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.
HOUG/A/D/1/16/29
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1 Jul. 1862
Part of Papers of Richard Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton
HOUG/A/D/1/16/28
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25 Jun. 1862
Part of Papers of Richard Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton
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.