T. I. Hughes, Secretary.
Amritsar, January 1873.–Madam,–While all the friends of Indian Missions are bewailing with one heart the sudden and untimely death of Dr. Elmslie, we, who were so intimately connected with him, would be sadly wanting in our duty if we failed to give vent, however feebly, to our grief at his death; and to our sincere sympathy with you, who have been so nearly touched by this mysterious providence of God. We have, of all people, to mourn most this loss, though Dr. Elmslie came originally as a missionary for Kashmir, yet the peculiar political state of that country rendered it necessary for him to live in this city for six months in the year. How usefully he was employed during that time is known only to the natives of this place, who crowded to his dispensary to be cured of their diseases. He was a very good physician, and was eminently successful in eye operations. Many waited for his return from Kashmir for operations to be performed, and great numbers of this city owe the present enjoyment of their eyesight to him. He was particularly kind to us. He was our doctor, counsellor, and friend. We therefore wish to express our heartfelt sorrow, and to convey to you our sincere sympathy with you in your affliction; and may God think upon you for good, according to all that your beloved husband has done for us.
We have heard that there is some probability of your remaining in Amritsar to carry on the great missionary work with which Dr. Elmslie was connected. May we be allowed to express our hope that you may remain here. We would even venture to ask you to remain, if this is not impossible, in the sure belief that it will be for our great good, and for that of many women and children in this country. We shall not forget to pray that God may direct your steps to remain amongst us if this be His will.
–We remain, Madam, yours very faithfully, (then follow thirty-four names in native characters).–[To Mrs. Elmslie.]
Elmslie Hospital and Dispensary.
At a Conference of missionaries of the Church Missionary Society in the Punjaub, held at Amritsar in December 1872, a wish was expressed that the love and esteem in which Dr. Elmslie was universally held might find expression in some lasting memorial. It was proposed, and unanimously agreed, that such a memorial should be raised in connection with the cause which he had so much at heart, and in whose service he died. The Lord Bishop of Calcutta has suggested that an endeavour should be made to establish in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, an 'Elmslie Hospital and Dispensary,' through which the name of William Elmslie, endeared as it is to the present generation of Kashmiris, may be permanently associated with the great work which he has been instrumental in beginning.
"The memory of the just is blessed."
THE END.
DUNCAN GRANT AND COMPANY, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH.