Autograph letter signed : [Glasgow], to Thomas Noon Talfourd, 1839 February 13.

Telling him how he has been able to write historical works and still support himself and his family: "Had I not been successful beyond my deserts at the bar particularly for the first two years, I never could have engaged in the work, and my principal reason for accepting the Sheriffship of Lanarkshire which I did against the strongest Remonstrances of my friends was that I might have such a certain independence, as would enable me with more certainty & less risk to my family to look forward to its completion."