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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.