Pièce 149 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Explains that he must stay up at the end of term for an examination that begins on 16 December; wishes he had declined, but does not like to refuse requests from his College. He had intended to come to her on 24 December, but states that he shall certainly come while Mary is there. Is sorry to hear about William. Says that he sent him an invitation to come to Cambridge, but that he did not answer it. Apologises for having forgotten her birthday. In relation to the [Franco-German] war, does not believe that there will be an invasion of England just yet. Refers to the enclosed [not included], which will show her that they are alive. Reports that the Hitchin girls have come over to pass the Little-go examinations. Explains that they are not formally admitted, 'but the university has given leave to them to have the papers, and the examiners have consented to examine them.' Fears that if they pass, 'the Cambridge world will not be particularly impressed.' Declares Miss Garrett''s triumph in London to be 'remarkable', and certainly unexpected by her committee. States that he does not like the expense of the school-board elections, and remarks that he and others 'are supposed to have managed everything with as little paid service as possible, and yet [they]....have spent nearly £500.' Adds that he finds now that he can come on 20 or 21 December.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 241-242.