A letter from home

The theme this time is letters and diaries.  My family has a collection of letters that were written to my 3 x grand uncle Charles Stuart. And I thought I would share one of my favourites.

A little bit about Charles.  He was born in 1819 in Abernethy and Kincardine, Scotland. Charles worked as a farm servant for James Fraser at a farm called Braenedin in Tulloch, Abernethy and Kincardine. In 1840 James wrote Charles a reference, he was on his way, off to make his fortune in the Americas. He ended up in Canada. 

He often received letters from back home in Scotland and the letter I am sharing is from his friend James Cameron who lived at Rynettin in Tulloch.  I love this letter as it has a little of everything, whats happening locally and big news at nationally. James is keeping Charles up to date with the latest gossip.

Rynettin 28 Sept. 1852

My Dear Friend

I received your kind letter on the 29 Dec. in due time.  I have no excuse whatever to plead for not writing you sooner but mere [illegible].  But believe me not [illegible] fr. want of [illegible] the good but sheer thoughtlessness.

Times are but little changed since I wrote you last excepting that the prices for cattle and sheep have risen considerably within the last six months.  I [illegible] percieve an “air of delight” in the countenance of the Tulloch farmers hurrying home fr. the market with the price of their cattle safely secured in their pockets. 

The hero of waterloo is no longer numbered among the living.  His funeral wh. is to take place in course of some time is to be a public one.  He is to be laid in the church yard of St Pauls besides Nelsons tomb.

The Queen is at present at Balmoral enjoying the air of the Highland glens. 

The following is a list of the most remarkable personages that have been joined in marriage within the last six months thro. this district –:   Revd. Peter Grant Baptist Minister Grantown to a lady fr. Edinballie, the Revd he is aged 70 years, this lady’s age is 30.

A [illegible] corn merchant fr. Glasgow to Christina, youngest daughter of the Revd P Grant.  Mr John Stuart of [illegible] (Little John) to Miss Ann Calder, Skye of Curr.

Mr John Geddes to Miss Ann Black Clachaig. I may mention that with regards to Mr Geddes marriage, his father the famed Wm. Geddes, Dell, was far fr. being pleased at the match.  William remarked that if he were to marry, or at least to ask in marriage, rather Miss Grant Del[illegible], or Miss Grant Belleforth or Miss Grant Lynchurn he would have been pleased.  William went to see Revd Mr Stuart to see if he c^d hinder his son fr. marrying but [illegible]. He also went to consult Capt Grant Congash I was told with a real galic accent “Oh man. Man, keep you your ane house” I may maintain that the tears were trickling down poor Williams cheeks when in the factors presence.   William having tried every measure c^d find more wh. c^d prevent his son fr marrying.  The wedding was celebrated with all “pomp” in the Bride’s father’s house in Clachaig where the bride or now Mrs Geddes still remains. Miss Grant Balliforth to Mr Livingstone Baptist Minister Kingussie.  Miss Grant Lynchurn to Mr Ross, Clothier & Factor Carrbridge.

Died here some time ago – Widow Cameron, Cullochy. Don^d Stewart Boglechanache.  Alex^r Fraser, Achs.  Louis Grant Bog, &  Alex^r Ross Ryduack.

The potatoes are very badly affected with the disease much more so than on any previous years -/46 excepted.

There was a very large sale of cattle sheep at Pityoulish last week.  Don^d Shaw has been deprived of that Farm but not fr. any inability to keep it.

I almost forgot mentioning a forgery case wh. happened lately in this parish.  The persons connected with it are a Wm Anderson residing at Lynemore.  Peter Forbes derdows third son and John son of Lynebreck.  Anderson made counterfeit coins (hf. crown pieces) the other two circulated in a market in Tomintoul some of the coins, Anderson was sentenced at the circuit court in Inverness to 7 years transpⁿ the other two were sentenced to be imprisoned for the space of 12 months.

Almost all the coin is gathered in thro^t the country.  We were thro. with cutting the coin on the 12^th Sept!!!  We all join in presenting our sincere respects to you my dear sir to Mr Stewart to Mrs Stewart and to Mr Paul Stewart.

 I now conclude in the fond expectation of hearing from you at your convenience wishing you at the same time a good morning & [illegible] me

Yours truly,

John Cameron

PS Married at Lynamer Mr Jas Murray to Miss Grace Rattery they were married at Christmas last Mr Jas Fraser from Braeneddin has a natural son by Elspet Grant Ryvoan. Mr William “Man” has a nat. daughter by “Meckle” Ann his house keeper.

Footnote

1. Cameron, James 1852. Letter to Charles Stuart. Stuart family documents.