[JB started to keep a journal again on 1 January 1767. The first extant entry (of which the initial part is missing) is in respect of 10 January, at which point JB is spending some time as a guest of Robert Dundas of Arniston, Lord President of the Court of Session, at Dundas's country residence at Arniston, near Temple, Midlothian.]

Saturday 10 January

[…] Then in Library — found some curious remarks on Corsica in Graevius. President took them up at once — before you — amazing quickness — Hearty all afternoon. Quite at home — Dams with Miss Dundas.

Sunday 11 January

Laird of Dundas & all went. You alone here — Library all forenoon. President shewed you Pliny's Epistles with letter from Father & bid you point it out to his son — Told you method of recording Decisions — every Lord's vote — notebooks &c — Open to you James — Hearty at dinner [ — ] Bottle of claret each. Second one. I grumbled — shall leave the half till night — <Newend> talk’d of this. He I coud not speak in my own house & I was affraid to speak before the President. Good strong conversation against infidelity &c — Evening with Ladies — read alternately[,] all of you[,] Rambler & Bible.

Monday 12 January

Breakfasted early. President walk’d you about in room & told you with fire how Justiciary Court brought itself down — Sending one Judge by himself to circuit [ — ] not sending impertinent Counsel to prison — complained of putting improper people into that office — talk’d of political connections with masterly force. You came all in in coach — Miss Dundas fine girl — lik’d her very well. Was retenu for fear of appearing Lover — quite proper — was really sorry to think of her & her sister who might perhaps become maiden Aunts — Safe journey thro’ monstrous deep snow to town — sorry to part — Heard of Willie Webster's being drowned — sorry — but felt mind hardened — Mr Frazer dined with you — Afternoon Miss –––– very well.