her when my pay was £30 per month. Shortly after this event I commenced to speculate with my money and on the voyages I was rather fortunate but ever since 1844 latter part of that year I have nearly lost all I have made and never could get above. So that times in Bombay having failed in the shiping since I left, before ill fated fortune would further follow me by empering [impairing] my health and return to old Calidonia to try my luck there in getting the command of a vessel. I have shipped again as Chief Mate of a large London ship the Messrs Stuart 'Elphinstone' which is better than paying a passage. During all this time of vexatious trouble I always assisted my sisters with money to educate them but I do not know how I am to continue it till better luck will turn up. So there is a portion of the history of your ocean bird and care worn brother. Here he is now returning to his native land as poor as when he left but in good health and spirits with a hope for better