Records of the clan and name of Fergusson, Ferguson and Fergus

FERGUSONS IN ABERDEENSHIRE 253
company. . . . When a lawyer it was his rule to do no business
on Saturday (Sunday ?) ; but though a man of unostentatious
piety he was no Puritan. He thought it no sin to entertain
a few friends at dinner or supper, when they were delighted
with the philanthropy, the animation, and the knowledge
of their host. . . . He breathed his last, coming to his
grave in a full age, like " as a shock of corn cometh in in
its season." '
The following letters from Lord Pitfour are interesting.
In the first, addressed to ' James Ferguson of Kinmundie,
Esq., at his lodgings in Paterson's land, below the Canongate
Cross, Edinburgh,' he announces the solemnisation of his
marriage : —
'Dear Cousin, — I came here yesternight, where I have
obtained the completion of the happiness I have been long-
intending. We come in upon Tuesday's night, and will take
it very kindly if you and your Lady can come up and sup
with us betwixt 7 and 8 at night. My Lord and my lady
and all this family come in with us, and severall of our other
friends are to meet us in town. I shall add no more but
my most humble service to your Lady, and am your most
affectionate cousin and humble servant,
' James Ferguson.
' Balnacrief, Feb. 4, 1733.'
The other is addressed to his young kinsman, who had
just followed the fashion of his generation by making a run-
away marriage : —
'Sir, — I am sorry to hear of your taking a step of this
importance without your Father's consent. You will no
doubt make it your chief concern to obtain his forgiveness.
I doubt if I can have any weight in it at this distance. I
think it would be proper to apply to Drum, who is a man of
honour, and will propose nothing but honourable terms. It
will give me great pleasure to hear that you succeed in
obtaining a Reconcilement with your father, which is the
only thing that can ensure future happiness to you and Mrs.