But we had to face such fierce rivalry from the Bristol merchants that I had small confidence in Mr.Lambie, who from his letters was a sleepy soul.

I broached the matter to my uncle, and offered to go myself and put things in order.

At first he was unwilling to listen.

I think he was sorry to part with me, for we had become close friends, and there was also the difficulty of my mother, to whom I was the natural protector.
But his opposition died down when I won my mother to my side, and when I promised that I would duly return.

I pointed out that Glasgow and Virginia were not so far apart.