Item 16 - A.L., s. from St John's College

Sends a College Bill and explains it. Has not any more pupils for the long vacation, and does not believe he will be getting anymore. States that it is a bad time for classical scholars, though an acquaintance of his, a tutor at King's, has told him that he would have been able to send him four pupils if he had received his BA sooner. Discusses his father's advice with regard to the Public Orator and has decided to 'be silent and retain [his] own opinion.' Notes his contact with 'young Finch' and suggests his father invites him to visit. Has had a dinner party and tells of his guests, noting that he did not invite Neville [son of the Master of Magdalene] due the coolness of his father's reception at Magdalene previously. Also notes that it is the subject of ridicule that the Master of Magdalene 'designs to smuggle his son through the BA examination'. Tells of the 'plucking' of a Nobleman, Lord Haddo, and is generally disparaging towards the class, saying they 'promote ildleness, expense and dissipation' and are 'invariably attended by … toadies, sycophants and tuft-hunters.' Gives news of acquaintances, and notes that he now has 'an excellent cellar'