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Gounton 12th May 1785
Dear Sir
Yours of the 7th came duly to hand it is with
the greatest concern that I learn the death of our worthy
friend & acquaintance Mr Johnston which misfortune
I am sensible must involve you in many difficulties
I was at Halifax last month when I expected to
have had the pleasure of seeing you my sister & family
in my last of the 12th March I wrote you the reasons why
I could not do myself the pleasure of visiting the back
country agreeable to promises I observe the desire you
express of my going up as soon possible and believe me
nothing would contribute more to my happiness--
but my business is of such a nature that it prevents my
indulging myself in a single desire that is not confined
to the lands of this town- the [?] of
Wm Gilmour [?] will dissolve in August next insuring
of which circumstance I informed you I had a tight
to expect in my last upon all parties expressing the
approbation for a dissolution -- Mr Blackthorn proposed
to me to join in a concern with Mr Gilmore and