DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25988#0031
1779-99,
Early Life.
o
‘ Kensington, March 26.
cMy dear Mama,—I was g'lad to hear by a letter to my
uncle that papa continues well. Uncle Keith arrived in town
sorne days ago, and I saw him the morning after his arrival.
There is a report that he is to be offered a red ribbon. Do write
me when you come to town, and how everybody at home is.
As I know no game, and if I did, would not play, I spend my
time here in walking up and down the playground talking with
Charles, singing, or dansant la Carmagnole. Give my love to
papa and my sisters.
‘ I am, your affectionate son,
4 M. Elphinstone.’
1 Kensington, March.
4 My dear Mama,—I am extremely happy to inform you
that my uncle has got me appointed to Bengal, and on Saturday
last he sent for me home, and told me that I was to go with
this fleet, which sails in six weeks. He also desired me to apply
to writing and ciphering, and to leave off Cfreek. This letter
will not show that I have obeyed him, for it is wrote in a great
hurry, and even that hurry will not permit me to say half of
what I wish to say, for the dinner-bell will ring this moment.
I am, you may be sure, very much obliged to my uncle, and
very happy to be appointed, in spite of all the cockades in the
world, which are never to be compared to Bengal. But the
worst of all is that I will not be able to return to Scotland for
want of time, and so have no possibility of seeing you and my
sisters. If that were possible (which it is not), I should like it
of all things.
‘ If I am appointed I will think no more of the army.’
The following letter is the joint production of Mountstuart
and his eldest brother. The handwriting changes after the word
‘ Britannica—
‘ Little Kyder Street, June 10.
‘ My dear Mother,—I have received the plan of Cumber-
nauld House, and like it very well. Captain Kobinson has put
Early Life.
o
‘ Kensington, March 26.
cMy dear Mama,—I was g'lad to hear by a letter to my
uncle that papa continues well. Uncle Keith arrived in town
sorne days ago, and I saw him the morning after his arrival.
There is a report that he is to be offered a red ribbon. Do write
me when you come to town, and how everybody at home is.
As I know no game, and if I did, would not play, I spend my
time here in walking up and down the playground talking with
Charles, singing, or dansant la Carmagnole. Give my love to
papa and my sisters.
‘ I am, your affectionate son,
4 M. Elphinstone.’
1 Kensington, March.
4 My dear Mama,—I am extremely happy to inform you
that my uncle has got me appointed to Bengal, and on Saturday
last he sent for me home, and told me that I was to go with
this fleet, which sails in six weeks. He also desired me to apply
to writing and ciphering, and to leave off Cfreek. This letter
will not show that I have obeyed him, for it is wrote in a great
hurry, and even that hurry will not permit me to say half of
what I wish to say, for the dinner-bell will ring this moment.
I am, you may be sure, very much obliged to my uncle, and
very happy to be appointed, in spite of all the cockades in the
world, which are never to be compared to Bengal. But the
worst of all is that I will not be able to return to Scotland for
want of time, and so have no possibility of seeing you and my
sisters. If that were possible (which it is not), I should like it
of all things.
‘ If I am appointed I will think no more of the army.’
The following letter is the joint production of Mountstuart
and his eldest brother. The handwriting changes after the word
‘ Britannica—
‘ Little Kyder Street, June 10.
‘ My dear Mother,—I have received the plan of Cumber-
nauld House, and like it very well. Captain Kobinson has put