My dear dear boy,

I was sorry not to have the pleasure of seeing you and Cal. but otherwise was relieved not to have to go to Toronto, for these trips tire me very much, I find. When the deputation returned on Friday Mr. C. [Chisholm] came in to tell me, that Mr. P. [Pidgeon] had telegraphed in reply to his note that he could not consider it, but was writing. In his letter he said the same, but would receive the deputation. So after stating our case, he agreed to consider the question, yesterday Mr. C. wrote me, that Mr. McPhie wanted me write Mrs. P. At first did not feel inclined, as I think Mrs. P. must not be used to go against what he believes to be right in the matter, but finally wrote a kind note without unduly addressing the case¹.

On Saturday, I went to town to the Hospital and took Mr. Logie some Charlotte Russe, he was as jolly as usual, he is most comical in his expressions, just like a boy. Whilst I was there Hugh Laidlaw came in, he is a doctor now, and had gone out on a steamer to Calcutta, he seemed a nice sort of fellow, and asked for you.

I am glad you are pleased with the work in your office and hope when you leave, you may find what you want. I was glad to see that at the examination of the University matter on Saturday, Dean Reeve spoke out for Pres. Loudon; the amount of responsibility and work laid upon the President seems to be enormous, without the compensating authority. Dr. Fletcher dined with us on Sabbath, he was quite happy because Edna the last of the six had joined the church that day; it is truly a time for thankfulness for their mother.

By this time you will have received your money so you should get some shirts for yourself at once and when you need money again, let me know.

I thought Premier Haultain's letter to Laurier a very able thing, as he puts it, one can scarcely understand what Laurier is trying to do; as it looks as if the Cabinet had got confused. There is one thing, though, the sooner we have a Protestant at the head of affairs the better, although of course there is always the danger of an unscrupulous man truckling to the Catholic party.

Spring is coming and it makes one restless, I wish I could start off with the whole family to see the world.

Well dearie, must close, I forgot to tell you to wear that brown tie with your everyday suit, it is not pretty with the blue suit, will have to look out for another for you for best. With much love.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten

[P.S.] Monday is Mary's Birthday.

[Enclosure, newspaper clipping, incomplete] Victimized a Canadian? The Magistrate was in Hands of Confidence men in Old London. London March 1. A somewhat remarkable story is told of how John E. Blake, a Canadian Magistrate was victimized to the extent of seven hundred pounds. Blake had been staying at a large hotel in the King's Cross district during the past few weeks. A few days ago he was walking on the Euston road when he noticed one of three well-dressed men drop a small parcel. He restored the parcel to the owner, who assured hm with many thanks that the contents were of the greatest value.

From this a friendship sprang up, and other meetings took place, during one of which Blake was informed that the owner of the packet was the executor of a gentleman who had died abroad, and who had devoted great sums of money to philanthropy in the colonies. This was further explained at a supper party of the new found friends at a well [incomplete]

¹ Microfilm index states: "wrote to Mrs. Pidgeon regarding her husband coming to MacNab. Did not try to get her to change her husband's mind."