Showing 36 results

Thanks his mother for her letter. Thinks Georgie has nearly recovered from his cold. Has received a letter from 'Grandpapa Philips', and will write to him today. There was meant to have been a [cricket] match with Bracknell last Thursday but it rained so they did not come; it also rained on Friday, so the match will now be next Monday. Robert is in the eleven, at square leg. Has not got a cover for his bat, but can 'easily' get one by sending the measurements. Does not think Georgie wants any paper, as Robert 'can rule the un-ruled paper' for him; Robert would like a few stamps, as he has not got many. Hopes 'Papa is nearly well, and will be able to come'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland; addressed to Bob at 29 Beaufort Street, Chelsea, and forwarded to the National Liberal Club. - Is glad the show [an art exhibition organised by Roger Fry] is coming to Cambridge; has only even seen prints and engravings; has written to [Arthur] Shipley. Bob won the battle [of toy soldiers]. Had 'two splendid days' stalking and driving grouse with Howey and Shade.

He and Aunt Annie are here till Monday: it is 'very pretty - by the sea side', but foggy today. Had a letter from Bob's father two days ago: he and Bob's mother are 'quite well'. Supposes Bob is 'very busy with lessons every day'. He and Aunt Annie will be back at the Park on Tuesday next; hopes Bob and Georgie are well.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his mother for her letter, which he got this morning. Is 'getting on very well' in his form, taken by Mr Glazebrook; thinks there is a 'very good set in it'. Is still with Mr S- for science. Thinks 'the pond is alright now'. They [he and Charlie] both much enjoyed the fruit. Is glad 'Grandpapa is so nearly all right now' and has been able to return to the Park [his house]. Is enjoying 'footer very much' and usually plays every day. Is now doing drawing and has so far had one lesson; thinks he may perhaps 'be able to learn something'. The weather is still fine, hopes it will stay that way. They will be having fires soon. Will find a Shakespear[e] 'very useful', as he will read it when he has 'nothing to do'.

Adds a postscript saying they had 'house-singing yesterday, which was great fun'. Is starting to play 'squash-racket'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - He 'came out 3rd this fortnight. Giffard and Goetz were equal top', not many marks above him. Must try to come top next fortnight. Hopes Charlie will be well enough to return tomorrow. Is writing to 'Grandpapa' [Robert Needham Philips] today, and will write to Mr Arnold soon when he has time.

The house match against Weldon's will be soon; expects Weldon's will win but they 'have just a chance'. The weather has kept fine today; hopes there will be more fine weather. Had the 'house debater yesterday evening, and James and Clayton, who were for pigeon shooting' lost by three votes; it is 'great fun', and the next debate is on ghosts. Stephenson's father and one of his sisters visited, and Robert has just seen them. Got his 'verses finished all right'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his mother for her letter. Is very sorry to hear about his grandfather's finger; hopes 'it will not last long, and that there is nothing else the matter with him'. Gained a place this fortnight and 'came out sixth'; had wanted to do better so it should make him 'work all the harder this next fortnight'. Had a history paper last week which will count towards the next placing, and 'be almost as much as a week's marks'; thinks he has done well in that and hopes it will bring him up. It has 'snowed hard today, and there is now six or seven inches of snow'; is well and 'taking cod-liver'; Charlie is well too. Hopes his father is well, and that he will 'succeed in what he is trying to do'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his mother for her letter. Is sorry that his grandfather's finger is 'still bad'; will write to him soon. Came third in the 'house half mile', and in the mile race today he 'did not quite come in, but was about seventh'. Has not caught a cold, as he 'go[es] up directly after each race'. Charlie is very well. Was '4th in the history paper'; does not think they will be placed next week, but that there will be 'a 3 weeks' placing, at the end of the term'.

Snowed hard on several days last week, and it has not yet quite disappeared though there has been heavy rain this afternoon. Has 'received the cod-liver oil'. Hopes his father is well. The holidays are 'getting quite close now'. Is doing 'very well' in his form, and working hard as it is the last fortnight.

On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thinks they will have their 'quarter marks' today; will tell her them at the end of the letter. Does not think he can come out second, though he might manage third or fourth. Thinks Charlie will also be placed today. Came third in the 'house small-hundreds', very close to Mitchell, who was second. Charlie won the house long-jump; he would not have done so if Henry 'had not sprained himself', but he still 'jumped very well; he also came second in the house hurdles.

[Writing later] He has returned from school, but he has not had his quarter marks. Was third last week. Will not hear their quarter marks until next Monday. Has 'got a composition copy', though could not win the prize as he got it last term; Moss says that he was 'really first'. Vanity [A. G. Watson] has gone to Greece, so Moss took them last week. It has been 'rather hot for the last few days'.

Gladstone is coming to tea with Welldon this evening; there is 'a crowd of chairs [?] waiting to see him'. Robert will bring some of his verses back. Hopes his grandfather is well.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Arrived without losing any of his luggage. There was 'rather a crowd in the station', but they [he and Charlie?] got a carriage near the engine which 'none of the boys had found' and had it to themselves by the end of the journey. Has 'already finished Realmah [by Arthur Helps], and thinks it one of the best stories he has read; wishes it were longer, for 'quite half is conversation', which he does not enjoy as much. Hallam is teaching them, for which Robert is 'very glad'; they have only had 'two schools so far' with him but finds him interesting already. Has 'got on all right', but has not yet been asked to construe. Ordered his 'bluer' as soon as he could, and will get it tomorrow or the next day. [Thomas Macaulay] Booth is in Robert's house, and 'took middle shell'; Robert is 'trying to help him a little at first'. Hopes that his father's 'cold is better, and that his speech will be a success'. Will write to his grandfather soon. Charlie is well, and Robert walked with him this morning. Jas gone to football for the last three days, and they have had 'several good games'. It snowed this morning, and there was a 'hard frost'.

[On headed paper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]:- Hears that Georgie 'has got into the select list in Bowen's prize, and seems to be doing very well'. Is himself 'working very hard now to try and gain some places [in his form]' and things he should be able to. Charlie is 'very well', and Robert thinks he 'will come out high next time he is placed'.

Is taking his cod-liver oil, and likes it very much. Thinks they will have two holidays 'for [W. G.?] Headlam, who has done something wonderful at Cambridge'. Hopes his father's cold is now better. 'Bozy's [Bosworth Smith's?] are cock-house in torpids' as they 'easily beat' Bushell's. Hopes his grandfather [probably Robert Needham Philips, but possibly Sir Charles Trevelyan if the letter was written in 1886] is better now. Has 'not very much to say', as he only saw her a short time ago; hopes he will have more to write next time.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Has 'nothing to say for [himself], and no explanations to give': accepts that he has 'neglected [his] duty in a very disgraceful way'. Had actually written to his grandfather [Sir Charles Trevelyan, or Robert Needham Philips?] before receiving his father's letter, but now thinks that he did not do so 'sufficiently'; does not think he 'fully realized the extent of [his] ingratitude', but does now after the letter and some consideration. Wrote and 'said all that [he] could', though knows this is a 'poor compensation' for his neglect. Says it was due not as much to 'undutifulness and ingratitude' as to 'carelessness and forgetfulness', since he did not mean to be 'rude or unkind' to his grandfather. Thinks that if he keeps working well, or better than before, and keeping his promises to his father, he will be 'best able to prevent these sort of things', which he is sure are connected. Begins to see 'how right' his father was when he 'spoke so seriously' to him last holiday.

Came eighth [in his form] last month, with which he was 'not at all satisfied' and fears his 'revision pulled [him] down', but 'the real time of difficulty' is now since he finds it most difficult to work steadily at the end of term. Hopes something like this 'will never happen again', and does not think it will if he becomes 'steadier in [his] work and school life'. Is very sorry to have pained his grandfather, as he is sure he must have done.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Is sorry to report that they were 'beaten by Bozzies [Bosworth Smith's house?], 4 to 3, on Saturday', this was 'practically the cock-house-match', since though there are two more matches to be played, Bozzies 'are sure to win those'. It was a 'very close game'. The next torpids are likely to be on Thursday or Saturday.

Charlie told him that their mother had said they might come for an absit on Thursday, and Bowen says Robert may. Bowen also said Georgie 'has got through the first day in the history [scholarship examinations?]; Robert thinks he should have a chance. Is sorry to hear his grandfather [Robert Needham Philips?] is unwell, and hopes he gets better 'now the warm weather is coming'.

Only came seventh in his form this fortnight; now football is over he will have time to do his work 'more thoroughly, which is what [he] chiefly want[s]'. Charlie did 'very well' and came thirteenth; he came third among the new boys in the form. The 'earthquakes must have been very dreadful'. Thinks the house torpids will be on Tuesday next week; one of the boys from his house broke his collar-bone, like Charlie, and could not play.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Received Robert and Mary's letters this morning. Will be 'greatly gratified' if the baby's second name is Otto; Julian is 'very nice', especially as Elizabeth likes it. Discusses the 'perhaps unexampled in England' connection between the Trevelyans and the name 'John'; this close connection may be a disadvantage as he trusts the boy will 'one day be a Philips'; though the Philips family do use John, the real family name is Robert; mentions Robert's 'kind grandfather' and great-grandfather, the 'most memorable personage in the family'. Inclines towards Julian; Julian Fane was 'a very ideal personage' of his youth, and he has a 'tenderness for the emperor Julian' though wishes he had been 'cleaner in his personal habits'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]:- Thanks his parents for their letters. The work is 'very slow in the sixth', but he does not mind too much, as 'the Sophocles is very hard to do really correctly' and at least Welldon thoroughly explains it. Studies in his own time to 'make up', and has 'now got fairly into the Prometheus Vinctus [of Aeschylus]', which he has always wanted to do. Will also 'finish the De Corona [by Demosthenes] easily before the end of the term'.

Is 'very glad' that Sanderson has come back, 'as he is the only person who is really interesting'; he is 'conservative in opinions, but not in heart', and Robert thinks 'he will be converted, in part at least'. Football is 'rather slow, and [their house's] torpids are too small to be good' but they are 'doing [their] best to teach them'. [William?] Strutt 'promises to be a really first rate player, if only he will grow'. Asks his father to tell his mother that he is 'not in the Philathlet[ic Club], and shall not be for a long time': he just used Charlie's writing paper.

Had a cold which looked as if it were going to become serious, but is 'well now by judicious stopping-out'. Hopes Georgie will recover by the end of term, and will at least have 'a happy time at Wallington'. Is 'very surprised to hear about the 5 at a shot business', but is 'always for defending Thornton [Trevelyan?]'s veracity'. Has written to his grandfather, though found it 'rather difficult' since he 'had had now experience'. Is 'very sorry for him as he feels it so much'.

On headed notepaper for The Grove, Harrow:- Has received the hamper from his grandfather and replied to him; apologises for being late in answering her letter. Still does not think he is 'doing well in the examinations, but it cannot be helped'; will not mind much if he comes out low. Welldon wants Robert to 'go in for a scholarship at Trinity at the end of this year', so he will 'read with an end to that'.

Will be very glad to go home, as now the examinations are nearly over there is nothing interesting going on. Saw [Henry] Irving and Ellen Terry 'driving through Harrow last Sunday', he thinks to see Welldon, 'but they did not stay long. Hopes to 'see them again soon' [at Macbeth].

Is entering his house's competition for the hundred yards, which he would 'like to get very much', but nothing else. Charlie is well. His house were gymnastics champions, and Robert's not far behind in second. After that there was the competition for boxing champion, 'a very good fight, full of black eyes and bloody noses, in which the smaller beat the bigger'.

Hopes his father is well. Is 'very sorry about Bright' [John Bright died on 27 Mar 1889]; 'would like to have seen him once', but does not remember ever having done so.

[On headed notepaper for 8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W.:]- Sanderson has decided that he can come on Thursday, so he will come up with Stogdon, Robert and Charlie, Sanderson said his father wanted Robert's father to write to him about it; Robert does not know if the fathers know each other. The address is "Kininvie House, Dufftown, N[orth] B[ritain.

They have just had 'about the most exciting house match ever played at Harrow', beating Stogdon's house, who are very good 'by one run' despite the fact that they only have Pope and Oppenheim 'with any reputation'. Harrison 'bowled exceedingly well, and got his cap'; Oppenheim made 38 and 40 runs and 'got his sixth-form coat'. Robert 'made 7 and 0, which was not very good'. His team had given up the game when suddenly five wickets fell for no runs, at 103, leaving Stogdon's 9 to make with the last wicket. Robert's house will now have to play a strong house, and 'will probably be beaten. Still, there is hope'.

Is getting on all right in trials. Is 'ready to agree about the new arrangement for seeing [E.P.?] Arnold', but wonders how they will go to Eastbourne; asks if that plan is now 'given up'; hopes his grandfather is 'quite well still'; wonders if she means that they will 'go there on Wednesday'. Now has to go for a three-hour 'stupid Greek Testament trial of which [he knows] nothing'.

On headed notepaper for Herris Dean, Falmouth, crossed through in pencil:- Tells his mother that he dreamed he had a lot of things on his birthday, 'Miss Martin saw two guy Fawkeses', and she also brought her dog and Georgie touched it. They are going to see the Lord Mayor's show with 'Grandpapa' [Trevelyan or Philips?]

Got here all right on Monday, with 'no squash in the station stall'; they had the carriage to themselves all the way. They 'went to the "Cat and the Fiddle" yesterday'. They drove by the new road; he and Aunt A[nnie Philips] walked home by the old one, but the others, 'S[ophie], Gran.[papa Philips?], and G[eorgie?] drove home by an entirely different road'. They are going to Chatsworth today. G[eorgie?] seems all right, and Gran.[papa?] and Sophy are 'quite well'. Hopes his mother and the others are 'all getting on very well at Castle Howard'; sends his love to his father and to Charlie. The weather is fine today; has read 'several chapters of Bucland [perhaps a book by Frank Buckland?]' and finds it 'very interesting'.

The last page has a note to Caroline Trevelyan from her sister Anna M. Philips, dated 'August 5th'. She says the boys are being 'very good'; thinks they are 'greatly enjoying themselves'. They are just going to Chatsworth with her father; hopes it will 'not tire him very much'. Sophie is not going. The weather has 'turned very cold': it was 'only 46°[F] yesterday'. Hopes that the Trevelyans are having a 'very pleasant visit'.

On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Arrived safely yesterday after a 'very nice journey', by himself for most of the way. Saw a Harrow boy whom he knew a little at Paddington, who 'had come up for a funeral'. Robert found his grandfather [Philips] 'much better than [he] had expected', and he is also well today; he 'goes out twice a day in his chair'. He, Aunt Annie, and Sophie [Wicksteed] do not 'seem at all low, though of course he is not at all well yet'.

Likes Morton Philips and his wife very much; went out for a drive with them and Aunt Annie this afternoon, and walked back home from Snitterfield with Morton Philips. Aunt Annie said he had better not write yesterday, as he meant to, since she herself was writing. The 'country is very nice and the weather very fine'. Hopes she and his father are well.

On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Has arrived safely. Uncle Willie and Aunt Meggie [Price] came yesterday; Aunt Meggie is well, though Uncle Willie is 'rather lame'. They have been shooting today; 'several other gentlemen came'. They shot about forty pheasants, forty or fifty rabbits, and seventy rabbits released from bags - there was a black one among these. Grandpapa [Robert Needham Philips] is better, and went out shooting today for the first time this winter.

Is going to get his presents tomorrow. Charlie is well, and has received The Dutch Republic as a [school?] prize. Sends love to all; hopes his parents and Georgie are well. 'Tiny is quite well'. The weather has been 'very fine'; hopes this will continue. Will write again for Christmas day.

Note on last page from Anna M Philips to her sister, addressing her as 'Dearest Carrie'. They have 'had a lovely day for the shooting'; the boys have been 'very good and happy'. Charlie is now reading his book until tea-time, and they will play billiards after that. Both boys 'seem very well... and are very well behaved and no trouble'.

On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Mrs Kite has come; she is well and sends 'kind regards' to Caroline Trevelyan. Aunt Annie 'has given her 1 mile of cotton. He has had some bedroom slippers from Aunt Annie; a book called Half-Hours with the Stars [by Richard Proctor] from Sophie; a "Status Quo" chessboard [for travel] from his grandfather, which is just what he wanted; a book called Homes Without Hands [by J. G, Wood]; a book called Sheer Pluck [by G. A. Henty] from Charlie; and 'sundry other presents'. The weather is very foggy. Sends love to all. Adds a postscript to say they 'have had nothing but carol singers today', and that he went for a ride with Uncle Willie yesterday and they lost their way.

On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Grandpapa is 'still quite well', though 'he does not get up to breakfast and is sometimes a little tired at night'; he goes out in his chair and 'gets about the house very well'. Robert is going to start whist tomorrow, and Sophie is 'going to take [him] in hand'. He is well, doing dumb-bells and the other things he had to remember. Will go to church at 'the small chapel' at three this afternoon. Sophie and Aunt Annie are well. Does not know what he will do if he does 'not get the collars soon', as he only has 'two stick-ups here'; supposes he will 'have to wear the turn-downs'. Hopes Charlie gets one of the prizes, or 'it will be very disappointing for him, after so much hard work'.

Robert is taking his medicine. Grandpapa 'sometimes talks toryism, but not very much'. The Morton Philipses left yesterday; Grandpapa gave Kate Morton Philips a ring 'which delighted her very much'.

On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Thanks his mother for her letter: has got the collars [see 45/243?] and will be able to 'go on with them for some time'. Grandpapa 'seems the same as usual'; he goes out 'driving in the open carriage'; sometimes Robert accompanies him and walks back. Does not mind riding - goes out every other day, and 'the horse is very gentle' - but prefers walking. Hopes his mother's parties will be a success. Is using his dumbbells every day, and reading Macaulay; reads 'other things in the afternoon and evening'. It is 'very hot indeed'. Has got his boots mended. Hopes his father is well.

On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- The 'ladies did not come yesterday', as they did not think the weather would be fine enough, so they are coming next Saturday. Mr Belfield went to Newcastle yesterday: 'if he thought he would escape this invasion, he will be disappointed'. Is 'very sorry to hear about Charlie': is 'very disappointing for him to come just at that time'. Hopes he will 'escape the mumps'. Suggests Charlie could come here 'to the convalescent home'.

Went to Capheaton lake last Friday, and Rothley before that. Booa and Spider are both well. Has just received the prolusiones [book of Cambridge prize poems], but what he was most interested in - Hubert's hexam[eter]s - were not there. Asks if Charlie will 'have his prize sent to him', or whether someone from his house collected it, as sometimes happens. Hopes his grandfather [Robert Needham Philips] is well.

Is getting on well with his work. Willoboy [Henry William Trevelyan? see 45/247] is here now; Robert is going to tea with him next Tuesday.

On headed notepaper for The Park, Manchester:- Charles and Rob[er]t left on the 10 am train for London. Trevelyan 'may well be proud' of his sons, who 'are a splendid lot'; it seems to Philips that 'they cannot go wrong', and he encourages his son-in-law not to 'be too strict with them - they know what they are doing'. It is a 'great delight' to Philips in his 'old age to see such a fine crop of intelligence coming up - & real gentlemen, which after all is almost the most valuable quality'. The weather here is 'beautiful'.

36 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C. - Sends a copy of her new will [no longer present], drawn in accordance with her instructions as received through Sir George. It varies from her old will and codicil in only two respects: instead of a legacy of forty thousand pounds, her son Robert now 'shares the residue with her two brothers'; the executors are now her sons instead of her 'late father's trustees'. As she understands, this new will 'deals only with the property coming from your late father'; for all other property she may have at her death, there will 'be an intestacy'.

Asks her to read through and return it with any remarks if alterations are needed; if it is all right, asks if she would prefer to bring it to him to execute, or whether she would prefer him to come to her. Gives possible times he could come to her.

Also separate sheet in Robert's hand with notes on the disposition of the 'Residuary Estate', with figures under his and his brothers' initials.

40 Ennismore Gardens, S. W. - Glad affairs are 'so quiet'. Encloses the cheque for Gibson & Craig's account and will be much obliged if Ellis settles it. Will be at Welcombe near Stratford-on-Avon, home of [his grandfather] R. N. Philips MP for five to six weeks, and hopes this will 'set [him] up completely in health'.

Thanks his mother for her letter. The editors [of the school newspaper] have 'not had time to print the paper', so it will come out tomorrow and he will send it on soon. Notes in Latin that they were beaten 'in a great fight': seven-nil. Their next match is on the 3rd. He played at right wing as he did for the last match; has 'got an eleven-cap' as several others have. Has not yet had time to answer 'Grandpapa' yet [Sir Charles Trevelyan or Robert Needham Philips], but will today. Asked about Fredy [sic] Stephenson at Farnborough, and found he was 'top of the school'; Freddy 'must be very young for that'. There are seventy-six boys at Farnborough.

[on headed notepaper for 40 Ennismore Gardens, SW]. Has just got the letter from 'Grandpapa' [Sir Charles Trevelyan or Robert Needham Philips], who told him not to bother answering; Robert will however write saying he has plenty of time to do so. The school 'got licked a little in a Cameron match'. Is looking forward to going to Wallington. The weather is very hot now. Is glad 'Harrow is winning' [in the Eton-Harrow cricket match?]. Asks his mother to thank 'Boar' [Mary Prestwich, known as 'Booa' to the Trevelyan family].

c/o Madame Grandmont, Villa Ma Retraite, Ede, by Arnheim, Holland:- Has been here 'several days', having 'a very pleasant time'; the weather has been 'dreadfully hot' but after several thunderstorms is now better. Will stay for a few more days, then go to Amsterdam and the Hague with Madame Grandmont before returning to England around the 14th.

The household here 'consists of M. Hubrecht and his wife', the parents of Madame Grandmont; the Grandmonts, 'a sister of Madame G [Maria Hubrecht], and a cousin of theirs who has always lived with them, the one who plays the violin [Elizabeth des Amorie van der Hoeven]'. 'Old Hubrecht' is on the Queen's Privy Council, and 'rather a swell. He is very nice and sensible, but rather tiresome sometimes... rather funny about small matters. But he is a very typical Dutch character'. He is 'a friend of Lord Reay' and in some ways reminds Robert of 'Grandpapa Philips, though he is not so forcible'. His wife is 'a charming person, and at 76 still insists on managing her housekeeping all by herself'. Has already told his mother about the Grandmonts and their cousin.

More cousins, the Röntgens, who are musicians, are coming soon, but Robert has not yet heard much music. His hosts are 'very moderate about the Transvaal, and though they disapprove strongly of Chamberlain [Joseph Chamberlain, British minister for the Colonies] and think a war would be wrong, they are not at all pleased with the Boers'. Went to Utrecht yesterday, where he lunched with Mrs Grandmont's brother Professor Hubrecht, 'a celebrated Zoologist, who has discovered the missing link in a Javan or Sumatran monkey'. Utrecht is a 'nice old town, but there are no works of art there except the Cathedral tower'.

Hopes everyone is well, and that his father is 'getting on well with his work [on the next volume of The American Revolution]. The roads here 'are paved with brick, which makes an excellent pavement, besides being beautiful'.