I received this letter & enclosures Sat. Oct. 8, 1983.

The above is from my correspondance record book 5, volume 2, page 203. When I find my Marjoribanks folder and find time, I will format the above letter like the original handwritten letter and put the 1983 photos on the web.

I visited Thornhill on Friday and located Springfield Cottage, taking several external photos, which I will see that you get when I eventually get the film developed. You will notice that a conservatory has been built on the front, which rather changes its aspect. Also, since the time of the original photo, another house has been built on at the back - it doesn't show in my photo. I also spoke with Miss Helen Johnston, who still lives there, who confessed that she had had a letter from you long ago but neglected to answer it; she tells me that John's wife was left in poverty by him and had to move out of her home into a tiny poor person's cottage over the road. I asked whether there were any original features left but she said no and did not invite me to take any inside photos (though she was perfectly friendly).

Quite by chance, we then went into Stirling and happened to meet a man called Tony Murray, who calls himself "Creator & operator of the Stirling area families project." He would very much like to know the date and place of death of old Sam, so you may like to e-mail him on. I have promised to send him copies of the relevant numbers of the Marjoribanks Journal. You may well find that he can supply some useful details of Sam's relatives, & I think you may find him a useful contact.

We are having a fine time in Edinburgh; I'm composing this on Bill Jackson's lap-top. Will contact you again after arriving home.