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Whittington Club, 262 Strand. - Thanks Milnes for his note and the enclosures from Mr. Hayter, and for 'the service you have so kindly rendered me'; assures him that his 'interest and zeal in the cause of the Whittington Club will be increased rather than diminished' as in this way he can best show his appreciation of Milnes' kindness.

Has 'always felt a deep interest in the Club apart from all pecuniary considerations and the benefits I have received from it amply repay me for any sacrifices I may have made'. Has been connected with the Club for over eight years and served in all its offices. 'As I owe what little education I possess to my own exertions I am fully sensible of my many deficiencies - perhaps too sensitively so'; considered turning down his appointment as Secretary as he did not feel his 'abilities were fully adequate' to meet the Club's difficulties and 'develope [sic] to their full extent the capabilities which I felt convinced it possessed for the education of the moral feelings and conduct of its members'. However, he found that the Committee were 'earnest and zealous', and with their assistance he can say that he has done his best for the Club. Has recently refused the offer of 'a good situation in Scotland' as leaving London at present would place the Committee in difficulty.

Apologises for 'saying so much about myself', but is 'anxious to shew that I feel something more than a mere pecuniary interest in the Institution', and to 'promote its welfare'. Is convinced that 'when our differences with the Duke of Norfolk are amicably settled, as I trust they will be, there will be no question of the success of the Institution'.

Whittington Club, 262 Strand. - Sends copies of two letters from Messrs Freshfield regarding the proposed transfer of the loan from the Royal British Bank, as well as a copy of the [Whittington Club] Committee's reply. The Committee asks Milnes to use his influence with Oliveira as it is important to obtain his consent as soon as possible. The transfer will take place as soon as signatures are obtained.

Letters from J., C. & H. Freshfield, 5 New Bank Buildings to Brace, of 6 and 8 Oct. 1856 copied out on second page; copy of letter from Brace to the Freshfields, 8 Oct. 1856, follows.

Whittington Club, 262 Strand. - Because of the stoppage of the Royal British Bank, application has been made for payment of the Loan of £1800 advanced to the Club, the letter informing them of this is copied out on the next page; the Provisional Committee, anticipating this have already entered into negotiation for a transfer of the security to another bank. Asks when it will be most convenient for Milnes to have the new Bond executed.

On the second page of the letter: copy of letter from Richard Paddison, Solicitor to the Bank, to the Secretary of the Whittington Club, 18 Sept. 1856.

Whittington Club, Temporary Premises, 90 Fetter Lane. - Encloses copy of a letter received today from Messrs Few & Co., and reminds Milnes that the meeting of the Trustees will be on 21 Feb. at 3 o'clock. Brace is [Secretary of the Club].

The copy of the letter from Few & Co to Ashurst, Son & Morris, 19 Feb. 1855, written out on the second page: had hoped that the offer they made in their letter of the 14 Feb.; puts forward the position of the Duke of Norfolk; since Mr Beadel has made a report on the matter, asks what accommodation the Trustees plan for have built should the lease not be surrendered.

Covent Garden. - Sets out sums required for the rebuilding of the Whittington Club after it has been destroyed by fire, and a timetable for this.

25 Gresham Street, London - As instructed by Mr [John Joseph?] Mechi, has surveyed the site of the 'late Club House recently destroyed by fire' and has carefully read through the lease by which the premises are held. Dimensions and rents paid given. The premises are held from the Duke of Norfolk, with 27 years remaining on the lease. Gives account of the extent of the fire damage; what he believes the Trustees are entitled to from the Lessor, and what course he believes they should take now: 'it will be more advantageous to the Trustees, to dispose of the Lease, than to retain it....'. Gives valuation of the lease, and also what it would be worth the Duke of Norfolk 'to have it surrendered to him'

71 St George Sq., Belgravia South.

71 St George Sq., Belgravia South. - The enclosed papers (no longer present) are subscribed by his 'cousin Henniker', whom Houghton will know as M.P. for East Suffolk, and will show Houghton that Harcourt is keen to become a member of the Whittington Club, and possibly also of putting his wife's name down. The Club is "a convenient house of call between ourselves and the City. Since Houghton is a Trustee of the United Arts [?] Club, he will be able to vouch for Harcourt; he knows him also from the House of Commons. Hopes therefore that Houghton will be one of the 'two known respectable persons' who will speak for him.

Circus Road, St John's Wood. - Has written to Mr Novello; their course seems 'very plain, namely to receive the money from the Fire Office, and discharge the rent etc, at the smae time requesting the Duke of Norfolk - other available parties being anxious for the lease - to relieve us of it'. Writes as he cannot attend on Wednesday morning, his engagement being 'imperative', as he informed Mr Brace before; would undoubtedly have come had the meeting been in the afternoon.

Goldsmiths' Hall, London, E. C. - Has had a visit from Mr [William?] Wagstaff, a solicitor who represents Mr Brassey and Sir Morton Peto in the matter of the Whittington Club, about which he spoke to Milnes a while ago; seems an action has been brought, and the only question is whether the liable parties 'shall pay & have done with it', or through Milnes and Lushington, the Trustees, 'bring the affairs of the Club to an End'. Mr Wagstaff 'states that the Club has become a mere dancing & billiards Establishment & is now entirely unworthy of your support and Countenance''. Wagstaff observes that the lease has a value, that there are other assets, and that there is no reason why these assets should not be made available. Promised Wagstaff that he would write to Milnes urging him to refer the matter to his solicitor, with whom Wagstaff might confer.

14 Essex Street, Strand. - Is sorry that Milnes is suffering from gout. Has seen Mr Gibson's managing clerk and learns from him the writ has been issued at the suggestion of the solicitor [William Wagstaff] of Sir Morton Peto and Mr Brassey in order to have a contribution made and to get rid of all liabilities they are under regards the Whittington Club and that there is interest due on the bond from 7 Apr. 1859.

Expects the bill for constructing a railway through Madeley will be before a committee of the House of Lords in a few days, but fears Milnes will not be well enough to give evidence against it.

Will wait to hear from Milnes before he completes the exchange of deeds with Lord Galway.

64 Lincolns Inn Fields, W.C. - 'Walker v Sir S. M. Peto & o[ther]s'. Since his letter of 3 Apr. has 'produced no satisfactory result', has issued a writ against Peto and others, including Milnes, for recovery of the £1500 and the arrears of interest; asks for the name of Milnes' attorney.

Goldsmiths' Hall, London, E. C. - Has been requested by the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company to say how much pleasure it will give him to see Milnes at dinner here next Friday. Asks on his own behalf whether Milnes is one of the Trustees of the Whittington Club; saw him and their mutual friend Lushington talk on the subject. Lushington has received an application for payment as share of a debt on the Club's behalf; 'at his time of life he is anxious to keep as free from annoyance as is possible', and has asked Prideaux to settle the matter for him. Has agreed to help, but 'hardly know[s] in which way to act'; asks Milnes for advice. If Milnes and Lushington are trustees, supposes they may insist on having the affairs of the Club wound up.

9 King William St, Strand, W. C. - The Secretary [of the Whittington Club] is out of town and will not return until next Tuesday. Regrets that the interest on the Walker loans have not been paid; £100 'would have been paid last year but owing to the plunder of the Club's funds by the Secretary & Mr Roberts to the amount of 250/- we we unable to do so'. The loss has 'very seriously injured us'. Hopes that an 'amicable arrangement' can be made to avoid the ruin of the Club. Believes the lease is worth at least five thousand pounds; nearly four thousand pounds have been raised by members and friends and spent on the premises.

Is sorry that the Club does not receive the 'general support' he believes it ought to; thinks that 'part of Mr Douglas Jerrold's scheme the admission of Lady Members has... retarded our progress'. It might be feared that 'seductions & all sorts of intrigues would be the result', but though he knows of a 'vast number of Marriages' among the members, he knows of none. However, thinks the 'Lady Membership has been injurious to the Club - it seems to be contrary to the habits & opinions of people in this Country'.

Regarding the loans, a meeting of the members will be called immediately, and the business put before them; the club does not currently have a solicitor but this matter will also be settled. Gives a summary of what has been done since the fire; it will be 'very vexatious to the Members who have invested nearly 5000/- to lose their Club and money on account of this loan'. Hopes Milnes will continue to support them. [Rowsell signs himself as Chairman of the Managing Committee].

4 Leadenhall St. - Both his partner (Charles Bazin) and he himself have 'taken very much trouble about the disagreeable Whittington affairs', and have concluded that 'they are totally unworthy of any further support & we had better at once take steps to wind it up & so save our money'. Bazin has just gone up 'to see Lawson professionally above it'. Suggests that Milnes should call on Bazin in Regent St.

Whittington Club & Metropolitan Athenaeum, Arundel Street, Strand. - The Managing Committee wishes him to forward to Milnes a copy of a resolution to be moved at the half-yearly meeting on Monday 17 Feb., with 'a copy of the Law to which it refers'. The Committee oppose the motion, 'thinking it injurious to the Interests of the Club' and trust that Milnes will agree; he is being informed since 'Law 16 directs that no alteration in the Laws be made without Notice to the financial Trustees'.
[Peters signs himself as temporary secretary of the Club].

The motion is to repeal the 22nd Law: 'No Gambling whatever shall be permitted, nor any Games of chance be allowed to be played upon the premises' [both motion and law are copied out on the second page of the letter].

4 Leadenhall St. - Thinks it right to state that he is not satisfied with the proceedings of the manager or Committee of the Whittington Club, who have neglected to present the half year balance sheets, and have not paid the interest on the guaranteed loan for, he believes, two years; they have also overdrawn their account at the Bank to the sum of some £30. Has requested his partner, Mr Bazin, to look into the matter. If the Committee allows their expenses to exceed the returns, believes 'the only way will be to wind up the concern & prevent further mischief'. Asks if Milnes could write to the Secretary and ask for accounts. Thought it 'right to say as much in confidence, & if you see Mr Lushington please tell him'. Milnes will hear more when he gets the accounts. Adds postscript: the lease of the new premises are of 'considerable value'.

Temple. - Made enquiries about this Whittington Club this morning and found that the 'summons to the Trustees originated in a dispute between two parties in the Committee of Management', one wishing to wind up the Club due to financial difficulties, the other wishing to carry it on. The latter party has succeeded, and 'a subscription amongst the members already amounting to about 200£ has been raised for present emergencies'. From what he can tell, the Club has been 'very badly managed'; the 'acting secretary [William Peters] however is hopeful of the future'. Milnes need not therefore trouble himself further about the matter; if 'any legitimate attempt' is made to improve the 'condition & character of the club', Milnes might 'consider what sanction you could give to it'. Like Milnes, Parry would be 'sorry to see it go to the dogs with such a fair home'; believes the lease is worth three or four thousand pounds.

Full title: 'Extract from Minutes of the Eleventh Quarterly General Meeting of the Members of The Whittington Club and Metropolitan Athenaeum held at the Club House Arundel Street Strand, 14 Oct. 1850.

Moved, seconded and carried unanimously: that Charles Lushington, R. Monckton Milnes, James Wyld, Douglas Jerrold. J. Humphreys [Humffreys] Parry and J. Alfred Novello, having expressed willingness to become Trustees and Lessees of the Club, be appointed Trustees on behalf of the Institution. Resolution then 'passed by acclamation' that the thanks of the Members should be presented to these men for consenting to accept the Office of Trustees.

Extract signed 'By order of the Managing Committee' by the Secretary, William Strudwicke.

Tiptree Hall, nr Kelveden, Essex. - He and Mr Hawkins, Sir Morton Peto's representative, met two members of the Whittington Club Committee on Monday. Outlines financial position of the Club. 'As it is quite clear they cannot raise the number of subscribers & must therefore lose £600 p annum they have wisely determined to wind up - but a certain number of members desire to continue it... on the principle of an ordinary club'. Has told them this will be no use unless a hundred of them will agree to contribute £15 annually until they have increased to a sufficient number'. Sees 'no immediate risk' of the Trustees needing to pay, as theirs is a prior claim, and if the lease were to be sold by auction it should realize £3000. 'You will see by the Enclosed [no longer present] that they have a happy (?) knack of getting supplies without incurring a responsibility. You & I could not do so'. Recommends the Committee to 'pay as they go or wind up & and close', which he thinks they will do. Will attend next meeting, look out for the Trustees' interests, and keep Milnes informed.

'Miserably wet weather' has had 'Farmers desponding [?] on the stiff clay'; can't complain, though the crops are not so good as last year; regrets that he could not join Milnes' 'pleasant party', hears he had an 'excellent meeting'; in his part of the world they have put off the partridge shooting for nine or ten days as the crops are still standing.

Whittington Club, Arundel St, Strand. - The meeting of the Trustees yesterday was attended by Mr Mechi and a representative for Sir Morton Peto, other Trustees being out of town. Mr Mechi examined the accounts and balance sheets of the Club since its reopening, which show there has been a loss of around £900. Discussion of what has been done and what steps might be taken to pay off the debt. Mr Mechi advises that unless the Members are prepared to pay off a substantial part of the debt at their next meeting, the Club should be closed. Thinks the Trustees would not sustain any pecuniary loss, which will predominantly fall on the members. Mr Mechi thinks the Trustees would continue their support if the Members could form the Club once more 'upon a better basis'.

1 John Street, Bedford Road, W. C. - Has 'taken a prominent part in the conduct of the Whittington Club's affairs from the time of the fire', but wishes to inform Milnes that the managing Committee, of which he is a member, 'have unanimously resigned office in Consequence of a General Meeting having resolved to abolish the Capital fund on which the stability of the Institution, in the opinion of my colleagues and myself, depends'. Believes a new Committee will be elected on Monday. Has been frequently in communication with Milnes, particularly regarding Mr Oliveira's subscription, and did not wish him to feel he had been 'kept substantially uninformed of occurrences personally important to you'.

With wrapper with label in the hand of Arthur Edwin Scanes, first arranger of Houghton's papers: 'The Whittington Club & Metropolitan Athenaeum of which the late Lord Houghton was a Trustee, The enclosed papers chiefly relate to its financial difficulties &c'; the wrapper originally enclosed all items except for HOUG/A/D/1/16/10 and 13-16.

Whittington Club & Metropolitan Athenaeum, Arundel Street, Strand. - Encloses a copy of the Duke of Norfolk's reply to the Memorial of the President and Committee of the Whittington Club; hopes Milnes will let the Committee have his opinion on it. The Dukes letter is 'evidently written after consultation with his lawyers'; obviously two distinct things, damages for departing from the original structure, and the remission of rent on the ground of the 'gratuitous outlay by the Lessee', have been 'confounded together'. The Committee think it their duty to justify the presentation of the Memorial, but think it proper to send Milnes a copy of the letter before addressing the Duke.

With enclosure, copy of letter from the Duke of Norfolk to J. J. Mechi, dated 12 Jun. 1858, Norfolk House. - Would have been pleased to see any of the gentlemen who have signed the Memorial of the Whittington Club had he thought it 'contained a reasonable request'. Has to remind Mechi that 'before any building was erected an offer was made by his father to give £1000 and forego all claim for arrears if the Club would relinquish the Lease; the Trustees would have gladly accepted the offer but the Committee 'interfered' and prevented them from doing so. The 'claim amounting to £4000 was referred to Mr Pownall and adjudicated upon by him'; notes that 'a considerable portion of the rent now owing will be swallowed up by the legal expenses incident to it'; does not think therefore that he should be called upon to 'make a subscription towards an Institution which however useful it may be is not in my opinion as useful as many to which I am compelled to refuse subscriptions'; means no disrespect but does not think in the circumstances he should have been asked to subscribe.

6 Old Jewry, London. - The Arbitrator, Mr Pownall, has made his award: the Duke [of Norfolk] is to pay two sums amountint to £1338.3.9 to be laid out on the premises; the Duke is to pay all the costs of the Reference; there is to be a cesssation [?] of rent for a year and a half, which amounts to £712.10. Expects there will soon be a meeting of the Trustees to consider the best steps to be taken to complete the restoration of the Club premises; but since they will probably require to be informed of the wishes of the Club Committee before forming conclusions, representatives will be invited to attend the meeting of the Trustees.

London. 8 Upper Hyde Park St. - When he agreed in 1852 to oblige Milnes by joining in the security for the Whittington Club, Milnes gave him to understand that there was no risk he would be called upon to make any financial commitment; believes that Milnes' letters on the subject 'amount to a moral, if not a legal guarantee'; was told that a 'certain amount of the income' would be set aside to pay off the debt', and understood from Mr Brace that three or four years would 'extinguish all obligations'. Almost five years later; does not think faith has been kept as he finds that the debt is exactly what it was in 1852, and so has the 'greatest possible objection' to put his name on bills etc, and 'looking to the uncertainty in which this matter is involved', is 'not disposed to join in a further security unless I am guaranteed'. Given that he has no connection with the Club, and only gave his name to oblige Milnes, he does not think there is 'fair ground' to call on him to do more than he has already done.

Whittington Club, 262 Strand. - Regrets that the Committee has so far been unsuccessful in their efforts to persuade Mr Oliveira to sign the Bond with the Unity Bank, though his solicitors, Freshfields, had suggested he would do so if his proportion was limited to £300. The Chairman and another member would like to meet Milnes to discuss the subject next Saturday, if convenient.

Arundel Castle. - Has 'gone carefully into the question of the Whittington Club'; and concluded 'without difficulty' that the agents for his father and now for himself 'have only done their duty towards their employer & the estate'; is very sorry that the Club should be put to any inconvenience; much regrets that he cannot meet Milnes' wishes, but does 'not intent to interfere at this last stage in the case'.

Arundel Estate, St. Clement Danes, Office, No. 11 Howard Street, Strand. Addressed to Charles Lushington, Milnes, James Wyld, Joseph A. Novello, John Humffreys Parry, and Douglas Jerrold. Wrote on 7 Jul requesting payment of rent for the premises in Arundel Street; has received no reply and another quarter of rent is now due; writes to request immediate payment or will have to place the matter in the hands of Few & Co., the Duke of Norfolk's solicitors.

West Lodge, Putney Common. - On Wednesday he is 'one of a mob of vulgarities bound for Epsom [Derby day horse races]', or he would have been 'glad to be at your board'.

Quite agrees with Milnes' view that 'Whittington matters are at present doubtful', but thinks that 'with adequate funds', which he hears are 'becoming more certain every day' the Club may 'promise larger designs'.

With envelope postmarked 22 May 1849, addressed to Miles at 26 Pall Mall.