Includes typed transcripts of two letters, both from 1832.
Breakfasts: 1857-1859; including christening breakfast for Hon. Robert Offley Ashburton Milnes, 11 MAr. 1858
Dinners: 1857-1859.
Not including their correspondence.
'R. O. A. M.' in gold tooling on cover.
On headed notepaper for Combermere Abbey. - Sends congratulations to Mrs Milnes on the birth of her son, which will cause great joy to all her friends; Mrs Blackburne's 'share in the business' will also be commended.
Taken from Butler's The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints. In the hand of Annabel Milnes' sister Henrietta Crewe, a Roman Catholic; she underlines the fact that St. Robert was a Yorkshire native.
The good news [of the birth of Robert O. A. Milnes] 'amazed' them, and 'made Mary Thornhill & others redden with joy': Annabel had given the impression that the birth would be later. The other Milnes children and their cousin Georgy's reactions.
Postscript: Jane still at the Melvilles at Roehampton, perhaps she will get to see the baby. Sure Annabel will 'rise in the Admiral's [perhaps Samuel Thornton?] estimation (he is here) not from giving birth to an heir, but for her extreme punctuality - which with him is the highest of virtues.
Brook St. - Written at 10.30 [am?].'dear Annabel is safe in bed - with a magnificent Boy - it was born this morning at a little before ten o'clock'. More details of the labour, attended by Dr Rigby, 'it is the shortest time Annabel has had'.
Filled in with Mrs Milnes' name; space left blank for the name of the enquirer.
Aelred's saint's day is 12 Jan., the birthday of Robert Offley Ashburton Milnes. Taken from Butler's The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints. In the hand of Annabel Milnes's sister, Henrietta Crewe, who was Roman Catholic.
Perhaps taken from the bottom of another letter. Text: 'just got the Telegraph [with the news of the birth of Robert O. A. Milnes} = So no more - but joy for us and R & you - & Mrs B[lackburne]. R. P. M.'
Has been asking her father's leave to send Annabel 'the little broach of Rickey given me years ago', so that she can see whether 'little Robin' resembles the picture of his father as a child; also sends a ring which was her mother's but which she has never worn 'as a little remembrance for you to keep of this happy Time'.
Gunnersbury [headed notepaper]. - They are very happy to hear of the birth of Milnes' 'son & heir'; only sorry that they will not be able to congratulate Milnes in person on Saturday. [Her husband] Lionel and son had an idea of sending 'a congratulatory round robin but as second thoughts are best they kindly allow me to express the sentiments of the whole family'
[Text written out in both upper and lower case for ease of reading]: Respected Lady | I hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken in making your baby a pair of shoes which I hope you will accept as a small token of my gratitude for your kindness to us. I am your grateful servant | Mary Burdon'.
Note written directly onto facing page of volume: 'Sent with a pair of Baby's Shoes by a little blind Girl - Jan[uary] 1858'.
Fryston. - They were hoping to hear how Annabel had passed the afternoon [after the birth of her son] - asks to be kept informed daily, as well as what the boy's colour is and whether Richard has arrived. 'The servants had punch & dancing till past two - Pontefract bells rang till midnight'.
Written by his father [? or by his mother Emma Blackburne]. News of his birth. 'My Papa was away when I was born, which I did not think attentive of him, but I hope he will make it up afterwards, by paying up debts, when I leave the University'.
White House, 17 Thirsk [?] Grove [?], Fulham Road, using headed notepaper for the Education Department, Cabinet Office, Downing Street. - Shares the pleasure he expects many people will feel at the news of the birth of Milnes's son.
Tiv[erton]. - Very surprised to get Mrs Blackburne's letter [about the birth of Robert O. A. Milnes] as she had 'no idea' that the due date was so near. A comfort to think Mrs Blackburne is with her sister 'keeping all excitement or mischief away from her'. Has chosen a patron saint for the baby: Aelred of Rievaulx, whose saint's day is 12th Jan.: 'What a pretty name it would be to add to his others'. Good that he is a Yorkshire saint too.
30 Green Street. - Very glad to hear that Mrs Milnes has had a son and that she is doing well; thanks Mrs Blackburne for letting them know so promptly.
Hoar Cross Hall, Rugeley. - 'We the undersigned at a meeting specially convened at Hoar Cross desire to offer our congratulations to Richard Monckton Milnes Esqr. and the Hon. Mrs Milnes on the auspicious birth of a son & heir & to express their hope that he may prove a blessing & an honor to his parents'.
Signed by James Parke, Baron Wensleydale, his wife Cecilia, and Georgiana Meynell Ingram. 'Absentees' are Georgiana Eliza Meynell Ingram, Hugo Charles Meynell Ingram, Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram, and Henry Meynell.
Catton Hall, Burton on Trent. - Sends 'a thousand congratulations' on the birth of Milnes' son, about which he heard this morning. [His wife] Emily joins in 'every kind wish & feeling' to Milnes and his wife. Adds postscript saying that they are going to Crewe on Friday.
Pontefract. - Congratulation on the birth of Milnes's son.
On headed notepaper for the Board of Customs. - Congratulates Milnes on the birth of his son and hopes that all is well with child and mother. Always thinks of Milnes with 'great regard' though they meet so seldom.
11 Chichester Terrace, Brighton. - Cannot resist sending Mrs Blackburne a note, as well as one to Mr Milnes 'for my old Crewe feelings do most naturally seek for a vent'; is very glad of Anabel's safety, '& one cannot help glancing at the strong presumption that to Crewe is born an heir in the line we love! May the Boy live & prosper'.
Tiverton. - Thanks him for 'his' letter with the good news about his mother. Will 'keep (or leave behind me) this letter, in the hope that you may be amused some day by reading it'. Was very glad to hear of his birth as she knew it would make his parents and grandfather very happy; hopes to see him next summer. Signed 'Anty Ett'.
Fryston. - Addresses her brother as 'Dearest Ricky'. Only heard the news this afternoon when she came to Fryston; their father was waiting in the hall to tell her. Aunt Louisa says he 'shed tears of joy' when he heard the news. When the baby's health was drunk 'they all wish'd he might be as good a man & as much respected all over Yorkshire as his Grandfather is... & "his father is a worthy gentleman" they added'. Anxious to hear how Annabel is; they were disappointed not to have a line saying she was doing well.
Rochester. - Congratulation on the birth of Milnes' son.
Wilton House, Salisbury. - Congratulates Milnes upon the birth of his son, 'the small convex baby'; hopes to see that Mrs Milnes is well by welcoming them here on Saturday.