Part 01: G. W. Rusden letters, 1846-1900

tell me of every new books which they think worth reading. One which Phelps some time ago recommended was Col. Henderson Life of Stonewall Jackson and I found his praise well deserved. Henderson is an English soldier.

Lecky highly commends young Trevelyan's book on Wycliffe's times. If I can I will read it. The author is only 23 years old but according to Lecky is of high promise. I don't admire his father Sir G. Trv. much, though his life of Macaulay was of course good. With my most sincere regards to you all & thanks for Libby's kind remembrance.

Yours ever sincerely G W Rusden

{in pencil: 1900}

Cotmandene South Yarra Melbourne

My dear Mrs Onslow

I am rather exercised in my mind on account of not having yet acknowledgedArthur's politeness when he was here.

He called and I asked if he would dine and stay a day or so which he consented to do. I was going out that evening to a Shakespeare reading. Four outsiders (myself, Mr. Murray Smith, Tom Browne and a London University friend of mine) join with the Headmaster of the Ch. of Engl. Grammar School who brings 5 or 6 of the Upper Form boys - in having readings of Shakespeare. All present read.

That night we were to meet at Mrs Smith's. After Arthur had left me, promising to return at 6 I went by tram to let Mrs M Smith know that I wished to bring

a friend though I knew well enough that I might do so without leave, as indeed she assured me, at the same time inviting him.

When I returned I found a telegram from him to say that he was to leave for Sydney, that afternoon; and next morning I received a courteous note in explanation. Please thank him for me. I hear that Jim is off to the war, as indeed every body seems to wish to be. I think the thing is overdone in some cases. I know one in which a young fellow who has passed all his legal examinations is articled in his father's firm, a long established

one, and yet is applying for a Commission in the army in order to go to this war.

How many of your young heroes are affected by this not fit? Jack's going I heard of from you, and lately I hear that Jim has gone!

I hope you will see them all safely back again and the sooner the better because in that case the wretched and vile affair will be over. The mingled impudence lying, cunning & coverage of the Boers is disgusting.

I see that Herbert Gladstone is reported to have declared

that the Boers must this time be brought to heel. What a legacy his father left, of trouble in Africa!

Mountains of misery in Africa, and gloom in his own country.

So far, the spectacle of national enthusiasm in Canada and Australia is a redeeming feature, but for that the G.V.M can have no credit, as for many years he advocated the severance of the Colonies.

I wish you all happiness at Camden and an early and happy reunion with all the wanderers.

Yours most sincerely, with kindest regards to all of you G.W. Rusden