BURNS' 'BONIE JEAN' [BURNS (Jean, née Armour, 1767-1834, wife of the poet Robert Burns)]

Facsimile autograph letter with transcription, to 'My dear Betty', Robert's illegitimate daughter Elizabeth, 1791-1873, by Anna Park, saying she has "this moment heard of an opportunity, which I have long wished for to Glasgow, - and enclose a Gunie ... all I can spare at present it will procure some little things for the children I shall send this to Mr Bennets care ... my general health is not bad, but I am very infirm, and seldom leave home. Miss Newall is with me and a great comfort she is, she desires me to present hir best regards. Mrs Parkeer is in London", she will be "glad to know how you get on in these hard and threatening times", asks her to "remember me kindly to your housband", and ends "I am still your affectionate Mother Jean Burns", 2 sides 8vo., Dumfries, 20th February, neatly laid down making one opening, a few light marks

Betty Burns was the daughter of Anna Park, niece of Mrs Hyslop of the Globe Tavern, Dumfries. All her life she bore a striking resemblance to the poet. She was born in Leith, but at about two years old went to live with her father, and thereafter Jean Armour treated her as her own daughter. She met Private John Thomson, 1785-1869, of the Stirlingshire Militia when stationed in Dumfries, and they were married there on 2nd June 1808. Next day the regiment moved to Berwick-on-Tweed. Thompson lodged his wife in the town, resolving she should never live in barracks. After nearly a year the regiment moved, and Betty went to live with his parents in Pollockshaws. In 1814 Thompson resumed his hand-loom weaving, and they spent the rest of his life at Pollockshaws and Langside. Although Mrs Burns seems never to have been to Pollockshaws, she "sent frequent enquiries regarding Mrs. Thompson's welfare, accompanied by little presents" (Burns Chronicle, 1916, pp. 23ff.)
Miss Newall would seem to be a relation of David Newall, lawyer in Dumfries. Burns lodged in a cottage on his property Isle, while building the farmhouse for Ellisland.
For the handwriting, compare, e.g. BL Add 35265, containing letters to George Thomson about Robert's songs.

Item Date:  1833

Stock No:  50890      £75

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