Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1873, September 9, Tuesday

Drove to Sandford. very wet: lighted fire and dried clothes in school-house. Sent balance of lessons for Girls’ 6th U.K.S. to Spottiswoode’s.

1873, September 23, Tuesday

Bell unwell. Μισκαρ δυω μγνοιν.

Possibly transliterates as “Miscar duo menoin”, signifying “Miscarriage at two months”.

1873, September 24, Wednesday

Mr Mackay called whilst I was out. Mr Johns accompanied me to Sandford.

Wrote to Mr J Martin in reply to his letter from Vienna respecting a pupil.

1873, October 3, Friday

Mr Lee gave me permission to take duty at Standlake next Sunday. Rev Mr Leonard one of my fellow chaplains called. Visited Rev F A Wilson this evening.

1873, October 4, Saturday

Rev J D Macray, Rector of Ducklington and one of my fellow chaplains called and asked me to take duty at New College for him tomorrow evening, as he was obliged to be at Ducklington. I told him I did not want to take my first service in Chapel on Sunday night as it would be crowded, but I would willingly drive on from Standlake to Ducklington and take his service there. He was very grateful.

1873, October 5, Sunday

Drove to Standlake and took morning and afternoon duty for the Rector, Mr West, and old Magdalene Chaplain, who is in very feeble health. Drove on to Ducklington and took evening service for Mr Macray. Stayed the night there, with a cat in my room to keep the rats in order.

1873, October 6, Monday

Did not accept Mr Macray’s offer of a fee for helping him last night. Returned to Oxford.

Received letter from Mr de Trafford that his son would leave me for an army tutor at Christmas next.

1873, October 8, Wednesday 

Drove to Sandford. Bell accompanied me. Wrote to Mr de Trafford and asked him to recall terms of agreement between us. Called on Mr and Mrs Lee.

1873, October 9, Thursday

Paid Mr Taylor organist for my one lesson in chanting and my “exam” as to voice. He charged a guinea.

Called on Mr Wilson and Mr Wright this evening. Attended evening service at New College Chapel.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.