The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

The Hospital of Inverness. 147
The Session could show zeal and perseverance, combined
\\\\.\\ flatter)-, in the interests of the Hospital, when
occasion required. Having hopes that William Duff, the
laird of Dipple, would do something for the Trust, at a
meeting held on 15th March, 1720, on its "being repre-
sented that the laird of Dipple is indisposed, the Session
appoint that Bailie Dunbar, Mr William Stuart, Mr Robert
Baillie, Thomas Alves, William Neilson, and John Fraser
may meet as a Committee upon Thursday next, in order to
think upon a proper wa}' to pay him a visite." This
Committee included the two ministers and the Hospital
treasurer.
As this Committee failed to meet immediately, we find
that on 5th April following" it was suggested that just now
the persons should be chosen who were to goe ;
accordingl}',
it being put to the vote, they did all agree unanimously that
Bailie James Dunbar and Mr Robert Baillie .should goe :
also they appoint that there should be a letter written to
the Laird of Dipple and signed by the members of the
.Session, the tenor of which follows :
" Honble. and Dear Sir,— It cannot but be matter of
Joy to all good Burghers of Inverness when they hear how
God has been pleased to Bless and prosper you in \'our
affairs and concerns in this ^\•orld, and in a particular
manner the members of the Kirk Session doe earnestly
wish that the abundance of Temporal Blessings which
Heaven hath bestowed on you may be a sure fore-runner
and toaken of the Incoruptable Inheritance and Crown of
Glory reserved for you in Heaven. In the meantime, they
desire to perswade themselves that it is your inclination to
Glorify God with the good things he has given you, the
necessity of the poor of this Burgh hath a cry for your help,
and your casting of your bread upon the waters may bring
you the Blessing of those who are ready to perish. W^ee
have sent two of our number, to witt, James Dunbar, one
of the present Baillies, and Mr Robert Baillie, one of the
ministers of this Burgh, to salute you in our name as a
token of that respect wee owe unto you, and we have
referred it unto them to Represent our desires more fully
unto you, and we doubt not but by them ye will give us an
—