Autograph letter signed : London, to Mr. Gray, 1848 Apr. 28.

Saying yesterday "our dear children" arrived safely, Phemy a little thinner but "very well & in her usual spirits or way which we never wish to see changed; John stouter and better than we have ever seen him..." Mrs. Ruskin's health has gradually improved since 10 April. He would be glad to hear that the Grays have recovered in health and spirits. He was sincerely happy to hear of Mr. Gray's business arrangements and does not consider Mr. Burns too sanguine. He himself has withdrawn entirely and forever from Scotch railroads, with some loss, though he never ventured more than 20 shares. By judicious management, all railroad property could be raised 50%. The extravagance and bad taste, especially in stations, make railroads "a deformity on the face of England" and "is a scandalous cruelty to families who have invested their all in the property of rails..." It is amazing that stockholders thus permit their money to be squandered; his belief that they must soon open their eyes gives him hope for some railroad property. "The Continent seems dreadfully disturbed... & the end no man can foretell."