I have stated Mr Pitt's Benefaction at Ten Pounds, because that is what we require & receive of every Gentleman-Commoner, & of very many Commoners; but I know Sr that you will excuse me for mentioning, that several Young Gentlemen of Mr Pitt's Gown have besides made the College a Present of a Peice of Plate of 10, or 12l. I am thus particular only in Obedience to Your Orders. I believe Sr if You please to remit a Bill of An Hundred Pounds, it will answer the whole expence of Mr. Pitt's settlement here and I shall have the Honour to send you a particular Account of the disposal of it. As I am debarr'd the Pleasure of waiting on You by a little Office, that Confines me to the College in Termtime, I shall take it a very great Favour, if you please to let me know at what time I may hope to see Mr Pitt here. I beg my Humble Duty to Your Good Lady, & my Humble Service & Respects to Mr Pitt, and am with the highest Respect Sr Yr most Oblig'd & Obedient Servt IOS. STOCKWELL.[26] MR. STOCKWELL TO ROBERT PITT, 'AT SWALLOWFIELD NEAR READING, BERKS.' _Trin: Coll: Oxon: Decr 22. 1726._ Hon'rd Sr,--Upon receiving the favour of Yours & finding that it was your Intention that Mr Pitt should keep a Servant, I have made choice of Another Room much more Convenient for that Purpose, as it supply's a Lodging for His Footman. I have employ'd some Workmen in it to make some necessary alterations; but the whole expence will not amount to the Charge of the Chamber, I had mention'd to you before. As I am not willing, Mr Pitt should be put to the distress of lying One Night in an Inn, I will take Care, it shall be fit for his Reception by New Years Day, & I am sure He will like it very well. I proposed so large a Sum, because I had not mention'd the Articles of Gown, Cap Bands, Tea-Furniture, & some other little Ornaments & Conveniences that young Gentlemen don't care to be without. You will be pleas'd to mention, in what degree of mourning[27] His Gown must be made; & I will send you an exact Account of the whole expence. There is no need of remitting any Mony, till He comes. If You are willing to recommend the Servitor You spoke of, who may live here at a very easy rate (I believe very well for 15l p. Ann) I have bespoke a place for him, & He may be admitted when you please. I beg My Humble Duty to Your Good Lady, & my Humble Service & Respects to Your Good Family, & am Sr Yr most Obliged & Obedient Servt IOS. STOCKWELL.[28] Fortunately, too, a few of William's Oxford letters have also been preserved. The first apologetically continues Stockwell's tale of preliminary expenses, and endeavours to deprecate Robert Pitt's economical wrath. WILLIAM PITT TO HIS FATHER, IN PALL MALL. _Trin: Coll: Janry Ye 20th 1726/7._