14 July 1850 Dalmuir Hill My dear McLean Papa and Mama have gone to sleep and as I sat at work just now I wish very much that you were here to talk to me but since you are not here I shall sit down and write instead although you do not deserve a letter for not having written by the last mail. I must not scold however. I know that it was not from neglect and I am sure you would have written had it been convenient. In your last letter you expressed a wish to know what