Edinburgh, 25th October 1802

 

My dear Bob — You may imagine with what anguish I sit down to tell you that our sweet little boy died this morning about five o’clock. He was seized in the evening with a sort of convulsion and fainting fits, and expired at the time I have mentioned.

Mrs. J. is better than I could have expected, considering the weak state of her health, the suddenness of this calamity, and the affection with which she doted on the baby that had cost her so dearly.

We are still distracted with a thousand agonising recollections, but I hope by and bye to be more composed.—Believe me always, dear Bob, most affectionately yours.