Chiefs of Grant > Correspondence

468 ADDITIONAL GRANT CORRESPONDENCE. [1779.
542. William Grant, M.D., to The Same — As to the raising of new Highland
regiments, etc.
Lime Street, August 4th, 1779.
My dear Sir, — I have this moment received the honour of your letter, and think it my duty
to answer it without delay.
On Tuesday, Jac Grant carried me to enquire about the new corps ; inclosed, I send
you a list of them as they then stood ; and I was told that no more were intended at present.
There is a resolution that there shall be no more Highland corps, except the additional
battalion to the 4 2d, which is, however, to include the two additional companies, and to
consist of 700 men only. In this corps, Jac made his election preferable to three others in
his offer; and Lord John Murray was wrote to, by his agent, in the same letter that carried
the advice of the arrangement for his new battalion. I expect my Lord's answer on Saturday,
and have reason to hope that the bussiness is settled ; but I will write you on Saturday, if I
shou'd hear anything worth your while. I did not meet with Colonel Campbel of Georgia,
but find his proposals have been rejected, as well as many others. The terms of agreement
are not pleasant ; the officer does not receive his commission till the corps is three-quarters
compleat, and no levy money. If the corps shou'd not be compleated in a given time, then
the battalion is reduced, and the men draughted into old regiments, at five guineas each, and
the new officers returned to their former rank.
The money raised by the various subscriptions is to be applied for compleating the old
regiments, which enhances the expence and difficulty of the new levies. I think they cannot
al be compleated, which will occasion a good deal of distress and dissapointment to some
young gentlemen.
I heard of your application for a battalion of fencibles, but am glad it was not so ; and
to tell you my sentiments honestly, I foresee much trouble and expence certain, but a very
precarious profit even from a regiment, so that the dissapointment ought to give you very
little, if any, concern. You have done what you thought your duty in this, as, I thank God,
you do in all things ; and you are spoken of with honour and regard by every good man who
knows you, for the prudent, spirited conduct by which, with the blessing of God, you are
likely to extricate yourself and family from a most perilous situation. At the time when
others are destroying their healths and fortunes by folly, and involving the few friends they
have by schemes and mean adventures, I feel much, and therefore you will forgive my
saying a little, because no man wishes your happiness and prosperity more than I do.
I hope Lady Grant and your young family are well. My best regards attend you and
them ; and I have the honour to remain, with love and loyalty, my dear Sir,
Your dutifull and obedient servant,
William Grant.