To Mr. T. Norton Longman
Foxholes, November 4th.—I hope you saw the funeral oration Sir Barnes Peacock pronounced on me in the Privy Council. It is in the outer sheet of the 'Times' of Tuesday [Nov. 1st], and perhaps in some other papers; a very kind and handsome tribute; and it is pleasanter to have these things said when one is alive than when one is dead.
The notice in the 'Times' brought Reeve many letters from his friends; amongst others, the following:—
From Lord Ebury
November 9th.—I see you are going to desert the Council altogether. I hope you will long enjoy the otium which you have so worthily merited, and will have time to assist in extinguishing Gladstone.
From the Duc d'Aumale
Woodnorton, 15 novembre.—Je regrette d'apprendre que votre santé a été si eprouvée…. Je suis toujours affligée de voir mes amis se retirer de la vie active; mais je comprends les motifs qui vous ont dicté votre demission….
Je suis si honteux de ce qui se passe en France que je n'ose pas vous en parler, et je me borne a vous serrer bien cordialement la main.
The Journal then notes:—
1888.—The year began at Foxholes. The Ogilvies there for three weeks. Came to London on January 3rd.