Alexander Park

Alexander Park.

From http://bankingletters.co.uk/page20.html

"In 1814 the Bank's Agent in Selkirk (Alexander Park) died leaving the post vacant. "

AND

Alexander Park was born in 1773 and was the brother of the famous explorer Mungo Park. Alexander Park was a Writer (lawyer) by profession and was appointed as Agent for Selkirk in 1810 following a recommendation by Thomas Kyle, a shareholder. Park had no previous experience in banking and whilst this was not recognised as a shortcoming at the time of his appointment it must have become an issue for the Bank as the Selkirk office was plagued with poor lending decisions where monies were advanced to contacts of Park (and no doubt Kyle) who were either poor credit risks or were of stronger character than Park.
Like any employee / Agent of the Bank, Alexander Park would have been required to put up a Bond of Caution to cover the Bank for any losses made as a consequence of mismanagement by the Agent. It may well be that this Bond was called by the East Lothian Banking Company as my collection includes a letter from David Spence of Melrose, dated 7th May 1817, written on behalf of Mrs. Park of Woodhead and making reference to the settlement of the cash account with the Bank's late branch at Selkirk. The letter advises that there is to be a meeting of Mrs. Parks' family, who are also cautioners to the Bond and requests that Borthwick delay any proceedings until after this meeting.

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• Reference: Ancestry Genealogy - SmartCopy: May 22 2018, 16:45:16 UTC