Memorials of John Geddes

IV.— EXCERPTS FROM OCCASIONAL LETTERS
OF JOHN GEDDES.
N.B. — These are a few specimens of the more interesting letters that
happen to be preserved, and are here chosen as relating to incidents of some
family interest. The first (No. i) concerns the announcement that his son
had become Professor of Greek in the University, Old Aberdeen, and, being
only half dated, indicates the excited paternal feelings on the occasion. The
telegraph to Huntly referred to was quite new and unfamiliar, and the tan-
talising situation, lasting for the moment, is thence understood, as the father
always expected the tidings to come by the slower conveyance of a postal
letter. The second is given as a specimen of his impulsive spirit in respect
of travel and his early morning expeditions ; and the rest, which concern
family incidents, are given so as to show his kindly heart as well as his lively
style of expression.
No. i.
Tuesday.*
My Dear W.,
I sincerely congratulate you on the momentous event of yesterday.
I am so overpowered with excitement that I shall say little. You have often
already made my heart glad, but last night I came from Huntly with feelings I
cannot express. May you long enjoy your well-earned triumph, and yourself
receive, on as many occasions as I have done from you, the same sensations from
yours : I can wish you no greater felicity.
I went to Huntly a little before 5, but it was known there long before that
• The full date was Tuesday, 23rd October 1855, being the day after October 22nd of
that year, when the election of his son to the Greek Chair took place.
•r-
103