April 13, 1936

Hon. A.A. Dysart, K.C.
Premier of New Brunswick
Fredericton N.B.

Dear Allison:

While my young son Bill, age 13, who is remaining at Newcastle with Father until school closes, was down here for Easter we discovered he was an embryo poet. He was asked by his teacher to write a verse about a well-known and popular public personage. The following is the result in the school files at Newcastle:

“Mr. Dysart is our premier,
And he comes from near Cocagne;
Has digested clams and oysters,
Brainy food makes brainy man.
Moral: Eat seafood and be premier.”

Was very sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. MacDougall. Please convey to Mrs. Dysart my sincerest sympathy.

Yours very truly,

Jack

April 15, 1936

J.A. Creaghan, Esq.,
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
Moncton N.B.

Dear Jack:

Hail to the young Grit of whom we might, during the years that lie ahead, say, “Under adverse political influences, thou didst emerge nobly inoculated with sound Liberal doctrines!”

I have unbounded confidence in youth and shall write the young man who knows of Cocagne and some of its bivalve products.

It was indeed happy of you to write me and, regardless of how you may wander in the political field, you, as one of the Creaghan boys, will always be regarded with more than a passing regard.

Thanks for your reference to the passing of Mrs. MacDougall. Mrs. Dysart has just returned and is very much concerned over the three bright young boys who are left alone – their father having died several years ago.

With every good wish and kind personal regards, I am

Yours very truly,

A.A. Dysart
Premier

June 10, 1936

Bill Creaghan, Esq.,
C/o J.A. Creaghan, Esq.,
Creaghan Building
Moncton N.B.

Dear Bill:

Your dad writes of you as an “embryo” poet but to me you are more than that. Your dad is not just the best judge of what constitutes true, virile poetry any more than he is as to what constitutes sound citizenship under the so-called banner of political allegiance. In all things, I would counsel you to follow his advice only when it coincides with that of your mother; in all things, except in politics, and in that field kindly draw nigh unto me for in thee I perceive much and bright prospects for the future.

“Oysters and clams from Cocagne sands
Make bright boys brighter in all lands.”

With cordial wishes, I am

Yours very truly,

A.A. Dysart
Premier