| Description | These letters are dated 4 Feb[ruary] 1883, and 29 May, 26 Nov[ember] and 29 Nov[ember] [18]96. Three letters are written from Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham; one letter, dated 29 Nov 1896, is from 40, Prince's Gardens, [London], S.W. The earliest letter is addressed 'Dear Professor Foster'; the others are addressed as 'My dear Foster'.
The letter of 4 February 1883, concerns an invitation to dine with him in Hall, which he accepts, since he has 'no one in particular to see, except Hammond, my boy's tutor, upon whom I will call, if convenient.'
The letter of 29 May 1896 asks Foster's advice on how best to settle a disagreement with a bulb grower at Naples called Dammann, who sent Chamberlain 'a lot of the worst bulbs' he had ever had.
The other two letters from 1896 concern a dinner engagement at the Royal Society [and are written to Foster as secretary of Royal Society]. Foster had asked Chamberlain to give an after dinner speech. Chamberlain replies: 'I hate speaking, especially after dinner speaking - but if you want me to hold forth, I will do my best to bore you.' However, he later writes that he has 'received the Queen's command to drive to Windsor' so will be unable to keep his engagement. |