Showing 26 results

Boodles. - Discusses Mrs Blackburne's anxiety about her son's eyesight; he himself has 'little faith in doctors in those cases'; if a change of air would help, she is welcome to send him to spend a month at Bawtry - or Serlby, where Milnes is often. Thinks that if there is anyone who has 'an unalloy'd Felicity', it is Annabel. From the mopy creature, as I saw her first at Madeley, she has sprung into a youth & freshness, beyond belief - younger by at least some dozen years- & in the highest spirits & enjoyments'. She and Richard are 'now making a round of visits in counties new to her - Norfolk & Suffolk', where two of Robert Milnes' sisters 'married early in life'; then they will go on to 'some of Richard's fashionable acquaintances'. Robert will then urge her to join him at Bawtry before the London season begins; asks Mrs Blackburne if she and Fanny would come and spend time with them.

Is currently in town; not at Brook Street as he does not like it, but at his 'old dingy lodgings next St James' St' [his club]; goes back to Bawtry at the end of the week. Discussion of current political situation: does not think their opinions would differ much; reversals in political fortunes, with recollections of the beginning of his own public life. 'But we will have it out, if you come to Bawtry'.

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'.

Crewe. - Re the wedding of Hon. Annabella Hungerford Crewe and Richard Monckton Milnes at Madeley, Staffordshire.

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'.

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.

Fryston. Congratulations on the birth of Milnes' son. 'Mr Thornhill has been not a little amused with the Ponf[re]t [Pontefract] women besetting the front door all the day then pursuing him along the road with intreaties that he would present their claims to Mr Milnes. a very old woman was at the head of the 24th deputation.' Milnes' father is 'decidedly grateful with his name being handed down to Posterity, he is no worse for the excitement.' Lord Galway is sure that 'R. O. A. M.' will be a 'sportsman', because of a good run to hounds the day of his birth. Sends love to Annabel, and 'thanks to Mrs B[lackburne]'.

Enclosing note, [1867] from Emma Blackburne to Annabella Hungerford Milnes. 1 sheet, at front; child's note to 'My Dear Moey', 1 sheet at back, [1866].

Anecdotes of John, 1st Lord Crewe, and Sir Richard Arkwright at pp. 107-108.

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'.

'Countess Hoffman' is said to be a swindler and alleged murderess.

Printed letter, 16 Sept. 1856, from Robert Townley-Parker at Cuerden Hall to Henry Heron at Manley Hall. Sent to 'Mrs T. Blackburne' [Emma Anne Blackburne] at Teddesley, Penkridge. Gives an account, with the use of numerous copy letters, of a breach in Townley-Parker's marriage, caused by Captain Arthur Mainwaring, and Townley-Parker's attempts to satisfy his honour. The intermediaries are first Captain Frederick Gerard and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bowles, then Henry Alison.

Printed letter, 14 Oct. 1856, from Robert Townley-Parker at Cuerden Hall to Henry Heron at Manley Hall, drawing atention to passages in letters by Colonel Bowles and Captain Gerard.

Boroughbridge. - Saw his doctor, 'an old school-fellow' recently, who told him he 'perfectly understood [himself], and confirmed [his] own ideas in every respect' and that it had been right for him to choose 'some rest whilst the will so to choose was in my own power'.

Expects the weekly letter from [her son] Robert will reach her at the same time; intends to write to him soon if all is well. Hopes 'the young ladies and Miss Allen [their governess] get on well together'.

Asks her to tell Mrs Blackburne that 'one of her pen-wipers and the rabbit were reserved at the bazaar' for him; Robert may have the rabbit if he likes. Mrs Blackburne should also know that 'Mr Owen, as rural-dean, assembled his clergy & their churchwardens here &, at a meeting in the school after Holy Communion in Church, the unanimous decision was to go on collecting Church-rate as far as practicable. Our own rate here at B.B. having been merely for repairs &c, the other expenses of heating & lighting being subscribed by the congregation'.

Thought of enclosing a note to Miss Louisa Milnes, but instead hopes to write in a few days. Would also like Annabella Milnes to thank Mr Dey for forwarding a letter to him which he received yesterday morning.

Fryston. Has always avoided town at busy periods, but meant to be there; however, influenza has stopped him and he cannot say when he will be able to come. Does not mind being alone as much as some would; 'With all Richard's fancy for books, I have a notion I read as much as he does'. Hears often from Annabel; she is an 'excellent correspondent' and 'must have written all copies in large text for the girl's school at Madeley - so distinct is her chirography'. She tells him of some of her guest but not all; she says 'they ask'd so many one night some could not get in the house. He himself 'set[s] small value on London friendships, generally' - about 'the prince of a bottle of ginger beer'.

Asks to be remembered kindly to Lord Crewe; is glad to see his sister [Annabel] so often, and trusts that he will esteem Richard the more the longer he knows him. Wishes he would have come with Richard for a few days for the election; asks Mrs Blackburne to tell him so, thinks it 'would amuse him immensely. The row & outspoken way they knock about the candidates, he would be excessively entertained'.

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.

Addressed to Emma Blackburne at 17 Upper Brook Street.

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.

Letter of 11 Aug. [1860] encloses separate sheet with birthday wishes [not to Annabella Hungerford Milnes], 10 Aug. 1860.
Letter from 19 Feb. [1864] encloses news cutting, [c 18 Feb 1864] re opening of the new School Church in Madeley, Shropshire.

News of the birth of Robert O. A. Milnes is 'glorious'; wishes for God to bless both the boy and his mother.

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'.

Enclosing note on Crewe family ancestors by Emma Blackburne (1 sheet).

pp. 115-116: Notes by Annabella Hungerford Milnes entitled 'At Ketteringham': Dean Milman quoting Rogers, Guizot on Napoleon etc.

Note from Emma A. Blackburne for Amicia Milnes' birthday, 3 Aug. 1858.
Letter from Sophia MacCarthy, 23 Aug. [1867?]. Includes three pen and ink sketches of scenes on the Rhine.
Letter from Louisa Waddington, 15 [Jul. 1858?]
Two letters from Mary Anne Waddington, 26 Apr. 1858 and [late Jul. 1858?].

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.'

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.

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.

Headed notepaper for Motcombe House, Shaftesbury. - Very kind of Houghton to have thought of her in the moment of his own 'severe grief' [the death of Lady Houghton]; offers her condolences. Is glad that Mrs Blackburne is with the family.