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

202 THE MINISTER OF MOFFAT
Letters passed between the brothers about an occupation for Dick, whom
Edward described as "a lad of much spirit and sense who cannot be put
to anything mean," and his sister, " as very sober, and very promising."
His parents wished to keep him at home. James suggested an appointment in
Jamaica, or medicine. To stay at home would end with the estate being
divided to provide for him, and it was only valued at ,£2000 sterling in
1750. It was a subject which gave James some uneasiness. He was an
exile from home, working to support himself and his family ; why should
not Dick do the same? But after his experience of the West Indies for
his sons no wonder that Galabank declined an opening there. In 1755 Edward
:
wrote to James
" I came to Annan about 10 days ago at your father's request. He fancyed
himself ill, but is I think quite well. I came in time to prevent his making any
settlement dishonourable to himself and hurtful to the legal and proper
representation of his family and this I made no scruple to tell him that
failing his heir-at-law ought to devolve in the natural course on the next,
setting aside those whom debility and incapacity have rendered unfit. And I
hope I brought him to think more justly. I don't chuse to divide a small estate
nor to settle it on the youngest and most inexperienced Branch of the Family
yet property is so precarious here that some there ought to be to look after it.
I have put our Father on a plan of giving all suitable encouragement to
his youngest if he behaves himself but I could not consent to divide it on
his behalf, as I want the estate to go to the heir at law and what I mean
by that you'll understand but keep this to yourself. Old people must be
treated with tenderness nor will they be wrong if it is not by false glosses
and insinuations." He then refers to current politics, and alludes to his
own failing health, ending with, " now dear Esculapius I hope Mrs Johnstone
and the boys are all that you and I most sincerely wish them, and offer
them my most respectful and affectionate compliments." Later he reminds
his ambitious brother that his numerous sons will be against his ever
taking up a title.
At the end of a letter, in answer to one from James asking him for
information about Scottish estates, and after saying (1755) that the Duke of
Queensberry gave £18,600 for Tinwald, and that Alva is in the market, he
says that, without having any children of his own, he has the care of a large
family, and, combined with his clerical duties, is worn out by riding
backwards and forwards to Annan and Ruthwell about the Galabank and
Belriding estates. The living of Moffat was one of the best in Scotland,
and the incumbent filled inspectorships and other offices connected with
the Kirk, which alone involved a good deal of travelling. He had " become a
dissenter," he wrote, "in England," as he was directed by the Presbytery to
supervise the restoration of a Presbyterian Chapel in Cumberland, and to collect
the money. His reports on various subjects were printed by the Presbytery ;
which also published several of his sermons.
With reference to Galabank's settlement of his estate, and having been