Chapter XLVII: Letter XVI: My Dearest Life,

Yours of the 29 of May was forwarded by our friend
att London, which you may be sure was most welcome to me since there
can be nothing so agreeable as to hear you are well, and at the same
time to hear of two people whose welfare I am much interested in. I
went airly abroad this morning to visit my labourers, and it was so
hott I began to think how much more it must be so with you. I pray
God you may agree with it.

There is one advantage of being with Kid, that you will live mighty
regular and get no ill examples. I wish from my heart all had the
same thoughts of him you have, but I am not altogether without hope
that will come and justice be done him; tho, as things have been of
late I do not expect to see it. But who would a thought six months
agoe Andrew wold lose his post of being Commander-in-Chief in this
Country, and that Mr. Beggar wold have it. His Master has made him
very bad returns for his fidelity, but I hop he shall use all his
faithful servants after that manner.

I writ to you from my father’s house in relation to the Bill that’s
passing on the forfeitures. My friend writes from London he thinks
all personal Debts in danger. Some only thinks those since the 24 of
June last. I must own it is so horrid I can scarce believe it, but if
it is so it will ruin many, and to think that anybody will lose by
you is really terribly uneasy, particularly C.(harles) A.(reskine).
If it is so I shall do my endeavour to pay all so far as it can goe,
and trust to Providence who has hitherto been bountyful to us, and
I am sure you will agree with me. I was in hops things wold in time
have a more favourable aspect, but it’s impossible human invention
can contrive things worse than all the measures they have taken. I
find by the Ladys att London getting their jointure and daughters
provided, we may expect the same. If any here gets it, I make no
doubt of it, for I happen to be much in the Whig’s favour. I know
nothing I have done to merit it but being silent. In the meantime I
live in peaceable possession of all, haveing Mr. Beggar’s protection,
and by the advice of the above mentioned friend, by degrees I am to
sell all my Stock and prepare for the worst. I must own it was what I
was mighty unwilling to do, but I am now convinct it’s the best way
by much.

As to Mr. Nabit, I am sorry I have not writ so fully as you might
understand. His fame was like to rise high, and at the same time
there was never less ground for it. I make no doubt that going down
would have turn’d to account in time, but that was a certain giving
out of money ... it was thought by all the Counsell the saffest
course, and the only way to make people think it was an idle project
of Mr. Amond’s. How far it will be of use that way I know not, but
so many poor Dogs has it at their mercy it will be wonderful if it
do not break out. I am positive however it was right to give up.
James Hamilton went away three months agoe, for he turn’d wrong in
the head and would not stay.... I told you in my last of my sister
Bess’ marriage, which is to be very soon, and I must goe to it. It’s
to their neighbour W----ms. I hope she will be very happy, and I
take it as a reward for her faithful service to Kid. He is really a
good-humour’d man, but too much upon the easy lay. C. A. is to be at
the weddin’. I showed him your letter in relation to A. S----t, about
his coming but he did not think it proper to send him for the reasons
you mentioned.

As to my second Farm I still keep it, and am putting two lime-kilns
just now on it. I ride there frequently. Perhaps I may set up my
habitation there and farm it myself, but I think if ever I leave this
place I will not stay in Britain. Your children are well and in good
heart. Ha is perfectly recover’d. Your mother is well, and she and I
live easily together, tho’ none can be of more different sentiments;
but she disaproves all the violent measures, and is very concern’d
for you and thankful you are well; but she knows not where you are,
or she would be griev’d. I wish very often to be with you, my Dear
Soul, but as long as I can doe your service here I will never have
a thought of it; and I have saved more than any in my circumstances
has done, and never fail to represent when I am injur’d, which makes
me live easy, when many other good honest people are oppresst. My
paper sinks so much I fear you will have difficulty to read it....
P.(atrick) H.(aldane) is one of the comishioners on the forfeitures.
Buchan and Munroe of Faulds are the Scots. Wishing your good company
and you all manner of real happiness, I am, my Dearest, ever Yours.

As to remitting money, I told you before it’s easyest from London,
and I lay it on my friend entirely who would doe that as well as I
could wish and all things else, for he helps all in distress and it’s
his aim to do good

Dearest Life, Adieu.

June 18. Alva.