| Description | These were not scanned in date order.
21 Jun 1861, to Caroline. Regarding his two adopted daughters, aged 18 and 19 years old. Mentions Mr Constable, Captain Acklom, Duke Constable and Charles Winn who interfered in the adoption. Raises concerns over their introduction. His sister, Anne Simpson, has already told her own daughters not to talk to him or his daughters. Asks her to recommend a suitable person who can help him introduce his daughters.
13 Apr 1862, to Caroline. Personal matters, comments upon her house being too big for the estate. Gives the Duke of Devonshire as an example of a man who earned a vast amount but his house at Londesborough was pulled down because he could not afford it. Refers to Sir William Milner's house and 'old Rudston Read' who pulled down his two country houses to build a 'gloomy brick barn', could not afford to run it and the estate and had to sell them. Mentions the death of Mrs Greville. Hopes to see the Great Exhibition in London, but considers it 'a monstrous folly'.
3 January 1864, to Caroline. Thanks her for her support but feels aggrieved of his treatment by various parties. Recounts that his father sold his houses at Hildenby and Reighton, one of which George he would have liked to take as he was struggling with his law studies. He travelled around Italy in a destitute state, his marriage in England was a fatal one as his wife was deranged (and attempted to burn herself to death), his father was very unsupportive, but put his wife under Mr Scott. His children were taken from him and he feels were turned against him. But he is on friendly terms with his daughter, Lucy and two sons. Mentions that he paid off his father's debts. Rosamond is to be married.
22 February 1864, to Priscilla. Refers to the request to give Arthur's widow an annuity, his unfair treatment by Emma Treveners on his offering to help Nathaniel to take a living as a clergyman. Attempted to pay Arthur's medical expenses and Emma Trevener's ingratitude. Feels his health has suffered.
24 Mar 1864, to Caroline. Refers to the unsatisfactory marriage of one of his daughters, how he thought about breaking off the affair. Mentions Nathaniel, who has left his family to go to London, how Emma Trevener forced him to give Nathaniel an allowance, how he has been asked to given him £4,000 to buy land at Oatlands, how when Nathaniel married again looked to George for support for his family 'to give him money would be as useful as to throw it into the Thames'. Emma Trevener continues to arrange for people to harrass him for money.
7 February 1865, to Caroline. Assures her of his affection for Priscilla despite having received a threatening letter from her demanding an annuity for Mrs Trevener (Arthur's widow).
16 May 1866, to Caroline. Is in London. Emma Trevener is abusing his name to his sister, Priscilla and threatens to expose him to all the family. Believes it relates to giving his brother, Nathaniel a gift of £250, and his other brother, John, £40. Refers to a legacy from Frances Strickland to John and a bill in Chancery against George.
2 February, 1865, to Caroline. Expresses his concern at the change in tone of her letters and accusing him of coming into money without any effort, that he refuses to help Nathaniel financially 'a reckless person'. Reminds his sister of his own privations when studying and travelling around Italy (where he had a cholera attack). Refers to his wife's highly nervous disposition and the possible reasons for it. His father's sale of land at Bessingby, Burlington and Birkwith. Mentions being taken to Chancery. Health continues to decline.
28 Jan 1865, to Caroline. Explains his provision for Lucy and her children who are to receive Walcot and bequests to Caroline and Charles. Refers to Mary (his wife's) self-destructive behaviour, Mr Constable's violent behaviour, turning his daughter out of his house, reputedly expressed his surprise that George lived with her for so long. States his health is not good and his life is coming to an end. Mrs Cholmley is to remain at Howsham. |