OR2223/4

letter (2 sheets) from Charlotte Hervey Smith. (wife of Reverend Edward Orlebar Smith), Aspley House. to William Augustus Orlebar, London thanks for letter. ‘your observations on the necessity of gaining fortitude to support those trials to which every human being is liable are perfectly just’.

1 August 1811.

From: 1811 To: 1811

William Augustus Orlebar consulted her on topics for study. – “As your profession is sedentary I would recommend you to chuse such Books as convey information adapted to the present times and afford a general rather than a circumstantial view of mankind”. Suggests Modern History, concentrating on countries ‘which are now the seat of War’. Can then join in conversation. “Most young men when they leave school are better acquainted with ancient geography than with the modern divisions of the earth”, and understand the governments of Greece and Rome regardless of that under which they live”, use of leisure. ‘To establish just principles and to fix them by reading and observation is characteristic of the Gentleman’. Opposes study of poetry, can make ‘common scenes of life insipid’. recommends Robertson’s Life of Charles V; Gifford’s History of France, Shakespeare. “the principal defect of this universal genius was that of descending sometimes to buffoonery in order to gain the applause of the vulgar.” Keep notebook to record impressions of books read; revise what written. Boteler Chernocke been to Buckinghamshire Assizes – Hardy acquitted. “Contrary to the expectation of his Newport enemies”. Mrs Heath brought 2 sons to school ‘clever for their age but unpolished as the wild Arabs’. - hope example of ‘our engaging Henry will civilize them’. - Boteler impatient for Mrs Adams to set off for Hampshire excursion. Gone today to hear trials between Sir Gregory Page [Gregory Osborne Page Turner] and his gardener. Mrs Moore’s Ball – 98 present. Penelope got pet owl. Visits to cousins at Crawley House including Mrs Mary Orlebar. Ann and Fanny going to Margate ‘last place I should chase for recreation’. only attraction Mrs Mary Dickens. Surprised to see the second Scott at Aspley – no acquaintances ‘as nearly grown up.’ Edward looking forward to the Races. ‘Georgiana will prove a brilliant attraction’. Mentions Mr Green and his bride (Woburn)

item

Smith, Charlotte Hervey,
Smith, Edward Orlebar,
Orlebar, William Augustus,
Chernocke, Boteler,
Hardy,
Heath,
Smith, Henry,
Adams,
Page Turner, Gregory Osborne,
Moore,
Orlebar, Mary,
Smith, Penelope,
Smith, Ann,
Smith, Fanny,
Dickens, Mary,
Scott,
Smith, Edward,
Green

Aspley House, London, books, Assizes, Buckinghamshire, London Carlisle Street, Hampshire, balls, Husborne Crawley Crawley House, Margate, WOBURN