page_0001

[J. Hill]

Lambourne House,
Bagshot.

24. 11. 33

My dear Sir,

I have just finished reading
your Sir Walter Scott and feel that I must
make an effort to thank you for such a delightful
book and trust you will not think it is an
impertinence if I add such an understanding
criticism. You mention Dr John Brown - Now
I think you must be too young ever to have seen
him - but somehow have a feeling that you "knew"
the author of "Rab & his friends" - and it has occurred
to me that you might like to see the enclosed Photograph
which I have always thought a very charming and
characteristic presentment - of one who was not only
an old friend but a kind Doctor to a small boy, who,
when ill was apt to be rather "sick & sorry" for himself -
I well recall how, frequently after examination
"kittle [?]" was prescribed - no sooner prescribed
than the bedclothes turned back and the medicine
promptly applied by the good Doctor himself.

It would give me great pleasure, it you will
accept the little picture of "Rab" as a small mark
of appreciation - and thanks for many pleasant
hours - Perhaps I should explain lest my name
mislead that I belong to an old West Country
family for over four hundred years intimately