Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

A.L.S. by James Mathias to John Campbell, Cashier to the Royal Bank of Scotland, date-lined London 10 September 1745, addressed “Sir”, “I am favoured with yours of the 15th Augt. sigd. Instant & pursuant to the latter have debited your account with the Equivalent Company for the Quarters annuity & charge of management at Lady Day last £2650 which Sum together with what more you may have in cash of the Company’s, it is the Committee’s orders that you remit them as soon as possible in the Royal Bank’s Bills as usual on the Bank of England payable to the Committee of Treasury of the Equivalent Company.” Addressed and sealed on reverse, endorsed “Ans. 17 Sept 1745”. 18.5 x 23cm (double). Several folds, a tear and a split, the wax seal slightly damaged, otherwise clean (£200-250)

With the approach of the Jacobite Army on Edinburgh, the notes and specie of the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland were conveyed to the security of Edinburgh castle on 14th and 15th September. The city was occupied on the 17th, the date this letter was replied to. Following his victory at Prestonpans on 21st September, the Prince was anxious to recruit and to acquire funds. Glasgow was levied for £5,500 and from 3rd October, under a flag of truce, John Campbell succeeded in effecting several substantial exchanges of notes for specie. Prince Charles was then able to embark on his incursion of England.

Ref. “The Diary of John Campbell, a Scottish Banker and the ‘Forty-five” published by the Royal Bank of Scotland, 1995