To Mr. John Morgan (1875)

Corpus Christi College, Oxford, September 4th, 1875.

Dear Mr. Morgan,—I cannot easily tell you how much your letter pleases me, or how glad I shall be to have you for a Companion. I have not, among the number yet accepted (about fifteen), found one yet so able to feel and act with me in all essential points. I trust also that among the Scotsmen whom you know, or may easily find access to, among your older farm and shepherd population, there may be several who will be glad to join us.

The chief duty of the Companions, for some time to come, will be making the fact of our organization known, and explaining its patient purpose. I will send you some little things out of my library or engraving drawer, which may be pleasant additions to your library as a collector.

I cannot write much to-day, being tired—but do not doubt being often now in communication with you. And with my respects to your wife, and love to your little girl,

Remain, ever faithfully yours,

John Ruskin.

To Mr. John Morgan (1877)

Venice, March 29th, 1877.

My dear Mr. Morgan,—I to-day received your most interesting letter, and must at once reply to beg you, on the one side, to take up at once a firm ground for your conduct in future as a Scottish tradesman; but on the other, not to torment yourself by continued deliberations of the degree in which concessions must be made to external force.