Item 33 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Thanks her for her letter [101/161], and regrets that her account [of her sister Elizabeth] is not more favourable. Assures her that she has done all that she could do 'in making the trial', and hopes that when she has got away from Fulford she will be able to distract her mind somewhat from his aunt's 'painful state.' Announces that he may come down to Rugby as early as Thursday the second, and certainly not later than the morning of Saturday 4 June. States that his friend Cowell will come too.

Announces that the Prince and Princess of Wales are to be in Cambridge for the 2 and 3 June, and he cannot decide whether he shall stay to help entertain them. States that [the College] is to give a grand ball in Neville's Court on 4 June, and that he considers the proposal 'unseemly', and opposed it. Since it is going ahead, would 'gladly' take part, but 'cannot think of any family with marriageable girls whom [he] could ask'. Intends to stay until the Tuesday or Wednesday of the week following. Reports that he has been 'up to town and had a glimpse of the Royal Academy [summer exhibition]' States that Arthur has not been asked to go to Rugby, and Henry believes that 'he will get much good from Cambridge for a year or two yet.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 107.