My dear Calvin,

When I returned last night from St. Catharines I was glad to receive your letter. From your description Port Elgin seems very attractive, more so than London in a great many ways. Of course for ourselves Port Elgin would be fine in summer; but we would like you to go where you would be happiest the year round. Personally I would prefer a good congregation of intelligent people in a country place to a small one like London in a district, which seems to have so little prospect. I think Port Elgin would be healthier for yourself, I thought the air at Bayfield very fine; and of course health is a very important thing. Of course in London, you are nearer the centre of things and would have enjoyed the society of your fellow ministers. At the same time in Port Elgin, I gather, you would have friends in your own congregation, which is a greater advantage perhaps, it would mean more help in your work. In St. Catharine's yesterday Mrs. Ratcliffe said you had made many friends there and if Mr. Tait had not been coming you would certainly have had that church, and Mrs. Smith said, if Mr. T. had an opportunity any where of recommending you, he would do so, they expected you to stay with them that time, if Mr. S. had not been ill.

We hear, Mrs. [Cullain?] goes to New York this week to meet Olive. We had quite a gathering yesterday in Mr. Ratcliffe's church, an excellent lunch. As Mrs. R. was not able [from cold?] to read a resolution on Mrs. Steele's retirement Mrs. Inksetter read it, a pretty little woman and her sister sang a solo. She has a beautiful voice but they all seem nice. Saw nothing of the Blains.

Of course no one would take the Presidency so I had to, but all my old friends were very appreciative and seemed so pleased about it that I hope I made [sic] be able to fill the office to their satisfaction. Edna's Bible Class supper passed of [sic] well and she was pleased with it, only she couldn't resist coffee so layed awake all night but did not worry and is alright. With much love.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten