without her. I don't choose to enter into particulars in writing, but never was a poor rakish rascal in a more pitiful taking. I should be glad to see you to tell you the affair.—Meanwhile I am your friend, ROBERT BURNESS.

MOSSGAVIL, 11th Nov. 1784.

[7] Peggy Thomson.

[7a] ] Birth of his illegitimate child by Elizabeth Paton, once a servant with his father at Lochlie.


XIII.-TO MISS MARGARET KENNEDY.[8]

[

A young lady of seventeen, when this letter was addressed to her, and on a visit to Mrs. Gavin Hamilton at Mauchline.

]

[Probably Autumn, 1785.]