Item 8 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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[Sent from Berlin]:- Thanks her for her letter, but admits he was not very glad to receive it. Claims that he 'cannot the least realize [Minnie and his mother], under the new circumstances [the birth of Minnie's son Martin]'. Sends his love and congratulations to Minnie, and remarks that the news makes him feel old. Describes the family with which he lodges [the Lüdde-Neuraths] as poor since they only have one servant, and there is no wine, beer or pudding. The mother and daughters are engaged in housework all morning. Remarks, however, that they possess 'thorough unconstrained geniality; and considerable intellectual cultivation.' Explains that the son is serving as a volunteer in the Prussian army. Recounts some facts about the father, a doctor; he was a member of the Burschenshaft in 1823, when the Prussian government 'wished to crush the popular movement'. He was banished from his university and had to go to another one. Describes the theatre as his chief amusement in Berlin. Claims to like his teacher very much. Asks her to tell him when she next should write what her and Minnie's plans for the winter. States that he must pay his visits, but that he must 'go straight off to Cambridge' when he returns to England.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 56-57.