History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

GALABANK'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS FAMILY 197
powerful faction is forming before the meeting of Parliament to oppose the
payment of the subsidy his Majesty has stipulated with the Czarina [Elizabeth]
for her troops for the protection of his Majesty's German dominions. The
disagreeable observations of some leaders in the House of Commons upon a
late altercation in the Ministry is the cause of this designed struggle in which
we hope the Pilot of our State [Pitt] will not be so much disconcerted as
to draw off his attention and the force necessary to be exerted against the
common enemy." Nov. 9, 1755.
Shortly after this Adam Murray and his wife both wrote to Johnstone
about Murray's health. He treated the symptoms as lung disorder, contrary to
the local opinion. On Feb. 25, 1758, Edward wrote "
: I ought to have acknowledged
yours long ago. I am sure the sequel will be my apology for I have
been taken up with the affairs of the late Mr Adam Murray of Belriding
who died on Monday Dec. 26 of an abscess in his lungs which carried him off in
not more than 6 weeks from the first appearance of a cough—he and his
family looked on it as only a common cold as in appearance he was a clear
strong man till within 10 days of his death. [The usual symptoms and sudden
death are then detailed.] Dr Gilchrist was sent for, but in his dialect it was all
over. He was a very sensible honest gentleman and by his death his family
lose a prudent husband and an indulgent father—the youngest infant is nearly
8 months old. The eldest is in her 5th year. They are fine children—were
inoculated with the smallpox about the middle of their father's illness for all the
while it was only looked on as a cold ; and he had the satisfaction to see
the eldest recovered before he died. The day after, the youngest was seized
with a feverish disorder (this was three weeks after the inoculation), next
day about 20 spots appeared. Dr Fergusson the surgeon who attended
pronounced this to be all the smallpox she would ever have. Your nieces
Marianne and Bessie are both pretty, the eldest has the complexion of her
father, black eyes, etc. but poor little Bessie is a veritable Duchess of Hamilton 1
only a great deal more vivacity than her Grace. After all inquiries I think the
estate will be clear to your sister and her children as Murray's personalty is
equal or superior to the debts, but you may believe I have had uncommon
anxiety and fatigue with these matters. He was a member of a very ancient
family." He ends as usual with compliments to his sister-in-law and the
boys, the youngest, born the previous September, having been named after
himself.
Galabank might have foreseen that this child would carry on the male
line of his family, for he was so pleased at his birth. " I received your letter,"
he wrote, " with the good account of your wife and the son you have named
Edward. The next day I sent the letter to your brother. If please God he be
spared he will be of use to one of your sons in his education. We will welcome
one of your sons and shall do for him as if he were our own. I pray God to
spare you and your wife to be good parents and a blessing to your three sons,
and that He will bless them and make them comforts to you. We are all
1 Miss Gunning.