| Collection | GB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections |
| Level | Item |
| Ref No | MS 38/60 |
| Alt Ref No | 56 |
| Title | Papers of David Skene: correspondence: Letter from George Paterson, East Sheen (Surrey), to David Skene |
| Date | 23 December 1769 |
| Extent | 1 item |
| Description | Letter from George Paterson, East Sheen (Surrey), to David Skene in which he discusses George Skene's acceptance of the post of surgeon's mate rather than the post of surgeon that Paterson had found for him; he remarks that Skene's letter hints at impropriety on George Skene's part but that he saw none; he felt George Skene was blameable for the refusal of the surgency and for his desire for more money than Paterson thought was needful in a surgeon's mate; he gave George Skene £50 plus £100 for his bond and would have given him more had he accepted the position of surgeon; Paterson is angry at Skene's refusal of the surgency and believes his youthful appearance would not have counted against him; Skene had met the ship's husband and the Captain and had been told that if he passed the examination, the surgency was his; Skene believed otherwise and accepted the mate's position for fear of losing both, 23 December 1769. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Access Conditions | The records are available subject to the signed acceptance of the Department's access conditions. |