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Westfield, Dunbar, Feb. 25th, '98. My dear Cousin John: It seems a very long time since we heard from you. I sea the
date of your last letter is Oct. 15, tolling us of the death of Mrs. Strentzel. Maggie and I often speak about you all, when
sitting by the fireside in the long winter evenings. However, the days are getting much longer now, which does not make it
so dreary for us two. We had a kind long letter from Mrs. Galloway from Portage the beginning of the month. She mentions
that you had a cold, bronchitis, which makes us anxious to hear how you are. I do trust Mrs. Muir and the two bairns are well.
We hear through our Liverpool friends that Willie Howie has got beside you. We hope he may do well and thrive with the beautiful
warm climate of California. You will be sorry to hear that our good minister Mr. Buchanan has broken down in health this
winter. Some months past he twice lost himself when preaching in the pulpit, at different times. He has got leave of absence
for some months. All the Drs. agree that he must have complete rest from all care and worry. Some reports say it is softening
of the brain, others that it is paralysis of the brain and heart. He is near Glasgow amongst his own friends. So we are all
hoping that he will return to his parish work amongst us after a long rest. We think he will have to get an assistant. Susan
Gilroy is still with an old lady in Edinburgh. Jane Mather is busy with her school, Mrs. Kelly very lams from rheumatism,
not able to leave the house. She is very contented and happy. Never forgets to ask for you, when I see her. Mrs. Dick is out
of the schoolhouse. She is into one of the cottages near her old home. Mr. Notman is well and enquires after your welfare,
so you see Dunbar folk have not forgotten you. Did I tell you that our dear dog Tim died in October. A dog hurt him and he
got blood poison. Maggie was very sorry at his loss. We have got another one, Sam, a wee comical fellow, a dark terrier.
I hope Mrs. Reid is pretty well at present and all your other friends. Maggie joins me in much love to you and I am, Your
affectionate cousin, M. Hay Lunam 02406