Downing Dec^r 22^d. 1772.

Dear Sir

Your two very kind favors are before me: I never shall be unmindful of your steady friendship, for you are the same whether I am north or south of the Tweed; a reproach your countrymen are too liable to that of verifying the Proverb out of sight out of mind. [sic]

I am much obliged to you for the trouble you had about the boxes: of the two entered the day you mention I had but one; the little one with lead over being missing. It is true another of snuff was sent sometime after by M^r Macgovan, but that arrived safely. in a word I am resolved to recover my box or sue the carrier I mean him of Edinburgh who by admitting the Entry in his books is liable to the charge.

I am well assured that the publication of the whales will answer. if you undertake it on your own account solely, I shall beg y^r acceptance of the 4 plates I would offer so till you resolve me, I shall defer sending the sketches. I would propose putting the Whole copy into the hands of my own Bookseller to be sold for you. I presume the printing & paper will not cost you 12^L . Pray send me proofs of each of the old prints.

I am much obliged to you for the list of Sir R. Sibbalds works: Pray can you find anything new in his Description of the islands; or anything relating to the Religious houses in Oransay, Iona or any of the isles? In a former list of y^rs , you mention Spotswoods appendix to Hopes minor Practics. & Keiths Hist. of Ch. & state: if anything in these not in Maitand; I shall be very happy to have extracts: I wish much to know if there were any in Mull, or in Skie besides those of St Columb’s which is the N. of Skie.

Pray write soon which will oblige D^r Sir Y^r most obed^t &c

Tho. Pennant

My best compliments attend M^r Menzies: Be so good as to ask him to what convent in the archipelago did he compare the cloisters in Oransay.

Can you buy for me Jonstoni Poemata in which are the Encomia urbium.