At any rate, I fear it would be obtrusive on my part to mix in it, as I have no special relation with him, though he has made a most pleasing impression on me.
I now expect to go to Balmoral in the middle of September, and should much wish to know whether I might visit you on my way north or south .-- Always affectionately yours, W.E.
GLADSTONE.
10 Downing Street, Whitehall, August 8, 1871.
My dear Dean Ramsay--Do what you like with the inclosed.

It is written at the last moment, and because you asked for it, by a man who was nine hours in the House yesterday, and has to be there nine to-day, besides a fair share of a day's work outside it to boot.
I hope you received a subscription from Royal Bounty which I sent for Archibald's family.

I can give five pounds myself also .-- Ever your affectionate friend, W.E.

GLADSTONE.
11 Carlton House Terrace, S.W., August 8, 1871.
My dear Dean Ramsay---I wish I could convey to you adequately the regret with which I find myself cut off from any possibility of joining in the tribute to be paid to-morrow to the memory of the first among the sons of Scotland.

He was the idol of my boyhood, and though I well know that my admiration is worth little, it has never varied.
In his case the feeling is towards the man as much as towards his works.