Reports that he finished his Marlborough examination on the previous Tuesday, and intends to cross the channel on Monday evening. Intends to stay one month in Paris with Graham Dakyns, and then shall probably spend a fortnight walking in Switzerland 'or somewhere', after which he shall 'probably settle down for a month in Germany', and return about mid-September. Supposes that by that time she will be well settled in Rugby. Regrets not having seen her at Wellington College, where he had a most pleasant visit. Was pleased to find both Mary and Edward so well. Comments on the ugliness of the new baby [Arthur Benson]; needs to do this to keep his 'character as a baby-hater', since he is 'compelled to join in the general Martin-worship'. Claims to have enjoyed his examinations on the whole, and to have been freer from hayfever than usual. Refers to the fact that 'poor Dale had lost two of his boys from Diptheria', and comments that it is supposed to be an unhealthy season at Dresden. Hopes to go there in the summer. Praises Marlborough, and reports that the boys 'are very nice and their relations with the masters more what one w[oul]d desire than at any other school with which [he is] acquainted.' States that he was very much interested in the Isle of Man, and was surprised to learn that his uncle Lace was a benefactor to King William's College there. Sends his love to his aunt.
Thanks him for his letter from Antwerp, which delighted her with its 'cheerful happy tone'. Refers to the letters that have arrived for him; one from Reginald Hanson, asking Henry if he could read with him the following term; one from Mr Bradley, asking Henry's opinion on Dakyns as a possible [headmaster] for his lower school; one from Miss Attersoll, thanking him for the wedding cards. Reports that she received a letter from Minnie and Edward, who are travelling in Europe. They had a very calm passage to Boulogne, passed through Amiens and Paris, and were moving on to Rheims towards the end of the previous week. Believes that they are now making their way to Lucerne. Lists the other location where they intend to be in the coming weeks, with the dates.
Reports that only herself and Matilda [Sidgwick?] are all that remain of their 'large party'. States that Matilda, who was in bed all Saturday from exhaustion, is to stay with her until the following Thursday or Friday. States that she has heard nothing of letting her house. Claims that she should prefer staying the year [at Rugby] to going anywhere else, if it were not for the expenses. Reports that Fanny Green left her that day, 'after employing herself most diligently in collecting + packing in a beautiful style, all dear Minnie's things - 9 large cases left for Wellington College [that day].' Discusses her feelings in relation to Minnie's departure. Remarks that as each of her children seem to be taking their place in the world, she can 'the more calmly contemplate [her] removal from it.' Relates that the previous day she, Fanny Green and Matilda heard the new curate preach.
Expects only news of Henry's arrival in Dresden 'and that all is [ ] and quiet there', as she knows how busy he will be. Asks him to give her kindest regards to Mr and Mrs [Henry and Fanny] Dale when he sees them, and tells him to let them hear about the wedding. Claims that she treasures up all that he tells her about foreign manners and customs. Expects to see William and Arthur on the following Wednesday or Thursday, and announces that the following day they are going to Keswick for three weeks, and that Elizabeth 'will follow [them] when she has made all comfortable at home', and will pay visits with her in Yorkshire. Reports that they have good weather in Rugby. Remarks that the house seems very quiet since the previous Monday. Tells him not to overwork himself, nor to sit up late, and to take plenty of air, rest and refreshment. Sends Matilda's love.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickExpresses her happiness at receiving his last letter. Reports that she received a letter from Mr Dale, and that there was no mention of Henry in i; is glad that he is well, and is enjoying his German life, in spite of his hay fever. Claims to like the neighbourhood very much, and to enjoy the physical exertions in which she takes part. Reports that the previous day she, Elizabeth, Arthur and William 'went the Wat[ ] expedition; she and Arthur on ponies, while the others walked. Refers to the scenery and to the weather. States that they have had heavy rain for some hours, which obliged them to stay in doors. Reports that Arthur 'looks weak and unequal to much', and believes that he has given up the idea of walking in Switzerland. Expects to be at Shipton by the end of the month, and thinks that Arthur might also go to see some friends in that direction, while William prepares for his Swiss trip. Does not think that she will let her house at all now.
Reports that she had a very pleasant letter from Minnie and Edward, 'dated Bâle 5th July.' They had been to Rheims, and then had travelled via Strasbourg to Bâle, and were to be at Lucerne on Sunday 10 July, at Grindelwald on Sunday 17 July and the following Sunday at Cham[ ]. They are to be at Cormayeur on 31 July, and at Bourges on 7 August, and home before 12 August.
Likes the Wrights very much; Miss Wright gives her any help she wants in the little Botany she can do. She thought that William was willing to look at plants with her, but finds that he does not seem to care at all about it now that they are there. Describes their physical activities, and reports that William and Arthur have been up Skiddaw, and refers to the Buttermere excursion, in which she participated. Claims to feel better since going there [to Cumberland], and to be pleased with C[ ] Church too, but 'not so much with Bp Villiers of Carlisle who preached for the Clergy [Aid] Soc[iety]' the previous Sunday.
Reports that Elizabeth came to them on Saturday after she had settled matters at home and taken her niece to Wellington College; she 'had the pleasure of unpacking dear Minnie' boxes which [they] had sent and of hanging up some of her smart gowns in her wardrobe!' Remarks that it seems to her 'even yet very like a dream' that Minnie has left her, and she resolves never to think of it painfully, thought she admits that it is hard at times. Discusses her thoughts on how one should conduct oneself at the end of one's life. Reports that she has just been hearing from Miss Wright 'a touching account of that [sad] 29th Sept. 1857. when that [ ] accident happened to the Bernards, in which a little boy [James Henry George Bernard] was apparently killed. In the account refers to [Charles?] Tawney, Alexander Laurence 'and his [insensible] brother]', and also to Dr Bernard and his wife. Reports that the whole family have now left and are gone to live at Harrow. States that the Wrights 'had just heard that Charles Bernard and Sir Alexander Laurence have killed a tiger near Bombay, and have received much praise for the same.
Encloses a letter for Mr Dale [not included], which she wishes Henry to give to him. Asks him to write again before he leaves Dresden, and to tell her where he is going. Thinks that they shall leave Keswick on 28 July, and then on to [ ], [ ], Furness and R[ ], and shall get to the Raikes on Saturday 30 July. Informs him that after that letters may be directed to her [at the Wrights in Cumberland].
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry Sidgwick[Sent from Courmayeur]:- Refers to his failure to send any correspondence sooner, and to his attitude to sending letters from abroad. Claims that at Dresden he did not find that the time 'made itself for letter-writing'. Speaks of his progress in reading, writing and speaking German. Refers to Benson's holiday [in France], and to the beauty of the 'aiguilles and glaciers' of the vale of Chamonix. Remarks that Minnie must have enjoyed it. Reports that he walked for eleven hours along the Allée Blanche of Mont Blanc on his way to Courmayeur.
In relation to his stay in Dresden, claims that he liked Herr Schier very much, but disagreed with his politics. Speaks well of Professor and Mrs Hughes, but claims that he did not get on very well with anybody else. States that Mrs and Mrs Henry Hughes somehow did not suit him, and that the other English there kept him back in his German as they always spoke in English. Reports that Dale, with whom he used to spend the Sundays, was very kind, and that he asked after Benson and Minnie. Refers to [ ] having eight children, 'and no money to speak of!' Hopes that Benson 'found the boys as good as ever and the heather well out', and asks him to give his love to Minnie. Sends a poem to the latter [not included].
Expresses his delight at the news of the birth of her son [Martin, born 19 August]. Asks her to tell their mother that he shall be grateful to her if she would pay that 'bill of Warwick' for him. Admits that he has been very careless about it. Reports that he saw Mr Dale a week previously, who latter preached at a service attended by Henry and 'gave the unhappy congregation a rest from the pretentious and insolent platitudes of [their] regular man...' Claims that Dale believed that the Princess Frederic William would be present at the service for the first time after her confinement. Reports that he gave him news of Ada [Benson], whom Henry is to see in about two weeks' time.
Announces that after going to Dresden he intends to visit Brunswick with Professor H[errig], who is to introduce him to a society of philologues. States that after that he shall go walking in the Harz and on the Rhine. Reports that he is learning German. Recommends 'Tieck's Novellen' if she wishes for 'an easy and delightful German book' to amuse herself with. Recounts his amusement at the depiction of an Englishman on the Berlin stage. Regrets to hear of Arthur's renewed illness, especially as he is spending the summer at the Lakes. Claims that he has no impulse to indulge in composition at the present, but recounts a humorous story involving a hero and heroine named Edwin and Angelina, who are in love, but for whom it is impossible to declare their feelings to one another. One day they sit down to play the '[ ] duet of Beethoven together', and the music has such an effect on them that they fall into each other's arms, in which position they are found by [her] father. Claims that the foregoing 'is literally founded on fact', and is reserved in his notebook. Sends his love to his mother.
[Sent from Dresden]:- Reports that he has concluded his stay in Berlin. Declares that he shall return to Germany when he wants to 'learn humility and contentment'. Has 'dropped over to Dresden to see Ada [Benson] and renew [his] acquaintance with the town and pictures.' Reports that Ada seemed very well and happy, 'tho' decidedly thinner', and 'declared herself charmed with the town, with her studies, with the Hauptmann and his wife with whom she lives'. Reports that the previous day he saw Mr and Mrs Dale, whose baby is 'a fine solid little fellow'. On Tuesday he goes with Professor Herrig to a 'Versammlung of Philologs' at Brunswick.
Hopes that Minnie will soon be strong enough to write to him. Went to the theatre with Ada and her hosts 'to see the famous Emil Devrient act.' Explains that going to the theatre in Germany is 'one of the most approved methods of learning the spoken language'. Remarks that his mother has not told him of her plans for the winter, except that she does not see any chance of settling down until the spring. Does not suppose that she will stay at Wellington College until Christmas. Invites her to stay at lodgings in Cambridge for the autumn. Announces that he will not return to England until 'the 20th', as he wishes to do some travelling. Will be at Brunswick until 29 September, 'then in about a week at Frankfurt Am Main, then in about a week at Bonn.' Sends his love to Edward. Recounts a story about Lord John Russell in Berlin told to him by Professor Ranke. The latter is engaged in a work on English history, and 'spoke with great regret of Macaulay whom he admires excessively, tho' so opposed to him in opinion'.