Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1779.] DR. BEILBY PORTEUS, BISHOP OF CHESTER. 465
of time or place will ever diminish that sentiment of esteem and regard with which I am
impressed in subscribing myself, dear Sir,
Your faithful and most obliged humble servant,
James Grant.
I had the pleasure of writing to Dr. Robertson on the 7th, under cover of a letter from
Sir Robert Keith.
To Sir James Grant of Grant, Baronet, Edinburgh.
539. Dr. Beilry Porteus, Bishop of Chester, to The Same — Regretting Sir James's
residence so far from old friends.
Hunton, near Maidstone, Kent, March 27, 1779.
My dear Sir, — Before Dr. Grant arrived in London I had quitted it in order to reside at
this place, where I have a small rectory which I hold with the see of Chester. Had not this
been the case, I should have been happy in showing every mark of civility to any gentleman
recommended by you, especially one of so much merit as Dr. Grant. I was, however,
extremely rejoiced to see once more the handwriting of a friend for whom I always enter-
tained the highest regard, and who has made so useful and worthy a member of society, that
I assume no small pride to myself in having had some share in his education.
It has often been matter of great concern to me, as well as to Lord Grantham and all
your other friends, that you are so far removed from us as to afford us no opportunities of
reviving our connection with you. But when we consider how much more effectually you
have consulted your own comfort and the benefit of your native country, by fixing your
residence there, in order to improve and communicate happiness to every one around you,
we are content to sacrifice our own private satisfaction to such beneficial and important
considerations.
Be assured that it will always give me the sincerest pleasure to hear of your happiness
and welfare, and if anything should ever have power enough to draw you out of your beloved
retirement to this part of the world, you will do me the favour of giving as much of your
time and company as you can to, dear Sir,
Your very sincere and affectionate friend and servant,
B. Chester.
P.S. — I beg my best respect to Lady Grant and your sisters. If you know Sir David
Dairy mple, pray be so good as to return him my best thanks for the Annals of Scotland,
which he was so obliging as to send me.
VOL. II. 3 N