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Letters to: Emma Blackburne, née Hesketh; his sister Amelia Jane Milnes; his wife Hon. Henrietta Maria Milnes; his mother Rachael Milnes; his brother Richard Rodes Milnes; his sister-in-law Hon. Frances Jane Monckton; his nephew and son-in-law George Edward Arundell Monckton-Arundell, 6th Viscount Galway; his daughter Henrietta Eliza Monckton-Arundell; John [Thornton, his cousin?]; Mary [Anne Waddington, his sister?].

5 New Ormond St., Queen Square. - Became a Surveyor of Stamps and Taxes at Somerset House through Milnes' influence but finds responsibility too great; Mr [John?] Thornton has written to Sir Thomas Fremantle to ask him to exchange appointment for a clerkship; Sir Thomas is waiting to see what Milnes thinks. Contains copy letter from Malkin to Sir Thomas Fremantle, 1 Mar. 1843: furnishes evidence of handwriting and education; has heard from his father that Milnes is to return to London in a few weeks; sure he will approve exchange of appointment; speech impediment derives from nervousness but would decrease when accustomed to business.

Letters from: Caroline, Countess d'Andreis; George Davison Bland; Thomas Davison Bland; Edward Cheney; John Craufurd; Rev. William C. Fenton; Mary Gaskell, née Brandreth; his sister Caroline Milnes; his wife Hon. Henrietta Maria Milnes; his mother Rachael Milnes; his brother Richard Rodes Milnes; his nephew and son-in-law George Edward Arundell Monckton-Arundell, 6th Viscount Galway; his daughter Henrietta Eliza Monckton-Arundell, Viscountess Galway; William Moorhouse; his cousin John Thornton; his brother-in-law Marmaduke Wyvill; his nephew Richard Rodes Wyvill.

St J[ames' Square?]. - Has been settling his youngest son in Somerset 'as the sole pupil of George Hoare, second son of Charles Hoare' whom Robert will remember from Cambridge. Discussion of the financial difficulties of F[rederick?] Raikes who must get together enough money to 'clear him out, pay his passage to the Bahamas & keep him alive till he is entitled to draw some salary'; asks Milnes to confirm what he will contribute.

Piccadilly, sent to his brother care of Rev. D. Brown, Aberdeen. - Came to town about a fortnight ago; meant to have returned but his father wanted him to stay, so he will now be here over the [parliamentary] debate on Friday. Was in the House the other evening, when they 'run the Doctor so very near. Some people think he will be outvoted on Friday', but Robert thinks not.

Has been 'very unwell' and out little; is going to drive with [Thomas or William?] Belsham today. A. [Arthur] Heywood is also 'laid up', The 'old set at Cambridge continue much the same, Gascoigne being the oracle of the bridle & saddle men; & Goulburne & Headly & Thornton of the steadies'. Has 'liv'd very little with the Methodists [?] this last term having only been in Dealtry's room twice. Has seen more of Bankes than anyone else; he 'calls here almost every day. He reads in the morning & is a terrible rake at night'. Has been to Newmarket only once and 'saw [Henry?] Mellish in all his glory'; believes he is 'still above water'.

Hopes that his brother is 'seriously devoted to his books', and is not only spending many hours reading, but has also 'taken up some general & systematic plan of classical & historical literature'; recommends him to 'touch very lightly on the Scotch moral philosophy & of their political as far as it is connected with it, as a very little common sense will teach you infinitely more in the way of conduct (wch is all that metaphysicks can pretend to aim at) than all the abstract Philosophy in the world'. Their father is much better.

Chilton House, Hungerford. - On the death of Robert Pemberton Milnes; had not known Milnes' father was so ill, and regrets that his wife's illness and desire for him to return home prevented him from visiting Fryston in September. His own father will 'feel this to be a further loosening of his own ties to earth'

Chilton Rectory, Micheldever Station, Hants. - On the death of Robert Pemberton Milnes; apologises for not writing sooner, as he has been hindered by a 'severe attack of lumbago'. His wife had never met Milnes' father, and he himself had seen little of him, but 'his name & doings were so much mixed up with all my father's early life' that they both felt they had 'lost a friend'.

Fryston. - Richard brought him John's cigar box and will take this letter to John; has 'fitted the box with some capital cigars' and invites his cousin to come and smoke them.

St. James's Square. - Death of Milnes' sister Martha prompts solemn considerations: their flawed observance of Christian doctrine since the death of Milnes' father in 1804; God's mercy mist be sought through repentance and faith in Christ; firm belief in salvation is only support in adversity; Martha's resigned death was an example

King's Arms Yard. - Pleased to learn of Milnes' concurrence with thoughts expressed in his last letter; importance of humility and trust in God's aids; Milnes overlooks this when unable to react to the prospect of his own mortality; quotes scripture in evidence. Milnes' stated religious obstacles are 'fear of confessing that it was forbidden to give way to sinful allurements' and lack of contact with those of superior principle; he must value his soul and acknowledge the breadth of true faith, especially among the lower classes. Milnes observation of 'Pride, selfishness & uncharitableness.. in some of the professors might be influenced by the sneering of others, but if they are indeed hypocrites he should not be deterred from seeking true piety himself'.

K[ing's] A[rms] Yard. - Encloses copy of a family prayer (two sheets: 'Morning Prayer') 'appropriate... to the subject of our late correspondence'. Exhorts Milnes to study scriptures daily for further inspiration. Rodes reported that Milnes' agitation had made him ill; Fryston's painful associations with Milnes' late sister [Martha]

Bath. - Desires news of Richard; anxiety of Thornton's mother about his illness; hopes inflammation of the liver rather than the chest will produce more effective response to treatment. Necessity of resignation if the case is fatal: value of Bible study; hopes Milnes has cherished the reflections he felt on the death of his sister [Martha]. Will be in Bath for three more weeksl the waters have done him no harm so far.

Bath. - Glad to hear of Richard's improvement: mistaken belief that Milnes had arrived led him to fear the worst. Milnes' present state of depression should be resisted as an obstacle to religious faith; low self-esteem not a substitute for true repentance (quotes examples); value of prayer. Small section of letter missing near end. Is leaving for Chobham [Place?] on the 20th; the waters at Bath beneficial; Wilberforce is here with his family; Milnes should study his book on religion.

Chobham Place. - Did not come to Thorne as his wife had only 'a Swiss girl (lately imported)' to help with all the children at home. Must now take charge of his mother's household as Sam has gone to sea and his father to Hull; Lucy has also been ill. Is it true that Milnes has engaged Mr [? Worgan]? Thornton's son John is leaving Dr Laing's school for the Charterhouse next month; has overcome doubts about morals at public schools as private ones are worse, but will watch the situation closely. His father may call at Thorne after completing business at Hull relating to new management of the Sugar House, and perhaps at Boston on lease abatements.