From William Stevenson to William Kemp   27 May 1850

My Dear Sir

I duly rec^d. your kind letter of the 17^th. with the contents of which, in one material point at least, I was much disappointed.— I am indeed very sorry that you cannot come this way for even a day or two at this time— Everything now locks so charming.— Since the recent heavy showers, Nature looks as fresh & gay as she did in the Garden of Eden while Adam was yet a careless young batchelor, a stranger to the sorrows of which he soon after became partaker.— There are two or three glens among the Lammermoors within a few miles of Dunse which could scarcely be surpassed in beauty by the famous old garden itself.— I would try to tempt you to come, but for the consideration that if you cannot possibly get, it would only be cruelly tantalizing you. But I still hope that you will be able to snatch at least a Friday & a Saturday some time soon.—

So you had a geological discussion with Captain Ibbetson.— I am much surprised at this time of day to hear of any one having a respectable knowledge of geology being infected by the Wernerian heresy.— I should like much to learn what views the Captain holds. I wonder what sort of a theory he will get up, and upon what facts he will found it. Be he as staunch a Wernerian as Werner himself, I think he will find it impossible to Survey Scotland without becoming a thorough convert to the doctrines of Hutton.—

This being term time is one of my busiest times.— I have so many business matters to look after just now that I can scarcely find time to think of geology or of any thing else.— A few days will however I expect find me through with the chief part of the hurry.— This must be my excuse for this short & careless letter.

With kindest remembrance to Miss Kemp and all your Sons | I remain | My Dear Sir | Yours Ever Sincerely | W^m. Stevenson

P.S. By the way I expected to have seen John here before now,— Also W^m. for a few days fishing in the Whiteadder.— But what can be expected! You set such a bad example.—