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Fryston Lodge [?]. Incomplete?

Letter of [5 May 1861] addressed to 'Darling Mumsey' written by or with significant assistance from an adult, perhaps Louisa Milnes, from whom a note to Annabella appears on verso. Letter accompanied by a sketch, which perhaps includes the donkey mentioned in the letter.
Telegram in French, 12 Jan. 1868, from Robin Milnes at Paris to his mother at Cannes.

Letter postmarked 7 Jul. 1839 written by Louisa and Caroline Milnes. poem and note by Aubrey de Vere.

1 Stratton St., Piccadilly. - Thanks for forwarding Monographs; Lord Houghton merely mentioned sending a note when they met at a concert given here by the Baroness last Friday. Froude showed her a copy of Monographs lent to him by Carlyle. Nervousness about impending visit by the Shah, who is said to scatter his food around. The Baroness and Mrs Brown are at a slave trade meeting. Enjoyed Ristori in Maria Stuart but she looks too old and stout for the role. Asks Miss Milnes to forward her book to Pound in July. Other guests here. Might travel in September, 'if Cook's projected tour takes in more of India than his first trip'; must attend autumn manoeuvres on Dartmoor.

6 Victoria Terrace, Bridlington. - Likes this place, 'Scarbro' being a little London - There are 1, 000 visitors, mainly from Hull & Sheffield'.

Wonders whether Richard meant what he said in the debate [on length of speeches in Parliament] 'to apply to Palmerston - he, whom Gladstone poetically described as having spoken from the setting, to the rising, of the sun, & to his own endless fame'. The Speaker [of the House of Commons, Charles Shaw-Lefevre] sent [David?] Waddington to Robert at Boodles to be introduced,; he asked Robert's opinion of those speaking. Robert replied that none of the 'leading men' had met his expectations, and that 'it was visible they were not men of the substance we were - half the House, in top boots'. Remembers Pitt 'always in nankins & blue silk stockings'. Found [William Johnson] Fox the 'most remarkable-looking' man today; the Speaker commented that he was 'as remarkable as he looks, & I always like hearing him'. Robert was also taken with Frederick Peel; 'he has a conceited look', but 'spoke admirably'. Has Richard's letter saying that Evelyn Denison is to be Education Minister; Denison asked Marmaduke Wyvill if he could be introduced to Robert, and they talked for some time. 'Duke said he is so dislik'd in the House, Ld P[almerston] could not take him, but that it was agreed he was far before Vernon Smith in ability'.

Discussion of the case of the murderer William Dove; article from the Leeds Mercury originally enclosed which is 'powerfully written, & may decide Sir G. Grey. Still I should be for hanging'. Dove's family were from Pontefract; his father, or perhaps grandfather, was one of Robert's 'steadiest supporters' [in elections]. Would be glad to hear Jane's opinion on the Mercury article, 'knowing your intelligence in that branch of law'. Asks if she is aware that 'the most atrocious monster ever sent to Botany Bay was also from Pontefract': he was a 'particular friend' of Robert's, and often came to Fryston; he was 'one of the smallest men, not 5 feet, & lived in the Horse Fair'. Howe was transported for stealing, and 'betook himself in the Bush near Sydney, & way-laid & murder'd above thirty travellers...' There was a 'history of his adventures in the Edinburgh Review a while ago.

Jane should tell Richard that 'his well-compos'd articles are thrown away in that periodical - It has scarce one literary reader', or at least for every one there are 'fifty illiterate - who never heard of Heine'. Richard should certainly bring a party to Fryston, Louisa will agree 'it is an abuse of our bestowment, if advantage is not taken of Fryston's vicinage to the St. Leger'; Robert may have some guests, but this should not interfere with Annabel.

Fryston. - They have learned from Mr Tottie that 'there is nothing so settled by my mother's will but what it can be altered'; believes Rodes has mentioned this to Robert, also that they wish for a referee. 'It appears to us that there is more responsibleness in the affair than any one person would like to take upon himself' so it would be desirable for each party to have a referee; concludes that Robert would like Mr Matthew as his, and 'as an old friend of the family' they have named Mr Whyte as the other. If another should be required, she has 'certainly a strong wish for a Thornton'. Thinks the matter should be resolved as soon as possible, and that Fryston would be the best place for 'an interview, as surely Mr Jottie's attendance would be necessary to explain my father's will & the settlements of the different estates'.

They 'shall all most heartily agree in any arrangement that is made to the satisfaction of all parties, & I sincerely hope that this arbitration of friends may be the means of facilitating it so that always affectionate harmony may subsist amongst us all'.

Adds postscript: believes Rodes wrote to Robert suggesting that their mother wished to continue to live at Fryston, but she has assured him he was mistaken, 'for she has always expressed a strong readiness to leave Fryston whenever it would be thought right so to do'.

Fryston, written to Robert Milnes at Thorne.- Robert will see from the enclosed letter from their sister Louisa [now HOUG/BO/2/29A] what her wishes are regarding the settlement of Robert's affairs with their mother. Has little to add but points out that when their mother 'was in better circumstances she had left [Robert] Fryston incumbered with 10, 000', and that when he told his mother after his last visit to Robert that Robert 'would be satisfied with the Sykehouse property with the present incumbrance she replied "that she hope there would be more left for Robert than that" I hope you cannot doubt the interest my Mother takes for you & your family'

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.

Mr Belsham was living in Hackney when Robert Pemberton Milnes was his pupil; recalls Charles the groom driving Robert and Rodes to Mr Shepherd's at Gateacre in Liverpool, probably about the time Miss Le Mesurier came as governess; Louisa's eldest sister [Martha?] was briefly taught by Mr Leadley the Fryston curate; later demolition of the Vicarage revealed a skeleton which Jane said haunted the area; Robert Milnes' clear perception of political folly meant that he could never have given himself wholly to any party; quotes Watts on idleness as a warning to Houghton.

Written in answer to Houghton's letter of 29th. Robert Pemberton Milnes hated Mr Shepherd [sic] who was so severe as to be sometimes cruel; his parents were unaware of it at the time and few pupils then would have considered complaining; he was a good classical scholar. Mr Belsham knew nothing and was theologically prejudiced; few gentlemen taught by Belsham except John Cam Hobhouse and sons of Sir Evan Nepean and Sir William Smith. Dissenting background a check to private nature. Robert Pemberton Milnes' private nature. Surprise at his political divergence from the family in famous speech on government of the nation [Apr. 1807]; remembers occasion as it coincided with viewing the corpse of her governess Miss Le Mesurier. Robert Pemberton Milnes was not a Tory by nature but had a personal opposition to Grey and Grenville; he explained his refusal of office on the grounds of unfamiliarity with the task and threat to health, but it must also have arisen from his reservations about the Tory party; her own recollections of his beautiful reading aloud.

16 U[pper] Brook St. - Announces acceptance of peerage; address to Pontefract constituents will appear tomorrow; 'It is intended to be very pathetic, but I doubt their crying very much, on the eve of an election'; Sir Edmund Head is to be the Liberal candidate. Mr Smith is settled at Fryston; pleasant moonlight walks in the woods; Lancaster [a dog?] tried to bite a piece out of Mrs Tom Lee's leg but her crinoline saved her.

Earl's Heaton Vicarage, Dewsbury. - Her nephew George Martin obtained a clerkship in the Inland Revenue by Lady Galway's interest; he now fears dismissal and seeks a clerkship in the P & O; quotes his request for Houghton to approach Edward Thornton, one of its directors. George Martin's family background. Recollections of the Galways and the Misses Milnes.

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.

The letter contains mentions of [Caroline's sisters?] Jane and Louisa, and much discussion of young women such as Mary [Martha Anne?] Thornhill.

The Cottage, Harley St., Bow Road, London. - Campbell’s aunt Mary was governess to the Misses Milnes; poor health forced him to leave Scotland for Malta, afterwards he travelled in the Near East and Europe; fears a relapse if he resumes further occupation; Government must show appreciation of his late uncle [Thomas Campbell]’s poetic contribution by supporting a relative; seeks Richard Monckton Milnes’ help in obtaining Landing Waitership in the Port of London.