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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. CONCLUSION. OR the last few years Sir Rowland lived in comparative retirement. Occasion_ ally a letter in the newspapers testified to the interest he still took in public affairs, particularly when it was proposed to erect a Smallpox Hospital on Hampstead Heath, which he strenuously opposed. So complete indeed was Sir Rowland's retirement from active life, that by many he was supposed to be dead. A few years ago at a seance of spiritualists, one of the company present proposed that the spirit of Sir Rowland should be evoked and questioned upon the doings of the Post Office since Ids death. The spirit was summoned, and replied to the questions put, and amongst other matters expressed unqualified gratification at the introduction of the halfpenny card, an innovation which Sir Rowland had strongly objected to. This conversation was published in the papers and communicated to Sir Rowland, to whom it afforded the greatest amusement. Only a few weeks before his death he was presented with the freedom of the City of London, and as this was his last public appearance, a record of the proceedings on that occasion may fitly close this sketch of his successful career. On the 6th of June, 1879, a deputation of the Corporation of London, consisting of Mr. Washington Lyon (mover) and Sir John Bennett (seconder), waited upon Sir Rowland Hill, K.C.B., with the view of presenting, in a gold casket, the resolution of the Court of Common Council ordering the presentation of the freedom of the City to that gentleman, in recognition of his valuable services as a Post Office reformer. The deputation were accompanied by the Chamberlain (Mr. B. Scott), the Town Clerk (Mr. Monckton), and Mr. M'Kinlay (Chairman of the General Purposes Committee). The state of Sir Row...
