Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Bell returned from Cheltenham.

Took train to Didcot and then cab to East Hendred where I took morning and afternoon service for Mr Atkinson, the Rector. In the evening I walked back to Didcot, as there was no conveyance to be got. The country is “downy” and bleak.

Bell brought from Cheltenham Centum librae

Left Oxford for London this morning. Met Hole by accident. Went on to Ipswich and put up at Christ’s Hospital.

Accident while driving with J P Howe in his pony cart. We were run into by a luggage cart on Stoke Bridge and had a narrow escape.

Aunt Howe and Miss Abbott went to London. I went to Harwich and Dovercourt in steam-boat. Harry returned from Oxford to Rossall. His bill for half year was £39.0.4.

Rev Mr White, Rector of St Peter’s, called on me at Christ’s Hospital.

Spent afternoon at California with J P Howe, Lieutenant Dutton, etc.

Preached at St Peter’s this morning and read prayers this evening. Took supper with Mr and Mrs White at the Rectory.

Left Ipswich for St Botolph’s, Colchester, with Lieutenant Dutton and stayed a day or two with him. Emma remained in Ipswich. J P Howe accompanied us, but returned this evening.

Went to Walton on the Naze for the day with Lieutenant Dutton.

I insured my life in the Railway Passengers accidental Death Insurance Co through Lieutenant Dutton and paid £4 premium for the year. I purchased some Japanese handkerchiefs and a circular silvered frame mirror at Colchester.

Visited the camp, castle and various churches in Colchester.

Left Colchester for London. Stayed the night at “The Rose” Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square. Mrs Howe and Miss Abbott were staying there on a visit to Mr and Mrs Woolcock.

Called on Mr Fraser, 1 Palace Houses, Kensington Gardens W, who had written to say he would like to confer with me about preparing his son J C Fraser for Christ Church.

Went to East Dulwich with Mr Mountain. Staid there.

Mr Mountain and I called on Charles Eve and Shrapnell. I preached at St John’s East Dulwich in morning and read prayers in evening. Mr Morse, the vicar, came to supper.

Returned to Oxford. Mr John Christian Fraser came as pupil to prepare for Christ Church, Oxon. Terms 150 guineas.

Walked to Horspath and back.

Mr and Mrs Wingate came to dinner and staid the night.

Mr and Mrs Wingate returned to Horspath. I drove to Sandford.

Mr and Mrs Wingate came. Fraser went to Mongewell Park till Monday.

Bell drove Rosa to Horspath. I walked. Rosa staid the night with Mrs Wingate. I drove Bell back.

Mr Lee away from Sandford. I preached in morning. Wingate walked from Horspath and preached in afternoon. I drove him back to Horspath and preached for him in the evening.

Took leave of Mr and Mrs Wingate, as they return to Walford tomorrow.

Fraser returned from Mongewell in time for breakfast.