From B. G. "London, June 2. 1775.

From B.Bishop G. “London, June 2. 1775.
R.Right R.Reverend D.Dear Sir, Your very acceptable Let-
ter by Tommy Bowdler came safe to
hand, &and at the same time the kind
Bearer gave us the Satisfaction of
hearing he had left yourself &and good
Mrs Forbes both very well. May
you long, very long be so, &and enjoy ma-
ny comfortable Returns of the great
Holy Festival just now at hand!

I hear Mrs Cotton has been so ge-
nerous &and kind as to take Nancy
Falconer off poor Mrs Murray’s
Hands; to the latter a great Deli-
verance indeed; but what Mrs Cot- 2118(30182118)
ton is doing, or proposes to do with
the unpromising Girl herself, I have
not yet learnt.

I hear your Countess arrived
safe at Bath or Easter-Eve; but
more I have not heard of her Ladyship.

What Pity is it, that Mr McPher-
son’s Publication of Original Papers
did not appear in the World sooner!
What Scenes of Iniquity, Treachery
&and Misrepresentation have they bought
to Light? They appear to be publish-
ed faithfully &and impartially. illegible
illegible I wish his History of the Time
may be wrote with the like Impar-
tiality; but, alas! I fear that is hard-
ly to be expected from one of his
Cast; yet, thus far I can say at
present, tho’though I have asked Ques-
tions about it, I have not met
with any Body that could give
me a satisfactory Account.

Yes, Sir, I have seen the Song
of Solomon paraphrased, &andc. and am
greatly pleased with it, so well pleased,
that I have read it over no less than
three times. It is performed with no less
Erudition than Elegance, both pleasing
&and admirable indeed; &and the Language
pure &and correct throughout. And, what
renders it still more worthy of Approba-
tion &and Commendation, is the Modesty 2119 (30192119)
&and Virtue that appears almost in e-
very page. In short, I cannot say e-
nough of it; therefore must hold my
Pen. It was brought to me by Mr Smith
from Mr Cheque; to whom I beg
you will give my best Thanks when
you see him. I greatly fear the Publi-
cation will not defray the ExpenceExpense
of Printing. I gave Mr Smith a Gui-
nea for the Editor, with an Injuncti-
io not to let it be known from qncewhence
it came. The same Injunction, dear
Sir, I must lay upon you; nor had
you been troubled with this, but to shww
you how much I liked the Thing it-
self. Methinks, I have a violent Cu-
riosity to know the Author, who must
be a person of no mean Abilities.

I am glad you are likely to have
McPherson’s Original papers from
Ireland at a moderate Expence.
They will be much called for; I dare
say, in your Country; &and tho’though they
come late, yet, bad as the World
is, I would hope they may do some
good.

My good Friend talks of threshing
Dr Bluff; tho’though I cannot say, but I read
his Tour with Pleasure. However, I
am not qualified to judge of the
Merits of the performance, but you
are. I could wish you to give Pennant 2120 (30202120)
a Drubbing in your Way. He is an
ill-principled, four Fellow.

You have met with a great Curio-
sity indeed, in the short account of
Dr_ Hickess Life, which has happily
fallen into your Hands. I should be
much obliged to you for a Transcript
of it. One Copy would serve both Mr
Bowdler &and me.

The Incontestable Proof you have lately
discovered of King Charles the 1st’s
Baptism, is a valuable Curiosity. I am
glad it is in such good Hands.
Mr Innes being now in possession
of Mr Brett’s Considerations, &andc.
and Mr. Bowdler’s Remarks, I have
recommended it to him to take pro-
per Notice of them; yet, I wish it
may not be inconvenient to him,
on Account of his infirm State of
Health. Let us pray for him &and
his good Success.

Tomy Bowdler is still in Town
with his Brother, who seems lothloath
to part with him. My Sister
(thank God) got safe to Dum-
fries, &and remember you &and Mrs. For-
bes with much Gratitude for all your
Civilities.

I am sorry to hear the two good old
Bishops are both ab agendo. I trust
Care will be taken of the Succession.

My Wife joins in best Respects &and
every kind Wish to yourself &and good
Mrs Forbes, &and commending you both
heartily to God &and his Keeping, I am,