A letter written by George Rowe, President of the Oxford University Boat Club, explaining his frustration at the postponement of the 1880 Boat Race due to fog.

The letter was written at the Fox and Hounds pub, Putney on Saturday March 20 1880. Its is written in black ink on one piece of cream OUBC headed notepaper - folded to form four pages.

The letter reads:

"Fox and Hounds
Putney
March 20th

My dear mother,

I am writing at 10.15am to tell you that the race, which ought now to have been over, is still a thing of the future. Since we have been at Putney we have had but one morning on which the race could not be rowed, and that was today.

Since 4:30am, when we got up, a steady dense fog has been rolling over Putney and the Cambridge President and I, had, at 8 o'clock, sorrowfully to decide to postpone the race till Monday.

I have had a good many disappointments since I was made President, but I don't think I was ever so disappointed, as I was today.

In addition to the annoyance, expense and bother of a total change of arrangements, we have to undergo another two day's training and all the agony and suspense over again.

Of all days to row upon, Monday is worst, as we can't practice on Sunday, and we'll spend the whole day in a state of funk. However, it is no use grumbling anymore, but may I never be President of anything else ever again.

I am surprised to hear that Mary (?) is still in bed. I believe that it would do her good to be made to get up. Lying in bed makes people imagine they're much worse than they are. I don't quite believe in Devonshire climate: it strikes me that it is as prolific of rheumatism, as possible.

Love to all, from

Your affable (?) son,

George Rowe."