pg 453652. W. W. to GEORGE HUNTLY GORDON

• Endorsed: Visit to Scott.
• MS. Cornell.
• Broughton, p. 45.

[In M. W.'s hand]

Rydal Mount Nov 16 [1831]

My dear Sir

I am glad of the opportunity, such as you have kindly allowed, to assure you that I am still in the land of the living. The enclosed single sheet holds, is stuffed with, at least four letters to Mr. Q.¹ who is detained in France much against his will. We expected a visit from him this Autumn, but he will scarcely be here before Xtmas, if then.

My daughter and I have been touring in Scotland this Autumn. Our motive for leaving home was, to see Sir Walter Scott before his departure from home, for Naples. We were with him three days, and left Abbotsford the day before he quitted it. His friends told us that his health was much improved, so that we have good reason to hope he may do well. Our tour was confined to the line of Edinborough, the Trossachs, Killin, and the Western Highlands, as far as the Isle of Mull—returning by Loch Lomond, Glasgow and the Falls of the Clyde. The Autumn was in great beauty, and the weather upon the whole not unfavourable.

I hope you have had good health since I last saw you, and that your Father's health continues to improve.

William, to whom you were so kind is at Carlisle, acting [as my Sub-distributor.]

[The last few lines of the letter and the signature have been cut away. The postscript continues]

Can you procure for me at your leisure (for a friend), The Literary Gazette² for Sep^r 25^th1830 No. 714.