This letter is dated July 27 with "64" written in the upper right hand corner. The paper he used has raised letters indicating John was at Shieldaig of Gairloch, Dingwall, Scotland at the time. He addresses the letter as "My dear Mother..." [Sarah (Hoskyns) Arkwright] The rest: Many thanks for your letters and the elegant little keepsake contained in it. It is perhaps the most valuable present I ever received for its perpetual ability and on my watch chain it cannot often be far from my heart except at night and then it will be under my head--As you think that we boys are too silent on the subject of our ailments I will confide in you that I am surprisingly better since I have been here and can now do a very fair amount of work which has set me on the road to recovering my wanted activity, to all appearances. Life appears in a new light, even my sketches improve with strength for all this I am very thankful. We shall want only four pair of sheets for Clune and blankets to match and some towels bath and facial Enough for two people also dinner napkins. Will you give the job to Dick as he is most concerned in it of those at home. I have written to Alsop and Morgan orders and shall feel relieved to hear that they understand. I am sorry that Morgan fails in the deer but he is honest I believe. Fanny and Emmy have both written to me and seem to be very snug just now. They keep me quite au courant [informed] thank you. I hope you have had some rain--the reports of turnips sounded bad indeed. We are in the middle of the fruit season now - Maydukes and gooseberries are in full force and white lectuces [old spelling of lettuce] that would do your eyes good. Bestlove. Your ever affectionate & dutiful John.
Submitted by Richard Hungerford at 7:40 PM on July 18, 2024.