TO MRS. BLACKBURN of Killearn.

                                                                                Glenlair, Thursday.

   DEAR MRS. BLACKBURN—My father died suddenly to-day at 12 o'clock. He had been giving directions    about the garden, and he said he would sit down and rest a little as usual. After a few minutes I asked him to lie    down on the sofa, and he did not seem inclined to do so, and then I got him some ether, which had helped him  before.

     Before he could take any he had a slight struggle, and all was over. He hardly breathed afterwards.

     He used often to talk to me about this, which has come at last, and he seemed fully to have made up his mind to it   and to be prepared for it. His nights have sometimes been troubled, and last night I was with him the whole time  trying to get him into a comfortable sleep, which did not come till light. [254]

     Otherwise we thought him better than when in Edinr. He was very glad to get back here again.

     I write to you that you may tell Mrs. Wedderburn. She ought to know, and I trust you will let her know, that not   only was there no pain or distress about my father's death, but he had often been speaking of how glad he was  that he had got everything put in order, and that he was home again.

     I have written to ask my Uncle Robert Cay to come and help me in various things, as I am rather alone here. Of   course I have written to Sir George, and will do so to other relatives as soon as I can. Your affte. cousin,

                                                                        JAMES CLERK MAXWELL.