From James Inglis Thackery to John Kemp   28 Nov 1841 – c. 1842

Dear Sir

Having unfortunately been absent from home for a week I was not aware of the publication of your letter in the Kelso Chronicle of Friday se’ennight till yesterday Consequently I could not sooner comply with your desire that I should communicate my address— As there is not a copy of the paper left unsold I have only had an opportunity of looking over the file at the Offices and am not yet master of your views— M^r Johnston has however kindly promised to procure an old one for me from some subscriber— In the meantime let me thank you for your kind attention to my observations— I know nothing of the Theory in question beyond what was contained in Chambers’ Journals and what I may have picked up in the way of conversation— You will believe then that my real object was information and I am thankful that I have fallen into such good hands— The friend I mentioned is Mr Cunningham Surveyor Greenlaw who is not any more than myself very learned in the Sciences—but who has a better practical knowledge both of the Surfaces and the inferior structures of this part of the country than any other man in it—As leasee of quarries—Surveyor of roads and other works—he has been below the surface on every estate almost every farm— Without saying more of your communication till I have read it better than that it appears every way satisfactory— Let me express a hope that when the weather has somewhat moderated you will try and spare us a day or two for a ramble in the direction of the Lammermoors— I have always Saturday to myself and can sometimes add Friday—If you could join me here and share my beds for the night we might start for Greenlaw early in the morning as I take it for granted you are no afraid of a 10 miles’ walk— I have promised to James Ballantyne to be in Galashiels on the last day of this year when I hope for the pleasure of making your acquaintance personally—

I am | Dear Sir | Yours with Esteem | James Inglis [Thackery]

Mr J. Kemp