Copy outletter book British Library Add MSS. 55384 (2): P. 584
Dear Miss Yonge
I am sure that when Miss Sewell and yourself meet you will divide the history as it will be best.1 I only venture to say that it has struck me more & more, as I thought of it that divisions of the History, such as seemed called for should be made as far as possible according to Spiritual or Vital Articulation not by a mere arbitrary division of reigns or countries. I have been thinking that the struggle for constitutional Government, including the lives of Simon de Montfort & others connect with that great advance in national life. I think it would be an admirable opportunity of giving a conservative view of progress. May I say the true and the woman’s view of it that is the view that gathers round and develops from the family life. My boys are getting up – 12 & 14 – curious how practically this makes one feel everything.2
Yours most truly
A. Macmillan