Dear Sir

Three days ago I received yours of 11^th. Current, & have been in daylie Expectation of hearing from the West Highlands with the Erse name for the Bagpipe but this storm must retard a speedy Return.

A particular Friend from Athole's who understands that Language as spoken in the Dialect of that County informs me the Word Piohb, pronounces nearly peeb is always ^used to express that Instrument of Musick with them, Balg signifies Bag. It is to be observed that there is no term of Distinction known in the Highlands for Bagpipe, Big Bagpipe or Irishpipes: these two later are peculiar to the Low Country & are used with Bellows instead of Mouth-blow pipe, practised by the genuine Highland pipers: so that the large pipe may have the word mohr or big added and for this smaller kind the word beg, ^small or little conjoin'd. — But of this more fully when I obtain the Answer from the West. ––––– I am told that there was about 10 or 12 years ago a Collection of Erse Poems printed amongst which there is a Poem on the Bagpipe containing (I presume a Discription as also) the Uses this Instrument was applied to: pray let me know if you have not a Copy of these Poems, I will endeavour to make Search for a Copy to send you in Course of the Post after Receipt of your Answer to this.

In the Course of Conversation with severals [sic] who understand the Erse, I have been told the Highlanders have these three Distinctions for the Inhabitants of Britain 1. they call themselves Gael. 2. the low Country people Gald or as pronounced Galt. 3. The English Sasonich, which is plainly according to Cambden Saxons. ––––– The Etymology of Gald is more difficult. 2. Whether this be a corruption of Gothic? but to me who does not understand the Erse appears harsh.

I beg leave to inform you that ever since I had the pleasure of seeing you in this Country; it has been my earnest desire to trace out M^r. Maitland's (Author of the History of Scotland 2 Vol. fol. & of Edinburgh) Manuscript Papers which at last I have got Account of, nay am promised the Use of them, a Gentleman whom I engaged in the Search & has at last found them, writes me there are amongst them Collections relating to the Western Islands; but as they are too bulky to be transmitted in parcels by Post; I have requested the Favour of their being sent me by the first ship coming to Leith from the North where they are deposited at present: this I look for in a month or so hence. — I know not in what State they are in, neither can it be ascertain'd whether he has inserted all these into his printed Books, which I have by me & will as accurately as I can compare together: but in the mean time if you think of reaping any benefit therefrom, be so good as give me your fullest Instructions, which shall be religiously attended to as far as lies in my power.

I hope the two Etchings will be come to hand by this Time, have seen by the same hand an etched View of Roslin Castle, but the plate was destroyed, however if I can by any means procure a loan of this, will put it in a Friends hand to copy it for You: for it's a Doubt if any more remain but this single Copy: am told the same Gentleman has many more Sketches of & about Roslin, of which shall make Inquiry about and in due time inform you: as I perceive at present the Islands attract your Attention: connected with these I've this day got the M.S.S History of the Family of Maclean, which is near 90 pages folio very closly written, so wait your Call for Extracts.

In hopes of hearing from you at Convenience

I am
Dear Sir
Your most obed^t. Serv^t.

GPaton

Custom house Edinburgh
20 January 1774.

Bagpipe
Maitland
M^r Paton
Jan.20^th 1774.

answered.

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