Letter from Alexander Cunningham to Robert Burns, 28 January 1790

C289
28th Janry 1790

When Cunningham forgets Burns then
"Chaos come again" ~ In some instances
it is reckoned unpardonable to quote
any ones own words but of the value I have
for your friendship nothing can more
truely or more elegantly express it than

"Time, but the impression stronger makes,
"As streams their channels deeper wear"
Having written you twice without
hearing from you I am apt to think my
letters have miscarried my conjecture
is only formed upon the chapter of
accidents turning up against ^me in the
[?] & I may with truth add ^as it uniformly does the more
important affairs of Life - But I shall
continue occasionally to inform what
is going on among the circle of your

Friends in these parts - In those days of
merriment I have frequently heard your
Name Proclaimed at the Jovial Board -
under the roof of our hospitable Friends
at Stenhouse mills there was no

"lingering moments numbered with care"

I saw your address to the new year in
the Dumfries Journal - of your productions
I shall say nothing but my acquaintances
alleged that when your name is mentioned
which every man of Celebrity must know
often happens that I am the Champion
the Mendoza against all snarling Critics
& narrow-minded Reptiles of whom a few
on this Planet doth crawl - With
best compliments to your wife and
her black-Eyed Sister I remain.
[?] Burns
Your unalterable friend

Alexr Cunningham