Letter from Robert Burns to Captain Richard Brown, 4 November 1789

Ellisland 4th Nov. 1789

I have been so hurried my ever dear Friend, that tho' I got both your
letters I have ^not been able to command an hour to answer them as
I wished; and even now, you are to look upon this merely as
confessing debt and craving days. - Few things could have
given me so much pleasure as the news that you were once more
safe & sound on Terra Ferma & happy in that place where
happiness is alone to be found - in the fire-side circle. - May
the Benevolent Director of all things peculiarly bless
you in all those endearing connections consequent on the tender
and venerable names - Husband & Father! -

I have indeed been lucky, extremely lucky, in getting
an additional income of 50£ a year, while at the same time
the appointment will not cost me above 10, or 12 £p.r an.
of expenses, more than I must inevitably have been.
The worst of it is the excise Division which I have got
is so extensive, no less than ten parishes to ride over, & besides
abounds with so much business, that I can scarce steal a
spare moment. - However, Labour endears Rest, and both
are absolutely necessary for the proper enjoyment of Human

Existence.-

I cannot meet you anywhere; no less than an order from
the Board of Excise at Edinburgh is necessary before I can have so
much time as meet you in Ayr-shire. - But, do you come
and see me! We must have a social Day& perhaps lengthen
it out with half the night, before you go again to Sea.
You are the earliest Friend I now have on earth, my brother
excepted, & is not that an endearing circumstance? When you
& I first met, we were at a green period of human life when
the twig would easily take a bent - but would as easily return
to its former state. - You & I not only took a mutual bent
bent; out by the melancholy tho' strong influence of being
both of the family of the Unfortunate , we were inter-
twined with one another in our growth towards advanced
age; and blasted be the sacrilegious hand that shall attempt
to undo the union! - You & I must have one bumper
to my write toast - May the Companions of our Youth
be the Friends of out Old Age! - Come and see me, one
year; I shall see you a P. Glasgow the next; & if we can contrive
to have a gossiping between out two bedfellows ^it will be so much
additional pleasure. - M.rs Burns joins me in our kindest
Compliments to you & M.rs Brown.
Adieu! I am ever, My dear Sir, yours,

Rob.t Burns