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.
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'.