[ The Wesleyan Conference, Sheffield, 1875. ] Autograph Letter Signed from Stephen P. Harvard to 'Mr. Walker', reporting on doings at the Conference.

Regarding the Sheffield Wesleyan Conference of 1875 see the article in the Spectator, 14 August 1875, 'The Wesleyan Ultramontanes', and the long review of the conference minutes in the London Quarterly, no.45, vol.89. The present item is 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. An interesting gossipy letter from a committee member at the conference, satirising two of the others present as 'Mr. Pepys in Conference' and 'Those who approve'. 2pp., 12mo. Harvard begins by discussing the confirmation of the 'Stations' (resolutions?), which are 'incourse [sic] of printing' and will be distributed to 'Representatives' before reaching Walker, adding: 'There is no change in your appointment, and Mr. Sharr stands for Liverpool Brunswick'. He continues: 'I wrote you a letter, under a sudden impulse, which after thought prohibited my sending to you, and I have been too busy to write again. Yesterday and to day [sic] have had painful debates, which have ended well after all; but these interjections have sadly protracted the ordinary business. A good deal of cause of misunderstanding has, however, been exploded away. “Mr. Pepys in Conference” has been very generally condemned as , and The Methodist is to be more worthy of its name.' He comments on the appointment of 'Mr. McCullagh' as chairman. 'We are now pushing on with review of committee business[.] “Those who approve” is very frequently sounding from the platform, and surprising unanimity characterises the result of the appeal.' He explains that he will be leaving before the delegates 'complete', 'in order that I may secure a quiet day on Saturday, against the Lord's Day services'. He hopes for 'a few hours' quite conversation' with Walker, 'during the little time you are yet in Liverpool'. He ends by stating that he has Walker's 'Annuitant Receipt', which he prefers to giver to him, 'as I send this to your old home, rather than to Waterloo'.