PREFACE. ix 



istic speech, in the broadest of Aberdeen Scotch. 

 He declared that his wife (who was present) was his 

 real nugget the only fortune he had possessed 

 through life. The amount of the subscription was 

 handed to Edward in an olive-wood box. Many 

 other contributors including the Duke of West- 

 minster followed; all desiring the happiness and 

 comfort of Edward during the remaining years of his 

 life. A generous English lady, near Nice (whose 

 name I am forbidden to mention), has continued her 

 annual donation since the publication of the Life. 

 Not the least interesting of the communications 

 came from Russia. The following letter, dated St. 

 Petersburg, was received by Mr. Edward in 1878 : 



"My DEAR SIE A few friends, chiefly working men, 

 who have been greatly impressed by the history of your life, 

 as given to the world by Mr. Smiles, have desired to express 

 their warm sympathy with you and admiration of your true 

 bravery, your true Scottish tenacity of purpose, and love of 

 nature, in some more substantial way than simply by words. 

 They have therefore collected a small sum, for which I beg 

 to hand you a draft, and of which we beg your acceptance, 

 simply as showing that our admiration of you goes deeper 

 than lip-homage. . . . Wishing you much health and bless- 

 ing in your old age Yours most faithfully, 



"W. NICOLSON." 



It may possibly be known that four separate 



