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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 March 2025
Friday 1 January
Busy all day drawing Replies in the Forfar Elections.
Saturday 2 January
Went with my Father to Arniston. By the way talked of the antiquities & constitution of the Election law in Scotland. Found it difficult to fix my attention. But by degrees wrought my mind into a knowledge of the subject. Was amazed at my Fathers memory and patience. Well at Arniston. All old ideas had no longer any force, but the traces of them diversified and amused my thoughts. At night played Whist. Still had gloom, because I have never played at it when well, so as to get free of former prejudices. About 9 my father was taken ill with his old complaint. Thomas went express to Edinburgh. The President shewed a friendly concern which will ever make him be regarded by me. For some hours, my father was in agony. In the view of death he gave me the best & most affectionate advices. He spoke of Miss Blair as the Woman whom he wished I would marry. How strong was this. I was in terrible concern. He said if business did not succeed with me after his death, I should retire to the country. He charged me to take care of my brothers, to be a worthy man & keep up the character of the family. I firmly resolved to be as he wished, though in somewhat a different taste of life. I looked my watch a hundred times. A quarter before one Thomas arrived with the Catheter. In five minutes my father was easy. What a happy change! Went calmly to bed. It was an intense frost, & the ground was covered with snow.
Sunday 3 January
My father was quite easy. I went out for an hour with the President in his Chariot. Talked freely on the Douglas Cause. Heard how it struck him in its various points. Saw how foolish the suspicions against him were. Resolved to take men as I find them. Was assured by the President that I should do well as a Lawyer. Saw no difficulties in life. Saw that all depends on our frame of mind. Lord and Lady Hyndford were here.
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