Letters, undated; papers, undated, relating to family history; and miscellaneous printed material, 1772-1899, undated., 18th century-19th century.
Scope and Contents
Among the papers of the Robertsons the chief correspondents are Principal William Robertson, the historian, and his son William, a Senator of the College of Justice. The correspondence of the Principal includes letters of scholars, British and foreign (Voltaire among others), about his works, information on the American Indians, 1774-1777, and threats regarding his attitude to Roman Catholics, 1778-1779. That of Lord Robertson deals with his legal and political activities and the publication of his father's works.
The papers of the Macdonalds and Robertson-Macdonalds deal chiefly with the estate of Kinlochmoidart, forfeited on account of the part played by the Chief in the rising of 1745 and restored in 1784, the farming and leasing of the lands, debts, relations with other land-owners, projects for roads, the building of an Episcopalian chapel, etc. They also include letters on the military experiences of successive Chiefs - of Alexander in America, 1775-1780, of Donald in the West Indies, where he became Governor of Tobago, 1800-1805, and of David Robertson, afterwards Robertson-Macdonald, in Ceylon, 1797-1803.
Dates
- Creation: 18th century-19th century.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
93 Leaves
Language of Materials
From the Series: Undetermined
Arrangement
93 folios.
Contains the following.
The letters begin on folio 1, the family history papers on folio 56, the printed material on folio 78).
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk