[John Irving, Writer to the Signet] Printed Official Letter Signed John Irving to the Chief Magistrate of Dunbar [presumably also sent to other Chief Magistrates]

One page, folio, fold marks, closed tear and small loss of paper not affecting text, two small holes affecting but not obscuring words. Text: SIR, \ You will receive enclosed [not present] the Annual Missive, with a copy of the Acts of the last Convention. By the 22nd Act, the Reports made by me in relation to the Setts of the Royal Burghs are ordered to be printed and circulated to the different Burghs. To save the expense of postage, these have not been inclosed; but a copy of them will be delivered to any person whom you desire to call here for it; or it will be sent by post if you wish this done ;subsxction and signature]. See Image. [see Note B] Notes: A. John Irving, a lawyer who was a member of the Society of Writers to the Signet and childhood friend of Sir Walter Scott [from Wikipedia entry for his son, polar explorer, Franklin Expedition]; B. 'Annual missive' in the context of a Scottish burgh historically refers to the yearly communication, often involving the assessment and collection of dues (missive dues) to fund the administrative expenses of the Convention of Royal Burghs. [AI]