"Sir EDWARD W. WATKIN, M.P., Kt., London."
"London,
"Westminster Palace Hotel,
"20th November, 1868.
"My dear Sir Edward,
"You cannot conceive how sorrowful I feel that the result of the
election in Stockport was adverse to you. I was watching the incidents
and proceedings connected with that election with such an interest and
with such sure hope that you would be successful. You have no idea of
my grief and disappointment when I became aware of your defeat. Our
friend Brydges has mentioned to me some of the causes which have
militated against you amongst your constituents, viz. your having
attended at the laying of the corner stone of a Roman Catholic School,
and your drinking the health of the 'Pope' at the lunch which
ensued, and also the displeasure which you have
incurred from Mr. Bright and some of his friends for not having
supported him in his motion for Nova Scotia against the
Confederation. I have already written to some of my colleagues in
Canada to let them know there the 'liberality' of these
pretended 'Liberals' here. I hope you will not remain a long time
out of Parliament, and that very soon some vacancy will
occur which will give you an opportunity to be re-elected, and to serve
and advocate again in the Imperial Parliament, not only the
interests of the three British Isles, but also the Colonial
interests, and particularly those of the Dominion of Canada, to which
you have always attended with such ability, zeal, and ardour, that you
have now the everlasting gratitude of every Canadian. I hope your
electoral contretems will not deter you from your political
pursuits. I would have had such a pleasure in congratulating Lady
Watkin on your electoral success.
"I hope Lady Watkin, Miss Watkin, and your son are enjoying good
health. Have the goodness to present my best regards to Lady Watkin,
and to remember me kindly to your dear daughter and son; and, my dear
Sir Edward, reiterating to you my sincere thanks for all you have done
for me, and expecting the pleasure of seeing you very soon in London,
believe me, as always,
"Your very sincere,
"And devoted friend,
"GEO. ET. CARTIER.
"Sir EDWARD W. WATKIN, 21, Old Broad Street, London.
"On my leaving Canada Lady Cartier and my daughters have asked me not
to forget to present to you and Lady Watkin their best wishes and
kindest regards, to remember them kindly to your son, and to offer
their compliments to Miss Watkin, in the hope of making her
acquaintance hereafter."
CHAPTER XXII.
Disraeli - Beaconsfield.
No one aided the cause of Canada more readily than Mr. Disraeli, and I
ought to explain how I first gained his confidence and kindness. But
Mr. Philip Rose, who was his solicitor, his friend, his executor; who
had stuck by him "per angusta ad augusta," was of priceless service in
placing before him, from time to time, the facts, affecting
Confederation, as I collected them.
