156 THE ANTAKCTIC VOYAGE : PERSONAL 
The characteristic note of his early religious training appears 
in his words : 
Mr. Nelson and Susan have now, I trust, met with him, 
and Kttle as worldly affairs have to do with the state above, 
I can never divest myself of the idea, that one, though a 
small share of the pleasures that attend the good, is the 
meeting of those whom our God and duty have sanctioned 
our loving. ... Do not think I repine at this dispensation, 
nor at the additional and not less felt one of my Grandpapa's 
illness. I have far too much to be thankful for both for 
myself and for those who are left, and if there is one thing 
that cheers my thoughts of home, it is having a faithful 
sister of my own age. You perhaps do not know how 
responsible your situation at home is, and it is my great 
happiness to think that when sorrow weighs down my parents 
they can feel full confidence in you. Were I not sure that 
this is the case, it would make me miserable indeed. 
To his father, who had also warned him of his sister's illness, 
he wites (July 6, 1841): 
For my part I can hardly bear to think upon the probability 
that I shall return to the house I left so Hvely and merry, 
and not hear a single gladsome voice, no music and none of 
the attractions that used to welcome me home every winter 
night from college. My affection for those who remain 
will indeed be greater, but of how much sadder a natm-e 
will their welcome be than what my vivid fancy has been 
accustomed to paint when thoughts of home were my only 
solace. 
As to the prospect of his father leaving Glasgow for Kew : 
I sincerely hope he may for his own sake ; for my own 
I am quite indiSerent ; except Jas. Mitchell, I have no 
friends that I care about except Adamson now that Thomson 
and the Steuarts are gone. I shall, however, always look 
upon the dirty Town as the only place connected with old 
associations, and whatever attractions other places may have 
for me, none can have localities so endeared to me as that 
Town which is the same as my birthplace. It is true I 
have no friends there, but equally I have none elsewhere ; 
