cannot guess, but I shall give you the particulars another time. I am
extremely happy with Smith;[11a] he is the only friend I have now in
Mauchline. I can scarcely forgive your long neglect of me, and I beg you
will let me hear from you regularly by Connell. If you would act your
part as a friend, I am sure neither good nor bad fortune should estrange
or alter me. Excuse haste, as I got yours but yesterday.--I am, my dear
Sir, yours, ROBERT BURNESS.

[Footnote 10: Three months before this letter was written Richmond
was a clerk in the office of Mr. Gavin Hamilton, writer, Mauchline.]

[Footnote 11: Fergusson's _Poems_.]

[Footnote 11a: Keeper of a haberdashery store in Mauchline.]

* * * * *

XVI.-TO MR. JAMES SMITH[12], SHOPKEEPER, MAUCHLINE.

[_Spring of _1786.]

... Against two things I am fixed as fate,--staying at home, and owning
her conjugally. The first, by Heaven, I will not do!--the last, by Hell,
I will never do! A good God bless you, and make you happy up to the
warmest weeping wish of parting friendship! ... If you see Jean tell her
I will meet her, so help me God in my hour of need! R. B.

[Footnote 12: The confidant of his amour with Jean Armour, daughter
of James Armour, mason, Mauchline. Notwithstanding the blustering
threat--for which Smith was probably more than half