To Mr John Campbell Advocate
At his House in the Cowgate
Edinburgh

My Dearest Half, I received yours & with pleasure read the accounts of Lady Banffs happy dilivery [sic]. I wish indeed it had been a son, tho’ if it pleases God to recover her she has plenty of time I hope to make all parties pleased; for my own share I love Girls so well, that if you did not dislike them I would wish the little companion I have now to be a daughter, one enjoys their company more & they are far less exposed (through custom) to the vices of a wicked world, which hurries many a precious soul into eternal ruin: poor Doctor Elliot I regret very much (you see my Dr Jewel how much young as well as old, should be prepairing [sic] themselves for another world, for none knows how soon they may be call’d to it; and god knows ’tis not a time to prepare ones self, when attack’d by a deadly distemper) I pitty [sic] his poor wife beyond expression, such a shock I pray God I may never be doom’d to feel; we came here yesterday before Dinner and found all very well, Archie grows more fond of his cousin ev’ry day, & her Love for him is as conspicuous as ever; I never saw so much between two of their age; o’ My Dearest Life I wish you may come out of Town as you intended at first for I hate this long tiresome separation; I shall forward yr letter as desired; my kind congratulatory compts [compliments] to Ld Banff, & remember me My D- to the poor old Captain; I enclose a letter here to Lady Mary, she mentions nothing of coming, so Im afraid they don’t think of it; She makes mention of you in the kindest manner & I’m sure is most sincere, as indeed she always is; & I hope My Dearest most beloved Moitié is sensible none is more so than I am in assuring you of my being intirely [sic] and for ever yours GC.
Levenside
July 15th
Dont forget my dearest to bring out some noisy play thing to Archie, & a little Baby for Jenny, the enclosed, to Mrs Robertson be so good to send immediately; she has a gown to send me which youll order James to put up in your Clock Bag without fail.