Burns & Geddes: Bishop John Geddes to John Reid, BL3/496/15 (1)
BL3/496/15
5th May 1787
Bishop John Geddes to John Reid, Fochabers
'You will have heard of the Ayrshire Poet Mr Burns, who was a ploughman
until a few months ago. His poems have been lately printed here, and the
subscribers were near to three thousand: he has truly a great genius
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and might improve himself much, as he is only twenty eight years of Age: but, I
think, he will not be easily advised: he is one of those, who think for
themselves, which to some degrees is laudable. I have been twice in company
with him, and we are great friends. His present intention seems to be to
return to the country, and got a farm. He will make £600 or £700 of his
book, which will help him to stock it'
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