Showing 43 results

On pleas for clemency after the conviction of Smith O'Brien. Bakers have used poor weather to increase the price of bread (which in France is regulated by the government). The situation now calmer in Paris, but its appearance has changed - trees cut down to make barricades, and the streets deserted (cf. the streets of London - see e.g. 46). On the sale of the contents of Stowe House, following the bankruptcy of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham.

On the need to relieve the potato famine in Ireland, and the recent arrest of some armed rebels in London. On the universal appeal of the novel Gil Blas, whereas e.g. Tom Jones can only appeal to the English. Has been reading Walpole's Anecdotes.

Remedies against cholera. Smith O'Brien condemned to death, but widely thought this will be commuted to banishment for life, under the pretence of royal clemency, but in fact to protect the jury; the foreman has received a threatening letter.

The imminent 3rd reading of the Transportation Bill may mean that Smith O'Brian is finally shipped off (see 51 & 56). Hopes that anarchy all over Europe will not come to England. Complicated tale of getting possession of a property in Halifax Nova Scotia, which he has made over to his grandson. JB has found a new curate (see 58). Changing ways - in their younger days 3 or 4pm was the hour for dinner, but his grandson has just received an invitation for 8.30. The dinner hour at Oxford used to be 3, but now it is 6.

Handbook of London (see 62) quotes Cowper (William OW) reminiscing about his days in the Westminster 6th Form, when he was 'in high favour with the master.' The book refers to a hospital in Chiswick connected with the school, founded in the reign of Elizabeth (a house rather than a hospital - see Lawrence Tanner Westminster School p67). Would be good nowadays - no doctors can agree on the nature and treatment of cholera. On the forthcoming trial for murder of Marie Manning and her husband. On the current cheapness of game and fish. Changes in London. Their old playground Tothill Fields now covered with gardens and villas. A road runs from the school to Vauxhall Bridge (the first one built 1809-16), on the spot where they used to bathe. Vincent, observing all the development, had enclosed Vincent Square (1810). Recalls the Town Boys beating the King's Scholars at cricket (presumably the year HMC left, 1782) - he scored 35. Repeats the story of Dowdeswell (see 62) never sleeping in college.

JB's son moving from Charlemont to foreign service via Woolwich - invites JB to stay if he is going to Woolwich to take his leave. On the death of the Quaker doctor Curtis (William), who had treated him 50 years previously. His grandson is leaving on foreign service, a lieutenant on the new ship HMS Leander. On the execution of Marie Manning and her husband (see 63).

Follows the method of the Duke of Wellington to avoid bad colds - being rubbed down with hair gloves or a stiff brush in the morning. Advice on kit for JB's sons, one of whom is being posted to Newfoundland, and the other to Corfu. HMC himself has gone from England to America to Africa to Portugal to France and finally back to England. HMC's sons Douglas and Rawdon are both dead, so HMC mainly interested in his grandson, son of Rawdon, now cruising in HMS Leander off the coast of Portugal. On the Frenchman Alexis Soyer, chef at the Reform Club, falling through some ice (while skating), being rescued by some members of the Humane Society, and setting up an annual fund to its benefit. Recalls dropping an Ainsworth Latin Dictionary over a staircase on the head of a French master Tavalle or Savalle - there was one of each name) coming up. Brought before Dr. Smith the next morning by a monitor bearing a birch rod, on being questioned about the circumstances, he replied that it was only a Frenchman; on hearing this, the Head Master dismissed him. Smith was too lenient in those days, having become indifferent through having long been passed over for meaningful preferment.

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

Encloses list of the cabinet, members of the government and Her Majesty's household, copied from the Weekly Chronicle. Wonders how John Fawcett (see 7) became Perceval (NB he actually changed his name to Pulteney).

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.