[Hercules Ross of Rossie Castle, Forfarshire, friend of Lord Nelson, Jamaican merchant who later denounced the slave trade.] Autograph Letter Signed

See the entry on his son Horatio Ross (1801-1886) – named after his father’s friend Lord Nelson who was the boys godfather and died the year after the writing of this letter - in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 4to. Twenty-two lines of closely and neatly written text. In good condition, lightly aged and creased, with strip of paper from mount to one edge. With fold lines. The recipient is addressed as ‘My dear Sir’ and not named, and the letter signed ‘H. Ross’. Written in a spirited style. The commencement indicates the spirited style in which the letter is written: ‘You’ll be surprized at my still dating from hence, but owing to our friend Mr. Mure being at Harrowgate, my letters have travelled thither which has until this morning, delayed the receipt of Mr Black’s, which your letter of the 6th. Gave me reason to expect, and I learn by it, that the necessary authority has been transmitted to Mr. Shawe, so that I have now no longer any excuse for lingering here; and infact [sic] this evening I shoud have step’d off, but I have received notice of a Visit, from Mr. Alexander McLeod & his Wife, whom I have never seen – altho’ he was many years my [abbreviation, ‘[Auy’?]. I shall only delay the morning on their Account – and afterwards God willing proceed on leisurely.’ He urges the recipient to return with him: ‘I pledge myself that you will be highly satisfied, with your Journey – You’ll enjoy one of the finest spots, to be seen any where; & become one of a chearful people, where you’ll not miss the Opera, or I’m mistaken -’. He ends with a paragraph discussing ‘the complete termination of my business at the Auditors, and their Report on my public accounts – Even & quit – without one exception – thank God!’ He complains about his treatment, and announces his resolve to ‘apply for my expences’.