Naiton, 2 September

« My dearest J. »

« You will have the most unwelcome news of the death of our dear friend. I received it only this morning, and must own that nothing in life has ever more shocked and affected me; it makes such a gap, as the Dr. in his letter to me calls it, in the circle of our acquaintance as nothing can repair ; yet we must bear this and everything else in life till we ourselves are released. My first concern, dear F., after 1 was able to recollect myself from the shock, was the pain and misery it must give your affectionate heart, and which nothing but time can alleviate....» (Murdoch to John Forbes.) se rca