Pièce 24 - Letter from Sir George Trevelyan to R. C. Trevelyan

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Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Is 'gratified' by Robert's comments on his book ["History of the American Revolution"]. Curious how much literary work is 'improved by print'; remembers Henry Sidgwick criticising his "Life of Macaulay" when he saw it in manuscript, but 'as a book it had no more indulgent partisan'; in this case Sir George made many alterations in response to Robert's 'critical revision'. Pleased by the unanimously good reviews, though 'the historical adepts have something to say', mostly about the forthcoming parts. Wishes they were with Robert [in Florence?] and look forward to being 'ciceronied' next year. Asks if the Cathedral Tower (he thinks) has been re-built and whether there is a subscription fund still open. Is reading the last five books of Herodotus and [written in small letters] 'much prefer[s] him to Thucydides' whom he has also been reading; looks forward to discussing with Robert. Responds to Robert's criticisms of the book: one is a bad misprint; one his uncle [Macaulay] would have likewise corrected. Caroline sends love; they hope he has better weather, and that it will 'persist for George'.