| Collection | GB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections |
| Level | Item |
| Ref No | MS 38/51 |
| Alt Ref No | 53 |
| Title | Papers of David Skene: correspondence: Letter from George Skene, Portsmouth, to David Skene |
| Date | 3 January 1770 |
| Extent | 1 item |
| Creator Name | George Skene was the brother of David Skene (1731 - 1770) and the son of Andrew Skene. |
| Description | Letter from George Skene, Portsmouth, to David Skene in which he complains of his situation - ' as I am but surgeon's mate, I have the whole of the dirty work and not much rank above the common sailor'; he has been taken in by the mates; presumes that he knows of the affront that the Surgeons received from the East India Company for which reason he has been allowed no privilege although the captain was good enough to take his goods aboard; he has only £80 of stock and describes his money situation; as soon as he received the letter saying that his brother was to lend him £200, he sent the letter on to Mr Paterson for him to dissolve the bonds; he intends to take in wine at Madeira if the Captain will allow him; he will keep an account of the different diseases which appear on board during the voyage, so far they have been entirely inflammatory but for one tertian fever; he will not say much for his surgeon's judgement; he intends to give him an exact description of the natural history and people in the places they come to; he feels his situation, though disagreeable, has taught him some good lessons such as never to be overbearing to his inferiors and that people will not humour or dance attendance on him when he gets an intention to do something; he apologises for any previous misconduct, thoughtlessness or ignorance; he will not stay in India unless he has very good prospects as he believes he could get a surgency following this voyage, 3 January 1770. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Access Conditions | The records are available subject to the signed acceptance of the Department's access conditions. |