Item 230 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

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Asks Myers when he intends to come to Cambridge. Reminds him that his card says the following week, but that his letter to 'Mrs V. said 18th.' Announces that he [Sidgwick] goes to Rugby on 11 [May] to steep himself in 'H. Hayman' [headmaster of Rugby School, at odds with Arthur Sidgwick and other masters]. Refers to an un-named matter of mutual concern, and states that Birks also 'has a work of Ethics in his desk.' In relation to his failure to be appointed to the post of Professorship of Moral Philosophy, claims that he regrets 'the gentle external compulsion that it would have given.' Thinks that he must stay in Cambridge 'at least one year more: and most probably for ever.' Believes that he is ill-adapted for Cambridge society. Thought Pearson was going to be chosen for the post. Regrets that Myers is 'so decided about Old Kensington [novel by Annie Thackeray, currently being serialised in The Cornhill Magazine], and claims that he himself is hesitating. Notes that 'W. M. T[hackeray] had a way of boring one with long introductions.' Adds ' "Christ[ ] North" no good?'