To Mr John Campbell Advocate
At his House in the Cowgate
Edinburgh
My Dearest Life
As I had no letter from you by last nights post, I wish all has gone well in your expedition to Cranston; there’s a nasty Grey Hound that howels [sic] here continually of late, which serves to back my apprehensions whenever the failure of a letter happens, this you’ll think very odd my dearest, but inspite [sic] of all Mr Addison says about such weeknesses [sic] I cant overthrow it so far but that it leaves a damp upon My Spirits; by the time you receive this, I fancy my Brothers will be arrived in Town; we have very disagreeable weather here just now, a great deal of rain, and a sharp cold wind; Miss Semple is gone to Calder to be there a few days because I put off going to Halkhead till some time next week, in hopes youll soon be your own master after that time; yr sister Jenny is just now gone to dine at Hutchesons, so that yr mother, Tibby and I with the little folks are all that the Family at present consists of; dear little Mac has got out one of the two upper teeth that seem’d to be cutting when you left this, the other one is just breaking the skin, & will Appear we think ev’ry day; I hope he has not forgot his dear papa, for he often converses with your picture. May all thats good attend you My Dearest Aimable Moitié, and be assured this is the sincerest wish of her who intirely [sic] loves you, & will ever be
Yr faithful and obedient wife
GC
July 18th