Dear Scotswoman,

Both my sister (Jeanne Hunter) and I (John Van Sorosin) were astonished to learn that you have "The Poet"'s grandfather clock at your Scottish home. We're wondering where in Scotland your home is located? And where you live in the U.S.

Jeanne and I are the great, great (only 2 greats, not 3) grandchildren of Poet Spence, while you specified 3 greats for yourself. The difference is explained by the fact that we are descended from the Poet's and Ann Bisset's last child of their 10. His name was Alexander and he we born in 1837, a generation after their earlier children.

Jeanne Hunter lives in Southold, Long Island, New York State, while I myself live in Tenants Harbor, Maine.

We, too, have a copy of "From The Braes Of The Carse" in the family. Of the 300 printed, ours is no. 147.

Which of the Poet's daughters was it who married Brough? I have the full list of all the Poet's children with christening dates and some marriage dates, and I can supply you what info I have if you let me know. I well remember my mother (Mary Spence) and my uncles (Charles and James Spence) speaking of Wilson Brough, a cousin of their father Charles Spence (1867-1943). How fascinating to share this info with you and fill in these gaps in our knowledge.

Both Jeanne and I thank you for contacting us.

Sincerely,

John Van Sorosin
106 Port Clyde Road
Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860
jvsflynn@midcoast.com