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.