Pièce 74 - Letter from Sir George Trevelyan to R. C. Trevelyan

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Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- Robert's letter was a 'great surprise': when he 'resolved not to adopt a profession' by which he would contribute to his support, it became his 'duty to consult [his] parents before making an offer of marriage'. Since, however, he has proposed to Miss van der Hoeven, they must 'consider what we can do, and are prepared to do' for him. On his marriage, they will double his allowance to four hundred pounds a year. An insurance in case of his death will also be settled on his wife and any children with the Equitable Mutual Society; this is currently worth fourteen thousand pounds and in ten years will probably be worth about twenty thousand; there is 'no annual premium to be paid', as Sir George commuted them this year by paying a lump sum. When Robert has shown this letter to M. Hubrecht [Elizabeth's uncle and guardian], he should 'write at once telling me what he says and how the matter stands'.

TRER/12/31: Another copy of this letter, perhaps the one actually sent.

Many corrections: perhaps a draft, as another copy of the letter exists.