| Description | He has made up his accounts and waits for Bell Davidson's arrival. Alexander has tried to manage the business with care, but thinks he has lost a guinea, perhaps giving more than was intended to Dr. Forbes or Dr. Ponton. He gives news on the health of the children and wished to hear how Isabella is 'with the Cow-pox' and asks assurance from the doctor if the inoculation [vaccination] has taken effect. He asks after Margaret, who was unwell when he left. He discusses visitors and correspondence, including between Mrs Calder and Mrs. Mackenzie. He gives news of the 'poor valuable cow' and the arrival of Bell, whom he will let go for now, so that he does not make an accounting blunder. He gives instructions for giving an emetic to little Margaret [presumably Margaret Brodie Stewart, later Herschel], emphasising caution. |