History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

GALABANK'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS FAMILY 193
Foreign of Kidderminster as far back as Queen Elizabeth ; but with the dis-
abilities under which Nonconformists laboured at that time it was a social
mistake for Johnstone to connect himself with the Cranes and Serjeants.
Edward made their acquaintance when he visited Kidderminster, and thought
them desirable friends for a young man far away from his own people, but he
changed his opinion, to judge from a letter to his brother, Oct. 1753.
In March of the previous year Edward wrote to James that their
sister, Isobelle, then about twenty-three, was married on the 10th to Mr Adam
Murray of Belriding. " She had other offers, but had satisfied herself that this
was the best. Murray seemed a good sort of man ; he was well connected,
belonging to the same house as Cockpool and Lord Stormont, and had ,£1200
of his own, which, with the ^200 she received from her father, would enable
them to live in a cheap country, where his little estate produced all the
necessaries of life." 1 He was thankful to see her settled, as his own health
had become very precarious, and he gives his brother the particulars in confidence.
He hoped some day to ride over to Bewdley, where James was then
living, as he wanted a thorough change ; but this journey never took place, for
every year increased his work and responsibilities.
On May 8, 1752, Adam Murray wrote to thank his brother-in-law for a
kind letter on his marriage, and hopes that he may soon be able to offer him
the same congratulations, " for I think the noble name of Johnstone seems to
be on the decay, so I want you to improve your line. I heartily wish you good
success in that and all your undertaking. You have done much considering
the short time you have been in England."
On June 10, 1754, Edward wrote to James that their sister Murray had
just given birth to a daughter, and soon congratulations were sent by post at
the advent of James's son and heir. Mrs Murray wrote an affectionate letter
prophesying that, as Edward seemed disinclined to marry, this little James
"would be Galabank." The grandparents both wrote, of course delighted,
and Galabank, also referring to Mrs Murray's baby, fervently thanked Provi-
dence for all His mercies to them. On Nov. 27, 1754, he adds : "Your
mother
has sent by Mr Marschal a table cloth and half a dozen table napkins ; they are
Dantzic damask, marked with your mother's name for our daughter-in-law, and
a pair of silver buckles and a silver spoon for your son, our grandson. We are
all pretty well in health, and are always glad to hear that you are ; also your
wife and child. Your affectionate parent, John Johnstone."
The bride of seventeen developed into a matron of a very shy and retiring
disposition, an excellent wife and mother, but averse to society, and preferring
to remain at home when her husband and children visited their friends. Much
taken up with her own relatives, she never accepted the invitation to visit her
parents-in-law at Annan. She thought it would be soon enough when she had
to live there, for her husband always hoped to end his days in his native
land.
1 The tenants held their plots with the provision that they should work a certain number
of days for the laird.
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