Letter to George Grant from brother, John, 1821 about his time in India
AssociatedAssociated with
Captain George Grant
Date1821
Object NameLetter
Mediumpaper
ClassificationsLife and Work at Sea
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS039553.6
About MePoplar October 9th 1821 (post marked Oct 12 1821)Dear George
I yesterday received yours of the 2nd and was most happy to here (sic) of all the family being well, as I have been in the expectation of a letter from you for these several days past. But owing to the desertion of yours it has lain in Buckles office this some time. As Mr Boyd and that house are now untimely parted. We arrived at Blackwall on 6th after experiencing as hard gales of wind at the Vane as we have had all the voyage with the exception of two we had while at Ceylon one in particular in which we were to all appearances within a few minutes of being dashed to pieces against the rocks. But by the interposition of God alone we were saved by an almost instantaneous shift of wind. Nothing of any consequence has happened to us since but the death of two of our crew; and a continual sickness on board never having but about ½ of the ships company on duty, which made it rather hard on Mr Sweet and me. But thank God we now arrived safe and well. I am not as yet fully determined whether I shall come to Aberdeen at present or not as the Mary is immediately going out to India again. But if I come it will be soon, and my stay short.
I sent with Capt. Crane two or three silk handkerchiefs and a ring for Christy which I hope she will accept of as a mark of my respect for her it is east Indian produce being made at Candy in the interior of Ceylon. I have been rather unfortunate with some small articles which I intended for you and my mother. Consisting of two jars of preserved ginger and a most excellent collection of curious and beautiful shells £10 which were all taken by the Excise we being ignorant that such things were seize-able.
I called at Mr Anderson's on Sunday last and felt rather disappointed at not having the pleasure of seeing and congratulating him on his good fortune. You seem to be vexed at my behaviour in writing such a letter as I did from Calcutta and I must acknowledge you had good reason. But believe me my dear Brother I was then in a state which I cannot well describe my trouble commencing with I think what is called a stroke of the sun. But thank God I am now perfectly recovered and I am now as well as ever I was in my life.
I have at present nothing more of consequence to inform you of only that you need not write me immediately on receipt of this because if I be coming down I shall be sailed before I could receive yours by return of post. Give my kind love to Christy when you write her and also to my poor dear Mother Grandmother and Aunts and believe me to be dear George your now only affectionate and loving brother
John Grant
Remember me to Mr George Yeats his father and mother and all inquiring friends
J G
Captain George Grant
March 1800
Aberdeen White Star Line (George Thompson & Co)
