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Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter [12/76], and the '[obituary] notice of the poor silent fogey [Sir Joseph Crosland]'. Remembers the fogeys, and the amusement they gave, very well, but not where they met them; has a 'vague recollection that it was at some English sea-side hotel, perhaps in Yorkshire', but it may well have been abroad. Expects Crosland 'felt very much out of place in the House, and may have been glad to be turned out'; he 'seemed a kindly old fogey', and Robert can 'well believe that, in the stately phrase of the Times, he was "generous to a degree"'.

His father's letter to Paul [Hubrecht] has just arrived and will be forwarded; thinks they [Paul and his brother Jan] both much enjoyed their visit to Wallington; Jan was here for two days, and they went over to the site on Sunday with him. The foundations [of Robert and Elizabeth's house] are about finished, and as far as can be judged the work seems very good; they will meet the architect there soon to make some plans about the garden, which will not be big but require thought as it is 'all on a slope'.

Has left [Turgenev's] Dmitri Roudine at Wallington; asks if it could be sent back to the library once his father has done with it. He and Bessie are both very well, and much enjoyed their time at Wallington 'in spite of the doubtful weather'; it was an 'additional pleasure to see Charles and Molly so happily settled'. Hopes his father is still getting on as well with his book; liked reading the two sections he gave him, and 'thought them everything that could be desired'. Bessie thanks both Robert's parents for their letters, and will 'write directly'; they both send their love.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Encloses a newspaper cutting about the death of Sir Joseph Crosland, whom he calls 'the silent fogey, to whom the other two looked up'; when Crosland later got into the House of Commons he seemed 'to know nobody on his own side' and to speak only to Sir George.

Trin[ity] Col[lege] Cam[bridge - on college notepaper]:- Has 'written about the Temple', and expects an answer. It was 'with mixed feelings' that Robert 'saw the return of the Fogie for Huddersfield' [Sir Joseph Crosland, in a by-election: see also TRER/12/15A): remembered him well. Hopes he will 'prove a blow that will drive the boards of the Home Rule Ship closer together'.

Hopes his parents are well. Is writing 'by electric light in the Union'. The Decemviri [a debating society] 'abolished monarchy the other day' by a motion which Robert proposed; they have 'a distinct majority now for progress'. Will write at greater length to his mother in the week.

On printed card from the Scottish Office, Whitehall, S.W. - Asking whether Bob has seen that 'one of the fogies' [Sir Joseph Crosland] has got in for Huddersfield.