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Volume of letters arranged alphabetically by correspondent, with usually no more than one letter per person, each correspondent identified at the top of the page on which the letter is mounted, in the form of an autograph book.

Herstmonceux - JCH is very pleased with the appointment of Alfred Ollivant as the Bishop of Llandaff - 'a most conscientious appointment it seems to me, on the part of Lord John [Russell]'. JCH's 'first wish was that Trench [Richard C. Trench] shd succeed him in the Professorship [of Theology]; for Maurice [John F. D. Maurice] seemed to me out of the question. However, after talking over the matter with Esther [Hare] in the morning, I was brought to wish that I might myself be allowed to take part in helping to work out the new system in my beloved University. At the last election it seemed to me that I had no right to come forward in opposition to a man so far superior to me in theological learning as Mill [William Hodge Mill]'. However, although JCH knows 'that in many things his claims are higher, I shd not shrink from opposing him. For I cannot think that his doctrinal views are those which are the most likely to promote the cause of Christian truth in our days'. JCH's 'own views have become much firmer of late years, and I have a securer knowledge of the foundations on which my doctrines rest. The many testimonials of gratitude & affection which I have received from students of Divinity at Cambridge encourage me to think that, if I were living amongst them & opening my heart & mind to them, I might render them service in helping them to steer among the quicksands by which theological speculation in these days is best. And it might be of some use to shew them that one may admit and recognise whatever is true and valuable in German theology, and yet retain a strong conviction of all the positive truths of the Gospel. Many signs show that this is one of the main perils of our days; & we cannot escape it by turning away from it. We must face it dauntlessly & overcome it'. Obviously JCH will not stand for the theological chair if WW is considering it. Would it be possible for JCH to take a B.D degree, or a D.D. in time to be qualified for becoming a candidate?'. Could he take the Professorship with his current living?

Shall be pleased to ordain [Alfred] Ollivant, C J Blomfield had a lucky escape when the team of his gig bolted

CT did not get WW's letter till much later since he is in Abergwili and not St. David's: 'There remains therefore no practical purpose to be answered by any observations I can make on the subject of your inquiry' concerning the election of the Divinity Professor. Nonetheless he gives his view: 'All that I have seen and heard of Ollivant [Alfred Ollivant] has led me to think very favourably of his character. Steadiness, firmness and discreetness appear to be among its most prominent qualities. To them perhaps, rather than to a deficiency of feeling, is to be ascribed a certain dryness and coldness of manners which renders it easier to esteem than to like him'. With regard to his qualifications for the professorship CT 'can only speak negatively. I have never seen any production of his which indicated more than very ordinary powers of mind'. Above all CT would object to him as a candidate because it is not for his learning or intellect, but 'because he represents the opinions of a party among its members. Nevertheless, I entertain so high an opinion of his integrity, moderation and candour, that I have no doubt, if he has been appointed, he will fill the office creditably and usefully'.

Concerning Rowland Williams.

Thanks CT for his letter which strongly confirmed his own conviction [on the proposed union of the two North-Wales Bishoprics. See CT to WW, 18 Nov. 1842]. WW had hoped to induce the University to take some step toward expressing this opinion: 'I find my brethren however upon the whole indisposed to stir at least for the present'. WW would like CT's opinion on another matter: 'You are probably aware that Turton [Thomas Turton] has resigned the Professorship of Divinity, and that there are several candidates for the office'. CT's neighbour, Ollivant [Alfred Ollivant] is being encouraged to come forward - what does CT think of him?: 'the main matter which we have to consider is whether he is a good divine and a judicious administrator of a public employment like the Head of a college' [see CT to WW, 18 Jan. 1843].

Trinity Lodge - Alfred Ollivant has become a candidate for Thomas Turton's vacated chair (Regius Professor of Divinity): 'Tell me what you know of him in Wales or elsewhere. His coming forwards was a move of some of the electors who suspected C. Wordsworth [Christopher Wordsworth, junior], as well as Mill [William Hodge Mill], of Tractarian propensities, and did not like the other candidates for various reasons [see WW to RJ, 9 October 1842]. It is a curious proof how strong the Cambridge antipathy to that school is. I am only sorry for it in so far as if it dispel C. Wordsworth it will much grieve my benefactor his father'.

Trinity College - Alfred Ollivant has been elected the new Regius Professor of Divinity - 'rather of the evangelical cast'. WW voted for William Hodge Mill [see WW to RJ, 10 January 1843] .

Tithe Commission - Ollivant [Alfred Ollivant?] is at present vicar of the parish which RJ's 'illustrious race came from in Montgomeryshire & I have seen something of him - not any like enough to form any opinion however of his talents or temper'. RJ enjoyed his stay in Edinburgh 'with Lord Jeffery for a commentator on all "people and things"'.

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.