Item 51 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

1 doc

Does not yet know when he shall come down to her, but states that it will probably be more than a week and less than a fortnight. Asks if she will have the house ready by the 10th [of October]. Would like to ask his friend Cowell to come for a few days between the 10th and 18th . Reminds her that he was prevented from coming at Easter. Asks her to let him know as soon as possible. Reports that they are assembling again 'in considerable numbers', as the fellowship examination is so close. Refers to the 'bathing accident' [the death of H.J. Purkiss], which was 'a great shock to the college'. In relation to [H.W.?] Eve's resignation of his fellowship, reports that it was supposed in Cambridge to be due to incompatibility of religious opinions. Reports that [William] Everett is there; he did not come by the steamer he intended, and, as a consequence, could not stay with Arthur. Refers to Everett's lectures [On the Cam: Lectures on the University of Cambridge in England], which are to appear soon. Asks if Arthur got *[The Life and Writings of] Major D[owning]'. Hopes he is alright.

Henry John Purkiss, the Senior Wrangler for 1864, drowned on 17 Sept 1865 while in Cambridge to read for the Fellowship examinations. See the Times, 19 Sept 1865 p 10 and 20 Sept 1865 p 8.