Steuart’s Lodge | December 5th. 51.
Dear John,
I am sorry for having appeared unkind in being so long without writing to you,1 but feel that you will excuse me when I tell you how much distress of mind I have suffered for the last two months on account of Mr Steuart’s health, which has been affected in an alarming manner, and I need scarcely mention that this subject engrossed all my thoughts and attention, otherwise you should have had an ample share of both. I am most thankful to say he is now very much better, and able to go out as usual, but strictly prohibited all sorts of exertion, in the way of hunting &c. the physicians fearing that such might bring on another attack of this serious illness. He has suffered a great deal, and I trust will be careful of himself for the future – Your friends Mr and Mrs Wynne called here some time since and told me of your intention to seek a situation in the far ‘west’, and I heard it with regret, for your success puts an end to my hopes and wishes concerning you being realized, so far as regards England, at present, but I cannot willingly relinquish the prospect so long indulged, though distant it may be, of your being established there amongst the scientific elite of that enlightened land.
I feel quite obliged to you for sending me the enclosed letters,2 which are most gratifying: Mr Wynne’s is that of a Christian who knows where to seek for support in time of need:3 may you, dear John, be directed to that fountain whence flow rivers of living water4 – I enclose a letter to Mr C. Magrath,5 which might be of service to you: he is a son of the clergyman who lived in Bagnalstown6 some years ago, and I understand an influential person in Toronto: perhaps you will approve of writing to him at once, and sending Mr Singleton’s letter7 – I keep the copy of your testimonials, which I should like to have, if you can spare it, if not, it shall be returned – I hope you will write soon again, and let me know every thing which occurs relative to your welfare. Mr Steuart sends you his kind regards and wishes, united with those
of your sincere friend | E.D. Steuart.
RI MS JT/1/TYP/10/3331
LT Transcript Only
so long without writing to you: the last extant letter from her to Tyndall is letter 0502. In letter 0577, Tyndall noted her lengthy silence.
sending me the enclosed letters: Tyndall had sent letters from Sabine (letter 0559) and Wynne (letter 0573), as well as a set of the printed testimonials (as mentioned here, Steuart kept the testimonials, suggesting that Tyndall had sent printed copies) with letter 0577.
Mr Wynne’s ... time of need: Wynne had suggested Tyndall pray for guidance on his career path (letter 0573).
fountain ... living water: alludes to Jesus’s saying in John 7:38: ‘He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water’. Steuart wanted Tyndall to see Jesus as a source of life or living water.
C. Magrath: Charles Magrath (c.1809–84) the third son of Rev. James Magrath, emigrated with his family from Ireland to Canada in 1827. Charles returned to Ireland in 1844–6 to take care of family properties there and, presumably, met the Steuarts during this time. He became a law student in 1847 and practised as a lawyer in Toronto from that year. He was Secretary and Bursar of the University of Toronto from its foundation.
Bagnalstown: also known as Bagenalstown, a small town on the river Barrow about 2 miles south of Leighlin Bridge.
Mr Singleton’s letter: the letter, written about Tyndall rather than to him, is missing.
Please cite as “Tyndall0586,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on 29 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/tyndall/letters/Tyndall0586