FERGUSSON

For information on the recipient the physician William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), see his obituary, BMJ, Both 1p, 12mo, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering at back. ONE: 13 November 1863. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He will be happy to meet Cleveland the following day, 'at 29 U. Hamilton Terrace between 4.15 & 4.30'. He has to be 'in the neighbourhood at 4', and does not know 'how long I may be detained', 'but I fancy that I may be with you by the last named hour'. TWO: 16 April 1863. In good condition, lightly aged.

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition. He begins by thanking her for her 'pretty and considerate gift' which, as winter approaches, will see her 'more frequently kept in memory'. He regrets her recent indisposition, her absence from Spittlehaugh (the Peeblesshire estate of his wife's family) having been 'often felt'. He gives news of 'the Colonel & Mrs. Thompson' and 'Fordyce'

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. On aged and worn paper with small spike-hole to one leaf. The letter begins: 'A hare and a pheasant delivered here the other day with F.A.B. Reading upon the parchment card - the initials, I immediately concluded of my old friend Mr. Bulley and the first information that he still lives after a certain bloody deed performed upon him many months ago.

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged paper with loss to corners caused by removal from mount. Glencairn writes that with Eglinton's 'approbation' he offers 'to raise for His Majesties Service an Independant [sic] or Volunteer Company in the Parish of Kilbride Ayrshire Consisting of Sixty Men inclusive of non comissioned [sic] Officers Drums & Fifes or otherways as shall be deem'd most proper - upon the Same Footing and Regulations as other Independant [sic] or Volunteer Companys - and to serve within the District'.

1p., 4to. 30 typed lines, with the last two lines in autograph. In good condition, on lightly-aged and creased paper. Brett-James is addressed as 'Head of Department, War Studies & International Affairs, Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst'.

The background to the collection is simply stated. On the death of the 15th Earl of Glencairn in 1796 the title became dormant. It was claimed by Fergusson (praised by Boswell but dismissed by Johnson as 'a vile Whig' and derided by Burns as 'aith-detesting chaste Kilkerran') as heir of the line of the 10th Earl. Fergusson's claim was opposed by Sir Walter Montgomery Cunningham of Corshill, as presumed heir male along with Lady Henriet Don, sister of the 15th Earl, and wife of Sir Alexander Don of Newton Don, Roxburghshire.

INSCRIBED to 'James R. Fergusson Esq with the kind regards of James Ballantine | Edin[burg]h 16th May 1870'. With Fergusson's armorial bookplate on front pastedown. 8vo: 311 pp. Plates throughout (not listed) and numerous illustrations in text. In original printed grey boards with grotesque illustration on front and blue cloth spine (New Edition" - only on cover). Stabbed as issued (bound up by the publisher from parts?). Tight, but on aged paper with occasional light staining, and wear to extremities. Boards heavily worn, with 3 cm closed tear at head of rear.