Our Family History
The Genealogy of the Story Family
January 1873
Jan 2nd 1873
I arrived in time to dress for dinner at Mt Merrion and passed a very pleasant evening there. I at once found myself perfectly at home, and though I knew none of them but Mrs Vernon, before I had been there half an hour it seemed as though I had known them ever so long. On Tuesday after breakfast I walked to the station with Mr Vernon, and from what he said, I should say that you should not be at all surprised if I fail at Easter, because it is my first attempt, but that I have a very good chance indeed: he told me to write to him if I wanted advice on any subject.
Mrs Vernon had to go to Dublin on Tuesday and Ed. had to pack up so I was left to myself most of the day, but I amused myself very well by walking about the place and admiring its order and neatness. I went over with Ted Vernon and before I started Mrs V. made me promise to write to her and tell her what kind of passage I had. The sea was as calm as glass and as my companion went in for a birth, I did the same (they are free); but the whole time the sailors were rolling things about and stamping on the deck exactly over my head so I could not sleep, the result was that at Holyhead when I got out of my birth I felt very giddy and uncomfortable but after I had lain down on one of the seats on deck for a minute or two I was all right again: but not being able to sleep in the steamer I slept not one wink in the train and so was very tired when I got to London. So for something to do I walked from the top of Oxford Street to the bottom where I found a hair cutter and got my hair cut. Then I went up Oxford Street again looking in at the windows to pass the time, at last I got to No 14 a Swiss Caffe where I got my breakfast at 9.30. I then wandered on to Baker Street and saw Madame Tussauds for the I don't know howmanyeth time but I passed the time there till 12.30 when I walked down Oxford Street again and on to Drury Lane where I arrived at 1 o'clock; I waited there ½ an hour in the crowd before the booking office was opened and then took my ticket almost first for the pantomime, but only just got a place, many of the seats having been secured two months beforehand. I did not care for the pantomime, I thought I had seen a better one at the same theatre when I went with Mrs Vigne.
I left the theatre at 4.30 and went straight to Harrow (via Euston of course) having made a day in London without having spent anything but the entrance fees to the waxworks and the theatre and a Hansom from it! My occupation saved the expense of a dinner for of course I had no time to eat anything, so I was in good appetite for a meat tea at 7.30.
I had great difficulty in getting a conveyance to take me to Mt. Merrion (I should not have been in time by train) and then I had to pay the Carman 7s, 2s too much I found out from Mr Vernon but I was glad to get a car at all.
You never gave me anything for my 4s of subscriptions which you usually do and it cost me at least 5s more than usual to go to Mt. Merrion and I had to get a new straw hat which came to 4s. 6d so my funds are low, but I will do for the present, at least I think so, for I shall have to get a lot of new crockery as they have broken nearly all mine; besides any other expenses that may turn up.
I do hope you are all well
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
February 1873
Feb 4th 1873
You ask me if I am sure that the army is a profession for which I am really fitted: for my part I cannot see in what way I am not fitted for it as much as any other profession; you must not think that because I have not come to any certain conclusion on the subject of a profession that I have never given a thought to it before now. Almost ever since I can remember I have thought of what I was to be and have thought over in my mind the various professions from which I could make my choice, among these of course came the army. This I had always looked upon as a profession that I should really like and as a good one for many reasons which I need not tell you here. But when I found myself here and so far advanced in my classical studies, I feel the army more in the background of my thoughts and looked for some other life in which the classical education which I was receiving would be of some practical use; now I do not see, nor can I find any such profession which is really to my taste, unless indeed, I enter the army by taking my degree (as is sometimes done, there is one fellow in our house who is doing so) but you see this even is coming back to the army and is a very poor way of entering it, in as much as instead of being a Leutenant at 19 or 20 one only begins the ladder of promotion at about 23 or 24 (the utmost age allowed for entering the army as I understand) thereby losing 3 or 4 years all together. Now this wish of mine (for so I may call it) is no new one as I have above told you nor was it unknown to Papa, I spoke to him about it giving my thoughts on the subject as I have you, though perhaps not so fully; he did not disapprove of it, in fact he rather approved of it than otherwise, but as usual he said "It is for you to decide".
Now therefore when the time has come when I have to decide now or never, I would make my choice for the army and stand by the issue: unless indeed anyone will show me a better profession in itself or one that will suit me better. No-one over said a truer thing than Mr Vernon when he said to me "You are a fellow I should think that wants to be made to work": now in the army one's living is not dependant upon one's energy but one has certain work to do, and done it must be. But I will not weary you with any more arguments of this kind: but I would deny most emphatically that my desire arises from a simple feeling of its security as contrasted with that of anything else.
Above all, if I am to work for my army exams it should be seen to at once.
We have plenty of snow here but no skating for the ice was all rotten. I am in despair about my cornet, my only recreation, almost, at present. It is literally coming to bits, I noticed
first water then air coming out at a joint and soon after it seperated altogether so now I don't know what to do for this is not the only loose joint.
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
I suppose you know of my invitation to Blyborough for Easter. I wrote to Aunt Louisa today.
Feb 8th 1873
Many thanks for the order which I received last Thursday. I would have written before if I had has time. You will remember my saying one day at dinner that the best way to secure the Adventurer would be to fasten a buoy to the old anchor, I said we should want about 20ft of chain but you said "Oh I am not going to spend anything upon it" so we never said anything more about it. She will certainly want a new anchor, it is a thing she needs as much as her mast and the old one would not do at all for her to carry on board though just the thing for a buoy. I could never get the other anchor out of the water for by the summer it is certain to be nearly a foot under the mud. If the boat is left tied to a tree there is every possibility of her swinging and staving in her sides by her great weight or at least of taking all the paint off: anyhow before next summer the Adventurer will have to have --
- A new anchor
- A thorough painting inside and out.
- Some new ropes (not many in a boat like that are ever fit for two years wear)
- The sails must be well mended where there are many holes. NB the Adventurer's sails are both old and cannot last for more than one or two years at the most.
- The repair of minor damages sustained during last year: Such as the flap of the centre table, the boards in the floor that are broken etc.
I shall write to Os. to know what he can get a small anchor for so as to be able to tell you.
I hope when you had the saw dismantled you did not move the stand of the flywheel as from its great weight it is a difficult job when one's down to set it up again.
Dr. Butler's having mentioned the Exeter examinations knowing as well as I do that I had no chance was very easily accounted for: it is always worthwhile to go for an examination chance or no chance, as it gives one an idea of what the thing is like; now in this case no-one knew better than he did that I had no chance at all in fact both he and my tutor told me so plainly and when I was at Mt. Merrion Mr. Vernon told me as good as the same thing, his words were "You must pocket a fall". Now I shall go further and say that I have not the remotest chance for whatever examinations I go up for of getting anything in this year 1873 but after I have had one or two tries then I may do something.
We have got one of the Exeter Exhibitions: two candidates went up. Gill who got an exhibition only, and Puckle who did "fairly well", now look at the list and see how I stand with regard to Gill and Puckle neither of whom were in the stars.
I do not write this to show why I should not work - far from it - but I cannot bear to hear perpetually "When you get your Scholarship or Exhibition" as though it was a certainty of today or tomorrow. I would rather wish you to be as certain as I am that this summer never will see me a Scholar or an exhibitioner, the winter when it comes again possibly may, but I rather look on to 1874. I often feel inclined to say to myself "I cannot play a losing game", but I well know that the first thing in life to be learnt is to play the losing games..
I often envy Os. fairly started in his profession with a life before him which to me is full of charms. In fact I would ten thousand times rather even now at the eleventh hour give up the idea of universities and enter the army: into which (if I am not too old, as I am for Woolwich) my classical knowledge with a very little extra study would give me a quick and certain entrance. If on the other hand I go to the university and take my degree, (I ought to be able to take, if not a brilliant one, at least a fair one) there remain but three things open to me that I can see viz. (the Church, the Bar) and a post of assistant master at a school. A fair degree would always ensure me the latter (you know my opinion of the other two). Now weigh one with another these two professions: the one I enter almost at once without wasting much of my classical education and without much expense: the other I enter after a course of study at the university (if I get there) which with all the scholarships and exhibitions I may get will cost something and when I do get some post as a master the possibility of even less pay than I might get in the army (however I am not sure on this point) and a life before me for which I have no taste.
I have been thinking much lately on these subjects, and here are my thoughts put on paper. I wait anxiously for an answer from you
Hoping you are all well
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
P.S. Thinking of professions I was walking with Godly today and talking of the scholarship examinations, I said to him casually "Now that you have got your exhibition and all that, when you have been to the university what are you going to do?" He answered "I am sure I don't know".
Crosdoney
Ireland
Feb 10th 1873
I was very glad indeed that you wrote so openly to me, nothing can be more important than the earnest consideration of what your future life is to be - so important is it that it must not be decided upon in a hurry, or in a moment of depression. All I asked of you when we parted was to do your best and I felt sure that you would keep your word. Your father was very anxious you should have a university education, you yourself wished it - there was no sense in proposing the Exeter Scholarships - I should like to know what others are open.
This morning's post brought a letter from Mr. Vernon also, I told him that the Exeter exam were over and he wanted to know what next you proposed to try for. Consult your tutor and let me know. Suppose you did fail, try again - and after all if you failed we might manage a university education for you - I always think a man is twice the man who has had, as it were, the finishing touches put to his education in College, so keep up your spirits and do not throw the game up - And again, with regard to the army - Are you sure that it would be the profession you are really fitted for, is it not rather at this moment a feeling that you are secure of that and only groping in the dark in the uncertainty of not seeing your way to anything else. Of course if you decide on the army, we must allow you to follow your mind but I would not think that had been your special calling.
As to Oswald, he has yet much to learn, much to go through and roughing it in a way you never could have done. He knows nothing of life yet, the Britannia is just a Harrow to him -- his troubles are yet to come as yours have - and does to all of us when we make our start in life.
I hope you get some skating, Louisa had two excellent days on the Kilmore ponds with the Tatlows and the Roes - today it is a thaw I am glad to say. I have asked your Uncle Woodward to
go and see your father, and you shall know what he says of him
Yr affect. Mother
C.S.
Feb 22nd 1873
When I wrote I feared that you might feel some regret at my choice; I have had a long conversation with Mr. John Smith one of the masters, a great friend of mine and also with Dr Butler on the subject. Both were agreed that the civil service was Not the profession for me; both also were agreed that my reasons for choosing the army were good. Dr Butler thought as you that I would be well fitted for the church and the army, so after some more conversations which I need not tell you both he and I came to the conclusion that there was no reason why I should alter my resolution for the army. I am sure that you must look upon it in a far different light from me or you would think so to.
I am working away hard enough and no mistake, and am doing well, as proof of this, all my exercises lately have been far longer than the prescribed minimum, the last one over which I spent 3 hours this morning (today is a holiday) being 48 lines of Latin verse, the minimum being 26, besides that I was at dinner with Dr. B. last night which took up the whole evening.
I was unable to find any Comentary such as you want, you ought to get "The Child's Bible" it is very good indeed.
Os and I are saving up to get things for the Adventurer, but you surely cannot actually mean to say that we shall not be able to go out in her by ourselves next summer? Why that we were to do so has been as clear an understanding with us as noonday, and to its fulfillment we have been looking forward ever since the summer. Moreover I am sure you cannot think that that boat is some fragile shell which will break if handled roughly, or yet that it is some dangerous monster that would sweep us into the water and then hold us under till we drowned, nor yet that that little pond of a lake is some wide and stormy ocean where we may be blown out of sight of land never to return. But if it really be so, and if what we have all along considered a clear understanding, in fact nothing short of a promise, is a delusion and that the boat is only to be there to tantalise us: why then for my part I would rather not come home at all for any holidays I may have in the summer. But I cannot really think it is so.
The next Army exams are about August, at least I think so, Dr. B. thinks that I ought easily to pass them.
Could Louisa send me the "March of the Troubadours"
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
Crosdoney
Ireland
Feb 28th 1873
I have considered well the contents of your last letters. To show you how willing I am to add to your amusement in any way, I shall authorise you to order the cornet you wish to get -- send me the account and I will send a cheque for the amount. As far as I can see I can make you no promise about going out in the boat alone without a proper man with you but I shall take the opinion of those who understand these things -- your father told me he would not allow you out alone; I think that if you had read over your letter you would not have objected to what I said in the manner you did but I feel sure you wrote it without due consideration, whatever is right for you so do, I think I have always advised for and not against your wishes. I have not yet seen Mr Vernon to consult him about your wish to go into the army, for it is so important a thing to decide, I could not agree to your doing so without the advice of your father's friends.
I still regret your choice, partly, for I think you have others to consider besides yourself - some time ago you spoke of business, as a means of earning money; this was a sensible plan for you are one of so large a family that your allowance must be a small one, and in the army you cannot support yourself, you must draw heavily on your Father's purse for support -- Mr Smith and Dr Butler perhaps consider that as the eldest son, you are heir to a large fortune or could draw a large allowance - once tell them that you have no such prospects - then see what advice they give you.
Tell me at once when you go for your "exeat", perhaps I may come over and meet you; I do not promise. I hear from your Aunt Lou Luard that you agreed to go to Blybro' for Easter, I am glad you should have a pleasant change. Oswald goes to the Slades, this I am very glad of.
Edward got the old anchor arranged in the forge and it answers admirably, he certainly has a great turn for all mechanical things. Loiusa rides Polly constantly, she has gone out this aft. to enquire for Lady Farnham, and also at Drumkeen, I fear the youngest child is dead, a beautiful baby is was ill with spinal croup.
Thursday next the auction of timber will take place, just the thinnings of the place - Black thinks it will bring in £20 but then the expense of cutting will be about £8. Yr. Aunt Fanny
leaves me on Monday to go to Lucan then to London and will return in May I hope, for it is often sadly lonely. I rather think next week I shall be in Dublin, as I have half engaged a
governess, a good musician I hear, and she sings. I hope she will suit -- she will also teach the boys Latin for the next year until Arthur will be 10 - too dreadful as he is sadly backward.
I do not think I have more news for you - but with much love as ever
Yr affect Mother
C.S.
March 1873
March 2nd 1873
Many thanks indeed for your present, to tell you the truth I did not at all expect it, therefore I was all the more delighted at so unexpected a kindness.
About the army, as I said before, I will do anything I can to please you, get me a place in Mr. Vernon's office and I will say yes at once; but for all that I do not look upon the matter quite in the same way as you do. ie, in putting money as the very first object and also I do not see that in the Army I should require to draw upon you as heavily as you say; but you know more than I do upon the matter, however please hear what Mr. Vernon thinks of it before you press me to alter my wish; unless I could get a place in Mr Vernon's office (you said something about it in one of your letters). I would rather do anything else than go into business but still if it is a case of needs must or else starve, and I cannot see that this would be my fate in the army, why then I suppose I must take to a bad job with the best heart possible. But still do not make me change my mind until you have seen Mr. Vernon.
I am sorry you have been thinning the wood, I always thought it thin enough except in one small square plot but I suppose this is where you have been thinning.
The 'exeat' is next Saturday so please send me the journey money; I don't suppose you will be coming over so soon.
I have just this very moment found out that one of my wisdom teeth has come through! the others are not so far forward. I really do want a new hat, mine is so very shabby, also I have
only one good pair of trousers; before Easter I ought to get a coat as if not I shall have only one for every day and Sundays and all.
I remain
You affct son
R.Story
March 11th 1873
I had a long talk with Mr Middlemist last night about your sending me to Captain Lindy. Please don't be in too great a hurry until you hear from him; both he and I think that I ought to be able to pass the examinations quite easily, there is only one thing in which I should want so instruction, that is in Geometrical Drawing and that I could easily learn here at least enough to qualify with for we have an excellent man here from the military college to teach drawing, and besides I need to learn something though not quite the same as Twyford, namely drawing from plans of machinery etc. By going to Capt. Lindy I should waste no end of time for after passing the exams I should have to wait some time for my commission, while I could easily go up from here and remain here after I had passed (or if I fail stay here and try again) instead of wasting my time while waiting for my commission, as I see a schoolfellow of the name of Crawford doing at the present moment.
Moreover, the exams are so easy that I ought to pass triumphantly without the least difficulty.
Therefore please wait till you
hear from Mr. Middlemist, he knows all about it; as Hozier who was Head of the School when Uncle N. was here; in the house and has had a great deal to do with drawing up the regulations which
Mr. M. showed me last night: they were specially intended to admit fellows from the public schools without going to crammers, and the work is as easy as it could well be for one of my standing
at a school like Harrow.
Aunt Carry's sister is going to me married; I saw Aunt C. wading through an immense pile of letters of congratulations which her sister had sent her.
Henry Gahan was as Feltham on Sunday, he told me he had seen Dr Richie and spent an evening with him; he began to talk of Miss Murray and got lachrymose over it and finally collapsed altogether;
I don't know what I would have done if I had been there I should have died of laughter.
I hope you get a good sum by the timber auction, but I am afraid that small timber like that near the house will not fetch much.
The only thing that is really hard for me is the English Literature and History, the amount set is rather large.
You must please send me an extract from the register of my birth which I must send to the Military Secretary together with other information partly given by Dr Butler, partly by myself
before April 1st.
It is not really of very great importance that I should pass this exam in May: the one in October would be far more convenient as then you would lose nothing by my leaving Harrow
without giving full notice as you would do (at least I suppose so) by my going to Capt. Lindy at once. If however he can take me at Easter you will lose nothing - I may pass (to put it in the least hopeful light) - and I can still stay here till the summer; soon after which time I shall probably get my commission and so I shall not be long idle or costing you more than I ought.
If I fail in May I can go to Capt. Lindy in August, and then I simply must pass in October, but even failing that I have another try in January 1874 or even in May.
I am very glad indeed to hear that you cleared such a good sum by the timber, it was more than I expected.
If Capt. Lindy cannot take me at Easter, I almost think I had better go to him at once, but I will see what my tutor says upon the subject; it certainly would be far better if I can pass
in May.
I am very unwilling you should take as many chances as you propose, for your friends would not like at all that you should be returned as disqualified. I am very sorry I had not gone
over as I proposed and seen Mr. Middlemist a fortnight ago, for I am now in a very awkward position with regard to Capt. Lindy. You wrote and begged me not to withdraw you from Harrow,
Mr Middlemist suggested you should remain, now it appears you have changed your mind again. must know as soon as possible what you are going to do. Owing to your very
imperfect spelling I would strongly advise you not to risk the May exams. To remain at Harrow till Easter - then if Mr Middlemist approves go to Capt. Lindy's and go in for the August
exams -- will you tell Mr Middlemist what I suggest and give me an answer by return of post as to what you have settled.
We have just had two deaths here; one very sudden - a fellow that was coming into my house next term and the other Lord Carnworth a great friend of Mrs Vernon. She wrote to me at the beginning of
term asking me to do what I could for him, as he only came here this year.
I have begun geometrical drawing and extra mathematics, I was in such a hurry that I had no time to let you know, but now I have comparatively speaking plenty of time, as the litterature
subjects will not have been set yet and they take far the most time in preparation.
I hope you will be pleased with my plans, they ought to save you some considerable expense.
The shamrock Louisa sent me came too late; but all the same please thank her for it.
Of course I would like to come over at Easter, if it would be worth while, but I have already accepted Uncle George's invitation so that if you want me to come to you you must get
me off that.
My new cornet is to be ready tomorrow - when it comes I will tell you about it.
The best Latin books for the boys to use are Subsidea Primaria and the Latin Primer. Both are in the house. "Henry's First Latin Book" is an excellent work but I am afraid rather out
of date.
I heard from Uncle Neville this morning, his advice was exactly the same as yours. I am sure that Mr Middlemist and Dr Butler will oppose my leaving, but both of them know far more of
what can do than of what I can not
Of course it is probable that I shall have no Easter holidays but if I have any I should like to be able to transport my books etc. which are very numerous, over to Bingfield: I hope
then that you will get me a vacancy with Capt. Lindy as soon after Easter as possible. He told me himself that he has pupils now preparing for the August exam.
If I am going in for the August exam, you must not send up my papers to the Military Secretary until you know what subjects I am going to take up.
As for your finding me some profitable and pleasant was of spending the time between my passing and my getting a commission: I must not be bound to anything, for they may keep me but a short
time waiting or they may even be a very long time about it, but there is plenty of time to think about that yet.
The real thing to do would be to go to Germany and learn German. One of the masters told me the other day that I would have had a better chance than anyone for the Botfield Medal for French and
German, I wish he had kept his information to himself, for I never thought of going in for it.
I have put the boys into the books you name - I looked in the Latin dic for Literature - I see all the words spelt with one L - with litt. after them but Johnson Saunder - The Times - spell it
with one L. I should think it was the correct English mode and the usual Latin spelling too, but you can inquire from a better scholar than I am.
You only seemed afraid of idle time after passing your exam, which made me think if I had the spare cash, that you might go to Germany or Switzerland - it was only a suggestion to relieve your
mind from a fear of idleness.
I enclose a few stamps - I have no more to spare today
I do not know yet whether I shall be able to see you or not at Easter but as you have left it in Uncle Nevile's hands I have written to him on the subject.
The puzzle you have got into has not affected me at all, for I saw at once the cause of it: both you and I were anxious about the matters on which we were writing that we wrote our letters so
soon after one another that they crossed on the way more than once.
I have heard from Os once or twice, but he never tells me anything about himself so I cannot tell how he is getting on.
Last night I found out that a great friend of mine of the name of Crutchley lives close to Lady Julia Lockwood at Ascot and knows her and Lord Napier and Basil and Mark very well, his father
is a general of high standing in the army, who knows but I may have something to do with him afterwards.
I also enclose Colonel S's letter; you must not suppose that, because I say I mean to pass, I therefore mean to make light of the examination altogether. I know that the
competition is very great, but I still say I mean to pass.
By the way, Crutchley's uncle is, I believe, next heir but one to Lord Carnworth the present heir being a very feeble old man.
Hoping to hear you are well, and enjoying the same hot summer weather that we are.
I think your Mother quite recovered from her recent indisposition, she was much cheered by a letter from your sailor brother yesterday.
Captain Wm Ward's elder brother Henry, an old army officer, will be at the coming marriage. If you mention to him that I asked you to introduce yourself to him he will be glad to shake you by
the hand.
I would not conclude, my dear young friend, without wishing you, as the son of a dear and valued old friend, much success in your profession. May you be preserved in the midst of the many
temptations which surround you, & as your great safeguard may God's word be studied by you in prayer and may you early in life be led to realise the importance of spiritual &
eternal things.
I yesterday succeeded in buying beautiful horse for you. She is not large and entirely a saddle horse. I thought our time together would be so short that I would like to make it as happy a
one as I could and hope you and Louisa will have many a ride together.
Plum is not sold, but I have made arrangements with Mr Tatlow for the price of the horse, will clear him off next year. What name would you like him to be called, he is a light bright brown.
The list of last exam has come out, only two have passed from here out of 18!!! The Captain told me it would be so, they were a very shaky lot and very idle too; this has opened the eyes
of us all and rather horrified some of those going up for the next exam.
The new programme has come out: the Exam begins on the 11th August and lasts in all about 3 weeks, so before the time comes, you had better make some arrangement for me staying in London,
as I think it would be cheaper than if I was to go up from here every day and come down again as I was doing during the last exam. There are only 50 vacancies against 100 last month, so
I must look sharp. However if one will but work, there is every oppertunity of doing so here, in fact I and one or two others are doing extra work, and leaving the slower ones to plod on.
"No University Candidates" is a new and most unexpected surprise for some who were hoping to get through without much trouble.
The Captain's Militia is as Aldershot so he has to go up every day to begin drill at 7 in the morning and come down here again to look after the place. The other day his Major, who had never
been on a horse before, finding that he needs must do his duty, had his horse sent out to the ground and drove there in full uniform, but his yarvey took him through the Enemies lines, and
he was bottled for a spy!!! The poor man was so laughed at that he intends to resign.
I wish you would kindly send me 5s to pay a small debt, and do get some stamps, indeed you might make it ten! for I want a neck-tie and a sponge, as well as some blotting paper and other
stationary. I miss my 2s a week which I used to get at Harrow, for it used to supply me with those little things as I wanted them, besides I could get things like what I now want
by orders.
I am sorry about the canoe, but as you wish it, so it must be. It has been my pet plan for the last three years and the one I wanted to get was a beauty, and only cost £4 which Os and I
together might have managed.
You might see about getting my name sent up for the next Exam. Also about what regiment I should try for, I should not mind either the 60th or 90th, the former has its depot in Winchester and
the latter is known as the quietest in the Service. For all that I should prefer a regiment stationed abroad, say at the Cape or in America (if not closed), even India is not so bad for climate
if only one does not drink. I should like however to have the opinion of someone experienced in the matter: I should have mentioned Gibralter, I believe it is a very nice place.
I may yet be able to get into the Artillery by passing an exam after 5 years service but I have plenty of time to see about that, even if it is true that I can do so.
I must be on my way to church
Now in your letter you spoke to me of Economy: I took this into consideration in wanting to get a canoe: Os I knew could pay ½ and I could pay later on the other ½ from my own
money by installments as I have known others do. Then when I had once got a canoe of my own, I should have no further expense in boating except 1s a week for keeping the canoe.
You may say to me "but if you cannot afford it you must not go on the river at all", all I can say is that in that case, I must (with the river litterally before the door) give up the
society of my companions, and have nothing at all to do. Our work here is heavy and one wants some proper recreation.
Now, since this is the case, I have two courses left, either to cut the river altogether, or do as the rest; if the second course be taken (and I hope you will not force
the first upon me) the cheapest way would be to pay for the canoe now! and at the end of my stay to sell it again, this would be far cheaper than hiring it, in fact I ought easily to
get rid of it for £3, thus £1 + 1s per week will keep me on the river all the time I am here and I am sure you can spare me that.
The remaining 4s is easily accounted for, at least 3s is they are the few last boats I have been out in since I got the canoe, more especially when I have been asked to steer a four-oared boat
or a pair: as for myself I have kept to the canoe.
Two items in "Bathing" I never expected: I have been bathing in the mornings before breakfast, and once or twice have gone in a friend's punt, but he took a boatman, who I suppose put down 6d
all round to those in the punt.
I have now told you the whole matter, you may call my conduct precipitous, foolish or anything, but I am sure of this, that I did what I thought right, and what anyone else in my position
would have done.
Several very nice fellows have come here lately, which has made the place twice as pleasant.
I send you a portrait of the Captain, done by my next door neighbour who has just left, on finding that he cannot get into the service; the picture is very like the Capt. as well as the
language, he used those words or some very like them a short time ago, in fact the German master remarked to me "He vill not live long, he is alvays in a passion".
It is now getting on for midnight, so I must close etc.
In sending up my papers, I hope you gave the right list of subjects which I wanted to take up, ie:
I found here a good many Harrow Acquaintances, among them Percy Reid, who, I find was also at Twyford, but some time after I left. It is just ten years since I first went there.
I shall be heartily glad when the Exam comes, for I have every chance of passing, in fact the betting on my passing in the first ten in this establishment is 3 to 1, so a friend remarked
tonight, not that any speculation is done on the matter.
I was at the Hampton Races (the "Appy Ampton"). I went there just to be able to say I had seen some races, but I soon left the place feeling less liking for them than I had before which
was not much. Far the most amusing part was watching the people or even the Punch and Judy show.
We had a most curious diversion the other evening: two of us chose up sides, one of which occupied a large punt which was moored across a small backwater, while the other side attacked us
in two smaller punts and tried to storm our position. Our antagonists were far superior to us, but we fought hard: during the first attack I only got knocked down and trampled upon by others,
but during the next attack I was pitched into the water together with 8 others all in a lump (I never felt such a curious sensation as being kicked and tossed about under water by friend and foe
at once). I myself pulled in two of the other side with me, I was hardly in again when I was out and this time I struggled pretty well, for all of our side had been overboard except myself and
our Captain. Of course we only wore jerseys and trousers so that we were none the worse for our dip.
I fear you have so little to enliven you, that I send you this long account to make you think of something pleasant, if only for 10 minutes. Os ought to have been with us, it would have just
suited him. Hoping you all keep in good health. I remain etc.
I was very glad to hear that Aunt Etty had remembered Ed. He stood in need of it; when I think of him I have some hopes of his getting on, for among my companions here I see plenty who,
though not over rich, get on well enough with a very small quota of brains.
I did receive the letter you mention, but not seeing that there was anything for me to say on the subject, I did not mention it to you.
The things that I want come to 11s 2½d: some of them I have already got and paid for, and the rest (I told you what they were) I will get when you send me the money. I also want a sponge,
for mine has come to bits, the price I found on enquiry to be about 7s 6d, but I think I ought to get one for less, however please send me what you think will do and if there is a balance,
I can return it.
The weather here is horribly hot; indeed it almost knocks me up, I bathe regularly at 7am to freshen myself up for my days work of 8 hrs with Masters and plenty besides by myself.
I must now set to work on a Latin Paper, and some mathematics of which I have a lot on hand, so hoping you are well and enjoying some of that sun which half roasts me, but would be life to you.
The boat has come down "The Adventurer" & yr Father & Oswald have been busy all day constructing 1 method of having her transported from the station to Ballyhillan. I propose going to take a
look at her this aft. Oswald says she is beautifully fitted up with such curious things for cooking, he has the sails out on the lawn bleaching. Yr Father says she is a beautiful boat,
he got her from a gentleman in Kingstown. She was built at Coews, a cheque not a check next time.
I ought to add, your Father expressed himself delighted at the prospect of yr seeing Switzerland, & wishes you do exactly what you like if you prtefer to come home, do so - but go
if you like.
I was asked a great many questions about you and amongst others whether you had ever been to public school - I replied that you had been to Harrow. I believe I was right in saying so, but if I
am mistaken pray send me a line to say so, mentioning at the same time where you have been to school.
The promise of your having a commission in the 60th was not definitely made, but you may safely reckon upon it unless anything unforeseen happens.
I was glad to hear that you had passed so well - it does you great credit and holds out good hopes for your future career in the army - hopes which I am sure you will do your best to realise.
You will have ample time to get your kit after you receive notice of your appointment to a commission.
Robert Story Esq
The 4th Bn 60th Regiment at present stationed at Portishead
but you should place yourself in communication with the commanding officer
with a view to being informed of any change of quarters.
You will acknowledge the receipt hereof to the Adjutant-
General, taking care to affix to your signature your rank and regiment.
Sublieutenant Story
Hoping you are well
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
March 15th 1873
At the advice of Mr. Middlemist I have written to Capt. Lindy to ask him whether he can take me from the Easter holidats. I have begun some geometrical drawing and the construction of
scales:- the whole thing is as easy as could be - and I must give up private French for private mathematics in order to learn enough trigonometry, mensuration and logarithms to qualify -
this I can easily do in a fortnight and in algebra I have gone beyond the subjects set in the exam.
I remain
Your affct son
R. Story
Crosdoney
Ireland
March 17th 1873
I received this morning your letter of the 15th: Col. Stephenson by my request forwarded me all particulars with regard to the exam:- you can have 3 chances - two this year one in May,
one in August not Oct and one in Jan '74 as you write. I am not at all willing that you should go up for the May exams - unless you have chance of passing
I have written both to Capt. Lindy and to Mr. Middlemist to say that I feared you would be disqualified owing to your very innaccurate spelling -- today you write Literature thus - Litterature.
Capt. Lindy replied yesterday that the number of candidates were so many that if you are weak in English you are certain not to pass. I wrote to Mr Middlemist asking for a certificate
of good conduct, and I had proposed sending it together with a copy of the register of you birth to Col. Stephenson with a letter from me to the Military Secretary, he offered to send in the
papers for me.
From your affect Mother
Caroline Story
March 18th 1873
I have heard from Capt. Lindy: he cannot take me at Easter but he advises me to remain at Harrow, and go up for the August exam, the very thing. I shall have plenty of time to get up my
subjects and still be able to try again in October in case of failure. The only thing is that I have never heard of the August exam before, so I have written to him again to make sure that the
August one is similar to the others, if so, all must go right. The exam will be in what would be the Summer Holidays.
I suppose I shall go to Blyborough as usual at Easter
I remain
your affct son
R Story
I quite agree with you that it would be better for me to go to Capt. Lindy after Easter. I shall get quite -- I don't know what -- if you begin to think that there is any doubt of my passing
in August after going to Capt. Lindy. I told you I should get no scholarship - now I tell you that I shall pass, and mean to pass now!.
I remain
your affct son
R Story
Crosdoney
Ireland
March 22nd 1873
I really laughed at your letter read this morning, for before you have settled in the army, I shall have become like a weather cock -- but fearing such a disaster - I have placed the settling
as to whether you should go to Capt. Lindy or not in your uncle's hands, for one day you propose one thing and another day another till I am quite puzzled. If I tell you what I think, I consider
that your best chance of passing would be by going to Capt. Lindy's for of course your classical education would be well attended to at Harrow, but I don't> consider that your weak points
will ever be made up there. This is my opinion, but as you told me that the exams were so arranged as to admit boys passing from the public schools and Mr Middlemist seems certain you could
pass, of course my opinion is worth very little, as you and Mr Middlemist ought to know - so I yielded at once to both your opinions. Had I acted on my own judgement I should have
sent you without a doubt to Capt. Lindy's. I should then have felt in my own mind a sense of security that you would pass. You may show this to Mr Middlemist if you choose -
at this distance it would be impossible for me to hear all the pros and cons therefore I have deputed your Uncle to act for me and I told him I would agree to what was settled. If you ask me
what I should like I should much prefer if you are likely to have 3 weeks holidays that you should come over here - our time together will be so short now and I have many things that I should
like to talk over with you, besides poor Louisa was in despair at the idea of not seeing you. I did write to Blybro' to say there was a chance of your not having holidays and when the point is
settled about your going to Lindy's or not I will write and let them know.
From yr affect Mother
March 25th 1873
My new cornet came today - it is a really good instrument which I am sure will please you when you hear it. I enclose the bill: I shall not forget your kindness in giving me this, and if I do
not before long repay you either in hard cash or in some other way, I will let you say that I am not worth my salt.
I remain
your affect son,
R. Story
April 1873
Cavan
April 9th 1873
I went today to Bingfield to tell you Mother that I was sending to you my promised letter of introduction of you to my nephew Capt. Ward which I enclose. I have been too slack in fulfilling
my promise but I have been far from well.
Believe me dear Story
Yours very truly
Farnham
Crosdoney
Ireland
1873
I have sad news for you today, poor Harriet Max died on Friday night at eight o'clock. I think I told you her mother had taken scarlet fever, her daughter attended her, and all were very ill,
4 servants also took it. Congestion of the lungs set in with the poor girl and nothing could save her. We feel so sorry for her loss and for the distress of the family. Her brother has been
telegraphed from abroad a few days previously, had just arrived but of course saw none of the patients.
From yr affect Mother
Caroline Story.
June 1873
June 8th 1873
I fear I have not written to you for some time, but the days go so fast now, that I have even had to ask the day of the month. I think this however a good sign for now I like this place very
well, except for the feeding which considering the price is very bad, in fact even I, "herring-gutted" as I am, cannot at times eat the food, while others are worse off than I am, who have
more fastidious tastes. Complaints have been made to the Captain, but the result has been a change, if anything for the worse.
I remain your affct son
R. Story
I hope I shall see Os in August, but I fear I shall be rather late. I should have got you the tailors bill, but I am using my last stamp, so I sent their address when I wrote to Louisa.
June 14th 1873
Many thanks for the order which you sent me. Enclosed you will find a bill for which the following will, I trust, be a sufficient explanation. Never dreaming of any disapproval on your part
I had agreed to buy the canoe, of course when I had done so everyone knew it, as when they wanted a canoe they had to use some other one, therefore when your letter can on the subject, I did
not know what to do. I could not go and say that I would not have the canoe without giving some reason for so doing, for I should have had to stand a sharp cross examination from my companions,
when they saw me suddenly giving up, without apparent reason what I was so eager to have before.
June 20th 1873
Many thanks for the cheque which I received this morning; you need not fear that I shall run up bills here for the simplest of all reasons, ie. that the tradesmen will not give credit. In fact
the hatband and gloves which I got today must be paid for as soon as they are sent to me. I also got a black tie and 6 collars (all those which Sparrow went me shrunk so much in the washing
that I cannot wear them), these will come in all to about 12s, but, if possible I will send you the bill and let you pay it directly which will save complications.
For qualification
For Competitive Exam
Arithmetic*
1. Mathematics
Geography*
2. Latin
French*
3. Greek
Dictation*
4. French
Geometric Drawing*
5. German
Drawing (Extra)
*Obligatory
June 24th 1873
By the same post that takes this letter goes, my papers too with certificate from the Capt. so now all is right and square.
I remain
R. Story
P.S. When you take lodgings, I hope they will be near Burlington House.
Crosdoney
Ireland
July 26th 1873
we think it wouldbe a great pity to throw away such an opportunity of improving yourself, by spending a fortrnight in Switzerland, also we feel much Mr. Tanner's kindness in wishing
for your company. You had therefore better may arrangements for a fortnight's tour and then come here. I really feel so glad that you should be able to see a little of life, far better
for you at your age than boating or shooting that I shall not even grudge the fortnight that I shall lose of your company - & even Louisa said, who had been counting the days for yr
return , Oh how nice for him, I wish I were going too. You mus let me know about money, & what you will require. when you start & so onm. And is you go your should take every advantage
of speaking French.
From yr affect Mother
You must be sure to tell me how you come out in the exam.
C.S.
May Fair
Septr 16th 1873
I have been to the Horse Guards today and had your name out down for the 60th Rifles and although you might have got appointed to some other regiment in a shorter time you will now have to wait.
I think the delay is well worth incurring for you to serve in so good a regiment.
With kindest regards to Mrs Story
believe me
Yours affectly
Fred Stephenson.
October 20th 1873
Allow me to congratulate you on the distinguished success with which you have commenced your professional career, a success which must be very gratifying to your dear Mother on whose account
equally with your own I give you joy. Will you accept the enclosed ten pound note and spend it on some portion of your "kit" which you will now soon be procuring. I congratulate you also on the
regiment to which you are to be gazetted. If the 60th Rifles does not bear the motto "second to none" it at all accounts merits the distinction.
With my very best wishes
Believe me
My dear Robert
Yours affect.
I.W. Begbie
Immediate
Form 2
July, 1872
War Office,
10 October 1873
The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief having an opportunity of
recommending you to Her Majesty for a Sub-Lieutenancy in the 60th Foot (3rd
Battn) I am directed by His Royal Highness to request to inform me as soon as
possible whether such an appointment would be agreeable to you.
I am,
SIR.
Your obedient Servant,
W.B. Hawley
a. Military Secretary
Bingfield
Crosdoney
Ireland.
112
Gen:No.
283
A 52151
War Office,
12th November 1873
Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to appoint you
to a Sub-Lieutenancy in the 60th Regiment of Foot, I am directed to signify
to you the orders of the Field Marshal Commander-in-Chief, that you join
the 4th Battn. on or before 10th day of Jan next and report yourself to the
commanding officer, to whom you will produce this letter.
I am,
SIR.
Your obedient Servant,
E.A. Wintrum
4th Battalion
60th Regiment
Bingfield
Also R.S.'s appointment as an officer starting "VICTORIA by the Grace of God", to run from the 12th day of November 1873 and signed by the Officer Commanding in Chief George
and one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State Edward Gardner