LONDON, Tuesday, November 26th, 1872.
—Lately I have been reading for anything but the 1st time that pathetic thing, the Life of Cowper by Southey. It always interests and absorbs me strangely and I get such overflows of compassion for that sad soul as I can't describe. Even at this distance of 90 years, it is almost intolerable to think of all he endured, and yet one's faith is strengthened by it. For what but the Love of Christ which passeth knowledge could have upborne poor Cowper in his black darkness and misery, fulfilling in him to a degree never equalled the truth of those wonderful words, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
17Nov1872, Memoirs of Baron Stockmar
LONDON, 25th Sunday after Trinity. November 17th, 1872.
—The W. E. G.'s and Mr. Glyn dined with us. Uncle W. anxious to hear all about one Mr. Haweis, a clever preacher beginning to be famous ; and also full of a Memoir of Baron Stockmar which is just out, and which he thinks the most flagrantly indiscreet thing in the world ; it has aggravated the poor Queen inasmuch as it puts the Baron into such a position of chief adviser as rather sinks the Prince Consort into a second place.
—The W. E. G.'s and Mr. Glyn dined with us. Uncle W. anxious to hear all about one Mr. Haweis, a clever preacher beginning to be famous ; and also full of a Memoir of Baron Stockmar which is just out, and which he thinks the most flagrantly indiscreet thing in the world ; it has aggravated the poor Queen inasmuch as it puts the Baron into such a position of chief adviser as rather sinks the Prince Consort into a second place.
14Nov1872, Wrong Time for London
LONDON, Thursday, November 14th, 1872.
—Came to London for the month of Cabinets because of F.'s Private Secretaryship. Utterly mad and odd this seems to me, who have never stayed in London this time of year.
—Came to London for the month of Cabinets because of F.'s Private Secretaryship. Utterly mad and odd this seems to me, who have never stayed in London this time of year.
12Nov1872, Sumner a Mighty Talker
CHATSWORTH, Tuesday, November 12th, 1872.
—Mr. Sumner, who last saw Emma as well as me 13 years ago, seems to view us both in the light of "the girls he left behind him" and devoted himself to us all day. We took him over the garden, sat and talked with him, or rather sat and listened to him, for a mighty talker is he. Politics we avoided, as we were told he took an odious Yankee line about the Alabama claims, but topics did not fail him, what with old books, reminiscences of English friends, the Queen of Holland, Thiers, the Due d'Aumale, the Motleys, the Storeys, and various anecdotes anent these subjects.
—Mr. Sumner, who last saw Emma as well as me 13 years ago, seems to view us both in the light of "the girls he left behind him" and devoted himself to us all day. We took him over the garden, sat and talked with him, or rather sat and listened to him, for a mighty talker is he. Politics we avoided, as we were told he took an odious Yankee line about the Alabama claims, but topics did not fail him, what with old books, reminiscences of English friends, the Queen of Holland, Thiers, the Due d'Aumale, the Motleys, the Storeys, and various anecdotes anent these subjects.
11Nov1872, Sumner Describes Great Boston Fire
CHATSWORTH, Monday, November 11th, 1872.
—Frank and Lou went on a visit to Newstead Abbey, to my grief : for I have no enjoyment of the headship of affairs at Chatsworth. Mr. Sumner, the American politician, came ; whom I saw last in '59 at Althorp, and remember well going into ecstasies over the library there. He was distressed at the horrible fire, almost on the Chicago scale, which is raging at Boston, and is said to have desolated 100 acres of ground in a fine, well-built quarter of the city.
—Frank and Lou went on a visit to Newstead Abbey, to my grief : for I have no enjoyment of the headship of affairs at Chatsworth. Mr. Sumner, the American politician, came ; whom I saw last in '59 at Althorp, and remember well going into ecstasies over the library there. He was distressed at the horrible fire, almost on the Chicago scale, which is raging at Boston, and is said to have desolated 100 acres of ground in a fine, well-built quarter of the city.
Friday, April 16, 2010
28Oct1872, Building Eaton Hall
HAWARDEN, SS. Simon and Jude, Monday October 28th, 1872.
—F. and I rode to Eaton [FN: The Duke of Westminster was then building Eaton Hall.] to see the Westminsters who took us all over the house and grounds, still in chaos of scaffolding, levelling, building, and pulling down, but promising to be most successful, only on too enormous a scale, to my thinking.
—F. and I rode to Eaton [FN: The Duke of Westminster was then building Eaton Hall.] to see the Westminsters who took us all over the house and grounds, still in chaos of scaffolding, levelling, building, and pulling down, but promising to be most successful, only on too enormous a scale, to my thinking.
21Oct1872, Year's Total is 14,475 Head
BOLTON, Monday, October 21st, 1872.
—Ld. Dandy [FN: I.e. Lord Berkeley Paget.] was an ower-true prophet. The weather relapsed into evil ways. They did not go out till 10.30, but then, as the rain slackened a little, the untiring Duke announced it wd be milksoppy to wait any longer, and off rode the luckless party. They came home drowned, but not till dark, the Duke having had no notion of giving up, tho' it never stopped raining all day, and poured after luncheon. Bag sadly small. This year's total, 14,475 head.
—Ld. Dandy [FN: I.e. Lord Berkeley Paget.] was an ower-true prophet. The weather relapsed into evil ways. They did not go out till 10.30, but then, as the rain slackened a little, the untiring Duke announced it wd be milksoppy to wait any longer, and off rode the luckless party. They came home drowned, but not till dark, the Duke having had no notion of giving up, tho' it never stopped raining all day, and poured after luncheon. Bag sadly small. This year's total, 14,475 head.
12Oct1872, Good Fat Princess Mary
HOLKER, October 12th, 1872.
—Eddies returned from a do-ment at Lytham. The Tecks opened a park near Southport, and went to see Liverpool : great crowds and enthusiasm, which seems to have rather astonished and much delighted good fat Princess Mary . [FN: To this irreverent but not untruthful description of the Duchess of Teck, mother of Her present Majesty, it may be added that she must have grown accustomed to enthusiasm later : for in my recollection of the eighties and nineties she drew more cheers in the streets than any member of the Royal Family except the Queen and the Princess of Wales. Stoutness is somehow always popular, and it generally goes, as it did in this case, with obvious and hearty cheerfulness and good-humour, a still more popular quality.]
—Eddies returned from a do-ment at Lytham. The Tecks opened a park near Southport, and went to see Liverpool : great crowds and enthusiasm, which seems to have rather astonished and much delighted good fat Princess Mary . [FN: To this irreverent but not untruthful description of the Duchess of Teck, mother of Her present Majesty, it may be added that she must have grown accustomed to enthusiasm later : for in my recollection of the eighties and nineties she drew more cheers in the streets than any member of the Royal Family except the Queen and the Princess of Wales. Stoutness is somehow always popular, and it generally goes, as it did in this case, with obvious and hearty cheerfulness and good-humour, a still more popular quality.]
30Sep1872, Read Omnivorously
HOLKER, Monday, September 30th, 1872.
—Read rather omnivorously to-day. With F., Bryce's "Holy Roman Empire" and an Essay of De Quincey's ; with Emma, a Bampton Lecture, by Curteis ; to myself, a good deal of "Ann. Register" for 1815 (with some view to the old Letters [FN: I.e. of her grandmother, a volume of which she printed.]), Mozley's Bampton Lectures, Prof. Wilson's "Stories and Essays," Ld. Brougham's autobiography ; besides a little childish skimming ; a good bit of Christina Rossetti's delightful "Shadow of Dante" and some "Life of Bp. Torry."
—Read rather omnivorously to-day. With F., Bryce's "Holy Roman Empire" and an Essay of De Quincey's ; with Emma, a Bampton Lecture, by Curteis ; to myself, a good deal of "Ann. Register" for 1815 (with some view to the old Letters [FN: I.e. of her grandmother, a volume of which she printed.]), Mozley's Bampton Lectures, Prof. Wilson's "Stories and Essays," Ld. Brougham's autobiography ; besides a little childish skimming ; a good bit of Christina Rossetti's delightful "Shadow of Dante" and some "Life of Bp. Torry."
19Sep1872, The Athanasian Creed Controversy
HOLKER, Thursday, September 19th, 1872.
—The Guardian full of the Athanasian Creed controversy, which rages as hot as ever. Pusey, Liddon, Malcolm MacColl, and, I believe, a large following of clergy, intend to give up their ministry in the Church if either the creed or the rubric attached to it are touched. Now I have come to the conviction that no one section of the Church is at liberty to alter or omit anything in the text of the Creed (except by way of re-translating) : that must wait for a General Council. But all the mass I have read on the subject impresses me more and more with the belief that for the ignorant, untheologic, ordinary run of people, it is quite unsuitable. The awful clauses are thoroughly misunderstood by them ; they firmly believe that the words mean, explicitly and unavoidably, "everyone, however ignorant, heathen as well as Christian, who does not believe every expression in this creed, will without doubt perish everlastingly."
This interpretation everybody who has at all learnt theology may perfectly see is absurd ; and to all such the Creed may ever be a precious and sacred heritage. But no one pretends that it is a creed in the same sense and of the same authority as the other two. Why, then —with this notorious fact of its being an acknowledged stumbling-block to so many—insist on its retention as a substitute for the 2 great Creeds? All the extreme non-possumites beg the question in assuming that it is proposed "to degrade" the Athan. Creed. I do maintain that to keep this solemn and profound exposition of the Faith for recital on great occasions by those whose duty it is to subscribe, to teach, and therefore to understand it—is the very reverse of a "degradation" of it. I would have it sung at all Ordinations and Consecrations, and perhaps also as a Canticle after the Apostles' Creed on Trinity Sunday only ; and instead of having it 13 times a year in the mouths of "plain men," I wd have the Clergy catechize upon it, teach and explain it as one of the bulwarks of the Faith. It is not adapted for these same "plain men" who misunderstand it : it is theology and theology is a science. The English laity, educated or not, are as a rule absolutely ignorant of theology. Let them be taught better. But till they are, the repetition of this Creed by ordinary congregations can only do them harm. If I am told that the Nicene Creed is also theology, I quite allow it ; but then it is a Creed —a Credo—of the highest authority, and as such to be recited by all Churchpeople. Moreover, no one can pretend it presents the same difficulties and stumbling-blocks.
—The Guardian full of the Athanasian Creed controversy, which rages as hot as ever. Pusey, Liddon, Malcolm MacColl, and, I believe, a large following of clergy, intend to give up their ministry in the Church if either the creed or the rubric attached to it are touched. Now I have come to the conviction that no one section of the Church is at liberty to alter or omit anything in the text of the Creed (except by way of re-translating) : that must wait for a General Council. But all the mass I have read on the subject impresses me more and more with the belief that for the ignorant, untheologic, ordinary run of people, it is quite unsuitable. The awful clauses are thoroughly misunderstood by them ; they firmly believe that the words mean, explicitly and unavoidably, "everyone, however ignorant, heathen as well as Christian, who does not believe every expression in this creed, will without doubt perish everlastingly."
This interpretation everybody who has at all learnt theology may perfectly see is absurd ; and to all such the Creed may ever be a precious and sacred heritage. But no one pretends that it is a creed in the same sense and of the same authority as the other two. Why, then —with this notorious fact of its being an acknowledged stumbling-block to so many—insist on its retention as a substitute for the 2 great Creeds? All the extreme non-possumites beg the question in assuming that it is proposed "to degrade" the Athan. Creed. I do maintain that to keep this solemn and profound exposition of the Faith for recital on great occasions by those whose duty it is to subscribe, to teach, and therefore to understand it—is the very reverse of a "degradation" of it. I would have it sung at all Ordinations and Consecrations, and perhaps also as a Canticle after the Apostles' Creed on Trinity Sunday only ; and instead of having it 13 times a year in the mouths of "plain men," I wd have the Clergy catechize upon it, teach and explain it as one of the bulwarks of the Faith. It is not adapted for these same "plain men" who misunderstand it : it is theology and theology is a science. The English laity, educated or not, are as a rule absolutely ignorant of theology. Let them be taught better. But till they are, the repetition of this Creed by ordinary congregations can only do them harm. If I am told that the Nicene Creed is also theology, I quite allow it ; but then it is a Creed —a Credo—of the highest authority, and as such to be recited by all Churchpeople. Moreover, no one can pretend it presents the same difficulties and stumbling-blocks.
15Sep1872, The Horrible Chapel
HOLKER, September 15th, 1872. 16th Sunday after Trinity.
—The horrible chapel sat upon me more than usual ; when once one has the Bible notion strong upon one that holy places are places of God's special Presence, that our first design in them should be to give Him glory and do Him worship ; when one's next desire is that people should be taught by all they see in church that we are all priests and people to fall down before One Throne, and that all our services culminate in the Holy Eucharist—then a mean conventicle is almost unbearable. It insults the Majesty of God, Who gives us richly all things, and to whose House we only bring what is base ; and it teaches the congrgn. disunion and solitariness in prayer each in his own selfish corner, while the only thing elevated as the centre of their devotion is the pulpit.
—The horrible chapel sat upon me more than usual ; when once one has the Bible notion strong upon one that holy places are places of God's special Presence, that our first design in them should be to give Him glory and do Him worship ; when one's next desire is that people should be taught by all they see in church that we are all priests and people to fall down before One Throne, and that all our services culminate in the Holy Eucharist—then a mean conventicle is almost unbearable. It insults the Majesty of God, Who gives us richly all things, and to whose House we only bring what is base ; and it teaches the congrgn. disunion and solitariness in prayer each in his own selfish corner, while the only thing elevated as the centre of their devotion is the pulpit.
11Sep1872, The Times are Grim
HOLKER, Wednesday, September 11th, 1872.
—Terrible weather for the harvest abt. here ; the times are grim altogether ; meat and coals frightfully dear and bread threatening to be ; potato rot very general, and the agricultural labourers a good deal out on strike. I am glad the labourers have learnt to combine ; but what wisdom, judgment, and temper is wanted for both employers and employed ! There has been some savage grumbling at the clergy for not siding with the men ; but I think this accusation is very often unfair.
—Terrible weather for the harvest abt. here ; the times are grim altogether ; meat and coals frightfully dear and bread threatening to be ; potato rot very general, and the agricultural labourers a good deal out on strike. I am glad the labourers have learnt to combine ; but what wisdom, judgment, and temper is wanted for both employers and employed ! There has been some savage grumbling at the clergy for not siding with the men ; but I think this accusation is very often unfair.
09Sep1872, Nobody Hurt After Shooting
HOLKER, Monday, September 9th, 1872.
—Rather a black Monday, for leaving Bolton is always grievous ; but it has been a long and happy holyday and one ought not to wish it lengthened. Nobody hurt—always a blessing at the end of a month's shooting. The Eddies went off to Madresfield.
—Rather a black Monday, for leaving Bolton is always grievous ; but it has been a long and happy holyday and one ought not to wish it lengthened. Nobody hurt—always a blessing at the end of a month's shooting. The Eddies went off to Madresfield.
04Sep1872, Out in a Thunderstorm
BOLTON, Wednesday, September 4th, 1872.
—Dingy weather, with a sharp thunderstorm, which caught Emma, Charlotte, and me in the Valley of Desolation just after sending the carriage away. Eddy, not shooting, was luckily with us, and we mounted the Queen of Ireland upon his pony, on which she arrived before us at the Aigill barn. No prettier picture can be imagined than the lovely creature, broom in hand, opening the little barn door to admit us ; she had been sweeping it out. We mopped up and dried ourselves as well as might be ; it cleared and we sat on a gate and a wall to wait for the shooters.
—Dingy weather, with a sharp thunderstorm, which caught Emma, Charlotte, and me in the Valley of Desolation just after sending the carriage away. Eddy, not shooting, was luckily with us, and we mounted the Queen of Ireland upon his pony, on which she arrived before us at the Aigill barn. No prettier picture can be imagined than the lovely creature, broom in hand, opening the little barn door to admit us ; she had been sweeping it out. We mopped up and dried ourselves as well as might be ; it cleared and we sat on a gate and a wall to wait for the shooters.
02Sep1872, The Lovely Charlotte Spencer
BOLTON, Monday, September 2nd, 1872.
—Dismal rain again : the poor gentlemen sat sadly abt the house until after luncheon, when it cleared and they set forth merrily. I had a nice little walk with my once and for ever Queen of Hearts, Charlotte Spencer. She is still the same lovely and delightful thing that first won my heart when I was 18.
—Dismal rain again : the poor gentlemen sat sadly abt the house until after luncheon, when it cleared and they set forth merrily. I had a nice little walk with my once and for ever Queen of Hearts, Charlotte Spencer. She is still the same lovely and delightful thing that first won my heart when I was 18.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
30Aug1872, Cheerful Patience
BOLTON, Friday, August 30th, 1872.
—Lou. and I paid visits at Halton ; the dear old rheumatic man Jenkinson lost his wife in the winter ; she had been helpless for 11 years. They were always wonderful patterns of cheerful patience : more than any sermon to one.
—Lou. and I paid visits at Halton ; the dear old rheumatic man Jenkinson lost his wife in the winter ; she had been helpless for 11 years. They were always wonderful patterns of cheerful patience : more than any sermon to one.
21Aug1872, A Heavy Blow at Home Rule
BOLTON, Wednesday, August 21st, 1872.
—There are horrid Orange and Popish riots going on in Belfast, both parties tearing each other to pieces, and combining occasionally to fall upon the police. The list of maimed, wounded, and even dead is like civil war. What is to be done with such people? Folks say this to-do will deal a heavy blow at "Home Rule" cries.
—There are horrid Orange and Popish riots going on in Belfast, both parties tearing each other to pieces, and combining occasionally to fall upon the police. The list of maimed, wounded, and even dead is like civil war. What is to be done with such people? Folks say this to-do will deal a heavy blow at "Home Rule" cries.
15Aug1872, First Ballot Election
BOLTON, Thursday, August 15th, 1872.
—The 1st Ballot election has come off at Pontefract, Mr. Childers having vacated his seat by taking the Chancellorship of the Duchy ; a very doubtful candidate in the shape of Lord Pollington opposed him and was beaten by only 80 votes. Great numbers of electors seem not to have voted, and there was comical confusion and difficulty over the "illiterate voters" and their marks ; but of course peace and quiet and no drinking.
—The 1st Ballot election has come off at Pontefract, Mr. Childers having vacated his seat by taking the Chancellorship of the Duchy ; a very doubtful candidate in the shape of Lord Pollington opposed him and was beaten by only 80 votes. Great numbers of electors seem not to have voted, and there was comical confusion and difficulty over the "illiterate voters" and their marks ; but of course peace and quiet and no drinking.
11Aug1872, Sweet-Briar Smell
BOLTON, Sunday, August 11th, 1872. 11th after Trinity.
—A dear Bolton Sunday, not to be spoilt even by pouring weather all the morning. Afterwds came a "clear shining after rain," and all the old delights of rushing waters, grey abbey, deep green and sweet-briar smell coming up to the window.
—A dear Bolton Sunday, not to be spoilt even by pouring weather all the morning. Afterwds came a "clear shining after rain," and all the old delights of rushing waters, grey abbey, deep green and sweet-briar smell coming up to the window.
09Aug1872, With Sybella and Salkins
HAGLEY, Friday, August 9th, 1872.
—Drove with Sybella and Salkins [FN: Le. the two-year-old Sarah Lyttelton.(wife of the editor and author of the footnotes)] to Stourbridge, the dot full of puckish waggery.
—Drove with Sybella and Salkins [FN: Le. the two-year-old Sarah Lyttelton.(wife of the editor and author of the footnotes)] to Stourbridge, the dot full of puckish waggery.
05Aug1872, Interview with a Drunken Woman
LONDON, Monday, August 5th, 1872.
—My last E. End journey. I had an interview with a drunken woman (wife of a respectable old man in the Workhouse) who has been in prison for a fortnight and come out with a wish to reform. There is a laundry just opened on purpose to reclaim drunkards, and I have told her of it.
—My last E. End journey. I had an interview with a drunken woman (wife of a respectable old man in the Workhouse) who has been in prison for a fortnight and come out with a wish to reform. There is a laundry just opened on purpose to reclaim drunkards, and I have told her of it.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
27Jul1872, We Cleverly Missed the Train
LONDON, Saturday, July 27th, 1872.
—Christina Nillson was married in W. Abbey to a man said to be a bankrupt Parisian stockbroker. We cleverly missed the train, so filled up the time with a ride, meeting Cavendish on a lovely quondam racer which broke a blood-vessel and had to retire from the profession.
—Christina Nillson was married in W. Abbey to a man said to be a bankrupt Parisian stockbroker. We cleverly missed the train, so filled up the time with a ride, meeting Cavendish on a lovely quondam racer which broke a blood-vessel and had to retire from the profession.
24Jul1872, Eight Lyttelton Brothers and a Pack of Small Cecils
LONDON, Wednesday, July 24th, 1872.
—The old 8 brothers dined together at Eton and marched about the playing-fields, singing all the songs they cd. think of. . . . Little Downing St. garden tea : a pack of small Cecils with Ly. Salisbury : very ugly, clever children.
—The old 8 brothers dined together at Eton and marched about the playing-fields, singing all the songs they cd. think of. . . . Little Downing St. garden tea : a pack of small Cecils with Ly. Salisbury : very ugly, clever children.
22Jul1872, Paupers in the East End
BETTESHANGER, Monday, July 22nd, 1872.
—Heavy and thundery air. Left kind, nice Bettesh. and went from Cannon St. with Agnes to E. End. Paupers very smelly and hot, poor things.
—Heavy and thundery air. Left kind, nice Bettesh. and went from Cannon St. with Agnes to E. End. Paupers very smelly and hot, poor things.
20Jul1872, Fred Becomes Private Sect. to Gladstone
BETTESHANGER, Saturday, July 20th, 1872.
—My Fred came at dinner-time, with the great piece of news that he has decided on accepting Uncle W.'s Private Secretaryship ; a post involving much trust and intimacy, and wanting F.'s particular experience, knowledge of the P.M., and Cavendish caution, straight-forwardness, good sense, and weight. None of the family seem to me to be quick or brilliant, but they have the most wonderful accuracy, thoroughness, and grasp of a subject.
—My Fred came at dinner-time, with the great piece of news that he has decided on accepting Uncle W.'s Private Secretaryship ; a post involving much trust and intimacy, and wanting F.'s particular experience, knowledge of the P.M., and Cavendish caution, straight-forwardness, good sense, and weight. None of the family seem to me to be quick or brilliant, but they have the most wonderful accuracy, thoroughness, and grasp of a subject.
17Jul1872, M. Bunsen and World Events
LONDON, Wednesday, July 17th, 1872.
—Dined with the Forsters : a M. Bunsen was there and was interesting : said the Germans wd prevent an Italian Jesuit succeeding the Pope ; talked in a creepy, confident way of the impending war between Prussia and Austria on the one hand, Russia and France and Turkey on the other.
—Dined with the Forsters : a M. Bunsen was there and was interesting : said the Germans wd prevent an Italian Jesuit succeeding the Pope ; talked in a creepy, confident way of the impending war between Prussia and Austria on the one hand, Russia and France and Turkey on the other.
13Jul1872, Eton Beating Harrow at Cricket
LONDON, Saturday, July 13th, 1872.
—Cricket match ended with eclat at 6, Eton beating Harrow, 7.27 to the good, with 6 wickets to go down, Alfred and another taking their bats out. Alack ! this admitted of neither Bob nor Edwd. having a 2nd innings ; but Edwd. fielded nicely. Alfred played a rapid and brilliant game, getting 19 in exactly Charles' old style, and was immensely applauded. It was a proud moment. All 8 brothers were on the ground, and M. and me.
—Cricket match ended with eclat at 6, Eton beating Harrow, 7.27 to the good, with 6 wickets to go down, Alfred and another taking their bats out. Alack ! this admitted of neither Bob nor Edwd. having a 2nd innings ; but Edwd. fielded nicely. Alfred played a rapid and brilliant game, getting 19 in exactly Charles' old style, and was immensely applauded. It was a proud moment. All 8 brothers were on the ground, and M. and me.
03Jul1872, Entertaining the Hospital Nurses
LONDON, Wednesday, July 3rd, 1872.
—Atie. P. and I spent the day at Seymour Court near Marlow, where Mrs. Helbert and her darling children helped us to entertain 25 of the L. Hospital nurses. The day much spoilt by our sad anxiety over poor Mrs. H. herself, who was in terrible danger of joining the Ch. of Rome — a proceeding utterly incomprehensible to me, especially now, when the Papacy with its new dogma is forcing itself down the throats of all foreign Catholics, thus splitting them into two hostile camps, the "Old Catholics" and the Ultramontanists.
—Atie. P. and I spent the day at Seymour Court near Marlow, where Mrs. Helbert and her darling children helped us to entertain 25 of the L. Hospital nurses. The day much spoilt by our sad anxiety over poor Mrs. H. herself, who was in terrible danger of joining the Ch. of Rome — a proceeding utterly incomprehensible to me, especially now, when the Papacy with its new dogma is forcing itself down the throats of all foreign Catholics, thus splitting them into two hostile camps, the "Old Catholics" and the Ultramontanists.
02Jul1872, A Smart Dinner at Dev. House
LONDON, Tuesday, July 2nd, 1872.
—Very hot and delightful. Dudley House concert in aid of Woodford and Hawarden Orphanage. Ly. Augusta Stanley's window-gardening show. Smart dinner at Dev. H. in the big square room. Very splendid and stately : Lornes, Tecks, Granvilles, Brownlows, Tallee, Spencers. Tail.
—Very hot and delightful. Dudley House concert in aid of Woodford and Hawarden Orphanage. Ly. Augusta Stanley's window-gardening show. Smart dinner at Dev. H. in the big square room. Very splendid and stately : Lornes, Tecks, Granvilles, Brownlows, Tallee, Spencers. Tail.
29Jun1872, A Golden Day
LONDON, S. Peter's Day, Saturday.
—Rather a "golden day." We went to Hatfield for the opening of the restored church there : it was a crowded congregation and nice singing : Liddon preacht a noble sermon on Loyalty and Self-sacrifice for the Church. Afterwards we went about the glorious place with the Talbots and Uncle Dick, etc., and my Fred enjoyed it, and I was very happy. Heavenly weather. Dined at No. 11, to meet the Pr. and Prss. of Wales and the Lornes ; pleasant dinner. I was well off between Lorne and Bp. of Winchester. The Prince looks very little altered, but is said to be pasty-coloured by daylight : he is being busy and useful ; last Monday went with the Prss. to open the Bethnal Green Museum : the first time Royalty had been there since it was a Green.
—Rather a "golden day." We went to Hatfield for the opening of the restored church there : it was a crowded congregation and nice singing : Liddon preacht a noble sermon on Loyalty and Self-sacrifice for the Church. Afterwards we went about the glorious place with the Talbots and Uncle Dick, etc., and my Fred enjoyed it, and I was very happy. Heavenly weather. Dined at No. 11, to meet the Pr. and Prss. of Wales and the Lornes ; pleasant dinner. I was well off between Lorne and Bp. of Winchester. The Prince looks very little altered, but is said to be pasty-coloured by daylight : he is being busy and useful ; last Monday went with the Prss. to open the Bethnal Green Museum : the first time Royalty had been there since it was a Green.
25Jun1872, Maude Herbert Marries Hubert Parry
LONDON, Tuesday, June 25th, 1872.
—Maude Herbert was married to Hubert Parry at S. Paul's, Knightsbridge. There was something very beautiful in the sight from the W. door : the light concentrating in the fine open lofty choir, with its flower-decked altar ; the cloudy white of the bride and bridesmaids' garments, and Canon Liddon's striking figure and noble voice as he gave the Blessing.
—Maude Herbert was married to Hubert Parry at S. Paul's, Knightsbridge. There was something very beautiful in the sight from the W. door : the light concentrating in the fine open lofty choir, with its flower-decked altar ; the cloudy white of the bride and bridesmaids' garments, and Canon Liddon's striking figure and noble voice as he gave the Blessing.
15Jun1872, Meeting Poor Lady Mayo
LONDON, Saturday, June 15th, 1872.
—I dined at the Burrells' to meet poor, poor Ly. Mayo [FN: Lord Mayo, Viceroy of India, had been assassinated a few months before.], who is rather the better, Ly. B. thinks, for seeing a new face. She touched me much, in the indescribable way the Queen used to do, by her unaffectedness and straight-forward¬ness under the dreadful affliction, exerting herself to talk and take interest in things. Her eldest and 2nd sons were there—pleasant civil fellows, particularly nice and considerate to her. But it was terrible to sit there, with the thought incessantly present : "This is the widow of a murdered man" — it so disconcerted me that I could hardly talk sense.
—I dined at the Burrells' to meet poor, poor Ly. Mayo [FN: Lord Mayo, Viceroy of India, had been assassinated a few months before.], who is rather the better, Ly. B. thinks, for seeing a new face. She touched me much, in the indescribable way the Queen used to do, by her unaffectedness and straight-forward¬ness under the dreadful affliction, exerting herself to talk and take interest in things. Her eldest and 2nd sons were there—pleasant civil fellows, particularly nice and considerate to her. But it was terrible to sit there, with the thought incessantly present : "This is the widow of a murdered man" — it so disconcerted me that I could hardly talk sense.
01Jun1872, The Alabama Question
LONDON, Saturday, June 1st, 1872.
—The unlucky American treaty [FN: On the Alabama question.] is now said to be doomed. Both Governments are said to be really aggrieved, but the American Govt. object to eating humble pie too ostensibly, chiefly, I believe, because they hate to do anything at all unpopular on the eve of their tiresome Presidential election. What a pity they don't elect their precious Presidents for a much longer period, and never re-elect them !
—The unlucky American treaty [FN: On the Alabama question.] is now said to be doomed. Both Governments are said to be really aggrieved, but the American Govt. object to eating humble pie too ostensibly, chiefly, I believe, because they hate to do anything at all unpopular on the eve of their tiresome Presidential election. What a pity they don't elect their precious Presidents for a much longer period, and never re-elect them !
Sunday, April 04, 2010
30May1872, The New Singer, Emma Albani
LONDON, Thursday, May 30th, 1872.
—I went to see Dev. House; and M. had the treat of going to the Opera (Royal Box) with Emma, and hearing the new singer Albani. A nice-looking but rather skinny and school-girly creature with a lovely voice.
—I went to see Dev. House; and M. had the treat of going to the Opera (Royal Box) with Emma, and hearing the new singer Albani. A nice-looking but rather skinny and school-girly creature with a lovely voice.
29May1872, Talking with Di, Taciturn Husbands
LONGFORD, Wednesday, May 29th, 1872.
—Di and I talked with little cessation, to the silent admiration of our taciturn husbands.
—Di and I talked with little cessation, to the silent admiration of our taciturn husbands.
09May1872, Breakfast with the King of the Belgians
LONDON, Thursday, May 9th, 1872. Ascension Day.
—We bkfasted one of these days at No. 11 to meet the King of the Belgians. Herbert the painter, the most affected of men, rhapsodized in his ridiculous sham broken English abt the King's likeness to S. Louis and Francis I. He certainly is exactly like the pictures of the latter.
—We bkfasted one of these days at No. 11 to meet the King of the Belgians. Herbert the painter, the most affected of men, rhapsodized in his ridiculous sham broken English abt the King's likeness to S. Louis and Francis I. He certainly is exactly like the pictures of the latter.
08May1872, Dinner, Drum and Ball
LONDON, Wednesday, May 8th, 1872.
—Dinner with the tall and handsome and noble-looking couple, Ld, and Ly. Brownlow. Met beautiful Ly. de Vesci, Ld. and daughter, Holfords, etc. Drum at Ly. L. Mills' ; lovely ball with G. G. at Ly. Bristol's—all gorgeous with flowers and plants ; a big conservatory just like a negro's garden in Jamaica, with the addition of grand geraniums. Old Nevy actually turned up at the ball !
—Dinner with the tall and handsome and noble-looking couple, Ld, and Ly. Brownlow. Met beautiful Ly. de Vesci, Ld. and daughter, Holfords, etc. Drum at Ly. L. Mills' ; lovely ball with G. G. at Ly. Bristol's—all gorgeous with flowers and plants ; a big conservatory just like a negro's garden in Jamaica, with the addition of grand geraniums. Old Nevy actually turned up at the ball !
07May1872, A Tiring Tea at Buckingham Palace
LONDON, Tuesday, May 7th, 1872.
-5 o'clock tea at Buck. Palace — rather hind-leggy and tiring. The old "Empress of Germany," horridly painted and curled as she was, pleased me by her long, civil, and feeling speech to the Loyd Lindsays abt the Sick and Wounded Fund. He stood bowing his tall flaxen head, without a word to say of course ! in answer to the flow of compliments. Pr. Arthur and Leopold both looked well and nice, though sadly small mannikins : Pr. Leopold the tallest and almost handsome.
-5 o'clock tea at Buck. Palace — rather hind-leggy and tiring. The old "Empress of Germany," horridly painted and curled as she was, pleased me by her long, civil, and feeling speech to the Loyd Lindsays abt the Sick and Wounded Fund. He stood bowing his tall flaxen head, without a word to say of course ! in answer to the flow of compliments. Pr. Arthur and Leopold both looked well and nice, though sadly small mannikins : Pr. Leopold the tallest and almost handsome.
01May1872, Religious Discussion at Dinner
LONDON, May Day, Wednesday, 1872.
—Drum at the Gladstones'. We were parted for dinner : F. going to the Speaker, I to the Admiralty. Old Mr. Villiers took me in, and was highly agreeable till he plunged into the Education question (as to which he is a bitter League man) and thence into the most sacred religious subjects. I am in constant astonishment at the utter ignorance, of most educated people that one happens to hear talk on the matter, of ordinary historical theology. Mr. Villiers appears to think that there never was a time before Popery or Protestantism ; and yet one wd. fancy the very words wd remind one that to be popish one must have set up a pope, and to be protestant one must have had the pope to protest against. How then abt this country (for instance) before there was either the one state of things or the other ? This bewildered view naturally draws down upon one's head comfortable tirades against venerable doctrines, such as the "Real Presence." Mr. V. has no knowledge whatever of any meaning having ever attached to that doctrine except Transubstantiation, and of all painful things to have the subject started in this spirit, in the midst of a dinner party ! Of course I cd only be entirely dumb, and try to fight for the poor Church on less sacred battlefields.
—Drum at the Gladstones'. We were parted for dinner : F. going to the Speaker, I to the Admiralty. Old Mr. Villiers took me in, and was highly agreeable till he plunged into the Education question (as to which he is a bitter League man) and thence into the most sacred religious subjects. I am in constant astonishment at the utter ignorance, of most educated people that one happens to hear talk on the matter, of ordinary historical theology. Mr. Villiers appears to think that there never was a time before Popery or Protestantism ; and yet one wd. fancy the very words wd remind one that to be popish one must have set up a pope, and to be protestant one must have had the pope to protest against. How then abt this country (for instance) before there was either the one state of things or the other ? This bewildered view naturally draws down upon one's head comfortable tirades against venerable doctrines, such as the "Real Presence." Mr. V. has no knowledge whatever of any meaning having ever attached to that doctrine except Transubstantiation, and of all painful things to have the subject started in this spirit, in the midst of a dinner party ! Of course I cd only be entirely dumb, and try to fight for the poor Church on less sacred battlefields.
30Apr1872, Visiting the Kent Penitentiary
LONDON, Tuesday, April 30th, 1872.
—Had a nice interesting expedition with the J. G. T.'s to see the Kent Penitentiary, [FN: Founded by John Talbot.] which M. calls Johnny's eldest child : he started it the year they were married, after hearing a sermon on the duty of all to do something for fallen women. To-day was the annual meeting ; various friends and supporters coming together for Holy Communion in the Chapel : and luncheon and speeches afterwards. The institution is almost entirely supported by the county. There are about 40 inmates, a large proportion of them being children under 16. They stay on an average 2 years ; and a very fair proportion get placed out and do well.
—Had a nice interesting expedition with the J. G. T.'s to see the Kent Penitentiary, [FN: Founded by John Talbot.] which M. calls Johnny's eldest child : he started it the year they were married, after hearing a sermon on the duty of all to do something for fallen women. To-day was the annual meeting ; various friends and supporters coming together for Holy Communion in the Chapel : and luncheon and speeches afterwards. The institution is almost entirely supported by the county. There are about 40 inmates, a large proportion of them being children under 16. They stay on an average 2 years ; and a very fair proportion get placed out and do well.
28Apr1872, Dr. Vaughan Preacht Well
LONDON, April 28th. 4th Sunday after Easter.
—We went a.m. to the dear Temple, which was crowded. Dr. Vaughan preacht well, I believe ; but I grieve to say I was taken sleepy and lost much.
—We went a.m. to the dear Temple, which was crowded. Dr. Vaughan preacht well, I believe ; but I grieve to say I was taken sleepy and lost much.
05Apr1872, The Famous Mr. Maurice has Died
HOLKER, Friday, April 5th, 1872.
—The famous Mr. Maurice is just dead ; the papers for the most part speak of him with great respect, and indeed I believe he was a true Saint, though perhaps with the misfortune, which seems to belong to some schools of thought, of inspiring his disciples with his errors rather than his truths.
—The famous Mr. Maurice is just dead ; the papers for the most part speak of him with great respect, and indeed I believe he was a true Saint, though perhaps with the misfortune, which seems to belong to some schools of thought, of inspiring his disciples with his errors rather than his truths.
03Apr1872, Alfred is Confirmed
HAGLEY, Wednesday, April 3rd, 1872.
—My darling Alfred was Confirmed at 3 o'clock by the Bp. of Worcester : the last of Mamma's children has now "put away childish things." These 15 years of his sunny life have been cloudless, loving, innocent ; God keep him hereafter from the evil, safe to the end ! Dear daddy has told me that during long Communion Services (when he is on his knees the whole time always) he prays for each one of us ; and sometimes I can realize, with sweet awfulness, how we are all "children of many prayers," when I see and feel the blessings poured out over us—prayers, one may believe, ascending from the "serene regions of Paradise" as well as from Earth ; and then comes the trust that, by the mighty power of prayer, God's loving mercy will bring us all "safe to land."
—My darling Alfred was Confirmed at 3 o'clock by the Bp. of Worcester : the last of Mamma's children has now "put away childish things." These 15 years of his sunny life have been cloudless, loving, innocent ; God keep him hereafter from the evil, safe to the end ! Dear daddy has told me that during long Communion Services (when he is on his knees the whole time always) he prays for each one of us ; and sometimes I can realize, with sweet awfulness, how we are all "children of many prayers," when I see and feel the blessings poured out over us—prayers, one may believe, ascending from the "serene regions of Paradise" as well as from Earth ; and then comes the trust that, by the mighty power of prayer, God's loving mercy will bring us all "safe to land."
Sunday, March 28, 2010
24Mar1872, Mr. Wilkinson and Dismal Jemmy at Church
LONDON, March 24th, 1872. Palm Sunday.
—Our 1st Sunday in London. There cd. not have been a much greater contrast than our two Services. S. Martin's with its sleepy decorum and Mr. Humphry's good and sensible, but dry, stiff preaching, and S. Peter's, where we went to hear for the 1st time the now famous Mr. Wilkinson. He adopts something of the Wesley method—arousing, chiding, and appealing, and all with vehement voice and gesture. To my mind it was much of it painfully painful ; but the force of conviction and love of Christ and of souls is very overpowering and the good he has done is wonderful. It was a mighty, devout congregn., and the hymns were like the roar of waters. It was D. J. [FN: "Dismal Jemmy" (Sir George William Des Vœux)] (a cousin-in-law of Mr. W.) who got us places : he is himself "under the wand of the enchanter," and in a strange state of suppressed excitement. Mr. W. set him to work to bring round a sceptical communistic publican ! So D. J. paid the man a visit ; offered him a cigar, and had a good political talk, at the end of which the publican gripped him by the hand, said he had never spoken to a gentleman before, asked leave to have a friend or two in to meet D. J. next time, and to-day came to church with a train of followers ! !
Mr. W. after Evensong has a meeting for prayer and for seeing people, which is thronged. Some of the worst men among London swells are said to be turning over a new leaf under his influence.
—Our 1st Sunday in London. There cd. not have been a much greater contrast than our two Services. S. Martin's with its sleepy decorum and Mr. Humphry's good and sensible, but dry, stiff preaching, and S. Peter's, where we went to hear for the 1st time the now famous Mr. Wilkinson. He adopts something of the Wesley method—arousing, chiding, and appealing, and all with vehement voice and gesture. To my mind it was much of it painfully painful ; but the force of conviction and love of Christ and of souls is very overpowering and the good he has done is wonderful. It was a mighty, devout congregn., and the hymns were like the roar of waters. It was D. J. [FN: "Dismal Jemmy" (Sir George William Des Vœux)] (a cousin-in-law of Mr. W.) who got us places : he is himself "under the wand of the enchanter," and in a strange state of suppressed excitement. Mr. W. set him to work to bring round a sceptical communistic publican ! So D. J. paid the man a visit ; offered him a cigar, and had a good political talk, at the end of which the publican gripped him by the hand, said he had never spoken to a gentleman before, asked leave to have a friend or two in to meet D. J. next time, and to-day came to church with a train of followers ! !
Mr. W. after Evensong has a meeting for prayer and for seeing people, which is thronged. Some of the worst men among London swells are said to be turning over a new leaf under his influence.
18Mar1872, Gladstone Not a Jesuit in Disguise
LONDON, Monday, March 18th, 1872.
—A cosy scratch dinner of Uncle Dick, Prime Minister and Mrs., Mesd. Talbot and Johnny. Talked Churchums a good deal —it amused me to think, as I listened to Uncle W.'s regular old-fashioned, rather Conservative, and strongly anti-Roman High Churchism, how many Whalley-Newdigateites put him down as a Jesuit in disguise. I had to spend a vast deal of eloquence in Jamaica upon Mrs. Fisher, to get her out of this notion, and doubt if I succeeded. Hot Protestant maukins love to send impudent demands as to whether he is a papist or not, with delicate intimations that mental reservations are probably to be expected of him.
—A cosy scratch dinner of Uncle Dick, Prime Minister and Mrs., Mesd. Talbot and Johnny. Talked Churchums a good deal —it amused me to think, as I listened to Uncle W.'s regular old-fashioned, rather Conservative, and strongly anti-Roman High Churchism, how many Whalley-Newdigateites put him down as a Jesuit in disguise. I had to spend a vast deal of eloquence in Jamaica upon Mrs. Fisher, to get her out of this notion, and doubt if I succeeded. Hot Protestant maukins love to send impudent demands as to whether he is a papist or not, with delicate intimations that mental reservations are probably to be expected of him.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
11Mar1872, Monstrous Clothes
Monday, March 22, 2010
04Mar1872, The Course of Events Like a Drama
LONDON, Monday, March 4th, 1872.
—Dinner at Dow. Ly. Cowper's. Dufferins, young Cowpers, Evelyn Ashley (his wife at Menton for her health), Mr. Leveson [FN: Hon. Frederick Leveson-Gower, brother of Lord Granville.], hearing with great philosophy the arrival of Ld. Granville's son and heir, just announced, cutting out Mr. Leveson's boy. Said boy, however, seems a good deal more distressed at the abolition of extra weeks at Eton than by his manqué prospects. Little Vita Leveson asked her father : "Is it you or Mamma that's going to give me a little brother ?" There were also Ly. Gertrude Talbot, Mr. H. Cowper, etc.
Dean Stanley and Ly. Augusta came in after dinner : the Dean was in his element, and very delightful, talking of the loyal outburst in the country. He said nothing cd. have been imagined more striking than the course of events, and indeed it has been like a drama. The grumbling Republicanism culminating almost in threats, followed by the illness of the Prince, and that illness one so prolonged as to melt all hearts and awaken all sympathies, the devotion of the Queen and Princess — the turn for the better on the anniversary of his father's death—the great Thanksgiving Day, with its fine weather breaking out after lowering rain and fog : then the attack on the Queen by what wd. seem like the one disloyal hand among three millions, and the fresh rush of loving feeling caused by it and by her courage.
—Dinner at Dow. Ly. Cowper's. Dufferins, young Cowpers, Evelyn Ashley (his wife at Menton for her health), Mr. Leveson [FN: Hon. Frederick Leveson-Gower, brother of Lord Granville.], hearing with great philosophy the arrival of Ld. Granville's son and heir, just announced, cutting out Mr. Leveson's boy. Said boy, however, seems a good deal more distressed at the abolition of extra weeks at Eton than by his manqué prospects. Little Vita Leveson asked her father : "Is it you or Mamma that's going to give me a little brother ?" There were also Ly. Gertrude Talbot, Mr. H. Cowper, etc.
Dean Stanley and Ly. Augusta came in after dinner : the Dean was in his element, and very delightful, talking of the loyal outburst in the country. He said nothing cd. have been imagined more striking than the course of events, and indeed it has been like a drama. The grumbling Republicanism culminating almost in threats, followed by the illness of the Prince, and that illness one so prolonged as to melt all hearts and awaken all sympathies, the devotion of the Queen and Princess — the turn for the better on the anniversary of his father's death—the great Thanksgiving Day, with its fine weather breaking out after lowering rain and fog : then the attack on the Queen by what wd. seem like the one disloyal hand among three millions, and the fresh rush of loving feeling caused by it and by her courage.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
01Mar1872, The Queen is Attacked
LONDON, Friday, March 1st, 1872.
—A crazy attack was made on the Queen last night as she came home from a drive by a wretched Irish boy with an old broken unloaded pistol, which he levelled within a foot of her head. It seems he hoped (sanguine!) to frighten her into signing a paper he had for the release of the Fenian prisoners ; and that he had tried in vain to play this precious trick near S. Paul's on Tuesday. Lucky for him the crowd was too great : he wd. certainly have been set upon by the people and very likely torn to pieces. In a p.s. at the end of this document he begs to be shot, not hung, if he is caught ; I fear he will have neither honour, but a sound flogging. The Queen behaved beautifully ; she was horribly frightened, and just called out "Save me" to Lady Churchill, who was next to her ; but the next thing she did was to beg the guards not to hurt the scamp as he struggled with them ; and she then immediately sent off Gen, Hardinge to the Houses of Parlt. to have a proper statement made of the matter, and to prevent panic. Nevertheless some newsboys, I believe, shouted "Assassination of the Queen" about some of the streets. If anything was wanted to send loyalty up to boiling-point, this attempt has done it ! Great crowds gathered in the Park when the Queen pluckily drove out this morning in an open carriage with no extra precautions ; and again to see her go away ; and cheered famously. Little Bertram saw the departure joisted on somebody's shoulder, and announced that he cheered as loud as he cd., which no doubt encouraged Her Majesty.
Mr. Birch, the Pr. of Wales' old tutor, saw him since his illness and told — how much struck he was with the Prince's improved tone and seriousness ; adding, "I think Lady Lyttelton's early training may be telling now."
—A crazy attack was made on the Queen last night as she came home from a drive by a wretched Irish boy with an old broken unloaded pistol, which he levelled within a foot of her head. It seems he hoped (sanguine!) to frighten her into signing a paper he had for the release of the Fenian prisoners ; and that he had tried in vain to play this precious trick near S. Paul's on Tuesday. Lucky for him the crowd was too great : he wd. certainly have been set upon by the people and very likely torn to pieces. In a p.s. at the end of this document he begs to be shot, not hung, if he is caught ; I fear he will have neither honour, but a sound flogging. The Queen behaved beautifully ; she was horribly frightened, and just called out "Save me" to Lady Churchill, who was next to her ; but the next thing she did was to beg the guards not to hurt the scamp as he struggled with them ; and she then immediately sent off Gen, Hardinge to the Houses of Parlt. to have a proper statement made of the matter, and to prevent panic. Nevertheless some newsboys, I believe, shouted "Assassination of the Queen" about some of the streets. If anything was wanted to send loyalty up to boiling-point, this attempt has done it ! Great crowds gathered in the Park when the Queen pluckily drove out this morning in an open carriage with no extra precautions ; and again to see her go away ; and cheered famously. Little Bertram saw the departure joisted on somebody's shoulder, and announced that he cheered as loud as he cd., which no doubt encouraged Her Majesty.
Mr. Birch, the Pr. of Wales' old tutor, saw him since his illness and told — how much struck he was with the Prince's improved tone and seriousness ; adding, "I think Lady Lyttelton's early training may be telling now."
27Feb1872, Thanksgiving for the Prince's Recovery
LONDON, Tuesday, February 27th, 1872.
—The day of Thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales. He accompanied the Queen, who went in state to S. Paul's. Oh, what a never-to-be-forgotten day it has been ! I for one had prayed for fine weather, so dreadful would it have been if it had rained ; and thank God it was a fair February day, with occasional bright gleams of sunshine. The Talbots and we went by river from the Parliament Quay, where a select little mob of Peers and Commons were pouring down the stairs and embarking in beflagged steamers. The progress was swift and dignified and we landed at S. Paul's Wharf and got to our places without any difficulty. But would that we had driven, as it turned out we might well have done. Such a sight can never have been seen before. From Buckingham Palace up Pall Mall and the Strand thro' the City to the Cathedral was one mighty multitude and one continued acclamation. The Queen and Prince sat in one carriage, with the Prss. of Wales, Princess Beatrice, and little Prince Edward bodkin : the other Princes were in another carriage with little Prince George. There were nine other carriages, including the new Speaker (Mr. Brand) in a gorgeous coach, and the Ld. Chancellor : the Queen had 8 horses and there were troops and guards of honour. We meanwhile waited patiently for 2 hours under the dome, watching the 13,000 people gradually fill the grand Cathedral—choir, nave, transepts, and galleries. A few minutes before 1 was heard that most thrilling sound—the National Anthem coming nearer and nearer and, as the bands outside ceased, being taken up by the organ, as the procession entered the great West door. The Queen leant on the Prince's arm ; he held his eldest son's hand : on the Queen's left was the Princess leading Prince George : the others followed. There was a short pause while they took their places at the junction of the nave with the transepts, then the choir broke forth into the Te Deum. Never before had I realised what a Psalm of Thanksgiving it is, and most beautiful and moving were the words specially dwelt upon by the music : "Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter," and "When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death."
All was ended within an hour. Those who were near the Queen and Prince were struck with their devout look and behaviour : the dear Princess was in tears during the special thanksgiving prayer—thinking no doubt of that cry for mercy in which she used to join when she cd. leave him for a few minutes in that fight between life and death. The dear Queen sang the hymn with all her heart. When it was over, the great congregation dispersed very easily, many staying to look at the Cathedral. Noble and grand it always looks to me indeed—its proportions so perfect, that I found S. Peter's did not at all spoil me for it. But it does call out for decoration, and a great subscription will be started from this day. The Queen gives £1,000, the Prince £500.
I coaxed F. to drive with me along Oxford Street after dinner ; the illuminations and decorations were famous, and the crowds were very well behaved and in high delight.
—The day of Thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales. He accompanied the Queen, who went in state to S. Paul's. Oh, what a never-to-be-forgotten day it has been ! I for one had prayed for fine weather, so dreadful would it have been if it had rained ; and thank God it was a fair February day, with occasional bright gleams of sunshine. The Talbots and we went by river from the Parliament Quay, where a select little mob of Peers and Commons were pouring down the stairs and embarking in beflagged steamers. The progress was swift and dignified and we landed at S. Paul's Wharf and got to our places without any difficulty. But would that we had driven, as it turned out we might well have done. Such a sight can never have been seen before. From Buckingham Palace up Pall Mall and the Strand thro' the City to the Cathedral was one mighty multitude and one continued acclamation. The Queen and Prince sat in one carriage, with the Prss. of Wales, Princess Beatrice, and little Prince Edward bodkin : the other Princes were in another carriage with little Prince George. There were nine other carriages, including the new Speaker (Mr. Brand) in a gorgeous coach, and the Ld. Chancellor : the Queen had 8 horses and there were troops and guards of honour. We meanwhile waited patiently for 2 hours under the dome, watching the 13,000 people gradually fill the grand Cathedral—choir, nave, transepts, and galleries. A few minutes before 1 was heard that most thrilling sound—the National Anthem coming nearer and nearer and, as the bands outside ceased, being taken up by the organ, as the procession entered the great West door. The Queen leant on the Prince's arm ; he held his eldest son's hand : on the Queen's left was the Princess leading Prince George : the others followed. There was a short pause while they took their places at the junction of the nave with the transepts, then the choir broke forth into the Te Deum. Never before had I realised what a Psalm of Thanksgiving it is, and most beautiful and moving were the words specially dwelt upon by the music : "Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter," and "When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death."
All was ended within an hour. Those who were near the Queen and Prince were struck with their devout look and behaviour : the dear Princess was in tears during the special thanksgiving prayer—thinking no doubt of that cry for mercy in which she used to join when she cd. leave him for a few minutes in that fight between life and death. The dear Queen sang the hymn with all her heart. When it was over, the great congregation dispersed very easily, many staying to look at the Cathedral. Noble and grand it always looks to me indeed—its proportions so perfect, that I found S. Peter's did not at all spoil me for it. But it does call out for decoration, and a great subscription will be started from this day. The Queen gives £1,000, the Prince £500.
I coaxed F. to drive with me along Oxford Street after dinner ; the illuminations and decorations were famous, and the crowds were very well behaved and in high delight.
23Feb1872, A Strange Will and Gov. Eyre
LONDON, Friday, February 23rd, 1872.
—The W. E.G.'s dined with us : he had a regular scrimmage last night over a Parks Bill : Mr. Hardy rather inexcusably leading off with sharp party accusations, Dizzy maliciously seizing the opportunity for tickling up Uncle W. with a straw, Mr. Harcourt "posing as tribune of the roughs," and the lot amongst them getting sad rises out of the Prime Minister, who never will learn [FN: The same incapacity to ignore attacks meant only to "draw" him caused great loss of time in his later Ministries.] the right moments for silent contempt or calm snubs. In spite of all this, however, and the many more important vexations and anxieties ahead, Uncle W. plunged con amore into Jamaican politics and told us of his father's odd will leaving his sugar estates, when they were at the lowest ebb of value, to be divided inalienably among his four daughters-in-law ! His sons desired only to sell these shares to their brother Robertson ; but could not do so legally ; and Uncle W. was advised that his only dodge was to put a clause into his own will disinheriting anybody who should dispute the sale ! The Gov. Eyre topic came up, and it was interesting to see Uncle W.'s intense feeling against the panic style of putting down black risings—the more striking as coming from the son of a canny old slaveholder. He told us of certain terrible reprisals in Cephalonia upon the subject race that had got up a row many years ago—his whole countenance full of wrath and pain. "The English are not a humane people," he said with great emphasis.
—The W. E.G.'s dined with us : he had a regular scrimmage last night over a Parks Bill : Mr. Hardy rather inexcusably leading off with sharp party accusations, Dizzy maliciously seizing the opportunity for tickling up Uncle W. with a straw, Mr. Harcourt "posing as tribune of the roughs," and the lot amongst them getting sad rises out of the Prime Minister, who never will learn [FN: The same incapacity to ignore attacks meant only to "draw" him caused great loss of time in his later Ministries.] the right moments for silent contempt or calm snubs. In spite of all this, however, and the many more important vexations and anxieties ahead, Uncle W. plunged con amore into Jamaican politics and told us of his father's odd will leaving his sugar estates, when they were at the lowest ebb of value, to be divided inalienably among his four daughters-in-law ! His sons desired only to sell these shares to their brother Robertson ; but could not do so legally ; and Uncle W. was advised that his only dodge was to put a clause into his own will disinheriting anybody who should dispute the sale ! The Gov. Eyre topic came up, and it was interesting to see Uncle W.'s intense feeling against the panic style of putting down black risings—the more striking as coming from the son of a canny old slaveholder. He told us of certain terrible reprisals in Cephalonia upon the subject race that had got up a row many years ago—his whole countenance full of wrath and pain. "The English are not a humane people," he said with great emphasis.
22Feb1872, Handsome and Love-lorn Hubert Parry
LONDON, Thursday, February 22nd, 1872.
—Dined at Portl. Pl. [FN: Her father's house.], meeting Ly. A. Compton, Helen Gladstone, Mr. Strutt, the handsome and love-lorn Hubert Parry, who may not marry his Maude Herbert for a long while, viewing money ; darling King Alfred, etc. Nice music and singing.
—Dined at Portl. Pl. [FN: Her father's house.], meeting Ly. A. Compton, Helen Gladstone, Mr. Strutt, the handsome and love-lorn Hubert Parry, who may not marry his Maude Herbert for a long while, viewing money ; darling King Alfred, etc. Nice music and singing.
Friday, March 12, 2010
06Feb1872, A Storm at Sea
ON BOARD THE " NILE," Tuesday, February 6th, 1872.
—Another tumbling night, and F., going on deck before breakfast, came down to warn me off ; for behold a real, true, glorious gale was blowing. We had left a crack open in our port-hole at night, and about 3.30 a.m. in popped a sea, cold-pigging me on the side of my head, and doing some little mischief to clothes, etc. I went with F. when I was dressed to the top of the saloon staircase. At that minute a small stay-sail broke away from its block, and as they hauled it down, we saw the wind split it right up. At breakfast a grand country dance of everything on the table took place : F.'s plate, well laden with half-picked turkey bones, skum across full against his opposite neighbour's portly waistcoat, overleaping fiddles and a dish of salt fish. Shortly after came a mighty thump against the ship's side which made me think, though I knew it was impossible, that we had struck ; but it was only a sea which proceeded to pour through the skylights souse on to my back ; cold pig the second, very chilly and surprising. Poor D. J. [FN: Dismal Jemmy .] disappeared from sight. After luncheon we again went to the top of the staircase, and I remained a long time, making the most of this my 1st sight of a storm at sea. The ship is said to behave beautifully, and indeed one can see that she does, even with inexperienced eyes. Looking forward to the bows, one could see her curtseying and bounding over the great hills and valleys of water, running away from the green monsters that pursued her : the sail set square and straining before the wind. While I was there, two great seas came sweeping over the decks, and plunging down the hatchways into the regions below ; then out shone a beautiful rainbow straight ahead of us. Below, it certainly is not very agreeable ; the mighty lurches endangering heads and limbs ; the screw getting out of the water and whirling and thumping ; and the ship giving long shudders now and then as if she really could not stand it any longer ; creaks, crashes, and roarings ad libitum. But I am very glad to have seen the glorious sight above. On the lower deck it is wonderful to look through the ports and see oneself under the sea every few seconds.
—Another tumbling night, and F., going on deck before breakfast, came down to warn me off ; for behold a real, true, glorious gale was blowing. We had left a crack open in our port-hole at night, and about 3.30 a.m. in popped a sea, cold-pigging me on the side of my head, and doing some little mischief to clothes, etc. I went with F. when I was dressed to the top of the saloon staircase. At that minute a small stay-sail broke away from its block, and as they hauled it down, we saw the wind split it right up. At breakfast a grand country dance of everything on the table took place : F.'s plate, well laden with half-picked turkey bones, skum across full against his opposite neighbour's portly waistcoat, overleaping fiddles and a dish of salt fish. Shortly after came a mighty thump against the ship's side which made me think, though I knew it was impossible, that we had struck ; but it was only a sea which proceeded to pour through the skylights souse on to my back ; cold pig the second, very chilly and surprising. Poor D. J. [FN: Dismal Jemmy .] disappeared from sight. After luncheon we again went to the top of the staircase, and I remained a long time, making the most of this my 1st sight of a storm at sea. The ship is said to behave beautifully, and indeed one can see that she does, even with inexperienced eyes. Looking forward to the bows, one could see her curtseying and bounding over the great hills and valleys of water, running away from the green monsters that pursued her : the sail set square and straining before the wind. While I was there, two great seas came sweeping over the decks, and plunging down the hatchways into the regions below ; then out shone a beautiful rainbow straight ahead of us. Below, it certainly is not very agreeable ; the mighty lurches endangering heads and limbs ; the screw getting out of the water and whirling and thumping ; and the ship giving long shudders now and then as if she really could not stand it any longer ; creaks, crashes, and roarings ad libitum. But I am very glad to have seen the glorious sight above. On the lower deck it is wonderful to look through the ports and see oneself under the sea every few seconds.
29Jan1872, Final Thoughts on Jamaica
ON BOARD THE " NILE " GOING HOME, January 29th, 1872.
—I carry away rather conflicting notions of the negroes. Sir J. C. Grant won't have it that they are lazy ; and indeed it does not look like it in Jamaica, where so many of the settlers do well, carrying their produce miles to market, and often looking thoroughly thriving and comfortable. On the other hand, in Barbados they don't work, if they can help it, more than three or four days a week on the estates, though this can only just keep body and soul together ; and they will get their wives to do even this for them if possible. These people don't seem to have any wish to make money ; so that they can just live they seem perfectly happy, and look so, it must be confessed. In St. Vincent we heard the same, and there they have a frightful amount of bankruptcy ; but I do believe a fair trial given in the way of promising higher wages to good continuous work might be found to have an effect. There is such jealousy on the part of the planters at the blacks becoming independent, that one does not easily hear more than one side of the question ; they delight in calling all the small settlers "squatters," though that word only properly applies to people living on patches of ground to which they have no title. I fancy that those who only own an acre do fall into lazy uncivilisd habits, being able to get a mere living out of the ground with little exertion, and nothing else ; but one can hardly doubt that those who own more are doing well, and improving, at all events in Jamaica. We saw one good stone house in two stories, with verandah, etc., on Mr. Cooke's estate, built and owned by a black man, and heard of similar cases. But tho' Mr. C. showed it off with some pride, he would not allow that one ought to take it as an encouraging sign ; but only as exceptional. As to old General Monro at Barbados, he is a frantic negro hater, abusing all squatters as lazy, selfish savages. When I remarked that one could hardly wonder at people's preferring independence when they could get it, and that in England one rather thought the better of a labourer who had raised himself, he said the negroes should have more public spirit, and should be willing to sacrifice their own interests to the general good of the Colonies ; and cited as examples they ought to rival the devoted public-spirited M.P.s in England ! ! ! (Not so very numerous either, I fear.) Now, with all my good opinion of Sambo, I think this is expecting a good deal of him, poor creature ; even granting that his continuing an estate labourer at a fixed wage to the end of time is the beau ideal for all parties.
—I carry away rather conflicting notions of the negroes. Sir J. C. Grant won't have it that they are lazy ; and indeed it does not look like it in Jamaica, where so many of the settlers do well, carrying their produce miles to market, and often looking thoroughly thriving and comfortable. On the other hand, in Barbados they don't work, if they can help it, more than three or four days a week on the estates, though this can only just keep body and soul together ; and they will get their wives to do even this for them if possible. These people don't seem to have any wish to make money ; so that they can just live they seem perfectly happy, and look so, it must be confessed. In St. Vincent we heard the same, and there they have a frightful amount of bankruptcy ; but I do believe a fair trial given in the way of promising higher wages to good continuous work might be found to have an effect. There is such jealousy on the part of the planters at the blacks becoming independent, that one does not easily hear more than one side of the question ; they delight in calling all the small settlers "squatters," though that word only properly applies to people living on patches of ground to which they have no title. I fancy that those who only own an acre do fall into lazy uncivilisd habits, being able to get a mere living out of the ground with little exertion, and nothing else ; but one can hardly doubt that those who own more are doing well, and improving, at all events in Jamaica. We saw one good stone house in two stories, with verandah, etc., on Mr. Cooke's estate, built and owned by a black man, and heard of similar cases. But tho' Mr. C. showed it off with some pride, he would not allow that one ought to take it as an encouraging sign ; but only as exceptional. As to old General Monro at Barbados, he is a frantic negro hater, abusing all squatters as lazy, selfish savages. When I remarked that one could hardly wonder at people's preferring independence when they could get it, and that in England one rather thought the better of a labourer who had raised himself, he said the negroes should have more public spirit, and should be willing to sacrifice their own interests to the general good of the Colonies ; and cited as examples they ought to rival the devoted public-spirited M.P.s in England ! ! ! (Not so very numerous either, I fear.) Now, with all my good opinion of Sambo, I think this is expecting a good deal of him, poor creature ; even granting that his continuing an estate labourer at a fixed wage to the end of time is the beau ideal for all parties.
25Jan1872, To be Remembered in One's Dreams
CONVN. OF S. PAUL. Thursday, January 25th, 1872.
—A day of days We got up at 5 and tried not to mind the fierce short storms of rain that kept pelting down, and sure enough all was bright when we set forth at 7, Governor and F. on mules ("the Colonel" and "Sophia") and I on a pony called no less than "Grace." We went up a valley whose mountain-sides were all that Kingsley described in "At Last," the special glories being masses of tree-ferns climbing nearly from top to bottom, groves of the splendid wild plantain (?) and other wonderful large-leaved things. The whole extent of wood and bush was all overgrown by lovely creepers which ran riot in all directions and seemed only to glorify what was dead or decaying, as well as what was living and lovely. We wound out of the valley on to a high narrow ridge, which opened to us an equally wonderful valley on the other side ; and as we went on, we got into the glorious thick of the vegetation, so that one had to push aside the long plantain leaves on either hand and ride under the shadow of the ferns. The track became truly surprising ; the rides near Craigton wd. have been highways ; and Sophia and Grace, being weedy creatures, gave out at the worst bits. I was therefore promoted to the Colonel and the gentlemen rode and tied as best they might. When we got upon the higher ground of the Souffrière it was odd to see tropical vegetation reduced to regular scrub ; the air chilly from damp (for we got into a cloud) ; nevertheless bewitching little humming-birds were to be seen, and we heard one clear note of a singing bird that might have been a thrush. At last and unexpectedly we came upon the great crater surrounded by precipitous banks of great height, clothed to the very edge of the basin, which was filled with still green water exactly like a sheet of jade. Beyond this, the cloud thickened, so that we looked in vain down into the Carib country ; and settled to turn back. Indeed we had seen enough to last one's life ; and the ride back was just doubling it. The Colonel was an extraordinary creature and took me down impossible rocks and perpendicular slides, to the admiration of all beholders. The last mile or two it got very hot ; and joyful it was to get back at 12, and enjoy tub and breakfast. Then the smooth delicious row back to Kingstown, diversified by a sweet nap. An urgent message came to Mr. Rennie [FN: Governor of St. Vincent.] at Wallaboo from Château Belair, imploring him to land on his way back ; so he and F. went ashore, where all the people were gathered in high excitement. Wonderfully pretty it looked, and to be remembered hereafter in one's dreams of fair and distant scenes ; the many-coloured group on the shore, with flags flying over them ; the village over-shadowed with palms ; the lovely deep green ravines and mountains beyond, and our little boat rocking on the blue water. As the Governor landed, the schoolchildren, who were all assembled, struck up "God save the Queen" ; how it thrilled through me, to see this loving loyalty for Her rule from these utmost isles of the sea !
—A day of days We got up at 5 and tried not to mind the fierce short storms of rain that kept pelting down, and sure enough all was bright when we set forth at 7, Governor and F. on mules ("the Colonel" and "Sophia") and I on a pony called no less than "Grace." We went up a valley whose mountain-sides were all that Kingsley described in "At Last," the special glories being masses of tree-ferns climbing nearly from top to bottom, groves of the splendid wild plantain (?) and other wonderful large-leaved things. The whole extent of wood and bush was all overgrown by lovely creepers which ran riot in all directions and seemed only to glorify what was dead or decaying, as well as what was living and lovely. We wound out of the valley on to a high narrow ridge, which opened to us an equally wonderful valley on the other side ; and as we went on, we got into the glorious thick of the vegetation, so that one had to push aside the long plantain leaves on either hand and ride under the shadow of the ferns. The track became truly surprising ; the rides near Craigton wd. have been highways ; and Sophia and Grace, being weedy creatures, gave out at the worst bits. I was therefore promoted to the Colonel and the gentlemen rode and tied as best they might. When we got upon the higher ground of the Souffrière it was odd to see tropical vegetation reduced to regular scrub ; the air chilly from damp (for we got into a cloud) ; nevertheless bewitching little humming-birds were to be seen, and we heard one clear note of a singing bird that might have been a thrush. At last and unexpectedly we came upon the great crater surrounded by precipitous banks of great height, clothed to the very edge of the basin, which was filled with still green water exactly like a sheet of jade. Beyond this, the cloud thickened, so that we looked in vain down into the Carib country ; and settled to turn back. Indeed we had seen enough to last one's life ; and the ride back was just doubling it. The Colonel was an extraordinary creature and took me down impossible rocks and perpendicular slides, to the admiration of all beholders. The last mile or two it got very hot ; and joyful it was to get back at 12, and enjoy tub and breakfast. Then the smooth delicious row back to Kingstown, diversified by a sweet nap. An urgent message came to Mr. Rennie [FN: Governor of St. Vincent.] at Wallaboo from Château Belair, imploring him to land on his way back ; so he and F. went ashore, where all the people were gathered in high excitement. Wonderfully pretty it looked, and to be remembered hereafter in one's dreams of fair and distant scenes ; the many-coloured group on the shore, with flags flying over them ; the village over-shadowed with palms ; the lovely deep green ravines and mountains beyond, and our little boat rocking on the blue water. As the Governor landed, the schoolchildren, who were all assembled, struck up "God save the Queen" ; how it thrilled through me, to see this loving loyalty for Her rule from these utmost isles of the sea !
23Jan1872, Rowing Past Château Belair
THE GARDENS, ST. VINCENT, January 23rd, 1872.
—After luncheon the Govr. took us off with him, and we went on board a rowing-boat and had a delightful row of 17 miles along the leeward coast to Wallaboo. Passed a lovely little town called Château Belair, which fired a salute (i.e., the Wesleyan schoolmaster popped off a musket) and hoisted a Union Jack in honour of the Governor ; so we pulled in near the shore and made affable bows. Landed at Wallaboo about six and walked up to a nice little house on a hill, which the absent proprietor had had put tidy for us. Its apsidal drawing-room looked out on an enchanting view. Bedroom's only disadvantages a swarm of ants all over the floor, and a handleless door.
—After luncheon the Govr. took us off with him, and we went on board a rowing-boat and had a delightful row of 17 miles along the leeward coast to Wallaboo. Passed a lovely little town called Château Belair, which fired a salute (i.e., the Wesleyan schoolmaster popped off a musket) and hoisted a Union Jack in honour of the Governor ; so we pulled in near the shore and made affable bows. Landed at Wallaboo about six and walked up to a nice little house on a hill, which the absent proprietor had had put tidy for us. Its apsidal drawing-room looked out on an enchanting view. Bedroom's only disadvantages a swarm of ants all over the floor, and a handleless door.
09Jan1872, Croquet Wanted Special Science
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, January 9th, 1872.
—Croquet in the evening on a lawn (?) in which the grass grows only in scanty ragged tufts ; when you try to break off a blade up comes the whole valuable tuft. It has been showery weather, and altogether the croquet wanted special science.
—Croquet in the evening on a lawn (?) in which the grass grows only in scanty ragged tufts ; when you try to break off a blade up comes the whole valuable tuft. It has been showery weather, and altogether the croquet wanted special science.
05Jan1872, Sir Briggs Shows Off Farley Hill
FARLEY HILL, January 5th, 1872.
—The Govr. showed off his wonderful shells and other sea-creatures yesterday. Sir G. B. bore us off, and Dismal [FN: Mr., afterwards Sir William, Des Voeux, Governor of Hongkong, whom she always called "Dismal Jemmy."], in the early morning, and we arrived at his house, Farley Hill, about 10.30. Odd to say, we were treated to an impromptu and highly regal reception : triumphal arches, all the population turning out, and general excitement. We are told the chief enthusiasm is over F. as "a Lord" ; a Lady being of course a comparatively humdrum being ; and disappointment seems to prevail at his wearing a panama hat instead of a gold crown. Greeted by My Lady Briggs and 3 old-maid sisters, two with rather knifey parchment-hued faces ; all very kind and pleasant. A bevy of mounted gentlemen escorted us the last mile, who drew forth two neat speeches of a minute apiece from Sir G. B. and F. Delightful cool house in only two stories ; drawing-rooms opening into each other with doorless doorways and the incessant warm breeze blowing everywhere ; wide corridor running round the whole.
—The Govr. showed off his wonderful shells and other sea-creatures yesterday. Sir G. B. bore us off, and Dismal [FN: Mr., afterwards Sir William, Des Voeux, Governor of Hongkong, whom she always called "Dismal Jemmy."], in the early morning, and we arrived at his house, Farley Hill, about 10.30. Odd to say, we were treated to an impromptu and highly regal reception : triumphal arches, all the population turning out, and general excitement. We are told the chief enthusiasm is over F. as "a Lord" ; a Lady being of course a comparatively humdrum being ; and disappointment seems to prevail at his wearing a panama hat instead of a gold crown. Greeted by My Lady Briggs and 3 old-maid sisters, two with rather knifey parchment-hued faces ; all very kind and pleasant. A bevy of mounted gentlemen escorted us the last mile, who drew forth two neat speeches of a minute apiece from Sir G. B. and F. Delightful cool house in only two stories ; drawing-rooms opening into each other with doorless doorways and the incessant warm breeze blowing everywhere ; wide corridor running round the whole.
04Jan1872, Impressions of Barbados
GOVERNOR'S HOUSE, BARBADOS, January 4th, 1872.
—Most affably received by the good-natured pursy Governor Rawson, and pleasantly lodged in a clean white temple of the winds looking out upon a very pretty garden. Sir Graham Briggs, with all his blushing honours fresh upon him, came here with us, and was beyond kind in seeing after our luggage and ourselves ; we drove with him in evening along the coast, and very refreshing and enjoyable I found it to have nothing beautiful to look at, only the pleasant curious sight, so utterly unlike Jamaica or Santa Cruz, of excessive cultivation and swarming population. The people are far more ragged than in Jamaica, stark naked children being common ; the numbers are such that they are forced to work for the lowest wages or starve, and thousands ought by hook or crook to be emigrated to S. Lucia or even Jamaica, so as to force up wages and bring about a more decent state of things. However, all looks thriving, and one can't pity nakedness in this climate as one would in England. There is a ceaseless cool breeze and the Gov. announced wintry weather, viz. therm. down to 81 ! Darling Mother Keble [FN: Her sister Lavinia, wife of the Warden of Keble.] 23 to-day.
—Most affably received by the good-natured pursy Governor Rawson, and pleasantly lodged in a clean white temple of the winds looking out upon a very pretty garden. Sir Graham Briggs, with all his blushing honours fresh upon him, came here with us, and was beyond kind in seeing after our luggage and ourselves ; we drove with him in evening along the coast, and very refreshing and enjoyable I found it to have nothing beautiful to look at, only the pleasant curious sight, so utterly unlike Jamaica or Santa Cruz, of excessive cultivation and swarming population. The people are far more ragged than in Jamaica, stark naked children being common ; the numbers are such that they are forced to work for the lowest wages or starve, and thousands ought by hook or crook to be emigrated to S. Lucia or even Jamaica, so as to force up wages and bring about a more decent state of things. However, all looks thriving, and one can't pity nakedness in this climate as one would in England. There is a ceaseless cool breeze and the Gov. announced wintry weather, viz. therm. down to 81 ! Darling Mother Keble [FN: Her sister Lavinia, wife of the Warden of Keble.] 23 to-day.
01Jan1872, News of the Prince of Wales
ON BOARD THE "ARNO," January 1st, 1872.
—England has just passed (as we trust) safely through a great and touching crisis. The English packet, the Nile, brought us letters and papers up to the 16th ; all are full of the P. of Wales ; the feeling most deep and universal. In many places, before the very worst, the National Anthem and "God bless the P. of Wales" have been sung with immense fervour ; business and festivities have been suspended everywhere ; thousands have crowded to read the bulletins issued every few hours, and any reassuring ones have been received with cheers. The Archbp. of Canterbury sent very beautiful prayers by telegraph to all parts of the country on Saturday the 9th ; the first great alarm was felt on the 8th, and the Prince, the Queen, and Prss. were prayed for in all churches and nearly every meeting-house on Sunday : one most touching thing is that the Fire-worshippers in India had special prayers for him. The poor little Princess has been watching and nursing night and day, and the Queen and Prss. Alice have been constantly with him. On Sunday the 10th there was a slight improvement and the Prss. wrote to the Sandringham clergyman in these words : "My husband is better, and I am coming to church. I must watch with my husband, and therefore must leave before the end of the service. Cannot you say a few words for him in prayer early in the service, that I may join with you in prayer for him?" She just crept into church, stayed till the Litany began. Certain wretched Republican addresses have been summarily extinguished by the roughest means ; Odger has been pelted and bonneted, and disloyal speeches drowned by the National Anthem. But indeed the extreme Radicals have mostly shown good and respectful feeling, like the rest of the country. Ireland is full of sympathy. There was a superstitious fear about the 14th proving the fatal day, it being the anniversary of the P. Consort's death 10 years ago ; and the poor P. of Wales passed it in a struggle between life and death : bronchitis came on a day or two before and he was in constant imminent danger of choking. Towds. the morning of the 15th, however, sickness seems to have relieved him, he was able to sleep, and slow improvement set in. Thank God.
—England has just passed (as we trust) safely through a great and touching crisis. The English packet, the Nile, brought us letters and papers up to the 16th ; all are full of the P. of Wales ; the feeling most deep and universal. In many places, before the very worst, the National Anthem and "God bless the P. of Wales" have been sung with immense fervour ; business and festivities have been suspended everywhere ; thousands have crowded to read the bulletins issued every few hours, and any reassuring ones have been received with cheers. The Archbp. of Canterbury sent very beautiful prayers by telegraph to all parts of the country on Saturday the 9th ; the first great alarm was felt on the 8th, and the Prince, the Queen, and Prss. were prayed for in all churches and nearly every meeting-house on Sunday : one most touching thing is that the Fire-worshippers in India had special prayers for him. The poor little Princess has been watching and nursing night and day, and the Queen and Prss. Alice have been constantly with him. On Sunday the 10th there was a slight improvement and the Prss. wrote to the Sandringham clergyman in these words : "My husband is better, and I am coming to church. I must watch with my husband, and therefore must leave before the end of the service. Cannot you say a few words for him in prayer early in the service, that I may join with you in prayer for him?" She just crept into church, stayed till the Litany began. Certain wretched Republican addresses have been summarily extinguished by the roughest means ; Odger has been pelted and bonneted, and disloyal speeches drowned by the National Anthem. But indeed the extreme Radicals have mostly shown good and respectful feeling, like the rest of the country. Ireland is full of sympathy. There was a superstitious fear about the 14th proving the fatal day, it being the anniversary of the P. Consort's death 10 years ago ; and the poor P. of Wales passed it in a struggle between life and death : bronchitis came on a day or two before and he was in constant imminent danger of choking. Towds. the morning of the 15th, however, sickness seems to have relieved him, he was able to sleep, and slow improvement set in. Thank God.
20Dec1871, The Most Dreadful Evening
GIDDY HALL, Wednesday, December 20th, 1871.
—Up among the hills again to (Blank) Hall in a lovely situation ; but a horrible fate was ours—our host, Mr. (Blank), a coarse-looking man, received us at 6, so drunk that he could not speak plain. Mercifully another Farquharson and wife, nice people, dined and kept things decent ; but it was the most dreadful evening I ever underwent. Thank God I have never before seen a gentleman in such a condition ; it gives me a horror and creep beyond words.
—Up among the hills again to (Blank) Hall in a lovely situation ; but a horrible fate was ours—our host, Mr. (Blank), a coarse-looking man, received us at 6, so drunk that he could not speak plain. Mercifully another Farquharson and wife, nice people, dined and kept things decent ; but it was the most dreadful evening I ever underwent. Thank God I have never before seen a gentleman in such a condition ; it gives me a horror and creep beyond words.
18Dec1871, To Work or Be Independent
Monday, December 18th, 1871.
—These little houses are very primitive : one sleeps under unceiled shingle roofs, with unglazed windows fitted only with jalousies ; and these and all the other arrangements make them delightfully cool. We hear various views and opinions. Mr. Royes does without coolies, and is frantic at the proposal to defray a larger proportion than is now defrayed of the expenses of immigration, out of general taxation. He manages his negro population with peculiar tact apparently, for he gets them to work for him all the year round ; how, is a mystery, or indeed how anybody gets any regular work done for wages ; the negroes being able to live even on small acre or half-acre freehold plots ; and to do well on larger ones, which they seem able to buy at a cheaper rate than they can rent them. This must be a great nuisance to the owners of large estates, whose sugar spoils at certain seasons if kept waiting ; but I don't see how they can expect people to work for them who can be independent. Mr. Kerr and Mr. Cooke go in for coolies ; and Mrs. K. has a darling pretty little dot of an Indian boy of 8 in training for a house servant ; he waited famously and seemed as tractable as an angel. The coolies keep quite separate from the negroes ; when they are of high caste, they are troublesome from their customs, but low-caste ones seem only to object to having anything to do with beef, and their children gradually get over this. No regular attempt is made at Christianizing them, but they are glad to be educated by whites. One instance we have heard of a coolie marrying a brown girl.
—These little houses are very primitive : one sleeps under unceiled shingle roofs, with unglazed windows fitted only with jalousies ; and these and all the other arrangements make them delightfully cool. We hear various views and opinions. Mr. Royes does without coolies, and is frantic at the proposal to defray a larger proportion than is now defrayed of the expenses of immigration, out of general taxation. He manages his negro population with peculiar tact apparently, for he gets them to work for him all the year round ; how, is a mystery, or indeed how anybody gets any regular work done for wages ; the negroes being able to live even on small acre or half-acre freehold plots ; and to do well on larger ones, which they seem able to buy at a cheaper rate than they can rent them. This must be a great nuisance to the owners of large estates, whose sugar spoils at certain seasons if kept waiting ; but I don't see how they can expect people to work for them who can be independent. Mr. Kerr and Mr. Cooke go in for coolies ; and Mrs. K. has a darling pretty little dot of an Indian boy of 8 in training for a house servant ; he waited famously and seemed as tractable as an angel. The coolies keep quite separate from the negroes ; when they are of high caste, they are troublesome from their customs, but low-caste ones seem only to object to having anything to do with beef, and their children gradually get over this. No regular attempt is made at Christianizing them, but they are glad to be educated by whites. One instance we have heard of a coolie marrying a brown girl.
17Dec1871, Old Slave-Holder Contempt
HERMITAGE, December 17th, 1871.
—These people are very kind and pleasant, if only they wd. not (some of them) talk of the blacks with the true old slave-holder sort of contempt : whether justified or not by facts, it comes with the worst of grace from any English people, whose forefathers have most of the evils to answer for, having held the poor creatures enslaved, and forbidden their education.
—These people are very kind and pleasant, if only they wd. not (some of them) talk of the blacks with the true old slave-holder sort of contempt : whether justified or not by facts, it comes with the worst of grace from any English people, whose forefathers have most of the evils to answer for, having held the poor creatures enslaved, and forbidden their education.
16Dec1871, Discussing Gov. Eyre
ORANGE VALLEY, December 16th, 1871.
—At dinner (which was very good) Mr. Kerr broke into some excitement and much perspiration abt. Gov. Eyre : all the planters strongly side with him as far as we have seen ; Mr. Royes alone allowing with any candour that the violent measures went on too long. Mr. K. cd. say nothing to the query why 400 blacks were to be put to death in return for 20 whites and after the Govr.'s own official declaration that the rising was quelled : a pause ensued, and he cd. only repeat that the Govr. has saved all the white lives in the Colony. I can't help a creep at the evident implication that 400 blacks may well die in revenge for 20 whites : it reminds one of the expression of Legree in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" : "After all, what a fuss for a dead nigger !"
—At dinner (which was very good) Mr. Kerr broke into some excitement and much perspiration abt. Gov. Eyre : all the planters strongly side with him as far as we have seen ; Mr. Royes alone allowing with any candour that the violent measures went on too long. Mr. K. cd. say nothing to the query why 400 blacks were to be put to death in return for 20 whites and after the Govr.'s own official declaration that the rising was quelled : a pause ensued, and he cd. only repeat that the Govr. has saved all the white lives in the Colony. I can't help a creep at the evident implication that 400 blacks may well die in revenge for 20 whites : it reminds one of the expression of Legree in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" : "After all, what a fuss for a dead nigger !"
15Dec1871, Market Day
MAHOGANY HALL, Friday, December 15th, 1871.
—We met large numbers of well-to-do well-dressed black people streaming down the mountain with loads of fruit, yams, plantains, bananas, etc., on their heads or on mules, it being market day ; all of them, I believe, small freeholders. What I like in the people is their cheerful, friendly civility : "Good marnin', missis Good marnin', Squire !" (to Mr. F. [FN: A Mr. Fisher, their host.]) on all occasions.
—We met large numbers of well-to-do well-dressed black people streaming down the mountain with loads of fruit, yams, plantains, bananas, etc., on their heads or on mules, it being market day ; all of them, I believe, small freeholders. What I like in the people is their cheerful, friendly civility : "Good marnin', missis Good marnin', Squire !" (to Mr. F. [FN: A Mr. Fisher, their host.]) on all occasions.
12Dec1871, A Day at the Races
Tuesday, December 12th, 1871.
—Came down with the Governor to Kingston for the races ; rather funny my seeing my 1st race in Jamaica ! The barefooted jockeys ride like monkeys and lash the unhappy horses furiously the whole time. The sight was worth coming for of the merry, gaudy swarms of people ; the blackest and ugliest women being sure to be arrayed in yellow, green, and red, with absurd little hats and woolly chignons. There were various small rows and one broken head ; but not a drunken person to be seen. Good old Capt. Cooper and his sister gave us a handsome luncheon. We were surprised at the absence of anything like state ; but Sir J. can't abide it ; he drove into the town in the usual rattletrap, buggy-like carriage and there was no reception ; only the band struck up "God save the Queen" as he walked out of the stand. The dear old music was pathetic to hear, for, as we reached the ground, a telegram was given to the Governor announcing that the Prince of Wales's life was despaired of yesterday. A bewildering and awful event.
—Came down with the Governor to Kingston for the races ; rather funny my seeing my 1st race in Jamaica ! The barefooted jockeys ride like monkeys and lash the unhappy horses furiously the whole time. The sight was worth coming for of the merry, gaudy swarms of people ; the blackest and ugliest women being sure to be arrayed in yellow, green, and red, with absurd little hats and woolly chignons. There were various small rows and one broken head ; but not a drunken person to be seen. Good old Capt. Cooper and his sister gave us a handsome luncheon. We were surprised at the absence of anything like state ; but Sir J. can't abide it ; he drove into the town in the usual rattletrap, buggy-like carriage and there was no reception ; only the band struck up "God save the Queen" as he walked out of the stand. The dear old music was pathetic to hear, for, as we reached the ground, a telegram was given to the Governor announcing that the Prince of Wales's life was despaired of yesterday. A bewildering and awful event.
11Dec1871, Too English
Monday, December 11th, 1871.
—Our only quarrel with the life in this lovely fairyland is that they treat one in too English a fashion : English hours and English food and English dinner parties at 8 ! We were 12 at dinner to-night ; however, one is glad to see people and pick their brains. Mr. Brooks took us to see the school, a nice little building, with a view of views from its open door, and delightful air coming thro' the unglazed jalousied windows. The creatures sat all round the walls—black, brown, coffee-colour, yellow, sallow, white ; but the quite black much predominate, and are very comical and rather bewitching at 3 or 4 arrayed in one skimp white garment, with a bright handkerchief round their noddles. The schoolmaster (a black one trained at Mico) seemed both modest and intelligent ; the reading and writing of the best children were quite up to an English average, and the arithmetic not bad. They say there is no difficulty in getting the parents to send their children or to pay the 1d. a week fee ; but industrial teaching is only just beginning to go down, as they say "Pickaninny no slave—no learn to work."
—Our only quarrel with the life in this lovely fairyland is that they treat one in too English a fashion : English hours and English food and English dinner parties at 8 ! We were 12 at dinner to-night ; however, one is glad to see people and pick their brains. Mr. Brooks took us to see the school, a nice little building, with a view of views from its open door, and delightful air coming thro' the unglazed jalousied windows. The creatures sat all round the walls—black, brown, coffee-colour, yellow, sallow, white ; but the quite black much predominate, and are very comical and rather bewitching at 3 or 4 arrayed in one skimp white garment, with a bright handkerchief round their noddles. The schoolmaster (a black one trained at Mico) seemed both modest and intelligent ; the reading and writing of the best children were quite up to an English average, and the arithmetic not bad. They say there is no difficulty in getting the parents to send their children or to pay the 1d. a week fee ; but industrial teaching is only just beginning to go down, as they say "Pickaninny no slave—no learn to work."
08Dec1871, A Coffee Plantation
CRAIGTON, Friday, December 8th, 1871.
—Capt. L. rode with us to Middleton, a coffee plantation of the Duke of Buckingham's, and we saw the clean, pleasant process of preparing the berry. Strings of ladies with attendant gentlemen were going goose-file down the precipitous bridle-paths in correct Rotten Row get-up, chimney-pots and all, on their way to a ball. I felt sadly unfashionable in my short serge habit and loose jacket ; but 'twas surely more sensible. The Governor is very fond of his garden, and showed off an Amherstia with great pride ; the only one he has got to grow here.
—Capt. L. rode with us to Middleton, a coffee plantation of the Duke of Buckingham's, and we saw the clean, pleasant process of preparing the berry. Strings of ladies with attendant gentlemen were going goose-file down the precipitous bridle-paths in correct Rotten Row get-up, chimney-pots and all, on their way to a ball. I felt sadly unfashionable in my short serge habit and loose jacket ; but 'twas surely more sensible. The Governor is very fond of his garden, and showed off an Amherstia with great pride ; the only one he has got to grow here.
05Dec1871, First Day in Kingston
KINGSTON, Tuesday, December 5th, 1871.
—We drove up to Capt. Cooper's to hear what we had better go and see, and he sent us a glorious drive down by the sea-coast. The sun too hot to be borne without shade, though we got back by 9.30 ; but moving through the air we were quite cool and the beauty was indescribable.
The first thing that struck one all of a heap was the common roadside hedges being made of huge cacti ! We saw a humming-bird. Coming home to breakfast (which didn't come off till past 11, for we did our drive on a cup of coffee and a banana), we got into a state of mind at hearing nothing from the Governor, to whom we sent our letters of introduction yesterday ; however, at 12 a delightful A.D.C. turned up of the name of Capt. Lanyon [FN: Afterwards Sir Owen Lanyon.], who proved to have been a Bromsgrove boy and to have played formerly in the great Stourbridge and Bromsgrove matches agst various brothers of mine, and to have heard of the famous Lyttelton 11 match ! He took possession of us, and carried us off to see the Lunatic Asylum and Penitentiary. The Asylum the most admirable thing I ever saw, under Dr. Allen, who found it in '64 in the most fearful state of filth and mismanagement and has got it into perfect order. Thirty-seven per cent. of the patients are cured, though only dangerous maniacs are admitted : everyone does work of some sort or other, and so much money is made thereby that the whole cost per head a week, including every expense, is 7s. and a few pence. We saw them at dinner, men and women in the same shed at separate tables, waited upon by patients, with perfect order and quiet : Grace beautifully sung and most touching to hear. No punishments, no padded rooms ; the most violent are put for a short time when they break out into railed spaces in the open air, and that is all the physical restraint used.
Captain Lanyon after this packt off Shepherd and the luggage in a carriage (N.B. we ought only to have brought a portmanteau between us in the way of heavy luggage), and we shortly followed in another and drove off to the mountains. After mounting for an hour, we got upon horses that were waiting for us and rode the rest of the way, about 2½ miles. It is quite impossible to describe this wonderful and glorious ride, but I do trust we shall never forget it : the great crumpled mountain-spurs clothed with astonishing vegetation from base to summit, the splendid colouring, the delicious air, and then soft night-fall and fireflies. The luggage went up this last stage on the heads of negroes ! At last we came into a clean little bungalow of a house all open doors and windows, and were kindly received by Sir John Grant, a big nice Scotchman. Civilised dressing and dinner very nice ! The only other guests are certain Hutchins's ; he came about irrigation business.
—We drove up to Capt. Cooper's to hear what we had better go and see, and he sent us a glorious drive down by the sea-coast. The sun too hot to be borne without shade, though we got back by 9.30 ; but moving through the air we were quite cool and the beauty was indescribable.
The first thing that struck one all of a heap was the common roadside hedges being made of huge cacti ! We saw a humming-bird. Coming home to breakfast (which didn't come off till past 11, for we did our drive on a cup of coffee and a banana), we got into a state of mind at hearing nothing from the Governor, to whom we sent our letters of introduction yesterday ; however, at 12 a delightful A.D.C. turned up of the name of Capt. Lanyon [FN: Afterwards Sir Owen Lanyon.], who proved to have been a Bromsgrove boy and to have played formerly in the great Stourbridge and Bromsgrove matches agst various brothers of mine, and to have heard of the famous Lyttelton 11 match ! He took possession of us, and carried us off to see the Lunatic Asylum and Penitentiary. The Asylum the most admirable thing I ever saw, under Dr. Allen, who found it in '64 in the most fearful state of filth and mismanagement and has got it into perfect order. Thirty-seven per cent. of the patients are cured, though only dangerous maniacs are admitted : everyone does work of some sort or other, and so much money is made thereby that the whole cost per head a week, including every expense, is 7s. and a few pence. We saw them at dinner, men and women in the same shed at separate tables, waited upon by patients, with perfect order and quiet : Grace beautifully sung and most touching to hear. No punishments, no padded rooms ; the most violent are put for a short time when they break out into railed spaces in the open air, and that is all the physical restraint used.
Captain Lanyon after this packt off Shepherd and the luggage in a carriage (N.B. we ought only to have brought a portmanteau between us in the way of heavy luggage), and we shortly followed in another and drove off to the mountains. After mounting for an hour, we got upon horses that were waiting for us and rode the rest of the way, about 2½ miles. It is quite impossible to describe this wonderful and glorious ride, but I do trust we shall never forget it : the great crumpled mountain-spurs clothed with astonishing vegetation from base to summit, the splendid colouring, the delicious air, and then soft night-fall and fireflies. The luggage went up this last stage on the heads of negroes ! At last we came into a clean little bungalow of a house all open doors and windows, and were kindly received by Sir John Grant, a big nice Scotchman. Civilised dressing and dinner very nice ! The only other guests are certain Hutchins's ; he came about irrigation business.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
01Dec1871, Elbe: Endless Novelty and Wonder
Friday, December lst, 1871.
—While it was still too dark to make out anything clearly, the breeze brought a delightful aromatic smell to us, like the dear Great House [FN: I.e., of course, the great Hot-house.] at Chatsworth, and what a thought, that we are coming into a region that is all Great House ! .. . Feasted our eyes on the endless novelty and wonder of everything. Black babies and children with nothing on but tiny white shirts. Some of them black, hideous, and ape-like enough to put Darwin into ecstasies ; but others have very nice faces.
—While it was still too dark to make out anything clearly, the breeze brought a delightful aromatic smell to us, like the dear Great House [FN: I.e., of course, the great Hot-house.] at Chatsworth, and what a thought, that we are coming into a region that is all Great House ! .. . Feasted our eyes on the endless novelty and wonder of everything. Black babies and children with nothing on but tiny white shirts. Some of them black, hideous, and ape-like enough to put Darwin into ecstasies ; but others have very nice faces.
28Nove1871, Elbe: Magnets and the Compass
Tuesday, November 28th, 1871.
—The excellent Captain told me the most bewildering things abt. the compass and the effect produced upon the needle by the iron of the ship : the newest dodge to counteract it is putting 2 magnets at the foot of each compass-stand at right angles to each other. Exactly like conscience striving against temptation ! and like it, alack ! in being only an imperfect safeguard.
—The excellent Captain told me the most bewildering things abt. the compass and the effect produced upon the needle by the iron of the ship : the newest dodge to counteract it is putting 2 magnets at the foot of each compass-stand at right angles to each other. Exactly like conscience striving against temptation ! and like it, alack ! in being only an imperfect safeguard.
25Nov1871, Elbe: Rocked All Day
Saturday, November 25th, 1871.
—Rocked all day in smooth waters and indescribable soft loveliness. The sunset from the bows never to be forgotten, the gorgeous colour semi-circling the placid sea ; the full moon on the other side silvering the whole atmosphere and bringing great diamonds out of the rippling waves ; the deep softness of the night advancing over the immense vault and folding like wings over the western glory, while, wherever the moon was not all-prevailing, the stars burned and throbbed. All the time the ship's motion was hardly perceptible, and yet she was pressing onward with mighty resistless power as if into the very heart of the sunset. This day and night alone is almost worth coming for.
—Rocked all day in smooth waters and indescribable soft loveliness. The sunset from the bows never to be forgotten, the gorgeous colour semi-circling the placid sea ; the full moon on the other side silvering the whole atmosphere and bringing great diamonds out of the rippling waves ; the deep softness of the night advancing over the immense vault and folding like wings over the western glory, while, wherever the moon was not all-prevailing, the stars burned and throbbed. All the time the ship's motion was hardly perceptible, and yet she was pressing onward with mighty resistless power as if into the very heart of the sunset. This day and night alone is almost worth coming for.
24Nov1871, Elbe: Getting Very Comfortable
Friday, November 24th, 1871.
—We are getting very comfortable, and curl ourselves round on board wonderfully. It is truly strange that one bears up as one does against the remarkable proceedings that take place before the dawn. Heavy trucks full of chains and broken crockery appear to be rattled full speed overhead with an occasional triumphant upset of the whole concern ; the engines are seized with dreadful prolonged snores and the poor ducks in the midst of the hurly-burly keep up a confidential querulous quacking. The same symptoms (only not so aggravated) occur about 9 p.m.
—We are getting very comfortable, and curl ourselves round on board wonderfully. It is truly strange that one bears up as one does against the remarkable proceedings that take place before the dawn. Heavy trucks full of chains and broken crockery appear to be rattled full speed overhead with an occasional triumphant upset of the whole concern ; the engines are seized with dreadful prolonged snores and the poor ducks in the midst of the hurly-burly keep up a confidential querulous quacking. The same symptoms (only not so aggravated) occur about 9 p.m.
21Nov1871, Elbe: A Little Hungry
Tuesday, November 21st, 1871.
—I am well and cheerful! and getting a little hungry ; luncheon and dinner below. Here we are in heavenly weather and hot sun ; the sea indulging in a great slow rolling swell which keeps some folks miserable still ; but it is grand. I sat some time on the stern, with the feeling of riding a glorious soft-paced horse. The lovely boundlessness of the sea is awful to me, and the sight of a seagull or a sail a curious delight.
—I am well and cheerful! and getting a little hungry ; luncheon and dinner below. Here we are in heavenly weather and hot sun ; the sea indulging in a great slow rolling swell which keeps some folks miserable still ; but it is grand. I sat some time on the stern, with the feeling of riding a glorious soft-paced horse. The lovely boundlessness of the sea is awful to me, and the sight of a seagull or a sail a curious delight.
20Nov1871, Elbe: Voyage to the West Indies
ON BOARD THE "ELBE," Monday, November 20th, 1871.
—I did pretty well, though still unhappy dressing, and finding food a bitter necessity. Poor F. worse than me, Sir Thos. wusserer, Ly. B. wusserest. [FN: Lord and Lady Frederick sailed for the West Indies on November 17th, "Sir Thos." is Sir Thomas Briggs.(HMS Victory 1851)]
—I did pretty well, though still unhappy dressing, and finding food a bitter necessity. Poor F. worse than me, Sir Thos. wusserer, Ly. B. wusserest. [FN: Lord and Lady Frederick sailed for the West Indies on November 17th, "Sir Thos." is Sir Thomas Briggs.(HMS Victory 1851)]
30Oct1871, Hunting in the Rain
BOLTON, Saturday, SS. Simon and Jude.
—Old Nevy 26 to-day. Rained steadily and nastily with little cessation. The Dauntless Duke and his faithful few went up manfully to the moors nevertheless ; but first Eddy, then Frank and Mr. Strutt, sneaked home ! Mr. S. had lamed his thumb ; N.B. Charles and Mr. Coore, I verily believe, enjoyed themselves.
BOLTON, Monday, October 30th, 1871.
—Grand total, 14,273 head. We got to Chatsworth at dinner.
—Old Nevy 26 to-day. Rained steadily and nastily with little cessation. The Dauntless Duke and his faithful few went up manfully to the moors nevertheless ; but first Eddy, then Frank and Mr. Strutt, sneaked home ! Mr. S. had lamed his thumb ; N.B. Charles and Mr. Coore, I verily believe, enjoyed themselves.
BOLTON, Monday, October 30th, 1871.
—Grand total, 14,273 head. We got to Chatsworth at dinner.
14Oct1871, Remembering The Beautiful Duchess, Georgiana
HAGLEY, Saturday, October 14th, 1871.
—Darling old Tallee and At. Y. came. Tallee has been looking at old letters at Althorp ; found strangely few of Granny's, but, among others, one from the Beautiful Duchess of Dev. to her parents, written soon after her marriage, from Hardwick, speaking in a childlike way of her enjoyment of the place, and how there was no fear but that she would be happy in a simple country life. Poor creature! how different was her future! Her wretched profligate husband living openly with her own friend, in her own home ; she herself driven into gambling and at last into terrible sin ; but I believe sincerely repenting at last.
[FN: The "beautiful Duchess" was Georgiana Spencer, wife of the 5th Duke of Devonshire. She left a letter to her children, written in blood, saying, "Do not think hardly of your mother ! I was a Duchess at 17, a beauty, and the fashion." Lady Louisa Egerton, Lady Frederick's sister-in-law, had a great affection for her memory and was convinced that her sins were much fewer than has sometimes been asserted. Of her beauty, and its effects, there are many stories. Lady Louisa remembered an old woman saying of her : "You could have lit a candle at her eyes."]
—Darling old Tallee and At. Y. came. Tallee has been looking at old letters at Althorp ; found strangely few of Granny's, but, among others, one from the Beautiful Duchess of Dev. to her parents, written soon after her marriage, from Hardwick, speaking in a childlike way of her enjoyment of the place, and how there was no fear but that she would be happy in a simple country life. Poor creature! how different was her future! Her wretched profligate husband living openly with her own friend, in her own home ; she herself driven into gambling and at last into terrible sin ; but I believe sincerely repenting at last.
[FN: The "beautiful Duchess" was Georgiana Spencer, wife of the 5th Duke of Devonshire. She left a letter to her children, written in blood, saying, "Do not think hardly of your mother ! I was a Duchess at 17, a beauty, and the fashion." Lady Louisa Egerton, Lady Frederick's sister-in-law, had a great affection for her memory and was convinced that her sins were much fewer than has sometimes been asserted. Of her beauty, and its effects, there are many stories. Lady Louisa remembered an old woman saying of her : "You could have lit a candle at her eyes."]
08Oct1871, Went to Early Communion
HAGLEY, October 8th, 1871. 18th Sunday after Trinity.
—I went to the Early Communion, which I do not often do ; it is strange, but personally I do greatly prefer the noon-day celebration. My health is so good and I am so entirely unaffected one way or the other by food and hours of meals that it is no help to me, spiritually, to communicate fasting ; and the long morning service is what I seem to want to put my mind and soul in tune. And here there are so sadly few at the early Celebration that it was all over in too short a time.
—I went to the Early Communion, which I do not often do ; it is strange, but personally I do greatly prefer the noon-day celebration. My health is so good and I am so entirely unaffected one way or the other by food and hours of meals that it is no help to me, spiritually, to communicate fasting ; and the long morning service is what I seem to want to put my mind and soul in tune. And here there are so sadly few at the early Celebration that it was all over in too short a time.
24Sep1871, Thoughts on the National Church
LISMORE, September 24th, 1871. 16th Sunday after Trinity.
—Lovely and delightsome weather. The meagre be-stuccoed Cathedral, with its frightful pews placed all sorts of ways, but principally so as to turn people's backs on the altar, the pulpit elevated like an object of worship at the end ; the scattered genteel congregation, the ranting clergyman with his two insufferably bad extempore prayers, and the dumb and dead service : all this was very painful. Thank God, the Prayer Book is the Prayer Book, however ! Also there were one or two pretty hymns. Two unsatisfactory clergy have to be kept on here till one or both die or go, when the new arrangements will come into force, and supply the Church, it is to be hoped, with one good man, which is all that is wanted. What a confusion one gets into trying to think what ought to be the National (I don't mean the Established) Church. There is none at present. The Roman is an usurpation, as it is everywhere, and here especially dating from Henry II, on whose behalf the ancient Irish Ch. was clean stamped out by the Pope. Ours is equally alien ; and it seems to me that the best thing to hope is that the Roman Cath. priesthood in Ireland will follow in Dollinger's steps, throw off the Papal tyranny and gradually reform itself. But what a dream that is !
—Lovely and delightsome weather. The meagre be-stuccoed Cathedral, with its frightful pews placed all sorts of ways, but principally so as to turn people's backs on the altar, the pulpit elevated like an object of worship at the end ; the scattered genteel congregation, the ranting clergyman with his two insufferably bad extempore prayers, and the dumb and dead service : all this was very painful. Thank God, the Prayer Book is the Prayer Book, however ! Also there were one or two pretty hymns. Two unsatisfactory clergy have to be kept on here till one or both die or go, when the new arrangements will come into force, and supply the Church, it is to be hoped, with one good man, which is all that is wanted. What a confusion one gets into trying to think what ought to be the National (I don't mean the Established) Church. There is none at present. The Roman is an usurpation, as it is everywhere, and here especially dating from Henry II, on whose behalf the ancient Irish Ch. was clean stamped out by the Pope. Ours is equally alien ; and it seems to me that the best thing to hope is that the Roman Cath. priesthood in Ireland will follow in Dollinger's steps, throw off the Papal tyranny and gradually reform itself. But what a dream that is !
Sunday, March 07, 2010
10Sep1871, Duchess Dies After Childbirth
HOLKER, September 10th, 1871. 14th Sunday after Trinity.
—A terrible tragedy has happened, the death of the young Duchess of S. Albans of fever a fortnight after her confinement. The brightest and most winning of creatures in the full tide of earthly happiness. She was everything to poor Mrs. Grey [FN: The Duchess was the daughter of General Grey, Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. She was a first cousin of Sybella Lady Lyttelton, their mothers having both been daughters of Sir Thomas Farquhar, Bart.] and her young sisters—herself only 22. And that poor little Duke left with 3 tiny children.
—A terrible tragedy has happened, the death of the young Duchess of S. Albans of fever a fortnight after her confinement. The brightest and most winning of creatures in the full tide of earthly happiness. She was everything to poor Mrs. Grey [FN: The Duchess was the daughter of General Grey, Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. She was a first cousin of Sybella Lady Lyttelton, their mothers having both been daughters of Sir Thomas Farquhar, Bart.] and her young sisters—herself only 22. And that poor little Duke left with 3 tiny children.
07Sep1871, Shipbuilding at Barrow
HOLKER, Thursday, September 7th, 1871.
—The Eddies, the Duke, and we went to pay our respects to Barrow and show it off to the Hugh Smiths, whom we pickt up at Furness Abbey. The jute mills are roofed and 60 machines are already up in the weaving shed, to be at work next month. We went on to Barrow Island, where shipbuilding sheds are getting up, and a keel is actually laid down. Rows of wooden huts for workmen have had to be run up here, as cottages were badly wanted to lodge masons, and masons to build cottages ! Mr. Smith in the wing made our blood run cold by describing the awful inflammableness of jute which generates heat in the core of each bale to a horrid extent, unbeknown, of course.
—The Eddies, the Duke, and we went to pay our respects to Barrow and show it off to the Hugh Smiths, whom we pickt up at Furness Abbey. The jute mills are roofed and 60 machines are already up in the weaving shed, to be at work next month. We went on to Barrow Island, where shipbuilding sheds are getting up, and a keel is actually laid down. Rows of wooden huts for workmen have had to be run up here, as cottages were badly wanted to lodge masons, and masons to build cottages ! Mr. Smith in the wing made our blood run cold by describing the awful inflammableness of jute which generates heat in the core of each bale to a horrid extent, unbeknown, of course.
06Sep1871, Forty-five Shorthorns Sold for £10,000
HOLKER, Wednesday, September 6th, 1871.
—A great Holker day indeed !—the thought of which must long have haunted Mr. Drewry's dreams by night as it has absorbed his [thoughts] every day — a great sale of shorthorns. We got ourselves up beautifully, and all the place was alive with visitors ; amongst others in the "ring" were Lds. Bective, Feversham, Skelmersdale , and Dunmore, and all went off with flying colours. Forty-five animals were sold for over £10,000—averaging more than £200 each. One cow went for 1,005 gs., one bull for 1,000—the bulls were the worst to sell. The Speaker (who came here last night) bid with great solemnity, and got two creatures. The poor ghost of the burnt wing has vanished into heaps of rubbish, which the workmen are sorting.
—A great Holker day indeed !—the thought of which must long have haunted Mr. Drewry's dreams by night as it has absorbed his [thoughts] every day — a great sale of shorthorns. We got ourselves up beautifully, and all the place was alive with visitors ; amongst others in the "ring" were Lds. Bective, Feversham, Skelmersdale , and Dunmore, and all went off with flying colours. Forty-five animals were sold for over £10,000—averaging more than £200 each. One cow went for 1,005 gs., one bull for 1,000—the bulls were the worst to sell. The Speaker (who came here last night) bid with great solemnity, and got two creatures. The poor ghost of the burnt wing has vanished into heaps of rubbish, which the workmen are sorting.
30Aug1871, Shooting at Bolton
25Aug1871, Sarina James Engaged to A. Godley
BOLTON, Friday, August 25th, 1871.
—Sarina James is engaged to be married to Arthur Godley [FN: Afterwards Mr. Gladstone's private secretary ; and now Lord Kilbracken.], son of Papa's dear old friend, and a brilliantly clever, delightful fellow.
—Sarina James is engaged to be married to Arthur Godley [FN: Afterwards Mr. Gladstone's private secretary ; and now Lord Kilbracken.], son of Papa's dear old friend, and a brilliantly clever, delightful fellow.
22Aug1871, A Hideous Adventure
BOLTON, Tuesday, August 22nd, 1871.
—We all went up to luncheon at Lords Stoup, but cd. not come in for a drive. Had a hideous adventure coming home with an unfortunate wounded grouse whom in Christian charity we were forced to kill, and which had more lives than a cat and more blood than an ox.
—We all went up to luncheon at Lords Stoup, but cd. not come in for a drive. Had a hideous adventure coming home with an unfortunate wounded grouse whom in Christian charity we were forced to kill, and which had more lives than a cat and more blood than an ox.
21Aug1871, Cheerful Old Couple
BOLTON, Monday, August 21st, 1871.
—Saw the dear old Jenkinson couple, who always remind me of the "Hampshire Cottage"—the old man bent stiff and double, the old woman entirely crippled and helpless with rheumatism, but both cheerful and wrapt up in each other.
—Saw the dear old Jenkinson couple, who always remind me of the "Hampshire Cottage"—the old man bent stiff and double, the old woman entirely crippled and helpless with rheumatism, but both cheerful and wrapt up in each other.
12Aug1871, Great Crookrise Day
BOLTON ABBEY, Monday, August 14th, 1871.
—Great Crookrise day : marvellous shooting. Frank had 102 birds at luncheon time : total bag, 948 birds.
—Great Crookrise day : marvellous shooting. Frank had 102 birds at luncheon time : total bag, 948 birds.
02Aug1871, Visiting the Needy
LONDON, August 2nd, 1871.
—Our last tête-à-tête dinner. Eye Infirmary : farewell reading. Abbey. Drove with Atie. P. to Ld. Townshend's school at Chelsea, where I have a Limehouse girl ; thence to an Infant School treat of Stephy's in Lambeth : 200 children to tea at a total cost of abt. 30s. ! ! Yesterday the faithful Briggs drove Atie. P. and me to see the Clapham Incurable Hospital (British Home for Incurables).
—Our last tête-à-tête dinner. Eye Infirmary : farewell reading. Abbey. Drove with Atie. P. to Ld. Townshend's school at Chelsea, where I have a Limehouse girl ; thence to an Infant School treat of Stephy's in Lambeth : 200 children to tea at a total cost of abt. 30s. ! ! Yesterday the faithful Briggs drove Atie. P. and me to see the Clapham Incurable Hospital (British Home for Incurables).
01Aug1871, A Galloping Ride With Fred
DIARY BOOK XII, AUGUST 1871— NOVEMBER 1874
LONDON, Tuesday, August 1st, 1871.
—My Fred and I had a nice galloping ride in the cool of the day after 7.
LONDON, Tuesday, August 1st, 1871.
—My Fred and I had a nice galloping ride in the cool of the day after 7.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
25Jul1871, Rather She Than I
WREST, July 25th, 1871.
—To Wrest this evening ; find Lady Cowper, Florence, and Annabel ; Florence engaged to Auberon Herbert (rather she than I !) ; a very nice brother of said Auberon, Alan, who was in practice as physician in Paris and staid there thro' the siege ; Mr. Dicky Doyle ; Lord Ralph Kerr ; the Cowper-Temples ; Mr. Newton of the British Museum ; Mr. W. Harcourt, as disagreeable and sardonic as usual.
—To Wrest this evening ; find Lady Cowper, Florence, and Annabel ; Florence engaged to Auberon Herbert (rather she than I !) ; a very nice brother of said Auberon, Alan, who was in practice as physician in Paris and staid there thro' the siege ; Mr. Dicky Doyle ; Lord Ralph Kerr ; the Cowper-Temples ; Mr. Newton of the British Museum ; Mr. W. Harcourt, as disagreeable and sardonic as usual.
22Jul18871, Visiting Limehouse
LONDON, July 22nd, 1871.
—I went with Miss Oldfield to Limehouse, where we visited good Miss Lilley, who took us to see Sarah Dorrington, a young woman who was once a mission woman in the parish, now dying of internal disease. She is beautifully tended out of pure love by a girl whom she had been the means of helping to be good, and who supports her and an old mother by hard work. The room and all about it as clean and fresh and pretty as possible : and Sarah herself beautiful to look at from spiritual expression, gentleness, and resignation. God help me to learn from it all.
—I went with Miss Oldfield to Limehouse, where we visited good Miss Lilley, who took us to see Sarah Dorrington, a young woman who was once a mission woman in the parish, now dying of internal disease. She is beautifully tended out of pure love by a girl whom she had been the means of helping to be good, and who supports her and an old mother by hard work. The room and all about it as clean and fresh and pretty as possible : and Sarah herself beautiful to look at from spiritual expression, gentleness, and resignation. God help me to learn from it all.
14Jul1871, Brothers at Cricket
LONDON, July 14th, 1871.
—Went to Lord's for the Eton and Harrow, and had the delightful excitement of seeing Bob get 29 in a very masterly manner, he having only just scratched into the 11. It is only lately that he has begun to do at all well at cricket, but his batting is now very good : like Spencer's. A proud old grandmother of a sister I felt watching my Bob play ! the 5th brother who has been in the 11 ; poor old Albert's accident prevented him, or there would have been 6. Dined at the Stratford de Redcliffe's : I sat by him, and he was as agreeable as ever. Heard both Pitt and Fox speak when he was a boy.
—Went to Lord's for the Eton and Harrow, and had the delightful excitement of seeing Bob get 29 in a very masterly manner, he having only just scratched into the 11. It is only lately that he has begun to do at all well at cricket, but his batting is now very good : like Spencer's. A proud old grandmother of a sister I felt watching my Bob play ! the 5th brother who has been in the 11 ; poor old Albert's accident prevented him, or there would have been 6. Dined at the Stratford de Redcliffe's : I sat by him, and he was as agreeable as ever. Heard both Pitt and Fox speak when he was a boy.
11Jul1871, The Princess Royal
LONDON, July 11th, 1871.
—I dined at No. 11. . . . Smart 5 o'clock tea there, for the Crown Prince and Princess, lately arrived at Prussia House. It was nice to see our dear little Princess Royal again : her face and whole self the most loveable and winning that can be imagined, considering that she is just a little bunchy German woman. But it is the Queen's grace, dignity, and straightforward kindliness of manner exactly. She came into the room asking eagerly for Agnes, to whom she spoke affectionately of Meriel but, to my grief, never made me out. The Crown Prince was always attractive-looking, but now he is most noble ! such a powerful brow and eye, he must be destined to do great things.
—I dined at No. 11. . . . Smart 5 o'clock tea there, for the Crown Prince and Princess, lately arrived at Prussia House. It was nice to see our dear little Princess Royal again : her face and whole self the most loveable and winning that can be imagined, considering that she is just a little bunchy German woman. But it is the Queen's grace, dignity, and straightforward kindliness of manner exactly. She came into the room asking eagerly for Agnes, to whom she spoke affectionately of Meriel but, to my grief, never made me out. The Crown Prince was always attractive-looking, but now he is most noble ! such a powerful brow and eye, he must be destined to do great things.
10Jul1871, Dressed a la George IV
LONDON, July 10th, 1871.
—Dined at the Arkwrights' and played a rubber with old Lord Bathurst dressed a la George IV.
—Dined at the Arkwrights' and played a rubber with old Lord Bathurst dressed a la George IV.
08Jul1871, Lord Tennyson: Rat-Taily Hair
THE COPPICE, July 8th, 1871.
—I partook of no less than 3 teas : Sir J. Lefevre's, Auntie P.'s at Downing Street, and Charlotte Spencer's to Ly. Superintendents. At Downing Street I was introduced to Tennyson, a dirty man with opium-glazed eyes and rat-taily hair hanging down his back. He asked if Papa still translated, and when I said his only original compositions were comic, said he had never seen them. It tickled me, the notion of "The Tale of the Sewers," "Gongenbühl, Gig-and-Buhl," etc. in print. He rhapsodized about various waterfalls. At Spencer House a lovely sight was the Faerie Queen receiving the good dowdies with all her gracious bright courtesy.
—I partook of no less than 3 teas : Sir J. Lefevre's, Auntie P.'s at Downing Street, and Charlotte Spencer's to Ly. Superintendents. At Downing Street I was introduced to Tennyson, a dirty man with opium-glazed eyes and rat-taily hair hanging down his back. He asked if Papa still translated, and when I said his only original compositions were comic, said he had never seen them. It tickled me, the notion of "The Tale of the Sewers," "Gongenbühl, Gig-and-Buhl," etc. in print. He rhapsodized about various waterfalls. At Spencer House a lovely sight was the Faerie Queen receiving the good dowdies with all her gracious bright courtesy.
06Jul1871, House of Commons Can't Work
LONDON, July 6th, 1871.
—I can't take any interest in this dull, cross Session, with its endless powder-of-post talk. A fragment of the Army Bill has passed, and does duty for the whole ; the Ballot (which I hate) is now on the stocks. The only measure I liked, the Licensing Bill, was dropped long ago. The worst of the whole business is that people begin to say the House of Commons can't or won't work, and that it is becoming unworthy of exercising its high functions. Oh for working sub-committees, such as we work Woodford with !
—I can't take any interest in this dull, cross Session, with its endless powder-of-post talk. A fragment of the Army Bill has passed, and does duty for the whole ; the Ballot (which I hate) is now on the stocks. The only measure I liked, the Licensing Bill, was dropped long ago. The worst of the whole business is that people begin to say the House of Commons can't or won't work, and that it is becoming unworthy of exercising its high functions. Oh for working sub-committees, such as we work Woodford with !
01Jun1871, "Le Malade Imaginaire"
LONDON, July 1st, 1871.
—Treat of all treats, F. took me to the "Théâtre Français" play, at the new house ; Opéra Comique. Two acts of "Le Menteur," and "Le Malade Imaginaire" : perfectly done.
—Treat of all treats, F. took me to the "Théâtre Français" play, at the new house ; Opéra Comique. Two acts of "Le Menteur," and "Le Malade Imaginaire" : perfectly done.
20Jun1871, Unmitigated Boys and Girls Don't Do!
LONDON, June 20th, 1871.
—We had a portentously dull dinner party, F. not arriving till afterwards and Sissy Ashley coming minus husband. Unmitigated boys and girls don't do ! and we had no couple. Even Gertrude was struck with sotto-voce shyness ; Mary Howard, Messrs. Strutt, Sturgis, and Willy held their tongues ; Beilby Lawley made fitful conversation with me, Edith asked questions and I prosed.
—We had a portentously dull dinner party, F. not arriving till afterwards and Sissy Ashley coming minus husband. Unmitigated boys and girls don't do ! and we had no couple. Even Gertrude was struck with sotto-voce shyness ; Mary Howard, Messrs. Strutt, Sturgis, and Willy held their tongues ; Beilby Lawley made fitful conversation with me, Edith asked questions and I prosed.
14Jun1871, Talking With Lord Russell
LONDON, June 14th, 1871.
—Dined with the Wortleys ; he looks wonderfully better. No less (and no bigger) a person than Lord Russell took me in to dinner, and was delightful, with his dry humourous anecdotes. Said his 1st political recollection was Pitt's going out of office ; also said Lord Castlereagh used to be very kind to him, but, on his displeasing him once, told him he ought to be whipped ! He remembers Princess Amelia whom he used to be very fond of when he was 7 years old ; told me, what I never knew, that she married a Col. Fitzroy. Drum at Devonshire House ; rather dull and frumpy.
—Dined with the Wortleys ; he looks wonderfully better. No less (and no bigger) a person than Lord Russell took me in to dinner, and was delightful, with his dry humourous anecdotes. Said his 1st political recollection was Pitt's going out of office ; also said Lord Castlereagh used to be very kind to him, but, on his displeasing him once, told him he ought to be whipped ! He remembers Princess Amelia whom he used to be very fond of when he was 7 years old ; told me, what I never knew, that she married a Col. Fitzroy. Drum at Devonshire House ; rather dull and frumpy.
10Jun1871, Church Matters
LONDON, June 10th, 1871.
—Uncles twain [FN: I.e. Mr. Gladstone and the Rev. the Hon. William Lyttelton.] had an interesting argument upon whether the admission into English Orders ought not to be allowed under less stringent terms of subscription. Uncle W., true to his old Church colours, strong against further relaxation, and cleverly maintaining that the Low Church party had never in old times been a genuine growth within the Church. . . . He would cease having recourse to legislation in Church matters, and trust to subscription, and moral influences.
—Uncles twain [FN: I.e. Mr. Gladstone and the Rev. the Hon. William Lyttelton.] had an interesting argument upon whether the admission into English Orders ought not to be allowed under less stringent terms of subscription. Uncle W., true to his old Church colours, strong against further relaxation, and cleverly maintaining that the Low Church party had never in old times been a genuine growth within the Church. . . . He would cease having recourse to legislation in Church matters, and trust to subscription, and moral influences.
05Jun1871, Farewell Glorious Place!
CHATSWORTH AND LONDON, June 5th, 1871.
—Farewell ! glorious place ! The last evening or two I have sat in the little state-room about 7, rejoicing in the perfection of things seen from the window. The lovely stretch of lawn, the stately trees on either side of the Emperor pond, the park sloping steeply up ; and the grand crown of woods, all in "various green." London ; and East London ! blocks in Cheapside, grimy streets, roaring crowds, Hospital wards.
—Farewell ! glorious place ! The last evening or two I have sat in the little state-room about 7, rejoicing in the perfection of things seen from the window. The lovely stretch of lawn, the stately trees on either side of the Emperor pond, the park sloping steeply up ; and the grand crown of woods, all in "various green." London ; and East London ! blocks in Cheapside, grimy streets, roaring crowds, Hospital wards.
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