Thomas Pennant to George Paton

9 July 1776

ID: 0211 [see the .xml file] [download the xml file]
Identifier: NLS ADV. MSS. 29.5.5 (2 vols.) i, 162
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Cite: 'Thomas Pennant to George Paton 9 July 1776' in Curious Travellers Digital Editions [editions.curioustravellers.ac.uk/doc/0211]

Dear Sir

Your kind Letter came this post. next week I go to visit the Bishop of St David’s in S. Wales so must deprive myself of the pleasure of hearing from you till about the 28th of August. I shall write to Mr Bayley to send you a map that you get any corrections you like: I hope the public will be content with the delay till next spring for sake of getting it more accurate.1

I have by me a copy of the vth edition of the Tour 1769. but I suppose it will be long eer I can send it to you, as it will not be published till the other vol. is reprinted.2

I am ashamed to have forgot John Scott esqr of Gala. Be so good as to send him yr copy & get another from White by the inclosed order.

I heartily wish you all health & am, Dear Sir
yr very affect. humble Servt

Thomas Pennant.

Downing July 9th 1776.

Editorial notes
1. Pennant's A Map of Scotland, the Hebrides and Part of England was originally intended to accompany the 1776 publication of his Tour in Scotland 1772 Part II, but as this letter indicates, the map was not completed until 1777, obliging purchasers of the Tour to return to the bookseller at a later date to claim their copy of the map.
2. A true fifth edition of the Tour in Scotland 1769 would not appear until 1790. Pennant is probably counting the 1772 Supplement or 1774 Additions to his Tour in Scotland 1769 as the fourth edition, and thus Benjamin White's 1776 edition as the fifth. The 'other vol.' Pennant refers to is probably the 1776 edition of the Tour in Scotland and Voyage to the Hebrides in 1772 Part I.