United States Ship 'Corra Linn' New York 18 January 1852 My dear brother Some time has now elapsed since I had a opportunity of composing my mind to write to a beloved brother but thanks to that Almighty power I am now in better spirits and able again after all my tryals to make a proper appearance among my friends. I was in Glasgow 2 months ago and saw two of my beloved & worthy sisters who were very well and heard good accounts of brother John. He commands a brig out of Port Lewes [Louis], Mauritius. He is by all accounts a fine young man. I never heard from brother Alexander. Worthy Uncle I have not seen this 14 years. I saw Aunt Jessy and some of the others in Glasgow all well. It would be needless for me to nuerate [narrate] to you a long account about all our relations but as far as I know they are well. The Douglases were highly pleased with your letter. Now my dear Donald to busness. A thing your unfortunate brother never forgot altho it went hard with me. One thing I must state I have got beyond want and hold the charge of the above vessel a regular packet between New York & Glasgow which will enable me to act the father to my worthy sisters. Flora Ann I expect will soon make a good marriage so she will be of our hands. I am still single myself and intend to continue so but if