Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/72

56 Valley’ amongst our native glens, where past and present times may furnish an ample field of interest. But owing to the advanced age and uncertain health of my mother, such plans must be formed with still greater uncertainty than attaches to all hopes and wishes we indulge in this world, and which can only be formed with the pleasing consciousness that they depend upon the will of One whom it is always our delight to trace in all we are enabled to do, and even in much we are hindered from doing.

“I have often discussed with my brothers the pleasure it would give us at some future time to visit America, and we do hope at some distant period to visit our friends in New York, as it is scarcely a greater undertaking now than a trip to London formerly.

“When my father corresponded with your illustrious Washington, he intended at one time to emigrate with his family, and had a strong partiality for that country, which we have all inherited, and all we read of your magnificent scenery and noble institutions has served to confirm our anticipation of pleasure in a country of such increasing prosperity. I therefore hope in years to come that we may have the pleasure of seeing you, and claiming old acquaintance.”

In 1841 Mr. Carter revisited his old home in Scotland, taking with him his wife and infant son, and his wife’s sister. An amusing incident occurred the very day they landed. On the cars between Liverpool and London two men sat opposite them who were discussing America, and one of them asserted that all Americans were black. This aroused the combativeness of Miss Thomson, who was a thorough-going American, and taking her little nephew from the nurse’s arms she extended the fair-skinned infant towards the stranger, saying, “Is this child black?” “That child never saw America.” “He has not been in England twenty-four