page_0001

Government House,
Ottawa

5th November, 1935

My own darling Mother

Here we are, settled at last, in a most beautiful
and comfortable house. Cast observed that "it is something
after the Windsor style." We have had a rigorous three
days, in which we have lived like goldfish in a bowl. The
arrival at Quebec on Saturday was most dramatic. We came
in in the evening, with a flaming red sunset behind the
superb line of the Citadel and the old town, and every ship
in the harbour hooting in welcome. The drive by torchlight
with a cavalry escort to Parliament Buildings was extra:
:ordinarily romantic, and so was my reviewing of the red-
coated troops in the old Square. The ceremony of the swearing-
in was most dignified. Apparently I said precisely the right
thing in reply to the addresses, and my French accent was
admired. I think that was Gallic politeness, but it is
certainly a great deal better than that of the Canadian
Ministers, even the Frenchmen! The Prime Minister was
very good in his address, and I am going to have a very
happy time with him. Afterwards I had to shake hands with
over five hundred peple, and when we got to the sanctuary
of our train I was pretty well all out. My uniform is very
heavy.

The/