Item 156 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

1 doc

Regrets to hear that she has had a bad attack of rheumatism. Explains that he would have written before, but that he has also been very busy due to the 'absence of a history lecturer', and his work linked to the women's lectures; notes that Rugby is very 'energetic... in this matter'. Is glad to hear of the election of Temple by London [Union] and of H. Smith. Asks whom do the Masters elect. Remarks that the news he receives of William is very cheering. Reports that he sees Edward now on Sundays, who tells him about Mary, who 'does an immense amount of work...and has no time for writing.' Reports that his arrangement with Frank Horton 'is turning out - if not a brilliant success, as far as the social side goes - at any rate by no means a failure.' Gives his views on Horton's personality, and states (quoting Mr Pumplechook in Dickens' Great Expectations) that 'it was Right to do it', and he would do the same again. Refers to the outcome of 'these elections to the board of trustees' as something that his mother would welcome.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 252-253.