A Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time: A Collection of Persons Distinguished in Professional and Political Life, Leaders in the Commerce and Industry of Canada, and Successful Pioneers
History
A Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time: A Collection of Persons Distinguished in Professional and Political Life, Leaders in the Commerce and Industry of Canada, and Successful Pioneers
Rogerson, with a bust of Sir Leonard, on which occasion
C. A. Everett, then M.P. for the city, who had known him from boyhood,
delivered an address in which he sketched his career, and spoke in the
most complimentary terms of his great public services. It may also be
stated that before Sir Leonard entered upon his duties as
lieutenant-governor, he sent the following farewell letter to his
constituents, addressed to the Hon. T. R. Jones, M.L.C., chairman of the
Conservative Election Committee, in St. John, in the following kindly
tones:—
=St. Andrews, Nov. 9, 1885.—My Dear Mr. Jones=,—I
understand there is to be a meeting of our friends in the city
to-morrow night, to select a candidate for the vacancy caused by
my resignation. I avail myself of the opportunity thus offered
to address a few words to the electors who may there be present.
When in 1882 the electors of the city returned me to parliament
for another term, I then intimated to them that it was probably
the last time that I would be a candidate for their suffrages,
but I then hoped that I would be spared, and my health permit of
my remaining in parliament and in the government until the next
general election. But I had not taken into account the _wear and
tear_ to body and mind, to which I would necessarily continue to
be subjected in the discharge of my parliamentary and
departmental duties. My health was completely broken down last
winter, but after a serious operation there was a hope that I
might continue my work for a short time longer. I regret that my
symptoms of late have been such that I have been forced to the
conclusion that my only chance of a measure of health, and
possibly a few more years of life, is in taking comparative rest
and relief from the mental strain to which I have of late years
been subjected. I feel certain that my many indulgent friends
would cheerfully, in view of my long service, accord me that
rest. It is difficult to find words to express the very great
regret that I have felt, and still feel, at being compelled to
take that course. I took great pleasure in the work of my
department, and I flatter myself that I have been able to
perform it in a way that was acceptable to a majority of the
people. My relations with my constituents were pleasant, and I
may be pardoned if I at this time remark that recent events have
given evidence that my regard for them is reciprocated. To say
good-bye to the men who have been so true and faithful to me for
more than a third of a century is not pleasant, but it must be
said. My colleagues in the government have placed me in a
position where my responsibilities are not great, but where I
hope I may still be able to do something for my native province
and for my country. Thanking one and all for their unwavering
confidence in the past, I still wish to be considered as their
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