The Henson Journals

[83]

Tuesday, January 9th, 1923.

A new volume of the Surtees Society Publications arrived:– "Durham Protestations or the Returns made to the House of Commons in 1641/2 for the Maintenance of the Protestant Religion for the County Palatine of Durham for the Borough of Berwick–upon–Tweed & the Parish of Morpeth."

This 'protestation' was to be signed by "the Inhabitants of their several parishes, both Householders & Others, being of Eighteen Years of Age & Upwards." The names are all masculine, & the number, on a rough estimate, appears to be about 20,000. This might indicate a population for the county of about 60,000.

The weather became cold and rainy. None the less Clayton and I walked for an hour in the Park with the dogs.

The Servants' Party took place , and was kept up with much spirit till the small hours of the morning. A great variety of talent appears to have disclosed itself . Music and the drama were both represented in the entertainment. Meanwhile, I read the 2nd volume of Page's Life & Letters. It has an almost tragical interest, so vividly does it represent the fears & hopes of that desperate time, when the possibility of defeat came very near to this country. Grey and Balfour are the Ambassador's heroes. They almost rise to greatness. President Wilson does not come out of the narrative creditably. He nearly 'lost the War' for us all.

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