Autograph Letter Signed ('Dalhousie') from George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie, on going to India, to Mr Forbes of 76 Queen St, Edinburgh, giving character references of three of his servants (Wood, Thomas Robertson and Robert Combe).

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In original envelope, with black wax armorial seal, addressed by Dalhousie to 'Mr. Forbes | 76 Queen Street | Edinr.' Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Dealing with his 'own Servant' Wood, first, he states that he has been with him for five years, 'in keeping my Cloaths, and my Butler latterly altogether; I have found him at all times sober, attentive active, and I believe him perfectly honest, & trustworthy. He has kept my house accounts, my Cellar Books, & all house matters regarding the men Servants, & that both at home and abroad to my satisfaction. I part with him on going to India, where English servants are not required, and I recommend him in the strongest terms as a valuable Servant.' The other two servants are described as 'two of the footmen', with Robert Robertson 'under Butler in charge of the dining room - he is smart, sober, a very good servant'. The third servant, Thomas Combe, 'came to me a boy about 5 years ago, smart & active & cleanly he has grown up to be an excellent servant - he is born in the village near me here, and I know his character is good in every respect.' A postscript reads: 'Lady Dalhousie tells me she gave her housekeeper Mrs. Shiell her character in Edinr. which of course she has already presented to Mr. Forbes.'