WE accepts the invitation to attend the celebrations surrounding the tercentenary of the foundation of Trinity College.
The doctors opened another one of RJ's tumors. He is feeling very weak. He received WW's lecture - 'we all like it here Empson [William Empson] especially I think' ['The General Bearing of the Great Exhibition of the Progress of Art and Science', 1851]. WW's 'analogy between the relations of Criticism to Literature and Science to Art strikes me as very interesting [-] you subsequently distinguish between science as the exponent of art and the mother of art now I think this distinction a pregnant one - would it be worth your while to follow it up and give a table of instances - the first vintage or if that is not a work you would like could you not get some younger hand at the task - It would tell as the subject expands'. RJ's 'own projects are just what they were. I wish I could see any thing likely to be done when parliament meets - but I am passive and in good hands. Ld. Monteagle [Thomas Spring-Rice] has shewn a very kind interest in me'.
Haileybury - Regarding WW's law question: 'Ker [Charles H. B. Ker] says there is an article in the supplement to the Penny Cyclopedia on criminal law reprinted by Knight in his political Dictionary which he thinks will supply what you want - it is by Lonsdale [John Lonsdale?] the secretary to the criminal law commission'. The 'new Professor is to be Mr Leith formerly of the Calcutta Bar. The Indian lawyers say he is a mere advocate and not of the very first class and has such a view of philosophical jurisprudence as such persons have'. Nevertheless he is apparently a good speaker and will make a fine lecturer. RJ misses William Empson more than ever. There was a plan to give RJ 600 pounds but has now changed to 800 - 'while this lasts we feel ourselves rich enough for comfort and happiness'. The Cathedral Commission is in motion: 'As far as the useful disposition of the property yet left them goes I think they may be successful and serviceable but a good deal more is aimed at in some quarters - I fear not very hopefully - at present however all seems agreed to collect all the information possible and so things proceed smoothly enough'. RJ has heard that the 'government mean to legislate on the University reports but I do not feel at all sure of it. I am sure however that any report from us will be premature till it is seen what they do or what you do yourselves for the education of ecclesiastics - I really dread the multiplication of local seminaries as substitutes for University training. The enquiries are agreeable - my work not likely to be oppressive'.
Trinity College - Could RJ ascertain from Empson [William Empson] his 'intended notions and his disposition to help me with his criticism'. WW wants Empson to check that WW has not made any blunders in his Roman or English Law ['The Elements of Morality, Including Polity', 2 vols., 1845].
Trinity Lodge - WW sends RJ a sheet of his Morality ['The Elements of Morality, Including Polity', 2 vols., 1845], so he can see the shape it is taking. 'Empson's [William Empson] assistance has been of invaluable service' [see WW to RJ, 18 June 1843].
Cliff Cottage, Lowestoft - Since WW will have no chance of seeing RJ for some time, he wants to hear something of him. Who is to be the next Law Professor at Haileybury?: 'You will not easily get one who suits you so much as your Empson [William Empson] did'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Have had, through Aunt Anna [Philips], a 'very bright and pleasant account of Julian' from Henry Grey, who with his wife gave him dinner; reminded him of when he used to go to Haileybury College from Mr Seawell's for a weekend to be entertained by the Empsons - [Lord] Jeffrey's son-in-law and daughter - and the 'other famous professors' because of the 'India fame' of his uncle and father. Also reminded him of a 'much cleverer little boy' [Macaulay] who went to Queen's College, Cambridge, to be entertained by the 'great President [Isaac] Milner'. They are 'rather in the dumps' about the weather; having been forced by the Government to plough up almost thirty acres of old pasture and plant it with corn, the winter has 'caught' it despite Clarke and Nixon's 'energy and judgment' and he does not like to think about the loss he has made; others however had made greater sacrifices. They have been detained at Wallington for at least another fortnight because of the influenza 'raging at Stratford and Snitterfield'. Has just read the fine speech of Demosthenes about the Chersonnese; finds him much harder than Plato, Herodotus, Xenophon and Thucydides. Caroline sends her love; she has been very busy over the Cambo Sale for Northumbrian prisoners of war, which has raised a sum of one hundred and forty seven pounds; her own sketches fetched twelve pounds.
E[ast] I[ndia] C[ollege]. - Publication of Milnes' essay ['The Menace of War in Germany'?] should perhaps be delayed until the 'Eddies of the German Whirlpool' are calmer.
E[ast] I[ndia] C[ollege]. - Struck by Milnes' essay ['The Menace of War in Germany'?]; suggest corrections, including a heading, 'The Conference at Dresden'. Postscript: 'Bright says Brooks experience does not warrant the hope of an entire recovery, in a case like [?] Palmy's'.
E[ast] I[ndia] C[ollege]. - Shore handling corrections to Milnes' article ['The Menace of War in Germany'?]; query as to text concerning 'the Genial Spirit of S. [George?]' finding refuge in the army. Note under envelope flap: where should early copy be sent?
E[ast] I[ndia] C[ollege]. - Lord Jeffrey should keep his word to MIlnes; negotiating for an article on modern English poetry.
Note on inside front cover. 'Letters of Lord Macaulay to his sister Margaret in handwriting of Miss Fanny Macaulay & left by her to me. M. K.'. 'Journals of T. B. M.' has been written at the top of the inside front cover. Copies of letters dated 3 and 17 Oct. 1834. Also copy of letter from Macaulay to William Empson, 19 Jun. 1837.