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Oxford Union Society
May: 22: '96
My dear Mother
I am writing to you just before I change to go to the Races. This is the second day of the great May Races. Oxford is a lovely sight, with its greenery and flowers, pretty frocks & pretty faces; speaking generally, the beauty and fashion of England are congregated here just now. When I turned up yesterday on the barge in boating clothes, with long bare shanks, I was horrified to find it filled with ladies, and opera glasses & parasols. Our boat has distinguished itself by being bumped by Balliol. But the most tragic
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thing was the defeat of Magdalen by New College, for the Headship of the River. Magdalen had Gold as stroke (Willie knows who he is) and yet New swiftly walked into them and beat them before they got half-way. I ran the whole way, shouting lustily, and never lost my breath.
Today it is rather cloudier & may rain. Our quadrangle is a mass of visitors. The college gives a great concert, on Monday, for which you have to dress. That letter of Chambers was a very nice request for a further contribution, adding that the last was very much appreciated. I had a letter yesterday from [Gilbert] Murray. He is working very hard.
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and gives an amusing account of the Kelvin celebrations. Lady Carlisle is very ill & his wife is away there attending on her; so he is all alone. I am having an elaborate argument of post just now with both Lane & Watt, relative to J.B. of B.[John Burnet of Barns] Watt wants the book rights, Lane says no, & I say that Lane should agree to buy the book through Watt, which would give Watt the money he desires and only take a little out of my pocket. I expect he will get my point. I needn't say that the controversy is conducted in all amity and brotherly love.
I am working very hard just now, quite ten hours a day. I manage it by utilising every moment when I am not eating, sleeping & taking exercise. I have that ghastly
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examination in Divinity to get through, which comprises John & Luke in Greek & the Acts. The Chaplain said to me, "I suppose it will be more or less familiar to you already." I up and said, "Alas, I never read a word of the New Testament." He stared in furious horror, then I added "in Greek".
I hope you have got back safely and are quite well. I wish I had you all up here just now, I am sure you will enjoy it. You will come up next year when I get the Newdigate. Love to Father, Anna, Willie, Ervie, Peter & yourself.
Your affectionate son, John Buchan
