The Henson Journals

[185]

Wednesday, March 6th, 1918.

1311th day

I went with the Archdeacon of Ludlow to Beddoe's office, & there handed to him the above–letter after telling him what it contained. Then I went to the Bank, & contributed £100 to the War Loan. This is equally absurd and inevitable. The Bank–Manager was very communicative. He tells me that he is a High Churchman, and a diocesan lay–reader: that he conducts service, & preaches nearly every Sunday. He says that the farmers are contributing very little to the War Loan.

[186]

March 6th 1918

Dear Mr James,

You are aware, I think, that the office of diocesan registrar has been for some while vacant, and that Bishop Percival's retirement creates also a vacancy in the office of Bishop's Secretary.

I write to request your acceptance of those offices, in which, I have full confidence, your action will be of great advantage both to the Diocese and to the Bishop.

I have asked Mr Beddoe, who during the vacancy has acted as Registrar, to continue to do so until the appointment is made, & then to hand over to the new Registrar the diocesan documents now in his custody.

You will oblige me by giving me your answer to this letter with as little delay as may be convenient.

Believe me,

Very faithfully yrs,

H. H. Hereford

I carried the above–copied letter to Mr James's office, & later in the day I received his affirmative answer. Later still a brief note from Mr Beddoe announced that he had already heard from Mr James, & was sending him the diocesan documents forthwith. Thus ends, satisfactorily as I hope, an unpleasant business which had to be gone through, but had all the materials for public friction.

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