Item 87 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Sir George Trevelyan

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Mill House, Westcott, Dorking :- He and Bessie were glad they went Holly Lodge last week: the ceremony [for the unveiling of a ceremonial tablet to Lord Macaulay, see 10/40] was a 'great success', and Lord Rosebery's speech was 'perfect'. Mrs Winkworth was not 'looking at all well'; hopes she was not too tired by the event. Charles' speech 'seemed to please everyone'.

Finished [his father's book] The American Revolution yesterday, delayed only by 'various interruptions', for his interest 'never flagged from first to last'. Did not find the last chapter about the clergy too long, as the Times reviewer suggested; thinks that a 'history on this scale it is important to enlarge a good deal' on subjects like Wesley's relations with the soldiers, to 'give an atmosphere and a setting to the narrative'. The last three chapters 'will serve admirably to lead up to the continued narrative', which everyone is hoping will follow.

As his father says, it is 'curious' that the 'Tory press seem to accept the principles implied' in the book's 'criticism of events', even though they recently 'failed so completely to act upon them' or to see that they applied; however, 'men, especially Tories, even when they are wise in theory, are very fond of forgetting their principles' when it is time to put them into practice. Still thinks the book 'should do good in its way, and comes opportunely'; praises it highly, though points out one possible misprint.. Glad it is being 'so well received': it is 'one of the rare histories, after George's heart, that are based on science and fact' so that the reader can have confidence in the truth of the narrative, and yet 'are morally convincing and satisfy the imagination'.

Thinks George's article 'looks very well in print'. He and Bessie have nearly reached a settlement about the house', and the solicitors have sent them a draft of the agreement; this is satisfactory in general but they want a 'few small alterations'. They will not go abroad until it is settled 'and the plans of the house quite ready'. Bessie is well, and sends love to Robert's parents.