Corpus of Modern Scottish Writing (CMSW) - www.scottishcorpus.ac.uk/cmsw/ Document : 298 Title: Letter from Mary Mather to Elizabeth Buchanan Author(s): Mather, Mary April 29, 1841 My Dear Elizabeth I write this from Glasgow to let you have it sooner, I hvae been pretty well since you left. I got the clothes dryed yesterday and partly [ironed] and left my self too little time to write, in finishing them, before the [¿] time, If you think that girl will suit just engage her, you know she will require to be a good milker and strong for the churning, and although our washings are not heavy I would like her to be particular, just tell her what she must do, and you need not specify what she has not to do, althoug it is not likey she will have any field work, you need not say whether or not, Mrs [¿] was talking of different ones but she has different ideas about their treatment from me, and I would like better to get one out of a country house, Agnes is also leaving us, so if you hear of a smart girl about fifteen or any age you think that would do you may engage her, dont take one that is not a good milker, I am not sure about any of the wilsons of [¿], Marion would be the best, but you will see what you think, and perhaps you may find a better, and they would require to come at the term as I would rather give them a day again. I got the parcel safely but have not yet sown the seeds, but intend doing it to day, I am at Mr Macfarlans, and the are all well, excuse my not writing more particularly about all events, do try to come back on wedensday, if you have nothing particular to buy, come with the forenoon omnibus if in time. If you engage that girl let me as soon as possible, I am not fond of giving more than £4..10 but make the best bargain you can, both with her and a girl if you can do well, for I will not do any thing, till I hear how you have got on I hope you are well and that you will come next week and in hopes of hearing from you, and of seeing you soon. I remain, Your affectionate Sister. Mary Mather.