Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Lord [Henry] Brougham, [no address], 19 February 1846. 

30 Russell Square

19th Feb: 46

My dear Lord

       I return you Mr Clarkson’s letter. Mrs Clarkson has in a letter received this morning confirmed my suspicion – About the time of Mr C’s receiving the apology of the Messrs Wilberforce a friend of his was at the house of the now Bishop of Oxford when the then Archdeacon stated that they had been advised to do what they had done, And were then sensible that they had mistaken Mr C’s character – He Mr C. confounded the two concurring incidents in writing to you –

       I am unwilling to think that J. S. could have been the adviser; because his compliment to Mr C. in the subsequent article in the Edinb: on the Clapham Sect is in as good taste, as the pretended Apology is an aggravation of the preceding wrong –

       Your prediction was verified by the ballot on Monday night at the Athenaeum For Sir George there were balls of admission 107 – To reject the candidate only 12 balls of rejection were necessary – There were 57!!! There have been only two similar cases since the club was formed great exertions were made for him His brother James planted himself at the door – The bishop was in the room Lord Glenelg & other officials came down –  

        I have heard with great pleasure of your Lordship’s munificent intentions towards our college, And am aware of the contingency on which the donation will rest – This knowledge has been given only to the Council

             I am my Lord

                         Obediently yours

                                     H. C. Robinson

The Lord Brougham

No address. 

Endorsed: 1846 / H. C. Robinson

Text: Brougham Papers, MS. 21.778, University College University of London.