With an autograph note signed from Carlyle's mother, Margaret Aitken Carlyle, on p. [3]. She writes she is happy to hear of his "heroic spirit" and mentions a box she has sent to him.
Addressed to "Mr. Thomas Carlyle / Mrs. Skeens Kirkwind / Kirkcaldy."
With postmark and trace of a seal.
Part of a large collection of letters to Thomas Carlyle. Letters are described in individual records; see MA 1080 for details.
Commenting on Carlyle's decision to "[give] up the school at last" and applauding his "resolution to be content in whatever situation [he] may happen to be placed in"; giving details of their harvest at home: "it is hardly so much bulk as we expected once, but it yields well and is good in quality"; discussing the prices they are getting for their potatoes, barley, and corn; giving an account of his reading in English history, and noting that he thinks Henry VIII has "the worst character" of "all the kings [he has] read of"; apologizing for the "bad" ink used to write the letter.