From E. B. Ramsay 23 November 1831

My dear Henslow,

If there has been any mistake regarding the catalogues & lists being returned it is of no moment because every thing has been arranged exactly as we wished –It is far better to let the china &c go –the carriage is so troublesome & I am glad that you have kept back the linnen which packs easily & in small compass, & can be put into the box. With regard to the gowns I hope you will not feel hurt if we ask you to take them they may be of use to you, & may be useful to supply a friend from the country. I use nothing but the full sleeved preaching gown – keep any of the shades you like – we have an excellent miniature – but in truth I had rather never see a likeness – I cannot tell you how much how truly we have been gratified to learn what you tell us of the intention of putting up a monumental memorial in the chapel. It is pleasing & soothing to hear of such an intended mark of respect from those whose good opinion is so estimable – I would only make one request – let it be perfectly plain – & of so little expence as to be a mere trifle from each contribution – I do not offer any subscription for two reasons 1 ^st – because it is a memorial from friends & not from relatives – & 2 ^nd – because I have placed a marble slab & inscription over his grave in the parish church of Fortingall – I have directed my brother in London to send you a small side face miniature for the medallion – we reckoned it always very like & the expence of going by coach will be trifling, even if it do not prove useful – and now Henslow one more word regarding your friendly zeal & unremitting attention to the affairs of your late friend – I have not lavished on you acknowledgement because I have been assured you know I feel them – & because I know they would be distasteful to you – I think the highest proof I can give you of the estimation in w. ^h I hold you, is this that I do not feel irksome the unparalled obligations which you have conferred – it is I apprehend the highest testimony I can give to the true friendship you have shewn & the single-mindfulness of your character – you have lost a brother since I wrote last – may all our afflictions be sanctified! I feel that all my loss has given a color to all my views –sobered them not saddened them often does one ill come before me!

I should be obliged by your enclosing William’s letter –I sh. ^d like to see his account of his action – if of course you have read it – He is an excellent creature? he is not yet in England I understand the £15 can be drawn out whenever it is wanted – I think I have nothing else to answer just now – I shall only therefore add my best wishes & regards to yourself & M ^.rs H–

in wh I am joined by M. ^rs Ramsay –

& with great sincerity to sign myself yours| E. B. Ramsay