Item 69 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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[Sent from Grange in Borrowdale]:- Reports that he has been there since Friday, and that the place is 'wonderfully well situated. Praises the view from the front of the house, referring to the Lake [Derwentwater and Skiddaw. Reports that he went up Latrigg on Saturday morning before Trevelyan came, 'and got splendid views'. Implies that he does not believe their 'third man' [Edward Young? see 99/70] to be ill, and suggests that he is detained 'by a more romantic reason.' Refers to the extreme cold, and complains about the food. States that he is 'going in for French belles letters in the evening and German philosophy in the morning', and reports that 'Trevelyan is relaxing from the cares of statesmanship.' Sends the latter's greetings to his mother. Claims to be very happy at seeing Derwentwater again, but thinks that perhaps some of the Grasmere scenery is superior. Remarks on the 'crowd of little hills between [Keswick] and Buttermere. Announces that he will go to Wastdale Head during his visit, though so far it has been raining ther. Asks whether she ever read a book called 'The Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus], and states that it would give her a good idea of German life such as he has seen it. Remarks that the accent of the people in the area in which he is staying reminds him 'more than anything of the Laces' [his uncle Francis and family].

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 149-150.