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Letter from Robert Burns to Jean Burns, 14 October 1788
Shortly after their marriage in 1788, Robert wrote this letter to Jean while preparing a home for them at Ellisland Farm near Dumfries. Burns writes to his wife to tell her he has found temporary lodgings near to Ellisland for the winter and to make ready to move as fast as possible.
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Jenny Clow, the maid of Agnes Maclehose in Edinburgh, gives birth to a son, Robert Burns Jnr.
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Burns sends the first version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ to Mrs Dunlop. During his time at Ellisland Farm, Burns writes over 130 songs and poems, nearly a quarter of his total output.
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Robert Burns formally takes up Excise work with a salary of £50 per annum.
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William Blake writes Songs of Innoncence.
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Fragments of letter from Robert Burns to Jean Burns, 20 February 1789
This manuscript has been assembled from three components: the bottom two appear to be from one letter to Jean Armour and the top from another letter written by Robert Burns but at an earlier period.