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Asks her to try to locate a book, [Pneumatologie:] Des Esprits... by Mirville, which was lent to him by Miss Attersoll, and which he gave to his mother 'some time ago'. Explains that Attersoll has written to him asking for it. Wonders whether she is 'a favourable subject for a convert', and intends to try to instil 'a little "Spiritualism" into her by recommending her another book or two of the same kind.' Reports that they expect their Greek professor to be elected the following day [Benjamin Hall Kennedy was chosen]. Refers to the fact that William is to write one of the Reform essays, and that it is advertised in the Pall Mall Gazette. Informs her that Mr and Mrs Paul are to come 'some time in the week after Easter.' Recommends a vendor of Hungarian wines, and suggests three labels. Hopes that Mr Martin is getting better, and reports that he went to see him the previous day. Admits that he is quite worried about his friend Cowell, whose father has just died very suddenly.

Confirms that the box arrived. Regrets to hear that she is not yet recovered; he did not realise how ill she was, probably because she was doing so much, but declares that he ought to have known her better by this time. Is glad that she thinks that Martin [Benson] is like him, and hopes that he will turn out better; says he thinks a 'tide' in his own affairs, a few years ago, might have 'led [him] to greatness' had he taken it and hopes Martin may 'have as good opportunities and make more use of them'. Remarks that Martin surprised him by the extent to which he appreciated things, but thought that he had 'less character than Arthur', which may also be true of Henry himself when he is compared with either of his brothers.

Refers to Dr [Rowland] Williams, and admits to have been impressed with 'his courteous deference to the opinions of those who were arguing with him, and his candour'. Reports that Cowell has slight disease of the lungs, but states that the dangerous part of the ailment is the heart, which his father believes that he cannot get over. Of his pupil Lord Lorne, remarks that he is not very intellectual, but very charming. Reports that he did not see any more of 'the young ladies' of whom his mother speaks. Tells her to dismiss the notion that she may have had that he was 'making love to one of them.' Declares that his is studying Metaphysics, which is 'very absorbing', but bad for the digestion. Confirms that he knows Carlos Smith slightly, and states that he is a very accomplished man. Informs her that 'he plays beautifully on the piano and knows six languages.' Reports that he stayed two days with his friend Noel, who is also 'absorbed in Metaphysics'. Says he knows nothing about Ecce homo [by J. R. Seeley, published anonymously] but reports that everyone there speaks highly of it; had decided not to read it after seeing a review, but realises he will have to. Expresses his extreme regret at hearing about Tryphosa [Lace, his cousin].

Confirms that Sir Leslie Stephen's information was correct: Henry Sidgwick contributed 'highly important articles to the Athenæum in the early seventies'; all those articles were anonymous; thinks that Sidgwick began to contribute them 'much about the same time as the late Professor Cowell'. Relates that when Sidgwick retired 'he was good enough to say that he had enjoyed his connection with the paper', but that other pressures of time forced him to break it. Regrets to say that his notes have not been preserved. Recalls a review Sidgwick wrote of a book by 'a Mr. Leifchild'. Believes that the late Dr. Gray of the British Museum wrote most of the articles, and that when he [MacColl] took over the editorship of the paper, he found that it was 'committed to strong opposition to [Darwin]'. At that time Dr Gray was dead and Mr Leifchild 'continued in the same strain'. MacColl asked Sidgwick to review a book by Leifchild on the origins of man, without telling Sidgwick the latter's connection with the paper. Reports that the result was 'an antagonistic but quite courteous criticism that much surprised both Mr. L. and his publishers.' Claims that after that there was never any doubt of the paper's attitude towards Darwin's views. Offers to make out a list of Henry's reviews.

[Sent from St. Leonards-on-Sea]:- Reports that he found Cambridge 'full of friends and social gatherings, in spite of it's [sic] being vacation'. Declares that his friend Cowell looked better when he saw him on the previous Thursday, but that he has since caught a cold and is lying in bed 'absolutely exhausted, unable to eat or talk.' Claims that they all have colds, and fears that the reputation of St. Leonards will be ruined by another winter like the one they are experiencing. Confirms that the wind is extremely cold, and laments the fact that due to his not having brought his skates, he is 'simply reduced to a state of dull discontent.'

Mentions that all his friends have subscribed to the Jamaica Committee, and declares that he cannot make up his mind on the issue. Reports that two or three friends of his are there, so that his visit is interesting, but declares that it is a very unfortunate time for 'poor Cowell', whom he fears he excites too much with talking. Adds that also there is Cowell's father, for whom he feels much sympathy, and who he describes as 'this poor old man'. States that he himself is suffering from a sore throat. Reports that his two philosophic friends at Cambridge have both got engaged to be married within the previous three months; the last a 'man on whom [Henry] especially relied'. Supposes that if he stays on at Cambridge he will eventually get past the time of 'these disagreeable surprises', and that in ten years most of his friends 'will be either married or happy bachelors'. Realises this is 'the language of a bear', but says it is not their fault that at Cambridge they 'are thrown... into antagonism with the great interests of human life'.

Reports that an intended fishing trip to Scotland had to be cancelled because his father was taken ill with the gout. He is in Kent for three weeks, and has had time to reflect on the difference of opinion between himself and Sidgwick in relation to 'the invasion and devastation of the Southern States'. Urges Sidgwick to consult documents relating to the constitution of the United States and of the individual states. Discusses the attitude of both men to the war, in terms of morality, religion and political opinion. Sends some papers, including an article in Barker's Review [not included], on which he wishes to hear Sidgwick's opinion. Discusses sovereign and subject communities, and federalism, and refers to the divergent opinions of the two with regard to the justification of declaring war on states wishing to secede from the union, and on those refusing to abolish slavery. Reports that he has heard from Tawney, who sails from Gravesend for India on the following Monday. Cowell himself plans to go to Norfolk for a week the following Wednesday, and to spend the following ten days in Shropshire. Intends to be in London about 15 October, when he will 'begin reading with an Equity lawyer.' Tells Sidgwick to 'come and look for [him]' if he is town around that time.

Acknowledges receipt of Sidgwick's letter the previous day, and expresses regret that he would not see him that day as he has 'some very important and interesting news to tell [him]'. Tells Sidgwick to inform him as soon as he is settled in Cambridge. States that he only had seven days at Clifton as he was summoned back the previous Monday because his father was ill. Asks Sidgwick to find a Spiritist book that he lent to him entitled Le Docteur Houat, and asks him to write on it 'Henry Sidgwick 1865', and to send it on to him. Refers to 'Southern Independence' and owns to be 'full of pity and admiration; and of horror and burning indignation against the most wicked and hypocritical tyrants' who destroyed 'thirteen sovereign republics and subjugate[d] 8 millions of civilized men.'

Thanks Sidgwick for his 'refreshing and fraternal letter'. Refers to his father's sudden death, and to the fact that he himself was near death from 19 to 23 February, during much of which time he was unconscious. Attributes his survival to the care of [James Marshall?] Moorsom and Rowland Williams. Relates that the day after Sidgwick left him he had a visit from [Home] Lyon, who visited him every day for a fortnight, and from whom he learned 'many marvels' about which he desires to talk to Sidgwick. Informs him that Lyon was 'continually regretting [Sidgwick's] absence from that seance at Mrs [ 's]. Promises to send a letter from Lyon on to him. Refers again to his father's death. Intends to stay where he is. Asks Sidgwick to ask [Rich. Clav.] Jebb to come and spend the last week of the Easter vacation with him, as he is aware that Sidgwick intends to go to Paris at Easter. Reports that his aunt is with him.