Item 60 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

Reports that he arrived at Riddlesden [home of his uncle John Benson Sidgwick] the previous night, and announces that he intends to stay until the following Thursday. Supposes that she is at Rugby again, and asks whether she has begun to remove or not. Asks what Arthur is going to do when the pens are in one house and the paper in the other.

Declares that he did not find things as melancholy at Stone Gappe [home of his uncle Francis Lace and family] as she seemed to expect. Reports that he did not see much of 'any of them' except his uncle. Mentions that Edward was at home, and that he seemed 'a pleasant intelligent fellow; sociable and...weak in character', which things he supposes led him astray in Oxford. Remarks on the lack of confidence apparently between his uncle and cousins. Observes that Robert appears to be troublesome, while Grenfell 'seems a well meaning quiet boy', and intelligent. Reports that they have heard from Algernon, who has arrived at Panmure in British Caffraria [British Kaffraria, Cape Colony, South Africa] 'where Mr Tepson appears to have more or less taken him under his wing.'

States that he heard that '[h]is [Hankets]' are spoilt, but that he had sold a clasp knife and tennis racquet at double their value. Reports that he spent three days at Arncliffe, and that Robert Boyd was there for one of the days. Claimed to have liked his visit, despite it having been 'somewhat "ticklish" to discuss religious and theological subjects with him'. Avoided argument as much as possible. Claims, however, that he liked him as much as ever, and that Mrs Boyd amused him as usual 'by her rough geniality and uncompromising practicality.' Announces that William [Boyd] is to be married in November, and that 'his business (in which Robert is a [banner]) seems to be prospering.' Announces that he shall see his Aunt Henrietta at Leeds.