I'll be in Dumfries the morn gif the beast be to the fore, and the branks bide hale.
Gude be wi' you, Willie! Amen!
R. B.
[37] Louis Cauvin, teacher of French.
LI.-To MR. WILLIAM NICOL.
MAUCHLINE,
June
l8, 1787.
My dear friend,—I am now arrived safe in my native country, after a very agreeable jaunt, and have the pleasure to find all my friends well. I breakfasted with your greyheaded, reverend friend, Mr. Smith; and was highly pleased, both with the cordial welcome he gave me, and his most excellent appearance and sterling good sense.
I have been with Mr. Miller at Dalswinton, and am to meet him again in August. From my view of the lands, and his reception of my bardship, my hopes in that business are rather mended; but still they are but slender.