But as I told them it
was to be a gift to Christianity and not to Sectarianism.
Religion and party are two different things. Tell them so that my gift
will be to all Protestants, that is to say to the majority of the town
being protestants, be the denomination what it may, and that I may not
be imposed upon, I shall put my seal to no deed, before they bring me
Dr. Rodger's certificate upon the subject. My best respects to him
with compliments to Mrs. T., Mr. Ainslie, Mr. and Mrs. Foxcraft and
all your friends.
The snapping of my wood fires makes me think of yours. Don't forget
them yourself. Your three hundred acres of shingles, chills the
blood in my veins.... Adieu. The broad hand of Heaven protect you!
I am, my dearest,
Most faithfully yours,
W. S.
MEADOWBANK.
"THE COUNTRY SEAT OF LIEUT.-COL. ANDREW CHARLES STUART.
Happy, is he who in a country life
Shuns more perplexing toil and jarring strife,
Who lives upon the natal soil he loves
And sits beneath his old ancestral groves."
- Downing.
Facing Ravenswood, on the road to Cape Rouge, on the breezy banks of the
noble river, there lies a magnificent expanse of verdure, with here and
there a luxuriant copse of evergreens and sugar maple. It crowns a
graceful slope of undulating meadows and cornfields. The dwelling, a
plain, straggling white cottage, lies perdu among the green firs
and solemn pines.
