Wednesday March 18th
My dear Papa,
We are very sorry to hear that your cold is still so bad, as to prevent your coming to us – I had hoped that you had got rid of it before now – but I dare say it is more prudent not to attempt coming while the weather is so cold – for you would feel it much more coming straight from Edinburgh, than we do. Today it is snowing, and though the snow does not lie on the ground round the house, it whitens all the hills – and gives them a very dignified appearance<.> Johnnie is gone down to Dumfries, and I am afraid he will have a very cold drive both ways. He drove over to Dabton yesterday to see how they were getting on, and brought back a very satisfactory report – though I suppose this cold weather must make Mr Maxwell’s recovery slower, and more gradual – if it was fine, I think they would begin taking him out in the carriage again a little –
The postman has come about an hour sooner than usual, which has cut short my time for writing; but as I had no news to tell you, it does not so much matter – I will see if I can find any moss, but the greatest number of varieties grow some way from the house, and I don’t think I can get them, so a collection must be put off till another season, unless you take courage to come & look for them – One can’t botanise by proxy very easily –
I hope you are none of you the worse of being out on Tuesday, & that your cold is better now – Monie must I think no longer envy the people going to fish in the Highlands – Tell her that I did not write for her birthday, because it happened [on] a Monday, and I did not think of it in time to write by Saturday’s post – but she got all sorts of good wishes just the same –Love to her and the others –
Your affecte daughter
Tilly.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
11. Great Stuart Street
Edinburgh