The letter is written to Thomas Cranstoun Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh, by James Inglis in Glasgow.

There are two postal markings: first the town name stamp where it was lodged, circular framed GLAS GOW two-line of the type in use from 1748 to 1799;
second the charge mark of 3. I had to reconcile this charge with the tables in my reference book. This shows that the Act of 1784 increased the rate by 1d for a single letter the distances under 150 miles, and 2d for distances over 150. The rate had previously been 2d for distances under 50 miles, so this 1d increased it to 3d.

This is a well-written letter of more than 200 years ago, and the problems he describes could well be the same in our present day. The letter itself is showing definite signs of wear and tear, with the paper splitting along the folds, and the ink is fading, but it is still quite legible.

This is the transcription.

Glasgow 24th May 1795

Mr Tho. Cranstoun
Dear Sir,

My Creditors are beginning to push me harder than ever, which I hope will be my excuse for again troubling you.

Your favour of 3rd March astonished me very much. Mr Scott told me frequently since my coming home that the whole of the debt owing Douglas Heron & Co was paid up excepting about £30. But this can be easily ascertained. I know that upwards of £2000 has been paid towards that concern, the exact amt either Mr Keith or Mr Hunter I should imagine will be able to give you & as the Bank had no other claim on my Father but for a single share, you have only further to learn what each share stands the Proprietors at this day. Mr Scott I have found right in every thing as yet, & I am in hopes that his assertion on this head won&srquo;t be an exception.

From your silence on the other head of your letter I fear much you have not been successful. God grant I may be mistaken. If you have not succeeded please say what course I must follow with my Creditors. A jail is my only prospect at present as they seem determined to do their worst

It’s probable I may see you in Edinb in a month or six weeks. By the advice of Medical people here I am to keep to the house for three weeks & undergo a continued application for blisters for my rheumatism, which has been very severe upon me indeed all winter, it has made me quite lame. After which they advise Sea bathing, in which case I shall certainly see you. In the meantime your answer will much oblige me,
I am, with esteem
Dear Sir
Your obliged & obedt Servt
James Inglis

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There is a filing note on the outside of the letter

“24 May 1795 Jas. Inglis
Abt the allowance for the Crs Douglas & Herons obln 25 May”

Notes such as these often help the transcription of these old letters, for example, if the writer of the original letter writes in a hurry it is often quite difficult to read it, but as the clerks in the lawyers offices had to have legible writing, their notes often solve a puzzle in the letter.

I find it amazing that the debt is so much, as the £2000 would have been a huge sum in the late 18th century. I can also sympathise with Mr Inglis, and his concern that if nothing is done, then his next abode would be jail, in spite of his rheumatism and poor health. I hope that the Edinburgh legal eagle was able to sort out the whole problem for him.