Item 161 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Reports that he has been busy with the election [for the vacant Knightbridge professorship], in which he has decided to stand. States that if he is appointed it will give him a stimulus to work, but claims that he is quite happy in his 'present humble position'; if she does not mind him 'not Succeeding in Life' he is sure he does not, though it is not a virtue to have 'so little ambition', as it is a spur to industry and if he had more it may have made him 'of more use to [his] fellow-creatures'. However, it 'saves one a good deal of trouble'.

Is glad that she wrote and stopped his visit to Rugby on 27 April, and that 11 May 'will do just as well.' Announces that there is to be a meeting of the Rugby Board on 10 May, and that he would like to be with her about that time. Claims to be 'pretty well acquainted with all that has happened from various sources and think[s] that things are going on as well as could be expected.' Is very glad that William received 'the Introductions' favourably. Reports that Cambridge 'is beginning to look beautiful'. Undertakes to contact William when the professorship is decided. Hopes that she has got rid of her cold. Asks her if she has read 'My Little Lady' [by Eleanor Frances Poynter] and reports that Myers wrote to him from Windsor Castle 'that the work has the HIGHEST recommendations.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 263.