Letters written by Acton while in residence in Magdalene. Seventeen letters sre written to his mother Lady Acton in French and two are to his brother Sir Richard Acton (in English).
A short digest in English was published by Prof F.C. Green in the College Magazine, No. 77 (Dec 1938), pp 325-328:
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16 February 1820
George IV proclaimed in Cambridge. Lodgings in College good though street noisy. References to his brother Richard and François
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Cambridge, 18 February 1820
Matriculated, took oath on the Bible to obey the laws of the University and Vice- Chancellor" in everything just and equitable". Did not take other oaths which he describes as " monuments of the infatuation and bigotry of the Reformation". Reference to Mr Fortescue, Fellow of the College, who was polite to him. The older undergraduates tell him that the discipline is light. Not obliged to go to Greek lectures since the Professor gives private lessons. The same Professor gives private lessons in Mathematics. At first Acton went to lectures thinking they were compulsory and after being complimented on his diligence continued going. Lectures are badly attended. References to his brother Richard who is to matriculate in the Easter Term
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Cambridge, 15 March 1820
Letter from Acton (in English) to his brother Richard. He refers to the following friends: Gilbert Elliot (in his second year at St John's), Barker of Christ's, Mildmay, Turner, Gage, Irish, a Fellow Commoner of Magdalene aged about 30, Pile, the other Fellow Commoner of Magdalene, and Williams, also a Magdalene man, from Shrewsbury. Acton says that "several men come from the same Academy because there are Scholarships open to them only".
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Cambridge, 10 May 1820
(Lady Acton is in London.) Examinations are to take place on the 20th. Acton will go down about the 25th.
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Early in May 1821, probably the 1st
A note to his mother from Calais announcing that he will embark for England next day.
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7 May 1821
Mentions crossing from France to Dover. No customs duties to pay. Apparently stopped with friends called Jones on his way to Cambridge. Reference to Cambridge friends called Kaye.
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Cambridge, 10 May 1821
Reference suggesting that Mr Wynne is a Member of Parliament. Acton received by the Kayes.
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14 May 1821
Acton has been with Mr Wright at Walton where he met a Catholic friend of Wright's called Slaughter who was visiting Newmarket Races. Wright has gone to Cheshire where he has property. Refers to the Jerninghams at Copley. Acton now in a new set of rooms overlooking the Garden and belonging to one of the Fellows, Benson; "consequently", says Acton, "one of the best sets". He will occupy this set until the return of Benson in October.
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17 May 1821
Visited Ely. Not impressed by cathedral. Weather bad; windy and cold. Acton is learning how to keep a coal fire alight. References to Cambridge friends Gilbert Elliott and Gibbons.
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21 May 1821
Acton has been to Newmarket Races where he saw the Duke of York. Lady Acton is apparently going to Italy. Refers to bad political conditions in Naples. Acton in favour of ruthless suppression of the rebels.
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24 May 1821
Lady Acton apparently complaining of lack of news. Her son replies that there is nothing worth mentioning. One of the family servants apparently now in Cambridge with him. Still obliged to have a fire. Invited by a Mr Crawley to dine.
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28 May 1821
Invited to dine by Mr Wright.
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Cambridge, 4 June 1821
Lady Acton was in Paris, 130 rue du Faubourg St Honoré. Acton refers to a misunderstanding with his Tutor, Mr Wynne, who reproached him with not having announced his return. Acton dined with Mr Wright before leaving Cambridge for London.
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Cambridge, July (no date, but from the postmark it was received in Paris on the 16th)
Acton refers to a letter from Mr Wynne who is at Dropmore, at Lord Grenville's. Wynne wants him to spend his holidays with Mr King of Cambridge who is at present in Bangor. Acton, on the other hand, decides not to go but to ask Mr Wynne's permission to allow him to leave Cambridge at once on condition that he returns in February. Apparently Wynne is willing to let him go if he comes back in October, but this would prevent Acton accompanying his mother. If Wynne consents, Acton will have time, apparently, to go to Naples and back. Acton really wants to leave Cambridge for good on account of the exorbitant expenses; his Tutor, on the other hand, is trying to persuade him to stay, pointing out the advantages to be derived from a longer sojourn. Acton apparently wants to go into the Church, whilst his Tutor wants him first to study Law at the Temple.
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17 July 1821
Two days before the Coronation. Acton wants to get away from Cambridge so as to be with his mother in Naples. Has not succeeded in persuading Mr Wynne to let him go. The latter suggests that he ought first to study Law at the Temple. Acton wants to miss the Michaelmas Term; thinks he may persuade a Mr Neville to allow him to do so.
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c. 20 August 1821 (received 24th in Paris)
Note announcing arrival at Dover after a good crossing.
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Aldenham, 26 August 1821
Acton could not leave London earlier for Aldenham because the coaches were filled with University of Oxford electors, a bye- election having been caused by the promotion of Sir William Scott to the peerage. Acton going to Liverpool. Intends to resume his studies which have suffered from interruptions. If he gets Mr Wynne's permission, he will stay some time at Aldenham and later visit his friend Gibbons and study with him. Reference to his own philosophic character, serious melancholy, but only really disturbed by private sorrows. Once he has acquired some self-mastery, he tells his mother, he will be quite happy. Points out that although he may be considered cynical, it is a fact that external experiences do not affect him. Reference to Richard who is too lazy to write.
