DEAR BOB,
I seize the opportunity of writing you by a Mr. Wilson from this place, who goes to Glasgow, and will put them into the Post Office. After so long a silence, a letter from me will, I suppose, surprise you; and I am, no doubt, long ago accused of ingratitude and want of friendship or affection. Yet tho' appearances are against me, were things rightly understood I might not, perhaps, appear so culpable; but I have no time for apologies. I would only have you believe, once for all, that no change of time or place can erase the remembrance of your friendship, or that of my other dear intimates of Renfrewshire. That friendship has been long dear to me, and the recollection of it oftentimes my only solace; and although the renewal of it has been for a time suspended, I fondly hope no seeming neglect on my part will operate towards a breach of what is so near my heart.
I would often have written letters, but the uncertainty of receiving answers in our unsettled way of life, and the distance, for sometime back made me defer it from time to time. We came to this country in May last with no intention of staying so long as we have done, but the encouragement being pretty tolerable in several places, we were inclined to go a little farther on, and have been in general kindly received. You will, I believe, be surprised when I inform you that I have begun to weave in this town. The truth is, I had of late entered rather too deeply into Irish conviviality, and was almost in danger of losing my health, and with it every comfort. I therefore resolved to endeavour to balance myself a little, and as I could not properly come to Scotland till at once I contrived to get a web here (a 1000 Mall 4 1/8), which, though but trifling, will suffice for a little, for living is pretty moderate, and I have been kindly and hospitably treated.
Messrs. Bellman and Kelly, &c., are within 14 or 15 miles of me at present. They and I are as much friends as ever, except in the article of separation, which took place on my part without the least shadow of a difference, farther than their perhaps not seeing the necessity for the step I took in the same light as I myself felt it. They are, I believe, pushing homewards, and perhaps our separation may be but temporary, although, for my own part, were it not that they are so friendly altogether, I would prefer anything like a settled situation to strolling for the present. However, little more can be said just now, as we are but very lately parted, and I look soon to hear from them.
And now, my dear friend, as I am hurried, I must beg of you to write me as soon as possible, and let me know everything you can about all friends in Paisley, Kilbarchan, and Barrhead. I hope James Scadlock is still so near you, that you will see him before you write. If you could possibly, see any Kilbarchan friends likewise, I would be remembered warmly to the Allans, with their friends, and James Barr. I am anxious to be noticed in that quarter.
Remember me most affectionately to Messrs. Scadlock, M`Neil, Anderson, William M'Laren, Stewart, Marshall, Campbell, your brother James, and your mother, &c. I hope no change of consequence has taken place among you to injure the old society.
I cannot be more particular just now, but I will look with impatience for your answer, in which I may ask you that you will endeavour to be as particular as possible. Do not scruple to send a large packet. It will be at present to me of great interest. With the most ardent wishes for your happiness.
DEAR BOB,
Yours very truly,
WM. LIVINGSTON.
P.S.—Let me know the state of trade.
The original is in the possession of Mr. Matthew Blair.