Item 245 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

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Thanks him for his 'services with the Millionaire [regarding subscriptions for building a hall of residence for female students at Cambridge]' Reports that they are trying two or three of them. Refers to 'a little circular' to be printed, in which Miss Clough's 'naïve, earnest, slightly incoherent appeals' are strangely mixed with the 'colourless, ponderous, semi-official prolixity' with which Sidgwick 'inevitably treat[s] such matters'. Announces that he intends to 'make an attempt on H.H [possibly William Henry Hoar Hudson?]' as soon as the proofs arrive. Refers to 'another who bears these initials' [Henry Hayman, at Rugby] on whom a Governing Body sat the previous day. Does not know the outcome however.

In relation to spirit-rapping, declares that he has the same attitude towards it as he has towards religion, i.e., that 'there is something in it', but does not know what. States that John King is an old friend of his, but that 'as he always came into the dark and talked at random', their friendship refrigerated.' States that he shall be glad to accompany Myers 'on any favourable opportunity.' States that in relation to 'A[rthur?] there is nothing to tell' and that the 'thing has been deferred for 3 weeks.' Predicts that there will be 'a Homeric conflict...' Claims that he is very affected by what Myers tells him about his cousin [Annie Marshall?] and her letter.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 284-285; according to this, John King was 'a soi-disant spirit'.