XXIV 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
TO MR. WM. DUNCAN. 
Gray’’ s Ferry, October 30, 1802, 
Dear Billy, 
I was favoured with your despatches a few hours ago, 
through the kindness of Colonel Sullivan, who called on me 
for that purpose. I have read and re-read, over and over again, 
their contents; and shall devote the remainder of this evening 
to reply to you, and the rest of the family, now joint tenants 
of the woods. By the arrival of John F. here, in August last, 
I received one letter from my brother David, one from Thomas 
W. and one for Alexander from David Wilson; and last week 
another packet arrived from Belfast, containing one letter from 
your father to myself; and to your mother, brother and brother- 
in-law, and yourself, one each, all of which I have herewith 
sent, and hope they may amuse a leisure hour. F. has been 
wofully disappointed in the expectations he had formed of his 
uncle. Instead of being able to assist him, he found him in the 
depth of poverty; and fast sinking under a severe fever; pro- 
bably the arrival of a relation contributed to his recovery; he 
is now able to crawl about. F. has had one child born and bu- 
ried since his arrival. He weaves with Robertson, but neither 
likes the situation nor employment. He is a stout, active and 
ingenious fellow, can turn his hand to almost any thing, and 
wishes as eagerly to get up to the lakes as ever a saint longed 
to get to heaven. He gives a most dismal description of the 
situation of the poor people of Scotland in 1800. 
“ Your letters, so long expected, have at length relieved me 
from much anxiety. I am very sorry that your accommoda- 
tions are so few, for my sister’s sake, and the children’s; a fire- 
place and comfortable house for the winter must, if possible, be 
got up without delay. If masons are not to be had, I would 
attempt to raise a temporary one myself, I mean a fire-place — 
but surely they may be had, and lime and stones are also at- 
tainable by dint of industry. These observations are made not 
from any doubts of your doing every thing in your power to 
make your mother as comfortable as possible, and as your means 
