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Thanks Nora for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; has read a good deal of it. Says he is again impressed with the charm of [Henry's] style in the letters.' Miss Johnson hasinformed him that Nora would like him to write a review of the book for the Society for Psychical Research proceedings: would be honoured to do so. Relates that William Sidgwick of Shipton and his nephew [also William Sidgwick] 'gave evidence before [the] Faculty Committee of 1816, and regrets to say that 'they worked their mills 14 hours a day.' Offers to send Nora 'the blue book.'

Refers to the omission of the importance of Henry Sidgwick's work in relation to psychical research in the 'otherwise admirable memoir' of him. Refers to his own association with Sidgwick, and to the latter's activities in the Society for Psychical Research, of which he was president for the first few years of its existence, 'except for an interval, during which he stepped aside in favour of the late Professor Balfour Stewart'. Concludes that it is due to the character more even thatn to the distinguished intellectual gifts of HS that the society stands now so firmly 'that it can even survive his loss.'

Wishes that he could more adequately have expressed in his last letter 'something of the affection and reverence [he has] always felt' for Henry Sidgwick. Refers to the keen interest he took in all things, and his wonderful humour. Remarks that his writings 'had comparatively little of that charm [of] humour and felicitous phrasing which made his conversation so fascinating.' Refers to his 'clear, unbiased vision'. Declares that his memory will not soon pass away, and that apart from the work he has done, Henry will live as a noble memory with all who knew him, among whom Podmore numbers himself and his wife. Encloses a letter [67/2], which he wrote to the Daily Chronicle. States that there was no time to contact [F.W.H.] Myers, and that he was reluctant to disturb Nora, so he has written it on his own responsibility. Refers to a reference she made to an article on telepathy.

Reports that he went up to London on the previous Saturday to lecture on Psychical Research to a 'College for Men and Women', and called to see her on Sunday, but found that they had gone to Ramsgate. Is delighted by her haunted house story, and wishes to begin making further inquiries. Enquires if she can find out for them where Mrs Tilghmans H[ ] is to be found in London. Asks her if she thinks his colleague Frank Podmore might call and ask her questions, or if Minnie would undertake the task herself. Lays out the main questions that he would like to have answered; wishes to know if the sisters Anna and Henrietta will write an account of their experiences, if the servants could be persuaded to testify, 'expecially Hannah Lilley and Minnie Forbes, and if it would be found out from Miss Hastings the names of the other persons who have lived in the house. Thinks that they certainly ought to take the house, if it is to be taken year by year. Remarks that a seven year lease 'would be rather a high price to pay for apparitions that may never come.' Encloses one of their slips 'of Phantasms of the Living '[book in preparation by Podmore, Myers and Gurney, published in 1886] not included], which Minnie may be able to help them in. Asks her if she could find out whether 'Rev.d James Walker' is alive, and if not whether he has left relations 'who know anything of the story.'

Announces that they shall probably be up in London again for the General Meeting of the Society of Psychical Research on Friday 28 March, and hopes to see her. Nora sends her love and hopes that 'nothing worse than transient colds' drove [them] to Ramsgate. Trust that Edward 'bears the sh[ ] of work prosperously'.

Explains that he had hesitated to write to him before because he did not know whether he would mind being disturbed, but Myers told him that he may do so. Informs him that he and his wife have been thinking about Sidgwick and his wife much during the last few weeks. Refers to the London Psychical Congress, which both couples attended, and at which Sidgwick come to sit down beside the Podmores at lunch. Expresses the admiration and affection he feels towards Sidgwick. Declares that he doesn't very much care 'whether or not there is a personal individual immortality', but that he is sure that there is a unity and a purpose in the cosmos; that the lives and conscious force of individuals persist in some form after death. Thanks Sidgwick for reading his books, and for 'the wise counsel' that he has given him.

Referring to an enclosed printed extract regarding an estimation of Henry Sidgwick's character, declares that he shall be very glad that the 'few lines should be quoted', and states that he has made some slight alterations in order to bring out the meaning more clearly. States that he shall look forward greatly to reading the book [Henry Sidgwick, a memoir]. Adds that he was reading a few days ago Masterman's appreciation of Henry Sidgwick in The Peril of Change.

Announces that he is 'returning Podmore with thanks' [not included]. States that he wishes the Society [for Psychical Research] every success in its new departure. Thinks that it would be absurd 'to set aside telepathy and the like as impossible on a priori grounds'. Intends to follow the Journal of Psychical Research in its new volumes, and thanks Sidgwick for informing him of the present states of the enquiry. Announces that he must give up coming to Cambridge that term.

Announces that it is '[a]ll right about Graham', and that they can regard it as a delegation, but they must let [Oscar?] Browning have the names. Reports that he has been reading Myers' proof, which seems to him 'quite the right thing', but suggests some additions and emendations. Claims that 'the previous Report of the Literary Committee affirmed unhesitatingly the existence of telepathic impressions', whereas [Myers' report] apparently treats this question as open.' States the necessity of reconciling the position of the former report with that of the new one. Also suggests some alterations to certain phrases used within the report. Reports that the lecture was 'fairly successful: so far as [Sidgwick] and Gurney [could] judge.' States that he [sent] [Gurney] Podmore's proposal, which he approves.

Reports that he has 'just talked the Brighton arrangements over with [George Albert?] Smith and he is inclined to guarantee that Mrs Smith will not be inconvenienced by [being] there and will not break off a year's residence there.' Smith believes that 'they can live cheaply there without any servant beyond an occasional help [when visitors come] who will not cost nearly as much as the 40 a year in Podmore's estimate', and is anxious to have the season ticket because he will often want to be with Podmore 'and wants to do as much as he can to work up hypnotic subjects in London as well as Brighton.' Smith agrees that it is impossible to conceal 'the haunted house gossip' from his wife. Explains that he has told Smith to call at 4 Carlton Gardens the following day. Has told him to make an estimate of his probable expenses for the next year if he did not go to Brighton. Explains Smith's intended living arrangements. States that he will turn up the following morning at 11am if he hears nothing from Sidgwick. Has not asked Podmore to come, as he believes 'it may be settled without him.'