I am extremely glad of any circumstance which brings me to your recollection, and procures me the gratification of hearing from you. For the Autograph of Bishop Gibson which You have so obligingly sent, and which is already deposited among those of the most eminent names of the last two centuries, My Sister desires to present her thanks; [deletion] and to join me in wishing that we could have the pleasure of shewing you this interesting collection of the memorials of great Men.

I truly sympathize with M^r. Andendon in the loss he has sustained. Tho the blow had been so often threatened yet it had been so often delayed, that I do not not wonder if it falls heavily on men of his sensibility. I take the liberty of inclosing a Note to him, and also to beg the favour of your directing the letter to Edinburgh.

I beg you to present my Compliments to M^r. E. Hodgson when you see him. His conjecture respecting my winter’s occupation was not very erroneous. This undertaking, the product of a long confinement during this inclement Winter, as it is very grave will I fear be thought very dull. The state of the world would drive one to be serious, even if it were not ones duty to be so under any circumstances. In this unsettled state of things I feel particularly for my friends who have children; and feel it a sort of privilege /myself/ to have but short views in the world. There is however an infinitely great and gracious power who we know directs the storm, and without whose permission no event can happen; and perhaps events the most seemingly adverse may be in order to bring about some purpose ultimately beneficial. The great duty seems to be to fix our eyes more steadily on him in whose hands is all power, and in whose Mind is all goodness.