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The immediate feature of this letter is the fact that Manning wants Darby to stop calling him 'Mr.', no doubt a strong indicator as to how well these two know each other and how relaxed their friendship was.

The letter simply begins Manning telling Darby not to apologise for seeing Manning during Exam confusion, then an apology from Manning and his explanations as to why this letter is so late. The first bulk of the letter is dedicated to Manning's thoughts on a paper Darby wrote, one about the Isle of Ely. Manning seems very impressed with it and fails to give many negative thoughts on it.

The second part of the letter concerns discussion of Part II of a course, relating to history

being a compendiou?e & authentick Narracioun of y? William Dowsing Societie in a Vi?itatione of all y? Pari??he Churches & College Chapells of Cambridge during a Longe Vacation; w?? Narration, latelie imprinted in y? Cambridge Review, is here newlie ?ett for the & edited by F. Brittain & Bern? Manning, Fellows of Je?us College in y? Univer?itie of Cambridge.

Printed and published by Will. Heffer & Sons, this is a collaborative effort from Bernard Manning and F. Brittain. It is in fact a reprint, the original being printed in 1739 and thus the language used resembles that of the 18th century.

It details the accounts of William Dowsing, a iconoclast who was appointed by Parliament between 1643-44 to visit 250 Churches around Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, removing/defacing ornaments that were deemed superstituous. This particular account involves several locations, including Jesus College.

This letter has another simple message. Manning informs Darby that he will not be around for most of the next day, due to Dr. Nouirre inviting him to go to a matinée. Manning says he may be back for a late tea at around 5 or after and he would be delighted if Darby came around at that time, if convenient.

This letter mostly concerns the success of Clifford Daby himself. Unlike the rest of the letters, the recipient is not H.C. Darby but his father, Evan Darby, which we can tell from the fact the letter starts with a formal 'Dear Mr. Darby'. Manning expresses his thoughts that Clifford will have a very fine career and possesses very fine qualities as a friend. Manning is very proud that Clifford was one of his pupils, though remains humble and thinks he learnt little from him.

Manning also briefly responds to an invitation from Darby, saying he'll come if he can. Finally, Manning hopes Mrs Darby's health is better.

While this item has no year date, the fact that the paper itself came from the Bursar means it cannot have been written any later than 1933.

This is a simple request from Manning to Darby, asking him if he'll act as a host for the Geography Club that night and show people where to go. Manning cannot do himself due to a cold and he trusts Darby, as he thinks no person knows the area better than he does.

The main contents of this letter concern the book Corduroy, by Adrian Bell. Manning asks if Darby has read it, though he suspects he already has. As for Manning himself, he seems to love the book since he found it the previous term. Humorously, he comments that due to a lack of sex interest in the book itself, that the author must be insane. Manning also asks Darby for his opinion on the historical geography of the book.

We do get a brief glimpse into Manning's family. He has a niece by this point, who may have just been born recently, for he comments that she is unique 'as is the manner of babies'.

This letter begins with Manning thanking Darby for his Christmas gift, which was the book 'Sin of Man'. Unfortunately he has been unable to read it, as his new position means he is still incredibly busy, even now. However, Manning's father has finished book and sings it's praises, noting that the beginning of the book is particularly insightful and valuable.

Manning also points out that they should keep aware of the new psychological historians and asks if Darby has held a lecture on Psychology and Geography and, if not, why not.

Manning also mentions that he does very little these days, other than take short walks, examime plants and listen to readings of Pendennis (likely referring to 'The History of Pendennis: His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy' by William Makepeace Thackeray) and scribbling letters.

This is a postcard with a photograph of Fowey Harbour, in Cornwall, with an arrow drawn upon it, presumably by Manning to let Darby know whereabouts he was staying for his holiday.

Manning says he expects to be back in College by next week, although he'll be in and out for the rest of the Summer. He reminds Darby that he hasn't forgetting the 'vast sums' that he still owes him. Finally, he briefly mentions that he has a good fishing story to tell Darby so fishing may be one of his hobbies.

Manning begins this letter with a thought that the pair of them should refer to each other by their first names, setting the pattern for the rest of the letters in this collection.

This is a simple letter, thanking Darby for the Christmas present, which was a book. Manning has never read this book, though claims he knows something of the author that he must tell Darby later.

Manning's father also seems to be in poor health, though is physically better than expected. Manning himself has done little, save for Christmas letters and some medieval history in preparation for lectures the coming term, none of which he has begun to write yet.

This entry is another that revolves around Christmas. Manning informs Darby that he cannot find a book as a present for him and asks if he can find one himself; he has been too busy trying to collect himself for his birthday the next day, as well as making plans for the new year, a main one being to see Darby more.

This letter contains three things for Darby.

The first is a thanks for Darby's kindness in his letter, apparently referring to an article/review Manning wrote. Manning expresses that he liked the shoddiness and impertinence (likely sarcastically) and says its one merit is its grammar.

Secondly, Manning tells Darby that he said that Darby is the only resident in Cambridge.

Finally, Manning informs Darby that he told the Editor of the Review (perhaps the Cambridge Review) to ask Darby to see the proofs through the press, since he wants to print it this week.

Manning ends the letter by telling Darby he has amended and sweetened his review, proposing a title of "This England... this Seat of Kings".

This is a simple postcard, with a request that Darby inform Manning of his plans. Manning is leaving for presumably a holiday that Friday or Saturday and expects to be back in the middle of September.

The front of the postcard has many scribblings on it and is from the Ailesbury Arms Hotel in Marlborough.

Written on Manning's birthday, this letter is mostly a gesture of thanks to Darby for a gift. Manning neglects to say what it is, though judging by the language used we can assume it is a book or something to read. He is extremely grateful for the gift, saying it was a surprise despite each year Christmas holding less surprises for him. A heartwarming letter, Manning stresses how much he treasures his friendship and work with Darby.

Manning also mentions that he has recently moved house, to Northallerton, which he finds to be a pleasant little town.

This is another collaborative effort from Bernard Manning and F. Brittain, reviewing a piece about Jesus College by J. Steegmann. Unfortunately for Steegmann, Manning can hardly be said to approve of the piece, preferring to call it 'Cambridge as it never was and as it is not today'. Manning picks apart claims made by Steegman about the college, presenting them as false and ludicrous. His distaste of the written work is clear to all, as he concludes by calling it 'merely repulsive'.

Despite Manning calling this letter a 'mere note', it is a reply involving quite a few subjects.

To begin with, Manning informs Darby of his travel plans, expecting to be back in Cambridge by September 26th.

Next, Manning asks Darby to find the Hall address of a friend named Harry. He cannot remember it himself but gives Darby vague directions and hopes he can find the specific address himself. He has even drawn a basic map to help.

Thirdly, Manning writes about clothes: breeches, a jacket and riding boots. He recommends getting the breeches first so Darby can be measured in them for the boots.

Finally he mentions Bob has been sailing and Darby can write a note to him, addresses to New York. Also along the side, Manning says he deal with the Dedication in a proper letter.

In this Christmas related letter, Manning thanks Darby for his gift, which seems to have been various things as he mentions he has only got at the pictures so far.

Manning apologies that he's neglected everyone this Christmas but as soon as he came home on the 21st, he came down with a case of the flu. It is only on the day of the letter that he has been out for half an hour for the first time.

Manning hopes Darby has had a good Christmas and says he is still deciding over a gift for him. The next day he states he'll be busy with writing a notice for the Cambridge Review. He offers congratulations to Darby and says he'll submit his notice to him.

As a P.S., Manning notes that in his middle age, it's good to be remembered by young friends.

This item begins with Manning stating that he was unable to speak to Darby, to which he puts down to Darby being a 'good Dutch boy' and 'putting his hand over the hole in the sea bank'.

Following this, he invites Darby to join him for a trip to Marlborough around April 10th. He says the Southern Command have chartered the Ailesbury Arms and the Castle and Ball for some earlier days during that week, yet near the end of the trip they should be gone.

This postcard comes from the Ailesbury Arms, which means that Darby declined the invitation from the last item. This is a short message, congratulating Darby for an article he's written which has been published somewhere distinguished, though Manning doesn't mention where specifically.

Manning also mentions how he has received no news from Woolston, then goes onto listing minor news, such as saying Darby is right about a book, Manning coming from Fowey last Thursday and has been enjoying good weather and that Jessie visited on Saturday. He finishes by saying he'll return as near full term as he can.

This letter begins with Manning asking that Darby pick out a Christmas present for himself. Of a more important note is Manning referencing that times for Darby seem to be less than pleasant as of late, as he reminds him that there is much good in this world. He rounds off the letter by saying that his friendship with Darby is a great treasure to him.

Manning begins this item by thanking Darby for his Christmas present, which was a book, one that Manning had wanted and was unaware was it was in a new edition.

He wishes Darby a happy holiday and tells him that his own has been quite busy, between writing letters and visting his Sister, before getting a cold that has left him bed ridden for three days, occuping himself by reading a large variety of books. He finishes the letter by saying Jessie and Elsie send their good wishes for the New Year.

This item discusses a lot of context that the reader will not be privy too. Manning appears to be expresses shared doubts with Darby concerning a topic related to Darby's personal life. The rest of this entry concerns Manning giving Darby advice relating to a book or an article he has written about the Fenlands, such as suggestions for shortening the title.

This is a brief item, Manning thanking Darby for the esteemed compliment of putting his name in a serious piece of scholarship. Alongside this, he stresses how important their friendship is and thanks Darby for the Christmas present, which are books. He finishes by congratulating Darby on a piece of written work, referencing the title and pictures. The text he shall discuss later.

This is a short letter, intended to give Darby a congratulations for completing a 'very fine piece of work'. This is something Darby worked on that Manning helped to supervise, for he mentions a fear that his supervision may have ruined the work. Additionally by this point, Darby seems to be one of the youngest doctors at a university.

This is an examination of the poems of William Cowper, English poet and hymnist during the 18th century. By showcasing and picking apart Cowper's poems, Manning is able to revela much about the man, from his political opinions to his thoughts on religion. Manning urges that the point of this paper isn't to encourage a person to read Cowper's poems, since he admits that they won't be for everyone. Instead, it is an analysis of a collection of poems and how they highlight the thoughts of the poet behind them.

This is a somewhat strange entry, as the handwriting used for the letter is somewhat different from usual. The author is someone named Jessie, though there's little clue as to who that is.

Jessie is writing to Darby to thank him for some flowers that he gave Jessie while visting. The rest of the letter reminisices about their time in Cambridge together, before wishing Darby and a person called Eva (who has or will become Darby's wife) a good Christmas.

While this letter lacks a year, the fact that Manning mentions difficulties of his new job strongly suggests this letter was written in 1933, the year he became a Senoir Tutor.

This is a Christmas letter, Manning expressing his apologies to Darby for being so busy last term, due to the new job. He then thanks Darby himself for his gift, exclaiming his joy that he actually has the time to read now.

He finishes the letter by wishing Darby a good Christmas and wondering if he listenened to the King's service, during which he managed to identify various people.

This is a short, undated letter, though it begins with Manning referring to Darby by name, suggesting this letter was written during or after 1935. The message is simple, a thanks to Darby for a piece of work he has sent Manning.

Manning begins the letter reminding Darby that he (alongside other, unamed persons) are looking forward to Darby's paper in Jesus that night and hopes he will dine with him in Hall at 7:30, meeting Manning at his room ten minutes beforehand.

An undated letter, this entry begins with Manning asking Darby to send his opinion on a matter to the librarian. The matter seems to concern a purchase with an unamed individual that Manning seems to be in favor for. He also asks Darby to send the prospectus to the Librarian too.

He finishes the letter by excusing himself for it being so short, as he is flourishing in idleness.

Another letter with no specific date, the intent is a simple message to let Darby know that Manning won't be around for tea that day. This is due to both work obligations as well as falling ill with a chill.

A dateless letter, short in its message. The purpose of it is merely to inform Darby that he should come to tea where Manning is at four tomorrow. Manning himself only just returned from a expedition to north Lincolnshire, where apparently his friend isn't better.

This letter, unlike the others, is addressed to a Master of the College. Manning is informing the Master of certain strains/tests in the glass in the Alcock Chapel.

This letter is written on a postcard, thus we can determine Darby's current address at this time: Lexden House in Tenby, South Wales. Manning is writing to ask if he can help out a student who decided to study the Long Vac. Geography course so he can prepare for the Tripos in 1932.

This short letter begins with an apology from Manning that he missed Darby. He had to flee as soon as he had finished his bibliography, though it is not mentioned what the bibliography was for. Regardless of what it was, it seemed to have affected Manning's mood, as he describes himself as 'barbarous' in recent interviews with Darby.

He then moves onto saying he will try to see if a man called Clapham can answer a question Darby had for him. Whilst Manning mentions it might be improper for Clapham to answer directly, he could give them a lead. Manning then gives Darby his own opinion on the question, saying he can help if he has no other specially pressing jobs to do.

Finally there is a brief mention of Manning being at peace with Robert Bridges and P.G. Woodhouse.

In Manning's own words, this piece is 'not a letter: only a report'. Indeed, most of the letter is simply Clapham's reply to Manning's question in the previous letter.

Manning's own contributions are brief: a hope that Darby discusses his philosophy question with Claphan someday and a mention that he is staying in Northallerton for a week, reading 'Dante and The Testament of Beauty and Walter Scott'.

Unlike most of the items here, this postcard has been typed upon. It is a brief and simple thanks to Darby for a card. The card in question seems to be an invitation for an event, since Manning mentions he could not arrive. Manning seems to be quite busy during this time, as he didn't have the time to reply, as he had to go to Oxford on Saturday and is expecting to go away again the next day for a single night. He ends the letter with a hope he settles down soon.

Darby's address seems to have also changed to 4 Benet Place, Cambridge.

Another simple postcard, this time to inform Darby that he may not be visible to him for an event that may happen the next day, as he will be busy collecting farmers' rents and may not be free from them.

In this letter, Manning expresses his gratitude to Darby for his Christmas gift, which was a book of Thomas' poems, all of which are new to him. Manning hopes to repay him by giving him something in return too, which he had neglected to do so far, thanks to being busy with colds, audits and end of term business.

Darby's mother had been doing poorly as of late, according to this letter but Manning expresses his relief that she's doing better now.