My Dearest Christina

After writing to you on Tuesday we
went to visit James's Territories. Thay are better than I expected
but not such that it would be advisable for him to {?erect} a
{?Bon} upon them, and the idea is accordingly given up. We
returned after a very fine ride to Dumfries, where we
dined at the Inn with John Syme and Burns the poet.
I was much pleased with [deleted] the party. Burns shewed great
[deleted] {^strength} of Genius, and his conversation was most
entertaining. We drank Tea, supp played at cards and
supped at John Symes.- On Wednesday morning, we {^James John Syme} and I
set out from Dumfreis. We dined at Carlin Work and
after riding about 31 miles arrived here in the Evening.
Whilst we were drinking our Tea we were surprised
with a Visit from Major Maitland who arrived here on
his Way to East Lothian. He has promised to call on
You to give an Account of Us. This Morning early
we went to my Farm of the Glens where we got a
most comfortable Breakfast at my Tennants' House.
His name is Clements, he is a shrewd active & intelligent
man; his Wife a notable well behaved Woman.
We afterwards visited the Tenant of Cauldsides, a very
curious old Body, and then rode [deleted] over the Hills through

the {?muin} and saw the greatest parts of my Estate
which is really in a most thriving Condition. We
then took a ride, to see a very grand House built
by the late Sir Samuel Hannay on a most beautiful
Situation on the Sea Shore. We returned by a most
delightful road about {^8} miles along the Sea Coast which
is wooded down to the very Edge of the Water, and dined
at this Place. Clements accompanied us. I did not
forget after Dinner to {?fill} a Bumper to the Health
of my Dear Christina and our Bairnies
Tomorrow we are to visit [illeg]
when I shall be happy if I find my Lands as
thriving and my Tenants as contented as I found
them this Day at Glens. On Saturday we return
[deleted] towards Dumfries, but as we shall probably turn
[deleted] out of our Road to visit {?Kirkudbright} I
dont expect to arrive there till Sunday. On Monday
we are to proceed towards [illeg] and before we
set out I shall write to You a few Lines.-
The Weather continues fine, and both James &
I have hitherto agreed well with travelling -
Whether we shall make out the long Tour which
we first chalked out I do not know, but - for my
own part if it [deleted]{^were} to depend on me I think I should

be inclined {?to} stop short after visiting Alexander, Gadgarth
& {?Sundrum}.
Before I left Dumfries I sent You by the
Coach 3 moorfowl which I got on James's Lands. they
were directed to the Care of {?Both}.
Direct your next Letter to C. Alexanders.
Write me what You hear of the Harrowgate party.
I am anxious about John's Health. Write
me also what You hear about Clerkington
Who is likely to be the Purchaser &c &c.
Farewell my Dearest Christina
My Love to Anne Mary & David, and my
kindest rememberance to all the rest of
the Family. May health & every Blessing
attend you is the sincere prayer of
Your ever affectionate Husband
D. Anderson
GateHouse of Fleet
14: August in the Evening.