Rev A Brandram
Aberdeen, 1st August 1845
My Dear Friend,
Yours of the 29th came yesterday, and today is return of post as far as London delivery is concerned.
I do not wonder that you think my communications scanty, but that is the Post Office's fault. I posted you a letter in St. Andrews with my own hand on the 9th July, and of that date, but find that up to the date of your note it had not been received. I have made inquiry in the post office concerning it. In the mean time, having fortunately a copy, I send you a duplicate.
In regard to Mr. Boord, I have written to Mr. Gifford, and my letter will go from London today. Five cases would be too much to give him, at once at all events. His case is peculiar. I give you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gifford, and hope it will meet with your approbation. – I cannot understand Mr. Boord says about his getting the Books out of the Custom House, there was no difficulty in that, difficulty lay in getting them through the Custom House in Mexico. I have written to Messrs. Manning Mackintosh & Co. to inquire into the matter.
You say, "Another bitter article last night," and that your judgment is, "Answer him not." And so is mine.
As to the cancel in the heading of Luke xxii, I do think it should be done, and without delay. It is the only really objectionable thing in these versions: and as to not beginning, you have begun already, having altered even the text of Acts xiii.2, and which did not need cancelling perhaps so much is this.
You say, "How much longer do you think of tarrying?" Till the beginning, or the middle of October. This also answers the question about Herefordshire, though it is rather a temptation to escape from among thistles to get among roses. But I must retire gracefully. Besides two thirds of Scotland are for us.
I am, My Dear Friend,
Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.