John Balfour to Benjamin Franklin, September 2, 1765

Edinb: Septr. 2d 1765

Dear Sir

I am favourd with yours of the 9th Current giving me an Account of Mr. Mecoms affairs, 8 which is indeed very bad, however the young Gentleman is much to be pitied, as it woud appear that his Circumstances in a good measure have gone wrong thro an Act of Providence. I am not uneasy with respect to myself, but am a little so with respect to Mr. Hamilton, who is not so well able to bear this loss, tho he woud not be pleasd if he knew I said so. I do think indeed Sir that you have acted generously, in suffering Mr. Mecoms effects to be equally divided amongst his Creditors; most willingly I give you power to act for us as you think proper, where coud we have our Affairs in better hands. I shall be glad to know if it is necessary to send up Mr. Mecom’s letters, the last I had from him settled the Account, which I admitted in his own way, after various deductions which I did not lay my Account with.

I shoud be very much obligd to you, if you woud recommend to me an honest Attorney at N York. One James Parker there owes us a good deal of money and there will be a Necessity for prosecuting it, if you coud indulge me in this it woud be very oblidgeing. 9

Your Friend Mr. Robert Alexander stands a Candidate for the Burghs of Anstruther, in the room of Sir Harry Erskine, 1 and is likely to succeed. 2 I shall be very glad to hear from you with your Conveniency and am with great Esteem and Regard Dear Sir Your most Humble Servant.

John Balfour