[Francis Jeffrey, Lord Jeffrey.] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. Jeffrey') to his nephew by marriage John Hunter, describing his anxiety on losing Hunter as his 'agent and adviser', on his appointment as Auditor of the Court of Sessions.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper, with closed tears unobtrusively repaired with archival tape. Addressed to 'John Hunter Esqre | Auditor of Court of Sn.' Written three months before Jeffrey's death, the letter begins: 'My dear Hunter - I hope you do not think that I have been forgetful of you - or indifferent to your fortunes - or ungrateful for your very kind expressions - and I firmly believe feelings - towards me - because I may appear to have been slow in offering you my congratulations on your late appointment [as Auditor of the Court of Sessions]'. Taking up the new appointment will involve Hunter 'relinquishing the situation of [Jeffrey's] private agent and adviser', and this has been a source of 'some anxiety': 'at my age, and with my habits [it is] a great misfortune and embarrassment'. The letter continues with a discussion of the matter. 'I can easily see that your engagements in your new office, may make this matter difficult to arrange - but I wish much that it shld be arranged, if possible, before the courts meet on 13 Novr'. In a postscript he assures him that he believes that he owes his appointment 'entirely to your own merits - and the general good opinion which these merits have won for you'. For more on John Hunter, friend of Leigh Hunt and the Carlyles, whose sister Elizabeth Helen Hunter (1798-1824) married Francis Jeffrey's brother John (1775-1848), and who took over the tenancy of Craigcrook Castle after Jeffrey's death, see Helen Watt, 'John Hunter, the Forgotten Tenant of Craigcrook' (Edinburgh, 1977).