| Description | Dear Sir,
I was glad to hear last week, by Mr. Hamilton, that you had not been at Birmingham for some time, as it has accounted to me for my receiving no answer to my letters of the 5th and 23d of last month; and fearing from your absence that it was within possibility these letters have missed you, I use the freedom to inclose you copy of my last of the 23d, as also copy of one I wrote to Mr. Baxter the 26th.
The favour I have craved in these letters is, I confess, the greatest that can be conferred upon me, since the law has wisely left it in the breast of the creditor to acquaint the debtor, whilst it has pointed out to him the terms on which he ought to discharge.
In my case I have conducted myself strictly in conformity to the rules prescribed by the Act of Parliament, and in every respect to the approbation of the trustees and committees of creditors chose since 1772.
Since Mr. Hog's appointment in 1781 not a reflection has been cast upon me by my malevolent enemies, not even a censure of Mr. Baxter; and I now stand supported by my trustee and his committee, their most ample approbation of my conduct, and warmest recommendations to the creditors for my discharge, which, from men of such distinguished characters, ought to silence the most prejudiced, and cannot fail of their full weight with you.
You see I have claimed Mr. Baxter's consent as a stipulation from which he cannot consistantly recede, and I sollicit your concurrence in performance of a promise voluntarily made, which from a man of honour must insure me your good offices, was my title to the favour much worse supported.
Many similar sollicitations must have been made to you in the course of your extensive dealings, which I can answer were never disregarded; a man of your distinction as a trader, a philosopher, and a valuable citizen, can have omitted no duty of that sort from conscience and example to mitigate the rigour of the worse informed and less liberal creditor. Don't, then, be surprised that upon these grounds I expect the favour of your writing a few lines to Mr. Hog, in terms of my first letter, requesting him to concur in your name, with the other creditors, in the application to the Court of Session for my discharge, and I am with much respect, sir, your very gratefull humble servant,
C. Gascoigne
[Edited transcript.] |