Item 50 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

Expected to hear how Arthur was getting on - supposes that all has gone well, and that he is at work again. Reports that there is a 'nice little party' at Cambridge, and that everything is very favourable to reading. Declares that he has had to put up Venetian blinds to keep out the heat, which has been quite strong. Reports that Dr Lightfoot has come back from Dauphiné, where he has been with Edward [Benson], who says that they had a most successful tour, 'religiously avoiding every high hill'. Reports that Mr Martin is there in Cambridge, as well as Munro and a chaplain, and Somerset (whom she has met), and Sir George Young, 'and King who devotes his life to Gems'. Intends to stay in Cambridge some time longer - probably until the Fellowship Examination is over.

Asks after William, and whether she has got the house habitable yet. Asks her to tell Arthur that there will probably be five fellowships and that Young is thought to be safe. Reports that according to rumours there will be 'a flood' the following year, 'so they will not give any now to firstyearmen.' Asks how she liked [James Surtees?] Phillpotts, and asks if he gave tongue [a reference to R. S. Surtees' hunting books?]. Asks if she would like him to send her Major Jack Downing's book, but claims that it is not worth reading. Reports that the college is in 'a more reforming humour' than he ever saw it, and claims that 'if two or three old fellows would only be made Deans', they should have some fun soon. Announces that his 'Great Easterns [stocks?] are up again'.