On the ButeshireGenWeb listserv, I was able to find this letter from Bill Langford in Maryland, in reference to his ancestor McBride, but written by Duncan McLea. Since our McLeas may have come from Bute, I am recording that letter here.

My ancestor Hugh McBride was Factor to the Earl of Bute during the approximate period 1730-1760. I am quoting below an excerpt from a letter dated 11 December 1750 from a Duncan McLea. My hope is that this will be of interest to the list and possibly elicit further information on McBride and his activities.

"I can write you nothing as to the affairs on this Island only Mr McBryde of Baidland [near Dalry in Ayrshire] Continuing factor and Sheriff Substitute and Commissary Dept of the Isles and present Provost of the Burgh of Rothesay. He is the low country these twenty days and is not come home as yet. He has built a lint Miln upon the Water of Rothesay just in the Town which knocks and Scutches lint to perfection and the Miller heckels it and makes it fitt for Spindling so that it's expected there will be a great dale more of yearn exposed to Sale next Aprile fair than has been these many years. All the country about are are sending their lint to be Dressed here Mr McBryde has also Cutt two Canalls from the Long loch above the Town which serves both the milns and my Lord Bute will have a medow of sixty aikers which will furnish all your barren country with Sufficiency of hay And it will be planted with trees from the Town to the lochwhich is a mille in length"

The original of this letter is in the Bute Museum.

Regards to all. Bill Lankford in Maryland, USA

Thanks to Bill for posting this in November, 2000. Hopefully, I'll be able to prove that this Duncan is "one of mine" at some point!

Kyle=