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- Transcription of a letter written to Robert Brydon by Rev. J. Blair Gillon, M.A. to Robert Brydon:
Borthwick & Heriot Manse
By Middleton, Gorebridge
Midlothian, Scotland
8th March 1978
Dear Mr Brydon,
I must apologize for this delay in replying to your letter of the 23rd December, 1977. We have been worshipping in the local school at Heriot during the winter months and with the very heavy falls of snow we have had the road to the Church was extremely difficult to negotiate, and the Cemetery itself was more or less closed to the public because of deep snow. Hence the reason for omitting to reply earlier. However, after much cleaning of the obelisk stone (about 8 ft high) I have managed to decipher the information you require.
Perhaps I should begin by stating that at the top of the obelisk are embosed two flowers, with the stems and leaves intertwined depicting the rose and the lily of the valley. Here are the words written on the obelisk:- "In memory of Robert Brydon, tenant of Garwell, who died at Carcan, 24th May, 1831 aged 70 years. Catherine Adamson, his wife who died 3rd January, 1827, aged 41 years. Andrew his son, 27th August, 1863, aged 60 years. Two grandchildren, sons of Walter Brydon, tenant of Burncastle, viz: an infant born 16th April, 1835 died 1835, and James who died 14th February, 1835, aged 9 months. Also Walter Brydon, tenant at Burncastle, who died at Westhall, 16th July, 1875, aged 65 years. Isabella Taylor, widow of above Walter Brydon who died at Westhall, 4th May 18?1 (*), aged 80 years." At the base of the obelisk there is reference to a"Margaret Palfrey, above eldest daughter of Walter and Isabella Brydon, who died at Edinburgh, 21st December, 1895, aged 59 years."
In closing let me congratulate you on your efforts to type your letter to me. My wife and I had no difficulty in understanding the contents. For someone who is practically blind and verging on 100 years of age it is truly remarkable that you did so well
We both send our best wishes and pray that in the evening of your life you may be upheld by the Everlasting Arms of Him who is the refuge and strength of those who trust Him.
With Christian Greetings,
Yours sincerely,
Rev. J. Blair Gillon
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