Downing Dec^r 27^th. 1778

Dear Sir

I truely lament the loss of our worthy friend; which is more grievous as it was rather unexpected after the receit of his note. He has at all times been true to me: which increases my regret.¹

Never trouble y^rself more about the Welsh tour. The miscarriage cannot be helped.² I shall order 50 of my prints on the terms M^r Elliot proposes. Price 7.6. of which M. Griffith will allow 2 ..6 commission which I think handsome. I shall have further dealings with M^r Elliot & put things immediately into his hands on the next occasion that I publish on my own account.

I discovered by chance the friend who so kindly defends me against y^r wild clans. I am sure it is a M^r Francis Douglas near Paisley.³ It is the more generous as I said as harsh yet as true things against the patent earls of his name.⁴

I wish you would put that defence into one or more of y^r papers; & send me one when published. You will find it in the London Chronicle of November 7^th.

I have for you a noble impression of my print which I will send as soon as possible. I do not give a single one away, else I must give all or disoblige numbers: which in fact is the cause I give the plate to my Servant.

with best wishes of the season
I am Dear Sir
Y^r very faithful humble Serv^t

Th. Pennant.

I long to hear whether you & M^r Macgovan think the celt gilt.⁵ my best compliments to him.

Pray what was Dr Ramsays distemper. how old was he. who did he marry did he leave a child.

13/5

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Editorial notes

1. Doctor Robert Ramsay, first Chair of Natural History at Edinburgh University died in 1778.
2. Previous letters mention a missing copy of A Tour in Wales which was intended for Pennant's correspondent James Lautie of Fordyce: see Pennant's letters to Paton on November 6 and December 4 1778.
3. See Pennant's previous letter to Paton on December 4 1778.
4. In his Tour in Scotland and Voyage to the Hebrides 1772 (Chester: 1774), p.131, Pennant calls the family of Douglas 'a race of turbulent heroes, celebrated throughout Europe for deeds of arms; the glory, yet the scourge of their country; the terror of their princes; the pride of the Northern annals of chivalry.'
5. See Pennant's letters to Paton on October 9, November 6 and December 4 1778.