The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 55 



very delatory, and that it may be very fit to redress this inconveni- 

 ence when we can enter upon the consideration of those affairs. 

 I am, Gentlemen, Your most liumble servant, 



Tho. ffrankland. 



(3) Letter from Dr Hutton to Provost John Crosbie Att 

 Drumfriese. 



Whitehall, May 21st, 1709. 

 Honoured Sr. 



I take this opportunity to assure you that I shall 

 not neglect any occasion, whereby I shall find myself capable to 

 serve your good town in generall or your own interests in par- 

 ticular. The inclosed will inform your friends and you what was 

 indeavoured to be don, and what is intended shall be don in time 

 convenient ; I Hope before this time Mr Somervell Has laid 

 before you the summe of that affair, our freshest publick news, 

 are contained in ye inclosed print. Sr Thomas franckland says 

 you nead not writ to nor trouble any man about the post, because 

 it is soly and only His proper business and He most Have the 

 powers neadfull by an act of parliament: if you can agree to 

 employ a carrier for ye summer time, you will in a few mothes be 

 able to judge off the advantage, please yr command with free- 

 dome att any time what may be in the power off 

 Honored Sr 

 Your most fathfuU Humble Srt. Jo. Hutton. 



(4) Letter from Dr Hutton For The Much Honoured Provost John 

 Crosbie, Baylie Alexr Barkly, And Baylie John Martin 

 present Magestrats of Drumfriess. 



Whitehall, May 21st, 1709. 

 Gentlemen 



I Had Last night the favour off your Letter from Drum- 

 fries, but without date. Att the Riseing of the parliament near a 

 month agoe I was carefull to send for you a particular account 

 off what Had past, and How, with Relation to your affair, and 

 lest it Has not been Laid before you, it was in substance viz: In 

 a few dayes After That Sr Thomas Franckland Had Recived and 

 answered your Letter, Haveing His clause Ready He fell sick off 

 a Fever, joynd with gout, and a mighty cold which tyd Him to 

 His bed and chamber all ye whyle the parliament satt. His son, 

 with other frinds, members of the House who He employed to 



