Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

I received Yours w^th all y^e Joy that a most affectio-
nate Relation could be sensible of, it being a Favour y^t
I had long despair'd of as concluding that it must
be Design & Resolution rather than Business & Forgetfullness
w^ch could make your Silence of such a continuance.
I heartily rejoice to hear you're so blest in your present
Circumstances, & y^t Heaven smiles so kindly on all your
endeavours & assists those laudable intentions of
yours.

The acquainting me with y^e particulars of your Cir-
cumstances was an agreeable entertainment to me;
I wish I could return you as happy a relation concer-
ning my Self; but my Fortune does not reach to
y^e Purchasing of Lands, tho' I thank God it is not
so stinted an one as to be oblig'd to live below y^e
rank of Gentlemen. I have a Company in y^e Lord North
& Grey's Regim^t. of Foot, w^ch is an Old Regim^t. & y^e same
y^t I have all along serv'd in. I am also Lieu^t. Quarter
Master General to all her Majesty's Forces in y^e Netherlands,
w^ch is an Employ, that in all other Services of y^e World,
is possest by Men of an higher degree yⁿ y^t of a Captain-
our Government has not made y^e salary of it very great,
but there are accidents in it that may content a
man in another manner; & if y^e War lasts & I live
[&] some lucky Hits may happen towards y^e making
one's Fortune.

I begin this day my Journey for Holland where I
should be glad to hear from you, especially if you
have any commands for me. My Mother & Brother
give their hearty Respects to you.

To
M^r John Spotswood of that Ilk
Advocate, to be left at Jⁿ Valenge book.
seller's Shop in
Edinburg
Scotland

15th March 1703/4