BRACERS Notes

A label for a box file used when BR was writing Principia Mathematica. The original and revised label texts are in the Recipient field. See the illustration in K. Blackwell, "The Principia Box Files", Russell 43 (winter 2023): 175–6.

The letter concerns Sarah and John Russell and the Estate. Sarah does not qualify as a dependant.

The Blacks cannot visit Edith as they had hoped.

"Mr. Farley has asked me to send you a copy of the first agreement with McMaster University concerning the archives," It is dated 28 March 1968.

Felton is considering the whole situation, which is unspecified but refers to Edith's letter of 8 Feb.

Enclosed is Edith's typed affidavit with one page correctly in pencil by Farley; Edith wrote "scrapped on this document" (document 313603A). There is also a handwritten statement by Edith, "Can't arrange with Commissioner of Oaths to sign this till the following points are settled" (document 313603B), raising many points. Another handwritten statement by Edith, "Affidavit" (document 313603C), which is chiefly a rewriting of her first ms. document.

Black is now filing the Affidavit.

An affidavit sworn by Jack Black; there is also photocopy of a handwritten draft. Black says the affairs of the deceased earl are "extremely complicated".

"Following the Hearing before the Chancery Master on which I reported to you in my letter of 5 April, the further Affidavit has been filed on behalf of John Russell, by Mrs. Grace and Counsel has now drafted an Affidavit in reply to be sworn by me." Note: Black's letter of 5 April is not in this file.

The Blacks are evidently to have join Edith for tea on 27 May.

"Memorandum re: the Estate of the Right Honourable the Earl Russell Deceased; Matters discussed and decisions reached at a meeting ... on 4th June" is enclosed with this letter (document 313611A). Present at the meeting were Christopher Farley, Anton Felton, and Jack Black. Felton's activities may wind down, but mentioned for literary agency activities is "the McMaster project for the collected edition" [i.e. the Collected Papers of Bertrand Russell].

The letter concerns looking into pensions for Edith.

The letter concerns the payment of Black's accounts.

This draft begins "2)"; it has no closing and concerns insurance policies. On 14 Dec. 1974 there was a plumbing malfunction with the consequence that the cold water tank cracked.

This letter concerns insurance on the water damage from 14 Dec. 1974.

This letter concerns a letter Edith has received from her landlord, Osmond Williams. It is written on the same piece of paper as record 133037.

This letter concerns repairs needed to the water tanks at Plas Penrhyn.

Black returns (not present) papers concerning the water tank repairs at Plas Penrhyn.

This is an account statement from Heald and Nickinson with the Estate executors, encl. V.A.T. invoice.

"Conference with Counsel: Mr Colin Rimer, December 16 1975, J Black, P Brown, A Felton, C Farley".

The account of the conference concerns possible serious liabilities toward John Conrad Russell and Katharine Tait. Inflation is a factor. The Russell Estate does not want to sell copyrights.

Enclosed is a copy of paragraph 8 of the former Affidavit sworn by Edith. The paragraph concerns Edith's financial position. She has marked it up with detailed updates. She gave a lot of her capital to the BRPF.

Mrs. Edwards, a former member of the domestic staff at Plas Penrhyn, was a beneficiary.

The letter, covering 2 sides, concerns Edith's detailed financial situation, to replace the affidavit of 1974.

The letter concerns Edith's financial affairs and the legacies to Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Mullock, and is annotated by Edith.

The letter, addressed to "Michael", concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. She wants Black's letter of 9 February, record 134053, returned to her.

Mrs. Edwards had received her legacy cheque.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. Edith asks if there is anything further to do on the affidavit on the Dora-John case.

This document is Edith's draft affidavit at Lincoln's Inn. Also in the file are an affidavit of Felton's (document 314641B and an "Opinion in the Matter of the Estate of Bertrand Arthur William Earl Russell Deceased", 12 April 1976 (document 313641C).

Edith's draft affidavit (with handwritten changes) updates her financial situation.

The Counsel has agreed to the payment of Katharine Tait's legacy. Edith has written copious notes in the margin including information on John provided by Sarah that he is living at Peers' Hostelry and plans to take his sear in the Lords.

John Conrad Russell is under the care of the Court of Protection.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. Black thanks Edith for letting him know that John Russell has taken his seat in the House of Lords. The enclosed letter is from Edward Jones & Son, record 134069.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease and the inheritance claim affidavits.

The letter concerns a letter from Edith to the Trustees of the Atlantic Peace Foundation.

The letter concerns payment under the terms of the new Plas Penrhyn lease (with increase withheld until the lease is signed).

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease, which is awaited.

This letter concerns the end of the BRPF's tax appeal; the enclosed letter is to Ken Fleet, record 134079.

The letter concerns John Russell's inheritance claim. "... because of all the enforced delay in tax and other settlements, I have had to draw largely on my own capital." John seems to be earning a Lords stipend.

This letter was sent to Edith with a compliments card. No word has been received on the lease.

Felton writes about computing the new amount of interest to be paid to Kate Tait. The letter was sent to Edith with a compliments slip.

They are awaiting affidavits from Taylor, Dora's lawyer, re John's case.

"My own capital is nearly exhausted and I should like to receive something from the Estate." 

"It seems a pity that the Estate should linger unsettled."

The contribution that "the County Council will make for John's maintenance" is not yet known.

This draft reply concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease and is at the foot of Black's letter.

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. The letter is signed "Michael."

Mr. Black is away.

Edith is returning the Plas Penrhyn lease to Jack Black. The letter includes financial information about the payments. She also wrote financial information on two small slips of paper clipped to this letter.

The Estate "has now entered its eighth year without settlement ... [the] strain for Lady Russell in not knowing her real financial circumstances ... must be very considerable ... It really is very worrying that she continues to live alone and has no idea if and when she may be able to have someone live in to help with some of the essential housework."

Chris writes on his Ramsden Road letterhead.

"I am very sorry that Lady Russell should find herself in this uncertain state for so long. The matter is by no means neglected and I will do whatever is possible in these almost Dickensian proceedings to bring things" to a conclusion. "In the meantime I think the executors should certainly consider getting someone to live in to help Lady Russell", "considering the income of the Estate, whatever the outcome of the inheritance proceedings."

This draft is written on the verso of Black's letter of 18 February, record 134103.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn rent.