2110-7-11-10

Laurier House, Ottawa

Kingsmere, Que August 2nd 1936.

My dear Governor-General:

This is not an "official" communication, yet it seems to me that the circumstances demand something more than a letter which is purely personal.

I want, if you will permit me to do so, to congratuate you and Lady Tweedsmuir upon the great succcess of President Roosevelt's visit, and to do so in the warmest manner possible.

As I look back upon this day, it stands out like some lovely tableau, perfect in every detail, full of variety of incident and colour, and leaving an impression of something infinitely beautiful, - and infinitely good. There was nothing to mar either its beauty or its nobility. The wonderful setting - the glorious day - the gracious hospitality - the sentiments expressed - all were of an order which it seems to me could not have been surpassed, and I feel sure can seldom have been equalled. It must have been one of the happiest days in the President's life, and will be a help and inspiration to him at this trying moment in his career. The nations of Europe, not less than Britain, and other parts of the Empire, how cause to be grateful for all that this visit signified - and admired. It must have served to create an impression of friendliness between these great powers, to which the relations of others to one another must at this time present a sorry contrast. We speak of "the blessings of peace." Where were they ever more completely or significantly portrayed!

I just cannot begin to express

my appreciation of your great kindness to myself. To have been your guest at the Citadel at the time was the highest of honours; to have shared so completely with yourself every hour of the President's visit, and to have had this chance to "see Quebec together" in this association enjoyed was a joy too great to describe. It was a day of no end of significant assocations: it seemed to bring together the past and the present in a multitude of ways. The North and the South, Europe and America, to say nothing of personal memories and visions which seem to go to the very heart of life itself.

I am most grateful to Lady Tweedsmuir and yourself, and just cannot begin to express my thanks.

On Thursday you leave for the West. May I again extend to you both my best of wishes for the success of this trip - and above all for your own health in the course of it. I feel sure, as you said, that the interests created along the way will bring to the visit the kind of tonic required, and that you will come back quite refreshed in mind and reinvigorated in body. It distressed me greatly to see you "not too strong",

and in need of the exercise of the utmost care as regards your health. I hope, while away, you will feel still the public will be quick to appreciate the need for any precaution you may feel is necessary or wise to take to conserve your energies, and not hesitate to free yourself of any or all engagements should you begin to find them in the least a trial or a tax. After all, there are four more years in which to make further journeys to and fro across Canada. What matters now is to get back to where you were a few months' ago, and to feel more than equal to the tasks that lie ahead.

I am much disappointed at not having before me the prospect of being with you at the Pacific Coast: I do not think there is anything I enjoy quite as much as "showing the people" with you - and next to the people, the scenery. Where an appropriate occasion offers, I shall be grateful if you will let it be known how sorry I was not to be able to get out to the west this summer, - and particularly to Vancouver and Prince Albert - but it just cannot be with Geneva in September.