DEAR SIR,
You really wrong me if you suppose me indifferent to your welfare. I have of late been so throng that in fact I have not had leisure to enquire how the world was using you. I will thank you to write me a few lines by return of the Carrier, and let me know how you have been since I saw you last, and if I shall have the pleasure of seeing you soon in Paisley, as you proposed. The enclosed song is one in Mr. Smith's bill (I mean his concert), which was about ten days ago. We had a very numerous and respectable audience, and they seemed to be all highly pleased with the performance. I intended to have written you a song or two, but I entreat your excuse at present. I have just now put up one of those new-fangled seeding [1] webs. I can make pretty good wages on it. I find it to be the most irksome work I have ever had. My breast is rather pained with working hard, and I know you'll excuse me.
In expectation of your answer,
I remain,
DEAR SIR,
Yours most sincerely,
ROBT. TANNAHILL.
The original letter and concert bill are in the possession of Mrs. J. Wright, Kirkcaldy.—Ed.
[1] The word “seeding” was derived from the pattern being an imitation of “seeds.”—Ed.
NOTE: Under shows the concert to which Robert Tannahill refers—GRIAN PRESS
