In short, both within and without
doors, it was a _devil_ of a day. The second was like unto it.
The third day came a post, a killing post,[114] and in the shape
of a letter from this fountain of health, informed us no lodgings
were to be had there; so, whatever be its virtues, or the
grandeur attending a journey to its streams, we might as well
have proposed to visit the river Jordan, or the walls of Jericho.
Not so our heroic John; he has been arrived here for some time
(much the same as when he went away), and has formed the
desperate resolution of riding out with me to Kelso to-morrow
morning. I have stayed a day longer, waiting for the arrival of a
pair of new boots and buckskin etcs., in which the soldier is to
be equipt. I ventured to hint the convenience of a roll of
diaculum plaister, and a box of the most approved horseman-salve,
in which recommendation our doctor[115] warmly joined. His
impatience for the journey has been somewhat cooled by some
inclination yesterday {p.208} displayed by his charger (a pony
belonging to Anne) to lay his warlike rider in the dust--a
purpose he had nearly effected. He next mounted Queen Mab, who
treated him with little more complaisance, and, in carters'
phrase, would neither _hap_ nor _wynd_ till she got rid of him.
Seriously, however, if Jack has not returned covered with
laurels, a crop which the Rock[116] no longer produces, he has
brought back all his own good-nature, and a manner considerably
improved, so that he is at times very agreeable company. Best
love to Miss R., Jean, and Anne (I hope they are improved at the
battledore), and the boys, not forgetting my friend Archy, though
least not last in my remembrance. Best compliments to the
Colonel.[117] I shall remember with pleasure Ashestiel
hospitality, and not without a desire to put it to the proof next
year. Adieu, ma chere amie. When you write, direct to Rosebank,
and I shall be a good boy, and write you another sheet of
nonsense soon. All friends here well. Ever yours affectionately,

WALTER SCOTT.

[Footnote 114:

"The third day comes a frost, a killing frost."
_King Henry VIII_.]

[Footnote 115: Dr. Rutherford.]

[Footnote 116: Captain John Scott had been for