“I forgot to request of your kindness to let any letter that may have come to my house, come to the care of William Gray, Esq., Claremont Place, Glasgow, as well as to drop me a single word to say how Thomas is going on.
“The professors here have been put to consternation by Scott’s refusal of their illegal offer of the rectorship, and by my arrival; but they are rallying all the slaves among the students—alas! too numerous a body—to appoint a new rival candidate, and to abuse me soul and body.
“My friends among the lads, however, still show pluck, and promise me that if I will not desert them, they will not desert me. The election must soon take place. I will send you a copy of my speech, which must be short; believe me,” &c., &c.
