Wilton Lodge
                               23d. April 1805

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My Dear Sister,
      I arrived here on friday
Evening, and, this Morning received
your Letter if the 16th. Instant, in which
You seem to reproach my want of
distinctness, in not explaining where
I was going to. It is very possible that
I may deserve the rebuke, as it is
difficult to write on one subject, while
you are thinking of another. My
mind has been sufficiently tormented
both with public & private Matters
. As to the public, I need say nothing
except, that I have not got any addition
to my Salary, & I leave You
to guess whether the present Times
promise much hope to a Scotchman
. As to private matters, I have
been deep in the Slough of despond.
My John, my faithful & attached
John, is no longer my Servant.
On Tuesday Morning last, I left London,
and he left my Service. That Devil
Cupid, & that worse devil, a torment
of a Wife, has separated us for ever. She
plagued him till she extinguished
all affection for her, and then, frail

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Mortality showed itself. Maria's Maid
had charms in his Eyes, and the approach
of a living Witness of their indiscretion
, obliged her to quit Wilton
Lodge, & me to part with John. So,
at least four people have been rendered
uncomfortable, to say no more.
Maria & I have lost two good Servants,
& they have lost their peace of Mind.
When I was with You, I had not the
slightest suspicion of this connexion,
but, the Girl told her Mistress of it,
after my departure. I could now, almost
weep about it. I have got John
fixed (I hope) with a young Scottish
Baronet, who will bring him immediately
to Scotland, when he will
fix on some place for his Wife and
three Children to move to. At present,
they are here, but, as this Place is
mine no longer than the Month
of May, we must all decamp.
      My Rib & Children are
well. Tomorrow, Maria & I go to
Edinburgh to fix on a house, and
expect to return here the end of this
Week. From the moment we do so, all
will be hurry & confusion, as I must
be again in Edinburgh by the 10th- or 12th. of May,
as the General Assembly opens on the 16th-
When I look round this Room, and see

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the operation I shall have in packing
up my Books, & no John to assist me, it
absolutely makes me melancholy. For
these last twelve Years, not a book has
been dusted but by his hands, or my own.
I have got a rational looking Man
in his room, but have not put him
out of Livery. He stepped into the Post
Chaise with me when I left London,
& so commenced our acquaintance. I
seldom ever speak in a Carriage, and
was not more inclined to do so, when
my Companion was a Stranger. I dare
      say, he thinks me a rare
      sulky fellow. As you will
      not probably write to me
      for at least Six Months
      to come, You may then
address your Letter to Edinburgh.
I have this day, exhibited the Portrait
of Louisa to my Rib. I wish, she could
see the original. Perhaps, she may, some
time or other, as I have rashly promised
the Queen that She will be with me,
the next Trip I make to the South.
Adieu, My Dear Sister. Love and
best wishes from Maria & myself to
You, Mr. Dickenson, Louisa, Countrywoman
&c. &c. &c. Ever Your Affectionate
                             Brother
                                                         Napier

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Hawick, Twenty Fourth April 1805

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      Mrs- Dickenson
Leighton House
      Leighton Buzzard
                             Bedfordshire
Napier.