The Henson Journals

[43]

Thursday, May 10th, 1917.

1011th day

This day being Ella's Birthday we went both together to the Gregory Chapel, and there received the Holy Communion. I attended Mattins & Evensong. The morning was spent in going through the MS. of Fawkes' book, & in writing to him a series of criticisms, mostly petty. I wrote to Mary Radford condoling with her on her brother's death: and to Norman Henderson from whom I received a pleasant letter, contained one passage of special interest. He had described the disabling of his aeroplane by a German shell, & then proceeded:–

"Somehow or other as I came whirling down through space at about 100 miles per hour, knowing an inevitable crash at the bottom, I had a feeling God was with me, & I think I was right".

Newsom& his wife came to see us. He dined with Gee: she remained with us. I had some talk with him. He desires to take a liberal course, but he is not very clear–headed, & his traditions incline him to the "High Church" faction. He is a good fellow in the main. There are rumours that the Bishop of London meditates resigning his bishoprick, having drifted into an impossible situation over this matter of 'Reservation'. But there is little likelihood of any such proceeding on his part, though it is hard to perceive a way out of his difficulties. Lord Cobham wrote civilly in reply to my letter, & Sanday sent me an interesting account of Anson as an undergraduate. About 7.30 p.m. when the telegraph office was closed, I received a telegram with answer prepaid to the following effect: –

"Great Thanksgiving Service commemorating Battle Jutland London Opera House Sunday afternoon June third Admiral & Lady Jellicoe Admiral Sims United States Navy Irish Guards Bank taking part will you kindly consent to be principal speaker Admiral King Hall Sailors Society telegraph Sailordom London."

I particularly wished to be here on Trinity Sunday, when the Bishop will be here. Yet it is difficult to refuse to go since I can go.

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