Letter of Robert Burns to Robert Graham dated Ellisland 10 Sept 1788 (page 2 of 3)

Introduction:: A three page letter in which Burns explains his financial and farming problems and asks Robert Graham to consider making room for him in a local Excise Division by ousting the incumbent officer on the grounds that his financial need is the greater. Thereby solving his business problems and enabling him to embark on more literary projects in one move. (letter No 269). He also enclosed a poem no 230 'to Robert Graham of Fintry'.
Image Rights Holder:: National Trust for Scotland
Ref:: BMT173.02B
Project:: 618:The Burns Manuscripts at Alloway
What:: Letter of Robert Burns to Robert Graham dated Ellisland 10 Sept 1788
Subject:: Towards the end of the page Burns realises he may have been a bit forthright in this suggestion and asks forgiveness, adding that it may be offset by giving him the opportunity for more literary work in the future.
Who:: Robert Burns (1759-1796) (author); Robert Graham, 12th Laird of Fintry (1749-1815) (friend and patron of Burns)
When:: 10th September 1788 (when written)
Where:: The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire
Background:: Towards the end of the page Burns realises he may have been a bit forthright in this suggestion and asks forgiveness, adding that it may be offset by giving him the opportunity for more literary work in the future.
Description:: On page two Burns having set the scene for his impecunity, gets to the point of his letter which is to ask Graham to help place him as Excise Officer in a local Division thereby making him better-off. He suggests that this could be achieved by removing the incumbent officer Leonard Smith whom Burns considers would not suffer due to a recent legacy.