2110-2-10-6

9th Dec 1913

7, POND PLACE, S.W.

Dear Sir,

As a life long devotee at the shrine of the great Montrose, and having recently become the happy possessor of your beautiful book, having no better apology than this, I yet must try to express the profound gratitude his admirers feel, that at last something like justice has been done to his statesmanlike sagacity; all else of course has won the world's obeisance long ago. It is intensely interesting to see how Gardiner, with his critical well balanced judgement, and differing politically in all points probably with Montrose, is yet so completely won over to pay his magnificent tribute to the man; but it has been left for your book to show beyond despite that the great Marquis

transcended his peers, and more especially Argyll, as much in statesmanship, as he did in appearance, in courage, and in honour.

In your last pages you open up a thrilling prospect of adventure. Is there really any chance of finding at Boulogne, or anywhere else, that casket with its priceless treasure?

Have any attempts been lately made to find it, and is there any information extant as to the name of the lady to whom it was entrusted at the Revolution, where she lived in Boulogne etc.

I have sometimes time and a certain amount of money at my disposal. It would be an honour to spend both in such a quest.

I am yours most gratefully

Althea d'A. Barnard