LIFE OF WILSON. 
XXXV 
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN. 
Gray^s Ferry, December 23, 1802. 
The two Mr. Purdies popped into my school, this after- 
noon, as unexpected as they were welcome, with news from the 
promised land. I shall detain them with me all night, on purpose 
to have an opportunity of writing you a few lines. I am glad you 
are all well. I hope that this is the last devilish slough of des- 
pond which you will have to struggle in for some time. I will do 
all that I said to you, in my last, by the middle of March ; so let 
care and sorrow be forgotten ; and industry, hope, good-humour 
and economy, be your bosom friends. 
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 
“ I succeed tolerably well ; and seem to gain in the esteem of 
the people about. I am glad of it, because I hope it will put it in 
my power to clear the road a little before you, and banish despon- 
dence from the heart of my dearest friend. Be assured that I will 
ever as cheerfully contribute to your relief in difficulties, as I will 
rejoice with you in prosperity. But we have nothing to fear. One 
hundred bushels of wheat, to be sure, is no great marketing ; but 
has it not been expended in the support of a mother, and infant 
brothers and sisters, thrown upon your bounty in a foreign country? 
Robert Burns, when the mice nibbled away his corn, said : 
“ ril get a blessin \vi’ the lave, 
And never miss ’t.” 
“ Where he expected one, you may a thousand. Robin, by his 
own confession, ploughed up his mice out of ha^ and hame. You 
have built for your little wanderers a cozie Held, where none dare 
molest them. There is more true greatness in the affectionate 
