GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, 5 June 1879
Title
GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, 5 June 1879
Title
GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, 5 June 1879
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Charles Lee Lewes
Date(s)
- 1879-06-05
Place
Witley
Letter Content
GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, 5 June 1879
MS: Yale. Published: Paterson, pp. 183-185.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
June 5. 79.
Dearest Boy
I was very glad to have your letter this morning with its satisfactory news. Do not in these times think of any building -- only of repairs thorough enough to make the dwellings weather-tight and decent. Under those conditions I prefer old buildings to new. Mr. Oldaker, I suppose, spoke from a sufficient knowledge of actual circumstances and prospects, but I am rather surprised at his recommending to re-let on a yearly tenancy. That mode of holding is in the nature of things not favourable to good farming, and in the present state of agricultural interests I should have thought that one great reason for a lease on the side of the Tenant was transferred to the Landlord's side, namely, that the landlord would be in danger of being left by his Tenant plant'e9 l'e0 with the law in his own hands.
In any case let there be no pulling down to rebuild, no throwing of two cottages into one, but only attention to keep the roofs good and make sufficient windows for light and ventilation. 253
What weather for the poor people's holiday! On Whitmonday Mary Cross and Johnnie brought down little Alkie 254 whom I had promised to have while his parents are away in France. We had to sit indoors the whole time looking at the rain. It is still very cold here and every morning I come down shivering. But I am getting better in health. My neighbour Mrs. Evans called yesterday -- a sweet woman, but she sat a whole hour, which is rather long for a call of that sort in which the talk is chiefly about Babies, Governesses, and husbands' occupations. 255 I have got the same light carriage that we had last year on the same terms, 256 and the relief to the horse is great.
I forgot that I should wish to see the article (No. 2) by Caird in the Contemporary, on Positivism. Will you please cut it out and also the article No. 1 on the same subject and send them me by post? 257 And will you find out the title of the book written by Mr. Haweis on Music? 258
I have had a letter from Mrs. Congreve in which she speaks with much pleasure of your visit to her. No letter from Tr'fcbner! An envelope sent me by Mrs. Gibson 259 yesterday and containing three letters, came stuck together with four or five seals and stamped as having been delivered torn at the Paddington Office.
I am so glad that you are taking to the Latin reading, for it will be a continuous thread of interest for you in the midst of desultory things. Poor little baby 260 -- I long to hear that her sweet apple of a face is quite free from specks. Love to all from your faithful
Mutter.
It was delightful news that [the Africans] had had a visit to the Zoo. Remember to give a message of love from me when you see them.
MS: Yale. Published: Paterson, pp. 183-185.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
June 5. 79.
Dearest Boy
I was very glad to have your letter this morning with its satisfactory news. Do not in these times think of any building -- only of repairs thorough enough to make the dwellings weather-tight and decent. Under those conditions I prefer old buildings to new. Mr. Oldaker, I suppose, spoke from a sufficient knowledge of actual circumstances and prospects, but I am rather surprised at his recommending to re-let on a yearly tenancy. That mode of holding is in the nature of things not favourable to good farming, and in the present state of agricultural interests I should have thought that one great reason for a lease on the side of the Tenant was transferred to the Landlord's side, namely, that the landlord would be in danger of being left by his Tenant plant'e9 l'e0 with the law in his own hands.
In any case let there be no pulling down to rebuild, no throwing of two cottages into one, but only attention to keep the roofs good and make sufficient windows for light and ventilation. 253
What weather for the poor people's holiday! On Whitmonday Mary Cross and Johnnie brought down little Alkie 254 whom I had promised to have while his parents are away in France. We had to sit indoors the whole time looking at the rain. It is still very cold here and every morning I come down shivering. But I am getting better in health. My neighbour Mrs. Evans called yesterday -- a sweet woman, but she sat a whole hour, which is rather long for a call of that sort in which the talk is chiefly about Babies, Governesses, and husbands' occupations. 255 I have got the same light carriage that we had last year on the same terms, 256 and the relief to the horse is great.
I forgot that I should wish to see the article (No. 2) by Caird in the Contemporary, on Positivism. Will you please cut it out and also the article No. 1 on the same subject and send them me by post? 257 And will you find out the title of the book written by Mr. Haweis on Music? 258
I have had a letter from Mrs. Congreve in which she speaks with much pleasure of your visit to her. No letter from Tr'fcbner! An envelope sent me by Mrs. Gibson 259 yesterday and containing three letters, came stuck together with four or five seals and stamped as having been delivered torn at the Paddington Office.
I am so glad that you are taking to the Latin reading, for it will be a continuous thread of interest for you in the midst of desultory things. Poor little baby 260 -- I long to hear that her sweet apple of a face is quite free from specks. Love to all from your faithful
Mutter.
It was delightful news that [the Africans] had had a visit to the Zoo. Remember to give a message of love from me when you see them.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, 5 June 1879, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92249