Tuesday, October 15, 1867

Our blessed Engagement Day! A dear and sacred day—already twenty eight years ago. How I ever bless it! A wet morning— most annoying and provoking!

At a quarter-past eleven in this distressing rain, which twice had given hopes of ceasing, I, with all the family and Janie Ely, drove to the spot, just above Middleton's Lodge, where were assembled all the servants and tenants, and the detachment of the 93rd Highlanders drawn up opposite, just behind the Statue. I and the children stood just in front of the Statue, which was covered. A verse of the 100th Psalm was sung, and Mr. Taylor then stepped forward and offered up a beautiful prayer (in pelting rain at that moment), after which the order was given to uncover the Statue; but (as happened at Aberdeen) the covering caught, and it was a little while before it could be loosened from the shoulder.

The soldiers presented arms, and the pipes played, as we gazed on the dear noble figure of my beloved one, who used to be with us here in the prime of beauty, goodness, and strength.

Then Dr. Robertson stepped forward, and made a very pretty little speech in the name of the servants and tenants, thanking me for the gift of the Statue. He spoke remarkably well. This was followed by the soldiers firing a feu de joie; then all cheered, and the whole concluded by “God save the Queen” being sung extremely well.