Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1776.] JAMES MCGREGOR, FACTOR OF STRATHSPEY. 457
535. James M c Gregor, Factor of Strathspey, to Sir James Grant — With rental, and
as to valuation of Urquhart.
Polmaly, April 23d, 1776.
Dear Sir, — Inclosed you have a rental of your Urquhart estate, as now set for seven years,
at least the greatest part is set for that space. Belmakaan, Inchbruns, and the Milns is not
set. I did not study to augment the lands at this set ; my chief object was to lay out the
estate in proper farms, in which I think I have succeeded pretty well. It would not do to
adopt that plan altogether at once ; the circumstances of the people was to be considered,
and I knew you would not chuse to turn a great number of people adrift at once. In short,
I can give you several reasons for acting in the manner I did. Had I given the lands in
such small quantitys as the people would chuse, I could raise the estate to a much higher
rent. But an augmentation will come more properly after the expiration of the present
leases. You may depend upon it that the present rent is good, and that I will accompt
to you for it in due time, — that is, that I will get pointed payments at the terms of payment,
or near it. Corrymony has taken Kilmichel, and was very glad to get it, it being in so good
order, mostly laid down with clover and rye grass. A great part of this estate would fetch
a rent equal to it if properly managed. I am corresponding with a gentleman in Caithness
about a contract of your birch woods. If this takes place, as I expect, you may expect fourty
or fifty pounds a year for your birch woods. I received yours by last post as to the oak
bark. I will endeavour to settle with the two companys at Inverness in the manner you
direct ; but if I was to write them about it, they might settle matters amongst themselves,
and resolve not to give you more than the old price. I go in to the commissioners' meeting
on the 30th instant. Please give your directions annent setting the lands in Strathspey ;
for my part, I cannot be supposed to understand the value of lands in that country yet, but
I will give all the assistance in my power to any person you think proper to appoint.
I am humbly of opinion that it is not advisable in you to give long leases there. Unless
you have a proper plan laid down for setting these lands, I think it is as necessary to attend
to the laying out the lands in proper farms in Strathspey as in Urquhart. I have the
honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
James M c Gregor.
You may depend upon it that you '11 get your demand for Urquhart if you keep at a
distance for a little. The gentlemen here have altered their tone lately. You will get, I
am convinced, fifty thousand pounds for it, if the Collonel has that money to give, for old
Corry says now that it is worth fourty-eight thousand pounds. He is come up thirteen
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