Lot 618
Archive of Letters and Documents Relating to Sir Gilbert John Murray Kynynmond Elliot, 4th Earl of Minto, 8th Governor General of Canada, 1898-1904
Lot 618 Details
Archive of Letters and Documents Relating to Sir Gilbert John Murray Kynynmond Elliot, 4th Earl of Minto, 8th Governor General of Canada, 1898-1904
mostly from the Earl to his uncle, George Elliot; and a telegram: ‘Bertie appointed to Canada’
Estimate $200-$300
Note:
Some quotes from the letters:
"Sir Wilfrid Laurier's eloquent speeches have evidently carried the 'home public' by storm... but here, where one is behind the scenes, there is much to amuse one in them, and when history comes to be written the patriotism and eloquence of this government will appear in a very different light."
"With Sir Wilfrid's attempts to amalgamate the races, his own strong racial feeling and the bitter antagonism of British Canada to Quebec, one feels bound to make allowances to him for what may sometimes appear as indecision."
"Poor Aberdeen from all one hears must almost have been half-witted - he couldn't fix his attention for more than half an hour on any subject without the help of port wine or beef tea."
"The fact is that the US are hopeless to deal with - it is hopeless to expect fair play from them and one has to look out for constant sharp practice."
"It is the greatest misfortune that the wretched Yankees have got the Cascapedia".
"I suppose soon the Washington Commission will come to an end - with very small results I suspect, if any at all. The feeling here towards the States is anything but affectionate."