Letters from Charles T.C. Grant to members of the Brooke family; and from his wife Matilda (née Hay), her cousin, and two brothers, Robert and William Hay, 1856-1869

File

Shelfmark: MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 11

Held at the Weston Library

Comprises:

(fols. 1-124) Letters from Charles Grant to John Brooke Brooke, 1856-1863:

(fols. 1-4) letter from Kilgraston to John Brooke Brooke at White Lackington about a proposed lease and [J.C.] Templer's comments on this; and the ill health of Matilda and of Annie Brooke, 27 Nov 1856
(fols. 5-8) letter from Belidah about a letter received from Russell [government officer]; a report of the building by the Dutch of a road in Sarawak territory, from Sedin to Gumbang; and Charles Grant's plans for an expedition to Gumbang, 5 Nov 1857
(fols. 9-18) letter from Gumbang about the journey via Bidi; the good road built by Chinese, and possible reasons for its construction; and the question of the Dutch boundary between Sambas and Sarawak, 8 Nov 1857
(fols. 19-24) letter from the Sarawak River (page 2 missing) about confusion concerning the boundary, and the situation of Gumbang; and comments on Russell made by the indigenous people, 9 Nov 1857
(fols. 25-28) letter from Belidah about replying to the letter from the Dutch Resident concerning the boundary, 10 Nov 1857
(fols. 29-32) letter from Belidah about reports by Malay traders of Dutch transactions with Gumbang Dyak communities, 15 Nov 1857
(fols. 33-37) letter from Belidah about the results of his Sambas mission; intrigues by the Sultan [of Brunei] concerning trading; the wish of the Dutch to gain a footing in Brunei; and the need to define all boundaries, 5 Dec 1857
(fols. 38-40) letter from Belidah, asking for advice about the extent of his powers to deal with criminal cases, 12 Jan 1858
(fols. 41-46) letter from Belidah about extensive floods; Russell's ill health; progress with the building of his own house and its cost; the high wages paid by Helms; cholera at Sarawak; and instructions about his furniture, 22 Jan 1858
(fols. 47-48) letter from Belidah about construction of the Fort; and his accounts for salaries and the Chinese revenue, 30 Jan 1858
(fols. 49-61) three letters, from Sentah, Serrah (?), and Krokong, describing an extensive Dyak tour, from Sitang to Gumbang, and the administrative problems encountered; Chalmers's progress with a Dyak vocabulary; and exploration of the mountain ridge dividing Sarawak from Sambas, 12-30 May 1858
(fols. 62-63) extract from a letter from Sarawak about his hopes that the country would not be handed over to either the Dutch or English; the improved position of Sarawak; the need for a British Protectorate and for a man-of-war to be stationed permanently on the coast; and his dislike of the Dutch, 28 Aug 1858
(fols. 64-67) letter from Belidah about Dr Corry's case against the Rajah and John Brooke Brooke; and accusations against the Borneo Company, 14 Jan 1859
(fols. 68-74) letter from Sarawak, to John Brooke Brooke in England (after his wife Annie's death), about the proposal to close Government House and the question of the Pentys' employment; security of Sarawak to be ensured by forts at Belidah, Santubong, and Moratabas; appointment of Robert [Hay] to Moratabas, and plans for its development as a port of call; progress of John Brooke Brooke's two children and his own daughter Blanche; John Brooke Brooke's memorial to his wife Annie; Charles Grant's management of the Sarawak finances in place of Crymble; and cuts to be made in expenditure, and increased taxation, in order to pay the Borneo Company's debt, 18 Jan 1859
(fols. 75-79) letter from Sarawak about the murders of Fox and Steele at Kanowit; rumours connected with John Brooke Brooke's absence; the need for a doctor to replace the Bishop; and the improved financial situation, 23 Jul 1859
(fols. 80-89) letter from Sarawak about the return of Charles Johnson after avenging the Kanowit murders; activities of the Borneo Company, particularly regarding coal and antimony; 'metal', perhaps copper, found at Satang; enlargement of John Brooke Brooke's house; and Russell's departure for England, 24 Aug, 4 Sep 1859
(fols. 90-94) letter from Singapore about Matilda's better health; repairs to the Rainbow, and difficulties with engineers; visit of [F.J.] Callaghan; the poor treatment of St John and his appointment to Haiti; and references to Julia [John Brooke Brooke's second wife] and her family, 15 Jul 1861
(fols. 95-98) two letters [from Sarawak] about settlement with the Borneo Company, and a payment due to the Rajah, n.d.
(fols. 99-102) letter from Kilgraston, to John Brooke Brooke in Sarawak, about a letter from Lord Elgin enquiring about Charles Grant's plans; the Rajah's suspicions of everyone's motives, and his correspondence with Charles Grant about the British Government's attitude to Sarawak; news of his own children and Hope Brooke; the Sarawak exemption tax; and an offer to get 10 cent notes printed, 9 May 1862
(fols. 103-105) letter from Edinburgh about the birth of his third daughter, Constance Mary; Charles Johnson's visit to Paris with the Rajah and Miss Coutts; the Rajah's doubts regarding the British Government; the exhibition of a marble bust of Sir Hope Grant by Charles Grant's sister Mary, and news of his brother Alan and of the children, 9 Jun 1862
(fols. 106-107) letter from Kingston Grange (near Edinburgh), with family news and comments, 19 Jun 1862
(fols. 108-109) letter from Windham Club, London, about the death of John Brooke Brooke's wife Julia; John Brooke Brooke's encounter with the Lanun 'pirates', and the Bishop's part in the affair; and Charles Grant's interview with [A.H.] Layard [Foreign Office] about Sarawak, 26 Jul 1862
(fols. 110-111) letter from Kilgraston, with news of the children and Charles Grant's family, and of Charles Johnson, 25 Aug 1862
(fols. 112-120) letter from Taymount [Perth], (last page incomplete), about his visit to the Shetland islands; comments on John Brooke Brooke's news about Bintulu and the attack on the Lanuns; the transfer of Hope to Wotton [home of John Brooke Brooke's sister Emma Evelyn]; his brother Alan's intention to join the Sarawak Service, and the possibility of his own return; the production of 10 cent and dollar notes for Sarawak, including making paper with special watermark; a proposal to make copper currency; the increased revenue in Sarawak, particularly from the opium farm; John Brooke Brooke's wish for a gunboat; Charles Grant's satisfaction at the proposal to move the capital to the mouth of the river, at Moratabas; references to Rodway, Clark, and Houghton; casts to be made of the busts of Sir Hope Grant and Annie; and criticism of Woolner's bust of the Rajah, 21 Nov 1862
(fols. 121-122) letter from Taymount about the Rajah's proposal to appoint Charles Grant Confidential Agent of the Sarawak Government in England, 23 Nov 1862
(fols. 123-124) letter from Belvedere, Kent, stating that he had been present in the Court House of Sarawak in Sep 1861 when Sir James Brooke had abdicated in favour of John Brooke Brooke, 4 Dec 1863.

(fols. 125-156) Letters from Charles Grant to Sir James Brooke, 1858-1863:

(fols. 125-133) letter from Sarawak about John Brooke Brooke's expedition to the Rejang and the removal of Seriff Musahore; arrival of the Dutch war steamer Celebes and Captain Baak's decision to pursue the Lanun 'pirates'; Dutch designs on the Brunei coast; the British Government's refusal to give the protection of a man-of-war; the dishonesty of the Borneo Company concerning royalties; news of Matilda and their daughter Blanche, their home at Belidah and the Fort; and Chinese immigration, 15 Apr 1858
(fols. 134-135) letter from Sarawak about the anxiety felt at news of the Rajah's stroke, and grief at the death of Annie Brooke; John Brooke Brooke's intention to go to the Rajah in England and relieve him of all work; and advice that he should recuperate in Naples, 14 Dec 1858
(fols. 136-137) letter from Taymouth, Perth, about work carried out for the Rajah and John Brooke Brooke, including replacement of the Treasurer; completion of the new paper money for Sarawak; Wilsone's offer to make copper currency; and the Rajah's proposal to Charles Grant [to appoint him Confidential Agent in England], 24 Nov 1862
(fols. 138-154) letter from Windham Club, London (the letter is damaged and partly missing, as is the first of two copies which is in Charles Grant's hand), expressing astonishment at the Rajah's treatment of John Brooke Brooke, total disagreement with his course of action in deposing and disinheriting him, and support for John Brooke Brooke's behaviour, pleading with the Rajah to change his mind and 'look for a peaceful solution', 6 May 1863
(fols. 155-156A) copy of letter from London about the despatch to Sarawak in Apr of the paper money, and begging the Rajah to make an effort to 'restore things as they were in the days when we all loved each other' (marked passage); and a specimen 10 cent note, 27 Jul 1863.

(fols. 157-192) Letters from Charles Grant to Charles Johnson Brooke (Charles Johnson Brooke), and related notes by Charles Grant, 1863 and 1869:

(fols. 157-159) note headed 'Grant's remarks - correspondence between C. Johnson and C. Grant relative to the final break between the Rajah and Brooke - 1863'. The remarks are about John Brooke Brooke's letter to Sir James Brooke, which brought about the rupture between the two men (see MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 5, fols. 488-491). An additional note in red ink, added at a later date, refers to Charles Johnson Brooke's continued enmity towards John Brooke Brooke and his offspring, n.d.
(fol. 160) list in Charles Grant's hand of 'Letters from C.T.C. Grant to C. Johnson Brooke, anent the Sarawak breach': the letters are numbered 1-6, but corrected drafts of only the first three follow (copies of Nos 2-6, partly illegible, are filed in MSS. Pac. s. 90/4, folder 3), n.d.
(fols. 161-170) from Windham Club, London, expressing his confidence that Charles Johnson Brooke would 'uphold Brooke's honour and rights', and setting out facts derived from old letters from the Rajah and other sources in support of John Brooke Brooke's claim, (No. 1), 26 Apr 1863
(fols. 171-181) from London, expressing his disappointment at the view taken by Charles Johnson Brooke of the Sarawak crisis, and stating his own opinion formed after reading the relevant correspondence, (No. 2), 1 May 1863
(fols. 182-186) from London, stressing the need for Charles Johnson Brooke to urge the Rajah to fulfil his repeated promises to John Brooke Brooke or else to agree to arbitration. A postscript (copied by his wife) refers to Charles Grant's appointment as Secretary to the 'Land Mortgage Bank of India', (No. 3), 4 May 1863
(fols. 187-188) note by Charles Grant about his encounter with Charles Johnson Brooke, and his subsequent invitation to visit him at Belvedere, and a copy of Charles Johnson Brooke's reply dated 24 Jun 1869, [1869]
(fols. 189-190) letter from Charles Grant to Charles Johnson Brooke, raising the question of provision for Hope Brooke's future, referring to promises made by Sir James Brooke to John Grant at the time of Annie Grant's marriage to John Brooke Brooke (see MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 8, fol. 61, for Charles Johnson Brooke's reply refusing to discuss John Brooke Brooke's 'supposed claim'), 26 Jun 1869
(fols. 191-192) letter from Charles Grant to Charles Johnson Brooke, expressing surprise and regret at the tone of his reply and bidding him farewell, 30 Jun 1869.

(fols. 193-330) Letters from (Janet) Matilda Grant (née Hay), Charles Grant's wife, chiefly about family and domestic matters; also from her cousin and two brothers. See also MSS. Pac. s. 90/4, folder 2, 1856-1866:

(fols. 193-195) letter from Miss Hay, Matilda Grant's cousin, about her visit to Kilgraston on the occasion of the marriage of John Brooke Brooke to Annie Grant, [1856]
(fols. 196-197) letter from Matilda to her husband's parents, John Grant and the Lady Lucy Grant, from Suez, en route to Sarawak after her marriage, about the journey and a visit to Cairo, 22 Mar 1857
(fols. 198-210) two letters from Matilda to her husband's parents, from Belidah, about her new home and domestic matters, with references to Charles Grant, Annie Brooke, Alan Grant, her brother Robert Hay, the Bishop, and Mrs McDougall, the Rajah, and Alderson and Watson (Government officers), 25 Feb and 16 Oct 1858
(fols. 211-214) letter from Matilda to her husband's parents, from Sarawak, about her own illness; the arrival of St John; the death of John Brooke Brooke's elder son Basil; and her daughter Blanche and Hope Brooke, 19 Jan 1861
(fols. 215-216) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy (later Mrs C.W.A. Feilding), from Sarawak, about the pleasure of visiting Annie Brooke; the visit of a Dutch steamer [Celebes], and hospitality shown to the Captain and officers; an ordination service at the Mission; and the progress of Basil Brooke and her own baby, Blanche, 9 Apr 1858
(fols. 217-222) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Belidah, quoting from Charles Grant's letter about his Dyak tour accompanied by Chalmers (see also fols. 49-61), with a description of their reception by the Sempok people with dancing and feasting; and news of Annie Brooke and the children, 19 May [1858]
(fols. 223-226) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Sarawak about Annie's approaching confinement, and relief at the arrival of Mrs Penty; church services and religious teaching; and John Brooke Brooke's wise guidance of Sarawak affairs during the Rajah's absence of a year, 7 Nov [1858]
(fols. 227-232) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Sarawak about Charles Grant's recovery from illness; and the arrival of the Magicienne and an unexpected visit from Captain Vansittart and Lieut. Buckle, 6 Apr [1859]
(fols. 233-238) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Sarawak about the death of the Grants' old nurse, 'Nutty'; alterations made to Government House; a visit to Sakarran, and excursion up the river to the gold works at Marop; and the general feeling of uneasiness following the conspiracy [at Muka (Mukah)], 20 Oct [1859]
(fols. 239-242) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Sarawak about John Brooke Brooke's arrival, and memories of Annie; the launching of Charles Johnson Brooke's new gunboat, Venus; meeting with uncle Hope Grant; and plans for the children's future, 6 May [1860]
(fols. 243-249) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Sarawak about too much work for Charles Grant due to lack of assistance during the absence of Robert Hay and Crymble; Bertha Crookshank's severe fever; and progress of the three children, 18 Sep [1860?]
(fols. 250-254) letter from Matilda to her husband's sister Lucy from Santubong about the return from Brunei of the Rajah and St John after satisfactory negotiations at Muka (Mukah); departure to Singapore of John Brooke Brooke and Robert Hay, and plans for John Brooke Brooke's marriage [to Julia Welstead]; the arrival in England of Blanche and Hope; and Miss Rocke's plans for a school, 6 May [1861]
(fols. 255-261) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Belidah, chiefly about his two sons, who were left in her care after their mother's death in Nov 1858; about his sudden departure for England; her hopes that the Rajah would hand over all business to him; and the disposal of Annie's possessions, 5 Jan 1859
(fols. 262-268) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Belidah about his two sons; news from John Brooke Brooke concerning the Rajah's restored health; surprise at the latter's changed attitude concerning Sarawak's future; his old promises regarding John Brooke Brooke's inheritance; and alterations made to Government House, 14 Jan 1859
(fols. 269-272) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Santubong about his two sons and about staying in the Bishop's cottage, Good Friday 1859
(fols. 273-274) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Government House, Sarawak, about the children's health; and the coming departure of the McDougalls, 4 Sep 1859
(fols. 275-278) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Sarawak (first page missing) about his two sons; Charles Johnson Brooke's absence in Sakarran; England's neglect of the Rajah; visit of the steamer Hoogly and Captain Wright; and references to the McDougalls, Mrs Manley, Anne Brotherton (Matilda's maid), and Alderson, 20 Nov 1859
(fols. 279-281) letter from Matilda to John Brooke Brooke from Fort Sarawak about sadness at the absence of Hope and Blanche; John Brooke Brooke's approaching marriage to Julia Welstead; and references to Read and Wilsone, 1 Jan 1861
(fols. 282-285) letter from Matilda, from Galle, to John Brooke Brooke in Sarawak, about the voyage with Charles Grant from Sarawak and her improved health, 16 Feb [1862]
(fols. 286-289) letter from Matilda to Mrs F.C. Johnson (mother of John Brooke Brooke and Charles Johnson Brooke) from Singapore about John Brooke Brooke's two sons, left in Mrs Penty's care at Sarawak during Matilda's stay in Singapore for her confinement; and John Brooke Brooke's pending return to Sarawak, 5 Jan 1860
(fols. 290-293) letter from Matilda to Mrs F.C. Johnson from Kilgraston about Charles Grant's opinion that John Brooke Brooke was justified in his protests against the Rajah's treatment, referring to St John's Memorandum to the British Government; and news of her own health and of the children, Ash Wednesday [1863]
(fols. 294-295) letter from Matilda to Mrs F.C. Johnson from Hampstead, sent with a copy of a letter from the Rajah concerning John Brooke Brooke; and news of Hope Brooke at Kilgraston, [1863]
(fols. 296-300) extracts in Matilda Grant's hand from her own letters, (1) about the ceremony of John Brooke Brooke's public installation as Rajah Muda, and (2) to Bertha Crookshank about the effect on government officers of the Rajah's treatment of John Brooke Brooke and the general dismay felt in Sarawak, 19 Sep 1861 and 1863.

(fols. 301-330A) letters from Matilda's brothers, Robert M. Hay and William J. Hay, to her husband and brothers-in-law, 1862-1866:

(fols. 301-310) letter from Robert M. Hay, from Sarawak, to Charles Grant in England, giving a full account of the attack on the Lanun fleet made by himself and John Brooke Brooke in the Rainbow and Jolly Bachelor (see also MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 5, fols. 444-451); good trade at Muka (Mukah); financial matters; a friendly visit from [Hugh] Low; and the departure for Australia of Alderson, 28 May 1862
(fols. 311-316) two letters from Robert M. Hay, from Mukah (Mukah), to John Brooke Brooke, about quiet conditions in Bintulu; news of coal and antimony; the shortcomings of Clarke and Rodwell; Col. Cavenagh to visit Sarawak; revolt of Kadyans at Brunei; the return of Pangeran Hassim, and Loia; talks with Buntar about Kayan revenue; and Pangeran Mustapha's debts, 22 and 28 Sep; 27 Oct 1862
(fols. 317-324) letter from Robert M. Hay, from Sarawak, to Charles Grant (with marked passages) about his surprise on returning to Sarawak to find John Brooke Brooke gone and the Rajah and Charles Johnson Brooke established; the Rajah's statement to the government officers about John Brooke Brooke's behaviour, and their resolve to show no active opposition and to treat the matter as a personal quarrel; general sympathy felt for John Brooke Brooke; news of shipping at Moratabas, and plans to cruise in search of Lanun 'pirates', 27 Mar 1863
(fols. 325-329) letter from Robert M. Hay, from Sarawak, to John Brooke Brooke (marked 'Private') on similar lines to the above, and advising John Brooke Brooke to keep the quarrel private, 28 Mar 1863
(fols. 330-331) letter from Robert M. Hay, from Mukah (Mukah), to Charles Grant (with marked passages) about a letter received from the Rajah concerning Hay's support for John Brooke Brooke, his conviction that Crookshank and Charles Johnson Brooke felt as he did and that Charles Johnson Brooke would declare himself; financial support for the Rajah from Miss Coutts, which enabled him to do as he liked in Sarawak; the acceptance by her agent, La Touche, of the general sympathy felt for John Brooke Brooke; and the success of Charles Johnson Brooke's Kayan expedition, 16 Jul 1863
(fols. 332-335) letter from Robert M. Hay, from Sarawak, to John Brooke Brooke (marked 'Private') deploring his determination to carry on the quarrel; the difficulties of establishing a legal claim to Sarawak; his own refusal to pledge himself to the Rajah and his consequent departure; and his hopes that John Brooke Brooke might yet come to terms, 5 Sep 1863
(fol. 336) extract from letter from Robert M. Hay to Charles Johnson Brooke about his offer to Hay to rejoin the Sarawak Service, declined because circumstances were unchanged; and the Rajah's refusal to refund John Brooke Brooke's loan, 26 Feb 1866
(fols. 327A-330A) letter from William J. Hay, Matilda Grant's brother, to John Brooke Brooke about the Rajah's letter to Robert [Hay] and his dismissal from Sarawak; and an invitation to John Brooke Brooke to visit Dunse Castle to discuss a proposition he (John Brooke Brooke) had made, 7 [Jul? 1863].