Description Letter from William Maxwell dated 1833

Duncan Maxwell

to the care of Mr. James Gibbs

Bridge of Dye, Parish of Strachan, Mercairn

Fisherfield,

16th April 1833

My Dear Duncan,

I hope in Providence these few line will find you and Johny in health as we are at present - God be praised for his bountiful mercies.  You will not be surprised to hear that Capt. Fraser has used us as he did yourself indeed worse for he kept me in hopes by fair promises of a situation till last week so that I did not look for a place in time so that all places are taken up.  Indeed all goes here now by the greatest favours and herding in this case is become the worst trade in the world except for a few favourites and rouges whom you know will live whatever wages they may have.  Dear Duncan I can assure you that I am now at the greatest stand that I ever was in this world - may Providence direct my steps as I don't know this minute what hand to turn to.  Indeed if we could get as much cash as would take me to America are all determined to go but as we have got nothing sale as yet and are here so distant from markets and you know that everyone will take the advantage of our need necessity so that I fear our little subject will come to but little cash in this quarter; but if we get it into ready cash I think we would endeavour to cross the seas.  I hope you have what will serve yourself and Johny.  I am sure Sandy my brother will go with us so that you will give him notice of our determination - but I am afraid that we will not get prepared in time to go this summer which if so happens we are determined in time to go to some place near yourself where the meal is cheap and where we may get less or more to do as there is nothing to be got here for one that is out of service - but if Providence sees proper that we can get as much collected as will take us over this summer we will endeavour to get off.  However you will do nothing until you hear from me again but you will write us on receipt of this with your opinion on what we should do and you can be on the lookout what you will do with us or where you will advise us to set up or stop in case we are under the necessity of going your way if better cannot be done.  You will not lose a day in writing us when this comes to your hand.  We all join in our best wishes to you both - may our Maker direct our steps through this weary world of trouble and enable us to put our trust in him who is able to bear us through.

I am dear Duncan

Your affectionate father

William Maxwell

Direct me as follows:  William Maxwell to the care of Rev. Mr. Ross, Lochbroom by Dingwall