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Offer to Patterson and [Gyula?] Lanczy of rooms in Trinity College during the vacation.

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.

Invites Patterson to dine with him at the Midland Hotel the following day at 7.30pm.

Writes to inform her that he shall come on the following Wednesday. Reports that he shall be staying with Mrs Clough from Monday to Wednesday if his cold does not get worse. Claims that he accepted her invitation gladly, as there is a new edition of Clough's Remains passing through the press, and he would like to talk to her about it. Intends to speak to his mother about Mr Horton and other matters on Wednesday evening, 'before Edward and Mary come'.

Asks if she has heard from William, and states that he has not found time to write to him yet. Asks her opinion on Noel's poems. Refers to the review of them in the Athenaeum, and states that Noel has told him that the two great critics of the age, M. Arnold and S[aint] Beuve, 'have both expressed themselves pleased by the book.' Reports that he has 'got rid of' his last pupil and is writing a paper for his philological journal. Reports that Patterson's book on Hungary is very nearly finished, and that he has seen most of it, and thinks that it will be both worth reading and readable.

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)

States that '4 [Petofis] and 2 Finnish volumes have arrived...but the paper book with the title "[Augol] [ ]" has not appeared nor the "two German "books" nor is the "case of the Latin dictionary" clear to [him]!'

Postcard confirming arrival of Latin [and] Magyar dictionary and [Augol] [ ].

Explains the delay in replying to Patterson's letter as being due to 'a difficulty about finding appropriate topics of Consolation - suitable to the unfortunate situation, private and public, which [his] letter depicts.' States that the prevailing idea [in England] is that there is to be no war; and 'that Russia is to have her way in Bulgaria...' Believes that Patterson's colleagues 'will be spared the necessity of going into military quarters', and reports that now 'there appear to be the first mutterings of another scare about Affghanistan [sic].' In relation to Patterson's private troubles, i.e., the small size of his class, states that at Oxford and Cambridge they 'are beginning to consider that it is rather in a Professor's favour if he only gets a small class: it is a sign that his loyalty to his subject is too strong to allow him to degrade it by popularizing it.' In relation to his other problem, i.e., the length of time his lectures take and the fact that he has been called upon to lecture on English literature, to which task he feels himself inadequate, Sidgwick charges Patterson with being 'the laziest of men', but someone who, when he makes up his mind to do some work, 'is very exacting in its thoroughness'. Asks if he would like 'an opportunity of getting out of [his] position'. Reports that in England they 'are keeping her Majesty's jubilee in a rather unjubilant frame of mind.' Refers to the state of things in Ireland in negative terms, and to Gladstone, who is 'agitating for Parnell with the reckless impetuosity of his [in every sense] green old age'. Admits to being doubtful about his brother-in-law's [A.J. Balfour] prospects in relation to coercion, the failure of which will cause his career to be a failure. Predicts that if it succeeds 'the "left wing" of the patriots are likely to dynamite him.' Asks Patterson to send some more news of himself. Tells him that Mrs Sidgwick send her kind remembrances. With envelope. (2 docs)

Regrets that Symonds is too ill to come to Rugby; Henry would like his mother to have met Mrs Symonds, of whom he is very fond. Is unsure when he shall come to visit his mother, but mentions some time in Passion Week, if she has room for him. Is glad to hear that she had a pleasant visit at Oxford. Refers to William and his health problems, and to the probable benefits to him of 'the change of scene and work.' Remarks that the Universities are full of change and restlessness, and that 'there is very little prospect of [ ] for most people who stay on there at present.' Refers to Trevelyan and his regret at not being able to assist their 'young friend' [Horton]. Does not know what to do for the latter now, but promises that if he sees his way 'to earwigging any other eminent statesman', he will. Asks if she has read Patterson's book, which he may review 'in the Academy.'

Explains the delay in replying to Patterson's letter as being due to Sidgwick's wish 'to consult [Coutts?] Trotter and some other discreet and experienced person before expressing [his view].' Reports that he has discussed the first of Patterson's queries with Trotter and Michael Foster, and they have all agreed that it is highly unlikely that any publisher would be found who will pay anything to a translator of Mr Loczi Loczy Lajos's book, but that a publisher - perhaps Macmillan - might be found who would 'take the risk of the book, if a translation were offered him gratis'. Suggests that he make an application on the subject to the Geographical Society. Offers to apply to the latter society through Francis Galton; asks him to send any notices which may have appeared of it. Asks him to tell him the general character and drift of the article [ ] [ ] II. Explains that the good reviews tend not to publish translated articles, unless those by foreign authors already known to the English public. Expressed his regret that Mrs Patterson 'is not yet re[ ] to Magyar society.

Apologises for having neglected to write to him. Declares that her time at Wellington College has passed pleasantly, but has been devoid of incident. Refers to Minnie's happiness with Edward, and to her domestic activities. Remarks that Edward, although not ill now, needs rest. Looks forward to 'the happy Rugby Xmas', and declares that she is glad she kept on the house there. Is very glad that Henry will be at home all the vacation, and hopes that he will ask [A. J.] Patterson to come. Explains that during the latter half of the vacation Edward and Minnie and William will be gone, and suggests that he invites his friends then. States that she will ask William about his friends when she passes through Oxford the following Thursday, when she is to meet Lucy Brown and lunch with her in William's rooms.

Reports that Mr [Francis?] Martin has just been [at Wellington College], and told her that Henry is looking 'remarkably well'. Adds that she thinks that Henry should be doing lighter work. Tells him not to let Arthur work too hard. Reports that William was at Wellington College that previous Sunday, looking very well. Refers to 'the appointment [of H. M Butler as new headmaster] to Harrow', and remarks that '26 sounds very young', but that she hears that Butler 'is a very fit man.' Is glad to hear that Henry comes home on 15 [December]. Asks him to give the enclosed [not included] to Arthur.

Is very glad that Henry [and Arthur] are coming home [to Rugby] the following week 'to warm this cold empty house.' Reports that she is well, but that she hears that Minnie has a cold. Refers to imminent weddings: Mr Smythies. and Miss I. Anstey; Miss Atty and an Indian gentleman [i.e a British army officer who has served in India]; Miss [Sale] and 'a Mr. Smith'; and Miss Wratislaw. Urges to bring some copies of the photograph he mentioned, as she wants them for her self, and also for their 'old servant Hannah', who she hopes will come for Christmas. Asks if there is a photograph of Isaac [Barns]. Is pleased to hear of Arthur. Asks if he got Margaret's wedding cards from [Riddlesdon], and states that she 'really became "Mrs Cooper" on that day'. Saw Miss Attersoll at Wellington College; refers to her views on young headmasters. Adds that she hears that Mr Butler's appointment [as headmaster of Harrow] is very satisfactory. Refers to A. J. Patterson's impending visit. Asks Henry to thank Arthur for his letter, and to tell him 'to fix about his visit to Lee Warner' when he comes to Rugby. Also asks him to bring Arthur's certificate for the exhibition home.

In reply to Patterson's question, Sidgwick doubts that any English magazine will be eager to take a translation of an article on the emperor Joseph, unless the article were by a foreign author already known to the English public. Suggests that Patterson's friend send his article to the 'Contemporary, or the Westminister Review'. Offers to act as intermediary if the article is to be sent to the Contemporary Review. Offers his sympathy for Patterson's domestic troubles.

Remarks that he has not heard from her in a long time, and reports that lately he has been lying on his sofa 'from inflammation of the ancle [sic].' States that it is better now. Reports that he found 'a tolerable suitable house' for his young ladies [a hostel for female students]. States that he then went to stay with the [Thomas Fowell?] Buxtons on the borders of Epping Forest, and then to London, where he found 'portentous heat and equally portentous hayfever.' Claims to hate London in heat. Reports that he was introduced to Miss Octavia Hill, whom he has long wanted to meet, ever since he read an article of hers in Macmillan's on her work among the poor in the East of London. Calls her 'a very interesting woman', and vows that if he ever takes 'a vow of asceticism' and gives away all his goods 'to feed the poor', he will give them to her, 'as the person who is likely to make them do - the least harm'. He then went to see Mrs Clough, and made his final arrangements with Miss Clough for their proceedings the following term. Spent 'the suspensive day between the rejection of the Army Bill by the Lords and Gladstone's "coup d'état" [the Royal Warrant on Purchase] ' with Trevelyan. The latter 'had had notice given him privately of what the Ministry was going to do and was in proportionately good spirits.' Reports that he saw his friend Patterson, 'who was also cheerful as a translation of a Hungarian story by him is to appear in the Cornhill.' Since London he has been in Cambridge, 'trying to get a little reading done', but complains that he cannot shake off his laziness. Informs her that [his cousin] Annie 'is passed in P.E' [political economy]. Asks for her news, and whether she will be staying by herself at Rugby during any part of the vacation, as he may come down there.

Sympathises with Patterson with regard to his 'misfortunes'. Asks him to tell G[yula?] Lanczy that, on consultation with Seeley, the Regius Professor of History, they are in agreement that Smyth's Lectures on the French Revolution 'is now a quite antiquated book', and not worth buying for the Kolosvár [now Cluj-Napoca] Library. Reports that Seeley had never hear of Professor Miller's History Philosophically illustrated, and that he [Sidgwick] thinks that it too 'was rather passé.' Reports that he cannot find the essay of Patterson's friend and colleague [Frigyes?] Medveczky; asks him to tell him the title, and he will try to read it in some library. Undertakes to try 'to secure the favourable notice of "Mind" for Dr Pickler's [Gyula Pickler?] essay', and asks Patterson to forward the translation to him. Reports that they are 'on tenterhooks, expecting some continental explosion and a conflagration of [ ] extent'.

Reports that he has found Medveczky's essay, but has not yet had time to read it. Undertakes to read it soon. Reports that he has been suffering from sleeplessness for some months, which has led him 'to make a rigid rule of abstinence from all reading after dinner which leads to hard thinking.' Refers to the '"ultra-continental" climate of Pest over the last few weeks', and describes the recent weather in England. Declares that he has been 'rather gloomy lately on various grounds, including the ageing process. Confesses that [Coutts] Trotter's death especially moved him. Declares that his loss 'is all the more irreparable at this crisis, as [Trinity College is] passing thourhg a period of financial distress from the fall in rents'. Undertakes to send some '"in memoriam"' articles that have been written about him by colleagues. Refers to the war 'in [Patterson's] region' and to the slim prospects of peace. States that a European war would be an advantage to England 'in the way of distracting [their] attention from the Irish problem which much wants letting alone'.

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. .

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.

Advises Patterson that if he should arrive early and find Sidgwick out, the porters will direct them to the two sets of rooms; those of G.W. Balfour and those of Sir W. Harcourt. Invites Patterson and [Gyula?] Lanczy to breakfast in Newnham.

Acknowledges receipt of two of Patterson's letters. Reports that he had been away visiting a sick friend at Davos [J. A. Symonds?]. Regrets to hear that Patterson's health has been poor. Declares that he would like to help him in any possible way with regard to the matter of English literature, but confesses that he is 'a mere amateur in this department'. Tells Patterson to send him any questions that arise in the course of his studies, he will try to get them answered by others if he cannot answer them himself. Suggests that he may be able to help him in picking up useful books at secondhand. Remarks that the subject of English literature is fascinating, but unlimited, and that he ought to have some idea of the course Patterson is to teach before giving suggestions. Promises to try to answer the questions in his first letter when he returns to Cambridge, and to find out whether Leslie Stephens books are obtainable cheaply secondhand. Remarks that all of the latter's works are worth reading, but that he has been 'lately almost crushed under the burden of editing the dictionary of biography'. Confirms that he lost his watch at [H. M.?] Stanley's wedding. Remarks that he always look forward to finding time for a journey to Hungary, but explains that he is at present busy with bringing out the Elements of Politics. Observes that Patterson does not say anything about politics, and therefore supposes that 'neither Socialism nor the failure of Macedonia are at present disturbing the Hungarian mind much.' Remarks that in England there is a temporary lull: 'everyone feeling that the next session will be decisive for the reputation of the Government. Passes on the 'kind remembrances' of Mrs Sidgwick.

Reports that he is very busy. Refers to Patterson's letter, in which he gives a 'masterly though fanciful analysis of [his] situation'. Acknowledges the difficulty of increasing his stock of books in English literature. Reports that there is 'a great deal of good work[s] now brought out in England in a handbook form'. Refers to 'an excellent little book on English Composition' brought out by Nichol, late professor of English literature at Glasgow. Claims to be amuzed by Patterson's description of his 'human material.' Observes that 'even in Germany - the land of Geist - it is but a very small percentage of students whose academic study is prompted and guided by a pure love of knowledge.' Contrasts the attitude to the teaching and study of philosophy abroad and in England. Intends to go to Budapest for a holiday.

Apologises for the delay in replying to Patterson's previous letter. Refers to the problem in English grammar that Patterson put to him, and admits that he is 'very ignorant of the subject', as it was never included in his school studies. Promises to try to get information for him if he finds anyone learned in it. In relation to a question asked in Patterson's last letter, tries to explain the difference between two grammatical tenses. Refers to another question posed in relation to the comparison of adjectives. Hopes that he is in better spirits than when he wrote his penultimate letter. Declares that he is very anxious to go to Pest, but regrets that he doesn't think he will get there that year.

Reports that he sent on Patterson's letter of 16 November to his brother Arthur, being himself unable to answer more than a part of it. States his intention of going to visit Patterson in Budapest during the Easter vacation, and will plan a visit to Germany around his Hungarian trip. Hopes his health is better than last year. Reports that he is 'trying to effect a temporary transfer of [his] habits of reflection from the subject of "Politics", on which [he has] more or less concentrated [his] mind for some years, to that of "Experimental Psychology"'. Announces that there is to be a congress held in London on the subject, at which he must preside the following August. Reports that he is staying with Arthur Balfour 'who is putting on his armour for the Parliamentary campaign'. Refers to the coming general election, and declares that he has no doubt 'that the Separatist party will have a majority; but the question is whether they will have a majority large enough to carry so fateful a change as Home Rule [for Ireland].' Asks Patterson to send him Mr [Zsolt?] Beothy's full title and address.

Declares that he believes 'boardinghouses not managed by masters are peculiar to Eton'. Refers to Rugby, Harrow and Shrewsbury, which were all founded in the sixteenth century, and believes that Rugby did not claim to be a public school until the end of the eighteenth century. States that Judge Hughes was a county court judge, but he cannot remember where, and believes that he has now retired. Hopes that Patterson has recovered from his influenza. Reports that he has escaped the illness, but that both his brothers 'have been attacked either by this infernal complaint or something closely akin.' Still hopes to visit Patterson at Easter.

Declares that he delayed writing to Patterson until he was well in Germany, in order to convince his 'sceptical mind' that he was really going to Pest. Plans to go to Berlin the following day, and stay there a week, and on Friday morning to go to Prague, where he intends to look up a philosopher [Ewald Hering?]. Plans to go to Vienna on the Saturday, and on the Monday to Pest, where he will stay until 9 or 11 April. After that he intends to go to Vienna, Munich and Freiburg, returning to Cambridge 23 April. Urges Patterson to write if it is not convenient to receive Sidgwick on the days suggested. Reports that 'miserable Hales' has told him nothing about Ossian.

Thanks him for his advice, which he intends to take 'if the weather is propitious.' Thinks he will go to Vienna on Saturday, since he must stay in Prague until the afternoon in order to see his professor [Ewald Hering?]. Intends to go to Pressburg [Bratislava] on Sunday, and go down the Danube on Monday, 'if the weather is attractive.' Hopes to arrive at Hungarian Grand Hotel, Budapest, on Monday evening, where he hopes to find a note from Patterson 'with suggestions as to [his] course of action on Tuesday.' Has decided to lodge in the hotel.

Relates that after leaving Patterson in Budapest he 'went for much briefer visits to Vienna, Munich, Strassburg [sic], Nancy, and Paris'. Claims that the week he spent in Budapest was the part of his tour 'on which the light of memory shines by far the most brightly'..Supposes that the university people 'will by this time have all reassembled', and asks Patterson to send his greetings to Beóthy [?], Lanczy, Medveczky, Pulszky and Vambery and others. Asks him to send him the address of Professor [József?] Szabo, to whom he had promised to send his photograph. Asks Patterson to ask Mr Pickler if Sidgwick had promised to send him something, and what it was. Asks him to thank Sir A. Nickelson if he meets him for his kindness to him, and to tell him that the [conversation] of Mr Szillerzy [Dezső Szilágyi?] has often recurred to his mind. Declares that if he had the time he would like to write an article on Hungarian politics, but that preparations for the International Congress of Experimental Psychology will absorb his spare time for the following three months. Expresses regret that they did not have more private and personal talk. Sends his greetings to Patterson's wife and daughters.

Explains that he has been busy recently with preparations for the International Congress on Experimental Psychology. Declares that after 4 August he shall be his own master again. Acknowledges receipt of Patterson's 'Grammar', and declares that he is thinking of studying Magyar. Refers to an enclosed account of the elections [not included]. Believes that the Gladstonian majority 'is likely to be between 50 and 60'. Refers to the likely effects of this result on the passing of Home Rule [for Ireland]. Believes that the House of Lords 'will stand firm and throw out the Home Rule Bill. Asks him to remind Medveczky of Sidgwick's existence, by giving him his kind remembrances and saying that he has been waiting to receive the present of his philosophical works which he promised to send. Sends greetings to all his 'hospitable Magyar friends'.

Regrets that his influence with London editors is limited to Macmillan, but asks Patterson to send him A Martyr. Is certain that Frederic Macmillan will give him advice as to what to do with it. Undertakes to ask Kegan Paul, in default of Macmillan's advice. States that the only book [by a friend of his] he had published by Kegan Paul had little commercial success. Suggests that a publisher might think it more advisable to publish the two tales, A Martyr and Noble Rest together. Recalls his 'very pleasant week in Buda-Pest', and sends greetings to Beothy, Lanczy, Medveczky, Pulszky, W. Bal[ ] and others.