DEAR SIR,
I embrace the first leisure hour that I have had since I saw you to write you a few lines. I fear that, from our last interview, you have stampt me down as the most morose and unsocial of beings. 1 will make no apology, further than informing you that, ere you saw us return from the moors, my temper had been considerably soured by one of the company repeatedly grumbling that on my account they had to go round by Neilston. Indeed, we were all heartily tired with our excursion, but I was vex'd to hear the very person whom I had accompanied making any words about it, and it has ever been impossible with me to wear a face of gaiety when under rear chagrin. I believe, from what passed on that night in your hearing, that you will guess who the person is to whom I allude. I reckon it altogether superfluous saying one word more on the subject, but will write you the songs which I mentioned to you formerly.
(Here follow the songs, No. 106, The Bard of Glen Ullin and No. 115, The Pearly Dewdrop.)
I don't know how these may please, but shall be gratified on hearing your opinion of them. I expect that the first time you are in town, and have leisure, you will give me a call, and will take it kindly if you will favour me with a few lines at any time, letting me know how you are coming on.
I am,
DEAR SIR,
Yours most sincerely,
ROBT. TANNAHILL
The original is in possession of Mrs. J. Wright, Kirkcaldy, daughter of Mr. Macfarlane.
Mr. John Macfarlane, weaver, Neilston, became acquainted with Tannahill through his friend, James Scadlock, the lyric poet of the Severn. Mr. Macfarlane was an intelligent and leading gentleman in the village of Neilston, whose counsel and advice was frequently asked and followed in matters of importance to the residenters. He was possessed of a fine musical taste, and became one of Tannahill's correspondents, as will be seen from the several letters we have printed. Tannahill sent him several pieces of his poetry for his opinion, as the Poet considered his opinion entitled to weight. Mr. Macfarlane was for many years the respected manager of the power-loom cloth manufactory at Arthurlie belonging to Messrs. J. & J. Cogan. Mr. Macfarlane was born in 1781, and died in 1830, aged 49 years.—Ed.
NOTE:—This letter should, of course, be dated 1807 rather than 1817 and in the footnote we must assume that Scadlock should be referred to as "the lyric poet of the Levern"—GRIAN PRESS