Cotehele House
Calstock
Tavistock
Tuesday 23 March
My Dear Charles
I found a letter from you awaiting my arrival. It is not at all worth while to write to Munich for the letter, as it contained nothing of importance. I am not surprised that Dr Crum Brown’s <1> lecture at the R. I. <2> fail’d to interest you – I know him of old and his papers on Chemistry at the meetings of the Edinbro’ R. Socy <3> Sir D. Brewster <4> & I used to agree that we did not understand a word of it & Sir D. used to lament that he had to sit in the Chair as President, and “return thanks” in the name of the meeting, and I used to say “Why not limit the papers to half an hour?” & he used to reply certainly it ought to be done. –
Caroline & Ernestine <5> are well, & I delivered your message, that you sent your love – They were surprised to hear you were in Town, supposing you at Venice. I had a very cold journey from Lacock, the drive from Plymouth here (16 miles) is long, & over a for the most part bleak and hilly country. This house is delightful – it is almost all really ancient only a few modern indispensable improvements.
Post is going so I must end. I return to Lacock Saturday & shall stay there a few days – hardly a week.
I met Mrs Traherne <6> by accident at Bristol railway station.
Your affte
Father
Notes:
1. Alexander Crum Brown (1838–1922), Professor of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh (1869–1908).
2. Royal Institution, London.
3. Royal Society of Edinburgh.
4. Sir David Brewster (1781–1868), Scottish scientist & journalist.
5. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister, and Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT’s niece.
6. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.