TALBOT3162

Dabton ¹
Thornhill

Feb. 10^th 1874

My dear Papa,

Many, many happy returns of your birthday! I have been waiting till the right day for writing to you had arrived, so that I might wish you everything that you can possibly desire on this anniversary – from all the little people as well as myself – John ² being over head & ears in elections is not here to join or else he would do so also – At the same time I must tell you how much pleasure it gave me to receive the book you sent me – it is extremely interesting even to the ignorant and unlearned – and I have always thought that the reading of these inscriptions – or rather the manner in which the language was unburied, was one of the greatest wonders I have ever heard of – and I look upon them accordingly with the greatest admiration –

We are all very glad about Lord Dalkieth’s ³ election for Midlothian – He and his brother L^d Charles ⁴ were here this morning at breakfast, having come to vote for Captain Hope Johnstone ⁵ – we do not know yet what the result of this day’s polling has been – I am not very much inclined to believe in the success of our Candidate! Colonel Walker ⁶ and M^r Arundell were here at dinner yesterday & staid all night – they were much excited! John went to Dumfries by the eleven o’clock train last night having to vote at Dalbeattie (for Kirkcudbright) and at Dumfries – and he does not return till tomorrow, when I and my party will probably have taken wing for Edinburgh – as we intend going at 8.30 by Elvanfoot. It is very cold indeed today hard frost –

With love y^r most affec^te daughter

Tilly