[Page 1]

[Page 2]

[Page 3]

[Page 4]

Your very feeling & sympathizing letter
I receiv'd about ten days ago, & would not have fail'd to
acknowledge it before now, had I imagin'd your stay in
town would have been prolong'd to this time - I cannot
be easy now till I see you, as the swelling in your face
was the only obstacle, I expected it would not have
detain'd you above a few days - which makes me the
more anxious - We are all much in our ordinary
way. Jackey's spirits are recruiting daily - I lately had
a severe nervous attack, which I imputed to the state
of mind I was in, during the dear innocents distress
when the feelings allows of reflection we see the
impropriety of excessive grief, we may view it [in?] a merci¬
ful dispensation, exercised to call off our attention from
being too much engrossed with the things of this world
which are too apt to employ most of our thoughts -
it is a strange infatuation - when an eternity of hap¬
piness or misery depends upon our behaviour here -
but the current of example, few are able to resist
and it is to be lamented, that it is what, should
interest most, that is now held in greatest contempt -

Miss Hunter is still with us, we have been
much indebted to that good family on this occasion
they have been severely tried in the school of
affliction -

Mr Barty was admitted at Monzie about
a fortnight ago, you will probably see him in
the course of this week, as he was chosen a
member for the Assembly in room of Mr Baxter
who declined - some people thought him in the
wrong for so doing as they thought he should have
gone and carried Jackey along with him, as a jaunt
is of vast use to the spirits-

I am glad you have got a horse to your liking
you will find yourself greatly more convenient
than hiring, they are giving monstrous prices. Sir
William Murray bought a couple from the principal
dealer in Edinr at between thirty and forty Guineas
each, his eldest son is now a subscriber to the
Perthshire hunt. ---

I have not heard any thing of the Tippermuir
family this long time. Although I wrote Mrs D:
I have received no return - this is about the
time of their removal - which will be taking up
their attention - As my spirits are rather flat
just now, and as the entertaining books in Mr B's
library are not very numerous, - his collection
being chiefly for his own use, I will ↑be↑ singularly
indebted to you to bring over a few out of yours
my reading has as yet been very confin'd which
I regret exceedingly - as a well furnish'd mind, must
be a source of great comfort & happiness to the
possessor- I remember nothing new to acquaint
you with - in hopes of hearing of your being {illeg}
soon. I conclude with best wishes from all he[re]

Alexr Macduff Esqr of Bonhard
at Mrs Fergusson's Customhouse stairs
Parliament Close
Edinr.