[Footnote 6a: Probably John Caird, junior, as the father would be
over sixty if he was about his wife's age, and she, Elspat Burnes,
was born, we know, in 1725.]

* * * * *

XII.--TO THOMAS ORR, PARK, KIRKOSWALD.

DEAR THOMAS,--I am much obliged to you for your last letter, though I
assure you the contents of it gave me no manner of concern. I am
presently so cursedly taken in with an affair of gallantry that I am
very glad Peggy[7] is off my hand, as I am at present embarrassed
enough[7a] 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, 11_th Nov_. 1784.

[Footnote 7: Peggy Thomson.]

[Footnote 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