Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

1779.] JAMES GRANT OF CARRON. 467
dentally at Leith, had his thigh grazed and the flap of his coat shot off. All are in perfect
heal tli. — I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most faithful humble servant,
James Grant.
Sir James Grant of Grant, Bart., Duplin, Perth.
541. James Grant of Carron to The Same — -As to raising a battalion of Fencibles.
Elchies, 9th July 1779.
Dear Sir, — I had the honour of yours of the 5th yesterday. I can assure you there is not
one man that spells your name more clanish than I can, and not many that would with pro-
priety go further to support the honour and interest of your family. . In the present case I do
think a fencible battilion would be of great consecpience to you, providing you could fall on
people that can raise men, which I am confident you '1 find more difficult on your own estate
than perhapes you and your friends at Edinburgh have any idea of, as by the late new battal-
lions raised, and the Duke of Gordon's fencibles, this country in general is much drained of
men ; besides that, no strangers come from other countries, as they used to do, in numbers to
serve the tennants. I am much obliged to you for your kind offers. If you succeed in geting
a regiment, you may depend on all the little aid I can give, but for undertaking as to numbers,
it's what I would not do. Were my five sons able to serve and had an inclination to go into
the army, were they to be appointed to old regiments, if any man shews a desire of
being souldiers where I have concern, I shal use my best endeavours to send them your way.
When I recruited for myself I never used any violent measures, if any men came in my way.
I shal not trouble you with recommendations for officers, as altho' I look on the matter to
be of consequence to you, do not think being a fencible officer profitable bissiness for a young-
man, and you know we have not men of fortune amongst us, who serves for amusement.
Were it not from the present regulations of the army, that you could not get the rank of
colonel, a battalion, in my humble opinion, on the establishment would be sooner raised,
provided you got officers from other countries that could raise the men. It was by the
Duke of Gordon's prudence in that way that his fencibles were raised, as I am well informed
he did not get above 150 from his own Highland and Lowland estates, and even that his
tennants gave high premiums to, in order to obtain his Grace's favour and countenance.
Wishing you all manner of success, and with best wishes and humble respects to Lady
Grant and family, in which Mrs. Grant joins, I have the honour to be, with esteem and
regard, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
James Grant.