Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1740.] TO SIR JAMES GRANT OF GRANT. 399
indeed think that Pitcalny has not chosen a proper time for his process, for his antagonist
at present is too strong for him ; but his friend, Dr. Duncan Fraser of Achnagairn, who is
with me, and who is cousin german to the Lady Pitcalny, the President's nice, assures me
that he only designs to waken it at this time, and to push it at a more proper occasion.
I send you in this packet his two informations, one for your father Sir James, and one
for yourself. I likewise send you the information of his antagonist, which I had not time
to read, and which I intreat you send me back again, because the bearer is to come this way.
I shall long to hear from you ; and I ever am, with unfeignied and unalterable friend-
ship and respect, my dear Laird of Grant,
Your most affectionate uncle, most obedient and most faithfull humble servant,
LOVAT.
478. To Sir James Grant of Grant — Better of the ague, etc.
Beaufort, 1st of February 1740.
My dear Sir James, — I received the honour of your letter by this post of the 1 9th of
January, and I am mighty sorry to understand by it that you keep your house for a swelling
in your ankle. I wish with all my soul you may be soon rid of it, and that you may enjoy
perfect health for mauy years for the good of your family, and for the comfort of your friends
and relations. I do assure you that there is no man that wishes you long life and health
more sincerly than I do. I. thank God I got the better of my aiguish fitts, and now that the
winter is past, I bless God that I can say that these fifteen years past I was not in so good
health as during this last winter, nor was I ever in greater spirits than since my unpresi-
dented disgrace ; and indeed I thank God it was my particular genius and spirit that, when
I was in the greatest dangers and under the greatest sufferings, my courage and resolution
was greater than at any other time, and I was more master of any witt or understanding that
nature gave me than upon any other occasion ; and that presence of mind, by God's help,
often sav'd my life. Crescit sub pondere virtus.
Your friend Sir Archebald Grant is with me now, and the Laird of Innerallachy, who
came with this great storm from his house of Castle Fraser to see me. We drink to your
health every day and night, and to Craigelahy, root and branch. They and I offer our most
humble duty ; and I am, with unalterable friendship and respect, my dear Sir James,
Your most affectionate brother, most obedient and most faithfull humble servant,
Lovat.
479. To The Same— Lovat belied from his youth — Horrid lie about his recruits.
Beaufort, 8th of February 1740.
My dear Sir James, — ... As to my letter to the General], Sir Bobert Munroe writes
to me that he deliver'd it to the Earl of Hay ; but it seems that I was born to be bely'd