most delightful now to travel in the country. Everything around you seems animated by the returning spring. I trust if spared by providence that we shall enjoy the next in each other's company as we are prevented by the stern demands of duty from doing so now. Do not be very angry Douglas at not receiving a letter from me by the last mail. It was not the fault of the natives or the boundaries either. I must confess that I was to blame myself by not stretching a point to write to you. Had you seen how fully engaged I was when I got back from the interior I am certain you would forgive me especially as I acquainted you that I should be for some time absent. The longer I am so the fonder and more frequently do I think of you, therefore do not be in a fret or else I shall ask Mrs Duncan's permission to let you