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been the effects of your beloved hands, and had given 
you health and amusement. So we are almost in 
the mind to let it. 
There is a talk of some removes in the ministry, 
and change of measures ; and indeed things wear a 
very serious appearance. It is time to think how to 
find means to save the nation, which is crumbling 
fast to pieces, and must soon be ruined if our affairs 
be no better conducted than they have been ever 
since Lord North has been at the helm; though I 
presume people where you are entertain different 
sentiments: but you are not at Edinburgh to learn 
politics. I esteem the Scotch much for their zeal 
for the protestant religion, yet I think two sermons 
at a time rather too much. I hope their kirks are 
warmer than our churches. 
I am, and ever shall be, 
Your most affectionate Father, 
JAMES SMITH. 
Mr. James Edward Smith to his Father. 
Honoured Sir, Edinburgh, Dec. 31, 1781. 
I was much entertained on Friday se’nnight at a 
mourning concert in honour of the Earl of Kelly, 
a member of the musical society here ; this compli- 
ment is always paid to every member's memory soon 
after his death: the music is all of the sacred kind, 
and as fine as can possibly be, and the company and 
performers are all in mourning. It is very dif- 
ficult to get admittance to these concerts; ladies 
