BIB_ID
405318
Accession number
MA 3157.2
Creator
Boswell, James, 1740-1795.
Display Date
[1767 August 31].
Credit line
Purchased, 1971.
Description
1 item (1 page, with address) ; 19.4 x 23.7 cm
Notes
The letter is simply dated "Monday / noon" but a penciled notation above the salutation gives the date as August 31, 1767.
Address panel with fragment of a seal to "My honoured worthy friend / Sir Alexander Dick Baronet / at his Seat of / Prestonfield."
Housed with an autograph letter signed with initial to Sir Alexander Dick dated London 1768 April 18 (see MA 3157.1).
Boswell defended John Reid against a charge of stealing sheep in 1766 and successfully got an acquittal for Reid. Reid would steal sheep again in 1774 and Boswell would not be successful in his defense of him.
Address panel with fragment of a seal to "My honoured worthy friend / Sir Alexander Dick Baronet / at his Seat of / Prestonfield."
Housed with an autograph letter signed with initial to Sir Alexander Dick dated London 1768 April 18 (see MA 3157.1).
Boswell defended John Reid against a charge of stealing sheep in 1766 and successfully got an acquittal for Reid. Reid would steal sheep again in 1774 and Boswell would not be successful in his defense of him.
Provenance
Purchased on the Fellows Fund, 1971.
Summary
Regretting that he missed him when he came to call; asking "Abroad did you think? Yes I was abroad as poor John Reid would be when you knock at the prison door when the Turnkey is absent. In short, as yet 'non ego sum vates'. However a few days more will I hope waft me to the amenity of Prestonfield. As for old Æsculous, Mr. Widdrington wrote me last week that He left Newcastle this day senight But I have not yet seen him though I have much need of him. Pray let me know when I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. The press is prolifick."
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