Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Did not go to Sandford this evening as Mr E Wickham, Senior Tutor of New College, preached.

Mr Owen made complimentary call on Bell.

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.

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

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

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.

Heavy fall of snow.

Drove to Sandford.

Mr E B Hewett of St John’s came to dinner.

Drove to Sandford and took Harry, who dined at Mr John Martin’s.

Gave notice to Hawkins and Sylvester that I intend to leave this house at midsummer.

Drove Bell and Harry to Marston, Elsfield, Islip, etc.

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.

Good Friday. Drove to Sandford. Sermon in morning. Prayers only in afternoon.

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

Drove to Sandford.

Went to North Cheam to see Mr Hole. Drove with Mr Hole to Surbiton in afternoon.

Hole and I walked to Merton, ??? etc.

Hole and I walked to Ewell this evening.

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.

Hole and I drove to Epsom this afternoon.

Returned to Oxford.