| Description | 9 letters to William from his wife Emmeline and their children, Joy, John and Alan; although mostly personal in nature they do give some insight into his activities and opinions of West Africa at the time and the controversy over Cadbury's purchasing cocoa from Portuguese West Africa.
October 1908, Otterburn, Hitchin - a letter to William from his wife, the first 7 pages of which are missing. The letter gives details of family, friends and day to day life, in particular that the children are ill. The letter makes reference to a conference at which the chairman Lord Monkwell speaks highly of William and praises him for making the journey. Another attendee Brookes reminds them of British involvement in contract labour before they stand in judgement of the Portuguese. Nevinson places the blame on the firms for not boycotting the cocoa produced in the area. He states at the conference Joseph Burtt and Cadbury Bros. were talked about a great deal. Later in the letter she informs him that the writ is served against the Standard Newspaper. The letter also includes details of an exhibition including artefacts from the Gold Coast.
03 November 1908, Otterburn, Hitchin then Wast Hills, Kings Norton - a letter to William from his wife giving details of her attendance of a meeting of the Mothers Union, conversations with some of the other attendees and their news etc. Also in the letter are details of her everyday life, in particular are details of office photographs taken of William, wedding gifts and the making of the Christmas cake they are sending to him. There are also curious details of a bell from a Church-yard sent by Jessie and a recount of the house at Sir Harry's Road having burglars.
The letter also contains details relating to the Standard newspaper visiting Baron Merck (Portuguese Plantation Owner ?) and asking him questions, that he had spoken in favour of Cadbury and against the actions of the Aborigine Society, outlining some of the questions and finally stating that the interview had descended into childishness. Also details of a letter from Mr Morel (APS Aborigine Protection Society and CRA Congo Reform Association) relating to the same matter, Emmeline states she doesn't like and is wary of the behaviour of the journalists.
14 November 1908, Wast Hills, Kings Norton - a letter to William in which Emmeline gives an outline of general activities involving friends and family: including a description of Paul (Barrow and Geraldine's son ?) having built a hut and tunnels in the woods, information about the number of people who have stayed, the erection of cricket pitches and large tea rooms at Uffculme and a description of attending a Bull Street Friends Meeting. (Uffculme is a former Cadbury home donated to the city for psychiatric health treatment).
Then the letter makes reference to the controversy over Cadbury's purchasing cocoa from Portuguese West Africa. She has had a meeting with Mr Harris about Angola, the Portuguese and in which he asks her to be vice president of the CRA which she declines. She states she is saying when approached that they are awaiting his report and that the trip is to see the extent of reforms and it must not be taken for granted that there is no progress. The letter also states that there is to be a public meeting on the matter and writes her view of Nevinson, Brailsford and the Editor of the Spectator. Emmeline writes 'Africa or rather West Africa is written so big over my life'. An indication is given that Bakers an American chocolate firm will consider his report when he returns.
03 December 1908, Wast Hills, Kings Norton - a letter to William from his wife which starts with Emmeline stating she is to go with Walter Barrow to London to have lunch with Rowntree and Fry. Also that George Cadbury has given interviews regarding the purchase of cocoa from Sao Thome and Principe. The letter goes on to comment on Nevinson, Brailsford, Travers Buxton and Fox-Bourne. Later in the letter is an account of the public meeting and her concerns that the Portuguese were poorly treated and that this may affect how he is treated. She refers to Fry, Rowntree, Mr Steachey, Nevinson, Mr Morel, Bishop Johnson, Barrow and Geraldine Cadbury, Missionaries, Dr Horton, Mr Harris, Brailsford, Walter Barrow and the Hagans as being present at the meeting. She states she was unable to sleep thinking over the meeting. The letter then goes on to the matter of the libel. Later the letter refers to his opinion that the situation has not improved in West Africa.
Emmeline also states she is knitting a scarf to send him, details of a wedding she has attended, relates that old John Barrow has attempted to marry a house maid but is stopped by the family and details about the children and expressing great affection for her husband.
27 December 1908, Copewood Blackwood and various Birmingham - a letter to William relating that she has urgently travelled to Allendale to see her family, her Grandfather has collapsed and died giving details of the funeral etc. The letter goes on to give lots of family news and details of the families Christmas. As always she ends expressing great affection for William.
17 January 1909, Wast Hills - a letter to William from his wife. She relays news that Walter Barrow has visited and told her of an altercation he has had with Barrow Cadbury who wants to publish that they are to buy no more cocoa from Sao Thome and Principe now. Barrow feels that Cadbury should make a public stand first whereas William wishes the four firms to make a stand together and ask the rest of the industry to join them. Cadbury Bros. have written to Frys and Rowntrees privately and those companies are making plans to stop buying from the source. Due to these business issues she states she feels it is important that he makes his way home as quickly as possible as the situation escalates. She goes on to say that Barrow's reaction is partly because Nevinson has read a letter at the meeting from Van Houtons (a rival chocolate firm) saying they do not use Sao Thome cocoa but it was clearly an advertising stunt. She refers to Walter having Uncle George Cadbury and Barrow on either side applying pressure. She says that the people in the business are missing his guidance and are 'counting the days'. Emmeline then goes on to state that they believe the Standard (newspaper) is backing down. She states that she feels very involved with work, that he is doing the right things and believes their friends will support them.
The letter continues with stories of the children and their recent illnesses. She has contacted the newspapers supplier to see investigate why he is not receiving them. Also details of presents for the Bick wedding, her choice of summer house for the professors, a visit to the Percy Biglands exhibition, details of Joseph Burtt's fiancee and other friends and family. As always she expresses great affection for William.
26 January 1909, On the way to Lelling Stones - a letter to William from his wife on her way to visit her sick Aunt Hannah. She states that no mail has come and how much she misses him. Giving details of general visits and news of friends: the Bick wedding, Barrow buying a motor car, the Lord Mayors Ball, the ill health of family members on her parents' side and stories about the children. The letter refers to correspondence from Swan regarding his investigations in the same area. As always she ends expressing great affection for William.
30 January 1909, Wast Hills Kings Norton - a short letter to William regarding general details of family and friends and arrangements for living after his return. In the letter is details of Joy jumping on her bed shouting 'a week'. Enclosed is a letter and a water-colour from Joy.
07 February 1909, Wast Hills, King Norton, then Allendale - a letter to William giving family news, details of their journey to Allendale, outlining her activities whilst there, the will of her grandfather and the family finances. References are made in the letter to photographs of her family the Wilsons/Hendersons being taken that afternoon. |