Autograph letter signed : Keswick, to John May, 1809 October 20.

Regarding his correspondence with Walter Scott concerning an appropriate position that would suit "to my own wishes and pursuits;" discussing the merits of a diplomatic position, a professorship, a position as Historiographer and the Stewardship of the Derwentwater Estates; relating that he was turned down for the Stewardship and "the answer under a plea that very peculiar qualifications are required for the situation, implied that he meant to give it to one of his own relations or immediate dependants;" relating that the position of Historiographer was held by "Dutens the Frenchman" and saying that in order to get the position Dutens would have to "go to Heaven--you know the least thing to be expected from a Frenchman is that he should go there to oblige one;" saying that in the meantime the Ballantynes asked him to write the "history of Spanish affairs for the year (1808)--this, liking the subject, I undertook;" saying that they were very pleased with his work and he has accepted the assignment on a one-year trial for £400 a year; detailing how he will repay him [May] £100 from his first years payment and then hoping to pay him a "second hundred in the course of the next year;"