Letter by John, Lord Macleod, to his father, 18th April 1749
Images
Title
Letter by John, Lord Macleod, to his father, 18th April 1749
Number of Facsimile
280
Type
Letter
Date
18/04/1749
Language
English
Originator(s)
Lord John Macleod
Recipient(s)
Lord Macleod
Transcription
Bridport. April 18th –---- My Lord You will perhaps be surprized to find by this letter that I am set out for London without having acquainted you with any thing of my design; but when I have informed you of my motives for taking this step, I flatter myself you will approve of the principles on which I act, and do justice to the sincerity of my intentions – It cannot but be very dissagreeable to me to find that there are some of my relations in Scotland who make it their business to carp at every thing I do, and all this because I would not follow the scheme of life which they had laid down for me; they not only dissaprove of every visit I make, but my going into any company however mix’d, my being at the most publick places however indifferently frequainted by people of all parties, and my very cloaths are offences of the highest nature. As this fully convinces me that they are resolved to disapprove of every step I can take, I was affraid that if you was acquainted with my design, they might attribute a part of this other imaginary offence to your share, it is to prevent any bad consequences of this nature that has determined me to act as I have done, and I declare before God that the above reason is my only inducement for so doing – As I have ever made my duty to my Parents the inviolable rule of my conduct, so I shall always continue in the same sentiments and shall with plea-sure embrace every opportunity by which I can show it.
As idleness is certainly very detrimental to every body, so it is likewise very shameful for a young man, especialy for one in my situation to loiter away his time when he ought to be pushing his way throu’ the world, this has determin’d me to offer my service to some of the northern Powers where the approaching war offers a favourable opportunity to such as are determin’d to make a figure in the world or fall in the attempt — I have as much money as will carry me to Town, and I can get as much there as will carry me over the watter, it will do very well; if not, I still think it better even to beg my bread over and afterwards to carry a musket, then to continue any longer a burthen to you --- I shall write again from London where I propose to stay but a few days. I offer my most affectionate duty to my Mother, and my aff. Compliments to my Sisters.
I am
My Lord
Your most affectionate and dutiful Son. Macleod
The Right Hon’ble
The Earl of Cromertie
As idleness is certainly very detrimental to every body, so it is likewise very shameful for a young man, especialy for one in my situation to loiter away his time when he ought to be pushing his way throu’ the world, this has determin’d me to offer my service to some of the northern Powers where the approaching war offers a favourable opportunity to such as are determin’d to make a figure in the world or fall in the attempt — I have as much money as will carry me to Town, and I can get as much there as will carry me over the watter, it will do very well; if not, I still think it better even to beg my bread over and afterwards to carry a musket, then to continue any longer a burthen to you --- I shall write again from London where I propose to stay but a few days. I offer my most affectionate duty to my Mother, and my aff. Compliments to my Sisters.
I am
My Lord
Your most affectionate and dutiful Son. Macleod
The Right Hon’ble
The Earl of Cromertie
Size
169mm x 212mm
Number of copies held
60
Date recorded
09/06/2015
Citation
“Letter by John, Lord Macleod, to his father, 18th April 1749,” School of History, Classics and Archaeology Teaching Collections, accessed February 2, 2026, https://collections.shca.ed.ac.uk/items/show/283.