Letter from Robert Burns to Patrick Miller, 3 March 1788

Sir,
I have been at Ellisland with M.r Tennant, the
gentleman on whose judgement I told you I would so much depend. - I inclose you his idea on the subject, which are, I think, extremely just. - I am fondest of a farming life; and that generosity and benevolence, so very unlike the world but
so very like yourself, make me ardently wish to be your Tennant. I know a little of the world, Sir; the sentiments of generosity and bowels of compassion they have usually for one another - from one in my situation of life to one in yours,
even the native grateful tribute of the heart is perhaps with more propriety suppressed in silence. -

It is usual, I understand, to make the entries to leasses in your neighbourhood, at Whitsunday. - This will not do at Ellisland; the farm is so worn out, and every bit of it, good for any thing, is this year under tillage; at least the fields are so intersected with pieces under crop, the four horses;which I will need this summer for driving lime and materials for building, with a cow for a married servant perhaps the first year, and one for myself as I must be on the spot, will eat up the whole pasture. - I'll pay for the grass & houses
whatever it they deserves for the summer, and if you please, make my entry to my lease at Martinmas. - I wish too, to have it at the present rent, 50£ p.r An. for three years. - The lands are so exhausted, the to enter to the full rent would throw me under a disheartening load of debt. - Not, Sir, that I would mercenarily cheapen your goodness;
if you do not chuse to drop the deficiency of 60, £, I will try to pay it by small additiond to my rent in subsequent years. - You offered me a long lease; I wish it, four nineteens.

I suppose you will have no objection to let me manage the farm as I think proper, till the last six years of the lease: these years I shall bind mysel not to crop above one third of the farm in one year, and what fields I lay down in grass to lay them down with manure. - I shall be in Edin.r beginning of next week, when I shall wait on you.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
your highly oblidges humble serv.t

Rob.t Burns
Mauchline 3.d March
1788