Elwes states that he is sorry Lord Bute won't let the ram go, but Elwes will send Ewart some of his own sheep as soon as they are allowed to enter Scotland. He describes some of the cross-breeding he has carried out using his Western ram lamb.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes enquires whether Ewart thinks it worthwhile to import any sheep from the Faroes, and if so, could Lord Bute or Cowan take them, as he has no room. He refers to a letter from a Mrs Taylor which mentions crossing a fox-coloured ram with a black ewe. He reports that Ewart's Blackfaces are the most profitable of his sheep so far, except for their wool. He will be selling the remainder of Ewart's hoggs.

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', thanks Ewart for his recent hospitality and writes that he would like to acquire three score Shetland ewes. He suggests that the ewes might be sent to Ewart's farm to be served by his Siberian ram before being sent to the Isle of Bute. He also offers to buy Ewart's Chillingham bull.

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', confirms that the sheep have arrived safely on the Isle of Bute and seem healthy. He comments that two sheep appear longer than the others, and he wonders whether these could be crosses with the Siberian from Ewart's farm or perhaps twins from Shetland.