300 AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY LAIRD 



300. It is difficult to calculate what would be the 

 equivalent of this sum in the twentieth century ; im- 

 possible, indeed, if regard is had to the incredibly small 

 charges made by working tailors in the country. For 

 instance, John M' Morrow makes two frocks and two 

 pair of breeches for a couple of grooms for half a crown. 

 John Gun, in 1724, makes a suit of clothes to Pat 

 Monies for 3s. 4d. And here is 



' James M'Kie taylor for making 3 frocks for 

 the servants at 10 pence per peice & 3 pair 

 breeches at 6 pence 040 



Itt. for 8 skins to line there breeches at 5 



pence per skin 030' 



It does not appear that the cloth was supplied by Sir 

 Alexander, else surely the breeches would cost more to 

 make than the frocks. If the mourning clothes supplied 

 to household and retainers were no dearer than others, 

 the payment represents supply to a vast number of 

 persons. At all events, the expenditure on this doleful 

 occasion ill accords with the idea that a Scottish laird 

 was normally in straitened circumstances. There is far 

 more money about at the present day than there was 

 in the reign of George I., but it does not go nearly so far. 

 Sir Alexander did not survive his excellent wife for 

 many years. His books are full of mournful reference 

 to his loss. 



'August 18, 1726. Payed to M'Guffock by 

 my dear wife's desire as the price of 60 Ib. 

 of soap. She was not certain if it was due 

 or not, but out of her justice would err on 

 the safe side 1 10 ' 



