Trin Coll <1>
Wednesday – Feb. 6th
My dear Father.
I send you ll a letter I that I received from Mr Headlam <2> today because, it tells its own story, and does not want another letter to explain it. Mona is Mr Headlams present poney, so called I believe because she was a native of the isle of Man. The farmer now appears to be Leng, & not Laing. Please let me know what I had better answer
I am rather tired this evening having been at Parade of the University Rifle Corps. You told me once, when I asked you that you could not spare Rawlinson’s Herodotus, <3> ( I suppose you h have not altered your mind, but there is no harm in reminding you that, if you don’t want it, it would be very useful to me. I am told there is not much chance of getting it from any library, as it is sure to be have been taken out by some one.
[enclosure:]
Whorlton
Feby 5. 1861.
My dear Talbot.
I saw George Leng yesterday, & all that I could get out of him was an offer of 12£ for the poney delivered here – he says that he does not care about having it, but will give that – If I were quite certain that Mona was with foal, of wh: I am nearly, I would give you that sum myself, & he at the Expence of getting it here – wh: is so much better – I will wait till Morley <4> comes home tomorrow before I fix myself, but in the mean time I you can let me know, what you have to say to either offer – I have communicated with Mr Wake, & asked him to enquire what can be done for you in that county – but he did not seem to anticipate great things – I shd like to give a definite answer to Leng soon.
Your’s very truly
A W Headlam
Notes:
1. Trinity College, Cambridge.
2. Rev Arthur William Headlam (1826–1909), clergyman and private tutor to Charles.
3. George Rawlinson (1812–1902), assisted by Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, 1st Baronet (1810–1895), orientalist, and Sir John Gardner Wilkinson (1797–1875), The History of Herodotus (London: J. Murray, 1858–1860).
4. Morley Headlam (b. 1822), magistrate and land agent, older brother of Arthur.