his wife. Thanks James for his work on a seal (also discusses in GLC025490.16), but asks him not to send it until after the lottery, fearing it might be stolen. Comments on the status of...

GLC02549.18

to James Dundas

Discusses a short visit from their brother George who was in good health but had to return to his ship after one day. Also mentions another brother named Ralph, whose "fate you have learnt four days ago" (Ralph, captain of the Bonetta, was captured...

GLC02549.19

to James Dundas

Notes that he has not informed their mother and father about their brother Ralph, captain of the Bonetta, who had been captured by the French at the Battle of Yorktown (see GLC03676.05). Discusses a possibly scandal involving Ralph and his effort...

GLC02549.20

to James Dundas

Writes at length about his feelings, memories, gratitude, and regret regarding their recently deceased mother.

GLC02549.21

to James Dundas

Discusses their brother Ralph's difficulty getting an advancement in the Navy and his plans to move. On events in America, he writes: "When a General abides the consequence of a Storm, He should resolve either to beat off his Enemies or die in the...

GLC02549.22

to James Dundas

Writes in detail about his father's arrival and their activities. Indicates that "We are in hourly expectation of hearing something of Importance from Lord Howe." Explains that six ships have been sent to Howe to make a fleet of thirty and...

GLC02549.23

to James Dundas

Indicates that their father has left and discusses his visit and health. Comments on their brother George and related matrimonial issues. Discusses their brother Ralph's problems finding a naval position, noting that "I am afraid He has no chance...

GLC02549.24

to James Dundas

Discusses correspondence and family matters. Explains that their brother George is planning to go to the West Indies. Discusses their brother Ralph's difficulty getting naval work, especially because of the prospect of peace. Comments on a visit...

GLC02549.26

to James Dundas [fragment]

Laments their brother George's plan to marry an American woman and move there forever. It will also force him to work outside the navy, for want of subsistence for a family. There are some contemporary notes on the address leaf.

GLC02549.27

to James Dundas

Hopes that James will visit "Now that the convulsion of Politicks is over." Mentions "contested elections" and commends "Mr. Pitt, for his Wisdom & discretion in dissolving the last Parliament." Discusses British politics, mentioning Charles Fox...

GLC02549.28