Letters from John Grant to Matilda Grant, wife of his son Charles; and one to Matilda's brother Robert Hay, 1856-1872
Item
Shelfmark: MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 12, fols. 188-224
Held at the Weston Library
From Kilgraston, unless otherwise stated; chiefly with family news. Comprises letters about:
- (fols. 188-189) the gift of a necklace, with affectionate comments on her marriage to Charles, 22 Aug 1856
- (fols. 190-191) Charles's arrival at Kilgraston; and the rough waters through which both families were voyaging, 5 Sep 1856
- (fols. 192-193) the plans of the Charles Grants' new home [at Belidah]; and Annie Speirs's marriage to Sir George Home, 14 May 1857
- (fols. 194-197) Alan Grant's love of Sarawak; the death of Lady Matilda Maxwell, and its effect on Lady Lucy Grant [her sister]; the war in India; the relief of Lucknow; the death of General Havelock; news of Hope Grant and his son Frank; and the Rajah in England, 15 Jan 1858
- (fols. 198-201) letter from Biel, Dunbar, about the Rajah's negotiations with the British Government and the effect these might have on the future of all members of the family in Sarawak; the need for capital to develop Sarawak; a piano to be sent for Annie Brooke; a visit from Matilda's father [Colonel William Hay], her sister Harriet and brother William, and the latter's arguments in favour of the East India Company; and the award of the KCB to Hope Grant for distinguished services, 20 Feb 1858
- (fols. 202-205) grief at the loss of Annie Brooke; John Brooke Brooke in London, feeling harassed by the Rajah's varying financial propositions; progress of the subscription for the Rajah, supported by Knox of The Times and Miss Burdett Coutts; John Grant's debts, and his fears that he must give up Kilgraston; the threat of 'universal war'; agitation for a Reform of Parliament; the formation of a Gas Company at the Bridge of Earn; and the Rajah's return to Sarawak urged by the McDougalls, 16 Mar 1859
- (fols. 206-209) plans to spend the winter in London and to let Kilgraston; the importance of keeping out of debt; Charles Johnson's successful expedition to avenge the murders of Fox and Steele [at Kanowit]; the decision in favour of Dr Corry in his legal case against John Brooke Brooke; the Borneo Company's wish to oust the Brookes from Sarawak; Miss Coutts's payment of the Company's debt; the Rajah's proposal to put Charles Johnson in John Brooke Brooke's place; and Hope Grant to command an expedition to China, 27 Oct 1859
- (fols. 210-211) letter from London about Matilda's approaching confinement; Charles's financial difficulties; approval of John Brooke Brooke's intention to marry again [Julia Welstead]; and Lord Elgin to go to China again to try and persuade the Emperor to recognise his Treaty, 2 Mar 1860
- (fols. 212-213) letter from St Andrews about plans for Matilda's daughter Blanche to come to Kilgraston the following spring, and Hope Brooke to John Brooke Brooke's parents; a visit from Hope Grant; and news of Matilda's parents at Dunse Castle, 16 Jul 1861
- (fols. 214-216) Charles's accident when rock-climbing [in Scotland]; the death of John Brooke Brooke's wife Julia, and his fortitude in proceeding within ten days against the 'pirates'; and Robert Hay's escape when his servant was shot by his side, 22 Jul 1862
- (fols. 217-218) letter to Matilda's brother Robert Hay, asking him to befriend Grant's son Alan and see to an appointment for him in Sarawak and a fixed salary; admiration for John Brooke Brooke's behaviour; and the appointment of Charles Grant by the Borneo Company as Manager of their Borneo transactions, 25 Aug 1863
- (fols. 219-220) the death of Matilda's son John, and plans for his funeral at Kilgraston, 6 Sep 1868
- (fols. 221-224) letter from Moncrieff about the destruction by fire of Kilgraston house, 6 Apr 1872.
Dates
- Creation: 1856-1872
Extent
37 Leaves
Language of Materials
- English
Shelfmark
MSS. Pac. s. 90 Vol. 12, fols. 188-224
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk