_Kinnaird Cottage, Pitlochry, June 24,1881._
MY DEAR GOSSE,--I wonder if I misdirected my last to you. I begin to
fear it. I hope, however, this will go right. I am in act to do a mad
thing--to stand for the Edinburgh Chair of History; it is elected for by
the advocates, _quorum pars_; I am told that I am too late this year;
but advised on all hands to go on, as it is likely soon to be once more
vacant; and I shall have done myself good for the next time. Now, if I
got the thing (which I cannot, it appears), I believe, in spite of all
my imperfections, I could be decently effectual. If you can think so
also, do put it in a testimonial.
Heavens! _Je me sauve_, I have something else to say to you, but after
that (which is not a joke) I shall keep it for another shoot.--Yours
testimonially,