Letter from Robert Burns to Jean Burns, 14 October 1788

Ellisland Tuesday 14th Oct. 1788

My dearest Love,

You need not come on Sunday to meet me on the road, for I am engaged that day to dine with Mr Logan a Laycht, so it will be in the even-ing before I arrive at Mauchline. -- You must get ready for Nithsdale as fast as possible, for I have an offer of a house in the very neighborhood with some furniture in it, all which I shall have the use of for nothing till my own house be got ready; and I am determined to remove you from Ayrshire immediately, as I am a sufferer by not being on the ground my farm myself. -- We will want a Maid servant, of consequence: if you can hear of any to hire, ask after them. -- The apples are all sold & gone. -- I am extremely happy at the idea of your coming to Nithsdale, as it will;save us from these cruel separations. -- The house is one in which a M.r Newal lived during the summer who is gone to Dumfries in Winter. -- It is a large house, but we will only occupy a room or two of it. ---- I am ever, my dearest Madam, your faithful husband & humble servt. Rob.t Burns