2 My dear Dane, I wish you many happy returns of your birthday. I am having fine fun with the builders. I am making them work hard so that I can soon get into my new bedroom. I have Freda’s all to myself. Much love to you and Neil. Your loving brother Gervase Write to me soon Gervy

3 Weddnce My dear mother, I’ve played fotball to day, I know a lot of peaple that play. Dain Neel and me went to play fotball it was very hot. We have been to bath today I can swim prity well now. On Sundy and mundy there was a show bar their was a hirdygirdy and a lot of shouting gallrys their we had the red encon out of war windo[w] their wire wagons all aracked up with pea[p]le in side they drove about the streats. I have nothing more to say. Eric Ida Grey

4 Milfield Wooler My dear Dong, We are having sometimes fine days and sometimes it is very wet. We are getting on with our german, I have a cold. The Layle’s have been ill. We made some pudding, and some toffy yesterday. Will you have any eggs and holiddy at Easter? Be sure and write soon. Now I will have to end good bye. Your loving brother Eric Ida Grey

5 Milfield NORTHUMBERLAND My Dear Ivy, We are having very fine Wether here. We go out after tea now. Tom has made two big holes in Allace. What does Neil mean by Hoo Poo in the woods. With love to you both Your loving C. Elfreda Grey [Letter has two drawings one of Tom who looks like a dog labelled TOMS DOINGS & one of a couple with a dog walking between trees with heads like people, labelled IN THE WOODS]

6 Milfield Wooler My Dear Ivy, How nice that man looks with his nose off. My Bunny is very lame in one hinde leg and a fore. Your black hen has six chicks, they came out on Tuesday. I am going to write this above Tom’s grave. Here lies Team who bit my legs and made me screem. (It is written in Erics name. What dish was it you liked so at Mrs Weedles. Fuffy is very busy with the masons and stones. I wish you many happy returns of your birth day. Your loving Freda [Drawing of a dog & a gravestone with In Mery of Tom and Alice written on it. ]

7 MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES My Dear Mother, How are you. Dose Eric think he is getting stronger and more stuffy than when he went away. We had a good day at Halter Burn this week we found when we put them into the whin and ran up couds nough and round the top down by whine again and went to ground on staref crages and dug him out and killed him then we went and drew shoton whine blank then found in Long now whine had hard work in getting her out and after she came out she only ran about twenty yards and went to ground we left her found again but could not make anything of him and went home. Boyd is missing vus very much, he goes out with Miss Cows every morning much to Gurves? indignation. We are all quite well Your loving son Ivar Grey.

8 The Demesne Milfield Dec 15th 1892 My dear Mother, I thought I would write you a few lines to remind you of the near approach of the Xmas Holidays. We have had no Examination this term as Mr Harrison thought it would be to our advantage to work up to the last day in the usual way. I have worked fairly hard and trust you will find by this letter an alteration in my hand writing. In arithmetic I have got as far as Compound Division and in this subject I have not made as much progress as I should like but I hope to do better in the future. I have paid particular attention to my Reading and Spelling and hope you will see a general improvement in me. In my other subjects I feel that I have made a start in real earnest. Looking forward to the holidays. I am, Your loving Son Ivar.

Letters from Hanover & Goslar

9 19 Hildesheimer Strasse Hannover Oct 4th – 94 Dear Mother, We are having very fine weathere today. It seems so funny in the new house. We went to Hildesheim yesterday because of the removal and saw the Cathedrel and the Town-Hall. We went on the river also but the bots were very bad they were made of ion and with great bug ors like those in the High lands. And in the evening we went to Meilene Theater it was a very good program and very amusing. Excuse the diferent ink. Your loving son Ivar Grey

10 c/o Frow v Meergaard 19, Langensaltrest Hanover My Dear Mother Please name what sort of presents we have to get because we wont know what to bring for them. We play football every Wedensday and Saturday I play with a german team but Mr Harrison and Neil play in an English team. We have got the measuring tape and we will measure our selves soon and send it with the sketch. It is always raining here now. Dose Charlie ever go on the switchback now or is it still there. Now I must stop love to all your loving son Ivar Grey

11 Hannover May 2th My Dear Mother, Had you a good voyage home. We went to a jimnastic class last night. Thear was an Irish boy their who could speak english so we got on all right. We went berd’s nest-ing on Monday but did not find much we saw four storks they were quite tame and worked about beside the people who were working their. There is a woolf got loos from the zoo & it is in the wood and before it left the zoo it eat one of the best stags it goot loos at night and when the keepers came in the morning there was only the stags bones left. The other day two horses ranaway in a cab and galloped right up the street they botre [both?] ran into the cuting one was killed the other was just lamed. We often see the soldier on horses the are all ways on the march your loving son Ivar Grey

12 c/o Frau von Neergaard 19, Langensalzastrasse Hannover September 6th 1894 My Dear Mother, We went to Herrenhausen on Sunday to see a man in a balloon, he came at over the top of the town and down at the other side in a parachute. I played football yesterday it was very fine and I enjoyed it very much but I am very stiff to day. We play again on Saturday on the mash. There was a fine bonfire on Saturday in remembrance of the battle of Sedan and there were cannons fired every two or three minuits and a band with torches . There is a great fight to morrow between all the common people because the mash is open and one lot wont let the others on. Your loving son Ivar Grey

13 c/o Frow v Neergaard 19, Langensalzastrassn Hannover September 20th My Dear Mother, I was so surprised to see two letters for me this morning. I am glad to hear that the flower-show did so well. Mr Harrison is anxious to know if Mrs Weddle got eanything at the flower show, it was a pitty about Charlies horse tumbling. Mr Harrison and Neil have joined with the Germans to practice and then they are going to play against other teams and other towns. Our team is going to play against an other team soon. We have been looking in the shop windows to see if we can see anything suitable. Your loving son Iva Grey

14 My Dear Mother, We had one days skating but the ice was very bad it was a place a bit bigger than our pond and crowded with people. There is a fine swimming bath he[re] somewhere but we don’t know where. We and Mr Harrison have been asked to some private theatrical by Frawline Heinsa so we will be landed in the midst of a girls school. Its thawing very slowly here and everything is in a fearful mess of mud. Our windows look owt in to gardens ful of trees we have only a small garden and Mr Hs window looks out on the street which is only a foot path. Our beedroom is a very small one but we are goin to get a bigger one after. Mr Hs room is down stairs on the other side of the house. Your loving son Ivar Grey [Letter has a drawing of the two rooms]

15 My dear Mother We went to the theatre here on tuesday to se[e] Hensel and Gratel it was very nice. We got interduced to Frawline Heinsa last sunday when we were at church. The woods are all furtrees with paths in them and it is very good walking in the[m] because theare plowed with a snow plow. There is no skating know because there has been a thaw it is a pity because they flud two big fields. Mr Harrison was in bed a few days ago with a belious atack. We were at a concert the other day in which Frawline Bartling was sing-ing in. You loving son Ivar Grey

16 May 20th My Dear Mother We liked the Oprars very much especily the second one. I am very sorry I did not wright before but I was in bed with my smach out of order and high fever one night and sent for docter East who gave me some gargle which Docter Slager convescated next morning. Mine bycycle est a very gute one and very easy runing one. We have got the numbers now but I have only ridden mine once. We have been in an alectric tram to day they go very fast and very smoothly. Harold is in bed with a cold the same as we had he has been in now for about a fortnight. Alfred and I have been in the woods with a german and his father for a work it was zer warm. We practis german of the german boys that we know I know about six through Harold and Alfred. Tell Freda and Billy that I will right soon. With love to all Your loving son Ivar Grey

17 Donnistag My dear Mother We are going back to Hannover on Saturday we leave Goslar at four aclock. It has been very hot here the last few days it is wet to day. We had a very fine day to go up the Brochen Mr Harrison, Neil, Frow v Neargard and I walked up from practaly the bottom the other two Frawline Shubert and Frawline Nomper went up in the carrag and We all came back in it Just as we got out of the carrage at the station ther came a big flash of lightning and the thunder went off like a huge cannon above the station we had a very pleasant day. We got to the swimming baths every day I can swim with very great ease now father will be very glad that I can because he was allways at me about not being able to swime. How is Charlie. Love to all Your loving son Ivar Grey

18 Thursday My dear mother, Frow v Neargard is away in sleswick for two or three days to see her sister. Why have you not written to me this last week. There are big bycicle races on the 9 of September and I think we will be going to them if it is fine. It is very bad weather now always raining. They have not got the canal finished yet and are bringing it past us not up our street but up the next which is just as bad. They have two snapping turtles in the zoo now, and when I saw them it reminded me of Slingsbey and Brian with the snapping Turtle their shells are flatter than the others and they have underhung jaws and big feet eckcuse me fore all the bad spelling in my letter but I must get to bed now, with love to all your loving son. Ivar Grey.

19 Goslar Wedensday My Dear Mother We have arrived safley. It is a very old town with old carved houses and funny faces painted on them all having finny handles and knockers the knockers are of all shapes some so [3 small drawings] We have a very big garden juis heir. I must sketch the house and send you it. We are on the botton flor bed roms and all We have beds with sheets like in the Bristol Hotel. We have a big room for lessons which is also our bed room. We are all going to climb the the Ramalsberg to morrow. It rained last night but not to day so I hope it will be fine Mister Harrison has sent you a post card showing some views of Goslar. Harold and Alfred are not here till the last week they are at their uncle. You menchened before about we could have a week holaday we would like it when Alfred and Harold are here in the last week. It is very beutyful senary heir wooded mountains all round. We are 20 minuits from the town. I must stop now Love to all Your loving son Ivar Grey ?[added note underlined:I iff your film? ]

20 Vonnistag My Dear Mother It seames such a long time since we came here I have not been able to do your sketch yet as it always rains just as I am going to do it but I will make a sketch of our room. It is a very place a big garden and chery in it. It is a very pritty place you will se it in the potograph Mr Harrison has sent. There are very nice swhiming bath. I can now swhim half the width of the bath without touching the bottom. We go long works up hills and in valleys till we are nearly dead tired. We have two ladies staying with us one Frauline Shubert and the other Frauline Romper. There are twenty eight people at the dinner table we sit about the middle. Frow and Here Pocter are very nice they have a little dog called Puck. Neil is making horrid noises with his mouth in a teapot. We do lesson in our room from 8 to 11 and none in the after noone. The air here is hard like the good old Chiviot air not stuffy like hannover. Your loving son Ivar Grey

21 Vonnisburg? My dear Mütter I am not tiring myself with works, I think We are going to drive up the Brochen. I got your letter yesterday and it is best to tell you that Mr Harrison has to pay 40ff extra for your letters when you send two or more sheets of your thick paper. You must have had great fun at London there are three or four new people come here. Neil has got leve to fish at two or three places from a lawyer who has an American wife. It rains nearly always in the afternoons heir and is very fine in the morning. We are having hollidays now. By that plan I sent you you can see how our bedroom is. All thou this is a very fine place nothing comes up to Milfield. Will you send me just an old photograph of our house Frow v Neargard wants to see what like it is Your loving son Ivar Grey

22 Thersday My Dear Mother We were at a cercus last night it was very good it is supposed to be the best in the world it goes by the Shuman in Doichland and Volf in England he left England in march it stayes heir all the sunner till agust. I am learning all the different cinds of soldiers in doich. I like Alfred best of the two Harold is too old in his way for me so he gets the name of Old Gentleman or Heir Barrone. Neils turtle is all right it eats flesh and worms and lives in water alway it is a black one about 5 inches lond 3 broad and 2 tail his tail is like this [drawing] his back slants like a roof uterly diferent than mine. Is mine eating anything and has he grown any. Tell Father that I got his letter. We, Alfred and I, have got a lot of fish in a pale two big and some small the big ones are about this size of number 2 the little no 1. [sketch of 2 fish numbered 1 & 2] Your loving sone Ivar Grey Notice fore Father thes are some cards I have shot at the zoo.

23 May 9th Mon? My Dear Father We are getting on very well. The bycicles have come we had to go to about a dozen diferent rooms before we found them in each room we went to they gave us a thin with some thing ritten on it, and when we came to the last place but one there were thre or four chaps dressed grand enough to be kings they had hats with green tops and gold and silver brade round the edges flat ones of course. It did not matter about neils bycicle being old they charged just the same for mine as neils they had to unpack them and way them then way the crate then pack them again then we had get them brought heare they came in a long crait with the handles off, one of neil’s spokes was broken. I have just got out of bed I have had a sore throat, it has been very cold and even snowing but it is warm again Your loying son Ivar Grey

24 Thursday My Dear Father We went to bathe yesterday in the swiming baths becaus it was so hot the thermomiter was at 20 Raarmer 25 Farionheit. It has rained all day but only a thunder storm, it will most proberly be as hot as ever to morrow. This corner of the street is a very interesting one the people are always fighting and getting drunk, last night three drunk men got across the street when there was a club of ciclers coming one of them ran into the drunk men and broke his bycicle’s front whele so the police man took his number but all the same the polesman said it was the folt of the drunk men who was so angry that he began to give cheek to the policman. I have not seen any of those letters to both of us Neil keeps them all to him self Your loving son Ivar Grey

25 Thursday My Dear Mother Frow v Neargard has bought a nice little puppy. We have got guns for air with a little thing to fire out like this [drawing of shot] and we are going to have a compotition tonight after coffee at a pig made of paper. Cousin Mea and Cousin Goarg were in the same room as you were they had a boy with them and went to with him to bycicle perade because there were big races Saturday Sundy and Mondy, they stayed all Sundy and we took them to the zoo in the afternoon they liked it very much I think we had late dinner with them in the same plase as you and we had middle day and tea with them also the went away by the six 35 at night. Wright quick and tell me if we can bathe when Mr Harrison is away love to all your loving son Ivar Grey

26 Hannover Sunday Afternoon Dear Mrs Grey, I am enclosing our address in Goslar in Neil's letter he is waiting to put it in before sealing it up. We go on Wednesday at 1 PM arriving at 3 or 4 PM C/o Dr Gellhorn Theresienhof Bei Goslar im Harz Germany The weather is simply unbearable, I mean the heat, we did not venture to church but walked quickly to the River at 11 and indulged in a refresher, the river was full of bathers. We have not ventured out again shall not till after Supper at 7 owing to the intense heat as arisen since yesterday. Faithfully yours J. Branch Harrison.

27 c/o Frow von Neergaard Hildesheimestrasse Hannover Oct 12th 1894 My Dear Mother We are quite settled in the new house now, and find it much better than the other. We are on the mash all our play time playing, there is a fearful rage on catipults every boy has one or two but they have little ones to shut with shoot. I was asked to a little theatre in a house which was got up by some boys it was a very fine and well acted peases which always by fighting or whipping one of them. We are perhaps going to the oppera on Saturday. We play foot ball again tomorrow afternoon at four oc. This will be the last letter that I write before we are home Your loving son Ivar Grey

28 Langensalzastrasse Hannover Dear Mother. We are having fearfully hot weather just now the thermo: has been at 76° this last week and to day I think it is a great deal hotter it is so hot we have to go about without any waistcoat on. We all went to the races here yesterday they have very good race course here about a mile round, the races were very good there were both Hurdle and flat races. We went to the swimming baths this morning and stayed for about half an hour it was so warm Dane and Harold are having a competition to see who can swim first. What did Cleghorn think of the tobacco that Mr Harrison sent to him. The Turtle is very well and is always in his ?bath. Ought he to be kept warm he is molting his skin very hard and it is coming off very hard in great big lumps. We are going off to the Hartz on Wednesday to a place called Goslar, every body in Hannover is going away for their holidays just now. To day is Harald von Neergaard's birthday he is 14 years old. Has father found the boat rowlocks yet. Tell Charlie we have fine fun shooting cats in a garden at the back of the house here and there is a great big black Tom cat that I have a shot at a great many times but cannot kill. Ask Father if 2d a pound is dear for shot because I have to pay that to get shot here. Love to all Your loving son J. N. Grey

29 c/o frau v ... 19 ?lu gun? 26 Aug 1894 Letter in old German script.

30 Monday 7oclock. Dear Mother We have arrived here all right to day. The house is very gloomy just now every body seams to have been dying. The two cooking Fhls have both had two brothers dead and one of Herr Ms sons in Hamburg is dying at the present moment Herr M has gone to Hamburg to day. Eric and I were a bit sick coming over but it was very calm. We did not leave Tyne till 4 o'clock because we had to take a cargo of coals on board which made an awful mess of us all and the whole ship. We brought about 300 tons of coal over with us and a lot of bars of copper and a deck kargo of herrings in barskits and a few hides. There were six or seven other passengers on board so as there are two ladies cabines you could have had one to your selves. We have been to see the boat and it is all right. I will wright again on Wednesday your loving son Ivar Grey

Letters from Gottingen

31 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen My dear Mother We have arrived safely, we had a pleasant voyage except I was sick as usual. We came across in the Grenidier because the Royal Dane had broken her shaft a week before. The captain is the same one that was on the old Grenidier, he said that the day that she was in colision he could command her because of him being two ill so he had to stop at home and another chap had to take command of her he lost some of his clothes in her thats all. The first and second mate and some of the crew were on the board when the colision took place. Tell father that we saw Captain Bruse and the Stewart on the quay and talked to them, they were going somewhere in the Warkworth but I don't know where. The Tine Sider went out in front of us and we saw the Warkworth the John Almston and the Dan lying in the river. We only saw one line of battle ship on the way up the Elbe and a ?Mort nanicfur? called the Prince Bismarck. We just mist seeing the ship with the Emperor in it we past it about Heligo land but we could not see it he was going to Southampton. We saw the mouth of the canal on the way up the Elbe. Fraulein Bartlings house is full so they have put us in another house till the fiftenth she sais when a Mr Carter leaves but we do not see how she is going to manage it because directly he leaves some more people are coming. Mr Harrison thinks that she wants to keep us here till they leave and said that she did not answer Mr H's letter because she had no time but we go to her for meals which is horrid because we have to walk to our dinner and back and now I must stop your loving son Ivar Grey.

32 Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen My dear Mother We went to Mariasspring yesterday afternoon and enjoyed our selves very much. Fraulein Bartlings sister is here to see her she lives in Chicago and has been in Paris lately. She is married to an american called Mr Hall I think she is going to stay here for two months or about that. The Colosaum has been opened now it is a very big building and can be made in to a circus when one comes here and I believe there is one coming soon. I never saw such a place for conserts as Gottlingen is there is always a concert playing the whole day what ever hour of the day it may be from morning till night. We went to a place called Bramkerthost in a carriage it was a very nice place and a lot of woods about it there is a very fine echo there from a very high rock, we started to go at about 2 aclock and came back at ten it threatened to rain at first but cleared up in the eavning. We have been bathing regularly laltey because it has been very hot and have be playing tennis a lot. Your loving son Ivar Grey no news PS has Cleghorne put the thing in the paper yet [drawing of man bowing & tipping his hat with word bubble 'Adieu']

33 Reins Graben Göttingen Germany My dear Mother We like the place very much. It's not like Hannover it is all fool of trees. I was sick on Sunday but all right on Monday. She could hardly get up the Elbe for ice it was a splendid sight. She ran a ground on the bar and had to wait till the tide rose. The Captain did not belong to her and none of the crew, they belonged to the Royal Dane. There were two first and one second class pasingers besides us. We past a ship that had gon a ground at high tige in the Elbe. Neils pistol bullets were never noticed so we hadent to pay. There is a Greek here also learning German and a Mr and Mrs Saunders who are going away in a fortnight. Tell Charlie that the were lots of duck and geese in the Elbe and becide Heligoland. We can't skate at present because there has been a thaw but it is snowing heavy just now Now I must stop Your loving son. Ivar Grey

34 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen My dear Mother We went to the Colosaum the other night. It was just like in the Maliene Theata comic songs acrobats it is a very big place shaped like this [drawing of circular building with stage at top] and when a serkus comes they shift the stage and put seats in its place and take up the boards in the centre where the tables are so that the cercus is on the ground. You are allowed to drink beare in it. We went to “The Plessa” yesterday. They are two olde towers on the top of a hill one is small and thick and the other long and thin the rest of it is all in ruins there is the old chapel and the gate and some other old things still ther we went to Maries Spring and had some coffee and then drove home at night it was a very fine day not to hot. We have not bathed for a few days because it has not been warm enough. Mr Harrison wrote to T.S.S.G. and got a hand book about the steamers and he has seen that the Royal Dane leavs on Monday night or Tuesday morning I think but I am not shure. We are going to the Stadt Park to night there is a Sommer fest on with lanterns and I expect it will be pritty full with people and there are going to be fireworks your loving son Ivar Grey

35 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen My dear Mother We went for a drive to two olde ruins on the top of two hills which are called the Gleichen. It is where two barons used to live one on either hill and Neil forgot to take his camera as usual then we drove on to Breinke Thal where there is a very pritty valley the we came back home in the eavining. We rode on our bicicles [to] MariasSpring but we came away again very soon because it was getting dark and we had no lamps. The Soldiers that are quartered here are going off to the Minnuver to morrow at seven aclock in the morning. I expect the place will be very quiet with out them then after a bit there are a lot more soldiers going to be quartered here, they are buisy building the baracks now then there will be the barracks all to gether in Gottingen. Neil had broken his bicicle and it is not worth mending because the front wheel is all bent and all of the spoks out and bent. The water is fine at the bathing place now because of it being so terrible hot. The ?rraekits have not arrived yet. Neil has got his prints now they are not very good the photographer said that he has not washed the plates enough so he is going [to] do some more of the house and fräulein Bartling some other day. The town is quiet empty now that the Soldiers are away and the students also. I have got no more to say so must stop now your loving son Ivar Grey

1 ….there was concert and fire works but there were very few people there because music is so bad whe[n] the town band play and always play now because the military band is away in minnuver On Monday there were great doings because of…….
………with a lot of bakers baking bread and all the wagon was covered with roles and things and another was all covered iron hoops and spear heads and other things made of iron, with some smiths with hammers…………..
………….there were a lot of merry go rounds and things of that sort where they all go drunk. We went down there in the eavining and saw some fire works and went round in the carosel, they were firing canons all day and in the eavining of sunday and Monday……
…..Park to night if the thunder keepes away. Gottingen is expecting a loud burst soon with the heat. Now I must stop Your loving son Ivar Grey

36 [scaling ladder with motto at top of page] Am Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen 17/3/95 Dear Mother We are having very fine weather here just now and it is quite mild. We went to a theatrical entertainment at Fraulein Heinze with a dance after it on Thursday night and did not get home till twelve o'clock. Mr Harrison was at a ball given by an English lady (who is going to Bruges) on Friday night. We went to a concert at the “Stadt Park” last night there were only 5 performers & they all played fiddles it was first rate music. I had my first music lesson on Saturday from such a funny old german they say he is the best in Goettengen he cannot speak any English at all. We went to the gymnasium on Friday for the first time we get our gymnastics for nothing it is a private class and we have no right there at all because it is only for Germans and because of that they are not allowed to make us pay and they only took us as a favour to Fraulein Bartling. We have to do gymnastics in white duck trousers. What sort of a kit had you. The snow is nearly all gone here. We went to the Riding school the other day and saw some fellow being taught jumping. The man who it belongs to is a Baron von Munchausen , & we saw him teaching a horse to stand you shooting off his back, he shot with a long pistol at an iron ringer? that was stuck up, & the horse did not seem to mind very much. Love to Father and the others Your Loving Son John Neil Grey.

37 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4 Gottingen March 22nd , 1895 My dear Mother We went to a village called “Roungen” last Wednesday, the way was very dirty, it was an old looking village with tiled roofs. We got some coffee in a kind of restaurant the butter was like tallow so we did not eat much. We go to gymnastics on Tuesdays and Fridays. We only had one day’s skating and the ice was very bad, the place is a field flooded on purpose for skating. We went to a concert on Saturday given by five Artistes. Four violins and one violin – Cello it was very good, we paid 1 Mark fifty each to go in. Mr Harrison has been made Secretary and Treasurer of the Tennis Club here, there are two Tennis Courts for the Germans to play on, and one for the English and they are near to each other Your loving son Ivar

38 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben Gottingen March 28th 1895 My dear Mother Fraulein Bartling asked teo German boys here yesterday to coffee and we went for a walk after, in the woods they were very nice, one was about sixteen and the other twelve. We have not been able to ride our bicycles yet because it has been raining a great deal Mr Harrison is going to see about the trousers. Bismark's birthday is on the first of April and the tower on the hill which is put up to him is going to be lit up and their are going to be bonfires fireworks and torch light processions and cannons fired etc so I expect there will be a lot of beare drunk in the town. We went and had hot baths last week in a barder anstalt. Göttingen is far better for bicycles because the cobbles do not go far out of the town I like Gottingen much better than Hannover each house has a garden the streets are full of trees and the gardens also. I think we are learning far more German here than we did in Hannover. Are Freda and Eric hunting and is hethers leg better. Is there any influenza the in village yet. The birds are beginning to nest now. Mr Harrison is getting on fine with German and goes in to shops just to ask the prices of things and had hear some German. Remember the Tortoise perhaps he will want to eat something know Your loving son Ivar Grey

39 The Demesne Milfield April 9th 95 My dear Dane I expect this will arrive somewhere about the time of your birthday, which I hope will be a very happy one, in spite of being away from home. I think if this weather lasts I must give the bairns an extra holiday in honour of it and go and picnic somewhere. I can just imagine how you would enjoy watching the duels, what silly fools they must be, hacking their faces to pieces, they must be terribly sore for a long time after it that poor chap that lost his end of his nose must have looked charming, it will be a bad job, if it doesn't grow on firmly again, if he gets a cold before it is better, he’ll blow it off again. Neil’s sketches were very good. I suppose they are very proud of the scars afterwards. They are getting on first rate with the building at the house it will soon be done if they go on at the rate they are at present. Freda and I have flitted along to the nurseries, I was very sorry to leave my little room you and Neil will not be able to play your pranks now as I have a strong bolt to my door. The french schoolroom maid arrives next week, she can't speak English, we are all to speak French, won't there be some lovely french. Freda and Billie will go to bed in silence for some time as they are not to speak English when Marie is there. While I remember, Freda is very anxious for me to tell you (as she forgot) that she and Billie are going into “Little Bitches” and short skirts much to their delight. Freda was cutting about in some fine ones last night, the servants all said "Surely you are not going to wear those outside?" We come down here every morning carrying a huge milk can half full of milk to supply us for dinner and tea and sometimes bring a leg of mutton under our arms, I fear Mrs Weedle will think we have enormous appetites, the dishes always go out empty. Is it warm enough for you to begin your bathing yet, from all I hear you seem to be having it hotter than we are. You got on splendidly with your swimming last year didn't you? I must wind up as Eric has to read, he reads every day for half an hour extra I wish he and Freda would hurry up and master that difficulty. Tell Neil he must hurry up and write Love from R. R. H.

40 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen April 9th 1895 My dear Mother We went for a bicycle ride yesterday, the roads were dry in places. We went to a place called Obernged and came back by a village called Rosdorf the roads were flat and no cobbles. We keep our bicycles at a corner shop not far from here. We are going to the opera once or twice a week for a month shortly. The Students return from their holidays on the 20th of April. We have not been to a German church yet we are waiting for the University church to open it is opened when the students return because it is for them. The preachers do not speak distinctly enough for us in the other German Churches. There is a Circus being built he[re] it is being built of brick and iron supports for the seats it is going to be finished about June. It is at the other end of the town from us. Will you send us some Tennis racquets please because we shall be playing Tennis soon. We went for a ride after coffee the day before yesterday on our bicycles and Mr Harrison broke his he has bought a pnumatic now he tried it yesterday he likes it very much it is English make. It was very hot yesterday but it is culer to day. I saw a swallow here yesterday but I have not seen any more since the plac is getting full of starlings now and the germans are sticking up heaps of bokses for them to nest in. your loving son Ivar Grey. [Sketch of side view and front view of bird boxes]

41 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen April 20th 1895 My dear Eric I am sorry that I did not write sooner but I had no time. We are having very fine weathe[r] just now. We are going to the opera again on Monday. We are having hollidays in the Turn Club just now be they will begin soon. I have been doing nothing but reading in the eavenings since I came here I have read all together nine and a half books from the time I came here till know. Give this thing to Freda. Neil is buisy with his Engineering books. Tell Freda that I got her letter this morning. Now I must stop Your loving brother Ivar Grey

42 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen April 29th 1895 My dear Mother We were at the opera last Monday it was better than the first one. It was called Die Hochzeit des Figaro. There is an opera every night just now on sunday last there was the Daughter of the regiment and yesterday the Trubador we have tickets for every Monday for a faught-night. We went for a run on our bicycles this afternoon. It was very hot. The place is full of students all with scars and cuts it is awful walking in the streets you have to “mind your helm” as Neil calles it. April 30 Mr Harrison has a head ache to day and is not giving us lessons this afternoon. The trees are all green here now and the cow slips are all over the woods and gardens. Have the swallows come yet because they have been here for fully a week. There are an awful lot of funny fly catchers about the garden just now which I am very buisy watching. I have found the nest of a small slatey coloured fly catcher but he has not begun to lay yet. There was a woodpecker in the garden the other day pecking one of the apple trees and he came quit near he was grey on the back, black at the eyes and red underneath and about the size of a starling or a little fatter. There is a big garden at the other side of ours so that we are not crampt for air with big trees in them. Your loving Son Ivar Grey [sketch of two gardens]

43 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 3rd 1895 My dear Father We went to the Opera last night it was called "Carmen". We sat in the Balcony. A pit has been made to put the cockchafers in, there are two men always beside it to bury them. The Children bring them and get four pfennigs for every pound of cockchafers that they bring as they are so numerous. We are going to see a duel all on Saturday morning at eight oclock. We have been playing a lot of tennis lately. There is one place laid out for the English to play on and two places for the German ladies. There are concerts in the Stadt-Park nearly every night and we have taken season tickets. When the concerts are outside in the garden then we can hear them from the house they last from four oclock in the evening till eleven o'clock at night. Your loving Son Ivar

44 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 8th 1895 My dear Mother We are not to see a duel on saturday some of the students got all hacked to bits I expect you will get a good ida from Neils description. There is another place where they fight but I believe there is a great deal cutting in. In some other towns the[y] give the students that are going to fight the choice whether they will have their eyes covered or their necks. Two years ago two students hapened to quarrel and they fought with sabers on the sly and one had his arm badly cut up and the Professors herd of it and they were sent away from the uneversity. Some times they fight with pistols but when they are caught they are strictly punished but they seldom do any harm because they dont put much powder in. We went out to hear the nightingale sing. It was very fine it is funny how he can keep up such long notes such a lond time there are a good few about here in the woods. I always ust to think that a nightingale was a fraud but now I now how fine he sings. We have got four of new members for the tennis club. There are six Englishmen coming on saturday to see an other duel and I think they have written to ask Mr Harrison to take them. We are going to the opera to morrow night it is called “The bettelen student” and I believe it is very amusing. I am going to have a holiday on Monday for my birthday because of it being on sunday Love to all Your loving Son Ivar Grey

45 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 14th 1895 My dear Mother I received a lot more money on my birthday I got two shillings from Mr Harrison and three from Neil and ten from Aunty Hit. Fraulein Bartling gave me a large cake with chocolate on the top and it was very good, and they drank my health at night. In the afternoon we went to a place called Maria Spring it is a place where the people dance in the open air and drink coffee it is in a hollow and is very pretty, we went with a Mr Houth and his father and a Mr Craig. Mr Harrison and Mr Craig and Mr Huth had some dances. We are going to Cassel on Wednesday instead of to day because of the fountains playing on that day. Mr Harrison went to see a duel with some English men from Hannover last Saturday two of whom were Lord Cranley and Viscounts Encombe. We were at the Opera last night there were two given - the first was “Viro Golsturn hounz?” and the second Cav: Rusticana. We bathe at a place about half an hours walk from here, it is a very nice place in the open air amongst trees your loving Son Ivar Grey

46 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 16 1895 My dear Mother I had such a nice cake on my birthday I got it from Fraulein Bartling it measures in hight from thes two marks and sercumferences as long at the thread it was very good. It has been raining so much to day that we could not go to cassel and we did not go yesterday because of the fountains playing to day and I believe there is a great deal to be seen boath in the town and out of it. We have begun to baith now and the place where we baith is very nice it has been fearfuly hot latley and especially on Sunday. On Sunday afternoon we were we went to a place called Maria spring I think that you have a photograph of it it was very nice and in the shade of trees it was very pretty in a grove between some hills. Mr Harrison and a Mr Huth from London and Mr Crage from Tinsmouth had some dances there was a shooting house there and I had a few shots and hit a ball on a fountain five times and the man told me that I was an old hand at the job the balls were difficult to hit because the stood for a minute and then fell into the basacet which rolled them in to the fountain again they were maid of spun glass and were full of air so they were very light. [sketch of fountain] We were at Friskuts? last night we had seen it in Hannover last year but it was so good that we thought we would like to see it again and it was very nice and bore being seen again the last opera is tomorrow we won’t see any more till next winter. The tennis is going on the same as before. love to all your loving son Ivar Grey.

Christian's two eldest sons John and Ivar were sent to Germany from 1894-1896 to complete their education. They were accompanied by a tutor called Mr Harrison. Their brothers Eric, Charles, known as Charlie or by his second name Boyd, and Gervase (Gervy), and their sister Elfreda (Freddy or Freda) stayed at home. Mary was not born till 1887. The Grey family, where almost every generation was named John or George, had a tradition of using pet names for each other. A second stay in Germany included Eric.

George Henry Ivar Grey in 1894, aged 12, a cabinet photo by Atelier F. B. Feilner, Jhn. E Burgdorf, Georgstrasse, 25, Hanover. He was called Ivar or Ivy or Dane because he was so fair, or Dong. His older brother John Neil was either called Neil or Jock.

An old chocolate box containing Ivar's letters to his mother Christian and some of hers to him was preserved by Hestia Evers (Ivar's eldest daughter). The letters had been removed from their envelopes and some are undated. There are also a few from younger siblings. There are others written in German which are still to be translated and transcribed. The children's spelling is often poor. Gervase was particularly bad at spelling but the others are not a great deal better as Ivar & Eric's letters demonstate. Spelling is something many of their descendants struggle with!

The 119 letters were numbered & transcribed in 2014 & 2015. The order presented here is not chronological. There are gaps or a '?' if a word has not been deciphered or is still to be transcribed and also gaps where half pages are missing as in number 1.

Christian Margaret Grey's letters to her sons and Ivar's letters to her.

47 Gottingen May 25. 95. Dear Mrs Grey, I hope you will soon have the workmen out of the house it must be very unpleasant and no doubt causes you an endless amount of trouble. It certainly is rather strange Fr: B not answering your letter I can't think why she does not do so I hope she will do so soon perhaps she thinks that as I write to you and give you the news it is not necessary for her to do so. Neil enjoys bathing I think more than anything else, we bathe in a very nice spot in the open air, shaded by trees, there are two or three rafts at the place and Neil is quite happy when with a pole in his hand, he propels the raft along it takes four of us to capsise one of them when if we are not sharp we get a good “ducking” for our pains. Neil is a good swimmer now and is quite at home in the water, Dane does not venture to play the fool on the rafts just yet as he is not quite confident of his swimming powers. I am confident for him tho’ and if he did venture to tumble in he is quite sure to come to the top and swim for the side. I consider the place safe for the boys and I always go with them when they bathe, in fact I have told them not to go there without me, and I have perfect confidence in their carrying out my wishes in this respect, in any case I always know where they are. We have so far attended two lectures, I did not take the boys this morning as Dane was very much behind hand with his day’s work and I thought it best to leave him at it, I told Neil he might go if he wished but he would not go without me, so he stayed on and did his work along with Dane, however we shall continue there as usual. John Clark must have made a ?haul in stocks and shares to invest in bicycles. Neil and Dane enjoyed the operas very much indeed as I did also. I think if Frau von N--d gets anyone to stay with her for a long period she will be a lucky woman. I really don't know how I'm ?agreed to keep my temper when in daily contact with her. She must know that I am up to all her tactics & does she think I keep you in ignorance, evidently or she would hardly write you asking to reccomend her. If one was to accuse her of "Slippery" dealings, she would open her eyes wide with feigned astonishment. I dont intend to ?have anything to do with her, she talks of coming over to Gottingen with her ?fails for a" picnics" well if she does I shall go for a picnic that same day but in an opposite direction. We spent a very enjoyable day at Casel but the boys will give you a full account of the day no doubt. It has been wet for the last 10 days & today we have had thunder but no rain as yet, yesterday we had quite a thunder storm, lightning and ?hard rain. We played tennis this afternoon for two hours. I ?aim to have the tennis court under my own control entirely & we can thus have good games whenever we please. I have called no committee meeting as yet, everybody seems satisfied so why should I and its only means drinking beer and smoking. I rec'd another pressing letter from the German ?Football team in Hannover requesting me to play for them in two matches which they have to play in Bremen & Frankfurt they added, we undertake to pay all your expenses if you will only play for us. I have not yet answered the appeal you see it would take me away on each occasion for the day and I feel sure they would take it amiss if I did not stay over night. I play many games of whist with Herr Eggling and Frau Eggling and Fraulein Bartling in the evenings, the old chap is as keen as mustard on the game and hates losing when he loses he gets mad as a hatter, he really is a very nice old chap and very amiable. The boys are both well & looking forward to the month in England. Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison PS I hope the time that we shall not be done out of our rooms while we are in England I would be much surprised if this were to happen as also much annoyed, but I don’t anticipate this. (Monday Morning) 8.30ish P.P.S. I have just received Cleghorn’s letter but the £15 has not yet reached me.

48 Reinsgraben 4, Gottingen May 29th 1895 My dear Mother It seems quite a long time since wrote last. We have been having very hot weather lately and today was hotter than all the rest whe have be playing tennis a great deal also. There is an American has rooms here the same as us he is very nice and can speak german and like the Germans and never speaks anything else but german he has been in Itily and Greece and Turky and in a lot of Countries he studies languages and is going to be a professor in New York. He can talk Greek a good deal and talks to the Greek so that it is very good for him that he came here because he can improve his Greek. He goes to lectures at the unervirsity and he is trying to lead teach me some Greek in his spare time in the garden, Niel has got a mainer for drawing ships and painting them and sticking them up in the room he has one of the Fishing fleet on the Dogger and various other sorts of ships of different kinds and of in difirent shapes. Please give thise telegram to father to put in my stamp book. You seem to be having a awful mess round at the back of the house. I hope you got an ida of Willhem’s lad from those photos we sent you. Now I must stop as it is very late and is no news your loving son Ivar Grey

49 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen June th 1895 My dear Mother We were at Marie Spring yesterday it was a very hot day. There some Sweedish ladys singing there for two nights they were very singers and it was full every time there were seven of them. We are not having any lessons this afternoon be cause of it being too hot when it is very hot all the schooles are shut none of the boys are allowed to work when the thermometer is over 80 R it is a law in Germany that all the scools must be shut but the universities are never shut except of sertain feast days. I am sending a Turkish stamp that I got in from Mr Carter I do not think I have got any of them but you can see and if I have not got it put it in my book and also a french receat bill stamp which I got from Mr Gourley. I may have it because it may be the same as some of those that father got a lot of the bills when he was in France. Give this crest to Eric I think he colects them at least he eust to it is in the crest of the Gourleys frome Glascoa but I expect we will be home before long. Your loving Son Ivar Grey

50 Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 7 1895 Dear Mrs Grey, Having attended a few lectures at the Göttingen University along with the Students, I propose taking the boys to one or two every week. I shall take them every Saturday morning at 11 to the Astronomical lectures which are given at that time. I have paid Fr: Bartling 368.50 Mark being the 2nd month’s board and lodging together with the German lessons. I enclose copy of her receipted A/c. I have arranged with Fr: B to give up our rooms at the end of June for the month of July with the mutual understanding that we take them again at the beginning of August. During the month of July I have arranged with her that no charge shall be made Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison

Copy
Mr Harrison
Ms Neil and Ivar Grey
From 26th March to 26 April 320 MK.
Servants 4
Boot cleaning 4.50
328.50
German lessons
March and April @ 20 M. 40 .
M 368. 50
(Signed) A Bartling

51 [first part of Harrison's letter missing] up to 3.30 then we put in and went and had dinner then took the Electric Tram to the exhibition and stayed there till about 8:30 PM saw all there was to be seen, fortunately at say 7.30 we met the Director of Gymnasium and his two higher classes who had also come over to see the Ex: and were going on further the next day staying in Kiel the night. We joined them and had a good time we then cleared away and arrived at the station in time to catch the 9.30 to Eutin. The boys will no doubt tell you all the news about the Exhibition with details. They all thoroughly enjoyed the day, Neil and I especially enjoyed the Fleet but I think you’ll find that Ivar and Eric also enjoyed it and that taking the day altogether it was one of the most enjoyable I have yet spent in Germany. The expenses came to about £2.2. our tickets were 18/- alone. Faithfully Yours J Branch Harrison I am still firm as regards the Wakes and their Ausfahrts and their constant invitations. I think they are beginning to see that it is no use, we have altered our tactics. I have not fought them over it much but I thought during the first week I would have to shew the bad blood in my nature, I believe I've got plenty somewhere JBH We were playing cross questions for the first week and I think it puzzled the crew they are beginning to realise!!

52 Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen June 19th 1895 Dear Mrs Grey, The boys and I still continue Tennis in the afternoon after 4. Neil plays a fairly good game considering the fact that before he came to Göttingen he could hardly play at all. Yesterday we bathed again we have not been doing so lately as the weather was not altogether favourable. We go into the Stadt Park which is quite close nearly every evening, when we meet all our friends it is quite the resort of the whole town, and they all turn in. It is right opposite. Some Swedish ladies have been singing the last two nights in the open air in the Stadt Park they have really good voices and it was quite a treat to listen to them. This afternoon we are going to join Fr: Bartling’s party and drive to Maria Spring. I am giving the boys a holiday today as all the schools in the place have a holiday. Göttingen is quite a gay little Town in the Summer, there is always plenty to do but in the Winter I fancy it is very slack especially when the students are away as they cater for them, and they come first having all the advantages, they get to everything half price. I think it would pay to become a student paying the entrance fee to the university and paying for a few lectures. Fr: Bartling talks of our return saying that she will look forward to our return to her house with pleasure. She started to give the boys French lessons through German but she said she found it at present too hard work but she would begin when we returned. The boys boot bill was 17. 90 very large but the size of the bill is in a great measure owing to the fact that we had to send nearly all their boots to have the nails drawn out and the silly old boot maker put new heels on the instead of using the same heels, and charged accordingly. I fancy the boys have thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Göttingen they have of course worked regularly with me and I hope you will find an improvement in them in every way, I have paid particular attention to Dane’s English and have by no means the neglected his Mathematics and I consider he has made much better progress in his studies than hitherto. I have not thought it necessary to give them an Examination as I thought it best to work right up to the end in the usual way. As regards Neil's Mathematics Mechanics and Trigonometry, he seems to understand what I show him but when left to solve problems on the matter explained, he seems to meet difficulties which necessitate my practically shewing him most of the problems and thus his progress is slower than I should like still he works on and tries to solve them himself. I hope you will not find that I have overstepped the limit as regards my expenditure if so I shall be glad to hear from you when of course I shall curtail during our next visit. Yours faithfully J. Branch Harrison P. S. I sent an order to my bankers to buy me 80 shares in the Mashonaland Agency Co. on receiving “Shares in “Chartereds” we recommend a purchase in the Mashonaland Agency @ 2 5/8 or thereabout.” And so I bought straight off 80 shares JBH Cleghorn’s intimation that he has sent £35 to hand as yet the the cash has not reached me JBH

53 Reinsgraben 4, Göttingen May 29 1895 Dear Mrs Grey, After paying Fr: Bartling’s Bill I fancy I shall be out of pocket. I rec'd £15 from Cleghorn this morning. I may state that I have had considerable expenses since I wrote you saying I had a balance of £8 rather less. I have since that time had to pay amongst other things. Neil’s violin Bill. £2.10 up to the 25th inst. The expense in connection with our tour to Cassel , some £2. Church Sittings 15/-. 3 Season tickets for the Stadt park 12/-. I have yet Ivar’s trousers to pay for some 16/- or 15/-. I will draw out a rough summary on the enclosed sheet. Kindly inform Cleghorn that I have received the £15. Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison

Summary May 29. 1895 Payments To May 29 May 29 M pf 1345.5
Frauleins bill if she includes 338,50 German lessons probably
1682.20

Receipts (including the £15) M 1682.20
To balance 1.38,
1683.85
Ivar’s Trousers not included as they are not yet paid for. J. B. Harrison

54 Gottingen Sunday Night Dear Mrs Grey, I think Dane has had a very enjoyable birthday today, he had your 20.40 M safely as also 5 Mark from Mrs Rea as also three Mark from Neil. I was glad Neil gave him this small present. Fr: Bartling made him a very nice cake and Herr Eggling opened for him a bottle of wine and we all drank his health. In the morning we went to the University Church after which we bathed before dinner on the Students’ bathing place. In the afternoon I took the boys to Maria Spring by train three or four miles away and returned after a very enjoyable afternoon at 8 oclock. Maria spring is close to ?plenza and it is beautifully situated in the woods. Crowds of people go every Sunday & Wednesday, a concert is given and the people dance of course I joined the dancers, it is the custom to go up to any lady one sees there and ask her for the pleasure and I picked out my partners and had a few dances. We shall probably go next Wednesday as the elite go then and still the same custom prevails, I am giving the boys a holiday for Dane’s birthday on Tuesday when we are going to Cassel as Dane’s fancy lies in that direction at present unless he changes his mind before Tuesday for Hannover or elsewhere. I took five Englishmen to see a dual last Saturday, Lord Crawley and Viscount Encoombe were amongst the number. Do you know them. I did not know I was going to cart “Lords” about in Germany but I received a letter from Hannover requesting my services. I took them on Saturday morning as they stayed over on Friday night in Gottingen. ?Noses were ?slit in two as usual and blood flowed freely, during one dual which was very fierce, one of the principal’s Sword broke in twain and the pieces flew right to the other end of the room, this ?fact ?gives ?you ?some ?idea of the force of the blows. I took the boys to the lecture in the University the same morning which they listened to attentively & were much interested, this will help considerably their German understanding while at the same time giving them information. I am wondering why Fr: B writes not, would it be advisable for you to send her a nice letter and then probably she will answer it, perhaps she dislikes writing English. We still play tennis and the boys like the game. I know Neil is fond of sitting around but I don't give him much chance as I cart him out & he always enjoys himself when I go out with him. I believe if I left him alone he’d stop in altogether of course don't mention this to him please as he goes out always and has plenty of exercise & I don't wish him to have the idea that I am aware of his wish to sit about or he might not be so willing to come out, as I don't wish him to look upon going out as a duty but a pleasure. Thank you very much for allowing me for the advantages financially, as regard the German I recognise to the full the advantage and appreciated accordingly. As regards Frau Beatrice von Neugaard’s letter, I was very interested in reading it refer her to Aunt Jane Peach, I hope she will let her flat after seven years hard work. She certainly is a clever little woman and how nicely she can write bye the bye the last little note I received from her was signed B, I suppose this is Beatrice or Beattie. Fancy my calling her “Beattie” it is really too funny. What possessed the woman to sign herself on this manner to me. The boys have sent off their cards to Miss Grey (Demesne). Rest assured the ?Wilde case shall be kept from Neil. The ?Greek is always busy studying the whole day making his Doctor’s Exam. Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison PS Please excuse the scrawl.

56 Gottingen Aug 10. 1895 Saturday Dear Mrs Grey The boys are now in their own rooms and I hope to get into my room on Monday. I am glad I took a firm stand her relatives have arrived and they have to take rooms out and “Meal” at Bartlings, I let Fr: B see that I was not to be trifled with of course politely but I allowed her to “read between the lines” when I was arranging the matter and I saw plainly the drift of her talk, and I allowed her to see the drift of mine. You see it doesn't always pay to be the “Amiable gentleman” however everything is alright again and Fr: Bartling “the same as of yore”. She was only trying a little move I saw this directly by her “gushing greeting.” I bought back 100 Mashonaland Agency and 50 more shares on strong advice from my Bankers brokers. I know this Co is not overcapitalised even at present prices. I enclose cutting for Mr Grey to read Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison

57 Eutin Sept. 28. 1896 Dear Mrs Grey Yesterday Sunday the boys & I thought we'd have a bicycle tour to Kiel & back so we all four left at 10 AM and reached Kiel at 1.30 PM. We then had dinner at Maedicke’s Hotel and then went and had a capital sail for an hour in the same boat we had last time there was a strong but steady wind blowing for all that we took a reef in the sail & had a good time there were only four or five war ships in the harbour, we then returned to Maedicke’s Hotel where we left our Bicycles, had Coffee and some ?Liussaw- Lewod and left at 4.30; at 6.30 we lit our lamps and reached Eutin at 8.30 about after a Capital day.
Ex’s M pf
Dinner 9. 95
Tip 60
Sailing 2. 0
Coffee etc. 1. 50
Lemonade 90
Tips 50 & 20
M 15.65
Frau Warn’s asked me today if you would recommend her house in “The Queen” or any other English paper, she said that she would be awfully obliged, if it suits you to do so I can raise no possible objection. She has always looked after us and catered for us I believe to the best of her ability of course I told her I'd ask you. If you do so & then get the paper and send it I'll give it to her to see I think she'll be awfully pleased. I think Warns son is coming to stay here tomorrow for a week or so, the son that had Typhus in Hamburg, he has been better some time and gets about out of doors now. I don't think there is any chance of infection at this date he has been better some time, at any rate he is sleeping I think in the same room as his younger brother who is also coming and I hardly think he would be allowed in the house if there was fear of infection as of course it would be very serious for the Warns themselves. Excuse hurried scrawl I don't guarantee the exact correctness of any figures I send you in a letter as I merely dash off the figures and add up hurriedly but I think you’ll find them not far wrong. Faithfully Yours JB Harrison It's about 50 miles to Kiel and back.

58 [first page missing] and seems very happy. The boys are not overburdened with work in the evenings and they have a good big interval from 4 PM till 7.30 out of doors besides from 12 -1.15 in the middle of the day and very often a turn round of the Schloss Garten in the mornings after breakfast from 8.15 to 9.0 AM. We had a debate the other evening Subject "Should the Navy be considerably increased or not? Ivar said he had no ideas to present but he forked out a couple or so before we had finished, Eric took a front seat but was mute. Result. The Navy should be increased to be able to compete with the whole world, it should be the first consideration and that's no less a sum than £10,000,000 should be spent on it in addition to the amount already voted. Faithfully Yours J Branch Harrison

59 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Gottingen August 1895 My dear Mother We have got back to our own rooms again. Neil is going to take the Greek the first day that it is fine it has been raining all to day. Fraulein B has got the house quite full now she has got.
Mr & Mrs Hall 2 rooms
Mr & Mrs Mc ?Fitier 1 “
Mr & Mrs Brown 3 “
The Greek 1
Mr Carter 1 “
Herr Eggling 2 rooms
Fraulein Eggling 2 “
and ourselves.
I have read The seawolves and Nida the Lilly and am buisy with the Impreginable city. There was a great feast here on saturday sunday and Monday it was a feast of all the firemen of all the places round as far as Hanover and round there the[y] walked in a procession through all the streets and then went in to the concert in the Stadt Park where they all got drunk as kings and yet the Germans will tell you that you will hardly ever see a German drunk then on Monday they had a concert at ?Rohns (the place that the picture is of in the drawing room) and there they also got drunk then came back through the streets in the middle of the night and kicked up a row and woke everybody up. This Mr Crage that is here is the son of the radical chap that was standing up for tinmouth. Mr Harrison is quite racked over the with all his shares he has just come into the room and to say that Goldenucs ? deep is at ten and a quarter. We signed our papers yesterday. I have got no more to say your loving son Ivar Grey

60 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben 4, Gottingen Sep 10th 1895 My dear Mother I have just got your letter. Mr Harrison has been composing a German letter to Cleghorn. We went to Maria Spring on sunday but did not stay there but walked on to Plessa and from there to an old ruin called Hardenberg it is about two hours walk from the Plessa. Mr Harrison did not go to Hardenberg but stayed at Marispring but did not dance but Neil and other two and I went on and came back by train. They say that the Shutsen Plats the morning after the procession on Sadan day was like the battle of sadan there was so many drunk men lying about under the tables and yet the Germans say you will never see a drunk man in Germany. We have begun our Gymnastics again on Teusdies and Fridays from six till seven. Neil took som photographs the other day on the Plessa. We got photographed in the bathing place the other day by an American there were nine Englishman on a raft it was a very nice one there were a lot of diferent positions one chap got taken just two late and there were just his feet in the photograph he had dived of a spring board and was going to be taken in the air but was to late. Your loving son Ivar Grey

61 c/o Fraulein Bartling Reinsgraben, Gottingen Sep 24th 1895 My dear Mother Our house is much emptier now because Mr & Mrs Hall are away they left this week and Mr & Mrs Brown. The Halls have gone back to Chago. And the Browns have gone to Dresden. We are going play scitals tomorrow afternoon with some German boys in the Stadt Park. We have been playing scitals from twelve to one this morning Mr Harrison won the most games. He won 5 Neil four and I three. The grapes are nearly ripe in the front of our house all the apples and pears are all ready eaten. Neil has just gone out with his camara to photograph but I do not now what, his last ones have not been a great success. Mr Harrison has shaved his mastach off and looks quiet diferent lots of people do not know him atall. He was intrajuced to a lady whom he knew as Mr Fairface and he pretended he could not speak any German and she does not know that it was Mr Harrison atall. There is a great change takien place in the last few days before it was quite cold and now it is quite hot again. Mr H has been and had a tooth puled out and felt no pain, he (dentist) put some stuf in to the gum and put all fealing out of it. There is no news to be got yet except that the operas begin on the first of this next month. Your loving son Ivar Grey

 

Letters from Eutin 1896

62 C/o Frau Warns Eutin Mar 4th 1896 My dear Mother We arrived in Eutin all right, Captain Bruce was not on the John Ormston, he was going to London in the Dane but he came down to the quay to see us and to thank us for the game. He said he would have written but he did not know where he had to write to. We were all sick because the saloon and berths were in the stern and she pitched like mad. Eutin is a very nice place as far as we have seen, there is a lake close to with islands on it. But theire are very few fish in it. Theire are some lakes a little farther away with fish in them. We went to a concert the night we came here there was a band from Lubeck and a man from Berlin who is a great piano player he is called von de Sand it was very good. We went for a walk with Herr Warns and Herr Harrison to a place called Durnskoppl and came back by train. There is a place and a castle where the Grand Duke of this place lives when he comes here. The fences here round the fields are big thick ones of ash and wire. There are heaps of duck on the lakes and I should like to have a whack at them. The house is a big one, and our rooms are very nice ones. We are going to have German lessons every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a master who is going to come here to give us them. We are going to him this afternoon to let him see what we have done. Mr Harrison has just concluded arrangements with him but he will write you shortly. I think Neil's violin the master will come from Lubeck once a week he has a class here. It is very muddy here. Your loving Son Ivar Grey.

63 C/o Frau Warns Eutin Mar 17th 1895 My dear Mother We went to the Gym. this eavning and liked it very much they only played to day because it was fine. I got your letter this morning. It has been very cold here and snowing and freezing turn a bout. Herr Warns is allways talking to Mr Harrison about the Transval and saying that if England wants the Trans. the big powers will not allow it. Mr H told him that England did not care a wrap for all of them to gether which he does not like. We get the F. Times befor you every morning out here and the daily Telegraph which Mr Harrison shows Herr Warns after. The feeding is better now and Mr H. has no more saucages dansing on his chest as he said he had the first night we were here. We also have a cold bath every morning at least a thing like a saucer and a lot gets emptied on the floor. We went to Frau an Dresden last night and played games. H & Frau Warns and Fraulein Lench went to. Neil is out riding his bicycle somewhere and Mr H is reading the F. Times on the sofer. You may be sure that we will not let the birds go free and ducks when we can not shoot them. It is a pity about the fishing being off. Fraulein Bouer and Herr Lucker and Frau Lucker come down to dinner on sundays. Fraulein Bouer has been a long time in England and thinks she knows more about England and English ways than we do she has been in Southport and London and Newcastle. She and the old chat are the same age. Now I must get dressed for supper. Your loving Son Ivar Grey

64 C/o Frau Warns Eutin Mar 11th 1896 My dear Mother We went to a little theatre on Monday got up by the people for to pay for building a Tower called Wilhelms Tower. It was very nice, and there were three different plays one in platdeutsch. I'm going to put a plan of the house here as well as I have seen. It is has been raining and snowing the whole of to day. [sketch of rooms] We went to a place called Grims muhlen to see the place with Herr Warns and the others and we saw his brother who is a good deal younger than him, he is a very nice man an speaks plainly. He is going to leave Grims muhlen soon and is gound to live in Hamburg and He, JBH and Neil played biliards in an hotell and He won. Ther is another lake just beside Grims muhlen called the Deack Sea it is as big as the Eutiner Sea. The place is full of Wind mills although it is not flat, the bigest hill here is not more than six hundred. We have had some lessons from our learer already and we like them very much he gives us poetry to learn and translate. He comes every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, he is a very nice man and full of fun. I see there is a slump in South-itis now I hope it will turn round again and give me a sent per sent, and I hope the new system for Shebas is a good one. my shirt stuts haven’t been packed I mean the ones with the gold tops for the front I might happen to need them. Neil collected all the flannels when they were un packed and said they were all his. Your loving son Ivar Grey.

65 C/o Frau Warns Eutin April 24th 1896 My dear Mother We have been having a pretty good weather here last these last few day but before it was beastly before. My Sheba has now paid a dividend of on shilling since you went away. And what an awful rumpus there is in Mat. land . There has not been much doing he latley but the last few days there has been more. We have begun the lurning again now that the scools have began again. About three days ago we went to Lubec on our bicycles, we took over two hours over it because Mr Harrison's tyre burst and he had to get off every ten minutes to pump air in again. When we got there we went to the English consul because Mr Harrison had done some business with him. After that we went to the Raths keller where we stayed about two hours waiting for our dinner which took such a long time to get ready then we went to the station and came back to Eutin at four oclock. About a fortnight ago there were 30 Englishmen came through here and had dinner here from Hamburg by Lubec and afterwards they went to Keil and the[n] back to Hamburg. Just about that time there was a ball here given by the members of the Caseno in the Voss house. Mr Harrison went there with the rest of the house only Frl Warns and Neil and I stayed at home. The other day the Princes came to Plön with the Empress but they came early in the morning before the break of day so we did not see them but we went there the day before on our bicycles to see the place and the castle where the princes are going to live. There was a new station built for the Empress to come out of the train at when she came. We saw over the Castle with Frau Warn's brother in law who is a master in the cadet school at Plön. It was Plön that Harold went to from Hannover. We went to Llzinkofful this afternoon and walked round the ?Dullin Dun past ?Grumfiaflun and through the woodes back to Eutin. Last night we went to ?Ronkings x ?Xraffen a lecture on how he found he found out the ?xharffun x he also photoed a few things such as purses etc. so that nothing of the leather was left but the matel. Your loving Son Ivar Grey

 

 

65 Eutin Varn 7th Mai 1896 My dear Mother We went to Plön by the one twenty seven train to see the Emporor and the Empress but we only saw her and the princes. We went all over the place with Prof Bierier. At first we saw her in a crriage with the crown prince riding behind on a cycle. The next time we saw her walking of to the castle with the crown prince on her right the next on her left and other two coming up behind and two behind that again. They went to the castle to a concert given by the Cadets. Just before she was playing behind the palace with the princes while the public looked on. The ?Ninty first foot from Altona were here in Plön and played music from half past ten to one oc. The whole of Eutin was there and such a squash that we could hardly get in atall infact some friends of mine had to go into a cattle truck. Herr Warns is gone to Hamburg to visit his son and see his son's business but he comes back to night at ten o'clock. We had hard work to read all the letters. The Trinidad one came three hours later than the others. You seem to have been having a very nice time on board. I wish you had brought back some fine weather sonner because it has been so gloomy and dull here but to day was pretty warm in the afternoon. On Monday next Fr'l Lensch goes back to Flensburg again, her father and mother are going to come on Saturday and are going to stop till Monday and then take here back. What an awful row there is going on in the Transval. Mr Harrison sais that it will be a good thing when we get a way from Eutin unles he will slay this beastly ?Arlend ?Stuff/Llrtt?. your loving Son Ivar Grey

66 Eutin Varn 11 ? Mai 1896 My dear Mother I got your letter and the mony this morning. Thank you very much for it. It is an awful nusance these people are going to make a fuss about my birthday I hoped they would forget it but they haven't. We are not going to Keil tomorrow because the Exhibition only opens the day after. We went to Gremsmühlen yesterday with Herr and Frau Lensh who came here to fetch their daughter, we rowed all the afternoon on the Deak sea about the same size as the Grosser Eutinner ?Sea . The last few days have been somthing fearful hot everything is a green as canbe here but it wants rain. That was a fine smack in the face for the Bdogs. We are going to ride on our bikes to a place called “Uglei” which is about half an hour's ride from here where we will meet Herr Warns. I am going to wright on Wednesday so I mussent write to much. Your loving Son Ivar Grey

67 Eutin 19th May 1896 My dear Mother We have done a lots of rowing in the last few days but to day it has been raining nearly all day. We can not get a boat for the month Mr H offered him twenty marks but he wouldn't take it he said he could make more by letting it by the hour. The Kingston holidays begin on Sunday and last for a week when all the shulers go home very few of them live here in Eutin but are only boarding here to attend the Gymnasium. Last Sunday we went in the Heller Sea steamer to Uglei where we went rowing on the Uglei Sea which is a little thing, then we went back in the steamer which was packed full of people. It was supposed to holde two hundred but I should not like to be in it as it rolled about like anything. We are going to come home for Juley because the school brokes up then and ?herr Smith und ?herr ?tark could not come so it is best to go away when they have their holidays. We have got two new frauleins here to learn house keaping etc. One from Hamburg and the other from a place near Flensburg. There is an awful Spring cleaning going on in the house varnishing and washing which is something fearful . Your loving Son Ivar Grey

68 Eutin 20th Juni 1896 My dear Mothe We have got the boat now and it is a very nice one and it runs very easy and pretty light. It is in the water now. Neil rows in it every night now and all his spare time except when he is bathing. The bathing place is on the Little Sea, it is running water like in Göttingen but standing still and pretty dirty. It takes half an hour to swim across the sea and back but you cannot get on land on the other side because of the mud and rushes so you must swim the whole way without stopping. There was a chap nearly drowned the other day when I was there he could just swim a couple of strokes and just swam out of his depth quite near the side, we thought he was playing until he went down two or three times then ?Young S fished him out he turned a “beastly green“as soon as we fished him out but was none the worse. We did not go to ?Frbunking on the Sunday because it rained which was a good thing, but I expect we shall be going there on Saturday. There has been a picnic arranged to take place before we leave on one of the islands on the lake of course we shall go there in the boat. Two or thre of the boy in the Gym have weak eyes so they have to wear “Specs” so every one is shamming that he has them too and all wearing blue “Specs”. Yesterday there were fifty out of 135 absent through it. In the first two classes together there were only nine and in the next two only eigh and in ?insurn out of about thirty there were only sixteen there, Your lovin[g] Son Ivar Grey

69 C/o Frau Warns Eutin 26th August 1896 My dear Mother It is raining like mad here to day we were going to have a row but went to see ?herr ?Smith instead and see about the German lessons. There were about 30 English people came here a bit a go and stayed here, there are still a few left in the place. The Germans have started a football club here and want us to play to make up an 15. ?herr Warns has not come back yet from Hamburg his son has got Typhoid and has now turned in to bleading in the stomach. Frau Warns is in an awful stew about it. She is always running about with post cards and letters. Mr Harrison has gone to play billiards and drink beer in the “Casino”, Neil has started to play his fiddle allready. J. B. H. is awful mad because the chap would wont to send his paper and he can't see anything about Africans he has been writing to tell the chap to send it. Poor Eric calnt understand what they say and when Frau Warns speaks English he can't understand it eeather. There is a Peoples feast comes soon it is one of the cracke things where each chap has the things he makes hung on a cart viz, a blacksmith has all sorts of iron things hung about, Eric is wrighting just now to be put in the same envelope with mine. Now I must stop Your loving Son Ivar Grey.

70 Eutin Aug 28th 1896 Friday Afternoon Dear Mrs Grey I rec'd “wire” this afternoon & have made full enquiries from Frau Warns. They seem to have but one term viz Typhus and Frau Warns assures me that what they call Typhus is not in the slightest degree infectious she doesn't appear to have heard of the term Typhoid. I gather from her remarks that what we call Typhoid is by the Germans called Typhus fever as she kept calling his complaint Typhus I naturally quoted her remarks to you. She assures me that the doctor attending Herr Warns son says there is no idea of infection at all, as she was her self anxious about Herr Warns and the children and the Doctor says that it is not in the slightest degree infectious. Consequently out of the confusion of out two terms Typhus and Typhoid I gather that Typhus and Typhoid are in German synonymous and that the illness Warn’s son is suffering from is what we call Typhoid. However I can but quote again Frau Warn’s words and tell you that she says she has made full enquiries and the Doctor attending the son says that the disease is not in the slightest degree infectious. Boys & I had a row at 4 till 6 then bathed. Boys quite well Eric bright. Faithfully Yours JB Harrison

71 Eutin 9th Sep 1896 My dear Mother We went to Keil yesterday to see the Czar but got there too late but we hired a sailing boat and sail round his yacht the “Polar Star” an old fashioned looking boat. Once just as we were coming up to the yacht she fired a salute which spoiled the wind and we got in stays and couldnt move for a bit and all the time she was firing cannons over head. After that we went right down the harbour and saw all the German fleet which consisted of about thirty sort of Crusers and twenty torpedo catchers. We sailed right down and then up again. The Hohenzollern was also there but the Emperor was not there all this time the Czar was in the castle having his dinner. Afterwards we went to the Exhibition which is about 3 miles out of the town and on the side of the bay. There were a good few buildings all full. The first was full of all sorts of fancywork, carriages and funiture, the second was full of boilers and engins for ships of all sorts and the third was marine one which was full of all the models of the german men of war and a lot of Cannons and the officers cabins on board ship and a big state barge. There were a lot more palace amongs which was a place full of swedish things such as harpoons, boats, skates, skies etcetera. At half past seven the Czar left the harbour in his yacht amid a tremendous shooting from the ships and a fearful chearing after they stopped firing we could not see them for smoke. Then we made our way back to the station and came home Your loving Son Ivar Grey ( See letter no.86 from Harrison)

72 Eutin 23 Sep 1896 My dear Mother We wen to the Exhibition at Berlin on last Tuesday it was excedingly nice and very interesting. We spent five hours in the Exhibition alltogether. The best place was the Colonial one it was full of niggers from S. A. Mr H hung about there for a long time talking to them and watching them. Cairo was also very fine with all its turks and Arabs. We have written a full account of it all on some paper Mr H is going to send it to you so it is no good wrighting the stuff twice over. Your loving Son Ivar Grey.

73 Eutin 30 Sep 1896 My dear Mother We rode to Kiel on Sunday it was a good long ride. We started at 10 oclock in the morning and got there at one. In Kiel we hired a sailing boat and sailed for an hou we sailed round a few battleships that were there all rotten ones. The Hohenzollern was also there and of the Geffion too which is their best ship. At four we started again for Eutin where we arrived at eight it being quite darke. We were very hungry after it and Eric pretty tired. The Gym has holidays jus know they laste for two weekes. The consequence is that there is very near nobody here. The papers arrived allright this morning and we gave Frau Warns hers. Herr Warnes two sons are here now Herman and Otto. Otto has just past his enginear’s exam in Magdeburg where he has been studding. The other is the one who has been ill and has come here to regain his health, he is a very little chap with a beard and very different from his brothers who are all alike. There is absolutely nothing going on here now. Your loving Son Ivar Grey

74 Eutin 5th November1896 My dear Mother It has been freezing here all day to day. We went to a concert on Tuesday night it was very nice. There was a man playing the pinao which he takes round from place to place and a lady sung a lot of songs. It was very full. Mr Harrison is going to get the boat out of the water to a dry in a day or two. He has to arrange with the man who looks after the boats first. Neil is buissy playing a chelo of Herr Warns he is going on fine with it and making an awful row on it. A friend of Neils is often up here playing the fiddle, he can play it very well and is going play at a concert given by the boys in the Ghym. It is going to be on the first of december so we will be able to go to it. Eric has got a craze for playing marbles and is often playing with Mr Harrison on the floor. There is going to be high old jinks on Neil’s birthday. Four of the boys of the Ghym are already invited for the evening. Mr H has been out to night playing chess with Sachsa and got beaten twice. Neil got his tusk to day in a box and Frau Warns “Q[u]een” came too she is very pleased with the recommendation. There is nothing going on here just now Mr H cannot get a bajo here they had never heard of such a thing. Now I must stop Your loving Son G.H.I. Grey

75 Eutin 23rd November1896 My dear Mother I am writing to day because it is better to have the two letters seperate instead of both coming on the same day. It is pretty cold weather here now but the frost has given now. We have just come back from 6 oclock churche. It was very full. A chap called Eie was preaching he preaches very well and distinct. The Andresens are invited in this eavning to play whist and sing songs. The other afternoon Mr H and I walked to Fissau and had a game of billiards then came back again. The Germans had given up playing football now they think it is too cold for it. The Warnes were very upset when Neil went away but are settling down again now. Last Wednesday was an extra sunday in Germany all the places were shut and the Ghym had a holiday. Mr H is better again now and is going out the same as usual and Eric is alreigh again now. Tell Neil that “Bobby” has got into his uniform now and looks a great deal better in it he is learning to salute now There is very little news gaing here in Eutin jus now. Your loving Son G. H. I Grey

76 Stenler 30 1896 My dear Father We rode to Kiel last Sunday on our bycickles and sailed round sum men a war that were lying there. It was raining yesterday. There are a lot of people stay hear just now. Every dody is a way for thar holdays we have no football just now because there is not a nuf to play. We went in the bote the smorning butt it is very cola rowing now. I have nothing more to say. Eric Ida Grey

77 Eutin 28th October1896 My dear Mother On last Saturday there was a great fuss here because of the Future Grand Dukes marriage which took place in Winn. From Winn he came to Eutin and then went straight on to Lensahn in a carriage. All the streets were all decorated with reaths and flags and all the windows were full of candles and lanterns and looked very nice indeed. In the Peter St. there was a big ache built of wood and then covered with fir branches and all over little lights on the top of it there was a big crown made out of a gas pipe with little holes all over it so that the gass could burn and it made it look fine. In the Lübecker St. there was another one, made by the Eutin bicyclests club. It was the best of the two and all round were standing the whole of the club with their bicks with the lamps alight we wer also there with ours. When he came through all the streets through which he was to drive were all lined with people, consisting of fireman and postemen, etc. We rode after his carriage a bit along the rode and then turned back. He was here the other day with his wife driving in a carriag with four horses in front and two figers sitting behinde. Mr Harrison and Neil have gon for a ride on their bicks and are not yet back. We played football this afternoon and had a good game. It is getting to colde to do much boating now. Your loving Son G. H. I. Grey

78 Eutin 23rd November1896 My dear Mother It has been snowing the whole of this morning and now the ground is all white. There was a man yesterday who ran round the streets ringing a bell and making funny rows he was dressed as a racer and after he had gone round the whole town he then came and collected money to buy beer with. Mr Harrison went to Lübeck yesterday and came home again at four oclock and we had a whole holiday. It gets awfully dark soon now, we have to light the lamp at four to see to drink coffee. All the skating is over now, and all the ice is melted it is not freezing at all. I have bought a punchandJudy show it is a pretty big one it has four dolls in it which are worked by hand you stick your hand up the back of his coat and there are holes for your fingers in its head and arms. Your loving son Eric Ida Grey

79 Eutin 14 Dec 1896 My dear Mother All the ice hase gone away now and it is snowing now. Last Friday I spent the whole day in bed with a silly sore throat which has got better again now. We went to church last night it was pretty full but we not a good place because we could not see the preacher attal. Mr Harrison has been in Lübeck all day seeing the English Consul. He has given me a prize called ?"Das ?luif ?unsr ?isnasznlt" which is a fine big book with all the animals init. He has also got a book for Neil about experiments and inventions he has bought a lot of other books to reid in England during the holidays. The plum pudding has not yet arrived yet. I got a poast card saying that it had arrived in Hamburg. And wrote last Thursday to tell them to send it to us but we have had no answer and the plum pudding has not turned either. Mr H wrote another letter to day asking them why they they[sic] have not sent it on. I hope the workers on strike have not eaten it. Tell Neil to write to zummer soon he is asking me every day for the pipes because he knows they are underway. Mr H. is playing Billiards with the old chap. Your loving Son G. H. I. Grey PS I had my last German lesson on Sat. he said he was very pleased with me G. H. I. G

80 Eutin My dear Mother There has been a Volks feast here on Sunday and Monday it was a sort of thing like a fare with hurdeygurdeys going all day and shooting galleries. There was a switch back the upon which were riding a great deal. On Sunday there was a train of wagons went through the streets with all sorts of things on them such as windmills engins etc which represented all the different trades of the people. On Monday eavning there were fireworks in the Volks platz which were very good for Eutin. We played football this afternoon and Mr Harrison played with us for the first time. We still go on bathing and it is very nice. Eric can swim quite well now. I got the papers the other day and gave Mr Harrison his. What an awful row there is going on in Turkey with the Armeniens. The German Emperor's train was run into the other day at Dresden. The German train was over the points and an express carried his engin away but bad luck he got away allrigh. I think we are going to Berlin next Tuesday because there is a special train which is cheaper Your loving Son Ivar Grey

81 Eutin My dear Mother Herr Warns has come back again and said that he has only seen his son through the cracks of the door and has had his clothes disinfected in ?junlnrey We started ?turning again yesterday and Eric went us. A photographer bought a boat the other day here and went out to sail with it on the lake and did not know how to manage it a the consequence was that he upset the boat and tumbled all the people over the side into the water there were four of the two men and two ladies, they hung on the boat and waited till a man came with a boat and picked them up. We played football this afternoon but there were very few chams there. It is Sudan day to day there has been a band playing all the morning and the monument is hung with wreaths. The two head classes were going to make a tour up to Kiel and then on to Sonderberg in the little Belt and then back but it has been put off because of the rain. Neil is always tearing away to that boat now and is always away in it. We had some fine sailing the other day on the lake there was a fine wind blowing and we sailed up and down the place for a long time. Frl Bertha is going away to Dresden some day soon a companion to some lady whic is a good thing. It is raining like mad here and has been for a good bit. Your loving son Ivar Grey

82 & 83. In German not yet transcribed.

84 Eutin. Nov. 1st 1896 Dear Mrs Grey, I take the liberty of sending you a few lines, to thank you for your great kindness, in recommending my house and I need hardly tell you, that it is in my power to do honour to your recommendations. The advertisement which you kindly made for me, I think most excellent and you will be glad to hear that I had already one application. Mrs. Lindsey Bate wrote to me and I referred this lady to you, feeling sure that you will say all you can in my favour. I must make most of my large house and I should be delighted if I could find some more young English gentleman to be with me. It has been a real pleasure having Mr Harrison and your sons staying with us and we are, all of us, very sorry to lose them. We shall keep them in kind remembrance and at anytime be glad to see them again. On the 17 of March we shall not forget to keep Niel's birthday. I mean to invite some of the young gentleman of our college, with whom he likes very much to associate. With kindest regards, dear Mrs Grey, Believe me Yours very truly Marie Warns. Mr Harrison and your sons send you and the whole family her best compliments

85 Eutin May 19.1896 Dear Mrs Grey , I received your letter this morning, as regards the boat I shall of course do my best to produce one as cheap as possible. Warns has now written to Lübeck to see if he can get one there and he added that he thought of "buying" one himself in that case I understand that we could have the use of it, but of course my course is to wait the course of events in other words to wait for the answer to his letter written to Lübeck, if he buys a boat and offers us the use of it I shall "offer" him a monthly subscription! On the other if we can get a boat on hire from Lübeck at a reasonable price I shall take it and then we can be independent of the "family – boat" and go out when we please. I have given Warns to understand (as of course I don't know how he would word his letter to his friend in Lübeck) that I don't feel inclined to give more than £1 per month for the best boat that ever crawled, including transport cost both ways; course I can always play my trump card and go "one more" if the "other chap" is as hard as nails! Of course the cost of transport will add materially to the expense and one must take this into consideration. I will let you know the result when it is concluded. As regards returning to England we have no alternative but to fix on "July" as our "holiday month" as the German Master the Violin Master take their holidays in July and the whole of the Schools, therefore there will be no German lessons nor Violin Lessons to be had and no gymnastics and no german boys for Neil and Ivar to go out with occasionally. Under these circumstances I have fixed on "July" as the month for our return, I understand that it is your intention that the boys should return "here" after July as Fräu Warn was asking me about it and I gathered from your letter that that was your present intention. I shall tell Frau Warns today that we shall go to England for the month of July and that I fancy it is your intention to send the boys out here after the month’s holiday, as of course if you remember she wrote you asking for a month’s notice before quitting in July. As regards our visit to Flensburg I think I shall wait to hear again from Herr Lunpf before moving in the matter, altho’ the invitation was very pressing from both the Herr and his wife. I have not yet got Ivar's boots but will do so shortly he has managed very well without so far. I thank you very much for the stick you brought me and I shall appreciate it very much I am sure as being something out of the common. It was very interesting to see the fruit you sent here, I saw my favourite fruit "Mangos" amongst the collection. I once eat one in Brazil and thought it the most delicious fruit I had ever tasted. We have now two more ladies (Germans) learning the art of cooking and housekeeping etc like Fr: Lensch, one seems a very lively little "trump" full of quiet mischief but of course I can only judge from appearances as she has only been here since Sunday, they both seem very pleasant. Our "present rage" is boating! This morning, as it happened, Neil came into my room at 8 AM complaining that he had been as sick as a dog in the early hours of the morning and also again just before he was getting up. I cannot think what upset him as he went to bed A1 last night, this morning he only had a cup of tea so far (12.0 AM) he tells me that he took a pill last night ?cockle and I fancy this has had a nauseous effect, this happens sometimes with liver pills, the pill has operated he tells me, so let us hope that tomorrow he will pick up again. He is up and has drawn for me a map of India one of the best he has ever done and now he has done his German for tomorrow, I left him to himself and told him to do just as he pleased if he felt inclined to do his map and German to do so if not to "chuck it"! Neil has evidently got a stomach but I'd like to know who hasn't!!!!!!!!! it seems to me that everyone has some ailment in this world to enable him "by passing through the fire of suffering" the better to prepare for the world to come, it ought to be splendid, “?fo ?foltn ?gwurflwsoll ?fain!” Ivar is now finishing his Arithmetic lesson he has just whispered across the table "I'm going on like a house on fire" I hope when I come to correct the sums they will be all right! [15 words written in old german script here] J Branch Harrison PS if it is not your intention to send the boys back to Eutin to Frau Warn I should of course like to know, but I am of opinion that you wish them to come back and am acting accordingly. JBH One feels tempted to say like one of Dicken’s Characters in Bleak House, “I wish Africa was dead” Neil eat his dinner but sparingly I've given him a German Novel ”Das ?wotn ?fronilantaw ” this afternoon to read instead of his usual work and he has waded half through it already Ivar’s sums were not all right, he made a wry face when I marked them wrong after his jubilation JBH It’s raining here today but I have had a fire put into our sitting room owing to Neil’s indisposition and we don't intend to poke our noses out today, I'm not anticipating Neil's present ailment going any further and if you don't hear from me you may know "Richard is himself again." JBH

86 Eutin Sept. 9. 1896 Dear Mrs Grey I took the boys to Kiel yesterday (Tuesday), as the Czar of Russia was there on a visit, we left Eutin at 8.40 AM and arrived at Kiel at 10.5 AM just five minutes too late to see the Czar who had apparently arrived five minutes before on the opposite platform as the carpets were still down on his platform. We rushed out of the station but it was too late as the Czar was away in a boat which took him to the castle. We waited about a little on the quay but he did not come out and then the idea struck me that it would be better to take a boat which we did and I hired a large grand sailing boat, the fellow asked me if understood sailing, he appeared quite satisfied that I did and away we went, grand breeze and we sailed round the Russian’s Yacht several times in the hope of seeing him and once while hovering near her she started saluting and hanged if the boat didn't "miss stays” close to her so I put over the tiller to the other side told Neil to slack off the sheet as far as it would go and we ran before the breeze and so cleared the vessel which was saluting right and left, talk about Cannons to right of us and we were in the thick of the smoke, right opposite to her guns but you don't expect a Russian to blow an English Man out of the water, we then sailed in and out off the German Fleet, the whole fleet were there and we sailed round almost every Cruiser, I couldn't help thinking although the Cruisers certainly looked well that “The Toys” in comparison with our fleet were harmless!! We then had a steam launch steaming after us full steam ahead to tell us that we were not allowed between the Russian and the pier as the Emperor was supposed to be coming out every minute to his barge but we wanted to salute the chap, we had a most enjoyable day.

Eutin Sept. 10 1896 Dear Mrs Grey, Eric does Gymnastics on the same day as the boys and at the same hour but with smaller boys then Neil and Ivar. He is swimming well and learning fast always tries and spends his time in learning to swim not simply fooling about in the water. I think you must admit that Ivar and his learning in general was rather exceptional and personally I feel a certain amount of gratifaction in the improvement he has made generally since I took him in hand, he has changed very considerably and I think for the better, for a long time he had no "plod” in him and when I first took him in hand he knew absolutely nothing and seemed quite unable to take anything in and keep it. My idea was to let the boys mix with the Germans as much as possible last time and I was fully convinced in my mind that you wished them to mix with the Warns family for the sake of the German, as I laboured under the idea that you were not satisfied with the German they heard in Göttingen and I was quite convinced that you wished them to be thrown entirely amongst a German family for the sake of the language hence I acted accordingly. I might add that I spend all day morning afternoon and evening with the boys as regular as clock work and in the evenings supper not being over till about 8.15 Neil and Ivar prepare their German lessons three days in the week say till 9 PM and on other days for about half an hour or three quarters they read short German stories. The boys seem quite happy and I don't wish to make their evenings a source of worry to them and I think they require the remaining time entirely to themselves. To conclude I might add that I'm perfectly satisfied with the way in which they are progressing and they always seem to find something to do before bedtime to amuse themselves. Yours faithfully J. Branch Harrison.

87 Eutin Nov. 6. 1896 Dear Mrs Grey, I rec'd your letter this morning, I don’t know exactly what to say as regards the cakes etc which you are thinking of sending, of course if we invite some of the gym: students of course thro’ Frau Warns then it would either have to be for a meal to wit:-supper with wine and beer and cigars etc as they would not give you a fig for cakes alone. Of course I might ask the boys’ particular friends the last evening in and join the Warns (not to supper) and get from Frau Warns to order so much wine (‘tis not dear) Claret, also beer and cigars and cakes and some light pudding etc and tell her I wish to pay for them for you, (this is an idea for the farewell) of course it would not be exactly what one would style a "drunken revel" as of course Herr Warns and Frau Warns would of course be to all intents and purposes the host and hostess and the event would go off just like any other evening on which the Warns ask the gym: lads in. However you can give me your views as I daresay I could make arrangements with Frau Warns to defray the expenses of any wine beer cigars and cakes consumed. Of course wine and beer sounds like a drunken revel but, students over or under 14 in Germany are quite accustomed to drink beer and take a glass of wine and nobody thinks anything of it like in England!! (The above refers only to the evening before our departure) I understand that they are going to celebrate my birthday in the same way that they will Neil’s to morrow, of course this is quite another matter as they appear to wish to do this of their own accord! Neil appears to have an idea already that you intend taking him along with you to the Medit: early next year, as he told me some few weeks ago. Of course I shall not allude to it in any way! He seemed to be very pleased with the idea. We have frost here now, the morning before last it was freezing hard and again last night. If you go away in February I understand you would like me to be in Milfield and go on with the boys lessons there as usual, which I shall be very pleased to do. I hope you will hear of a nice family in France or Belgium with whom the boys can mix without restraint and I must really ask you Mrs Grey to be careful not again to land us in a pension for ladies, as I would prefer to be without that doubtful pleasure!!! Ladies are well enough in their place but to have them "humming and bumming" round one all day is enough to drive one into a lunatic assylum. If you put a man and a woman in some what close proximity for a lengthened period, if the man doesn't run after the woman, well, the woman will run after the man and should they both be inclined to do the "running" well there is a "smash up" Yours faithfully J Branch Harrison PS I note the fact that you would like us to leave on the 15th Dec so as to arrive in England on the 17th JH

 

Letters from Christian to Ivar

91 Millfield May 3rd 94 Dearest Dane, I believe Father wrote to Neil on Sunday so I must write to you. I hope you are getting on well and are comfortable and happy and being as nice as you can to the rest of the people in the house. We miss you and Neil very much, the ?wruings are very quiet and I have no one to make a noise with. Father being in bed with a sore throat keeps me trotting – as he has to be poulticed and rubbed and steamed and I miss having my useful boy to run messages for me when people are ill. Eric had taken splendid care of all the beasts and they were all flourishing. The fat Hen is as fat as ever. His door is going to be mended to keep black and white “Tam” out. Freda enjoyed herself very much at Doddington and has come home with two tiny white rabbits with pink eyes. She set Eric's chucker on eggs today. The rats killed 14 of the nurse’s little ducks last night and left them in their pens. I hear your rods have been sent off to you. Curley Bow is well – he has his muzzle but doesn't often wear it – he does not like it. He broke his collar one day trying to get at Lillie’s dog to eat him and Fungal and he went off and had a good nights hunt instead. All the village people have been asking how you and Mr Harrison are getting on. The ship we came home on wasn't nearly so nice as the Hook of Holland one – and the sheets on the bunks were quite damp. Father slept in his mackintosh and got his cold there. We got across an hour too soon and had to wait on the boat at Queensbro till the Customs house officers got up. It was pretty calm but tossed a bit when fairly out to sea. The charges were very high on the boat and one gentleman at supper and was told it cost 3mk. 50pf. tho he had finished asked if he could have another helping for that and when they said yes! he set to and eat nearly a whole chicken and said he didn’t feel then it was such a do! We were in the train with a gentleman on his road from St Petersburg to S. Shields for a fortnights holiday. We hear George Butler is getting on well but is very hazy still and doesn't remember anything of his fall. He thinks he is in someone else's house and wants to get home. The Gaby’s are well and have been in the front all day with Mr Turkey whose hens are all sitting. The young dove cot has grown a lot but his parents have cast him off and we found him nearly dead today and had to warm and feed him. Tarapin is also well and has been sitting in the front all day. Charlie is reading in the armchair. Tarap is in his box by the fire. Fungal is sound asleep at the dining-room door - and I have just been tucking “Ceazzie” up in his quilt on your bed to keep Eric company. He would like to go to Neils bed but I make him lie on yours. He missed Neil very much - whined all the day he left and wouldn't go to bed that sat at the front door all night. He is all right now and follows me about and howls and makes noises for me to go walks with him. Mr Playfair is dead - he died suddenly when getting into bed one night. It is very windy today and rather cold, the lilac is not so far out as at Hannover. I must go to bed now and shall write to Neil soon. With my best love to you both I am Yr loving Mother Has your bicycle arrived?

92 Sunday MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES Dearest Dane, Your letter arrived yesterday and I think in spite of your hurry was better written than usual – and the spelling too was rather better. We have Mr Wilkinson Mr Friar/[ or Marr?], Mr Hoyle and Charlie. On Tuesday last they started at Newbiggin on Tweed and had a very good drag; ran right up to Till then lost it and Mr Wilkinson then drew down to Norham and then up again to Newbiggin but the sun was up then and no scent left. It was dreadfully hot on those steep Tweed banks. We drove home from Twizell and dear Mowdie went from Twizzll to Norham and straight back here without ever resting and he was dreadfully tired. On Thursday this week was at Red Scar Bridge at 8:30 - a very hot day. A lot of people were out - Mr and Mrs Orde, Greets. Edwards Grey’s brothers and sister, George and Mia, Rhoda and Stanley, Carrs and hosts more. Capt French and Bob. Hounds spoke as soon as they started and made a row all up then to Akeld where there seemed no more scent – ?one ?time they ran across some field yelling like foxhounds. Then when sent failed at Akeld they turned down again and hounds never spoke till they got past about where our boats lie when they began to yell and got an otter out. He got down as far as the weir close to our boundary at the Tilesheds when “Sandy” found him in a hole and he was hunted for two or three hours up and down that bend. Whilst they were hunting him Sandy bolted another great big one from the same hole but he was allowed to go away as was also a cub. They killed the other at 5.30 and eat him on the bank. A long and very hot day – hounds were so tired they would hardly bother to swim after him at last and they would not have got him had it not been for the people. Father got this head and has ………….next page missing………..

93 MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES Dearest Dong, Father has just got home from his last days hunting for this season – a very bad day ending a very bad season. They ran and killed a ?goat/foal? today. They were photographed by Mr Lambton at Lanton as they came home. The Lambtons were having a picnic there. We dined at Fenton last night besides ourselves and the Lambtons there was her uncle Lord Revelstoke his daughters and Lord and Lady Robert Cecil - she is Fred L. sister. We has a very pleasant evening. Freda and I went to Ewart today and on the way back we tied Mowdie to a tree and I did a sketch of the Wilderness. I think it will look well. It is of the hills by Humbledon and a few firs in the foreground. All the village children came to roll eggs and play games as usual yesterday afternoon. It was fine and bright but a very cold wind. Bill Connell ran some races and ran well. It was a fine day on Saturday so we went down to ?Ord - Miss C. Freda, Bill, Gervaise and I. We took lunch with us and had it up in the Quarry. Freda had forgotten all about the quarry. Then we examined the new windmill which pumps the water and then we went down to the river - to show it to Miss Couse and then drove home. Freda had taken ?Quits and he was such a bother in the carriage, never still for a moment. The house is to be begun the next week - and most likely bow windows run all the way up from the pantry to the mangle room. I hope you are trying your best to speak German as well as understand it. Chatter away to people, never mind mistakes. I wrote to Mr Harrison about your tennis raquets. I hope you are sleeping well at night if not get Mr H to get you a little carbonate of soda and take it in a little warm water as you did for a bit at home. I expect you will most likely come home for your months holidays about the last fortnight of June. But we'll see when the otter hounds are coming and arrange for them as I suppose you would like to be here for them. That is not very long now. I hear the herons busy building in the Ford Woods and making horrid noises over it. Charlie went to fish on our water yesterday, he only got a grayling and a small trout. Two canoes came down the river when he was there, one with two men in it and the other with one. Charlie asked if they had had leave- they said they didn't know it was required. One said his name was T. Fenwick from Berwick. They had evidently trained their canoes up to Wooler. Love to Neil and yourself. your loving Mother [ NB date must be Easter]

94 Sunday March 15 1896 MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES Dearest Dane, Thanks for your letter and its plan of the house. I am glad you have such nice rooms and think the place will be nice. You should begin and collect seabirds eggs – I suppose they will nest on the Islands – get a cheap egg book and read them up. Ask Mr Harrison to get you one. Tell Neil his lens is at last found at the back of the big table in the morning room, so I'll send it this week. I hope you'll do all you can to get on with German this term, besides your lessons try to talk and chat away to people as you do at home – especially try to do so at home at meals. Your time for German and indeed for lessons will soon be over and you must work hard to get all the knowledge you can during the next few years to make yourself an interesting and useful member of society and like Cuzzie a credit to your family and a good example for the ?Vusses Try your best like a dear good boy – as I know you are. You will enjoy boating when the weather gets fine. Bye the bye Father wants you to avoid sailing on the lakes keep yourselves to rowing. I forgot to tell Mr Harrison this yesterday – you had better tell him – in case I forget. You won't be able to write to us or hear from us when we are away but I'll write you both a long epistle on board and post it at Plymouth. I have told Mr Harrison to tell you to both write long letters to us next Saturday to London and we’ll get them before we leave for Southampton. Write home every week and some of the children and Miss Calvert will make them write each week to you. Send a letter to the little Vuss, he will miss me most. Last Tuesday they met at Humbleton but all Wooler was on the hill tops and although there was a splendid scent they could not see any distance, scent was fouled with Wooler people and their terriers - however in the afternoon they had a fast run from Middleton Hall by Lilburn to ground on Trickley. Very fast indeed but were much bothered with wire. Quits distinguished himself by attacking a goat and hanging on by its throat for about 100 yards the goat screaming and bounding down over the rocks and father shouting and running after Quits and heaving rocks at him which is generally hit the goat. When he did get Quits he gave him a great thrashing first one side than the other. It was a goat he had selected just like our own. Friday was a very cold day. Meet at Yeavering short run and killed a fox, then drew blank for rest of the day. We had 4 inches of snow on Saturday and it looks quite like being another fall today. “Beesum” has come in very wet and is chortling on the hearth rug. Quits is asleep on an armchair and fathers looking out of the window and saying “what a beastly day”. Gervais hit Boyd with his gun barrel on the neck and next morning Boyd had a thing quite as large as an orange between his neck and cheek. I have got it nearly rubbed away again. We were at Mr Carr’s sale on Thursday. I got two old books for father. Redpath’s Border History and Srorey’s “Angling”. There were some more books I told Cleghorn to bid for for you and Neil but he made a muddle and let them go, although they went for about 1/. for 1 doz: volumes. We have [paper torn here] on Tuesday Scarth Dixon is perhaps coming they judge at 9.30 – lunch at 10.30 and hunt at 11.30. Some people are coming to see the hounds that day too and the hunt want to have them photoed and give Father an oil painting of them as a testimonial. Some of themselves to be in it too. Father would rather have had something smaller if they wanted to give him anything – I hope it won’t be a dreadful daub as we’ll have to hang it up. Good bye. Dear old boy. Your loving Mother.

95 Sunday MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES Dearest Dane Your letter has just arrived with Mr Harrisons and I am glad you are so comfortable and in such a pretty place. I wish I could join you for a bit. You and Neil must tell me everything you do and if you can get one send me some photographs of the town or your house. I shall also look forward to getting your sketch. Tell Mr Harrison I never knew of the “Mahlzeit” custom it must be very funny and I am afraid I would laugh at them all. I suppose they will be all Germans in the Hydropathic. I have told Mr Harrison about your holidays and suggested you should have a week or a fortnight as he likes when Harold and Alfred are there, but I think you ought still to do some German every day. We go to London tomorrow, go to the Peterboro hound show on Wednesday and home to Newcastle that night and on here on Thursday. I went and saw the children at Alnmouth, they are having great fun and are very brown. They come home next Saturday week. Your peacock is very well and a nice friendly bird he won’t let you touch him but eats out of a plate you hold in your hand. He goes into the chicken place at night. Hea is very well indeed. Sybil goes to Mea’s tomorrow for a fortnight till Auntie Kit comes home from Meopham. Lord Burford’s engine has come at last it is a very nice one - a stationary vesticle one about 1 ½ foot high and goes either with a spirit lamp or you can light a fire under it. It has neat little taps on it – and a whistle - and a driving wheel. We had a great thunder storm one night last week and every time there was a very bright flash it made the telephone bell in the smoking room and in Luke’s house ring. You could also see the sparks under neath. Love to Neil and yourself Your loving Mother I wonder if you will see that spectre when you go up to Brocken

96 Milfield Sunday Evening Dearest old Dong, Your letter arrived today, I hope you are enjoying yourself at Goslar. If the Brocken is too long a climb for you tell Mr Harrison he can leave you in charge of the Herr Doctors till he returns - and you would have to take care not to get any mischief whilst they were away – nor go to the swimming bath without Mr Harrison. I am glad you are able to swim so nicely now. Tell Mr Harrison not to mind about Neil’s violin. Don't over tire yourself with too long walks. Mr Harrison says Neil is still growing, are you growing too? You have got about half your time over now till you come home for your holidays. The photographs, letter and postcard arrived all together yesterday. I was very pleased to get them - and see what kind of place you are in. It seems a pretty place, the big photograph had one of its corners torn off. We had a very pleasant visit to London altho we had only one whole day there. We went first to the bird shop and made up our pairs of birds. 1. budgerigar. 1. green paraquette. 2. Java sparrows. 1 indigo blue 2 waxbills. Then we went to a big exhibition, something like the one you went to there. It is made like Constantinople Bazaars all round (the little shops in Turkey) and turks and turkish women selling all sorts of things at these. Then there is a place in imitation of the harbour – with big ships lying and bridges across a real water about the width of the lawn in front, and little boats like those they have on the Bosphorous and gaily dressed boat men in them. It is all lit up to look like moonlight. You can go in one of the little boats and row for quite a long time through all the twistings of the canal sometimes through big tunnels into a place called the “Hall of the 1001 columns” where you think you see all these but of course half are only reflections in looking glasses but it is very pretty. There we saw them making turkish carpets. Every little thread of which is tied separately and by hand by women, so no wonder they cost a lot. There were heaps of places where nothing but “turkish delight” was sold but we didn't buy any. Then we had lunch and walked in the garden for a bit – which is full of fountains and crystal arches that are lit up at night. Afterwards we went to the theatre which is a very long place with a broad waterway between the people and the stage – like this.[drawing] Standing in a row in front of the stage we counted once 150 girls and the back was filled up too there are sometimes 2000 people on it at once – horses and camels also came on. It was very pretty and once bridges were shot out from under the stage nearly across the water where I have marked and people danced on these too. Then the last thing after the stage was full 8 great big boats all gilt and colours came sailing in representing things like – “The Roman Conquerors”, “The veiled prophet” “The knights of St John of Jerusalem” etc each had about 2 doz people on them and some had knights on horses so you may know how big they were to come sailing in. There was a dance of girls dressed up as clipped white poodles would have amazed you also when a clown threw another into the water and when a boat man came to the rescue he pulled the boatman out too and rowed away himself and left the other two to follow. We saw a very funny play at the Theatre at night called “The New boy”. It is about a widow who marries a very small young looking husband and they go to visit a cousin of hers who has a lot of money and is headmaster of a boys school. She arrives first and before she can tell him of her second marriage he announces that he has left all his money if she doesn't marry again. She daren't tell him as she is very hard up and when her husband comes in the school-master mistakes him for her son come to school and for the sake of the money he agrees to let him think so. The mistakes that arise are great fun and the husband has to put on a sailor suit of his step sons that is much too tight and is frightfully bullied by a big boy Bullock major, who at last by twisting his arm behind his back gets him to promise to go to rob an orchard for Bullock major and he gets taken to prison and there the truth comes out, but the whole thing is very funny. Next morning we went to Peterboro hound show and saw lots of hounds and M. F. H.’s Searth - Dixon was there taking notes for one of his papers. Corbie has bitten old Lowrie of Flodden and has to be muzzled always, he is a silly dog. Your peacock Bob is well and when I go out and shout his name if he hears me he answers back – he doesn't like the hen – and never goes with her, he comes and feeds at the rabbits place. Hea is also very well and fat, I gave him a big feed of sow thistles today and he was very pleased. He is great friends with Freda’s little white rabbits. The rats are well and fat, there are five Mr Rats and one Mrs Rat. Eric’s hen has five chickens quite big and a white hen is sitting on eggs now. We had one peal of thunder and one flash of lightning which rung the telephone bell – but there has been a lot of wet which is a pity as only part of Whitton Hill hay is in kyles. The front fields are up to one’s knees in grass this year. Freda and Eric join us in Alnwick on Thursday for the Northumberland Show and we bring them home, the rest come home on Friday. Charlie goes home tomorrow for his holidays – I don't know for how long and Father and I will be a alone in the house till Thursday. That doesn't often happen. Thanks for your nice plan of your room. You had better read to Neil about what we saw in London. One of Walter’s twin babies is dead of inflammation of the lungs. Goodnight – with best love to Jock and yourself from your loving Mother

97 Milfield Saturday May 9. 96 Dearest Dane, I expect you will get this on your birthday so many happy returns may you have and each one find you a wiser and a better boy and a credit to your family and friends. I send you £1 – which I hope will arrive in time for the 12th also Mr. Nevilles book, his chapter on fox hunting is fine. I also sent you a box with two mangoes, two star apples and a bit of sugar cane for you both. I hope the mangoes won't be too far gone before they arrive they are queer tasted things at any rate. I'll put your birthday money in your box. I fear from all accounts that Mr Harrison is failing to keep his hair on over the Transvaal affairs. Did you hear that Corbie got run in to the police cells at Wooler - for being drunk and disorderly by himself in Wooler. ?Ida went to identify him but couldn't do!!! Miss Calvert had to drive in next day and get him home he would hardly home but made for the public house again, there’s a dog to be proud of !!! "Harby and Snuffle" want to live in the smoking room and are always being run out. ?Luke, ? Vernan and ?Vic went off by train last week. The report says that the Callaly have already killed 20 couple of lambs - whatever the true number is, they have hanged all Lord Zetlands draft they got 15 couples. Selby sold them his 15 couple too and I suppose they have them yet. Every one looks like flitting - Cleghorn has flitted to Lukes house on Thursday to leave his cottage for the butler when he comes on the 30th His name is Everett. Nurse and Freddy are arranging his furniture today and I think she goes on Monday. The dirty misses Lyalls go on Monday, so does Hale and the rest on Tuesday. Such a moving about. Father is looking much better and much more active he has taken to gardening and is making Wilson buzz about. Father is bitten with his old love for the sea and would like to be off again. He is planning going to Colombo next. All the Ewart houses are let now - but not Pallinsburn or Barmoor yet. I hear of foxes being done away with all over - Longknowe and Shotton have been burnt. Sanderson is to hunt Fenton Wood and the Callaly dogs come as far as Akeld. A deputation went to Hunter from this side and told him to sack Harry as there had been such wretched sport. Hunter was mad and said he would hunt them himself this season and give them up the next. L'd Waterford wrote to father the other day, asking if it was true he was thinking of giving up the hounds as if it was for money he might count on him for a handsome subscription, but he was rather late. Old Cock a boudu wants to come to the Demesne for some more fishing but we have put him off as the rivers are dead low. Eric and Boyd are going down to nurse’s room – till Gervie is old enough to join Boyd there. Stuffy will return to his old room – Stuffy has blown himself out very much since we have been away and so had Boyd. Gervie I hear was very dull when we were away but is all right now. Poor “Bob” is dead. You should keep your Sheba Shilling and wear it on your watch chain as the first ?c/. you ever made. Have you seen the von Nurgaard boy at Plön. Are you still growing? Father has gone to let Ford Castle and shooting today to an Honble Lawrence. We are having glorious weather here but need rain very badly. Lilac and laburnum are out. It is a pity all my letters were not more spun out – but they will give you our news more fully than if I had not written till I came home. With best love. Yr loving – Mother.

98 Milfield Sunday Afternoon Dearest Dane Father got your letter all right yesterday – it was much better written and spelt so be careful and read your letters carefully after you write them and ask anyone about how to spell a word if you are not quite sure. You seem to be having nice hot weather, we have had such a lot of rain, a few mild fair days lately but this afternoon it is a deluge of rain and I hardly think Piddock will come. Father Frida and Charlie and I are the only ones at home just now and the house is very quiet. Nurse and all her lot and Eric went to Alnmouth yesterday and Frida goes in a fortnight. Mr Wilkinson has had to put off coming till the last week of June as the rivers have been flooded. I went to call at Haggerston Castle last week on Mrs Leyland - Billy and Boyd were with me and Mr Leyland took them to see all his animals whilst the horses were put in. I only saw some as we went up the drive. They are all in big netted in courts with a little fairy house in the middle. He has several kinds of deer, three kinds of kangaroos – several kinds of goats ostriches emus – and several other big birds – besides the buffalos which wander about the park but are netted round. Father has got the telephone half up, it will be finished tomorrow. He has been out exercising twice this week and I suppose will go regularly now. No word of your peacock yet I fear it must have been stolen as I see Lady Marjoribanks is advertising for two young pea hens she has lost. I must try to get you another from Cherry trees. Rhoda Butlers brother Arthur Bolton a naval engineer is at Galewood, he is a cousin neither Father nor I have seen. Frida was there yesterday and says he is nice. “Caesar” killed all Puma’s kittens - he found them when she was out. Corbie bit the poor little pointer puppy right through its nose, it went to smell his supper, it nearly died yesterday its nose swelled so it couldn't get breaths but today it is rather better and I think will pull round. We have got all Burfords fine pictures hung in the hall here and they look very nice, they are Albert Grey’s now and he asked us to hang them up for him and keep them from damp. Frida is trying to read what I am writing, but don't think can read a word, she is going to begin to learn German with me. Who is your greatest chum so far. Tell me all about him when you write. With love your loving Mother yr Turtle is much livlier

99 Wednesday Dearest Dane I have been longer than usual of answering your letter. I gave father the cards. We have Mr Wilkinson here and Mr Marr and Sybil. We went to Newbiggin yesterday morning at 8:30. They got on a drag of an otter at once on Tweed and made a great row up to about Twizill Station then did nothing more and Mr Wilkinson in case he had gone down hunted right down again to Norham Bridge and back to Newbiggin again but did no more. I drove about with Mowdie and got father at Norham. It was frightfully hot, not a breath of air. We go to the Thirlings on Thursday and hunt down and I think are sure to get one about Ford Bridge. Poor Mowdie was dreadfully tired – I am writing this before breakfast – we had a great game of croquet last night in which everyone cheated even father and he and Charlie won against Sybil and Mr Marr. Freda is at Alnmouth and no children at home now. They are enjoying themselves and I hear are getting very brown. You will soon be off to the Harz Mountains now, tell me all about it when you get there as I have never been there. Your Hea is quite well and has Freda’s little white rabbits beside him – he is very pleased with them and kind to them. Mr Marr said he had about 60 rats all at one time and has given some to his friends who also say they have more than they like – I have written about a Mr Gaby for you . There is the breakfast bell So goodbye Your loving Mother

100 Millfield Wooler August 14. 94. Dearest Dane Your last letter arrived all right, I don't think you should bathe till Mr Harrison returns, he will soon be back now I hope - and then you can bathe every day to make up for the last fortnight. Father Col. Hill and Charlie shot on Fleehope yesterday, they got 14 brace - but there were not many birds. Charlie shot very well, they said. Colonel Hill went home today and father and Frida have gone to exercise Eric couldn't go as he has been stung on his hand and it has swollen so much that he had to have it put in a sling. Harvest has begun in some places now. Marley Knowe is on - but we are not ready here yet. Father is going to start cubbing next week in Fenton Hill ?but/not let the hounds out. Auntie Kits bazaar is tomorrow Freda goes to sell buttonholes. Then Miss C. Freda Eric and Bill go to a picnic at Middleton on Friday, Charlie is asked to. Eric can't make up his mind where he is going to have his birthday tea party this year he is tired of the Wilderness. Are Mia and George going to stay in Hanover on their way back? “Hea” is well and fat also the rats, there are five Mr Rats and 1 Mrs Rat. Charlie has gone to shoot Southern Knowe today. It is very wet here today, we had another thunderstorm on Saturday which rung the telephone bell and put it wrong again. Gervie got three perch in the pond last week - Father put the rod right and threw the float in and Gervie held it and pulled out the perch. Eric and Freda have been busy making hay for the rabbits but I fear it has had too many soakings to be very good in the end. They say the Hea drills the two little white rabbits who lives with him. They saw him doing it when he thought no one was looking. He stamped his feet and they both came and sat down in front of him - then he stamped again and they both sat up, then he stamped again and one sat down - then he stamped again and the other sat down and he stamped again and they both turned round and hopped away. So you see he is a military Hea. Love to Neil and yourself Your loving Mother

101 Tuesday night Great Northern Hotel, Kings Cross Dearest Dane, Your letter, Mr Harrison's and Neils were waiting us on our arrival here. Thanks for such nice long ones. I am glad you are settling down so well In Eutin and like the place - I hope we shall hear that you still like it when we come back. It feels much warmer here than at home - and coming down in the “Scotsman” we kept saying how hot it is !! over and over again and it wasn't until we were quite close to London that we noticed that the hot air tap was on - so no wonder we were hot. A few days ago when father was having his haircut by old Thompson – he said "I hear you are going to the W. Indies – I suppose you'll give the boys a call as you pass! His idea of geography must be funny Little Gervie will be tucked into bed now - he was rather down about not coming away and will miss me more than the others. I wish we were on our way back again, it seems a long way from home to go. The photographer turned up yesterday before father went to the meet. They were photographed in the front field - Father, Luke, the hounds and 15 horsmen – I think it will be an ugly picture it would have been so much nicer had they only done father and three or four hounds and got a real good picture. Eric and Pollie were in front and in one Boyd also on the donkey. After the man was done they went on to the meet at Kilham and another photographer was there to do a snapshot of them as they passed. It was a very high wind and the field were mad and would override the hounds and although they had a run they spoilt any sport and father was so sick of it he said he was glad the hunting was done. He has left the selling of the hounds in Charlie's hands and the horses except “Helter” go to York on the 18th they are all more or less lame and are being doctored up for the sale. I am sorry the poor old G. G.’s are done but fortunately don't think Father minds much, this season has been such a fiend to him with not feeling well – that he does not regret giving them up as he did the “Glendale”. You and Neil must make your pile and then perhaps he may hunt another pack for you. I hope you will like your gymnastics and do your best to be happy and wise. Goodbye dear Your loving Mother

102 Milfield Monday Dearest Dong I am sorry to hear about your trousers. You must have given me the wrong pair of black ones to pack – your grey ones I thought were all right. I'll write to Mr Harrison about them. We have had a strong gale blowing for the last three days March winds I suppose. Father and Luke have just started off to have a day with the Berwickshire at Ford. On Friday when they were at Flodden they had a bad day in their usual style. The fox crossed the river at the tile sheds but no one dare cross after him but made for the Scar Bridge. The fox had either crossed back at once or the hounds flared over to the Ford woods – at any rate the fox arrived at the Scar running through our Annas [names of fields lying next to the river] and the hounds in the woods. They got them on the ?line/hill again but lost about Galewood. I hear Harry cast twice round a field there and came on to the road and came to another gate into the same field and did not recognise it went in and cast round it again but they did no more that day. Father had a fair good run to ground that day from Westnewton. Father is at Hltterburn tomorrow and Humbleton on Friday. The fields are getting full of lambs now and unless we have rain the country will soon be too dry for hunting. Corbie is well but a dreadful beast for fighting and Cuzzie is nearly as bad. Uncle Ralph and Olive are at Southsea recovering from influenza and I'll soon be going to one of the Channel Isles for another change. What like is the gymnastics you do. Is it just like an English gymnasium? Are you learning much German. Do you like Göttingen better than Hannover or not. So well tell me when you write. Have you found the baths yet? With love to Neil I am your loving Mother

103 Dearest Dane MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES Dearest Dane, Thanks for your nice long letter and all the views – it was very interesting and Cassel must be a very pretty place and you seem to have had a very nice birthday treat. We are having very hot weather here again – 68 in the shade all day – we need rain rather badly now. The new room is being plastered today – I think it might be done by the end of this week I wish they were done as they make such a mess going into and down the back stairs, we have had the swing door upstairs through to the front nailed up since the mess began to stop people bringing lime through to the front – and the terriers never can remember and are always getting into the wrong side and sit by it asking one to open it. Cuzzie can't remember to go to bed by the back stairs. The french maid has come her name is Bertha, she seems nice but doesn't know very much English the children are all afraid to speak to her – but I think they will soon begin. Miss ?Cowie won't speak either. Charlie has gone to Warkworth tonight to hunt with Mr Wilkinson tomorrow and also on Thursday at Felton, I suppose he will be home on Friday. Mr Wilkinson comes here about the 10th of June for a week or ten days. Father has got a bit of a cold and thinks it is influenza but I hope it is only a cold. Corbie is quite well – Nia is dead The two black pointer pups are called "Raven" and "Crow" but they don't know their names yet. Freda put up a monument of a slat over "Tams" grave and wrote on it "Here lies Tam, who bit my legs and made me scream." Eric was very savage about it. It is nearly 10 PM so good night Your loving Mother

104 Milfield Sunday Dearest Dane Tell Mr Harrison that I recommended Fraulein Bartling to the Travel Editor of the "Queen" and I cut the enclosed out of this weeks Queen as an answer to someone asking for a place to send a youth to. Mr H can tell Fraulein Bartling if he likes. Stand on a bit of paper and draw round your foot and send it to me for your hunting boots. I am glad you have read so many books – and such nice ones. You had better Neil and you at any rate go and say Goodbye to Fraulein Heinzl – ask Mr Harrison also if you ought not to call on those people you and Neil spent an evening with. Are Craig and Lockyer still staying on in Germany? I hope you won't have much feeding of fishes to do on your way home. What like are your hunting gaiters. Neil must get measured for new ones as he comes through Newcastle. Do you need them too. We have had some fine days here but it is wet again today. Piddocke has his harvest festival next Sunday when all the flowers are killed with a frost we had two days ago. The “Gabies” are all well - the young ones are two cocks and a hen. We expect Col. Aitchison here sometime soon. "Kaffir Queen" is getting physicked and put in order for you and father has been busy getting crackers spliced onto your whips. Corbie has been looking out the guns and cartridges and seeing they are all in order and Cuzzie has been keeping cats out of the drive and the rabbits in training. “Mother dog” is well and still tries to get the ginger snap off his back. No more news Your loving Mother If you haven't room in your portmanteau for all your things you'll have to buy a packing case or wooden box or something to put them in. [On black edged paper]

105 Milfield Saturday- Dearest Dong Bird, I am so glad you are all right again and hope you will manage to keep so. You will be better on the different feeding. Thank Mr. Harrison for his letter which I will answer soon.- Do you know what you said in your last letter - "I have had a cold in my Smack." Is it a new name for stomach. You can't have read with your letter after you wrote it. Father is always talking about people’s “smacks” now. I hope your "smack" is behaving itself now. We have had very cold weather here, bright sun through the day – severe frost at night; we had 9 degrees one night and all the young potatoes are spoilt. We had the two Butler children here on Thursday and had tea in the summer house, we wished you had been there too. They are nice children but so tiny. They have never seen little ducks or chickens before, we showed them the big Hea but they were afraid of him. I have had Tarbet here this week mending his door to keep Eric’s Toms out. Eric’s chicken has hatched out 5 chickens – none of the others look like sitting yet. We go to Middleton next Thursday for Jacks birthday. I have got him a nice rod for his present. I wish I could join you in an afternoon at the Zoo I would like nothing better. It is very wet here today – we are going to have tea at Galewood if it clears up. Cousin George is much better. Gervie and Boyd go to Flodden to tea today and have a horse and cart to take to the little boy whose birthday it is. Walter got twins yesterday he has 12 children now, there are two girls. Charlie is still busy trying to catch rats but he is not very successful so far - he killed two little ducks however with rat poison I expect Sybil will be here about the 2nd week of June – Mr Wilkinson doesn't come till the 19th now too late as usual. Father is not going to ?Luib for a week yet. Everybody I meet asks how you are both getting on - I didn't know you had so many friends. Eric is coughing as hard as ever – he follows Charlie about like his shadow and generally has a fit of coughing just as Charlie has had a long stalk forward to the flesh and is ready to fire and so frightens all the rats in. Tarap is well – so are all your beasts. Love to Neil and yourself Your loving Mother.

106 Malta Saturday Dearest Boydie Make Billy and Eric read their letters to you. After we left the wreck I told Billy about, we went to the nearest port on the mainland to let the Captain telegraph to his company about the wreck. It was a pretty little town – walled in - called Bizerta. No sooner did we get near the piers, than a little french torpedo boat came bowling out like a little bull dog to ask what we wanted – so we gave it the telegram to take on shore and send away. Father shouted directions in french at them as the capt on her only seemed to know "Where from" and "What do" in English. This afternoon has been very wet and squally and not at all pleasant on deck. We are still wearing our winter things and when in Tunis yesterday was not a bit too hot. We ought to get to Malta tomorrow about 10 AM and shall go ashore to have a look at the town and do some shopping if the shops are open as I expect they will be. After that we won’t see land again till we get near Alexandria on Thursday. The ship is rolling well tonight and has just lurched over a glass of water and I expect the ink pot will soon be sliding down in to my lap. The palms in Tunis didn't seem nearly so healthy and large as the W. Indian one’s did. The coast of Africa has looked sandy and rocky today and one rock standing by itself in the sea looked just the shape of a Noah’s Ark and some boulders near on the shore were not unlike the animals going by twos and two. Such a lots of seagulls fly around us always waiting for crumbs – and seem quite tame. We have such a funny lot of deck passengers came on board at Tunis to Malta they live under a sail stretched across the boom in the stern part of the boat. Arabs in blankets and Italians – they live on the top of a hatch - and the Arabs look very sick. I hope you are being very kind to the dogs. With best love and kisses I am Your loving Mother

107 Milfield Monday Dearest Dane, Father went to hunt at Longknowe this morning – it a deluge of rain and it looks like being a deluge all day - I am afraid he’ll get cold. I am glad to hear Neil is improving he won't need football to take down his weight for hunting now. Boyd is in bed today with a feverish attack but he is improving. I send you and Neil some photos Eric did, they are on the ready toned paper – but are not quite enough printed as they were done on a dull day. Father is going to Edinburgh tomorrow to see Dr Muirhead again as he is not quite well yet. Miss Coux seems to have got with a very strict school in Bruxelles. Miss Calvert is not a bit like Miss Coux. She is about 40 – and very prim and proper – and ought turn out Freda quite "dainty". She is very strict in the school -room but seems pleasant to the children when lessons are over and reads aloud a lot to them. Do you require new riding breeches this winter or will yours do. I know you need new boots. I am trying to get a new pony instead of "Mowdy" who is quite done now, poor fellow, and is not safe to drive. He can hardly get as far as Ewart and back now. He has never gone so well since that night Neil and Charlie drove him so fast from Crookham. Charlie shot a pintail duck last week and we sent it to be stuffed, as they are not eatable, he also shot some teal. A lot of ducks are on the haughs just now where the flooded river has left little ponds behind. You'll have to be on with your gun when you come home and keep the larder supplied. Corbie will be pleased as Charlie never takes him always his terrier "Rector” who retrieves. Mr Forster is coming here for Wednesday night - I hope he won’t snuffle as he did the last time he was here and we couldn't make out what he said. Give Neil some of the photos. I am sending Mr Harrison a "Truths" and a Sloper for you boys. Your loving Mother.

108 Milfield Sunday Dearest Ding Dong Thanks for your letter and the plans – I am glad your rooms look out on gardens. I hope you will soon get spring weather, we are having it nice and fine here now and lots of flowers are out crocus –snowdrops and primroses in the garden. We hadn’t a good ?Let at all 11 per cent down – there were not many people here - why I don't know unless people have spent all their money eating turnips and neeps during the severe weather and are going to try to do without any more. I hope you will enjoy the theatricals. Of course you will hear German there, but I don't want you to get to know many English people. Have you learnt more German since you went back – I suppose you don't hear much English. Father came home from Ireland on Thursday afternoon. It is a very tiring journey as the nights were broken in on by having to change trains and wait at stations. He was only one night and two half days at Curraghmore but he enjoyed it very much. He says it is a splendid place – a park of 3000 acres full of deer – a big river in it and a ride three miles long that you can look right along and planted with rhododendrons on both sides. The stables are joined on to the house like this.[sketch] L'd and Lady Waterford were very nice and kind and anxious for father to stay and hunt but he had to be home for the let. Corbie is very well but dreadful for fighting, he fights everything he meets and forgets he has his muzzle on. Cleghorn came in the other night about 9.30 and asked me to go and look at the sky – I went to the front door and it was most extraordinary the sky was quite dark except for a few stars, and a broad band about a mile broad of white cloud with sharp edges stretched like a rainbow from one horizon to the other - you could see the stars through but the cloud rainbow was bright and shining. It lasted for about an hour and then vanished. I suppose it must have been some kind of Northern Lights but it looked very strange. Bruce is busy papering the best bedroom and dressing room just now. Bob is very noisy just now and struts by the yew hedge with his tail up - the children saw Mrs Gaby with hers up imitating him one day. With love Your loving Mother [ Date could be 2 Sept 1896, see invitation on this page]

109 Hotel Chat... [ paper torn] Tuesday My dearest Dong, Tell nurse that if all is well we shall be home on Tuesday night at about 7 o'clock. We shall leave here on Saturday night get to Paris on Sunday morning leave on Monday morning be in London on Monday night and home on Tuesday. If you school - room ones like you could come home on Monday if you write and let Walter know where to meet you at Akeld – but Miss Linton and nurse can do as they like and it will depend on how long Eliza can stay. If nurse could get any one after Eliza has to go it might be well for her to remain another week at Ord as we shall be short of servants for a week after this time. Ask her if it would do for Lizzie to come down for her and let us give out the washing for that week. But she must arrange any way she likes. I think Mary will have a lot to learn as house and table maid. If Nurse stays longer at Ord than you do she must get her sister to stay with her and also Mrs Lumsden for a day or two. Yesterday was fair in the afternoon although it looked like rain so we went for a long walk with two nice old ladies who are here. We went to a little village called Les Innocents and went into a little shop where they sell the…[next page missing]

110 Aix - les- Bains Wednesday My dearest Dong Have you got the photographs yet? We had a splendid day here yesterday, so hot. Father and I went for a long walk in the forenoon to look for wild flowers and found lots we haven't at home - and lots of ferns. I shall send you some fern plants home but don't give them much water as they live on walls. There are such lots of little lizards here but they are so quick you can't catch them. There are also lovely beetles, bright green, red, and blue - and splendid butterflies, but very few birds. We went to the station yesterday and saw the Queen go away. There were a lot of soldiers there and the station decorated with flags and flowers but not many people. First a carriage came with her Indian servants in huge different coloured turbans, then more carriages with other servants and ladies in waiting, then a lot of soldiers on horses trotting hard, then a carriage with four horses and the Queen in it and Princess Beatrix and her.... [next page missing]

111 [first page missing] ...think we were digging for rats. Then Caesar and Gervie were digging together in a hole when a big rat ran out - Caesar didn't see it but Gervie did and got such a fright. Then we took Caesar to where it ran in and moved some logs and he killed it. A rat lives in the wall behind Curley – Bow’s bone box and has such a mess of rubbish under his kennel. We saw the cat go in the stable door today – it does it as often as you like now, but I have told them always to give it something or it will get tired of doing it for nothing. Puma's leg is mending now. Pollie and Curlew are very fat, they are in the pond field and Curlew is very dirty and green with rolling. ?Pie ?Wee goes into the pond and splashes the water all over him with his feet to make a shower bath. Boyd comes to have a cold bath every morning now - he likes it and doesn't seem to feel the cold. Gervie and Billy are both quite well and so is Freda. Eric is much better now. Have you found (Ally Sloper) in Hanover. There is sure to be some newspaper shop where he is sold. Goodbye and love to you both Your loving Mother

112 ……along the Savannah , as they call the park there, and seemed to strike ones face with damp heat and smell like a newly watered very hot - hothouse. No one goes in the Savannah after rain in case of fever. Fever is a perfect bogey out there - one can't do anything but they say you'll get fever. If you eat fruit after 4 PM., if any dew falls on your head, if the moon shines on your head - if you do anything in the heat of the day, - and I can't remember the heap of other things. Before we knew, Father and I went for a walk in the Savannah after a deluge and remarked often on the strange hot spicy smell but we didn't get any harm. We also came in for an earth quake, the worst they have had for ten years. I heard it but thought it was something rolling upstairs. I would have thought it was thunder but I had been told they never had thunder. Father snoozled through it all, in a chair on the verandah, but some houses it shook enough to knock pictures down. The plants and trees were quite lovely, worth going that distance alone to see. Great forest trees of queer shapes covered with gorgeous colour flowers the size of cabbages, huge palms, and bright leaves plants and ferns we have in the fernery romping wild on the road side. Sometimes looking up into a tree you would see a great mass of colour, an orchid or huge cactus sometimes 6 ft high that was living as a parasite on its branch. Sometimes they send a long root like a telegraph wire down to the ground and almost as tough to break. One big tree like an oak grows its flowers out of its trunk without any stem or leaves - the flower is bright scarlet and as large as a cauliflower and made up entirely of stamens. Its fruit also looks strange a thing like a huge melon stuck on the trunk. Another funny one is called the canon ball tree. It is a big forest tree too like a huge elm. The first we saw, we thought it had a big creeper growing up its trunk but found that was only the way it grew its fruit. Stems about the thickness of your wrist were twisted loosely round & round the trunk - and growing on it flowers like gigantic apple blossoms the size of saucers and fruit like big brown canon balls hanging all over - they are no good to eat. I paid the penalty for being week ashore as I had all my sickness to do over again. I was sick all the time returning to Barbados, but it was very stormy. I was all right ... [next page missing]

113 …[previous page missing] When “Boxo” was playing in front a few days ago he seized “Tarap” for a stick and galloped all round the lawn with him in his mouth and then dropped him “Tarap” didn’t seem to mind. Richie and Jim are both to leave this Summer and Walter get a boy to help him. Next Winter Fathers hunters are to be at the Demesne under Luke. Helter will be no use to ride again – I don’t know what Freda will get to ride. Zitilla goes down to Luke tomorrow to be ridden and Lukes mare and horse and Gemma go to York to be sold. He is to have Boulder and Egal (a young one) and Father will have “Irina” – Purwire, Matchbox, “Zitilla” and “Helter” as hacks. No news

114 Saturday My dear nephew Ivor Thank you very much for your nice newsy letter. The last I heard of you was being on the top of Yeavering Bell, however did you get there? I always admired your pony, but have even a greater respect for him now – he must have grand wind – did you “stick” him well? Bell Tunnak is going to Milfield on Wednesday for her holiday and will take the pampas grass. I hope the let was a good one. What fun it must have been for you dining in the barn. When I lived at Milfield I used to go into the engine house to hear old Mr Donkin make speeches, he was such a funny old man. I hope your Mother is better – we were all very sorry to hear that she was ill. Olive is busy making the Church pretty for tomorrow (Easter Sunday) but she could get very few primroses. They don’t have any fun with Easter eggs here – do you go and have games in the front field? What a good thing that evil horse did not kill that sheep. Grandpapa used to have a horse called “Killain” who used to pick up lambs to carry about. With love to all From your affectionate Auntie ? Hlnl [Hannah had a daughter called Olive][black triangle across top of letter]

115 14 Delahay Street Westminster SW Meopham Court Gravesend My dear Danes Will you thank Neil very much for his letter I am so glad you like Germany so much I have often heard that Hannover is an awfully jolly place. Are your sore throats all right now, what a nuisance they must have been. Will you tell Neil that I will put “Frau” instead of “Madame” when he condescends to spell my name right – it is usually spelt “ell” not “le” at the end. Syb is still here but I don’t quite know how much longer she is going to stay we are both going to a big ball at Chatham tonight I do hope that it will be fun and that we will arrive safely but as “Lucy Glitters” is to go in the brougham for the first time with old Sultan I have grave doubts on the subject. How I wish we were all going up to Rhu-Bana this year minus the measles I don’t know when I enjoyed an expedition so much. I wonder how “Lorna Doone” is getting on and if Gill’s launch is still there. We are going on a Captain Pitman’s launch from Gravesend on the 31st to see the Thames Yacht Club races they are awfully jolly if it is a fine day. The West Kent Yeomanry are all out at Gravesend this week they are going to have their sports on Wednesday I expect they will be rather fun for of course we know a good many of them - and they are going to have a big inspection on Friday. Sybil is mad on birds nesting just now but we haven’t found anything out of the common, this ought to be a good place there are so many trees about, she is awfully keen to find a nightingales as there is one sings in the little wood at the back of the garden. Best love to Neil and yourself Your loving cousin Poppy Mind you write and let me know how you are getting on [Is Poppy Olive?]

116 MILFIELD WOOLER TELEGRAPH OFFICE: CROOKHAM—3 MILES RAILWAY STATION: AKELD—3 MILES COLDSTREAM—7 MILES My dear Ivy, Just starting, so good bye my boy. Try to get friendly with Neil, it is stupid two brothers never speaking and you will both be sorry for it ?when ?8/?ys ?are ?over - We had a good run on Easter day – from Humbleheugh by Hartsheugh glitters – Common Burn – Coldstream – Broad – Struthur, Hartsheugh again to Middleton Hall and killed him. Yesterday we ran like mad for about 2 miles twice and then lost. So I have hunted my hounds for the last time. Goodbye Your loving father George Grey.

117 TELEPHONE NO. 507 GLENORMISTON INNERLEITHEN N.B. My dear Ivor, I got such a surprise when a box was given to me on Saturday night with the message from the Station Master to open it immediately which I did. Thank you very much for sending them they are beauties and all arrived quite safely. Jeanie will be very pleased with the white one when she sees it. The childrens will wait/write ?now whenever they come home, just now they are at St Andrews, they went in June and have been there ever since as we are getting electric light into the house and had all to turn out. I came back again on Saturday and am busy getting it in order again. Hunter won a silver medal and golf club at St Andrews and Jeanie won another prize so they are very pleased with themselves. Have you got holidays yet, and have you been away from home anywhere. Do you know ?henry has learnt to eat gooseberries off the tree, he saw me eating them and evidently thought they must be good so he began too. With love to you all Ever yours affectionately J. H. Thorburn

118 Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira LINE OF STEAMERS. S.S "Wazzan" Jan 24th 1902 My dear Mother We have just left Rabat and are on our way to Gib which we reach tomorrow at 8. We left London at 3 on Friday morning but got no further than Gravesend because of fog so lay the whole day and next night in the river. We got away at last on Saturday morning and found the channel like a mill pond. On Sunday we had the same weather but had rather a damper on our feelings by the Boatswain going overboard off the Channel Islands. They were stretching an awning over the deck and he was pulling on a rope which broke and he fell over the side, we at once chucked him two life belts and lowered a boat butt he sank before he could get to them, he could swim but his sea boots seemed to carry him down. Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday were all the same the sea as calm as we could wish. But on Wednesday night we got a good bit of a toss four or five were very sick but neither the Muckle or I were, although I was not feeling very safe. We reached Rabat this morning at 9, but were not allowed to land as the surf was breaking over the Bar it does not look much of a place. We un - loaded into barges all day. The men were very funny just like monkeys the way they gabbeled at each other. They were all small pockmarked and mostly no teeth and only one eye, and blankets and “?tonsie” that fitted not at all, and bare feet and very lazey which caused much swearing. HMS Illustrious was lying here when we arrived she sent off a boat to us to see if we had any papers. She fired guns for a bit laid a mine and fired it then went away to Tangiers. I think it was all just to impress the native. The Capt is not much of a chap but the other officers are all good chaps including the engineers. We have good grub butt she is very dirty and cramped, a smoking room 6’ by 8’, no piano. There are about 15 passengers all together two women. The moste of them are rotters, two are very good chaps, we have arranged to go ashore with them at the ports. We have a Moor with us, he is a dirty beggar and his cabin stinks. There is only one going round with us but we expect to pick up others at some of the ports. This will be posted at Gib. Your loving son G. H. Ivar Grey P.S. We dress every night so my shirts are all dirty IG

119 Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira LINE OF STEAMERS. S.S "Wazzan" 24th January 1902 Between Rabat and Gibraltar Dear Mrs Grey, We are getting on A.1. and neither of us have been sick yet not having had much of a chance as we have had a nice level sea except yesterday crossing from St Vincent to Rabat when we had a good bit of pitching. We did not put ashore at Rabat as storms rise suddenly and the boats cannot cross the bar besides there are only four lighters and they won't come off for a trifle as they are busy with cargo. We are to have all day tomorrow at Gib and are going ashore with a couple of men called respectively Shearing and Hudson – they are the only two decent people on board. We have about a dozen others but they are all rotters – two of them are women. We are very fit – both of us have had colds but are both all right again. We will probably have the best part of Sunday at Tangiers. Love to all Yours sincerely James W B Boyd

4x Ivar's letters from Plymouth ( Army training)

88 17 Leigham St Plymouth My dear Mother I have not had time to write before every bit of time is taken up with ?hourdes ?prizes etc. The first exam takes place on Monday and Tuesday so that there is not much time for play. It seems to suit me for I have put on about another pound in weight. We were practising with 12 PRS to day I was gunlayer part of the time it is great fun. Do you see that poor Swanstons brother has been killed he is very cut up about it, he did not know till today at dinnertime, we saw it last night but thought it was best not to tell him till he heard from home. All Boers that they catch now should be pulled to bits. Let me know Jock's address I also want a copy of our crest like is on the paper but with the motto thing under it. I forgot my hunting briches when I came away so perhaps it would be as well to send them. I entended going to lookup Eden Stillpots on Saturday but I think it would be better to put it off till after the 1st exam. There is not much going on here. I don't want any money Your loving son G. H. Ivar Grey

89 Monday My dear Mother We are having nothing but rain here now. We were freezing 5” BL. Today we got off 100 rounds about the first clear range that we have had. We have the final exams on Wednesday Thursday and Friday and hear the results on Saturday so I will leave here on Monday. I do not know whether I will come up from town over night or from here to town by night yet but will let you know soon. It will feel quite funny being a civilian again. I dont think I will pass this exam it is beastly hard with formula. Wood will make a beastly Captain he will never do anything. Nothing more to say I did not hunt on Saturday Your loving son G H Ivar Grey

90 17 Leigham St Plymouth My dear Mother It is blowing like fun here to day. I hear that the camp has been once more blown to bits. We have a lot of drill to do in this course, it is great fun to see Swanston winding a 9” RML gun back. Collingwood came back last night he said he had seen you and the Buster going down to Berwick . We have to go up to Berwick with the regiment, they cant get on without us we expect to arrive in Berwick at about 5 in the morning on the 11th that will mean that I will be able to get home by the 5.20 with luck, but I am on Baggage guard which means that I have to see all the trucks unloaded and the things put into store. Blake is comeing back here on Monday it is a good job for me because there is a lot of settling up to do which I would be sure to muddle up, at present I am running the company from here and getting no pay for it so it is a beastly neusence. They are having some sort of sports up at camp to day I am going up. There is an officers race which I am going to run in for fun. Your loving Son G H Ivar Grey

91 17 Leigham St Plymouth My dear Mother I have passed the first month, I got 75 out of 100 on both the practical and the paper. I get pay now for all the past month. We start the second month tomorrow it I expect will be much harder next month. If my britches come before Saturday I am going to hunt on Saturday at a place 3 miles out of Ivy bridge I hear they are having rather good sport. I saw in the paper that Alnwick has been about washed away. There is not much to say. I am getting Neil a ciggarette case. I get the photoes all right, I have not been done again yet. Your loving son G. H. Ivar Grey