Item 154 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Thanks her for having remembered his birthday. Feels that though he has 'remained immature for too long' for various reasons, he has now grown up, and hopes that the following ten years will be different from the previous ones. Owns to be interested in what she says of Mrs Grenfell. States that he is not looking for a manager of his establishment [a house for female students] as Miss Clough has kindly consented to open their house for them. The latter cannot stay more for more than part of the year, and he may write to Mrs Grenfell about it. Suggests that his mother write to the latter to inform her that Miss Clough is coming for the present, but that they shall very likely want someone again soon. Adds that the right sort of person 'would be some one who was in a way devoted to female education, and had had experience in furthering it...' Asks her to tell Mary that she 'demoralizes' him. Reports that he is very busy with examinations, writing, and looking for a house. Relates that his friends tell him that he shall 'gain much of the experience of a Married Man before [he has] done.' Hopes to go to Rugby about the middle of July.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 247-248.