One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
In pursuance of the directions from Sir James Graham, he returns the vellum copy of the amended statutes of Trinity College.
Bawtry. - Read Hayward's 'Radowitz' [obituary of the general, published in the Morning Chronicle, 31 Dec. 1853?]; apt description. of 'Peelite' views, combining pomposity and simplicity. His wife is much better. Coalition failing, much as expected, possibly because of [Sir James] Graham's presence; did he write 'F-----' article in the Times?
Herstmonceux - JCH is extremely pleased that WW is so pleased with his letter to Cavendish [A Letter to the Hon. R. Cavendish, on the recent Judgement of the Court of Appeal in Affirming the Doctrine of the Church, 1850]: 'The question as to the force of the judgement does seem to me so clear; yet so many persons, otherwise intelligent & clearheaded, are utterly in the dark about it'. The Bishop of London's conduct throughout this episode seems to have been weak. The Address WW sent him needs to be modified in the manner JCH recommended. It would otherwise 'do more harm than good, & wd be regarded as little more than an expression of latitudinarian philosophical indifference. Therefore, even though it were restricted to the laity, I wd strongly urge the desirableness of giving it a more definite Christian tone'. When WW sees Sir James [Sir James Graham], will he 'thank him in my name for his beautiful, but exaggerated mention of the Guesses [Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers, 1827]. I shall have to say something of him when I reprint the Vindication of Luther. We have been reading over the Arlutes in his first volume with exceeding interest and pleasure, and wonder that a man with such a mass of occupations, the burthen of our whole Colonial Empire, on his shoulders, shd have found time & powers of thought to become so familiar with so many of the great characters in the history of the church'. JCH had a letter from Mrs Twining (Mary Arnold) in response to some inquiries to Wordsworth prompted by WW's letter: 'The dear old poet was supposed to be dying on Sunday the 7th, his eightieth birthday; but had rallied somewhat since. His illness has revived his sister's love for him. Mrs Wordsworth hoped that he might be called away rather than restored, if his restoration were only to be a state like poor Southey's [Robert Southey]. Her love for him is truly heroic: I hope that, whatever may be the immediate issue, their separation will be but short. How much love & thankfulness from thousands of hearts that he has enlightened & purified, will rise with his departing spirit to heaven'.
Constantinople. - They had a 'tedious passage' from Prevesa to Navarin [Pilos], then to Napoli [Nafplio], being 'long delayed by calms and foul winds', but their journey on to Athens took only twenty four hours. From Egina to Constantinople took five days.
At Navarin [Pylos] they were 'amazed to find outside the walls a complete french village in which are counted more than a dozen cafés with as many Billiard tables'; they had some 'fair shooting', but the only excursion they made was to Modon [Methoni].
Delivered letter to Meyer's nephew at Napoli, but did not make Mr Griffith's acquaintance; heard at Navarin that Griffith had a 'narrow escape from the bursting of his gun'. At Napoli they made an excursion to Corinth, and also met King, who got a passage to Malta with a friend of Clay's, Captain Graham ('brother of Sir James') on the Rattlesnake, to which Graham had just been appointed on the death of Captain Spencer.
At Athens they 'stumbled upon Gropius to whom Byron has given a somewhat uncomfortable celebrity'; they however found his practical manner of 'great service'. Gropius has 'purchased most of the beautiful situations for hours close to Athens (which may be thought some of the most beautiful in the world) for next to nothing'. Clay was himself tempted to spend a hundred pounds on many acres, 'but scarcely knew what to do with them'. Sir Pulteney Malcolm has bought a 'little place'. They 'got into the Acropolis', made excursions to Marathon and other places. General impressions of Greece.
Has now been in Constantinople about a month; the inhabitants keep threatening severe weather but it remains fine. Is 'much delighted with the beauties of this place', but since he is 'half ruined by buying pipes, sabres, shawls and the other temptations to extravagance which it abundantly offers', proposes starting 'when the north winds set in'. Has been at Pera in lodgings for the last few days, since the walk from the yacht to dine at the Palace every day does not suit him. Delivered Mayer's letter to Cartwright, from whom he has received 'every hospitable attention', as he has from Sir Robert Gordon. Cartwright is a 'capital fellow'.
Meredith left the other day for Smyrna, but Disraeli remains with Clay; they plan to travel to Smyrna, Acre, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Cairo, and to go from Alexandria to Malta. From there he will go to Venice, and 'make the best of my way home. I had intended to do more but English politics now possess such overwhelming interest' that he cannot bear being absent any longer. Expects to be back by the autumn; invites Meyer to give him any 'commands' back in England. Suggests Meyer should write to him at the Albion Club, as he thinks he will either change or give up his house in Town. Disraeli sends best wishes.
Adds postscript with best wishes from Cartwright, who says he is 'quite well but getting a little old, tho' he has the intention of stopping in this world as long as he can, as he is not sure of as good a situation in the next'.
Annotations and under-linings in pencil and red crayon.
Written from Whitehall.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
Letter dated 23 Mar. 1846 written from Downing Street, letter dated 19 Aug. 1845 written from Betchworth, Surrey, letter dated 15 June 1847 written from London.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
15 Bury Street, St James. - Preamble is reported proved; will Milnes transmit it to Sir James Graham, who will open it regardless of whether it is sealed; grateful for attention to present aspirations.
Sends copy of letter from von Humboldt to Sir James Graham; previously thought Milnes his most 'rash and enterprising patron'; no situation would induce him to part with original testimonial; was graciously received by Lord Westmorland. Contains copy by Moriarty of letter in French, 11 Apr. 1846, from Alexander von Humboldt to Sir James Graham: Berlin. - Introduces Mr Moriarty, whose departure after a long residence will be much regretted; his services to German literature and commerce; entertains high regard for him and would like to help him obtain a Professorship to advance the study of foreign literature.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
Trin: Lodge - Confirming that the College abstained in changing the 41st statute as it applies to the University at large as well as to the College. Whewell has conferred with the committee of the Heads concerned with revising the University statutes and hopes to send him a draft of this statute revised. Sir Nicholas Tindal claims that it is not 'subject to the same interpreting authority as the University statutes...but is a College statute' and up to the Master and seniors of the College to revise it. Whewell will send him former royal letters which have modified College Statutes to show how they 'have obtained their validity'.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
Grosvenor Place. - Knows Fryston and will join resistance to proposed railway: it cannot be sustained on public grounds and will do Milnes an irreparable injury.
Grosvenor Place. - Helped throw out 'the obnoxious Bill' today and hopes the old enemy is slain; now has little interest in political events but is always ready to repay kindness of old friends.
One of a group of letters concerning the visitorial powers of the Bishop of Ely.
Sends a sealed petition containing the revised statutes to be presented to the Queen for her signature and official sanction.
Concerning the revised statutes of the College.