Dabton <1>
Thornhill
Feb. 10th 1874
My dear Papa,
Many, many happy returns of your birthday! I have been waiting till the right day for writing to you had arrived, so that I might wish you everything that you can possibly desire on this anniversary – from all the little people as well as myself – John <2> being over head & ears in elections is not here to join or else he would do so also – At the same time I must tell you how much pleasure it gave me to receive the book you sent me – it is extremely interesting even to the ignorant and unlearned – and I have always thought that the reading of these inscriptions – or rather the manner in which the language was unburied, was one of the greatest wonders I have ever heard of – and I look upon them accordingly with the greatest admiration –
We are all very glad about Lord Dalkieth’s <3> election for Midlothian – He and his brother Ld Charles <4> were here this morning at breakfast, having come to vote for Captain Hope Johnstone <5> – we do not know yet what the result of this day’s polling has been – I am not very much inclined to believe in the success of our Candidate! Colonel Walker <6> and Mr Arundell were here at dinner yesterday & staid all night – they were much excited! John went to Dumfries by the eleven o’clock train last night having to vote at Dalbeattie (for Kirkcudbright) and at Dumfries – and he does not return till tomorrow, when I and my party will probably have taken wing for Edinburgh – as we intend going at 8.30 by Elvanfoot. It is very cold indeed today hard frost –
With love yr most affecte daughter
Tilly
Notes:
1. Dabton, Dumfriesshire: home of WHFT’s daughter Matilda.
2. John Gilchrist-Clark (1830–1881), Scottish JP; WHFT’s son-in-law.
3. William Henry Walter Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 6th Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry (1831–1914).
4. Probably Lord Walter Charles Montagu-Douglas-Scott (1834–1895).
5. Captain John James Hope Johnstone (1796–1876), MP.
6. Col George Gustavus Walker (1831–1897), Magistrate for the Stewartry of Kirkudbright; a moderate Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, 1865–December 1868 and from March 1869–1874, when he retired.