Item 144 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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[Sent from Munich]:- Presumes that, since no letter was forwarded to him from Göttingen, there is a slim chance of his meeting up with his brothers in Switzerland. Asks her to let them know that he is anxious to hear of their plans. His own plans are 'an excursion to the Bavarian lakes, returning to Munich', and also a trip to Pontresina, where he intends to stay until 22 August. States that he if does not hear from Arthur and William there, he shall probably go to Zermatt and Riffelberg and 'homewards along the Rhone Valley to Geneva.' Claims that he finds it hard to leave Germany 'in this exciting time.' Reports that he could not go to Göttingen, as the lines were too much occupied with the transport of soldiers. States that he got to Nuremberg 'with some difficulty'. Claims to be very well, that he has 'left off' working and that he enjoys seeing the German towns, and hearing the talk of the people. Remarks that it is 'a grand time for Germany', in that 'the whole people is at length united in a just cause'. Reports that the bad feeling against England on account of 'sham-neutrality' is great, and does not think that it will easily be forgotten. Finds it 'rather disagreeable', especially as he sympathises with this attitude and thinks that Gladstone 'has been weak.' Considers coming to England at the end of the month. Adds that they are expecting a decisive battle. Believes that if Napoleon is beaten, 'he will make peace at once, if he can.' States that the doubt relates to whether the Germans will make peace without exacting when Napoleon cannot grant. Predicts that if Napoleon wins this battle, 'the war may last indefinitely.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 236.