I beg I may hear from you when at New York, and, if directed to Mr.
John Dixon, to the care of the Reverend Dr. Mason, I will
certainly receive it (as I know no other name there to desire you
to direct it to), for I will certainly call there, whatever part I
land or settle in, in expectation of letters, &c., and, in
particular, a long letter from you, in which please answer the
following questions without reserve. I am prepared to hear the
worst:--How does my dear sisters keep their health? I hope the
shock of my departure, and what followed, has not injured either of
them in health. How did they stand it? Where does my sister Jeany
live? I hope there is no alteration in Mr. Sheriff’s friends to my
dear Jamie. If money is an object, it is all in his favour. How is
Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and Mr. William, to whom I am for ever much
obliged for settling my passage. It was a deep cut, but the more I
am obliged to him and shall never forget it. He is a feeling and a
generous gentleman.
I am sorry I cannot say so much of my cousin Milton, although he,
too, was anxious for my off-going. How does my uncle and Mrs.
Rintoull keep their health? From his conduct and repeated
expressions, I never had much reason to expect anything from him,
but now far less, although I be more needful. I believe few at my
age ever went out more so. At present I am destitute of everything.
I can put every article I have upon my back, and in my pocket. How
does Mrs. Campbell and her son’s family?
Who were the most forward of my creditors to attach? How does my
affairs turn out in the whole? If Robert Smith is employed, has he
been active and attentive? He would need to be looked after,
although he may be useful; and any news or alterations relating to
my friends that may have happened.
What has been done, or likely to be done, with the two unfortunate
men, Smith and Ainslie, and the greater villain, John Brown _alias_
Humphry Moore? Was John Murray _alias_ Jack Tasker brought from
England?
Whatever these men may say, I had no hand in any of their
depredations, _excepting the last_, which I shall ever repent, and
the keeping such company, although I doubt not but all will be laid
to me. But let me drop this dreadful subject.
[Signed with the following initials]:--
S. W., T. L., R. S., J. M., J. S.
COPY of a LETTER or UNSIGNED SCROLL, in the handwriting of William
Brodie, founded on in the Indictment, marked No. 2.
Pray write me what is become of Anne Grant, and how is her children
disposed of. Cecill is a sensible, clever girl, considering the
little opportunity she has had of improving. My dear little Willie
will be, if I can judge, a brave and hardy boy.
Jean is her mother’s picture, and too young to form any opinion of.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account