2110-4-4-16

HYDON END, HAMBLEDON, GODALMING.

July 30/ 24

My dear Mr Buchan,

I think the illustrations have come out admirably. I wonder if the browner shade is a prettier finish in tone to the gray but it doesn't much signify, only I think it makes a photo rather softer - but you will know best. Should it not be "Gilbert John Elliot aged 13" then Lord Melgund up to 1891? I have written on the base of the Indian speaking one. It was an historical

event, addressing the first enlarged councils.

I do hope you didn't think me lacking in appreciation [yesterday?], of all you have done in describing Minto's character, & putting him before the public in a new light. If people still refuse to believe that he had the qualities of an administrator in spite of all you have said & quoted, they are not worth bothering about. Of course I expect criticism, you have told his story so admirably & nothing will upset me, now

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that we have it in black & white with the correspondence to prove that you have only stated the facts.

I have looked up page 144, Wolseley's letter & still regret you didn't leave it intact, for Minto valued this tribute. I don't think he cd. have been accused of being unconstitutional for bringing his influence to bear on the despatch of the contingents! It is an appreciative friendly letter of the man Minto admired - but if you think the sentence re contingents is open to criticism you are right to leave it out. I am afraid my

wishes are dominated by my heart, & I make impulsive statements which you must try & forgive. Let me ask one other question, I expect it will make you shudder, but I do not understand the etiquette of great authors: With regard to the confession of faith wh. you said might have been put at end of chapter V had there been room as I set so much store by it, why cant we put on page 113, after "liliputian brains entitled." (see note page 350.) & put in one page after the index, simply stating

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that those lines formed Mintos creed, & explained the doctrine that he endeavoured to live up to throughout his life. No doubt most people wont take the trouble to turn to the page, but if they do they might also be influenced for good as Minto himself was.

I am writing hurriedly & if I have exceeded the limits of your patience forgive me. I have felt compelled to write