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A series of letters from Henry Mordaunt Clavering to John Benn, written between April 1846 and May 1850; Clavering was by then blind, so the hand is that of an amanuensis. There are many reminiscences about the school in the late 1770s and early 1780s, and many references to Old Westminsters both then and now. HMC is also interested in the current state of the school – the numbers, the curriculum (changing under Liddell), the physical environs and the Latin Play. Each correspondent had clearly kept up his classics, for there are numerous Latin quotations. Medical matters feature prominently, both ailments and their treatment (hardly surprising, according to HMC, given their age). The letters show a keen and wide-ranging interest in other matters – food prices, the impact of the new rail roads, Ireland and the Irish rebellion, religion, literature (but he abominates fiction), and social and political issues (e.g. the make-up of the government, the Chartist Riots, rebellious movements both at home and in Europe, the Repeal of the Corn Laws).

Withdraws recommendation of the oculist Alexander (see 2) - he is rough and brutal. On his own cataracts (including a failed operation) and other ailments - all very expensive. Again asks for JB's translation of Horace (see 3). On the sweeping away of tithes in these days of reform, and on the unfair remuneration of senior clerics - their old schoolfriend Hobart (The Hon. Henry Lewis?) as Dean of Windsor received

Cataract operations best performed in warm weather, when the patient is less likely to catch cold. Only schoolfriends he is aware of as still living are the Marquis of Anslesey (Henry William Paget) and Sir George Murray (sic - unclear who this is, but possibly The Hon. George). Death last year of Sir Francis Burdett (actually January 1844) because he had given himself up to the 'cold water system'; he was always a dupe of charlatans. On the current heatwave and railroads.

Opens the correspondence. There has been a breakdown of relations between HMC and JB (of unspecified length, but possibly 50 years ago - last meeting ca. 1820) through HMC's misunderstanding of an act of JB's, but HMC is now satisfied that no offence was meaned. Ill health in ca.1820 led him to holiday and then buy a property on Mont St. Michel - compelled to sell this last year because of the 2 cataracts which have blinded him. Also a property in Foret Montier. Quote from Hor.C.2.14, Hor.C.3.6. News of his own family. His epitaph which he has composed. Recalls Vincent's epitaph for Albany Wallis (OW). Used to attend Abbey services, where Howel Holland Edwards (schoolfellow) is a prebend. School much reduced (only 100 pupils, cf. Eton's 800). Refers to the monuments of Edward Smedley, Vincent and Busby. All the old trees have been removed from Dean's Yard. Tothill Fields have been built over (a town with squares and gardens) from Millbank to the Floodgates. Wishes to be remembered to some (university?) friends.

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.

JB has passed through town without visiting, but HMC couldn't have received him anyway because of various maladies.

Little to add since his last since he is still slowly recovering - as they to say at Westminster, ex nihilo nil fit. Has been dosed with Peruvian bark (quinine) and henbane. Repeats the story of Dodswell (actually Dowdeswell - see 6). Asks how JB is paid after the abolition of tithes (see 4). On hot topics in town, including the fraud of Captain Richardson on Coutts. Increase in crime - the lower orders now settle their differences with knives rather than fists. Hopes that Liddell will restore the fortunes of Westminster. Remembers the many holidays at Westminster - three weekly half days, saints' days, full plays - a miracle that a good scholar ever emerged.

Returns a letter from Pulteney (see 8) to JB - asks for the former's address in Italy. Wonders whether late life illnesses are the Protestant equivalent of Purgatory - and then bemoans the influence of Cardinal Newman.

Muses on Eheu fugaces (Hor.C.2.14), and thinks back to a birthday he held in Woodstock 66 or 67 years ago; when fuelled by champagne the young men rioted about the town. On the superficial reasons which led young men to join the army.

JB has found a curate - these are surprisingly rare, either because the exams have become harder or because new churches and chapels are springing up everywhere. The curate is the grandson of Bishop Robert Lowth - quotes part of the latter's epitaph on his deceased daughter. The curate's father was a little wild in his earlier years. Refers to Robert Lowth's verses (son of the bishop, father of the curate) on the Billesdon Copley Hunt. Again mentions the breakfast teapot (see 2).