Showing 27 results

The Athenaeum - Does not remember receiving a prior letter, but is happy to subscribe the Club and himself to the bibliography.

Trin[ity College], Cam[bridge - on college notepaper]: - The London elections have 'gone off very well' for them [the Liberals], which is encouraging for the general election. They have 'had an Oxford Liberal here', who was telling them about 'the work done by the undergraduates in the villages near Oxford' and wants them to 'Liberalize Cambridgeshire too'; Robert however has 'too much else to think of for the present'.

There was a 'great election in the Trin[ity] debating society': the 'wrong side won', but it 'was great fun, though the Athenæum people bullied their op[p]onents rather too much'. Is going to hear Joachim [the violinist] that evening. Charlie is well as far as Robert can tell. Is going to see Sophie [Wicksteed] and Aunt Annie at the end of next week if he can, as soon as he goes down. They have had one Harrow [football] game and will have another as soon as they can. Not much news to tell her.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - The invalids are recovering well: Miss Martin 'sitting up dressed' and Sir George up in Caroline's room for four hours, though he is not to go downstairs till Sunday. He is 'fairly patient, with occasional spurts of wilfulness'. Very sorry that Elizabeth is having to wait [for the baby to be born]; reassurance that it is only a week tomorrow from the expected date. Spending much of her time talking to the invalids. Glad that Nurse G. [Elizabeth's Nurse Godwin] is better. Sir George has decided he will not go to the seaside and will stay at Welcombe till recovered, when they can go to London. Everyone 'thinks Robert will come in on Monday triumphantly' [in his election to the Athenaeum Club]; Uncle Harry is obviously being 'most active'; thinks Robert will like it. Has read "L'Oiseau Bleu" [Maeterlinck's "The Blue Bird"?] and thinks it 'very pretty', though it might easily be spoiled by being put on stage; sure it is better in French than in English. C[harles] and M[ary] are going to London tomorrow. Sends love to Bob and regards to the 'ladies of Leith Hill'. A postscript written on 'Saturday morning' [21 Feb] notes that the invalids have both had good nights; they can meet this afternoon 'to talk over their woes & compare their symptoms'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad [Nurse] Godwin is better; sure Mrs Catt is helpful to them all. Sir George and Miss Martin still have temperatures, but not much above 100 [degrees Fahrenheit]; Miss Martin is quiet but Sir George is 'most difficult to manage'. Had to find a new nurse yesterday to look after them at night, do washing, bedmaking and so on. Sir George is very upset at not being able to go to London on 14 January 'to look after Robert's election at the Athenaeum'; they have divided up a list of friends to write to, and Caroline has told C[harles] who will 'doubtless be able to send people to vote' if in town. The doctor is anxious that Sir George should not catch any chill, which might turn to pleurisy, but thinks they will avoid this; thinks she told Elizabeth that it was the doctor and Booa [Mary Prestwich] who sent for her as they were worried on Sunday. Was very sorry to leave.

Postmarked Palermo. - Forgot to congratulate Bob on his election to the Athenaeum Club; but it is George who will want Bob's 'countenance', since he has been 'notoriously worse dressed' than Bob ever since Bob 'discovered the fact on a famous occasion at Taormina' [perhaps involving Bessie?]. However, George has been told that 'many people wear squash hats' at the Athenaeum now; perhaps they will meet Goldie [Dickinson] there one day. Is today visiting ''an Enna of fields beyond sun" as the poet [George Meredith] sings'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Sorry to hear Robert has not been well; relieved to get his telegram. Hopes they will pass Elizabeth on to him 'safe and well'. Asks for help with a line of [Aeschylus's] "Seven Against Thebes". Has sent Bergk's "[Greek] Lyrical and Elegiac poets" to be repaired; thinks Tyrtaeus has 'been put into an Attic dress, at the very least'. Will look for the Aeschylus at the Athenaeum if Robert cannot help.

London. - If he can get to the Athenaeum, which he is 'now very seldom able to do', will certainly show his respect for Hare's recommendation by supporting his friend.

On headed notepaper, address Eton College, motto 'Be just and fear not'. - Condolences on the death of Lady Houghton. Also asks for help with membership of the Athenaeum and Cosmopolitan Clubs.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Went to vote for Mr Clifton on Monday morning, but he was not up for election this week; will check again this week; 'never quite certain when a name comes on'. Agrees with Robert about strategy, and is glad Liberal leaders are taking that line; 'vigour and dash about the propaganda' [see 12/60], and avoidance of any move which would 'commit a lot of unhappy Unionist MPS to Chamberlain's [tariff reform?] policy' are what is needed at the moment. Discusses the changes he has made to the first part [of his "American Revolution"].

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Will certainly vote at the Athenaeum this afternoon; would have put his name on Mr Clifton's card if he had known beforehand. He and Caroline were glad to see Bessie and 'much interested in the plans of the house'. Sees the "Times" this morning has started a 'carefully organised and most outspoken propaganda' for Balfour and Chamberlain's news [on tariff reform?]: 'If the Liberal Unionists stand that, they will stand anything'. His proofs [for "The American Revolution"] are all finished, and today he will show Longman the revision of his 'First Part', which will be the first of the three volumes of the 'cheap edition', coming out in eighteen months time.

Reports that Frank Balfour 'has been for some days in severe fever', and typhoid has been suspected. Claims that some improvement has latterly taken place, and that the pain has somewhat subsided. Refers to the compilation of complaints at Crescent Villa, which they heard about just before Balfour's illness. Hopes that they are all well. Reports that he has seen Arthur [Benson?], and that the same afternoon he came Miss E[llie] Hopkins also called, and absorbed Henry's conversation. Asks her to ask Edward to vote for A.V. Dicey if he should be in the Athenaeum Club between 4 and 6 pm on 20 February. Reports that all is well in Newnham, and that Miss Gladstone is going to be the next Vice President. Explains that it is not yet formally settled, and asks her not to talk of it.

Is 'out of reach of the bulk of [his] books, not to mention the Athenaeum and the London Library' but says there is 'a good deal about the Metaphysical Society up and down various recent memoirs': mentions Leslie Stephen's life of James Fitzjames Stephen and Wilfrid Ward's book about his father W.G. Ward. Sees no reason why Sir James Knowles, who has the minute book of the society, should not be willing to let Nora see it. States that Shadworth Hodgson is about the only living person who was an active member before he [Pollock] joined the society. Does not think that there is much relevant information on it in Huxley's biography, but suggests that it would be worthwhile to look. States that Dr Martineau was the last chairman of the society.

Remarks that it was surprising that its members stayed together for so long, and states that the Synthetic Society is 'a kind of modified revival of it.' Does not believe that Henry Sidgwick came to the society's meetings often during Pollock's time, but states that he had many better opportunities for discussion with him outside the society. Relates that at one time Knowles 'thought or preferred to think the [society] was going to define the fundamental terms of philosophy and prepare the way for a general agreement', and states that the members certainly were not up to such a task. Refers also to a plan that he and Henry had around 1897 to set up 'a smaller speculative club or brother-hood with enough common tendency to hold it together but no dogmas', but it came to nothing. Is glad that Nora liked his review [of Henry's The Development of European Polity]; states that he was especially impressed by 'the excellence of the medieval part.' Adds that 'the Society was intended to satisfy Tennyson concerning the immortality of the soul', and states that he believes that the latter attended one meeting.

Writes to express his sympathy with Nora on the death of Henry Sidgwick. Refers to the depth of their grief 'at the loss of so dear a friend and so true a leader.' Relates that he saw Henry only six weeks previously at the Athenaeum 'and rejoiced to think that he was given back to his friends for a while at least...' Remarks on the suddenness of Henry Sidgwick's demise, which, he claims, 'has brought back the first shock of the end of May.' Predicts that the time will come when they will feel that it was better that way. Explains that he has been watching for nearly two years the advance of the disease in his own mother, and can understand 'how the terrible mental suffering which goes with it outweighs the physical.' Claims that the last of many lessons he learned from Henry, 'the most beautiful and the most unforgettable, was at the lunch at Leckhampton on May 27', when he taught him 'how calmly and manfully death and suffering could be faced, as he recited without a break in his voice the lines... from [Swinburne's] Super [Flumina] Babylonis; ending "Where the light of the life of him is on all past things, Death only dies"'. Hopes that when the time comes, the sound of Henry's' voice and the light on his face will be before him.

Upper Mall, Lahore. - Apologises for 'bothering' Trevelyan with a request: [John] Perronet Thompson, who arrived from camp to stay with them the day before Trevelyan left, had his name put up for the Athenaeum Club by Henry Jackson about fifteen years ago and it has 'now come up for ballot', so he wants to 'proceed to election'. Wonders whether Trevelyan might help.

Perronet Thompson was a 'major scholar of Trinity' and 'President of the Union'; he is 'greatly interested in archaeology of this country, and prepared the catalogue of the Loan [?] collection of armour, pictures etc which was exhibited in the Dehli [sic] Fort on the occasion of the King's Visit'. Knows the 'Athenaeum is a large order, especially for the "sundried bureaucrat", but takes it 'H. J. would not have put up a "rotter"!'. Thompson is a 'very old friend of theirs'; hopes Trevelyan will excuse him if this request is 'out of order'.

Is sending this to the Shiffolds as Trevelyan may be 'in Java or Siberia by this time'. Has recently had a visit from another 'teaching fellow... one [Percy Maude?] Roxby, from Oxford and Liverpool... of an economic term'. Was only going to spend two days with them and ended up staying a week or so, having 'got interested in Cooperative Banks, College and Farm [?] at Lyanpur, and Wathen's [?] selected politicians' of whom Stour regrets 'he thought but little'. He left them 'for Andrews with whom he was to breakfast'

Hopes Trevelyan found all well on his return. Stour hopes to be home in August, and to 'see something of' him.

13 Belgrave Square. - Condolences on the death of Lady Houghton; discusses his recent loss of his own wife. Will of course vote for Augustus Hare in the ballot for the Athenaeum next Monday and do all he can for him; does not think this will be needed given Hare's 'literary claims & his popular character', and Houghton must not think of coming to town solely for that purpose.

Lincoln’s Inn, (London).—Ask him to return Barry’s miniature of Mr Butler. Is sorry they missed each other at the Athenaeum last night.

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Transcript

My dear Sir,

Be so good as to return me Barry’s Miniature of Mr Butler, {1} which you will perceive by the inclosed, was sent by mistake.

I understand you were at the Athenæum, last night, & am sorry we did not meet—

truly Yours
John Gage.

Lin: Inn {2}

[Superscription:] For / | Dawson Turner Esqr

—————

Dawson Turner has added ’17 Feb. 1829.’ at the foot. The number ‘54’ has been pencilled at the top.

{1} Probably a print of the stipple engraving by R. W. Sievier, published in 1817, of a miniature of Charles Butler by James Barry. Cf. National Portrait Gallery, D8639. Gage studied law under Butler, and both were members of Lincoln’s Inn.

{2} Lincoln’s Inn.
 

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Is 'thankful in every way' to have the telegram [with the news of the safe arrival of Julian Trevelyan]; not least for Caroline's relief. Charles was born while [Hugh?] Childers was at dinner at Ennismore Gardens: 'like a Royal Prince with a Cabinet Minister in attendance'; supposes Charles himself played Childers' part this time; hopes this will be a good omen. Is still a little unwell three weeks on, but he is much better and can work a little. Adds a postscript saying how pleased he was about [Robert's election to] the Athenaeum; necessary to be a 'very old hand there' to realise what a 'remarkable demonstration' it was; very much wants to see Robert's card.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Robert's election [to the Athenaeum Club] gives them great pleasure; there is 'no club like it'. Reminiscences by 'Old Lord Belper', one of the original members like Uncle Tom [Macaulay], that all one's friends and 'every one of note in town' joined as original members. Is still very weak. Has written to Drummonds instructing them to transfer thirty guineas to Robert's account for the Athenaeum entrance fee.

Distressed that she should have this worry about him now, which should make no difference to her plans; these 'concern much higher matters [than his illness: the forthcoming birth of Elizabeth and Robert's child]'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes the fever is leaving him, but he is very week. They have 'energised much' about [Robert's] Athenaeum election, and 'much friendliness has been developed' in many 'admirable quarters'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland [crossed through] Morperth. - Very glad that Robert is 'coming on at the Athenaeum'; Uncle Harry's advice is very good. Gives Sir Alfred Lyall's address and is sure that he would be pleased to do the service [of proposing Robert for membership'. Has received two volumes of Lucretius from the London Library which he has returned as Robert has gone abroad; has given the Library 'a thorough good blowing up'. Asks to be informed when Robert has received and signed anything about the Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] Estate. Hopes Robert has a good time abroad.

Claims to acquiesce 'with sorrow, but resignation.' In relation to 'the book', states that it is of no consequence. Finds that Sidgwick's 'spirit of serious inquiry' would stand in the way of a review. Asks when he will be at the Athenaeum Club.

8 Grosvenor Crescent, 21 Apr 1909. - Must have pleased Elizabeth to bring [Julius Engelbert?] Röntgen and [Donald] Tovey together. Has had an 'old-fashioned, most friendly letter' from [Edmund Herbert] Ellis Danvers, and has answered it 'in the spirit in which it was written'; encloses it with some others. Has answered 'poor George Macaulay' and expects he will visit some day. Is going to the Athenaeum to vote for Bertrand Russell's election; thinks he proposed or seconded him. Recently, Earl Russell 'got more blackballs than ever was known before' which makes this election 'a little awkward'; asks Robert not to mention this, but to encourage people to vote for Bertrand.

Declares that he had hoped to be first to come to the M[etaphysical?] the previous night, where he and Sidgwick 'might have snatched a moment...to settle the point raised in [Sidgwick's] note' of nine days previously. Failing an interview, has decided to write regarding the matter. States that he has read Sidgwick's piece 'pretty carefully', and thinks that the general public, in consideration of his 'effective and interesting treatment of the questions between Leslie and Lowe, will allow themselves to be tempted into the severer matter of the definitions.' Believes his piece to be suited to the readers of the Fortnightly Review, and will give to students of economics a subject to reflect upon. Suggests that the short paper 'What is Money?' should be published as the 'next instalment'. Refers to the fact that Leslie might wish to reply to Sidgwick's paper. Reports that he has spoken to the [Rector] about the [Athenaeum] Club, and is awaiting his reply. States that he admires 'the Virgil' much, and observes that 'Myers seems...to have true literary faculty, as [Symonds] has, or Church', and asks why he does not produce more.

In relation to the length of Sidgwick's papers to be submitted for publication in the Fortnightly Review, Morley advises between fifteen and twenty pages. Tells him to send his MS. to Virtue and Co., London. States his intention of directing his energies the following Spring to bringing Sidgwick into the [Athenaeum] Club. Assumes that P[ ] will again propose him. Promises to send him a list of the Committee 'when the time comes'. Expresses regret that Lord Acton has retired, as he voted for Sidgwick the previous year. Claims to be in bad spirits, on account of his fortieth birthday. Claims that he has not yet made his choice 'among the reasons for right and wrong with which [Sidgwick] bewildered' him some years previously.