1779 EL JAMAICA - MONTROSE Portsmouth Ship Letter. Bishop Mark ERSKINE. Would have been transported under convey during American war of independence.

Likely carried on the Nightingale which arrived in Portsmouth on 21 March 1779.

Interesting contents. See below.

My dear Brother,

This day I received the melancholy account of the death of my dear brother by your letters of the 22 July and 23 August, which I did not expect so soon, though I had heard he was on the decline. How apt we are to promise ourselves pleasures that are at a distance. Had he lived, I believe I should have returned to Montrose in ’82 or ’83. I have often amused myself with the pleasing hope of spending a few years with him in the latter part of life—but it is in vain. There are no limits; we must resign to the will of Heaven.

I shall not now fix any period for seeing my relations or my native home. It is my duty to improve my fortune for the good of my family, and prudence is now necessary for that purpose, and will be so for some eight years. Should I send any of my children home, let them, my dear John, depend entirely on you and your son. The two families have always lived as one, and I have ever regarded you and your children as brothers and sisters, not as cousins. I hope we shall always remain on a footing of real friendship.

It is not necessary to recommend to you my sister; I am convinced you will render them every service in your power. Or rather, if they are extravagant, I wish them, for joy, every comfort a virtuous mind would desire. Should the interest of what my worthy father left us, together with what my dear brother has given them, not be sufficient, then you will let them have whatever they desire from that which is to be paid to me. Should any remain, put it into good hands at interest, if I do not order the whole of it otherwise.

I have some difficulties at present, and increasing the value of my property may continue them for a few years, but it is much improved; and with the addition of negroes and stock, worth to the amount of one thousand or fifteen hundred pounds, it will yield me annually above two hundred hogsheads of sugar. Three or four years hence, this will produce three thousand pounds sterling clear, for that sum will more than pay all contingent charges.

I have land adjoining, which I fortunately purchased since the death of my late partner, Mr Brown. Part I have added to the present estate, which has increased its value much; and I have sufficient for another estate, which will be greatly superior to the present—at least for what we here call a pen, fit to breed cattle sufficient for both estates. To accomplish my plan will require time and money. I shall proceed slowly, being determined not to involve myself. The money I owe is inconsiderable in comparison to my property; after the year 1782 I shall be clear and easy with respect to debt, unless I make further purchases.

My good friend, this short account of my situation may not be unuseful. You and your son have been, in every testament I have made, executors and trustees for any children. My brother was the first; now he is gone, I depend on you. Any property here, after my death, is to be sold or kept as you shall direct.

You will be so good as to fulfil my brother’s intentions and pay to Mr William Mill ten guineas; to his named son David Mill ten guineas; also to Mrs Gardiner, formerly Peggie Turnbull, ten guineas. He had a servant who had been with him many years and was faithful; if he is the man to whom my brother leaves a legacy of five guineas, you will give him five more. Should he not be in a way to support himself, if he will come to Jamaica I will employ him, and he shall never want while he has inclination. His passage is as good as paid—charge that to me—and supply him with whatever he may need.

Please present my affectionate compliments to your son and lady, to Mr Whytocke and Miss [—], if they come soon and oblige.

St James, Jamaica, 21 February 1779

Your affectionate loyal friend,

John Erskine

Postscript

I have but short time to write on any other opportunity, and my mind is in such agitation that you will forgive this incorrect scrawl. I think you cannot misunderstand my meaning, which is that whatever sums my dear brother desired to have paid may be done, though not mentioned in his will, as also those I have written. Adieu—I am,

Yours most sincerely,

John Erskine