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Writes to express his sympathy, and that of his wife, to Nora on the death of Henry Sidgwick. Says he was deeply grieved by the announcement in that morning's papers of the death of his friend. Declares that he felt reverence towards Henry, among whose attributes he counts wisdom, justice, sympathy and unselfishness. States that during his [Wilson's] fourteen years at Cambridge he had often occasion to ask his advice, 'or help, or both, and never asked in vain.' Adds that his wife's experience was the same 'during her connections with the Charity Organisation work'.

Reference to: 'Dr Jackson's Notes and Dr Peiles etc', 'Notes on C[harity] O[rganisation] S[ociety]' and A.J. B[alfour]'s Note for Memoir [Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir]'.

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick to express her sympathy and that of her mother with Nora on her loss. Speculates as to great a loss it must be to her, considering how keenly it is felt by themselves, who had met him so rarely. Claims that there is no one whom she reverenced so much or whose words had so much influence upon her. Considers it a privilege to have been associated with him, however remotely, 'and in however humble a work as the C.O.S.' Claims that there is no one left who approaches him in social charm, and that their last light from Cambridge society is gone.

With annotations, amendments and emendations.

Letters relating to Henry Sidgwick's rôle in the Cambridge Mendicity Society and Charity Organisation Society, with notes made by Nora Sidgwick from minutes of these societies lent her by Florence Keynes.

[Sent from Terling Place]:- Announces that he and Nora are not going to Rome as they had planned, partly due to his academic work, and partly due to the fact that he has 'been drawn more and more into some [local] quasi-philanthropic work at Cambridge' which involves the reconstructing of the old Mendicity Society on the principles of the London Charity Organisation Society, and which requires his presence there at Christmas time. Discusses the difficulties of the task; in his view, the 'people who ought to be helped 'are 'so often just trembling morally on the verge of helpless pauperism', and it is hard to say whether help 'will cheer and stimulate a man to help himself, or 'push him gently into the passive condition of letting society take him in hand and do what it will with him'.

Discusses Rayleigh's possible transfer to Cambridge, and refers to all the mathematical professors having signed a memorial to urge him to come and succeed Maxwell as Professor of Experimental Physics. Remarks that it is unusual to give up leisure and the comforts of a country house 'unless one is quite sure that one's duty to society requires it.' Asks her for her opinion of Ada [Benson, engaged to be married], and asks her to send him Ada's address. States that they were 'very much delighted to hear of it' and that [Henry Weston?] Eve has told them 'good things of him [Andrew McDowall, Ada's fiancé].' Reports that they have seen Arthur, but not William, who is not very well. Sends his and Nora's love to Edward and the children, and asks how much came from the 'Personal Appeal' after all.

Refers to the 'C[harity] O[rganisation] S[ociety] inquiry' [into poverty], and its results. Contains annotations, amendments and emendations. Incomplete.

161 Holloway Road, Holloway, London, N. - Has applied to the Charity Organisation Society; it has no funds at present but requests that all correspondence should be referred to the Secretary, T. B. Spencer.

Writes to inform Nora that at a meeting of the Committee of the Cambridge Charity Organisation, held that afternoon, the enclosed resolution [included] 'was unanimously adopted', and that she [Keynes] was asked to send a copy to Nora. Claims it to be 'a sincere although inadequate tribute to one who had been an ideal Chairman, a generous benefactor and the wisest of counsellors.' Resolution of the Committee of the Cambridge Charity Organisation Society. The latter 'desire to record their sense of the heavy loss sustained by the Society through the death of their Chairman, Dr Henry Sidgwick.' States that the formation of the Society, twenty-one years previously, was mainly due to his initiative, 'and through a series of years he gave not only most generous pecuniary assistance but what was even more valuable - much of his time and thought.' Refers to his continued interest in the work of the Society, even after his more active connection had ceased due to the pressure of other work, and to his readiness to preside at the Annual Meetings. States that his presence in the Chair, and his assistance generally, were most highly valued 'and will be remembered with gratitude by the Committee.'

Has read the paper which Nora sent to him - a note in pencil explains that this paper is on the development of Henry Sidgwick's ethical views - and believes that it ought to be published. Declares that it makes his position clearer 'and shows very strikingly the careful process by which he had thought out his argument'. Has finished the article on Henry [which he was writing for Mind], apart from the conclusion; remarks on the impossibility to do justice to him in such a small space, which led him 'to send that message to Kate.'

Is glad that Nora intends to write a life of Henry based on his correspondence, and is certain that if she can procure the letters she 'may make a profoundly interesting book.' Admits that he had not appreciated the full beauty of Henry's character during his life. Adds that besides what she gave him on Henry and the articles in the Cambridge Review, he has come across a note 'in Venn' about the founding, by Venn, Mayor and Henry Sidgwick, of 'a little "Grote Club" in a meeting under John Grote as chairman at Trumpington.' Also refers to a notice in the Charity Organisation Society. Says that he tried, in the limited space available, to point out 'how the philosophy was the natural outcome of the life, without endeavouring to criticize it at all.' Will be at the meeting on the following Monday if he is well enough, staying with Maitland; suggests that he could call on Nora in the afternoon if she wished to see him.