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

LETTERS TO AND FROM THE WESTERHALLS 199
" Dear Brother,—You was so obliging as to promise to take aboard a
young Gentleman of my recommendation I presume so far on your kindness
to me that you will exert yourself in favour of this Gentleman your namesake
in getting him with you if he chuses the sea or in desiring good Sam Swinton to
carry him to Colonel Coote if he likes Bengal, and in doing everything else in your
or my power to serve him. If he can think of anything Mrs Johnstone can do
you will show her this. I am ever my dearest Gid most affectely yours,
Ja. Johnstone, Sunderland, Jany. 21, 1759."
Gideon offered a junior officer's place on his own ship, but Adam could not
be found before the fleet sailed. John, afterwards of Alva, was already dis-
tinguished in the East India Company's service. He was twenty-five at this
date, and two years before commanded a gun at Plassey. Some time earlier he
wrote to James at Worcester to ask him to find out the price of any Scottish
estate on the market. To him Edward applied, March 1759:
" Dear Sir,—Your eldest brother and my worthy friend Capt. James
Johnstone was so good as at my request to write several recommendatory letters
in favour of a brother of mine who proposes to go to the Indies. The gentlemen
he particularly wrote to were Colonel Coote and Major Robert Gordon now
going on an expedition to that [your] part of the world. In the hurry the Capt.
was then in and by a misfortune he since met with of having his right arm
hurt he could not conveniently write, but with the letters delivered to me some
time ago by a private hand he commanded me to write to you myself in
obedience to which I presume to take that liberty. [After detailing Adam's
misfortunes, he adds.] The Lad nevertheless is of good character and has both
integrity, activity and resolution, and as he is a Jolinstone remotely related
to your own family I humbly recommend him to your protection. I am now
the Minister at Moffat and though you were but young when I had the pleasure
of seeing you I am confident you will remember me and permit me without
flattery to tell you that the goodness of heart which your face indicated
and the strong resemblance you early bore to your uncle Colonel John Johnstone
gave promise of your future fortunes such as I thank God on your behalf as a
youth whom I loved, has happened, and which I hope may continue till
you return after a series of success a comfort to your friends, and an honour to
your Native country. It is on good authority I tell you that Sir James, my
lady, and your other relations in this part of the world are well. Without
further words I think I can expect everything that is reasonable from your
kindness. Humbly recommending you to Him who is the confidence of all the
ends of the earth I am my dear Sir your most obedient and affectionate servant,
Edwd. Johnstone.
" To John Johnstone Esq. at Calcutta."
A year later Edward wrote to his friend, the heir of Westerhall (whose good
fortune, he told his brother, in marrying a most estimable lady with £600 a
year was not even equal to his merits), March 16, 1760 :