16th Sept. 1858
My dearest Maggie
As I know you have been attentive to your lessons, said your prayers, and repeated your little hymns well I shall tell you a story which I think will amuse you.
Well - on this said morning precisely at 10 o'clock - the following party set off for Dura Den: viz. Lord & Lady Kinnaird, the Honble Miss Kinnaird, Sir Roderick Murchison, Sir John Ogylvie & son, the Honble Mr. Dutton - and Grand-papa. We had two splendid carriages which we completely filled. We drove at lightning speed to Dundee which we reached in three-quarters of an hour - dashed through the streets - bought hammers and other implements - and then pursued our way to the harbour. We entered a large broad double-keeled ferry-boat - and when we arrived at Newport found other two carriages waiting us on the pier - previously provided (to all our surprise) by Lord Kinnaird's kind orders. In these we proceeded at full speed to Dura Den which we reached precisely at one - where at the very point we were to search for fossils we found masons at work. We hired them into our service & set four of them to work & dig instantly. While they were seeking for fish I set our party all over the Den to see its beauties which they all admired greatly. Lord Kinnaird and myself remained with the workmen - his Lordship cast his coat - I kept mine on - but set to work also.
This went on at a snail's pace for an hour & a half - and no fish would appear. The party came back and we all lunched on a beautiful grassy bank on pies, chicken, pigeon, & ham - and then grapes, peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines - all which were washed down with plentiful supplies of cider & sherry. We heard a shout just as we were finishing from the diggers - and we all ran, some tumbling & falling by the way: and lo! a fish, the largest & finest that ever rose to the geological hammer, was laid at our astonished feet. I never saw anything more perfect and Sir Roderick declared that it bett all that he had ever seen. They dug on & on - and the result is that we made a most triumphant day's fishing. The ladies & all were quite delighted: and we have them, all safe & sound, in the Priory; everybody is overjoyed, * and Grand-papa in a full bumper craved by Sir R. has been proclaimed The Prince of Dura Den. He is to record the events in his new edition of the "Siluria" just publishing and to blazon grand-papa's name as the discoverer of the new gigantic Ganoid!! And now
My dearest Johnny
I have to tell you, for Granny's sake, that we saw no puddocks - but a great many boys & girls were attracted to the spot - and the butler was ordered to distribute among them all the grapes, peaches, pies, and other good things that were over. They made quick dispatch among them I can assure you. By this time, nearly five o'clock, we thought of departing. We did so - reached the Priory precisely at eight - dined at ½ past - and now I must to bed, bid you good night precisely twelve - and love to all. Tell papa Mr. Goodall is to go Newburgh on Sabbath and I to Dron. I have had a kind letter from him. I will be up on Saturday and tell you all the other things and sayings and compliments attendant upon that visit here - the most delightful one I ever enjoyed. Lady Dunsaine did not go with us - but when asked by Lady Kinnaird on our return, said "I have been reading the "Pleasures of Home", and been more than happy". I am
My Dearest Loves most affectionately yours
John Anderson
PS Tell Thomas Stewart that he must drive me to Dron on Sabbath and Granny that she should inform Betsy to have dinner for Mr. Goodall