Item 249 - Letter from Sir George Trevelyan to R. C. Trevelyan

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Thanks Robert for the 'exact report' from Grosvenor Crescent; glad that he and Elizabeth like 'the trifles of furniture' [which they are getting after the sale of the London house]. Must already have Caroline's old Murray "Handbook for Travellers"] of 1864; asks him to bring the 1864 ["Handbook"] for France when he visits; does not want the others. Glad that daylight saving suits Robert generally, 'specially by its effect on the hens'; mentions a 'nice calculation, suited to dear Julian's tender years'. Is now finishing the last volume of Motley's history of the Dutch Republic, which he has been reading off and on 'since the European war began'; has much to say about it when he meets Robert and Elizabeth. Leaving for Wallington next week, and are both glad and sorry to leave this 'delightful garden of Eden'. Postscript on separate sheet says that he is just finishing the seventh book of Thucydides, and understands why 'good judges' think it the best; 'worthwhile having tried to write history oneself in order to be able to appreciate the marvellous skill of the narrative'.