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Explains that she heard from [James] Bryce that Nora would like to have part of Henry Sidgwick's correspondence with her father [Arthur John Patterson]. Reports that she has spoken to her mother, who will be happy for Nora to have the letter as soon as they get back to town, which will be in the early part of September.

Apologises for what he feels to be 'an apparent intrusion into matters too private and personal.' Explains that he has read Henry Sidgwick's works, such as The Methods of Ethics, Outlines of the History of Ethics for English Readers and Philosophy, Its Scope and Relations as a student of philosophy at Queen's College in Belfast. States that the first result of studying The Methods of Ethics was to fill him 'with a reverence towards the moral and intellectual nature of its author', and claims that there is no man to whose opinion on any question which he investigated he would attach so much importance and authority. Claims that the works also inspired another feeling in him 'one of a purely emotional nature, something, perhaps, akin to love, if that were possible towards one whom one has never met.' States that as the feeling has grown stronger he has wished to know more about Henry's life and character, but has only been able to secure two short biographical sketches - 'one in Bryce's Contemporary Studies, and a short obituary notice in Frederic Myers Fragments of Prose and Poetry'. Wonders whether a memoir might have been printed for private circulation and if so suggests that she might send it to him.

Hotel & Pension Palumbo, Ravello, Golfo di Salerno. - Has been 'out composing verses in a tempest'. Glad she is having happy dreams; suggests analyses for her one about the cicalas [9/26]. Quotes from Moore on sleep [Thomas Sturge Moore, "To An Early Spring Day"]. Sorry that her aunt's recovery is not speedier. Will send a letter to her tomorrow. Does not like Mrs Costelloe 'in many ways', but does not condemn her for 'refusing to live with Costelloe' who seems to have been 'almost impossible to live with', though she should not have been 'taken in' by him; thinks her and [Bernard] Berenson's relationship is 'as nice as those sort of relations can be'; discusses her influence on him. Supposes he will see Miss D. G. [Lina Duff Gordon] at Florence; explains the nature of their friendship further. He and Lina are on 'very good terms' again, and she likes his poem about her pet bat ["The Lady's Bat"], though it is not yet finished.

Continues the letter next day; has read most of the editor's letter in the paper sent by Bessie's uncle [in a Dutch paper, to the Duke of Devonshire, see 9/26]; thinks he is 'in the main right' but knows 'little of the facts, except what he has gathered from English writers who disapprove of the [Second Boer] war' such as Bryce, Hobson, Lecky and Courtney; since he has 'ornamented his columns with many not very apt quotations' Bob as a poet ought not to be too hard on him. Thinks he will spend two days with Berenson at Florence, since it is unlikely Mrs Costelloe will be back; has not yet heard from his mother about crossing with Bessie and the letter may not have reached her. Asks him his plans suit Bessie. Is torn between Venus and Apollo, and 'Apollo has all the nine young ladies [the Muses] on his side'.

Promises to do his best to give Dr Frefort 'the latest academic ideas' if Patterson sends him to Sidgwick with an introduction. Warns that, being in the vacation, he will have to take his chance of finding people there. States that he does not know any else here whom Patterson knows, except Sedley Taylor. Suggests that, through Bryce, he might find out who there is at Oxford to help him. (2 docs)

3 Buckingham Gate, S.W. Date 2nd June 1915 - Makes suggestions of topics for further study: ancestor worship, omen divination, the dragon in Eastern and Western mythology; asks him to give a paper for the British Academy.

Nation, volume 71, number 1839. By James Bryce.

[Sent from the Savile Club, London]:- Thanks her for her letter. Announces that he is going to Mary 'on the 17th', and undertakes to do all he can. Regrets to hear 'such bad accounts', but believes that it is not surprising that anyone should be listless in the present weather. Declares that he liked Margate, whose people he describes as 'vulgar, but therefore somewhat more amusing'. Feels incapable of working in London. Announces that he will be paying visits for the following ten days, and then he goes to Cambridge, unless he finds he can be of any use in facilitating Edward's arrangements.

States that he is very grateful to Arthur for his cards. Reports that [George Granville?] Bradley thinks [Edward Ashley?] Scott is sure of victory. States that he has just seen [James?] Bryce 'who says he is going to Iceland.' Gives his mother the address at which he may be reached in the immediate future, and announces that he is at present staying with Godfrey [Lushington]. Reports that he saw Miss [Mary?] Thompson and Miss Smith the previous night, and that the latter 'seemed much interested in hearing about William.' Refers to some difficulties that he had with his review of the 'Italian book' [Barzelotti's La Morale nella Filosofia Positiva, reviewed by Sidgwick in the Academy for July 1].

Apologises for having neglected Patterson's letter, 'especially the business at the end for [Patterson's] pedagogical friend [Frigyes Medveczky]'. Declares that as he knows nothing about fortnight programmes, he had decided to wait till his brother Arthur came to see him, as the latter 'is in intimate relations with many schoolmasters.' Explains that Arthur was prevented from coming by a [feverish] cold, and states that he is endeavouring to obtain what Patterson's friend wants 'by the next best channel.' Regrets not being able to do more for Medveczky. Believes that he would have got much information 'from D.B.' States that he has lost sight of [William?] Ralston for many years, but would be glad to meet him.

Regrets to hear Patterson complain about the burden of work, and declares that his experience 'is all in favour of writing out lectures', which not only saves trouble, but also tends to make the lectures better. Asks after Patterson's politics. Refers towards their drift towards Dualism or Federalism. Believes that, 'owing to the fiasco of the "Times" the drift will be apparently very decided for a few months.' Declares that 'the chief hope of the Unionist cause seems...to lie in the chapter of accidents.' Observes that they in England are so engrossed in their own affairs that they only spare a mild interest for [Servia], and the apparently growing success of Russia. Believes that the latter will win in South-Eastern Europe. Declares that they are all delighted with Bryce's book, and asks Patterson whether he had heard of Bryce's engagement to Miss Ashton of Manchester. .

Inch-ma-home, Cambridge - Thanks him for his letter giving his permission to use his name on the memorial [to the Australian government on preserving the anthropological record of 'primitive men now left on the globe']; other signatories are Professors [Sir Richard] Jebb, [Frederic?] Maitland, [Charles] Waldstein [later Walston], [James?] Ward, [Henry Francis?] Pelham, Andrew Lang, Henry Jackson, and James Bryce, and of Cambridge science men, [Sir Michael?] Foster, [Alfred?] Newton, [Sir Francis?] Darwin, [John Newport] Langley, [Adam?] Sedgwick.

Explains that the delay in answering Patterson's letter was due to his busy schedule. Regrets to find his missive 'so sad in tone'. Reports that he is 'living personally a very happy life, - having congenial work, a faultless wife, and a constitution that does not seem to be going to break down just yet'. Predicts, however, that he will not reach the age of seventy. As regards public affairs, declares that he shares 'to the full the general disillusionment of political idealists', probably more acutely because he is at present 'trying to finish a book on the Theory of Politics'. States that he is unable to answer Patterson's question about Ossian, but undertakes to find out the answer to it if he has an opportunity. Announces that, apart from the Elements of Politics and university work, his main interest at present 'is the illdefined subject known as "Psychical Research"'. Remarks that Patterson's friend Medveczky 'had to hear something of [the concept] at the Congress of Experimental Psychology' at which Sidgwick and he met in Paris the previous August. Refers to the 'remarkable success' of Bryce's book, [The American Commonwealth] and to 'the action for libel brought against him by "Oakley Hall" of New York notoriety'. Asks Patterson if he has had the influenza, and what he thinks of the value of 'the pacific assurances circulating in European journalism.' Asks if there is really going to be no war 'because every one is afraid of it', and if 'that excellent patch-work, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy 'is coming unsewn'. Asks him his opinion of Home Rule in Wales.

No. 1 Brick Court, Temple, E.C. Dated 24 August, 1917 - There is a good prospect to send [John] Roscoe out for a year among the Central African tribes, as the money has been donated, the Bishop has consented, but Secretary Long thinks they should wait until the end of the war, which Frazer deplores, and has written to Lord Bryce about; 'Folk-Lore in the Old Testament' is at the printers, received a MS from Colonel Gurdon about the hill tribes of Assam which he hopes to publish; trusts they have escaped submarines on their passages back and forth to Jersey; wonders if he could make out a case for Jersey being Ithaca, as a Frenchman [Théophile Cailleux?] a few years ago thought he discovered Troy on the top of the Gog Magog hills near Cambridge.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Interested to hear about the Hunt; read something in a London newspaper about a hunt at Wastwater, but it mentioned undergraduates and may have been an 'imitation party'. Amused to hear about Phil [Morgan Philips Price], who is a 'Trojan'. Very pleasant about the [Lascelles] Abercrombies whom Bessy has written more about. Has enjoyed a three night visit from [Lord] Welby and Courtenay Ilbert. Ilbert is 'wonderful company', having the 'vigour and vitality' of his 'Alpine comrade' [James] Bryce, but also 'something more ideal about him'. Both good and bad for 'a very able man to be under authority to the last'.

Tells her to 'keep Bobby on bread & water for a fortnight, lest he show devilish Pride!' but then to 'give him cakes & jam, to reward Genius'. Then he can come to Harrow 'in a proper frame of mind for learning subjunctive mood & cricket'. 'How delighted' Robert will be 'at seeing his name in print in the Times today': 'his father can't have [?] more than that!'. George Hamilton's son [Ronald] was 'in [for the Harrow scholarship], but got turned out (only just) the first day'.

Is sending a 'Laundry circular & bills'; after this all her letters 'will have to go into [his] "parent-killer" [??]" : thinks he explains that to her once, if not he will do so next time she comes to Harrow. Asks her to send Robert to school with '2 pairs of sheets & pillow cases and some towels [?] for his outfit'. There will three other new boys in the house, perhaps four.

Describes himself as 'also a gloomy disbeliever in Home Rule, in spite of every effort to get roused [?]'; it is 'dreadfully unpleasant for a humble non-politician' to feel himself 'on the wrong side, and in company with all the marquises and bankers', but thinks it clear that 'no big sudden scheme ever succeeds or ought to succeed with us. Even [the abolition of?] slavery didn't'. Suits the English to 'work bit by bit' and 'wrangle... as one goes on'; suggests that change [in Ireland] should begin 'with local Boards & let them develop', with '10 acre farms, & let bigger ones get transferred as they can'.

Is going to stay with [James?] Bryce, and after that to Freshwater; gives his address for the Isle of Wight.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Encloses a letter from [Henry?] Jackson which shows 'no lack of intellectual and literary appreciation of the Classics, whatever he says about his own deficiencies'; 'something great about him'; Robert or Elizabeth can send the letter back whenever they next write, and can keep the "Times [Literary?] Supplement" and anything they found at Grosvenor Crescent, unless they find an old Murray ["Handbook for Travellers"] for Austria, from about 1863 and full of Caroline's 'girlish writing'; possible he took it away before they arrived; also would like to know the date of the Murray guide to India, and to see it if it is from the time of his own visit. Glad Julian appreciates [George] Hallam's Tivoli. They had a 'fine time' with Bryce

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Mrs [Eleanor?] Sidgwick and Lord and Lady Bryce are staying; Dr and Mrs Hadow [sic: (Miss) Grace Hadow?] are coming 'for a quiet Sunday'. The garden and woods are attractive in their 'untamed luxuriousness' as they are 'very short-handed everywhere'. Caroline is very anxious for George - he is too, but takes care not to worsen her anxiety - who is inside Gorizia with ten motors while the town is under heavy shell-fire.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Perhaps the strongest proof of the strangeness of the times is the 'oversetting of very familiar British institutions': it should be the first day of the black game shooting season, yet they have been eating both grouse and black game for a fortnight, 'at a lunch which begins at 12.30!'. Very interested by Robert's list of Macaulay's 'naturalisations of words', which show 'the sure touch of a man who knows what was wanted' and supports Bryce's claim that in two thousand years people would debate whether Macaulay had more influence on English prose, or Cicero on Latin. Asks if Robert has found out about the country members' payment for the National Liberal Club; would pay the town subscription for him if it is more convenient, but time times call for 'any practicable economy'. Looks forward to seeing Robert's treatment of Lucretius; is reading 'the first decade of Livy', strangely for the first time, and quite sympathises with '[Barthold] Niebuhr's manly and uncompromising love of it'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury, St. Mary, Dorking. - They were 'very sad to hear of Lord Bryce's death'; is sure his father 'must be feeling the loss deeply'. It is good that he died 'with his energies unimpaired to the very end'. Robert's only memory of him is of 'his visit to Wallington, perhaps twelve years ago' when he and [Donald] Tovey 'sat up with him an hour or two in the billiard room'; a 'memorable evening' for them both, as they 'led him on to talk on many things, which he did most delightfully'. In turn, although he 'professed to be quite unmusical', got Tovey to talk about 'musical theory and history', and took 'a keen intellectual interest in it all'.

Julian returns to school tomorrow; he is 'quite well again [after influenza]' and cheerful. On 25th Feb, the 'Cambridge people' who acted the Aeschylus plays [J. T. Sheppard's production of the Oresteia in 1921] are performing them again in a London theatre [The Chiswick Empire; see 21/23], but this time in Robert's English translation instead of in Greek. This 'might be quite interesting', and he will put off his trip to Italy till after the performance. They need to leave out 'most of the long choruses, and a good deal else' to fit it into three hours. Has now finished his complete translation of the plays. Bessie is well; Robert sends love to his mother.

Refers to Patterson's letter to him, and agrees that it seems 'very unlikely that Eb[ ] got 10,000 florins from the Times for correspondence about Hungary. Believes that Bryce would be able to find out 'whether he got a salary that [Patterson] would regard as adequate'. Suggests that correspondence addressed to Alassio in Italy would be adequate to find Bryce. Announces that he returns to Cambridge at the end of the following week or beginning of the week after [17 or 19 January].

Refers to Patterson's letter, which he has considered and talked over with Bryce. Believes that he should try 'to enter into regular relations with one or more newspapers'. Asserts that 'this does not seem...incompatible with the writing of more occasional letters to refute misrepresentations in other papers.' Discusses suggestions made by Bryce in the course of their conversation. The latter would be willing to act as an intermediary between Patterson and the person who generally supervises the foreign correspondence of the Times. Bryce also has influence in the case of the Speaker - 'weekly Gladstonian organ' - and the Manchester Guardian. Sidgwick believes that of those three, the Times is the best. Suggests to Patterson that it would be better not to mention to any English journal that he was paid by the Hungarian government, but that he should hint that he had access to the best information. Reports that Mrs Sidgwick has had an accident; 'fall causing slight concussion of brain'. Hopes that Patterson's wife and children are all well.

Typewritten copy. Wants Bryce's aid 'in reforming mankind - especially the University of Cambridge'. They have at present 'no examination in History', and he and others think they should, and that it should be incorporated into the Law Tripos, 'after the Oxford model.' As an examiner in his Law and Modern History school, he would like Bryce to write him a letter on the subject. Adds that they shall probably make International Law as prominent as they can, because they have just founded a professorship and several scholarships in this subject. Asks if he has seen [F. W. H. Myer's poem] St Paul, which, he remarks, is 'very fine poetical rhetoric - consummate except for excess of artifice, and occasional lapses into bad taste and into startling vulgarity...which reminds one of Ebenezer.' Does not think 'any man living could have written it except Myers'. Has heard that Conington 'is writing a "Numquamne reponam" on classical education in the Contemporary [Review]', and they 'expect to be withered.'

The Warden's Lodgings, New College, Oxford - Thanks Frazer for his congratulations on his Order of Merit, is glad Frazer liked his life of Bryce, whom he admires.

Typewritten copy. Sent Bryce's note to [Henry] Fawcett, being away from Cambridge; Fawcett had already sent his draught bill to [J. L.?] Hammond. Has always been in favour with 'Compromise with the Right Centre' in Cambridge, but Fawcett is opposed for several reasons, which Henry counters with the argument, amongst others, that Gladstone wants it. Lays out the concessions he would be willing to make to the Nonconformists, including the maintenance of Anglican service in chapels and of officers specially appointed to conduct it, restriction of official theological teaching in Colleges to clergy of the Church of England, and restrictions of headships. Intends to talk to [W. H.?] Bateson about the last concession. Asks Bryce what metropolitan liberals he represents, who are drawing up a bill, and what bill it is. Adds that the 'Right Centre' at present want tutorships, which they cannot grant.

Typewritten copy. As Bryce had said that [A.W.?] Ward would call on him about the Historical Review, he did not answer his letter. Does not believe that there is a single man in Cambridge competent to deal with modern history in an intelligent way. Refers to Dr Guest, Luard, and the '[Professor?] of "Anglosaxon" and early English literature, and people who poke into ecclesiastical holes and corners.' Refers also to William Aldis Wright. However, there is no one who he should call 'a historian.' Of those who study ancient history, mentions Jebb who would be by far the most effective he knows of for literary purposes 'who would contribute to such a review.' He himself 'once was conceited enough to write reviews of historical works', but that he would now not venture out of his proper line so far. Hopes that the scheme will succeed. Does not think that their press authorities 'would be likely to subvent the undertaking': the University is so poor 'and pressed for funds that [the] Press is requested to devote itself to lucre.'

Typewritten copy. Thanks Bryce for his comments [on part of Sidgwick's Elements of Politics?]; is particularly glad that he has 'drawn attention to the "ramblingness" of the chapter'. Explains that this effect is due to matter written at two different times, and the combination of two subjects. Is unsure whether he can make the chapter really coherent, but states that he can 'at any rate turn a halfunconscious digression into an avowed change of subject....' Hopes that Bryce had a successful visit to Cambridge the other day.

Typewritten copy. Thanks Bryce for his criticisms [of Sidgwick's Elements of Politics?]: will think over his advice in relation to the last chapter. If he does not take Bryce's advice, will introduce his '"questiuncules" with an apology'; he will also add a statement on his view of the question of sovereignty. Confesses that he despairs of the general reader, but undertakes to think over Bryce's suggestions. Says he has little to say of concrete interest, and that to conceal his 'barrenness of practical wisdom', he takes refuge in analysis. Sends the spare proof of chapter thirty-one [not included]. States that he is inclined to agree with him that the legal and practical questions have been confused in the discussion. Adds that he and Nora were sorry to miss the Bryces on the previous Sunday.

Typewritten copy. Nora hoped to have had an opportunity yesterday to explain to Bryce the sudden change in their foreign travel plans. There is a crisis impending in the affairs of the Society for Psychical Research: three chief members of their group of investigators, F.W.H. Myers, O. J. Lodge and Richet, 'have convinced themselves of the truth of the physical phenomena of Spiritualism', and have been experimenting with an Italian medium called Eusapia Palladino on a small island in the Mediterranean. The Society has for some years had a reputation for 'comparative sanity', and fears for it now if its most representative men 'come forward as believers.' He and Nora, therefore, feel bound to accept Richet's invitation to go to the Île Roubaud and, if possible, obtain personal experience. The length of their stay is indefinite, but they hope to have time to go to Switzerland afterwards. Suggests that Bryce send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Gives his address on the island, and undertakes to write to Bryce from there. They intend to return to Cambridge on the following Saturday.

Typewritten copy. Believes that he is 'progressing in convalescence', but is having his 'ups and down '. Has read with much interest the report that Bryce sent, and thinks it to be 'decidedly improved' by the additions. Awaits the result with interest. Presumes that the report will be published at some stage, and asserts that 'even if the Council decides against action, it will be a good thing to have some discussion of the matter....' He and Nora return to London for a day or two on the following Monday or Tuesday, and then go to the Rayleighs for a few days, and then to Cambridge. Adds that 'it still seems very uncertain what degree of working faculty' he shall get back to when his convalescence is completed.

Refers to a letter to the Royal Society from Lord Dillon on behalf of several interested gentlemen, including Arthur Balfour, James Bryce, Lord Acton, HS, Professor Jebb, W.E. Lecky, Leslie Stephen, and others, in relation to the formation of a British Academy.

Also refers to Henry Sidgwick's plan for the the institution of a new academy or section. Lays out plan, including the ways in which the Royal Society might aid in the project. Refers to its proposed scope in terms of subject-related sections. Refers to the participation of the Royal Society in the foundation of an International Association of the principal Scientific and Literary Academies of the world, and to a scheme drawn up for the organisation of the Association, which provides for the division of the Association into two sections - ' "Scientific" ' and ' "Literary" '. Points out that there is no existing institution 'competent to represent the United Kingdom in the Philosophico-Historical [Literary] section', and this fact is used as an argument for the foundation of a new Academy.

Includes proposals 'submitted to the Committee' on ways in which the demand for the representation of Philosophico-Historical studies in an Academy might be dealt with, including the creations of an organisation independent of the Royal Society; the creation of two ' "Academies" ' within the Royal Society; the creation of two or three ' "Sections" ' of the Royal Society; and the creation of twenty-five to fifty Fellows 'representing the Philosophico-Historical subjects, to serve as a nucleus, and creation of three or four committees, similar to those already existing, viz., one for Ethnography and Archaeology, one for Philology, one for Statistics and Political Economy, and one for Psychology...'.

Reports that the above schemes were discussed at an interview with a number of representatives of the Philosophico-Historical Sciences, and that the general opinion of these gentlemen was in favour of the creation of two or three sections of the Royal Society. Refers to the issue of whether the Royal Society 'will be more useful if the area of its interests is enlarged.' Discusses the divisions between the Natural Sciences and the Philosophico-Historical group of sciences, and the manner in which each group is treated in other European countries. Raises the question of Government grants, and suggests that if new subjects were to share in these grants it might have the effect of dividing the Royal Society into sections with comparatively weak common interests. Refers also to the effect of the scheme on expenditure and on the organisation of the staff.

Believes Bryce to have returned, and announces that he received a letter from him a day or two previously, in which he informed Sidgwick that he was on the point of starting for England. Promises to think over the matter 'with the new lights', and declares that it seems difficult to do anything 'if one does not know the editor or Walter.'