Cavendish Square. - Regrets that Drummond has had the trouble of writing to him; had asked Mr Ross to explain to Drummond 'the Reasons which have invariably prevented my ever giving encouragement or assistance to Exchange of the kind which he proposed to me', but sets them out again now: 'if pecuniary considerations are once introduced or allowed, there will be scare such a thing as an Officer contented with his Corps', as officers in disgrace with their superiors will seek to leave instead of mending their conduct, officers in debt will look for someone to pay to exchange commissions rather than learning frugality, attempts will be made to avoid postings to 'a disagreeable station' abroad and so on. 'On this Ground I have been obliged often to disappoint the Wishes and Plans of Persons whom I have greatly loved & esteemed, & whom I would have served at any Expence but that of doing wrong'. Hopes to have other opportunities of promoting Mr [Peter?] Drummond', and 'can say with the utmost truth, there are not two men in the World whom I love, honour and Respect more than his Father and his Uncle'.
HOUG/B/Q/46
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Item
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3 May 1773 [original]
Part of Papers of Richard Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton