The references in these letters to the Magazine and its existing contributors show many new names filling up the old places. The first, the most active, and unfailing of all the supporters of the Magazine, Wilson, had responded nobly to the appeal made both in words and by the silent but even more effectual argument of an evident emergency, and had worked for the Magazine at that moment of transition, while still the young men were unfamiliar and timid in their father's seat, with the energy and industry of early days. And the affectionate and almost filial reverence with which they regarded him could not be better expressed than by Alexander's letter written from London, whither he had gone—not only to transact the usual publisher's business, but specially to set forth in the world his brother Tom, as has been already mentioned. It was the first time the young man had gone on his own charges, so to speak, and the circumstances no doubt added to the feeling with which he turned to his father's faithful friend :—

Alexander Blackwood to Professor Wilson.

[Without date], Spring '35.