"Comments as to Andrew Mercer's Character"

Closing Paragraphs –

Mr. Mercer was a Protestant, but beyond attending the Episcopal Church of St. James in Toronto a few times, he does not seem to have connected himself with any religious body. He was noted for the liberality with which he contributed to every religious, charitable or educational object about which he was appealed to. A considerable portion of his money was loaned upon mortgage, and some upon the assurance of promissory notes or bonds. While he was exact in filling his own business obligations he does not seem to have insisted on the same promptness in the repayment of loans that he made. Indeed, at the time of his death, he had allowed many payments of principal and interest to fall into arrear, and had permitted many notes and bonds to become barred by the Statute of Limitations. He was probably influenced in this by his natural kindness of disposition which prevented him from ever placing any claim in suit, and also by the fact that his loans seem to have been made chiefly to persons for whom, or for whose families, he had old and warm feelings of friendship.

The manner of living of Mr Mercer was remarkably simple and economical. He never entertained, and in food and dress he was almost parsimonious. From enquiry, it seems probable, that his personal and household expenses did not exceed $1,000 annually, including the support of Bridget and her son.

I have the honour to be Sir,

Your obedient servant,

J. D. Edgar.