Both he and Bull have separately lost an old friend - hence the break in correspondence. Does not expect a list of those supporting the revival of the Play to be published (see 29). On the question of establishing diplomatic relations with the Vatican - had any attempt been made during the reign of George III to introduce a Rothschild or a Roman Catholic into parliament, he would have gone mad much sooner. On Spike Island (see 24) and problems in Ireland - ministers see difficulties arising from arming and fortifying the island and increasing the number of warships stationed there. Increasing violence of the lower orders. Extension of rail network enables more farmers to send produce to London. Mentions Angelo's Reminiscences again (see 29) - he goes to eat beefsteaks at Mother Dawson's (a nearby cookshop in Dean's Yard) between school hours.
More on Eton (see 3) - access to it so much easier with the railroad. Last visited Westminster 3 years ago - nostalgic - heard again the bell at 2.45 (known to them as Smith's bell - after the HM)). Cloisters largely unchanged, apart from some trifling repairs to Smedley's monument in the West Cloister - their former tutor (Edward OW) and Rector of Powderham, which living must have been given to him by the 'unfortunate' Lord Courtenay (9th Earl of Devon, and a notorious homosexual). Hopes that JB and his friends have not suffered from the banking panic of 1847 (though the minor house such as Drummonds and Childs coalesced to support each other) - yet Ireland must be fed (the crisis was caused by government borrowing to relieve the Great Famine). The PM Lord John Russell will be faced by Irish MPs making impossible demands - also the question of admitting a Jew, a further blow for the Protestant religion (Lionel de Rothschild - see 31).
Has heard from a Second Election that the Play is to be continued this year, the Adelphi. The Head Master, educated at the Charter House (see 3), has abandoned Busby's Latin grammar, which formed so many eminent men (William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, William Markham, Archbishop of York, and Robert South, and replaced it with Lily, used by many of the minor country schools. Has doubled the number of lessons and introduced Maths, unknown in their day. The scholars' dormitory now only used for sleeping, and the space beneath it has been converted into 3 day rooms - these alone have fires, and there are none in the dormitory. On the possibility of a Papal nuncio in London (see 31) - perhaps Daniel O'Connell's prediction of 2 years ago will happen, the celebration of Mass in Westminster Abbey.
Two remedies (with recipes) to cure loss of appetite and want of sleep. The school has been sent home because of a fever - Dean Buckland, fancying himself a chemist, devised a remedy (which only combated bad smells), but has succumbed himself. London full of foreigners fleeing the troubles in Europe - they need less to live on, and so native workers are priced out of employment.
Recalls his first meeting with JB 70 years ago in 1778 (actually 1779 according to the Record), when he entered Mother Clapham's house; describes his feelings of apprehension. The elm trees in Dean's yard have been cut down to widen the carriageway between the entrance and the Deanery; he does not approve. Likewise, the screens separating choir from aisles in the Abbey have been removed to enable a larger congregation to sit in Poets' Corner - pointless, since one can neither see nor hear from that position. The Irish rebellion is reviving in the wake of the potato famine. Wonders whether JB took up his living in 1786 or 1787 (1797 according to the Record). Commercial benefits of the railroads - but they have spoiled the countryside. The sale at Stowe (see 49) is raising large sums - but a drop in the ocean compared with the 2 million pounds the duke is said to owe. He borrowed £20,000 just to entertain the Queen. Suspects that at the upcoming trial of Smith O'Brien his counsel will plead insanity, which the government will accept to avoid further trouble.
Has heard that the author of the epilogue was one Randolph OW (according to Lusus Alteri it was T. Littlehales). On Liddell's change of Latin grammar (see 16 1nd 34). 130 pupils in the school - 2 ushers for the Upper School, and none for the Lower (presided over by the Under Master - but there are only 8 boys in it). A rudimentary central heating pipe has been installed Up School. Only one boarding house in Dean's Yard now (Scott's), and two in Little Dean's Yard where Grant's and Morel's used to be. In College stoves have replaced fires - only used for sleeping, the boys being confined during the lock-up hours in a long room beneath the dormitory. Breakfast at 9, dinner at 2 (used to be 12) and supper at 8. In the Abbey the celebrant's reading desk and pulpit has been sited at the corner of Poets' Corner nearest to the cloisters, so that he can view the congregation both in the transept and in the choir (see 49). An idea had been put forward to unite Westminster and Harrow, using the site of the latter; the low-lying site of Westminster is most unhealthy - the slope towards the river is not enough to carry away the filth from the drains. Tothill Street (see 24) being improved to be a handsome road from Buckingham House to the Abbey.
JB has been corresponding with the Marquis of Anglesey (Henry Paget, 1st Marquis, OW). HMC presumes on the question of his son's advancement in the army. So that JB does not appear to be soliciting, HMC suggests that he passes on, 'from a friend', a treatment for tic douloureux. Further remarks on Sir George Murray (see 5) and his brother John, who were day scholars; their mother lived at the west end of the street where Langton's boarding house was (Little Smith Street), and behind the new buildings where Mother Ottey's and Doctor Hume's boarding houses were (on Dean's Yard, where Church House is now) - presumably where the Church House bookshop now is. Has heard lately of old friend Dowdeswell (Edward Christopher) - as indolent as ever, since though a canon at Christ Church has never slept one night in the college, despite a requirement that canons reside one month annually. Asks after JB's potatoes. since HMC cultivated them on a grand scale during his long residence in France for a private individual. More on the Corn Laws.
