Autograph letter signed : London, to Mr. Gray, 1848 Feb. 23.

In reply to Mr. Gray's letter, he must explain why neither he nor Mrs. Ruskin can attend the wedding. With Mrs. Ruskin's feelings and prejudices he scarcely dares to content. He himself has had his "frame weakened and nerves unstrung" by "most of the Disorders human nature is exposed to." Although he continually stays at inns and carries on his business "pretty well," he has not slept in a friend's house in 30 years. If he were unwell she would be merely a hindrance, and if they are to go abroad with the young people, he needs every hour in London he can get. Besides, he thinks it best "to get quietly married & steal away & leave the good folk to talk over it the next day..." But though he will be absent, he will give his daughter-in-law a warm welcome. Though they may not excuse him, at his time of life and with his temperament, he must be prudent in not exposing himself to excitement. As to railroads, he will not sign a proxy sent by Lord Breadalbane, in view of Mr. Gray's letter, though he is "clannish & respectful to Nobility" and assumes that Lord Breadalbane will act honourably. Having only a small stake, he will remain neutral, preferring not to find himself opposed to the majority. If they get enough signatures to shut up on Sunday, by all means let them shut up. At the same time he protests wasting 2/6 on so many proxies when widows and children depend upon dividends.