Ayrshire > Volume 2

THE EARLDOM OF LOUDOUN 237
The following extract from the Journal and Corres-
pondence of Dr. Norman Macleod, who was on terms of
the greatest personal intimacy with the happy family
circle in the historic castle of Loudoun, gives an
impressive account of the exhumation of the Marquis's
right hand : —
" January 9, 1840.
" This day I received tidings of Lady Hastings'
death. I feel my loss. A chain is broken which
bound me with others to the parish. She was a
deeply affectionate and most captivating woman. I
received the following letter from Lady Sophia,
written just before her death : —
" ' Kelburne, Thursday night,
January 9, 1840.
" ' When this letter is given to you my poor mother
will be at rest ; but for fear that the new flood of
afflction should overwhelm me and make me incapable
of fulfilling my duty immediately, I will write this now
that there may be no delay, as you must receive it as
soon as possible. When my father died he desired his
right hand should be amputated and carried from
Malta to be buried with my mother, as they could not
lie in the same grave as he had once promised her.
His hand is in the vault at Loudoun Kirk, I am told,
in a small box, with the key hanging to it. My mother
entrusted you with the key of the vault and begged you
would give it to no one. May I request you to go to
Loudoun Kirk and take out the box and bring it here
to me yourself, and deliver it into my hands yourself
should my brother not have arrived ? And I believe
there must he no delay — a few hours, I am told, will end
her suffering and begin our desolation.'
" I received the letter early on Friday morning ;
in half an hour I was at Loudoun Kirk. It was a calm,
peaceful, winter's morning, and by twelve I was at
Kelburne."