| Description | Alexander has long known Smith's literary character and introduces himself on those grounds, and on the acquaintance of his brother, Dr. D. Smith of Crieff. After an anonymous correspondence about Gaelic literature, Alexander spent some evenings in his company at Crieff before his death. He gives his reasons for being attached to the Gaelic language, described his studies to date, and his want of a Gaelic dictionary or grammar to pursue his reseach. As he and others must use Gaelic in parochial duties, and because he felt that the language was becoming incorrect, he wishes to preserve a purer form. He believes that plan had been made in the Western Highlands for a dictionary, but that little progress had been made. Vocabularies have been compiled, but are 'lame performances'. Alexander sets out a plan to proceed, noting the people involved in the project, and that he has already written to gentlemen in northern counties of Scotland for 'vocables'. He considers the problems of Scottish and Irish Gaelic in the scheme's vocabulary, before moving on to discuss grammar, which is his share of the project. His objective in writing is to solicit Smith's aid, if he has not given himself entirely to statistical enquiries. His advice would be of great use. |