Item 160 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Caroline Trevelyan

1 doc

The Shiffolds. - Things are 'going a good deal better now', and he does not think there is 'much need to be anxious': the baby had a 'good night', and seems to be doing well this morning; expects he will be 'jaundiced for some time, perhaps for weeks'. A shame Bessie cannot feed him herself, but it 'seems very unlikely she will be able to'; however, she is 'fairly comfortable, and the child takes his milk and water very well'. Molly is going to London this morning and will post this letter; she returns tomorrow and will stay till Monday, or later if necessary. Robert is afraid he and Bessie have given his parents 'rather an anxious time: but the doctor was bound to be anxious under the circumstances'. They are 'very glad Dr Hutchison came'. Will write by this afternoon's post.

Adds a postscript saying he and Bessie wish to give the baby 'Otto' as a second name, if his parents would like it. They have not decided about the first, but 'rather incline to Julian', which they are both keen on: it is 'like the Julius of [Bessie's] brother-in-law Röntgen, though that perhaps is hardly a reason'. As his parents know, they thought of John, but they are not sure they 'like it altogether, nor William', but have not decided finally.