2110-2-10-17

8, Hereford Gardens, Marble Arch, W.

21 Dec. 13

Dear John,

Just two three lines to tell you that I finished your Montrose last night. I love him more, & my country more, & you more for having read it. But I pray, & indeed I shall continue to believe unless the contrary is proven, that I had no Covenanting ancestors. I don't want any Ulstermen to read your book meanwhile; but a few months hence, when things are ripe for a settlement, I should like you to bring out a 2.^d edition & put it on every bookstall in the Northern province. For a time I

foresee is shortly coming when it will no longer be necessary to shout "to Hell with the Pope", & when we can vent our true feelings by shouting "to Hell with all Covenants." I suppose the approach of Christmas has made me an optimist.

I have not really told you what I feel about your book. It has given me more real joy than anything I have read for long & long.

Love to you both & a good new year.

Yours

F.S.O. [Oliver]