Dear Talbot/.
I have enclosed two proposed inscriptions – The word restauratori is found to be quite old enough for adoption. – It is marvellously difficult to reconcile & consolidate the ideas of all parties. Some are for the names of Byron, <1> <Jones?> & Sheridan <2> – instead of Homer & Co Others object on the grounds of Byron & Co not being of Butlerian origin – others again like my friend Spencer Perceval, object on moral & religious grounds, to the appearance of the names of Byron & Sheridan. –
Yrs
C. E. Long
43. Duke St Grosvr Square
Saturday
Proposed Inscriptions.
Georgio Butler D. D. <3>
Harroviensis Scholæ per annos XXIV
Archididascalo
Indefensso literarum adjuton Restauratori ædificerium munificentissimo
Amoris æque et honoris gratia
Harroviensis.
A.D. MDCCCXXIX.
Georgio Butler S.T.P. <4>
Schole Harroviensis
per annos XXIV.
Archididascalo
Indefensso in literis She<d?>ioma adjutori
Restauratori ædificerium munificentissimo
Amoris æque et honoris ergo
Harroviensis
A.S. MDCCCXXIX.
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq
31 Sackville Street
Notes:
1. George Gordon Byron (1788–1824), poet.
2. Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816), author and politician.
3. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow from 1805 to 1829. He died on 30th April 1853, so the letter must date from soon after that time, or between that time and the time of the dedication of a monument by Richard Westmacott in July 1854. See Doc. No: 06808.
4. Professor of Theology (Sanctæ Theologiae Professor)