(Place of writing not indicated.)—Is hopeful about Monday’s meeting. They had a good meeting today.
Trewartha.—Thanks her for her efforts during the election. Praises her judgment and her understanding attitude towards Lydia.
(With an envelope.)
Collingwood - JH is preparing 'a popular lecture on the sun adapted to the meridian of our Hawkhurst trades folks and farmers'. He is also producing a translation of the first book of the 'Iliad' into hexameters: 'It is shockingly bald and homely by the side of Pope - but I flatter myself a good deal more like Homer'.
Bateman's, Burwash, Sussex - Her letters haven't reached him, hasn't stayed at the Meurice Hotel for years; the booklet is an improvement on the yellow 'volumette'; wishes they could be at home to receive them and François Ceccaldi later in the month.
Bolt Court. May go to supper.
Is glad she is recovering from influenza. Wishes to arrange an appointment to discuss his forthcoming trip to India.
Agrees to serve on the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee (see 3/99).
British-Asian and Overseas Socialist Fellowship, Transport House, Smith Square, London, S.W.1.—Thanks him for addressing a meeting of the Fellowship at short notice. The meeting was a success, despite the absence of Jayaprakesh Narayan.
(Signed as Secretary.)
Royal Observatory Greenwich - GA formally communicated Ross's [James C. Ross] scheme to the Admiralty but received no answer: 'It does not consist of my notions of propriety to go to the Treasury for a matter which must be managed by the Admiralty, unless that Admiralty had given an answer in this shape "We are desirous of doing it, but have no funds"'. That was how he gained funds for the Trigonometrical survey via the Royal Society memorial to the Treasury. GA thinks 'it would be best still to operate privately upon the Duke of Northumberland. If any thing is to be done formally, I suppose that Sabine [Edward Sabine] is the right person'.
Kensington. Wants to know a quotation from Bacon, will take him out on Sunday if he so wishes
Agrees to continue to serve on the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee (see 3/100).
11 Wadham Gardens, N.W.2.—They (he and Rita) look forward to seeing him at the stated time. They are not vegetarians.
Congress House, Gauhati.—Invites him to contribute an article to a souvenir to be published in connection with the next session of the Indian National Congress.
(Letter-head of the Reception Committee, Indian National Congress, Sixty-third Session (Assam) 1958, Gauhati. Signed as Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, Reception Committee.)
Broadmoor (near Dorking).—Is awed and excited by thoughts of what they will achieve together.
(Dated Saturday.)
Lahore.—She and her husband are enjoying their holiday. They plan to see Lydia’s family in Alexandria again on the way back.
Collingwood - Thanks WW for his Plato Vol. 3 [WW's trans. of Plato's Republic, 1861]. JH gives his reply to WW's observations on the beginning of JH's translation of the first book of Homer's 'Iliad' [see JH to WW, 12 Dec. 1861].
India House.—The flu prevented her from conveying personally to the Pethick-Lawrences her brother (Nehru)’s invitation to India, but he will probably mention the matter himself when he comes to London in a few days’ time. Suggests arrangements for a meeting at India House.
P.O. Box 1896, Addis Ababa.—His mother’s death came without warning, while her mind was still full of plans. He will publish the issues of the Ethiopia Observer already in hand, and then close it. Invites Pethick-Lawrence to contribute to a memorial issue. His mother will be buried with the victims of the Graziani massacre.
Collingwood - JH thanks WW for his remarks on his translation of book one of Homer's 'Iliad': 'I have adopted your suggestions all but one or two'. He has also begun the second book , but has not got far as he is constructing a 'general index catalogue of nebulae' with the aid of George Airy. JH's son Alexander Herschel is a candidate for the Professorship of Natural Philosophy at the Andersonian University of Glasgow: 'If in addition [to signing his certificate] you should think that he would be likely to make a good professor and in that case would express that opinion to the Secretary W. Ambrose...it would be a great help to him'.
Broadmoor Cottages (near Dorking).—Believes that Lawrence will be a great man and should pursue a parliamentary career. Reflects on her feelings for him and the beauty of her surroundings.
(Dated Sunday.)
(The following entry has been marked: ‘The Lord Grenfell.—To ask Her Majesty’s Government as to their policy on Bearer shares in Industry; and to move for Papers.’)
Thanks him for his article (see 2/104) for the Congress Souvenir.
(Letter-head similar to 2/102, with the addition of the words ‘Souvenir Board’. Signed as Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee.)
Royal Observatory Greenwich - Edward Sabine has given GA a letter from Francis Beaufort to pass to WW: 'It seems that the Admiralty of the present day are not so good men of business as some of their predecessors, and a little private action upon them is desirable'. It appears to be the opinion of all concerned that no formal application can be made: 'Therefore will you write at once privately to the Duke of Northumberland. - The Treasury have demanded the Annual Estimates earlier than usual, and there is no time to be lost'.
(Probably sent to Esther E. Knowles.)