Initial Letter from James Fea to John Gow
10.00am, 13th February 1725

The letter drafted by James Fea VI of Clestrain and taken to John Gow, by James Laing, merchant in Calfsound, was couched as a greeting to an old acquaintance indicating that he might offer assistance to the extent that he was able in the circumstances.

CARRICK, Saturday 13th, 10 Mattin of the cloack
Feb. 1725

Sir,
I have sent this bearer on board intreating that upon old acquaintance you'll be pleased to forbear the usual compliment of a salutation because of my wife's indisposition. Had she been well I would have come aboard myself. All the inhabitants of this place have fled to the hills because of your bad reports yt your enemies have reported of you thro the countrey ych I hope is groundless, and non would adventure to come on board of you butt this bearer, whom I hope you'll return as soon as possible; for by his return the people may be willing to assist you if need be and you shall not want my assistance so far as honour can allow me. No more but that I am your old school comrade,

James Fea

The Real Captain Cleveland (1912), Allan Fea, p87

The letter does display a degree of diplomacy in the circumstances.