Timberland.
Star & Garter, Richmond.
Walmer Castle, Deal.
Five albums and one file containing cuttings of miscellaneous articles on politics; social science, literature; art; religious affairs; education; and spiritualism. There are essays and book reviews (some written by Lord Houghton), obituaries and other notices of public figures. There are also reports of addresses to Mechanics Institutions and other cultural bodies, and at events such as the inauguration of the Cambridge Union Society's new rooms in 1866.
Album containing material connected with the Milnes familty to 1831: in particular the brief parliamentary career of Houghton's father Robert Pemberton Milnes. Other reports concern national and historic events, such as the deaths of George III and George IV.
Their cemented friendship; will offer himself for the Borough [Pontefract] under certain conditions, including Milnes' approval. Hopes Hodgson was not party to the conduct of his agents but fears he might have been.
Whitton Park, Hounslow. - Agrees as to inadvisability of publishing memoir of Charles Skinner Matthews: personal details of his short life, including 'passion for Whist & for boxing; will overshadow importance of a talent never fully developed; will inform Henry Matthews. Scrope Berdmore Davies had only about £200 on departure last year, but Mr Hibbert thinks he might escape calamity of income from King's College fellowship can be conveyed to him; he is at Ostend with irretrievable debts of seventeen or eighteen thousand pounds; Mr Andrews will be hardest hit'; Davies should have sought help from his friends rather than obtain money under false pretences. Hibbert's address is 47 Great Ormond Street.
Everingham. - Delighted to accept invitation to Fryston, where he always feels 'less gagged about the Pope & Cardinal [Wiseman?]' than elsewhere; cannot second his friend Arthur Duncombe's nomination for the Riding on account of disgust at religious measures in Parliament. His deep opposition to the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill; ridiculous attempts of the Church of England to exert spiritual authority when it is merely a political engine. Glad to hear of Milnes' son Richard's happy match.
Everingham, nr York. - Invitation for next week; wishes Cardinal Wiseman were in England to meet them; Lord John Russell hopes to annihilate him but persecution merely adds glory to the Church; hopes Milnes will get Everingham if confiscated 'and finish off Barnes's 34'. Marcia begs Milnes to come and be converted.
Regrets he must decline eagerly accepted invitation as he forgot he was already engaged to the Molesworths; invites recipient to dine on Friday 30th; dare not invite ladies as Lady Shelburne's confinement is imminent.
Byram. - Has little influence with the Pontefract voters but will gladly support an old friend; pities the Blands, on whom the heaviest affliction may soon fall
Holme. - Further to the conversation about 'nocturnal tête-à-têtes between ladies & gentlemen', Marcia [Constable-Maxwell] states that her husband's only conversation with Miss Fullerton was at dinner; he learned from a letter he read that night of her wish to become a Roman Catholic, and therefore the following morning Marcia invited her to Everingham; they are not ashamed of their proselytising, which Catholics see as an admirable proof of faith.
Winterton. - Good fishing and shooting here; returns to Riddlesworth next Wednesday. Milnes would benefit from 'a little Motion' [possibly after his accident of May 1840?] and should visit with his wife now or in the new year'; 'You may laugh at my Garden, [jinx?] my Pigs & do whatever you like'.
Castle Howard. - [Milnes?] declares he has given up being of use in the world; Howard wishes more of those who still profess the aim had his generosity and kindness.
Houghton. - Charlotte reports Charley improved. Beau Brummell's note interested the family, but few remembered him; Milnes' description of a dandy as an 'unprincipled exquisite' confirms her feelings that Brummell's career does not merit a biography. Mr Thackeray's lectures on the 'Four Georges' bring royalty into disrepute for private gain; the Kings were not faultless but the nation advanced considerably under their rule and a patriot should recognise the fact; quotes Montalembert on respect for the throne; to lose such respect would be disastrous for the country,
Written before their marriage on 22 Aug. 1808.
Pontefract. Includes ref. to Christopher Wilson of Ledston (see HOUG/BP/3/11-16).
Thornes House. - Thinks 'the enclosed testimony to the success of our kind attentions to the poor invalid [no longer present] cannot but be acceptable to you, it is so to me for your sake'. Hopes the 'Invalid at Fryston' is recovering quickly, her own 'little Pets are improving'.
Gratitude for loan; begs secrecy; requests two tickets for the Polish Ball. Postscript: Milnes deserves the riches he denies possessing; 'I heard your Father had 20,0000£s a year'.
Radnor Villa, Gt Malvern. - On the death of Robert Pemberton Milnes.
Has written to Richard about Mrs Blackburne's mis-sent letter; she should tell him to write a 'threatening address to [the] Postmaster', Has had 'sixteen Pomfreters [to visit] & expect as many more today'; they had a 'jollyfication dinner [to celebrate the birth of Milnes' grandson?] yesterday of 18', with dry champagne. Guests included [Thomas] Thornhill, 'Dick Lee', [Charles?] Jerdein, Hart, and Mrs Fawkes.
Has 'quite a love for Miss Crewe [Annabella Milnes' sister, see HOUG/BN/3/8]. She would never come to Fryston, when I would have loaded the house with R[oman] C[atholic]s'. Told Annabella she had his 'full permission to make any daughter a RC'... has 'doubt as to the ROAM, or whether Amy could look grave enough'. More details about his guests, hunting with Galway etc.
London. - Acknowledges Bawtry freeholders' requisition concerning North Road Turnpike Trust; will gladly assist, but becoming a trustee for the purpose would be unprincipled; Mr Beckett Denison doubts whether as MPs they would be eligible in any case.