Item 226 - Letter from Paul François Hubrecht to R. C. Trevelyan

Prinsegracht 10, 's Gravenhage. - Encloses a 'project' of Robert's marriage contract; is also sending one to Robert's 'dear father'. It comes from the advice and work of their family notary, M. Eikendal, and Hubrecht's friend Vlielander Hein the 'first lawyer at our Supreme Court', as well as his own after consultation with M. [Thomas] Barclay in Paris, whom Lord Reay recommended as 'the best authority on international law'. According to Dutch law, the contract must be made before the marriage and is 'considered to be irrevocable'. They could not make out how a particular English law should be referred to, so Robert should ask his lawyer for the correct wording. Hopes to hear from Robert next week so that everything may be addressed when he comes to the Hague at the beginning of May. He should not stay in England longer than necessary: time is 'running so hastily', and it will be good to see him and Elizabeth together for as long as possible. She went this morning to Almelo, and will return next Wednesday. His wife's health is now improving daily, and the sunshine is 'brilliant', a 'delicious omen' for Robert and Elizabeth's marriage.