I beg I may hear from you when at New York, and, if directed to Mr. John Dixon, to the care of the Reverend Dr. Mason, I will certainly receive it (as I know no other name there to desire you to direct it to), for I will certainly call there, whatever part I land or settle in, in expectation of letters, &c., and, in particular, a long letter from you, in which please answer the following questions without reserve. I am prepared to hear the worst:--How does my dear sisters keep their health? I hope the shock of my departure, and what followed, has not injured either of them in health. How did they stand it? Where does my sister Jeany live? I hope there is no alteration in Mr. Sheriff’s friends to my dear Jamie. If money is an object, it is all in his favour. How is Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and Mr. William, to whom I am for ever much obliged for settling my passage. It was a deep cut, but the more I am obliged to him and shall never forget it. He is a feeling and a generous gentleman.
I am sorry I cannot say so much of my cousin Milton, although he, too, was anxious for my off-going. How does my uncle and Mrs. Rintoull keep their health? From his conduct and repeated expressions, I never had much reason to expect anything from him, but now far less, although I be more needful. I believe few at my age ever went out more so. At present I am destitute of everything. I can put every article I have upon my back, and in my pocket. How does Mrs. Campbell and her son’s family?
Who were the most forward of my creditors to attach? How does my affairs turn out in the whole? If Robert Smith is employed, has he been active and attentive? He would need to be looked after, although he may be useful; and any news or alterations relating to my friends that may have happened.
What has been done, or likely to be done, with the two unfortunate men, Smith and Ainslie, and the greater villain, John Brown _alias_ Humphry Moore? Was John Murray _alias_ Jack Tasker brought from England?
Whatever these men may say, I had no hand in any of their depredations, _excepting the last_, which I shall ever repent, and the keeping such company, although I doubt not but all will be laid to me. But let me drop this dreadful subject.