Frasers of Philorth > Volume 1

224 THE FRASERS OF PHILORTH, LORDS SALTOUN.
letters to the Duke of Portland, Lords Kellie, Lauderdale, Selkirk, and
Stormont, and to Sir Thomas Dundas, with which he had furnished him.
About the same time occurs a letter from Sir William Forbes, Bart., of
Craigievar, in which is the following curious passage : — -" I approve highly of
the printed Principles of the Friends of the People, and believe they will
sooner or later prevail, and I think the conduct of those in power is such as
will bring matters to a crisis in a very short time.
" A mighty fine proclamation ! Should a diligent magistrate see this
letter, I may have an answer from the Secretary of State."
And another from Mr. Wilbraham Bootle, afterwards first Lord Skelmers-
dale, shows that Lord Saltoun practised the duties of hospitality at home, and
had friends in all parts of the country : —
" My Lord, — The great civilities which I received from your Lordship
when in Scotland have encouraged me to take the liberty of recommending
my brother, Mr. Wilbraham (who has already the honor of being acquainted
with Lady Saltoun), and Mr. Augustus Legge, son of Lord Dartmouth, to
your notice, as they propose making nearly the same tour in the North that
I did. I shall feel extremely obliged to your Lordship if you would show
them the kindness which you did to me, in putting them in the way of seeing
whatever is most worthy of observation in your part of the country.
" I have only to regret that my absence from Great Britain will prevent me
from having the pleasure of assuring you in person this summer how much I
am,
" Your Lordship's most obliged and obedient humble serv\
" Edw d . Wilbraham Bootle.
"Copenhagen, June 17 th , 1792."
In the flower of his age, possessed of more than average abilities, which
the activity of his disposition kept in constant exercise, deservedly esteemed
by, and popular with, a large circle of friends of all shades of political opinion,
blessed with an amiable and devoted wife, and a family of promising children.
Lord Saltoun might have looked forward to a long and happy life, and to the
attainment of any position within the scope of honourable ambition, but
Providence had otherwise decreed.