In the cab going to King’s Cross.—Is going back to his ‘first love’, Cambridge, which is a part of them both.
(Germany.)—Expresses his delight at the receipt of her letter. Describes his present company and their activities, and wishes her a pleasant stay at Bournemouth.
(Written within sight of the Rhine.)
(Germany?)—Refers to his leisure activities and his companions, who have wished him a happy birthday and made him a cake.
(Letter-head of The Echo, but perhaps written abroad.)
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Sends his love, and recalls their parting at the station.
(Undated. With an envelope, postmarked 26 Dec. 1903.)
The Mascotte, Holmwood, Surrey.—Sends his love.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Refers to her letter, and expresses his love for her.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Refers to their ‘glorious’ day together yesterday, and sends his love.
In the train.—Is sorry they had only a short time together. Expresses his pride in her, and arranges to meet in London.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Looks forward to seeing her tomorrow. Is dining with Nance, after golf with Mort. Sends a postcard.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Is glad she has enjoyed herself. Driving a car suits her. Has played golf with Borill, and Trowse has returned.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Sends a greeting to await her at home. Has sent another to Littlehampton.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Reflects on the contrast between day and night.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Reflects on love and life.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—An anxiety has been removed from his mind. ‘Number thirteen is on the way and he will make us both extra happy.’ Mort managed to catch the train. Asks when she is coming up tomorrow.
‘The Echo’ Office, 19 St Bride Street, Fleet Street, E.C.—Has been busy. Has asked Rapley to pack up the encyclopaedias and get the guard put on the motor at Dorking.
St Margaret’s Bay Hotel, near Dover.—Has walked with Borill from Margate. Walkley of The Times was pointed out to him at Margate, and he overheard two other men talking about The Echo.
The Cliftonville Hotel, Margate.—Sends greetings.
‘In the cab.’—Sends his love, and wishes her goodnight.
(The date has been struck through.)
Trinity Lodge, Cambridge.—Encloses six letters (2–7) written by Lord Byron to Henry Drury, which have been bequeathed to the college by the son of the recipient.
—————
Transcript
Trinity Lodge, Cambridge
Dec. 20. 1902
My dear Vice-Master,
On Thursday last {1} I had a visit of some hours from Mr L. M. Stewart, nephew and executor of the late Mr “Ben Drury,” of Caius {2}.
He read to me the enclosed letters of Byron to Mr Drury’s father, “Old Harry” as he was called at Harrow, a Son of Dr Joseph Drury the Head Master.
He left out one sentence in one letter about the Turks, which he told me was disgusting {3}, and I have not seen it.
The letters date between 1807 {4}, when the Hours of Idleness were published, and 1815 soon after Byron’s Marriage.
As there are numerous references to my Father, it may be well just to point out that my Father succeeded Dr Drury at Easter, 1805, and that Byron left the School that summer, i.e. I suppose, at the end of July. Consequently, their relation as Master and Pupil lasted only some 12, 13, or 14 weeks. How a reconciliation came about, and how the “gold pen” was given, I do not know, but our family tradition vouches for both facts, to say nothing of Moore’s Biography.
You will observe that the letter of 1810, in wh. the {5} reference to the “gold pen” occurs, describes the famous swim from Sestos to Abydos, and adds—what I had either not known or forgotten—that the swimmer had made a previous attempt which failed.
May I ask you and Dr Sinker kindly to take Charge of the letters, which Mr Benjamin Drury bequeathed to our Library, and to consider where and in what form they may best be kept. The fact that they are a bequest should be specially recorded.
Perhaps it might also be recorded that Dr Joseph Drury, the Grandfather of the Testator, was himself a Trinity man. His Son, “Old Harry,” to whom Byron wrote the letters, was at Eton and King’s.
I am, my dear Vice-Master,
Most truly yours
H. Montagu Butler
—————
2 folded sheets.
{1} The 18th.
{2} Benjamin Drury’s sister Emily (1813–1902) married Stewart’s father, Lestock Wilson Stewart (1824–1876), an army doctor, in India in 1852.
{3} See the letter of 3 May 1810 (R.2.40A/4). Stewart may well have omitted more than one sentence.
{4} The earliest of the letters (R.2.40A/2) in fact dates from 13 January 1808, but it was misdated 1807.
{5} ‘1810’ struck through.
‘The Echo’ Office, London.—Is thinking of her, and of the ‘jolly time’ they will have this winter.
Rose Cottage.—Reflects on their enjoyable summer holiday together.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Is missing her and looking forward to seeing her again. Has seen Edith Ellis, and been on the moor with Percy.
West Cornwall Golf Club, Lelant.—Has played golf. Encloses a letter from Miss Ross, and suggests that Mary Wood might do a sketch for the cover (of the prospectus). Is looking forward to the winter.
West Cornwall Golf Club, Lelant.—Hopes she is having a good journey. They (he and Percy) have just played their first round of golf.
Maison Espérance Ltd, 80 Wigmore Street, Portman Square, W.—Discusses the printing of circular cards and prospectuses, and other business matters.
(Cornwall.)—Has sent her a letter from Carbis Bay. They (he and Percy) intend to visit Falmouth on Sunday.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Has received the Pethick-Lawrences’ postcards, and is glad they are enjoying themselves. All is well at The Mascotte and at The Echo.