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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'

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.

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'.

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'.

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.