Showing 174 results

Apostles funds low, donations to the Spanish cause, wishes to discuss the matter

Blackheath - notice to quit his rooms, profligacy of Brookfield, Thackeray and Buller, Tennyson's sister, coalition between Tories and Radicals, Apostles should be less profane in their conversations

Cambridge - recovered from illness, [James] Spedding failed [Fellowship examination], College tutors, [Apostles] "grievously thinned", [John] Sterling's son may be apostolic, Spedding taking drawing lessons, [Richard Chenevix] Trench has preached in W. B. Donne's area, death of Arthur Hallam, Tennyson depressed, left some poems with him, George Farish "professes to read law and practices ... the smoking of cigars", Christopher Wordsworth full of modern Greek literature

Colonial Office - Apostles' dinner, ill, excesses of youth

Colonial Office - resolutions passed the previous night [at the Sterling Club], Club dinners

Reports that he went to Scotland with the intention of doing some fishing, but the weather has not been favourable for that activity, and he has gone to the Isle of Skye. Complains of the scarcity of meat. Describes the island as 'a wonderfully pretty place' but complains about the difficulty of traversing the mountains. Reports having climbed Sgùrr nan Guillean the previous day, and having found the cards of D[uncan?] Darroch, Trinity College, and --- Morgan, Jesus College, under a small [cairn], to which he added his own. Claims that Skye would be a good place for reading parties, and gives a description of its attractions. Uncertain as to whether he will be in town for [the Apostles'?] dinner, and expresses his displeasure with 'that Secretary [Charles?] Puller' for not having written to let him know when the dinner was to be. Writes patronisingly about 'these Highlanders' and their attempts to speak English, but claims there to be 'nothing like the jolly good Saxon civility', which, he maintains, recognises 'that true politeness does not ignore distinction of ranks.'

Entreats Sidgwick not to be persuaded by 'O.B.' [?Oscar Browning, representing Eton in the Apostles] or by anyone else that 'these lists represent the ordinary condition of the school.' Refers to mathematics, and a comparison with Rugby.

Appreciates Sidgwick's long letter. Reports that he has been well informed of Trinity, and more particularly, of 'Apostolic' news. Refers to his present illness. Asks for Sidgwick's advice in relation to whether or not he should take the Tripos examination or to stake his credit on some future Fellowship Exam. Asks whether he should study Pindar, Martial, Propertius and others. States that if he has any time it must be devoted partly to history and partly to '[Gk] Comp'. Asks if it is 'not fearful to forget the Greek for the simplest words, and to feel as well able to compose an air as an Iambic'. Reports that to him were sent three copies of Horace [at the University of Athens by G. O. Trevelyan?] which he discusses. Claims that '[Burnand] would have written a more telling piece for the stage, and Trevelyan should have produced something more worthy of his pen for the general public', but says that it nevertheless gave him an hour's laughter. Expresses regret that he missed 'the Professor's [Rhesio]', and asks if he was Platonical or ironical [W. H. Thompson, Regius Professor of Greek?]. Refers to a report in 'the Standard' about M. Milnes' attempt to canvass for Lord Palmerston in Cambridge within a few hours of the Chancellor's death [Prince Albert, Chancellor of Cambridge University until his death]. Expresses his contentment that Sidgwick [and others] 'have thrown the mantle upon [John?] Stanning', and supposes that the Duke of Devonshire 'is pretty safe of the Chancellorship'. Presumes that [Oscar?] Browning 'must have come down heavy upon [Sidgwick and others]...with his loyalty, during the last few days.' Refers to 'the great American debate', and is glad that the Arbitration [ ] will now be squashed. Refers to Miller's arguments, which he claims he could not have endured any more than Sidgwick. Tells him to remind Cowell, if he is still at Cambridge, that he promised to write to him.

Explains that he put off writing to Young until it had been decided whether or not Everett should be elected to 'the [Apostles] Society'. Announces that he had been accepted, and refers to him as 'a very clever man.' Refers to his declaration as 'very extravagant and Americans' and reports that 'old Martin was astonished.' States that now Trevelyan, Thompson and Jebb are gone down, a new and rather striking element is needed. Reports on recent discussions, including Trevelyan's speech criticising young men who give up their early ambitions and become schoolmasters. The latter being 'all for the edification of Fisher'. Remarks that Heathcote is 'still rather below the average of an Apostle but still he is improving.' Reports that there has been nothing heretical so far. Declares that he wishes to relieve himself of the charge of having recommended Goldwin Smith as a heretical work. States that it always gives him indigestion to read the Quarterly Review. Refers to the controversy between G. Smith and Mansel, which 'is rather metaphysical than theological'. Agrees with Young that illness has the effect of clearing away doubts. Declares that '[t]he Union is falling again rather'. [Incomplete]

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.

Covering sheet with note in ink: 'Almost certainly written for Apostles and if so probably for 20 Feb 1864 "Is it natural for a [ ] to petition for grace" being the subject vote on that day.' Contains amendments and emendations.

States that he was glad to hear from Cowell, and very sorry to hear of his bad health. Admits that in the question he proposes he 'can only give an answer [apolitically obscure].' Refers to the group known as 'the "Apostles" ', and his perception of it during his time at Cambridge. Claims to believe that 'a certain amount of reserve' is an indispensable sign of the well-being of the Society. Maintains that the portrait of the Society in Dr [Coughlan's] [ ] religious [ ] 'shews how little the real character of the "Apostles" was known in his time and implies both the [ ] and some disadvantages resulting from it.' Concludes that he sees 'no good to be [ ] by talking much about the Society to the general world who are most likely to mistake its objects and misunderstand its principles.'

Harrow. - Seeks recommendation for Headmastership at Haileybury: 'I have excited strong opposition in some paedagogic & clerical circles by the editing of the Essays on a Liberal Education, & by my Lecture before the Royal Institution'; ought not to be barred for pursuing cause of educational reform; requests testimonial; several other Apostles are aiding him.

Trinity College, Cambridge.—Lists and discusses recent elections to the ‘Cambridge Apostles’. At the last Congregation Sedley Taylor proposed that money should be raised for a chair of physics by abolishing heads of houses.

(Dated Saturday.)

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Transcript

Trin. Coll. Cam.
Saturday

Dear Sir Frederick

At last I have got sight of the secretary’s book, {1} which has been changing keeper lately and so became temporarily invisible. The list of me and my successors is as follows:

165—W. K. C.—Nov. 17 ’66
166—J F Moulton—Jun 1 ’67
167—F. E. Anderson—Nov 2 ’67
168—G. H. Blakesley—Feb 22 ’68
169—C Colbeck—Oct 24 ’68
170—M. R. Pryor—Nov. 13 ’69
171—Hopkinson—Oct 28 ’70

It appears from this that your constant advice about electing people is quite right; for while the average rate of election since the beginning of years has been 3 men a year, we have for the last four years let it get down to below 2. Jackson and Currey have become angels; {2} it appears that Elphinstone was rude to the former at Richmond and hinted that he was staying on too long. Stuart is now secretary. Besides Hopkinson who comes in today we have 2 new men in prospect. The objection to them is that they are all high tripos men to be—I mean mathematical—and this will give too strong a flavour of π to the functions. The last meeting was in my rooms—question wife or mistress?—and you will be glad to hear that with the help of 2 angels we were unanimously in favour of the latter—Stuart making some weak partial protest supposed to be due to a well-known influence. The last news of their shadowy outside is that at a Congregation last Saturday Sedley Taylor proposed to raise money for a physical professor by abolishing heads of houses. 2 of them died on the spot, 3 (including our own) are dangerously ill, and the rest are gone to refresh themselves in the country—we don’t appear to have got the money yet though. I have been sleepless since I came back and accordingly unfit to do anything whatever.

Yours all of us
W. K. Clifford.

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The dashes in the table of elections have been added.

{1} The record book kept by the secretary of the Cambridge Conversazione Society or ‘Cambridge Apostles’.

{2} i.e. they had left the Society.

Expresses his surprise at being invited to the [Conversazione] Society's dinner. Gives his address in North Devon. Invites Sidgwick to his home, where he could ensure him, 'absolute seclusion for literary work, with very good air on high ground, plenty of shade, cool rooms. No dust or flies or formalities.' Refers to the visits of Montagu Butler, who had brought a man called [John Henry?] Pratt with him the previous year. Hears reports of Sidgwick through another guest. Also mentions the visit of Frederick Pollock and his wife. Announces his intention of being in Zurich during the month of July, but intends to be 'fixed' in his home in Devon for the rest of the year. Claims that he is 'not rich enough to go to London' that he 'shrink[s] from "society" out of the neighbourhood in which [he has] business to transact'. Claims that he never 'was fit to be a member of the C.C.S.'

Thanks him for dealing with his book. Remarks that Sidgwick is 'very hard to please'. Refers to his sentiment about philosophers, and states that he meant to make a second speech at the d[inner] [Apostles' dinner?], to reply to those who were offended by the epithet that he used, but didn't. Compares his experience to 'the story of Sheridan'.

Includes papers given to the Literary Society, Benson's Symposium, Chit Chat Club and the Apostles (Cambridge Conversazione Society), as well as poetry and translations.

65-80: Early material and preparation for Henry Babington Smith's Chairmanship in 1905, including correspondence, notices and menus of previous years' dinners;
81-110: Letters of acceptance for the 1905 dinner.
111-144: Apologies for the 1905 dinner.

Paper given 6 Feb. 1886.

Paper given 5 Feb. 1887.

Paper given 4 Jun. 1887.

Trin[ity] Col[lege] Cam[bridge - on college notepaper]:- Thanks his father for his letter and 'the bill'; by their arrangement, £16 is for Charlie 'as soon as he likes to claim it', at which point Robert will give him a cheque. Thinks it will probably be simplest for him to 'manage the societies [of the Inns of Court]' himself; can do that some time next week and will 'take steps at once'. Will tell his father to whom he should make out the cheque on Sunday, but expects it will be the Treasurer, whose name he cannot remember at present.

Made an 'allusion' in his last letter to his mother [46/5], which he expects his father did not understand, referring to the 'cursing of [Henry John?] Roby which Robert 'witnessed last Saturday at the Apostles', to which he has been chosen. Is 'very much gratified though not a little astonished', since his 'metaphysical knowledge and capacity is quite as deficient' as his father's was; the Apostles are 'not by any means exclusively metaphysical', though the 'daily expected' reappearance of McTaggart will 'probably make them more so'. Would like to talk to his father about the society and members when he next gets a chance. It will not take up too much of his time, and he will not have to write a paper for a while. Blake was here yesterday, and 'made a great impression'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Not surprised that the Apostles are considering whether they should 'take notice of JECW' [James Edward Cowell Weldon, who had cancelled the annual dinner with little warning], but expects there is 'something to be said on both sides'. Is interested in both [Crompton and Theodore Llewelyn] Davies, and hopes they will both get fellowships next year; supposes postponement is 'not as bad a thing' as it was in his time. Glad that George is doing so well. Is rather busy; has never seen less game around the lower estate, but does well without it.

Announces that he has undertaken to write a short life of his brother [J.F. Stephen], and is beginning to get together a few materials. Would like to know something about his career as an Apostle. Being unaware of the record-keeping practices of the society, and asks Sidgwick to inform him of the name of the person to whom he should apply in relation to this matter. Expresses his deep regret at the news of Robertson Smith's death.

Trinity:- Is glad that his father's 'Committee has not miscarried', and hopes it 'will not be unproductive and without issue'. Has not had time to 'follow political developments closely', but read Asquith's speech 'with great interest and approval'. Harry [Yates] Thompson and Dolly were at Trinity yesterday to stay with the Master. Thompson 'turned up' in Robert's room at 10 a.m. as he 'was dressing for a late Sunday breakfast', and found him 'covered by just that amount of clothing in which Nelson's sailors fought at the Nile and Trafalgar'.

Robert also saw Thompson at [Henry?] Jackson's after hall. There was discussion of the [Apostle's?] dinner, which will be on 20 June: they are 'for obvious reasons, very anxious to get a good attendance this time' and will try to get infrequent participants to come. Asks his father to 'use [his] powers of persuasion' if he meets anyone in the House of Commons or elsewhere 'who might perhaps come without it'. They are 'anxious to know [C. H.] Tawney's address'; asks his father to send it to him if he knows it, or 'tell [James] Parker Smith, the president'. Welldon has been asked, and Robert hopes he will 'turn up'. Asks whether Lord Carlisle every comes. The 'Chancellor [of the Exchequer] is for various reasons we fear impossible'.

Asks whether all is well at home. Chanced to see 'an energetic counter-attack of C[harles] upon [Edward?] Stanley', but has not 'seen the provocation'; supposes Charles will keep it so Robert will be able to see it in London. Is staying inside all today with 'a cold in the head of the kind that makes one very stupid', but is otherwise well. George is speaking tomorrow 'on Disestablishment'; he 'must speak at least once a term, as he is now on the committee'; he is well, and 'thoroughly engrossed in his work'. Robert sends his love to his mother, whom he proposes to call 'Matuschka' in future. Harry Thompson says the Master 'ate something that did not agree with him at the Saturday dinner, and has to keep to his bed all Sunday from indigestion'.

Speaks about the death of his brother, [Charles Bowen], and speaks of him with affection. Discusses having a picture of him done. Regrets that he can't come to the [Apostles'?] dinner this year.

Tells Bob to write if he does not get his boots: George would be sorry to see him 'like a French grenadier of 1796'; ads that he himself 'would have fought with greater pleasure in that army than in any other... just for the first four or five glorious years'. Had a 'great field day' here last weekend; wisely Sir George did not come to the meeting, which would have been 'rather an ordeal' as there were so many people, but 'held his own at a breakfast' in George's rooms on Sunday. Has discovered that almost everything by Swift amuses him; spends an hour on the Backs reading Swift or Pepys every day; would not advise Bob to try as the 'political allusions' are crucial, but it is a 'splendid insistence' of what Bob said about 'history as - what shall we say - the dressmaker [emphasised] of literature'. Is busy reading and thinking, as he is giving a paper to the 'Sunday Essay [Society]' this week and 'a greater society' [the Apostles?] the week after, the first papers of the sort he has written.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Has just read 'our dear brother's novel' ["Gerald Eversley's Friendship" by Welldon, their fellow Apostle], which is 'not so bad as [he] expected': the 'commonplaceness of the story and the setting is so bold and unconventionally conventional' that it is not laughable. About half the book is set at Harrow, and this is 'good, that is true to life'; he 'knows more of boys' than George thought. Versions of Van [A. G. Watson, known as 'Vanity'] and [Charles] Searle appear. The two main characters are a 'young barbarian' and a 'swot' who make friends; the swot's 'religious doubt' is the subject of the last half of the book, and must be respected as written by 'one of the last of the old style [emphasised] of Xtian brethren', as he takes Welldon to be. The morals of this part seem to be that 'religion may be false but it is necessary to happiness and conduct', and that a young man should 'go to Trinity, not Baliol [sic]': the swot goes to Balliol, 'finds people making epigrams instead of talking apostolically', suffers religious doubts which are not taken seriously and attempts suicide; clear that Welldon views the swot's 'reversion to Xtianity rather a poor job'; George thinks Balliol people 'will be very angry'.

Glad that Robert is coming back soon; thinks that their mother is inviting 'McT' [Jack McTaggart?], to whom their father is eager to show the Macaulay books, but she will not do so before Bob returns. Is getting 'very fond of the West Wood', and wishes there were such a place to walk in Cambridge: the Backs are 'too academical and not solitary or secluded enough'. Is 'beginning to find imagination of unreal company or circumstances very refreshing for a few minutes each day'. Describes how the battle [involving toy soldiers] is going in detail, with suggestions as to how it should proceed; sketches out a map for this.