Right Hon. W.E. GLADSTONE to DEAN RAMSAY.
10 Downing Street, Whitehall,
Jan. 20, 1869.
My dear Dean Ramsay--I need not tell you I am no fit judge of your brother's claims, but I shall send your letter privately to the First Lord, who, I am sure, will give it an impartial and friendly consideration.
Pray remember me to the Admiral, and be assured it will give me sincere pleasure if your wish on his behalf can be gratified.
I write from Hawarden, but almost en route for London, and the arduous work before us.
My mind is cheerful, and even sanguine about it.
I wish I had some chance or hope of seeing you, and I remain affectionately yours,
W.E. GLADSTONE.
The Bishop of Salisbury has been for days at the point of death. He is decidedly better, but cannot recover. Let him have a place in your prayers.
Windsor Castle, June 24, 1871.
My dear Dean Ramsay--The attraction of the Scott Centenary to Edinburgh is strong, and your affectionate invitation makes it stronger still. I do not despair of being free, and if free, I mean to use my freedom, so as to profit by both. At the same time the delays and obstructions to business have been so formidable that I must not as yet presume to forecast the time when I may be able to escape from London, and therefore I fear I must draw upon your indulgence to allow me some delay. The session may last far into August, but the stars may be more propitious.
We are all grumbling at an unusually cold year, and the progress of vegetation seems to be suspended, but I trust no serious harm is yet done; as Louis Napoleon said, tout peut se retablir.
It would indeed be delightful could I negotiate for a right to bring you back with me on coming southwards.
So glad to hear a good account of your health and appearance from our Lord Advocate; a clever chiel, is he not?--Ever affectionately yours,
W.E. GLADSTONE.
My wife sends her kind love.
10 Downing Street, Whitehall,
July 25, 1871.