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Explains that he did not expect him to have come to see him the previous Saturday. Expresses his shock at the death of [Francis] Martin. Wishes that in his last years Martin 'could have been happier in respect of the course of college matters', and wishes that he himself had done more to prevent the estrangement that had grown up between them, on account of their political differences. Refers to the kindness with which he had been treated by Martin. Sends his love to Minnie. Refers to the fact that their classical Tripos refom 'is quashed'.

Letters dated 26 May 1849 and 22 Aug. 1850.

Dined in the Master's Lodge, service of canons at Gloucester Cathedral, won a Trinity prize for first-class men, JHM's present of the 'Oratores Attici', JHM would perhaps not wish to give a copy to Martin or Romilly, Hildyard of Christs publishing a strong letter against private tutoring

Letters dated from 26 May 1849 to 4 Nov. 1857.

Reports that his hay fever has improved somewhat, so he can 'behold the face of nature without sneezing therein'. but that he does not intend to travel immediately. Intends to be 'hanging about London' towards the end of July, 'seeing the Academy, going to Eton, examining at Harrow and so on.' Announces that he will go to the Lakes with Trevelyan on 10 August for a short time. Asks his mother to inform him of what she is doing, and of her plans. Undertakes to come to visit her in the autumn; 'the latter part of September.' States that he is 'reading now pretty hard, and very much enjoying the complete freedom and leisure. Reports on the cleaning and painting and possible gilding of their Hall, which activities are being carried out under the 'civilizing influence' of the new Master [W. H. Thompson]. Announces that they are 'actually going to dine on chairs' after the vacation. Remarks that 'Mr. Martin unwillingly yielded to the irresistible tendency of the age of luxuriousness.'

Reports that the Italian [funds] are maintaining themselves, much to his surprise, and that his speculations have not been very successful, but he is better off than certain of his friends who 'put into certain banks.' Refers to the '[inquiry] inflicted by the ruin of Agra and Masterman's bank'. Asks her to tell Arthur that he is sending him a set of papers that Roche Dakyns forwarded to him. Hears that William is still in Oxford, writing. Wishes that he himself was writing, and intends to begin very soon. Reports that 'Trevelyan has some fresh book on hand.' States that they have 'taken rather a fit of writing at Cambridge'; that two or three of his friends have got books on hand. Announces the presence of a poetess in Cambridge: Mrs Webster, who has 'just translated the Prometheus of Aeschylus rather well', and of two or three novelists; 'one writer in the Times, two in the Saturday Review etc etc.' Refers to the fact that Lord Derby 'is to be Premier', and laments that his own chance of 'getting anything good has gone by'.

Concerning the alteration of certain exams.

Written from Trinity College.

Now reading with William Humphry, rooms comfortable and makes good use of the College library, has had invitations to dine from Francis Martin and the Master of Corpus Christi, matriculation

Written from the Oxford and Cambridge Club. Concerns the candidatures of Prince Albert and the Earl of Powis for the office of Chancellor of the university.

Expected to hear how Arthur was getting on - supposes that all has gone well, and that he is at work again. Reports that there is a 'nice little party' at Cambridge, and that everything is very favourable to reading. Declares that he has had to put up Venetian blinds to keep out the heat, which has been quite strong. Reports that Dr Lightfoot has come back from Dauphiné, where he has been with Edward [Benson], who says that they had a most successful tour, 'religiously avoiding every high hill'. Reports that Mr Martin is there in Cambridge, as well as Munro and a chaplain, and Somerset (whom she has met), and Sir George Young, 'and King who devotes his life to Gems'. Intends to stay in Cambridge some time longer - probably until the Fellowship Examination is over.

Asks after William, and whether she has got the house habitable yet. Asks her to tell Arthur that there will probably be five fellowships and that Young is thought to be safe. Reports that according to rumours there will be 'a flood' the following year, 'so they will not give any now to firstyearmen.' Asks how she liked [James Surtees?] Phillpotts, and asks if he gave tongue [a reference to R. S. Surtees' hunting books?]. Asks if she would like him to send her Major Jack Downing's book, but claims that it is not worth reading. Reports that the college is in 'a more reforming humour' than he ever saw it, and claims that 'if two or three old fellows would only be made Deans', they should have some fun soon. Announces that his 'Great Easterns [stocks?] are up again'.

Explains his failure to write sooner on a succession of visitors, and the May examination. Presumed that Arthur would give her news of him. Reports that he has very nearly got through his work, and that he intends to be finished it in the next four hours. In relation to his private work reports that marks are to be added up in conclave the following day, followed by a dinner. Intends to go to London on Wednesday or Thursday, and hopes to get rid of his hayfever there. Hopes to find a lodging somewhere near the British Museum, as he wishes to use the library. Does not think he will venture down to Rugby 'until the end of the perilous season.' Reports that he has just heard from Tawney, who is staying in the Bernards' house on the Lake of Geneva, and who is 'bent on matrimonial designs.' He wants Henry to 'go and back him up'. Henry feels inclined to go as it would probably be the last he shall see of Tawney apart from a flying visit to England.

Refers to his health and reports that he feels very well, but that his hayfever causes him some discomfort. Asks his mother to tell Arthur to read Nina Balatka. Does not think that it can be by Trollope, but states that it is 'a very decided and very successful imitation of his manner'. Supposes that she will see William before he goes, and refers to his competition against W. Jackson. Reports that he saw Edward the previous day 'as a D.D.', and states that Mr Martin looks better.

Written from Trinity College.

Trinity College -- On a possible provision or repeal in the event that the College gives its assent to any statute formed by the Council of the Senate which affects the 41st Statute of the College [see FM to WW, 28 Feb. 1849]." Accompanied by a note in Whewell's hand calculating the vote on the "Sealing of the New Statute respecting the Three Professorships".

Trinity College -- In the possible event of a Trinity Fellow being elected to the Divinity Professorship, some points of the 41st Statute will have to be considered. If the Charles II letter is revised then it appears that a Fellow of Trinity can retain his privileges [stipend and allowance for livery] while Professor of Divinity [see FM to WW, 4 May 1844]."

Trinity College -- Regarding the 41st Statute: By the Charles II Royal letter a Fellow of Trinity (as in Elizabeth's Statutes) loses his Fellowship if he is elected to the Divinity Professorship since it was amply endowed, but not, if elected to the Hebrew or Greek Professorship. FM thinks to revise this letter would be an evil, and contrary to the interest of the founder. He would thus prefer to remain with the old 41st Statute of Elizabeth and not revise the King Charles letter.

Trinity College -- Sends two copies of the revised Statute (41): FM would like 'the Master & some others to look at Charles's letter [Charles II], that the onus of any omission may not rest on me alone'.

Reports that he had 'a most delightful visit to Dorsetshire'. Tells her that she may tell Arthur 'that the mesmerizing did not come to much', as '[Charles Kegan] Paul did not succeed in getting Cowell any further than [Henry] had done, i.e. into a partial trance.' Reports that he felt his patriotism revive 'among the chalk downs and rich autumnal parks.' Remarks that he was surprised to find that Mrs Paul, 'who has written two or three tolerably popular novels is a rather quiet shy silent person - though very thoughtful and sensible when she does speak.'

Encloses the stamps [not included] of which he spoke in previous letters, and agrees with her as to the best way of getting the others. Announces that he will study the [Robert?] Browning, and that he is setting to work, although he does not feel so much inclined for reading as he should after a holiday. Asks his mother to give his love to his aunt [Elizabeth Lace], and states that he is glad that she is going to see her. Asks when William is going to be at Rugby at Christmas, and asks if he may bring a friend or two some time in the holidays. Understands that Arthur will be 'Europeanizing.' Observes that Mr Martin seems much better, although he looks ten years older. Hopes to see William in the middle of term. States that he does not like the moral and intellectual atmosphere at Cambridge any better for having been at Göttingen, or at least its effects on him; says however that 'the great lesson' he has learned in Germany is 'the necessity and duty of steady work, and one can do that anywhere'.

Reports that he is reading all kinds of books. Asks if she gets books now from a club, and if so, recommends the article on Poland in Vacation Tourists [and Notes on Travel].

Lacks a final page[?]

Asks her to inform Edward that he will begin to make enquiries 'as soon as the men come up', and states that '[i]t is probably that [Henry Weston?] Eve will come if Fisher [Frederic or Edmund?] won't.' Claims to be 'in very low spirits', and puts into words some pessimistic thoughts. Refers to the following terms, which he claims to look forward to 'with some dread.' Reports that Arthur is with [Henry?] Lee Warner, and that 'Mamma is solitary'. States that he went with her on Monday as far as Ely, and that he left '[ ] The H[ ] and Shirley [by Charlotte Bronte] to console her.'

Suggests that she [his sister] would like some poetry, and tells her that the translations he read to her can be obtained from her friend Miss Hedley. States that the latter stayed with them a week after she [Minnie] 'had gone off in that most unsisterly way on the 23rd June /59 [to be married]', and that he 'being then German-mad used occasionally to plague her with raptures etc', so she wrote her out 'two or three translations as a reward...' Reports that 'old Mr [Francis?] Martin' called on them at Rugby and narrated how she [Minnie] and he met Miss Hedley 'with one of the bald-headed uncles, and mistook him for the other bald-headed uncle. Asks her if she remembers how the 'b.h.d used to come to Redland, and how well they used to fold up their nightgowns when they were little boys...' Relates that Elizabeth [Cooper?] says 'that William Jackson [warned] her...to take care of her boys' hair and make them get it cut [or else they would have no grey hairs to be brought down in sorrow to the grave...'

Reminds her that Miss Harriet Atty was about to be led to the Hatter when she [Minnie] left Rugby, and informs her that on the day before her wedding Atty was presented with a diamond necklace by an old gentleman that she had met on the seaside some time before, and that the result was that 'it was noised abroad that the older Miss A. w[ould] presently become Mrs Old-Gentleman...' Sends his love to Edward, and asks her to tell him how many boys they have got.

Re smoking in the Combination Room.

Announces that he had intended to visit her on the evening of the following day, but now cannot. Reports that he has acquired Mr Martin's old rooms, and no longer lives in 'the squalor which was so dear' to him; it will take a while to reduce the rooms to 'the state which becomes a philosopher'. Has the feeling that he 'may live and die there', and thinks that 'a very short while will now decide' whether he will spend the rest of his life in Cambridge; Believes that 'The Crisis is coming'; does not recall having seen one before in his thirty and a half years, and supposes 'every man has a right to have the hallucination at least once in his life'.

Reports that they are in 'much vivacity' in Cambridge, and have a new University Gazette, which Edward should take; it comes out every Wednesday, costs threepence, and 'is going to contain all the newest educational notions.' Refers to 'Dinner Arrangements', and their fear for 'a great undergraduate strike', but remarks that he does not know how their '500 men would provide for themselves if they seceded from the Trinity kitchens'. Wishes that Edward would come up and pronounce their new court [Whewell's Court], which they call 'Eocene, Miocene, and Pleiocene, rather picturesque'. Claims that they do not dislike it themselves, 'but competent architectural judges have pronounced it execrable.' Apologises for not having written to her before, and explains that he never managed to write any letters in Switzerland. Refers to the 'sublimity of Mürren'; thinks if he had 'nothing else to live for' he would 'philosophise at Mürren in the summer and Mentone in the winter', travel in the spring, and in the autumn 'stroll under the chestnuts of Trinity and ponder the great Dinner question'. Sends his love to Edward.

Reports that he has been in Cambridge for a few days, but has not yet begun to work. Arthur is 'quite satisfied' with his degree, but many are disappointed. Enjoyed his visit to Oxford and declares that William's rooms are 'magnificent'. Conington introduced him 'to one of the "stars" of Oxford - Professor Henry Smith', who is 'a wonderful converser'. Saw Mr Martin that morning, who was looking very ill, and '[George or John?] Paget gives a bad account of him.'

Glad to hear about Katie Lace [his cousin, engaged to be married to the Rev. J. D. Wawn]. Remarks that the clergy of the Church of England 'generally perform their duty to Society in the way of matrimony if in no other way.' Announces that he begins lecturing the following day, and that there are 'piles of portmanteaus at the Porter's lodge just now.' Says that he has been reading 'A Woman's Thoughts about Women [by Dinah Mulock]', and that it seems to him 'more practical and vigorous tho' less refined than Miss [Anne] Browns books.' Asks if he left a racquet at Rugby.

[Sent from Haileybury]:- Remarks on the unfairness of the fact that because Arthur does not write to her, she does not write to him: Henry arrived at this conclusion from a message he got from [J. M.?] Wilson when he saw him at Trevelyan's dinner. Reports that he is 'pretty well' and 'tolerably busy'. Has been examining a school lately, and has made good progress with his Arabic. Adds that his eyes are pretty well. Reports that Trevelyan has gone down for good; his father has been appointed financial member of the Indian Council and his son is to be his private secretary. Observes that Trevelyan is the last of the friends that he made as an undergraduate, but declares that there are lots of nice men still at the university, and that he has not lost the power of making friends. States, however, that he feels that he is growing old, and 'probably appear[s] a great Don to freshmen'.

Is anxious to hear the result of the Great Ladkin case; asks 'is the monster subdued or have [they] had to "eat the [Leck]". Reports that Mrs Kingsley enquired after his mother; Mrs Kingsley has had quite a long illness, from which she is now recovered, and he has not seen anything of the Kingsleys this term. Declares Miss [Rose?] Kingsley to be 'a very nice girl.' Asks whether his mother has seen Kingsley's letters in the Times, and comments that most people at Cambridge think that he has done good by them, but observes that he has been 'as usual hasty and one-sided.' Believes that the Manchester people ought to have spoken before. States that he saw Temple's letter, which was 'very good as always', and comments on his testimony as to conduct of manufacturers.

Reports that Arthur is very well, and that he himself is staying with [A. G.] Butler in Hertfordshire. He saw Miss Mulock, who was staying with [Alexander?] Macmillan, some days previously; she 'looks pleasant and sympathetic, yet hardly capable of the powerful delineation of passion one meets with in her books'; she is said to be 'odd' and to 'come to evening parties in her morning dress'.

Attributes his mother's epistolary silence to dissipation, and asks if everybody on the Bilton Road asked her out to dinner, and whether they shall 'entertain "all manner of Dukes" as Arthur says' when they return. Asks if any family catastrophe has occurred. Tells her if she meets any Trinity man she may tell them that [J. L.] Hammond is going to be Bursar. Declares that Mr Martin is looking better every week; that Professor Sedgwick is flourishing, and is expected to lecture the following year 'for "positively the last time" as he has said any time the last ten years.'