The Story of My Life Part 85

"Ottawa, September 16th, 1880.

"My Dear Dr. Ryerson,

"I have just returned from a visit to England, much refreshed. I found your two interesting volumes on my desk, and am very grateful for your kind remembrance of me. I shall prize them highly.

"We have all reason for congratulation that you have completed this great book, which is a n.o.ble retrospect of the loyalty of our forefathers. I earnestly hope that it may be the means of quickening and strengthening the present generation in this land in the endeavour to render themselves worthy of the n.o.ble inheritance that the zeal and devotion of our ancestors obtained for us, and that it will deepen our attachment to the British Crown and Imperial connection.

"Always with much respect and regard,

"Your sincere friend,

(Signed) "Alpheus Todd."

Letter from His Excellency the Marquis of Lorne.

"Citadel, Quebec, June 10th, 1880.

"My Dear Dr. Ryerson,

"I have to-day received your most welcome gift, and hasten to tell you my grat.i.tude for what was to me a very pleasant surprise--a surprise, for I had not heard that you were engaged in the task you have now completed, and had I heard it, I could not have expected the kindness which has made me the recipient from the author of such a full and extremely interesting history.

"It should become a household book in Canada; and I can well imagine the delight it will give to those who are able through the work, as you have been in its composition, to trace the actions and live again in sympathy with the thoughts of heroic ancestors.

"Believe me, with very many thanks,

"Yours very truly,

(Signed) "Lorne."

Letter from Lord Dufferin.

"St. Petersburg, September 6th, 1880.

"My Dear Dr. Ryerson,

"I have just received your two beautiful volumes. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for your kind thought of me. There is no present I value more than that of a book from its author. Indeed, I have now a very interesting library composed of volumes given to me at different times by the various distinguished men of the present generation whom I have had the happiness to know, and your work will find an honoured place upon its shelves.

"You well know how fully I understand and appreciate all that you have done for education in Canada, and that there are few people in the Dominion for whom I have always entertained a greater regard or respect.

"Believe me, my dear Dr. Ryerson,

"Yours most sincerely,

(Signed) "Dufferin."