Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1776.] THOMAS, EIGHTH EARL OF KINNOULL. 455
the most of it, that one shall be a lieutenant. It is possible, and not improbable, that some
may fail in raiseing their quota of men, and still more probable that some of the ensigns
from old regiments apointed lieutenants in mine may not think that an object to accept of.
Whatever turns out from those chances shall be kept for your friends. I have, moreover, still
a chance, and, I think, not a bad one, of doing that which I know you wish most, and which,
therefore, I wish exceedingly, but I shall say nothing more of that till I have the pleasure
of seeing you, which will be very soon. Now, my dear Sir James, I solemnly declare to you,
that what I have said is no court excuse, but strict truth ; and I further declare solemnly
that there is no recomendation I have taken that I shoud have taken in preference to yours,
and very very few indeed I shoud have taken so willingly, or with so much pleasure,
had I known your wishes in time.
I beg my best respects to Lady Grant, and am, with sincere regard, dear Sir,
Your obedient and very faithfull servant,
S. Fraser.
533. Thomas, eighth Earl of Kinnoull, to Sir James Grant — Marriage of Penuel Grant
to Mr. Henry Mackenzie.
Dupplin, January 8, 1776.
Dear Sir, — I received yesterday the favour of your obliging letter, and my sisters join with
me in offering our sincere congratulations to you and your sisters upon Miss Penuel's intended
marriage. Tho' there be not affluence, there is a competency sufficient to ensure happiness
to a wife with a man of worth and prudence. It has fallen in my way to hear frequent
accounts of Mr. Mackenzie's abilities in his business, and of the goodness of his heart. His
character promises comfort and felicity to your sister and her family. What would it avail
if she were married to a man of a large fortune, who spent more than his income 1 The
wife's satisfaction depends much upon her husband's ease of mind, and contentment with
ceconomy contributes to that more than riches.
We all repeat our warm wishes that you and Lady Grant, and your children and sisters,
may all enjoy many years of health and happiness. — I am ever, with sincere regard and
affection, dear Sir,
Your most faithfull and most obedient servant,
Kinnoull.
P.S. — I did not discover your postscript till my letter was finished, and then
accidentally. We repeat our congratulations to you and every one of your family, and beg
the favour of you to make them acceptable to Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie.
The more I think of this match, the more I am convinced that your sister has made a
wise choice, and has the fairest prosjsect of solid felicity. — Ever yours, K.