S&SWM PR papers L1001-L1200
S&SWM PR papers L1001 – 1200
L1034
British Museum London W.C.
2 Aug. 1894
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I enclose a short account of the four Devarajas, some of which maybe of use to you. I forget what attributes your four hold, but you may be able to identify them. The variations of these Buddhist representations in different countries & periods are apparently endless and certainly exasperating
Yours truly
Charles H Read
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L1037
University Museum Oxford
Aug 19 1894
Dear General Pitt-Rivers
Reading your letter makes me regret that I did not catch the opportunity of passing through your hands the whole lot of Tasmanian implements, wasters, and chips, now here, approaching 200 in number, and mostly got by me from Brown's River near Hobart. At Section H [of BAAS] my point being to contrast the 3 ground specimens from Brighton with the ordinary chipped stones, I only put a few on the table beside similar ones from Le Moustier. I see now that I ought to have put on the most complete series possible. But I hope that before long you will give me the benefit of your opinion as to which are only to be considered wasters. One thing has to be noticed, however, that the Europeans saw the natives pick up a stone or knock off a flake, and either with a little further trimming, or put as it was, use it for their immediate purpose and then throw it away, which looks as if what elsewhere might be mere waste bits were here used often as implements. Milligan himself told me that when an implement was good, the women would take the trouble to carry it away with them, which looks as if many poorly shaped stones must have been used and thrown away. As yet among the worked stones which have come from Tasmania (putting the three ground Australians out of the question) none have appeared better than those figured in my paper (of which I send a copy with some passages marked). These seem to correspond with the descriptions of the natives trimming and edging them by blows taking off chips on one side only, but I cannot find as yet any description or specimen giving evidence that they did work of a higher class. To judge from the description of your 15 specimens which I trust will yet turn up, they seem much the same. But no one can be more sensible than myself that the matter ought to be settled by more careful examination on the spot, such as you say ought to be made. Can you suggest any way of getting this done? Perhaps the discussion now passed may stimulate the Van Diemenes to go into the problem again. The Anthropological Institute might write a formal letter to the Royal Society of Tasmania. I have nothing more to say but that Cartailhac tells me he has another cave where the worked stones correspond more closely to Tasmanian than those of Le Moustier.
Your visit to Oxford was a source of great profit and enjoyment to us, as your too rare visits always are, and you must have been gratified to see how Anthropology flourishes here.
Your very truly
EB Tylor
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L1038
Ansd Aug 28/94
Chalbury Rectory
Wimborne
Aug 23. 1894
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I am sorry for the delay in sending you a short descriptive label for the hat & bonnets I brought from the West & East Coasts of India & now forward them, hoping they will be sufficient for the purpose.
I also send you an ax head, given me by Mr Rivett Carnac from somewhere near Ghazipur as well as two curious tokens taken by him from a Buddhist tope which he opened. He has now come to England for food & is at 40 Green St, Park Lane & could give you a few further specimens of the kind if you liked. The Rivett Carnac's collection of Indian Peasant women's jewellery is now on view at the Imperial Institute. Mr Senior greatly enjoyed his day at Rushmore & said that its beauties & interests far surpassed the high expectations he had. I return to Town on the 31st.
Yours very sincerely
M.F. Billington
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L1040
Ansd Aug 28/94
Southview
Salisbury
Aug 25. 1894
Dear Sir,
I have this day sent you by parcel post an old lock from an old church door at Shrewton. There is not much to interest in it I fear, but such as it is, you are most welcome to it. The key seems to fit, but it appears to me not to be the original one, as I fancy it looks more modern than the lock.
I have seen today a fine old lock which was taken from the chief door of the Fisherton Goal when it was pulled down some years ago. it is a large lock somewhere about 15 in & 10 as far as I can remember, and must have cost a lot of money when new. The key has wards at either end and the whole thing is in good working order & it belongs to Mr Lloyd the ironmonger here and I see he has it marked at 30/- but I have no doubt he would sell it for much less than that. If you happen to want a lock for a large door or gate, this would be a good one for the purpose, and if you wished it, I should be pleased to get it at the lowest price.
I am Sir
Yours truly
James Brown
Genl Pitt Rivers F.R.S. &c
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L1041
4 Barnard St. Russell Sq.
London Aug. 29-1894
Dear Sir
I came to London for the express purpose of disposing of a Flint & Stone Collection. It includes about 500 to 600 pieces. First and most noteworthy a group of some 30 examples of [insert] a [end insert] large and heavy type of hand battle clubs and battle axes. The former ([Drawing]) shillehagh shape measure from 7 to 14 ins and weight from 1/9 lb. to near 4 lbs; the battle axes are mitre shaped and weigh from 3 to 5 and even 6 lbs. They were all clearly intended for hand use as there are chippings and hollows adapted thereto. My 30 specimens include from a crudest and least worked to the best shaped and finished; though all were evidently used by warriors who cared more for execution than for show or polish. I think I have been the first to bring these things to light and under notice, and have succeeded in securing the gradation of examples necessary to place any doubt about their authenticity and nature beyond doubt or question. I had spoken of the above, last Xmas, to Mr (now Sir) Franks, who had expressed the desire to see them. But in his absence I find there is now nothing worth troubling much with, the British Museum. And yet not a single specimen is to be seen like it there or anywhere else so far as I know.
A Mr Elliott advised me to write to you. The remainder of my collection contains the usual run of specimens, but a certain number of rare subjects. All come from the South (Sussex) Downs, the groups above said being from a certain spot which is still my own secret, although I think I have exhausted the mine or nearly so. I should be quite happy to send it on approval (with a view to purchase) on condition of carriage being paid both ways if returned, and if bought, that my name should be recorded with the group, which should remain intact.
Your truly
M.F. Michel
B.L.L.
to General Pitt River
Please excuse hurry and mistakes
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L1044
[Ansd Sept 10/94]
Ringwood
Hants
Sep./1/1894
To General Pitt-Rivers Larmer
Sir,
Being informed that you purchase curios of various descriptions I write to say that I have a good collection of New Guinea ones - womens' dresses, pipes, drums, bows & arrows, spears, shields, head dresses, stone clubs, arm-shells and other things too numerous to mention.
Having spent 8 years in New Guinea and the adjacent islands, I had been able, with some amount of trouble and expense, to gather together a very varied collection, including most of the things in general use.
I should be glad to know if you care to purchase any of these, so that I might contrive in some way to let you see them.
I gathered every one of them myself direct from the natives, so that I know the locality of each article, and also its use.
I also took a good number of photographs of natives and native scenes, and have the negatives with me, so could readily print from these. They are only amateur productions, but give, I think, a very good idea of the people.
If you would kindly reply to this, I should feel much obliged
I am
Yours truly
E.B. Savage
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L1046
The Square
Ringwood
Sep. 11th 1894
Sir,
Will you kindly inform General Pitt-Rivers that I shall be glad if he could come on Friday next to see the curios, say by the train which arrives at Ringwood about 3.30 p.m.?
Our house is a shoe warehouse opposite Cox & Hicks, drapers.
Will write again tomorrow, but have sent this on so as to secure a day for the inspection.
Am writing in great haste.
Yours truly
E.B. Savage
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L1047
The Square
Ringwood
Sep. 12th 1894
To General Pitt-Rivers, Rushmore
Sir,
I wrote a brief note to Mr. Gray yesterday saying that I should be glad if you could make it convenient to see the N.G. curios on Friday next. I trust this date will suit you.
It is rather difficult to quote a price for the collection without knowing if you would care for the whole or only part of it. I should like you to see them first and I do not think it will be difficult to agree about the price. If you purchase the whole I think you will have the best New Guinea collection in England.
Our house is quite near the Church, and directly opposite the White Hart hotel.
I am
Yours faithfully
E.B. Savage
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L1052
Thames Bank,
Gt. Marlow
Bucks.
Sept. 17.94
Dear Gen. Pitt Rivers,
I have packed up, ready to send off by railway tomorrow, the 6 Norwegian tapestry counterpanes. I cannot find my note of the name of the house where the piece "G" came from; but shall doubtless come across it eventually: but meanwhile as "Skjager" is the parish the name of the actual house would perhaps have no great interest to you.
I am sending (by post) a copy of the Brit: Assoc: Report on the Wild Cattle; & also a copy of the catalogue of my Scandinavian Exhibition of 1891 *, which I hope may interest you.
All the pieces of tapestry have been in my possession upwards of 10 years, & very few are likely to be in the market in future. All the parishes whence they come, are in Gunbrands Dalen; & they were probably woven in one or other of the two parishes, Vaage & Lom.
I was much disappointed to learn that you had some of the old blood of the White Cattle, & then to fail to see them: I must hope for better luck on my next visit to Farnham,; as one of the British public, allow me to thank you for providing so much of interest, with every facility for seeing it.
I hope you will try Reindeer again: I cannot help thinking that with some contrivances, & looking after, they ought to be capable of being nursed through 2 or 3 English summers; & probably after about that time they would have become acclimatized.
Yrs very faithfully
Alfred H. Cocks
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L1059
Gt. Marlow
Bucks.
Sept. 23.94
Dear Gen. Pitt Rivers,
I sent you a telegram yesterday, in reply to yours; & I hope to hear from you in the course of another day, or two, of the safe arrival of the tapestry. It being rather a bulky package, I thought it best to send it by goods train, & I daresay with its many changes of truck, it would take some days to accomplish the journey.
Yours very truly
Alfred H. Cocks
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L1060
[Ansd Oct. 1/94]
The Square
Ringwood
Sep. 28th 1894
Sir,
I have been expecting to hear from you respecting the N.G. Curios.
Some of the people here have asked me to exhibit them at a Bazar [sic] to be held next week but I cannot give them an answer till I know what day you might be here to see them.
Will you be good enough to ask General Pitt-Rivers if he can give me a definite time so that I might know what to do?
Some day in the early part of the week would suit me best. The Bazar is on Thursday.
Yours faithfully
E.B. Savage
Harold Gray Esq.
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L1061
Gt. Marlow
Bucks.
Sept. 28.94
Dear Gen. Pitt Rivers,
I was glad to hear by second post of the safe arrival of the tapestry, as it was a very long time on the road.
I enclose formal receipt on the other side another sheet. In answer to your questions, the origin of the designs of these tapestries has always rather puzzled me: but I do not think they originated with the fabricators, who would be merely "housewives" of a class between what we understand by farmer & peasant proprietor. There are certain details which would be quite unfamiliar to them up country in Norway, in the early (or even middle) part of the 17th century: e.g. the elephant &c, on the oval border of one of Three-Holy-Kings, pieces; & the ostrich feather in the Queen of Sheba's hand: but as the Reformation of Norway had not taken place so very long before then tapestries began to be made, there would still have been a good many ecclesiastical paintings, carvings &c, to suggest subjects, to which they originated borders & other accessories. The Wise-v-foolish-Virgins being evidently the most popular subject, is far more conventionalised than the others.
I should suppose they were worked in looms but little different from those still common in Norway, Sweden & Finland, but I am afraid I don't know the right name for the particular kind.
The names we know these tapestries by, up country, are simply
ET HOJ SAEDE TAEPPE = A Throne coverlet, or SENG-TAEPPE = A Bed do. or A counterpane. while VAEVNADE prefixed [insert] (following the article) [end insert] explains they are woven.
Your last qn I cannot answer, as I do not know the embroidered Icelandic counterpanes, & overlooked your specimens I suppose.
I was in Reading on Tuesday, & (as usual) visited the Museum for the Silchester things - & found that photographs are now to be had in the town, of the Ogam stone - you might like copies to give some idea of the language spoken (I presume?) by your Romano Britons.
Yours very truly
Alfred H. Cocks
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L1064
The Museum House Oxford
Sep. 30 1894
My dear General Pitt Rivers
It was a great satisfaction to have your opinion on the Tasmanian implements after going through the evidence. I wish however that another effort could be made to get the geologists and anthropologists at Hobart Town to have fuller searches in different districts of Tasmania, so as to see whether the rude chipped implements are the same everywhere, and whether the polished ones are ever to be found. If any way of getting this done occurs to you will you kindly tell me. We were much pleased to see the appreciative article in the Spectator on your Museum and Garden.
I am very glad that you think Section H did well. For myself, I found it a profit and pleasure to have more talks with your than I had had for a good while
Yrs very truly
EB Tylor
[Printed, extract from British Association Report]
On some Stone Implements of Australian type from Tasmania
By E.B. Tylor, D.C.L., F.R.S.
The ordinary stone implements used by the Tasmanians were remarkable for their rudeness. They come generally under the definition of substantial flakes, trimmed and edged by chipping on one side only, not ground even at the edge, and grasped in the hand without any kind of handle. The palaeolithic level of these implements, notwithstanding their often recent date, had been pointed out by the writer. [1] In illustration of this comparison, Tasmanian implements wre not exhibited side by side with flint implements from the cavern of Le Moustier, in Dordogne. But an important point of exception as to this comparison, mentioned in the paper referred to, demands reconsideration in view of the new evidence now brought forward. In the investigation as to native stone implements conducted about twenty years ago by the Royal Society of Tasmania, some exceptional statements were made as to stone axes or 'tomahawks' being ground to an edge, and fixed in handles, and these were explained as due to the Australian natives who have passed into Tasmania since the European settlement. What was meant by these statements now appears more clearly from three ground implements of distinctly Australian character, well authenticated as brought from Tasmania, and now exhibited by the courtesy of the Municipality of Brighton, to whose museum they belong. The largest has a label showing that it was obtained through Dr Joseph Milligan, probably from Mr G.A. Robinson, the first protector of the aborigines after the native war; and that it was grasped in the hand for notching trees in climbing. The other two specimens are merely marked 'Tasmanian.' with the initials 'G.A.R.' The coexistence of two such different types as the chipped and ground forms in Tasmania requires, however, further explanation. This may probably be found in the immigration of Australians either after or before the English colonisation, but it would be desirable that anthropologists in Tasmania should make further enquiry into the question on the spot, so as fully to clear up the interesting position of the Tasmanian Stone Age.
[1] 'On the Tasmanians as Representatives of Palaeolithic Man'' in Journ. Anthrop. Inst., vol xxiii 1893, p.141
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L1067
[Ansd by telegram Oct. 8/94]
The Square
Ringwood
Oct. 6th 1894
To General Pitt-Rivers, Rushmore.
Sir,
I have taken the liberty of sending you a list of objects in my N.G. Collection. This will give you some idea of what it is like and its value. You will see that it covers almost the whole life of the people and is the more interesting on this account.
Of course I have only given a very salient description of them, wishing more especially that you might know what articles are contained in it.
I have never before offered the collection to any one but as I am expecting to leave home again shortly, it seems necessary to get rid of them, for our house has a very limited capacity for keeping such things.
I could not possibly hold them over till the Spring, as Mr Gray suggested. It seems best, therefore, to make a price for the whole as given in list, then if you care to purchase them I shall be glad to write out as full a description as possible, and give you the locality of every article. I have a fairly large map of the district (that is of British N.G.) which it was my intention o show you, or, if you wished it, to place with the collection. On the other hand, if you do not care to purchase them, there will be no serious harm done.
It is not beyond the mark to say that they would be worth what I ask for them even in Australia. But they are worth more in England, as it cost me a considerable sum for carriage from the nearest port in Australia.
The price I ask for them is £60.
Will you kindly let me know your final decision?
I remain
Yours faithfully
E.B. Savage
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L1068
Ansd Oct 12/ 94
84 Sistra Road
Balham, S.W.
Oct 7th 94
Dear Sir,
I have applied for the position of draughtsman for the Egyptian Exploration Fund, and should feel gratified if you will give me, at your earliest convenience, a testimonial which I can produce on application.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yr. obedient servant
Charles E. Flower
Genl Pitt Rivers
[Oct 1/90 to Sept 15/94]
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L1071
Ansd Oct. 94
Fern Hill
Witehampton
Wimborne
Oct 11th/ 94
Dear General Pitt Rivers,
It is taking rather longer than I expected getting things in order in our cottage here or I should have come over to speak to you about Lady Lubbocks picture.
I am very sorry that it should not be equal to the others – the more so – as I think the fault is mine for not giving it up at the beginning when I found I could not paint a full face view of Lady Lubbock as I intended – owing to the fact that we do not suit each other.
Though she was kindness itself I felt I irritated her & the steady work necessary was really impossible.
I am speaking so freely to you as I think you ought to know one reason why the picture is different to the others. Still the fault was mine for going on with it & I begin to wonder if there is any serious reason why you should keep it.
I hate the idea of your hanging it & paying me for a picture you do not like & though money is of as much use to me as to most people I would much rather let it go in this case.
I would come over & see you with pleasure any day now, but I hope you will and whatever you decide I should like to see how the picture looks.
With kind regards
Believe me
Yours very truly
Fred. S. Beaumont
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L1085
14 Brechin Place
South Kensington
Oct 27th
Dearest Papa.
I have seen about the saddle bags for the sofa the smallest size in imitation ones are 18 inches square and are 3/6 each and the larger ones 5/6 each the real ones are different sizes and are 15/0 a pair Harrod stores would redo the whole sofa with 6 bags at top and six at the bottom (not real ones) with velvet in between & restuffed for £8-5-6. I give you this as some idea. Willy wrote & I am going to dine and go to the play with the Seymours they came here to tea yesterday. I have bought some works for the show next year. But it was very expensive £2.17.6 I wanted to get a bit for Kate too but could not afford it as [illegible] it was a 1£. They sent to their dancing yesterday the mistress was so pleased to see them and pushed them to the front at once, she found Patience had got rather stiff in the holidays, but was pleased with Ruth. We all enjoyed ourselves so much at Bushmore and I [2 words illegible] with you. I hope your party is a lively one now, but we have rain all day today yesterday was lovely. All the children send their love, will you thank Mama for her letter.
Your affec daughter
Ursula Scott
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L1091
Honduras objects
199 Wardour St W.
London Nov. 2nd 94
Sir,
I have at last been enabled to follow up & discover the owner of the Great Honduras Flint implement & as promised I communicate with you first about it. It was found with a series of other specimens as per list enclosed in Honduras about 20 years ago. The owner is aware of the other specimens extant & has really never been willing to dispose of it. Since I have been in communication with him I have tried every means to get him to consent to sell it alone but fruitless.
He has however consented to sell the whole find & I can offer it to you for 50£ the whole.
I have seen the Implement which is in fine condition & is 12 1/2 inches long & 3 inches wide. I have not seen any of the other objects but the list explains them.
I have got the refusal for a day or so [illegible] so if you would like to procure them and will say I will take them provided the fine Implement is as stated. I will procure them at once & send them. I am afraid any day of them being offered elsewhere so should be pleased to have the honour of an early reply.
In writing to me the gentleman alludes to those known.
I enclose a reduced sketch of the Implement & also of portion of a carved stone vase.
Yours obediently
Bryce Wright
Lt. Genl. A Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S.
Complete List of the Collection
British Honduras
No 1. Unique Serrated Flint Implement 12 1/2 in. long
No 2. Ovoid Flint Implement 7 1/2 inches long
No 3. Ovoid Flint Implement 3 3/4 inches long
No 4. Portion of Carved Stone Vase
No 5. Portion of Carved Stone Vase
No 6. Stone Whistle
No 7. Fragment of terra cotta vase with a pattern
No 8. Fragment of terra cotta vase with a pattern
No 9. Fragment of terra cotta vase with a pattern
No 10. Handle of terra cotta vase
No 11. Terra cotta beads (44 in all)
No 12. Human head
No 13. Hand & part of Arm.
No 14. Foot & part of leg.
No 15. Hand with Cup & Ball
No 16. Owl's Head
No 17. Animals head
No 18. Animals head
No 19. Animals head
No 20. Animals head
No 21. Animals head
No 22 Obsidian Core.
The above constitute the Find having been discovered in one place in Honduras about 20 years ago.
Not belonging to the find but included in the Collection
No 23. A Carib Stone Implement
No 24. Shell Implement, Barbadoes
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L1096
Ansd Nov 22/ 94
Chideock Vicarage
Bridport
Nov. 7. 94
My dear General Pitt Rivers
When the Wilts. Society met at Wilton I introduced to your notice "Blakey's Boot Protectors," as you were exhibiting the ancient sandal cleats. I enclose another example which I have lately come across for I think you will be interested in observing how exactly in shape they follow the old lines: but [insert] are [end insert] improved by using hard steel, & have a barb on each tang.
I hope soon to be going out to Grindlewold if there were any Swiss implements you desire to have it would give me pleasure to try & obtain them for the Museum.
A year ago we laid water mains along the streets of this village. The main street is, as you are aware, the Roman road from Dorchester thro' Bridport to Axminster (?Colyford) We found the bed of the road to be of sea pebbles at a depth of about 14 to 20 inches: but nothing of any date turned up except a glass seal off a bottle dated last century: a round bit of lead (near the carpenter's) four broad horseshoes near an old blacksmith's forge & a few modern bones at one spot: no coins at all, nor any pottery.
Yrs faithfully
C.V. Goddard
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L1102
{joomplu:780 detail align right}[Ansd Nov. 14/94]
The Red House
Ascot
9 Nov: 94
My dear Pitt Rivers
Do you recollect my taking some photographs of the "early hunter", when I had the pleasure of being at Rushmore some weeks ago?
They were not very good; but you must remember that they were taken under difficulties and in a heavy shower of rain. Such as they are, I hope you will accept these proofs of them, for I think you said that the hunter had not been photographed before?
With my own and my daughters kindest remembrances to Mrs Pitt Rivers,
Remain
Yrs most sincerely
Stanmore
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L1106
Ansd, Nov. 22/94
Salisbury
16 Nov 1894
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I am very pleased to hear from Mr Doran Webb that there is a chance of your giving us another lecture at the [Blackmore] Museum.
I am writing to ask you to fix an early date as possible - would about 3 weeks hence be too soon for you? Then are lectures promised after Xmas, but we want to fill up the time before that date.
As to subjects we should be glad to have anything you have worked up lately if that would in any way help you. A chapter in Early Romano British country life as illustrated by grave excavations at Woodcutts & other places in your district would suit us nicely & you have all the material so much at your finger ends that would be very little trouble to you.
I need hardly add that it would afford me pleasure to give you a bed for the Night & in my house you can always do just as you please
With kind regards
Yours very truly
H.P. Blackmore
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L1108
Ansd Nov.21/94
17 Nov 1894
17 Carlyle Square, S.W.
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I have been down to see Mr Rutland (the man who dug up the Saxon barrow at Taplow) who wants to realize some of the collection - He has quantities of things, mammoth remains, drift implements, as well as odds and ends of Roman things. What I thought might be of some interest to you is a small series of locks and keys mostly found in the Thames or near Taplow. If you care for them at all, I should think the simple plan would be for him to send them to you. He realizes that such things are not very valuable & would take a moderate price for them. He has also a lot of curious horse shoes some said to be Roman but I dont know whether you draw a line at those
Yours truly
Charles H Read
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L1112
Salisbury
25 Nov 1894
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I am very sorry to hear yu do not feel well enough to give us a lecture. doran Webb mentioned that you did not like to enter into a long engagement & that was why it struck me that you might possibly be able to give us a lecture at once - however we must put up with the loss, as of course everything must & ought to give way to your health & convenience.
With regard to what you say about the Bronze Age - it is clearly a point that wants careful working out.
Of course one side of the question is whether Bronze was introduced entirely by a conquering & intrusive race - this was clearly so in some parts of England but would hardly apply to Ireland.
Whereever the Bronze people conquered & took possession of the land they would naturally occupy the old Neolithic settlement & camps
I only wish you could have thoroughly explored Old Sarum - for this spot [insert] above all others [end insert] would probably have given good results and it would have been most interesting to see how the early ramparts had been altered, improved & added to by the various occupants.
Yours very truly
H.P. Blackmore
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L1136
P.O. 5/- sent on Jan 19/ 95
21 Winchester Avenue
Brondesbury NW
Dec 31st/ 94
Sir,
I trust you will pardon me the liberty I take in addressing you but as I am leaving for India in a few weeks I am obliged to sell all my Books, Prints, medals, etc, and I thought that perhaps this old medal of Gentleman [?] Pitt might be of some interest to you price 5/=
I hope that you care for it sufficiently well to retain.
Again apologizing & asking the favour of a reply
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently
W. Harman
General Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S. 4 Grosvenor Gardens SW.
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L1146
£30 sent on Jan 18/ 95
Fern Hill Cottages
Witchampton
Wimborne
Jan 5th/ 95
Dear General Pitt Rivers
As I believe we agreed that Lady Lubbocks picture should not hang at Rushmore I should rather like to come to some arrangement about it - & get it out of your way. I suppose you could for a time store the frame & could take the picture out of it & send it on to me at your convenience. I believe I told you that I should be content if you paid me £30 for expenses incurred.
You will understand that not having the £200 naturally makes a difference to my years income as I live by my work & it took up the best part of three months.
I have been thinking what I could propose to do for you & one thing I would like to do would be a head of your eldest sone. I think I know him well enough now to be able to go straight ahead & do a good likeness of him. As you know £45 is my price for head portraits.
With best wishes for the New Year from my wife & myself
Believe me
Yours very truly
Fred S. Beaumont
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L1157
Fern Hill Cottage
Witchampton
Jan 21 /95
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I am much obliged for your letter enclosing cheque.
I would willingly spend a month or more altering the picture if I felt I could really make it a good picture but I am sure it would be a waste of time. One other idea would be possible perhaps if you cared to agree to it
I would make a neat design & paint another picture altogether. There are such possibilities about a blank canvass [sic] that I should look forward to it. This would hardly mean more sittings from Lady Lubbock than the alterations & there would be the chance of doing her justice in a different dress & under different conditions.
It was wintertime before & her baby was ill - & I don’t think I was very well. Perhaps in the summer while on a visit Lady Lubbock could give me sittings at Rushmore.
Will you let me know at your leisure what you think about it. Meantime I must thank you for your most kind note
Believe me to be
Yours very truly
Fred S. Beaumont
NB there is a painting of Lady Lubbock by Beaumont in PR family art collection
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L1162
21 Winchester Avenue
Brondesbury NW
Jany 26/95
Sir,
I beg respectfully to thank you for P.O. value 5/- for medal sent
I have a very good engraving framed, of William Pitt, price 15/- which I should be happy to send for your inspection.
Trusting you will allow me to do so
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently
W Harman
General Pitt-Rivers
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L1164
Eastbury
My dear General
Thank you for your letter and photograph. If the things you want are to be got in Ceylon I dare say I shall come across them. Anyhow, I will do my best.
In about three weeks I shall be enjoying the warmth of the Red Sea, a slight difference from this climate.
The "National Review" editor has accepted from me an article on Tithes: as it deals with matters of interest to landowners, I hope you will see it but it may not appear for a month or even two. Please remember me to all at Rushmore & Believe me
Truly yours
Henry R Farquharson
Jan'y 27th 1895
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L1165
22 Piazza d'Ara Coli
Rome
27 Jan. 1895
My dear Augustus
I have been making Enquiries at Nelli's about Bronzes & I find that they are considerably lower in price than they were some years ago.
I went with Costa & we saw Canova's Boxers - full size - a little over 6 feet he asked for these 3000 francs each. There is the Mercury of the Uffici [sic] at Florence - 2500 fr. then there is the boy picking the thorn from his foot rather smaller these were the principal bronzes I noticed - & I daresay less would be taken for them than was asked.
If there is any special one you would wish to have I could ask about it. I suppose you have been nearly snowed up at Rushmore.
If there is anything else I can do for you here I shall be very glad. I hope you & Alice are well
Yours affectly
AC Stanley
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L1172
Ansd Feb. 7/95 8/- offered 8/- sent on Feb. 11/95
17 Cistern St
Totnes
Devon
4/2/95
Sir
Your name having been mentioned to me by your later gamekeeper Mr G. Bennett as a collector of antiquities and having an axe used in warfare prior to the Roman Invasion I take the liberty of submitting it to you for your inspection an [sic] with a view to purchase It was found by me in the bog at Ascot 3 years ago next June I being at that time an allotment holder thereon. I have Sir obtained the opinion of several Gentlemen used in these matters and they are agreed in thinking it to be of some value to an antiquary.
Trusting you will pardon the liberty I have taken
I remain
Yours Respectfully
John Peters
P.S. I have forwarded the axe per Parcels Post
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L1176
Ansd Mar 8/95
Hotel de la Ville Naples
Feb. 13. 95.
Dear General Pitt Rivers
I have purchased & today despatched by sea to you at Tisbury station one of the curious metal erections that are used here on the backs of dray horses to bear the back strap of the heavy two wheel carts. The cart is always tipped up so that the shafts are high above the horses' back, & the weight of the load rests on the belly-band a& not on the back strap.
This latter requires stiff support, which is furnished by this heavy metal saddle. The price is a long one, but it is not beyond what is usually paid. I could have got cheaper, smaller & less highly finished saddles at £4 £5 or £6: this cost £7:4s
If you have already one at Farnham, I am sorry to trouble you & can only request that it be forwarded on to me at my home
Chideock Vicarage
Bridport
when I shall be happy to pay all charges. but if you have not already got one, I think you will not be displeased at my buying it for the Museum.
As a piece of metal work it is good, & its engravings are interesting.
You probably can give a reason why badgers' hair or skin is so universally used on horse trappings on the continent: I however have never heard the reason.
The initials on the flags & on the other parts are those of the maker
Alessandro Pisa of Naples
the beak faces to the front
on the back are engraved
St Gennaro, Patron saint of Naples
The Virgin Mary & Child Jesus.
On the left of the saddle
St Louis
St Lucy (with her eyes on a dish)
St Vincent
on the right of the saddle
St Lucy
"The Virgin (Mary) of Grace"
St Peter
on the strap supports
St Vincent
I got no explanation of the barrel shaped ornament nor of the scroll over it.
In the box I have also placed a common pottery lamp arranged for burning oil with two wicks - which I got here (for less than three pence!) and beg you to accept for the Museum.
I am informed that the owners or carters are rather proud of their metal saddles & rub them up when they send their animals to be blessed on St Anthony's day. The saddles pass as heirlooms in the family.
I hope to be at home at Chideock in the course of a week or so. You will hardly get the box under a month I suppose.
Yrs faithfully
Cecil V. Goddard
P.S. I desired to communicate with you concerning the purchase of the saddle, but was unable to do so, owing to our short stay in Naples.
C.V.G.
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L1182
Ansd Feb 24/95
Feb. 21. 95.
Chalbury Rectory,
Wimborne
My dear Sir,
We do not know whether you have in your Museums any "Chewsticks" like the accompanying. My youngest son, the Curator of the Botanical Gardens at Old Calabar, brought them with him the end of last month: but we have all been laid up with Influenza, else you sh'd have had them earlier. He regrets he could not bring you any more valuable or interesting "curios". He will return in May, & keep a look out for you. His work is highly spoken of in a recent "Blue Book". Have you yet seen his Sister's vol. on "Women in India"? We sincerely hope the recent bitter weather has had no baneful effects on Mrs Pitt-Rivers or yourself
Believe me
Very faithfully yours
G.H. Billington
These chewsticks are Add.9455vol3_p1179 /1 and on
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L1184
Ansd. Mar /95
2 photographs sent
Feb 24/95
Offa House
St Nicholas Road
Upper Tooting, S.W.
Sir
I am glad to learn from Capt Fox-Pitt that you regard not unfavourably my project of a series of portraits of "Dorset Worthies". As regards yourself - in vol 3 of the "Excavations. which you so kindly sent me, there is what strikes me as an admirable portrait (tho, I must confess I am not so familiar with the face of the original as I could wish to be) To use this, I should require your special permission: which would, I assume, carry with it Messrs Downeys. But Capt Fox-Pitt tells me that you have grown a beard: so that, probably, some fresh photograph - which I should gladly have taken - might be better. It is a point upon which I ask you to decide.
In any case, pardon my saying, no expense would be entailed upon you.
I enclose a preliminary list of those I hope to include, & shall be glad to hear your opinion thereon. It is only a rough one for I have been made prisoner here by Influenza & have not access to "Hutchins." There are other eminent [insert] people, [end insert] residents in or connected with the history of the country whom it might be desirable to include e.g. Lord Eldon Sir Chris Hatton Fuller (who was rector of Broad Windsor) Judge Jeffreys, D of Monmouth Sir Walter Raleigh (Sherborne) [insert] Sir Christopher Wren [end insert] etc etc. What is your opinion?
Should prints or pictures at Rushmore afford assistance might I venture to hope they would be forthcoming [insert] available [end insert]?
I remain Sir
Your obt serv
J.J. Foster
Genl Pitt-Rivers
Enclosure
Tentative list of some Dorset Worthies
Antiquaries
D'Ewes Sir Symonds
Durden John
Hutchins Rev: John
Pitt Rivers Genl
Warne Chas.
Willis, Browne
Artists
Beech Thomas
Hussey Giles
Thornhill Sir James
Authors
Barnes Rev Dr
Creech Thos.
Hardy Thos.
Prior Mat qy born near Wimborne?
Churchmen & Divines
Cardinal Morton
Archbp Lindsay
Archbp Stafford
Archbp Wake
Bp Shillingfleet
James Revd J. Angell
Philanthropists
Coram, Captain
Shaftesbury, Earl of
Science, men of
Bell Professor
Sydenham Dr
Soldier & Sailors
Bingham Sir Richd
Fox Sir Stephen
Hardy, Adml Sir Thos
Page Henry ("Arripay")
Somers Sir George
Statemen
Ashley-Cooper Anthony 1st E of
Forster
Russell John 1 E of Bedford
Ryves Sir T
Unclassified
Bankes Lady qy Dorset born?
Churchill Sir W father of D of Marlborough
Digby, Sir Kenelm
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L1187
Ansd Mar. 5/95
Specimens sent
Peacock
1 Woodsome Terrace
York Rise
London N.W.
3rd. Mch/95
General Pitt Rivers
Dear Sir,
Having observed your advertisement in the "Engineer" of Mch 1st I beg to state that I shall be glad to submit for your inspection some specimens of my work.
I am a good artist & a skilful designer & draftsman and can prepare drawings in mono-tone, line, or colour as reqd. and have had considerable practice in all these mediums in preparing drawings for book illustration and for the weekly illustrated newspapers, including the Graphic, and Black & White.
I may also state that I have had the honour when a non-com officer in the Corps of Royal Engineers to prepare drawings for reproduction for Officers, and that I for some time acted as assistant instructor of drawing at the School of Military Engineering at Chatham.
I shall be pleased to give you any references you may require and if favoured with an interview I shall esteem it as a great honour
I am
Dear Sir
yrs most respectfully
Alex Peacock
Enclosure
Sir
In reference to previous correspondence I shall be glad to have an interview with you at No 4, Grosvenor Gardens on Monday next the 11th at 7 to 8 p.m. or Tuesday at 10.30 a.m.
A.P.R.
Mr A. Peacock
Can have character [illegible] to [illegible] for W.G. Jack. [illegible] cottage [illegible] Reigate. Mr Crawford Wardle [illegible] North [illegible] Reigate. Has been a sapper in Royal Engineers & was corporal [this is presumably Pitt-Rivers' illegible notes on Peacock]
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L1188
Michel
Marine View, 30 Marine Terrace Parade
Eastbourne, March 3 - 1895
Dear Sir
I beg the pleasure to address you the photo of a Curious Stone found on the beach here by a Mrs H... from whom I bought it. I should much like to have your opinion about it, in view to dispose of it either for your Museum or in any such manner as would be most likely to render the discovery useful to the advancement of prehistoric studies and researches.
I must say that the photo conveys but a very insufficient idea of the object itself. The original stone must be examined, then only can any one perceive the unmistakeable traces of Man's intentional handiwork, in the fine chippings and carvings. The absence of patina and oxyde of any kind would be explained by the sojourn of the stone in saline water. I should be most happy to send the stone for your inspection at your own convenience. I had written to the editor of an Archaeological paper, but am advised to seek the opinion of an eminent specialist first, previous to any notice from the press.
Yours very truly
M.F. Michel
Card enclosed
Visiting card enclosed making it clear that Michel was French, and gave lessons in French, German, Italian and music. Also that he sold artefacts, there is a list of 'stone weapons, implements, and other wrought objects from prehistoric ages found in 1894 on the Eastbourne Downs and vicinity by M.F. Michel, LL.B., Paris'
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L1194
Ansd Mar. 18/ 95
Cheque £7.4.0 sent
Chideock Vicarage
Bridport
Mar. 13. 95
Dear General Pitt Rivers
You will, I hope, have received a letter from me written at Naples & stating that I was sending you an interesting piece of harness - This latter probably has reached you by this time & I hope meets with yr approval. With this letter I am enclosing a photograph [not enclosed] showing the manner of use of the said article. The spreader and chains hanging under the cart (one of the immensely long Neapolitan carts) would be for the second horse, which is always hitchednot in front, but alongside & draws from the under side of the shaft or cart bed. I think one reason for this peculiar raising of the shafts above the horse's back may be to avoid the banging and hitting of the shafts as the wheels play in & out of ruts, broken pavement, & deep holes so common in Naples.
I am also sending a modern tin olive oil lamp: the existing type of the ancient pottery form - which is used in Rome by every stone cart, slung under the axle, to give light (so I was told) in the dark passages of the subterranean quarries. I failed to buy one off a cart to I offered 7d down (!) for the dirty oily thing - but on return to the city obtained this off a tin-man's barrow for 2 1/2d. Will you kindly accept it, if it be of any value for comparison. Identically the same thing is made & sold at Thuris in Switzerland where I got one some yrs ago - & where I fished up on the road one day an interesting old iron one, similar but larger and heavier.
2. P.S. Are you aware of the very extraordinary shapes of the flint implements found about Verona in Italy? I saw them in the Kircherian Museum at Rome, & they were new to me - 3 points, 4, 5, 6, 7 points on one flint - some heart shape, triangular, star shape, harpoon, trident, toasting fork shapes - some like a lizard wit the toes cut off, others like a toad with the legs cut short.
But you are probably aware of these can you give me any suggestions of their special uses?
In the same museum are several ancient interments in situ. & I noticed that rough worked flints & polished implements lie beside one skeleton together. flints and bronze implements together beside another. which seems interesting indications of the overlapping & simultaneous use of these materials.
In the suburbs of Naples a common form of crockery basin in several sizes had a broad rim with raised rib on the outer edge [drawing] - but I saw none with the rib on the inner edge as on some of the Romano-British crocks.
C.V.G.
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L1197
Rushmore
Salisbury
Mar. 14/95
Sir,
Your drawings appear to be satisfactory and your having been in the Royal Engineers is an additional point in your favour. So that if your testimonials are satisfactory, I shall be disposed to engage you.
Please to send to me any testimonials you may be able to get, as to conduct etc, and if you have your discharge from the Royal Engineers I had better see it.
You will understand that as you will have to live in the house, and have your meals in the Housekeeper's Room, the necessity for testimonials, is of greater importance than if you were merely to be engaged on the job.
yours &c
A. Pitt Rivers
Mr A Peacock
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Transcribed by AP June 2011 for Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project
