Visitor Ivie Ferguson unmar 18 Farmers Son, Wigtown WIG

THIS letter is from Thomas McCaig (1799-1853) I would assume to his son William. It is very hard to read parts of it so I hope it makes sense. From Thomas McCaig ( 1861-) re his father John McCaig (c1834-1914) Littlemill by Patna 25.11 (19)14 Dear Uncle You will be thinking us very careless in not writing before this but you must excuse me. Father is sadly missed in the house but I think will be much happier where he has gone. His cares and troubles are all over and he passed away very calmly. Took a little Brandy and water fifteen minutes before he died he fell asleep and never wakened. He had no pain to suffer but very weak for a day or two. I saw that he could not last long although he took weak turns before but he fairly failed talking on his fingers and it annoyed me very much as he always tried it but could make no shape at it at all but he still tried to the last day. Would always shake his head when he saw he was not making them right and try again but could not get them into his head. To tell the truth I thought it was a blessed change for him. I saw Tom at the Graveyard but just spoke to him never saw him after we came up to the village. I had a letter today from a man in Glasgow named Hamilton Neil he has seen the notice of the death in the Glasgow news and he said that he had an uncle that name he went to New Zealand 40 or 50 years ago and the same age as father. His mother was a sister of that mans but he says she was a native of Cumber Co Down Ireland so he can be no connection of ours but I will let him know to satisfy him. He appears to be a business man very good writer and send a stamped envelope for a reply. I must let you know that I possess the last pipe your father smoked. I got it at Uncle Ivies when he was lying badly once I was there, seeing him and I got it because I was namesake and it is well seasoned yet and very hard to be sure and come though and see us as soon as the weather permits and tell any of the nest to be sure and give us a call if they are through in this district. This leaves us all in our usual health hoping its to find you all the same Give all my compliment Yours truly Tam McCaig