_2d P.S._--Since writing the above, I have this day received by post your kind letter (with one inclosed to James MacDonald) of September 23d; but where they have been all this time by the way I cannot conceive. Pray, my dear friend, allow my commissions to engage a great share of your attention, and let me have every thing [Sidenote: _fol._ 476.] that is well vouched in as exact and full a manner as possible. I have no other news worth mentioning, but that the brave General Keith is now a Field-Marshal in the King of Prussia's service, which makes some folks stare like stuck pigs and to entertain great fears. Have you ever found the bottle among the heath?[211] for you forget to mention it to me. [211] See f. 238. Inclosed I send you a print where you view the HIGHLAND LADDIE (Lewie Ca) graciously receiving the Butcher, begging mercy on his knees. I know it will be a most acceptable present to you, and will serve to give some entertainment to your friends.--Once more adieu. R. F. COPY of the Letter mentioned in the beginning of the preceding 2d P.S. [Sidenote: 23 Sept. 1747] _Rasay, September 23, 1747._ [Sidenote: _fol._ 477.] REVEREND SIR,--I promist to acquaint you whenever I got home, which was a very merry meeting with my friends, wife, sisters and all. I was like a man that wou'd dy and wou'd come in life again. You give me memorandum abut Kingsborrow's letter, which I cannot get as yet; however, it is very true.[212] John M'Kinnon came home, who I did not see as yet. When I will I'll get his history, and will send it to you. I hope you'll be so good as to send me all the news that is worth. I did not hear a word since I last [saw] you as yet. Make my compliments to the worthy Lady Bruce and all the family where you are not forgeted. Derect for me to Malcome M'Leod of Brea in Rasay Island, [Sidenote: _fol._ 478.] Sky.--I'm, Reverend Sir, your most humble servant, MAL. MACLEOD. [212] See ff. 263-265. * * * * * _N.B._--The original of the above is to be found among my papers. ROBERT FORBES, A.M. BY a Lady, extempore, upon the ribband which the Prince wore about his head when obliged to disguise himself in a female dress under the name of Betty Burk. Most honoured ribband, of all else take place, Of greens and blues, and all their tawdry race. Thou wast the laurel the fair temples bound Of Royal Charles, for greatness so renown'd. Thee I'll reserve, as Heav'n reserves his crown, Till his rebellious foes be overthrown. Then in thy place a diadem shall shine His by his virtues, as by right divine.