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

2io GALABANK'S FAMILY
be desired to direct the best manner of executing my design, which is part of a
plan (of which I shall be able to judge of the success when next I see you) I
have formed for fencing the Galabanks. I enclose two letters to be forwarded
to Richard in Edinburgh. I sincerely wish him well and nothing can prevent
me from doing everything in my power to serve him but his own folly. I can never
be a friend to anyone who shall be so far my enemy and the enemy of the
dignity to which your family may arrive, who shall try to impair or diminish the
estate of Galabanks to its lawful successor, but all such views I hope will be no
more thought of. Richard prosecutes his studies as he informs me with a view
of being a chirurgeon rather than a physician, which last was my advice, but
a life of action and business is not to be objected to in any way. I send you
letters from my children. They would be glad to receive a letter from Galabank
or any of his family. . . .
" I was more sorry to hear of the long hopeless illness of my cousin Jeanie
Hair than of her death, which I hope and believe has changed her condition
infinitely for the better. I condole with her brothers to whom present my
kindest respects, and tell James Hair that I received his letter . . . and if I
can have a clear view of the case and can in any prudent way be the means of
extricating him from his difficulties I shall do it with my whole heart. . . .
My wife sends her compliments to you and to my sister and her children, and
wishing you all every happiness this world (how properly called a vale of tears)
can afford I am with the sincerest duty and affection your dutiful and affec-
tionate son,
J. Johnstone.
" P.S.— I hope to amuse Galabank when I see him with a history of his
family and memoirs of his ever respected son the Minister of Moffat, which I
have in M.S. and which would make a pamphlet of a tolerable size."
Although money came to Galabank and more was owed to him, both his
sons said he had the credit of being richer than he really was, and, according
to his son Edward, he was surrounded by hangers-on and dishonest employes
or agents, who preyed upon him, and he could not be induced to proceed 1
against a debtor. Edward had helped with necessary expenses, but before
James would do the same he must be assured that his descendants would reap
the benefit. Richard was offered a cadetship in His Majesty's Navy, and also
a commission in the Guards, but declined both to please his mother. Not
originally wishing to be a medical man, he gave up the law to study for it,
as there was an opening for a surgeon in Dumfriesshire. Again urged by
James, he took up medicine instead of surgery, and went to practise for a time
1 The result of experience, as these cases appear in the list of inhibitions :—
1740. John Johnstone of Gallabank v. William Carlile of Bridekirk for himself and as
representing his father, the late Adam Carlile, and Sibella Bell, his wife.
1752. John Johnstone of Gallabank 7>. Mr Walter Cork, minister in Cummertrees.
1752. John Johnstone of Gallabank v. John Henderson of Broadholm, Robert Irving, and
William Johnston, younger of Lockerbie.
1755, Nov. 28. John Johnstone of Gallabank v. Sir John Douglas of Kelhead, Bart,
(ancestor to the Marquis of Queensberry).
1755, Dec. 24. Sir John Douglas put to the horn at the suit of John Johnstone of Gallabank.