Page images
PDF
EPUB

eyes were weak or sore, ordered him to put on his hat, which he always wore afterwards when he was painting. I do not know the other portraits in the shop; but they must have been those of people of eminence at that time.

MR. M. LAING TO MR. PINKERTON.

Edinburgh, April 18th, 1800.

When I wrote last, I did not imagine that I should have had occasion to apply to you for information from Mr. Astle, concerning any papers in the Paper-Office relative to Queen Mary. The annexed note from Anderson's Manuscript Collections, which I have since examined, will explain the importance of the papers to which it refers. If an order from a Secretary of State is necessary to procure copies from the Paper-Office, I believe I could obtain one from Mr. Dundas. In the mean time, your recommendation of the annexed note to Mr. Astle will be particularly useful.

Among Anderson's papers, I discover one or two relative to your History, which I will either transmit, or procure copies of them for you, as the possessor of his papers shall permit. I have not examined whether they are of importance or not; but they will be sent with the three remaining portraits.

From Anderson's Notes of Papers in the Paper Office -Book, Scotland, Letters to Queen Elizabeth, 1571 to 1603.

In this book are several Letters and Papers before 1571 among them letters from Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth and to Secretary Cecil in 1568, 1569, and 1570. There is also to be found there, near the end, in p. 507, &c., the long letter from Glasgow sent by Queen Mary to Bothwell in English, marked with Cecil's hand, and the Letters AA p. 519: another of these letters in English depesched by Margaret Carwood;" and the same in French marked with Cecil's hand (4).

66

If

N. B. The first letter of which I have a copy is an English version, different from the Scotch in Buchanan's Detection, but translated, apparently, from the same French original. I apprehend that the second must be the letter concerning Margaret Carwood's departure, beginning "Mon Cœur, hélas! faut-il que la folie d'une femme," &c. so, this letter in French and English must be still more important than the former, to determine the much-disputed question, whether the letters were forged in Scotch and translated into French, or translated into Scotch from a French original. A copy therefore both of the French and English is particularly desirable.

In the Book, from 1558 to 1568, is Bothwell's trial, fol. 607, and the attainder in parliament against him and others, 20th December, 1567, fol. 623.

N. B. The only important circumstance to be

discovered from this copy of Bothwell's trial is, whether Robert Pitcairn, commendator of Dunfermline, the Lord Lindsay of the Byres, Mr. James Macgill and Mr. Henry Bulneaves, Lords of Session, are mentioned as assessors to the Earl of Argyle, Justice General on that trial.

Bundle, Scotland, without dates, B.

E. Copy short letter from G. C. to Bothwell.
Bundle F. without date.

French sonnet by Queen Mary to her son the Prince.

N. B. As the papers relative to Scotland were formerly kept in a large chest, these bundles without dates may be difficult to be found. The sonnet is only important to compare with Mary's sonnets to Bothwell.

[ocr errors]

MR. PINKERTON TO MR. M. LAING.

Hampstead, April 19th, 1800.

The drawings came safe to hand, and seem well done. The three old kings are manifest inventions; but I have at least the certainty that they are so. Beaton is very curious and interesting; and I have no doubt that it is genuine. Lady Ancram should lodge it in one of the best apartments, but not in her own bed-chamber; for he was a very roguish ecclesiastic. I believe it would be right I should by and by inclose to you a solemm letter of thanks to her ladyship for her politeness.

I have no faith in your Beaton from the Vatican. It is probable a real portrait may exist at Mr. Beaton's in Fifeshire. Is George Baillie of Jerviswood, at Lord Haddington's, the patriot? if so, I want him much. There are two in Dalkeith Palace, can you get at them? Do you know Mr. Bruce of Arnot, who has got three?

Your idea of getting catalogues of the portraits is a good one, as it prevents misintelligence; and I shall be much obliged to you for a continuation of such authentic intelligence.

I have sent your note to Mr. Astle; and, if he make any remark, shall transmit it to you. He has informed me that Mr. Bruce is now the only person to apply to at the State Paper Office.

I have corrected the Gowrie conspiracy to-day, and see no objection to your title.

MR. PINKERTON TO MR. M. LAING.

Hampstead, April 22d, 1800.

I have just been favored with a letter from Mr. Astle, returning the note that you sent, with the following observation :

"All that I can collect concerning the Gaëlic and Irish manuscripts mentioned by me in my Origin and Progress of Writing, will be found in that work from p. 123 to p. 138, which Mr. Laing may make any use of which he may think proper. I have this moment received yours with the ex

tracts from Anderson's papers; but my last will show you that Mr. Astle can do nothing in the business. I shall be glad to see the notes you mention. I infer from yours that Anderson is dead.

I should be obliged to you if you could assist me in procuring a few specimens of Scotch minerals, as granite, basalt, &c. Your friend, Dr. Walker, would be the best person to advise you. If he consent, I shall send you a little note of what I want.

MR. PINKERTON TO MR. M. LAING.

Hampstead, May 4th, 1800.

I have yours of the 29th ult. I had not the smallest idea that the author of the Diplomata had been so long in existence, and shall be glad to see his remarks on my book, whatever they be.

If you know Mr. Bruce of Arnot, I wish you would get Caldwall to take a sketch of Bruce the architect. I need not add that Mr. Gibson will repay you your money when you please.

I shall be very glad to see you here this month, as you mention; but I am sorry you mean to fly to the Orkneys so soon. When you do go there, pray pick me up some mineral curiosities, granites, &c. &c.: your brother will point out the most remarkable. I look upon it as a fortunate circumstance that he should be also a collector and a

« PreviousContinue »