[From the "Memoir of Thomas Guthrie, D.D." Vol. ii. pp. 321-2 (1875).]
LETTER TO DR. GUTHRIE.[166]
Saturday, 26th, 1853.
I found a little difficulty in writing the words on the first page, wondering whether you would think the "affectionate" misused or insincere. But I made up my mind at last to write what I felt; believing that you must be accustomed to people's getting very seriously and truly attached to you, almost at first sight, and therefore would believe me.
You asked me, the other evening, some kind questions about my father. He was an Edinburgh boy, and in answer to some account by me of the pleasure I had had in hearing you, and the privilege of knowing you, as also of your exertions in the cause of the Edinburgh poor, he desires to send you the enclosed, to be applied by you in such manner as you may think fittest for the good of his native city. I have added slightly to my father's trust. I wish I could have done so more largely, but my profession of fault-finding with the world in general is not a lucrative one.
Always respectfully and affectionately yours,
J. Ruskin.
FOOTNOTES:
[166] This letter accompanied the gift of a copy of "The Stones of Venice," sent to Dr. Guthrie by Mr. Ruskin, who, while residing in Edinburgh during the winter of 1853, "was to be found each Sunday afternoon in St. John's Free Church."
[From "The Times," March 29, 1859.]
THE SALE OF MR. WINDUS' PICTURES.
To the Editor of "The Times."