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Information on most of the seniors added in MS notes beside the pasted-in sheet. 'The Master' is written, rather than Thompson's proper name.

On part of an examination paper on Cicero. Information on most of the seniors added in MS notes beside the pasted-in sheet. 'The Master' is written, rather than Thompson's proper name.

Encloses four epigrams [wanting], reads with Shilleto and attends Thompson's lectures, concentrating on classics at present but will have to look at mathematics next term

Thompson's fellowship, Donne has turnpike bonds which he is prepared to sell to Thompson, has hardly recovered from seeing Charles Kean's Macbeth, has begun his printer's copy of his Tacitus, "Bibliotheca" promised to adopt a new approach to classical texts

Explains the delay in answering Cowell's letter, claiming that he had mislaid it, and had forgotten where Cowell would be; says that he could only remember that he would be at F[lorence] 'about the beginning of May.' Apologises for his carelessness, and claims that he was further delayed in writing by his having to research some lectures that he had to give on the Acts of the Apostles. Regrets that they could not have met up at Florence. Reports that [Henry Yates?] Thompson's failure in the Tripos took them all by surprise, and that the latter seems to have taken the result 'a good deal too coolly; and to have imitated [George Otto] Trevelyan's dangerous example of reading by himself and doing no composition, without having any of Trevelyan's classical intuition...' Reports that Thompson is now in Auvergne, having perfected his French at Paris, and that Trevelyan has returned from Paris. Expresses some doubts in relation to the latter's account of his and Thompson's sojourn in Paris.

Reports that he himself has been spending his vacation in England, trying to cure his stammering. States that he is an M.A. now, and is getting to see more of the authorities of the College, whom he describes as 'a kind of big children.' Remarks that W.H. Thompson 'improves on acquaintance', and is 'so much more genial than one would have thought.' States that he [Henry] is getting over his old objections against fellow-commoners. Admits that his is a very nice life, and that he actually gets through 'so very little work.' Wishes that he could shake off his laziness and begin to write. Claims that his views on religious and philosophical subjects are 'in a state of change', and wishes that he could talk to Cowell on these matters. Claims to have given up a good deal of his materialism and scepticism, 'and come round to Maurice and Broad Church again...' Claims to be 'deeply impressed by the impotence of modern unbelief in explaining the phenomena which Christians point to as evidences of the Holy Spirit's influence.' Discusses his interpretation of the words 'religious' and 'irreligious' as applied to men.

Hopes that Cowell is 'getting happily and delightfully convalescent' in 'the famous city of Dante' [Florence]. Wonders when he is to return to England, and if his 'distaste for the law and...devotion to philosophy' will continue when his health has improved. Remarks that he always thought that Cowell was made for the practical rather than the speculative life. Reports that the ' [Apostles] Society' flourishes, and that the only new member is [William] Everett, who has considerable interests in Metaphysics. Refers to his 'declamation in chapel', with which the old Dons, especially [William] Whewell, were 'enraptured. Asks for the name of Cowell's guide for [E.E?] Bowen, who plans, with [E.M?] Young, a Swiss tour.

One of a set of eight testimonial letters printed when Frazer was an applicant for the Chair of Humanity at the University of Aberdeen; praises his scholarship and industry, and the advantage of being a Scotsman and having been educated in Scotland.

Preperations for the College Examination, attending Thompson's lectures on Plato's 'Republic' I and II, working on mathematical subjects, the Gospel of St Matthew suits CJM better, composition is neglected in College Examinations until after the Freshman's year, numbers of entries for the University prizes

Thinks JHM right in postponing Shilleto's tuition, prefers him to attend W H Thompson's lectures on Pindar, Thompson could advise him on his classical reading

Re Alfred Newton.

48 letters to W. H. Thompson dated 1831-1866, and 1 letter addressed to [John] Allen dated 24 Aug. 1840. Names mentioned in the accompanying calendar of the letters include Henry Alford; John Allen; Robert Leslie Ellis; Edward FitzGerald; Arthur Hallam; Walter Savage Landor; Samuel Laurence; Richard Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton; Stephen Spring Rice; Sir Henry Taylor; Robert John Tennant; Alfred, Lord Tennyson; Charles Tennyson [later Turner]; and William Wordsworth. Spedding also refers to his work on Francis Bacon.
With a further 35 letters to William Aldis Wright and William George Clark, dated 1862-1881. Letters to William George Clark date from 1862 to 1864 and relate to collations of Shakespeare's plays. Letters from 1881 to William Aldis Wright relate to Frederick James Furnivall, with copies of Spedding's letters to Furnivall, and one letter from Furnivall to Spedding dated 26 Feb. 1881. Accompanied by a mechanical copy of the Northumberland Manuscript.

Green leather volume, with embossing and gold decoration. Printed illustration from 'Happy New Year' card pasted to inside front cover. Bookplate, 'Ex Libris Bryan William James Hall', with coat of arms and illustration, pasted to front free endpaper.

Numerous autographs, mostly in the form of ends of letters and addresses on envelopes, pasted into book. Notes beneath items (sometimes also pasted in) often identify writers. Complete letters etc have been described in individual records dependent to this one, referenced by their folio numbers; signatures and addressees are referenced by linked authority record only. Some names remain undeciphered or unidentified.

Compiled by a sister of C. W. King, see part letter from King on f. 14r, 'I enclose the autograph of a distinguished Grecian for your book. With love I am, my dear Sister, yours affect[ionate]ly C. W. King'. Although no first name appears, C. W. King's only sister appears to have been Anne, sometimes known as Annette (1824-1874). A letter from W. G. Clark to C. W. King, preserved on the verso of the flyleaf, was sent with 'some autographs for your friend', and there are also envelopes and letters addressed to William Aldis Wright and other members of Trinity suggesting King was actively gathering material for his sister. The bulk of the collection appears to have been assembled between the late 1860s and early 1870s.

Reports that his hay fever has improved somewhat, so he can 'behold the face of nature without sneezing therein'. but that he does not intend to travel immediately. Intends to be 'hanging about London' towards the end of July, 'seeing the Academy, going to Eton, examining at Harrow and so on.' Announces that he will go to the Lakes with Trevelyan on 10 August for a short time. Asks his mother to inform him of what she is doing, and of her plans. Undertakes to come to visit her in the autumn; 'the latter part of September.' States that he is 'reading now pretty hard, and very much enjoying the complete freedom and leisure. Reports on the cleaning and painting and possible gilding of their Hall, which activities are being carried out under the 'civilizing influence' of the new Master [W. H. Thompson]. Announces that they are 'actually going to dine on chairs' after the vacation. Remarks that 'Mr. Martin unwillingly yielded to the irresistible tendency of the age of luxuriousness.'

Reports that the Italian [funds] are maintaining themselves, much to his surprise, and that his speculations have not been very successful, but he is better off than certain of his friends who 'put into certain banks.' Refers to the '[inquiry] inflicted by the ruin of Agra and Masterman's bank'. Asks her to tell Arthur that he is sending him a set of papers that Roche Dakyns forwarded to him. Hears that William is still in Oxford, writing. Wishes that he himself was writing, and intends to begin very soon. Reports that 'Trevelyan has some fresh book on hand.' States that they have 'taken rather a fit of writing at Cambridge'; that two or three of his friends have got books on hand. Announces the presence of a poetess in Cambridge: Mrs Webster, who has 'just translated the Prometheus of Aeschylus rather well', and of two or three novelists; 'one writer in the Times, two in the Saturday Review etc etc.' Refers to the fact that Lord Derby 'is to be Premier', and laments that his own chance of 'getting anything good has gone by'.

Reports that he saw Arthur. Refers to William's speech at Manchester; that 'the Manchester people printed him as the Revd. Dr Sedgwick Master of Merton and how the Conservative weekly took him to task for so impudent and conceited an imposition.' Claims that it was a malicious article.

States that they are in a considerable state of agitation there [in Trinity College] 'as all sorts of projects of reform are coming to the surface, partly in consequence of having a new Master [W. H. Thompson]...partly from a hope...that Mathison was going to take himself off.' Admits that there is much that need alteration, but is grateful that there is also 'very little of what Carlyle calls hide-bound Toryism.' Reports that an investment of his is turning out very badly. Remarks that the Italians seem bent on war, and if they do go to war he fears that they won't pay the interest on their enormous debt. He believes that such a situation would result in his losing £50 per annum from his income.

Is still undecided about whether to go abroad that year or to stay in England and read philosophy. Announces that there are several visits that he wants to pay in the latter half of July 'to schoolmasters and others.' Speculates that he 'may be decided to go abroad by the fact of a European war'. Declares that he has never been even on the skirts of a campaign; he came after one at Solferino, 'and even that was exciting enough.' Asks his mother to write, if only to say that she has received Ionica [the anthology by William Johnson (Cory)].

Announces his intention of coming down 'about the middle of passion week', from Wellington College, but states that he cannot quite fix his movements, as he wants to be in Cambridge to inaugurate the new master [of Trinity]. Reports that there was relief at the appointment, as there was fear that it would be a non-resident. Declares that Thompson 'will make a very good sort of master, though not perhaps the best' as he is 'a little too lazy or dyspeptic'. Claims that they expect further changes in the College, 'as it is thought Mathison will take a living', but that they won't make Henry tutor.

Informs her that he shall not bring any friend with him as he prefers the domestic circle when at home, and will stay over Easter Sunday if his mother has room for him. Confirms that he is interested in the ' "grammar question" ', and strongly believes that the language should be taught to boys 'without making them learn by heart a syntax in Latin.' Looks forward to seeing his uncle Robert, but does not wish to talk about theological questions [with him]. He is willing to talk about 'any amount' of politics or philosophy, however. States that he has not forgotten about the poems, but cannot find the book. Undertakes to buy another one if he cannot find it, and send it to her. Expresses regret in relation to his mother's health, and hopes to see 'them in a week or so.' Refers to the fact that Edward [Benson] is not well, and that 'he seems a good deal worried about new masters'.

Re memorial to Connop Thirlwall, bishop of St. David's.

26 Colville Road, Bayswater, W.—Asks him to thank his friend. Has been taking Mrs Crawford to studios. The Royal Academy have accepted Jack Collier’s picture of Henry Hudson.

(Dated Monday. With an envelope, postmarked 5 Apr. 1881.)

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Transcript

26 Colville Road, Bayswater, W.
Monday

My dear Fred

Many thanks indeed & thank y[ou]r friend as best you can. But why do you spell […] {1} with a big ll it made me quite shudder. I conclude that he has the feeling I said & that it is given as a tribute to my old man’s genius—you would’nt† let me take it else.

Don’t talk about y[ou]r ink pot. I have upset the lamp & it is a mess.

You only put Lucy C on the pension form it ought to be Sophie &c &c.

Today I have been taking Mrs Crawford to studios. I hear the R.A.’s accepted Jack Collier’s Hudson picture {2} with a shout of applause. Rady’s {3} is also accepted. This was a member of the accepting body who betrayed the secrets of the jury to our willing ears.

Best love to you both my dears from y[ou]r loving

Lucy

[Direction on envelope:] F. Pollock Esq[ui]re | 48 Gt Cumberland Place | W.

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Black-edged paper and envelope. The envelope was postmarked at London, W., on 5 April 1881. Letters omitted from words abbreviated by superscript letters have been supplied in square brackets.

{1} There is an indistinct word here.

{2} The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson.

{3} Reading uncertain.

Trinity College, Cambridge.—Praises Pollock’s review of Willis's biography of Spinoza (cf. A1/20), and imagines an amusing exchange with 'a typical Cambridge rector'.

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Transcript

Trin. Coll. Camb.

Mr W. K. Clifford requests the pleasure of the Master of Trinity and Mrs W. H. Thompson’s company at an evening {1} They can’t come. Oh no! it couldn’t have been that, you know! Can’t find another sheet of paper;—they are all full of gymnastic programmes: Vaulting horse. Single Trapeze. Parallels. Double Trapeze. Horizontal. Rings. Climbing. The whole to be preceded by an elegant exemplification of the rapier, with buttons. My sweet Fred! as if I ever slept in that miracle of folly called bed! I balance a leaf of my table on two chairs (to be out of the way of cockroaches!) and sleep as softly as if it were a slab of marble. Pryor, educ[ationa]l value of classificatory sciences or else imminent social crisis. Your Spinoza is splendid: sets people right on exactly the points, and nearly tempts one to become theological. I am told, however, that I swear too much already. Picture to yourself a typical Cambridge rector in hall, descanting upon the lovely bells he is going to put up, hinting subscription; me (appealingly) What, sir, is the least sum that you will take to put up dumb bells? New scene made for Ghanfortera; turns it into high old edification; poetic justice satisfied by providential jimmy. {3} We fear Keary won’t be a success. Vaya con Libertad.

May the eternal freedom that creates all living things and inspires every good work preserve you from obeying any law rule convention or precept ever sanctioned by God or man.

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{1} The first sentence, which is written in purple ink, was evidently the beginning of an abortive invitation.

{2} Pollock’s unsigned review (headed ‘Spinoza’) of R. Willis's Benedict de Spinoza (1870) in the *Spectator, No. 2184 (w/e 7 May 1870), pp. 589-91. Cf. CLIF A1/20.

{3} The meaning of this sentence is unclear.

At the back of the volume are drafts for memorial brasses for William Hepworth Thompson and Coutts Trotter, and a Latin and a Greek translation of Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar."

Returns to her with thanks her list of members of the Ad Eundem [included]; dates it 'not earlier than the spring of 1866, when W.H. Thompson became Master [of Trinity] and it is not later than the autumn of 1868' when he [Jackson] was elected. Thinks that the likely date is 1867. Gives a list of those he believes were the founders; includes the names of Henry Sidgwick, H. Fawcett, A. Sidgwick, W.C. Sidgwick, G.O. Trevelyan etc. Lists the names of some men who came later. States that from January 1872 he has a complete list. Refers to Arthur [Sidgwick's] resignation in December 1877, and his reelection in May 1879. He always regards the Ad Eundem 'as one of Henry's good works'; it has been very useful as a link between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Referring to the printed list, states that he believes that 'the written supplements are Munro's.'

Printed list entitled 'Ad Eundem Club/List of Members.' Lists members of the club, with their addresses. MS annotations.

Quotes from the will of Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester in which she bequeaths the portrait of her brother Prince William Frederick by Sir Joshua Reynolds to be hung in the Hall. Also makes a reference to the portrait of Coke being held by Rowe until orders were given regarding it.

26 Colville Road, Bayswater, W.—Reiterates her gratitude for his friend's generosity.

(With an envelope, postmarked 2 Apr. 1881.)

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Transcript

26 Colville Road, Bayswater, W.

Dearest Fred

I am so afraid I did’nt† convey all I meant today {1} or seem to consider y[ou]r friend’s generosity enough. But I can assure you I was very much surprised at your & very touched at the fineness {2} of my would-be helper. Don’t think I don’t value £20. I value every farthing—but it was not a case in which to think of the value of the gift nor of one’s own wants but only of what one ought to do.—I feel as if I had not said anything nice abt it & I sh[oul]d like to say so much. But the longer one lives among people the better one likes them & the less one is taken by surprise at any goodness or kindness—don’t you think so? Do let him understand how grateful I am

Thy
Lucy C.

Have been calculating up & find that with Testimonial, pension, books, & literary Fund I have £216 a year. So I ought to be content.

[Direction on envelope:] F. Pollock Esq[ui]re | 48 G[rea]t Cumberland Place | W.

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Black-edged paper and envelope. The envelope was postmarked at ‘[Sunni]nghill, Sx’(?) on 2 April 1881. Letters omitted from words abbreviated by superscript letters have been supplied in square brackets.

{1} See CLIF A9/4.

{2} Reading uncertain.

† Sic.

Album containing over 250 letters, notes, documents, unaccompanied envelopes, printed items, and photographic prints carrying the handwriting and/or autographs of sovereigns, prelates, government ministers, peers, authors, and Trinity College masters and professors, with a few unusual items in addition. The material appears to have been largely culled from the correspondence of George Peacock, his wife Frances Peacock, her father William Selwyn, and her second husband William Hepworth Thompson, with a few unrelated items. Most date from the 19th century but there are a few items from the 18th century.

Among those represented are King George III, Charles Babbage, E.W. Benson, the 15th Earl of Derby, the 7th Duke of Devonshire, W. E. Gladstone, Lord Houghton, Charles Kingsley, H. W. Longfellow, Lord Macaulay, Sir Robert Peel, John Ruskin, Adam Sedgwick, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Anthony Trollope, and William Whewell; there are in addition a miniature handwritten Lord's Prayer in a circle no larger than 15mm across, a carte-de-visite photograph souvenir 'balloon letter' from the Paris siege of 1870 with an image of the newspaper 'La Cloche', and a photographic print of Lane's portrait of George Peacock.

Rotographs of a sermon on Matthew 25:29, originally 25 pp. in a bound volume, identified on an accompanying envelope as W. H. Thompson. Envelope addressed to P. W. Duff, Trin. Coll.

Monk Soham Rectory, Wickham Market, Suffolk - Hardly ever keeps letters, so has none of Edward FitzGerald's; indeed, generally only had notes or cards from him since they lived near to each other and 'kept our topics for such times as we met and talked them out'. Suggests John Allen, Dean Blakesley, Dean Merivale, the Master of Trinity and Mrs Thompson as people who could supply letters, but has 'misgivings whether such letters should be published, good and pleasant as they may be', questioning whether FitzGerald 'would have sanctioned it? He, who carefully tore up letters almost as soon as he received them'.

Encloses a letter from John Allen [ADD.MS.a/6/23?]. Thanks Crabbe for congratulations on the engagement of his son William to [Emma] Colvin.

Will not go to the auction, but would like to have catalogues. Mrs Ritchie (Miss Thackeray) should have some, as two of her father's drawings are on sale. 'Also Mowbray Donne, Allen and Crowfoot cum multis aliis'.

Monk Soham Rectory, Wickham Market, Suffolk.—Sends a proof of his article on ‘Captain Ward’, and discusses it. Has heard that Thompson is ill.

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Monk Soham Rectory, Wickham Market, Suffolk
Nov. 23. 1877.

Dear Wright

Many thanks for your two letters.

I send you a proof of “Captain Ward” which will appear in “Suffolk N. and Q” on Tuesday week, Dec 4th. {1}

But since I sent the first, Text A, I have heard a second recital from another parishioner, who learnt it from his grandfather.

I have put all these readings and additions to the proof sent to you {2}.

Please, perpend.

They, ie Text B, seem to me to be improvements, specially the verse

“Go ye home …
at sea”.

I am not so sure about the second additional stanza. It is rather a puzzle, where it should come in, if at all.

Now as regards Mr Chappells information. Does he mean that these four Ballads have been printed from the several Ballad Collections, or that they [are] at present only in these Collections, but as yet unprinted? or if printed, accessible only to the initiated?

If you can ascertain anything from the Pepysian, or any other source, will you, in your kindness, send it direct to Frank. His address is

Francis H. Groome
5 Argyle Park Terrace
Edinburgh.

He can then append an Editorial Note, in brackets, of what he has gathered about Captain Ward, and the various(?) ballads about him. Will you also send the proof to him with any hints as to the value or non-value, of Text B; of which however he has already received a copy. If you would let your name appear, as his informant, it would add to the value greatly.

I have just heard from FitzGerald, and he says: “Mrs T. writes rather sadly, about ten days ago, of Thompson: “So altered I should scarce know him” she said.” Is this so? I hope not. He was, of course, not looking well when I saw him; but he must have been very ill since then, for, “scarce know him”, to be true.

You will see I have utilized my notes about Dowsing.

Yours sincerely
Robert H. Groome

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{1} In fact the article appeared in the Ipswich Journal on 11 Dec. (No. 7587, p. 1).

{2} Add. MS b. 74/8/5.

Date from postmark. Sealed with black wax. Contents no longer present.

Earls Court - thanks for forwarding a letter from Thirlwall, the editor of his biography has appealed for information about him, own health slowly deteriorating, thinking of sending Arthur Blakesley to sit for a scholarship, asks for information on tutors

Oxford - Spedding knocked down by a cab, Arthur Blakesley's attempt to gain a studentship at Christ Church Oxford