New College, Edinburgh
March 4th 1870
W. R. Smith Esq. M.A.,
Dear Sir,
We, the members of your Hebrew Tutorial Class, having had ample experience during this Session of your varied powers, especially as a teacher of Hebrew, and being solicitous that such talents and qualifications as yours should not pass unnoticed, have unanimously agreed to address to you this letter, in which we would seek to bear a tribute to what we humbly think your great abilities.
We would, in especial, refer to the clear and scientific way in which you have laid open to us the leading principles and structure of the Hebrew Language, thereby imparting to what might otherwise have been dry and difficult detail, an interest and ease which could not fail to enlist our attention and awaken our energies. You have in your lectures shown such a power of analysis, such clearness of thought, with such a mastery of the subject, that we could not but recognise in you one, not only fully qualified to occupy your present position, but fitted, and we would hope destined, to fill and adorn a far higher.
We would also refer to the courteous and considerate way in which you have treated us, your pupils, throughout the Session, your evident endeavour and aim having been to further our studies and to help us by all means within your power.
Wishing you all success through life, in whatever sphere of usefulness you may be placed,
We remain,
Dear Sir,
[signed]
Donald J. Martin Alex. M. Finlayson Wm White J. M’Leod James Calder John Russel John Watson |
John Campbell Wm Proctor George Wilson David R. Gibson George Milne George D. Mac Naughton Evan Maclean |
[1]CUL ADD 7449 D no ref. no., MS