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OXFORD UNION SOCIETY
June: 5: '96
My dear Anna,
I am very sorry that you have such bad toothache. I hope it is better now. I received your letter this morning, and was immediately thrown into a violent passion by hearing of some misguided persons proposing me as a deacon. I will not have it. I am away from home compulsorily for more than half the year, and I am always away another quarter, so it is a mere farce supposing such a thing.
I am sure Father & Mother will enjoy their
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day at Moffat. The weather has been hideously hot, so that I resemble a cross between a common garden hoe and a bag of bones. But yesterday we had a violent thunderstorm and today it is quite clear and fresh. I am coxing on the river at present in the pair races – very arduous and thankless work. I am perfectly hoarse with roaring at people. I am glad to say that I am feeling better, now the coolness has set in, but I have had a very feeble week. I am simply overwhelmed in classical and historical work. Tell Mother that I am deeply sorry, but I have done nothing for George Orr, and
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see no prospect of being able to do anything at best till the vacation. I have resolved to do not a scrap more of desultory literary work, but to devote all my time during the rest of my course here to academic work, & [wide?] reading, keeping always a big novel on hand.
I do not think there is much to tell you, for life has not been very exciting during the last few days. Of course the Prince of Wales has won the Derby. It was amusing to see the crowd round the telegram, when it was posted up in the Union, & to see respectable dons and clergymen taking down the list into their note-books. Last night was a great Union debate, on Socialism, to which Cleland made the best speech I ever heard him make, and indeed I think the best speech I ever heard made there. He is standing for Librarian just now, and is sure to get in.
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I hope Ernie will come successfully out of his fiery trial. I picture him exercising his great intellect just now – writing an essay for example on how many beans make five. They want a new boy on our barge to punt people across the river. I think I could get him the place. How is old William getting on?
I am afraid I am bankrupt of news.
Love to all, Father, Mother, Willie, Ervie, Peter & yourself
Your affectionate brother
John Buchan
