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

GALABANK'S FAMILY 207
She was interred in the burial place of our family on Wednesday last. All the
gentlemen in the country round attended her to the grave. Her death is
a particular loss to our weak family, for she was a surprising fine girl. Our
father and mother are pretty well. . . . Either of your Scottish boys [i.e.,
with the family names] is desired with great earnestness. It would be the
greatest comfort to the old people and to Mrs Murray and me to have one of
them to represent their father and mother at Annan, and they bid me assure
Mrs Johnstone and you that they will be as careful of him as if he were their
own son, and you may depend upon Mrs Murray's care and mine. I should be
very glad to visit you and Mrs Johnstone after the harvest, and carry back one
of your pretty boys. God bless and long preserve you and your wife and
children, to all of whom I beg you will remember me in the kindest manner.
Yr. affecte brother and obedt. servt, Richard Johnstone.
" P.S.—A chaise and everything that could make poor Aggie's life agreeable
was got for her."
Five months later Richard wrote from Annan: "Dear Brother,— I was at
Westerhall the other day where I was most cordially received by all that
good family. My Lady J. was vastly well pleased with the basket, she had not
done admiring it when I left them [of Worcester porcelain]. They all inquired
for you and your family in the kindest manner, and my Lady desired her hearty
thanks for your pretty present. She will be extremely glad to hear from
you. You must direct her letter to the care of the Postmaster of Carlisle.
They did not know where Mr R. J. [of Hackness Hall] is. Hoggan says
he is in Yorkshire but I will be able to send you the address, and Major
Johnstone's after I get to Edinburgh. The Major is now there where I hope he
will remain all winter. He is a very warm friend. I received your last packet
some time ago, but have been so tossed about that I could not answer them.
I am to set off for Edinburgh in a day or two. I have got John's confirmation
and approbation of the settlement as strongly wrote out as possible and I think
there cannot be the least doubt of their validity. I am obliged to trouble you
with a piece of ceremony I did not expect, but such is the exaction of my Lord
H that till you who are one of the executors give my father a full power to
receive your part and discharge the same he will not pay it. [He encloses a
form and describes how it is to be filled in and returned to their father]. The
old Gentleman's eyes are rather tender but he says it is old age. Mr Gott was
quite transported with the present you sent him. I dined with Mr Beattie's
mother the other day. She spoke much of your friendship for her son. Tell
Jamie I have not forgotten to write to him but shall do so as soon as I get
settled in Edinburgh . . . your affectionate brother and sincere friend,
Richard Johnstone."
The old people might well feel alarmed when any of their children were ill,
and both wrote in some consternation, having heard that James was suffering
from fever, in May 1762. In July his father wrote again to express thankfulness
at his recovery. Richard was studying in Edinburgh. Would James advise