Autograph Letter Signed to Colonel Alexander Ross, Aide-de-camp to the Earl of Cornwallis.

Scottish nobleman (1726-1803). Ross (1742-1827; DNB), with Dundas, negotiated the surrender of Yorktown on Cornwallis's behalf. Two pages, quarto. Text entirely legible, but in poor condition, on stained, discoloured paper frayed at edges. Competently repaired with archival tape. Some loss to second leaf of bifoliate caused by breaking of seal. Unusually entertaining request in favour of his nephew, Lieut McCulloch of Bengal. Dumfries explains that he wrote to Cornwallis on the previous day, 'in favor of a Nephew of mine in India, and knowing that he must be harrass'd to Death on his setting out [to India, to take up the post of Governor-General], made it as short as I cou'd, saying, I wou'd trouble you [sic] with particulars. Just as I was going to sit down to write, the Post brough a Lettr. from Londn. frank'd by his Lo[rdshi]p, for my brother'. As his brother had gone to Glasgow, Dumfries 'open'd your very obliging Letter'. 'I am greatly oblig'd to you, and flatterd by the Regard of Lord Cornwallis. I hope every Thing will go on in India to your Mind; and that he, and you, will return to Brittain [sic] in good health, after finishing what you go out about. [...] With which, let me finish this Part of my Epistle.' Explains that he has suffered from 'the worst Fit of the Gout I ever had' before turning to purpose of the letter. 'The Boy McCulloch, sent out a Cadet, is now Lieut. of Seapoys. [sic] He was scandalously neglected in his Education. Before he went abroad, I put him six Months to Mr. Rose's academy at Chiswick. I had suffered so much by the Father, that I was determin'd to have nothing to do with him. But my poor Sister, sometime dead, & her helpless Children were innocent. On your Arrival, if he happens to be at Bengal, I earnestly [^ beg] that you will present him to Lord Cornwallis. [...] If you will be so humane as to enquire how he has behav'd, & whether he has improv'd himself, I shall take it as a very particular Favor. And remember, that I expect nothing of you, or my much respected Friend, but what his merit may entitle him to. [...]'. Signed 'Dumfries'.