Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1872, March 18, Monday 

Mr George A Bessell, Chapter Clerk of Bristol, not having replied to my repeated applications for amount due to me for his brother’s schooling at the Cathedral School, I put the matter into the hands of a solicitor. He treated his applications with contempt. At last he has sued him in the County Court. I went to Bristol in the matter today.

1872, March 19, Tuesday

I went to the County Court, Bristol, this morning and met my solicitor. Before the judge appeared, the solicitor told me that Bessell wished to see me. I went out. Bessell rather complained of a man in his position being served with a County Court Summons. I told him it was entirely his own fault. He had treated myself and my solicitor with contempt. He had nothing to say against the accuracy of the account, but paid what my solicitor asked him, viz

the Bill £15 18 6
My fare, time, etc £2 7 0
  £18 5 6

He ought to have paid my lawyer’s bill too, but I forgot to mention the matter at the time.

1872, March 20, Wednesday 

I returned from Bristol last night. Drove to Sandford this evening with my “contract” pony. Took Rev F A Wilson who preached for me, Mr Lee being absent. Rev Mr Price, Vicar of St John’s Maddermarket, Norwich and a fellow of New College called to see me on behalf of Mr Chamberlain, a wealthy wholesale and retail grocer and who wishes to place his son with me as a pupil.

1872, March 27, Wednesday

Did not go to Evening Service at Sandford, as Mr Lee did not want me.

Yesterday I received a letter from Mr Chamberlain of “The Firs”, Catton, Norwich, saying he would bring his son to me in about 3 weeks’ time. Terms 100 guineas per annum.

1872, March 30, Saturday

Agreed with Mr Galpin to take house in Bradmore Road belonging to Mr Dover, Builder, as £85 per annum.

1872, April 4, Thursday

Hole and I went to London. Called at Longman’s and Spottiswoode’s. Mr Reader told us that the London School Board had rejected the U.K.S. because of an allusion to Ananias and Sapphira in a lesson on truthfulness.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.