Statement of facts / [James Syme].

  • James Syme
Date:
[1832]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Statement of facts / [James Syme]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    acquainted * with what had occurred, that she might consider whether she could with propriety continue her acquaintance with Dr Mackintosh’s family. On this being done, she was sensible that she ought to discontinue that acquaintance $ and, thinking it best to convey intimation of this by writing to Mrs Mackintosh, applied to Mr Syme to furnish her with a draft of a letter. With that request he complied. Of the draft he has not preserved a copy, but, to the best of his recollection, it was in the following terms :— Miss Willis having reflected on the circumstances of Mrs M.’s visit on Tuesday last, and on what has been reported to her since of Dr Mackintosh’s conduct in regard to it, feels her¬ self under the painful necessity of discontinuing ail intercourse with Dr Mackintosh’s family. Monday. This note was sent on the morning of Monday the 24th of September. It was then thought proper to acquaint her brother- in-law, Mr Fraser, with what had taken place.f* * The lady had been made acquainted by her sister with the circumstances before Mr Syme saw her. Before expressing his own opinion he asked her what she felt it right to do ? She replied, “ Certainly to have nothing more to do with the Mackin¬ toshes,” adding, u that this had been her first impression at the time of the extraor¬ dinary visit; and that she deeply regretted having departed from it in consequence of the solicitation of Mrs Mackintosh, together with her assurance that the circumstance should be carefully concealed from Mr Syme.” Mr Syme expressed his satisfaction at her taking this view of the case ; and stated, that, unless she had done so, he could not any longer have recognized her as connected with his family. As to the threats mentioned and darkly insinuated by Dr Mackintosh, he utterly disclaims and de¬ nies them. He begged the lady to consider well what she was about to do, and warned her not to take the step she proposed, unless she felt it to be called for by the visit, independently of Dr Mackintosh’s statements at Slateford, which he had a presentiment would be soon retracted. She assured Mr Syme that such was her distinct understanding, and requested his assistance in expressing by letter her resolution to Mrs Mackintosh. After a good deal of solicitation, he wrote the copy of a note, which is the only part of his conduct not approved of by his friends, and which, in deference to their judgment, he regrets. The lady having ap¬ proved of the note, proposed to commence it with “ My dear Mrs Mackintosh,” to which Mr Syme objected, as being inconsistent, and again advised her to write a note of her own in any terms that she thought proper. The object of communicating the circumstances to Mr Fraser, was to show that gentleman the reason which existed for not inviting the lady to his house with the family of Dr Mackintosh, and for not in any way leading her to resume any