The collection dates between 1769 and c2003 and comprises:

• 3 notebooks including financial records, language studies and diaries;
• 17 pieces of correspondence and handwritten notes;
• a printed compendium of Swiss flora;
• a copy of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress;
• 4 prints of notable 18th century French figures; and
• two photographs of items which belonged to Blaikie's family.

Vellum bound notebook including notes of French lessons, lists of accounts, housekeeping expenses and an account of events from 1781 to 1792. (Box 1)

One green vellum bound notebook containing accounts for customers arranged by surname. A number of pages have been removed. The earliest entry is January 1789 and latest is June 1822.

Contains a loose handwritten note compiled in 2003 detailing the missing pages and method of their removal and noting that it was faxed to Pat Taylor. (Box 2)

Handwritten note, dated 1 January 1793, initialled by Thomas Blaikie noting trees, shrubs and plants supplied by James Lee at Hammersmith and giving assurances regarding payment.

Letter from James Lee, Hammersmith, to Thomas Blaikie, de Laisne, dated 26 December 1814, noting latest developments in the relationship between France and England and requesting that money due to him be paid as soon as possible.

Letter dated 17 February 1821 outlining the issues with Thomas Blaikie's claim for losses and detailing additional paperwork required.

Letter from Office of Commissioners for Claims in France to Thomas Blaikie, dated 26 May 1821, noting that a rejection of his claim is being prepared and detailing reasons for this.

Copy of the Award of Rejection in the claim of Thomas Blaikie, issued by the Commissioners of Liquidation, Arbitration and Award dated 18 July 1821.

Letter from Office of Commissioners for Claims in France dated 20 July 1821, to Thomas Blaikie, accompanying the copy of the Award of Rejection on his claim.

Letter from Foreign Office dated 17 August 1825 on behalf of Secretary Canning responding to Thomas Blaikie’s request for intervention on his claim.