Autograph letter signed : Kirkcaldy, to James Johnston, 1818 January 26.

Expressing his pleasure at receiving Johnston's letter, describing a recent visit to Edinburgh which proved to be an unpleasant experience ("My journey to Edinburgh you have learned, was productive of little enjoyment. How should it indeed? Most of my acquaintances are looking for kirks; some by diligent pedagogy ... and others by assiduously dancing attendance upon the leading clergymen of our venerable Establishment. This is as it should be; but I have no part or lot in the matter. The rest speak of the St Ann-street-buildings, the Brownie of Bodsbeck, with other tales by James Hogg, and things of that stamp."; agreeing to accompany Johnston on a tour of the Cumberland Lakes; noting that he has been rereading [Dugald] Stewart's Preliminary dissertation and stating his admiration for the author; expressing his grief at the death of his friend Donaldson.