I had the pleasure of writing to you & Cousin Peter, upon the 10th. Instant,1 and being now ready to set off for Albany, I leave this Letter, to be forwarded to you, in Case an opportunity should offer during my absence. I have also left a Letter for my father, which will be sent by the same Conveyance— In his Letter to me, he states many reasons, why he supposes the Lands above Albany, are not his, and he then adds, “If you think the recovery of them possible, or even probable, you have my full consent and permission, to begin immediately, without loss of Time, and endeavour to recover them, for the use & benefit of yourself and family.” And again “I do not wish, to appropriate any of these Lands to my self, if I have any right to them, I am willing to grant, make over, and resign them. to you and your Children forever, and to divest my self of them, as soon as you please.” In Consequence of this Letter, I have enclosed him, a very short Instrument adapted to the purpose, and which I have no Question he will be willing to execute— the only Difficulty will be, to procure proper witnesses.—

I have suggested to him, two ways, in which in my opinion, this might be effected.— The one executing the paper, in the presence of a master of some vessel, coming to this Port.— the other, the obtaining your Consent, that Cousin Peter, might visit Edinburgh— but at the same time I informed him, that I prefered the last method, if it should be agreeable to you, to him & to Peter.

I advised him, in case he concured with me in Sentiment, to write to you, and request a visit from my Cousin. If he should follow my advice, permit me to request the Favor, of your and of Peter[’s] Acquiesence in the Measure.— I will chearfully be at the expence of his the Journey, of himself & servant.— The object is of magnatude, to me, the attaining it or not, will differ me several thousand pounds.2

If Peter goes, be so kind as to put him upon his guard, as to the Disposition of my father— I think I understand him, & am certain, that it would be improper, that Peter should let him perceive, that before his arrival at Edinburgh, the true object of his visit was known— My Situation in life, I wish him to represent, exactly as it is— but in regard to my Mother, he must be totally silent— I learn from my father, that he is very infirm, and daily apprehends another Stroke of the Palsy.—

We are all is good health— I remain Dear Sir Your affte. Nephew,