TO THE
RIGHT HON.
WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE, M.P.
FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY,
CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, ETC., ETC.
Sir,
The following pages tell how much Sir Rowland Hill felt your kindness in a time of great trouble. In his Private Journal I find even stronger expressions of his gratitude. “I spoke,” he says in recording one of his interviews with you, “in strong terms, and with emotion which I in vain tried to suppress, of the feeling I entertained towards him for the uniform kindness, sympathy, and support I have received at his hands.” In asking you, therefore, to allow me to dedicate to you all in this work that is mine, I am sure that I have done what would have been pleasing to him.
I am, Sir, with the highest respect,
Your obedient servant,
G. B. HILL.