Spencer Heath Archive

Item 3109

Carbons of letters to Hon. Claude S. Richardson, Q.C., 360 St. James West, Montreal, P.C., Canada, and Baron Alexander de Mengden, Sante Dorothe, P.Q., Canada, both written the same day

May 1, 1960

 

 

Dear Alex:                                      May 1, 1960

 

I have only just returned from California, where I have been for almost a year, and am sorry to hear through Harold of the terribly poor health of both you and Erminie, and further of that terrible accident. In all my comings and goings, I think 1 have never enjoyed such gracious hospitality as that I had at your beautiful place by the river. Nor such stimulating conversations as I enjoyed with you. All of this makes me the more unhappy that you have fallen on such evil days. I do hope you found some improvement in Bermuda and that it will re­main with you notwithstanding the difficulties that brought you prematurely home.

 

      I would most certainly love to convey to you something more tangible than words.  My past obligations alone call for that. But now that you have taken so much trouble and shown so much of your goodness and regard as to procure me a membership in The Newcomen Society, I scarcely know what to say or to do. I remember my very happy though brief acquaintance with Dr. Bonar of the Canadian Pacific. He seemed to me a very wonderful and capable man, and I think he mentioned something to me about The Newcomen Society; but that would surely have been the end of it had it not been for your wonderful pursuit of the matter on my behalf. I am now very happy to be enrolled as a member, and am thoughtful as to how I shall continue to merit that honor
and as to how I shall ever be able to convey my appreciation to you.   

 

      During my months in California, I made contact with many wonderful people, making warm friends with many of them, notably the presidents of three colleges, quite a number of faculty members besides some active and prominent members of chambers of commerce and of the Episcopal Church. One of . . .

/Second page missing/

 

 

___________________________________________________________________________

 

Dear Mr. Richardson:                                  May 1, 1960

 

Remembering you outstandingly among the friends who in times past have made my visits to Montreal memorable, and through whose kind offices I have recently been admitted to the Newcomen Society, I am wondering whether I ever carried out my original intention of sending you a copy of my Citadel, Market and Altar, in the manuscript of which you showed so much interest a few years ago.

 

      If I did overlook this, and you will kindly let me know, I shall be happy to send you a copy of the book as now published, with my highest compliments and appreciation of a happy friendship.

 

      I have been happy to keep in touch with your service to the Liberal cause through our good friend, Harold. I trust the people of Quebec will be happy to avail them­selves of your services again in good time.

 

With many good wishes,

Sincerely,

 

Spencer Heath

SH/m