17 Melville Street Edinburgh February 14th 1860 My dear brother I have been so unsettled for the last three months that my duty in writing to you has been far too long neglected. I was hurriedly called away from Glenorchy to attend upon Flora who was then dangerously ill. I left her a few days ago in a fair way for recovery with the additional maternal care of a dear little baby girl to nurse. I felt very bad at leaving her in so delicate a state and so far away from us both. But the thought of my studies laid aside prayed heavily upon my mind so that affection sway had to be conquered and my own object in view attended.