Your letter of the 17th Sept came to me like a rain to a thirsty soil. Was delighted to hear that you and Arch'd have enjoyed such good health since your to [?] I ought to be thankful never having enjoyed better health in my life than at the present moment. My activity continues beyond the common laws of nature, nor am I bent down like most men of my years - so much regarding self - I had the pleasure of two long letters from Robert dated Melbourne 20th July and 15th August 53 when he was in the enjoyment of [highest?] Health - he had been some time up at Forest Creek where he had a situation near the Diggings resting upon his oars and viewing all their plans and at last joined a Party of good character and they commenced doing as well as could be expected for some time, but the wet weather came on and Robert was unfortunately seized with Rheumatism in the feet and left the Party for the Town of Melbourne where he got into comfortable lodgings, and very speedily recover'd, and proceeded to Gold digging at Ballarat with a Stylish party having plenty of Capital (just arrived from England) where he remained till their Winter came on when he got afraid of a second attack of Rheumatism and again Returned to Melbourne where he intends to remain till the Wet season is over - he has got a situation at present at Melbourne from which he can save some pounds weekly He allows that he has made a little money, which is thought little of at Melbourne but might be considerable in Scotland - he insinuates that I must not suppose him to be without some little money - he had received two letters from me at the same time and is to write me regularly in future.
Nicol is at present in London staying with Mary Jane + A Hunter at 88 Hamilton Terrace St Johns Wood London He is in the examination at Sandhurst on 6th Dec'r and I feel fully confident that he will Pass after which he will very shortly be appointed. I remained three weeks in London after Nicol came over from Paris. He required what is called a Grinder to instruct him and he has been studying very hard and he has been told by the Master that he is sure of Passing. Poor old Mrs Hunter has been complaining of late and was much reduc'd she was confined to Bed about three weeks and got so weak that her son Arch'd was sent for from Town - he arrived on Thursday last week and I went from here to see her and found her very weak but sensible on Friday the Medical man had little hopes of her recovery - and all friends expected her demise during the night, yet she recovered and was a little better on Saty morning when I left for Ayrshire W. Kilbride, but alas this mornings post Tuesday has brought me an account of her Demise on Monday the 29 Dec'r. She was friend and affectionate to all her friends and relations - the others of the family are [?] William is well and stays with Mrs Campbell
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for the greater part of the Winter. The Castle is let to the Hills - Mrs H is a perfect [...] complaining of the House and everything They are most anxious to get both daughters Married but the Idiot girl is a sad drawback. Doctor [Montgamance?] is occasionally doctoring to the second daughter for Spine. They remain in the Castle till 15th May 54 at a very small rent.
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I have not a word of local news that would be interesting to you. The Misses Pattersons are to stay this Winter in Glasgow, the eldest sister being delicate. Mrs [Limburn?] got me a Middle aged honest servant engaged by the month or as long as I wish to keep her - everything is locked up. I intend going to London during the spring and will occasionally stay with Mrs Campbell and William for a week or two at times - As it would be lonely to remain constantly here.
Depend on my writing you regularly in fashion - I shall send this as you desire via Bombay - and will be quite delighted to hear from you
with Kindest regards to Archibald and Yourself