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Writes in relation to a request made to him to write a column in the Athenaeum in memory of Fawcett. Denies that he declined to write it out of any indifference about the subject, but feels that such a column would be 'one more panegyric of the kind which every one is writing...' Expresses his wish to say something about that part of Fawcett's life of which he would know more than any one [1854-1864], and reports that he has begun to put down his recollections. Supposes that his notes will make a magazine article eventually, but is anxious to make it as complete as possible. Claims that he has no letters or documents of any kind, but hopes to be able to write a few pages, which will be his contribution to Fawcett's memory.

The end of term is close: 'in fact there are less than 1,000,000 seconds' until it comes. The exam [for Harrow?] will be 'very exciting'. Though he has not yet decided on a 'present for Mr A[rnold]', Robert thinks he 'would like best something for his writing table, like a good paper-weight'; thinks it would be almost as good to get it at 'the beginning of the hols', though if his mother has already found something she could send it to Robert now.

Has written to C[harlie] today. G[eorgie] is 'quite well now, and is doing very well in his class'; Robert hopes he will be placed first or second. They did not go in for the history exam with the rest, as they were 'not good enough', but took it a month afterwards. Mr Arnold has got Mr [E.E.?] Bowen to 'look them over', and if they are good enough Mr Arnold will 'give a prize like Mr Bowen's'; if not, just an 'ordinary prize'.

They were beaten three-nil in the Farnborough match. Is reading 'Leslie Stephen's life of [Henry] Fawcett', and thinks it 'very interesting'. Is glad 'Spi[der?' is all right'; it is 'a great pity about Mr Gladstone'.

Tells him to send him more letters [from the project providing education by correspondence to women?], as they are charming. Discusses Myers' poem, in terms of its grammar and tone. In relation to another, un-named matter, states that he echoes Myer's last words, and asks 'who is worthy?' Adds that 'Fawcett bemoans loudly [Myers'] taking the pay of the Govt.', and says that he 'might have been M.P. for BIRMINGHAM!!!!!'

Wishes that he could drop in on her, 'like William can, and see the [ ] lodge' for himself. Reports that their mother, 'after an ominous silence', sent him 'a laudatory but vague sentence about her.' Claims that he is 'a Galley Slave' that term, with a lecture at nine o'clock on Monday morning. Reports that he saw [Henry Weston] Eve the other day, 'but he looked more like Cambridge than Wellington College.' Reports that he has nearly got through the Old Testament, and shall have done all but Ezekiel by the time he goes down. Claims that the finest passages of the translation [from Hebrew to English] 'are destroyed by the barbarous fidelity of a ruthless German commentator.'

Reports that they have been having 'a violent university contest', and refers to Joe Mayor, who has lost his professorship [of political economy] by ten votes. Claims that the 'Bald-headed People in the university are confounded to find that the young men have elected a blind Radical [Henry Fawcett]'. States that he voted against Joe, 'purely on public grounds'. Announces that he is to dine with the Master on Monday, and is sure that he shall meet Miss Grote [Mayor's fiancée?] there.

Reports that Arthur is not well, and is 'plagued with the grandfather of all boils' on his finger. Reports that he saw Henry Bramley that day, and wonders whether he himself 'shall ever have so big a beard.' States that Oriental Studies 'are at a standstill [in Cambridge University] as [their] Hebrew Professor [Thomas Jarrett] is temporarily insane, and there is no one who can teach Hebrew or Sanscrit', and that besides him they have 'an Arabic Reader who never lectures except to at least two undergraduates...'

Asks her if she has seen any literature. Reports that there is 'a poetess who calls herself "Jean Ingelow" who is estimable', and that the 'Reviews have discovered that Woolners Poem [My Beautful Lady] is a swan', and does not think it 'a goose' himself. Asks how the house is getting on, and asks after Edward. Inquires as to whether the boys say the beer is bitter.

Reports that he is engaged 'all evenings and Sunday afternoon'; on Sunday he goes to [Arthur] Balfour, and 'must therefore see [Myers] first'. Has done nothing as yet about Petty. Adds that he is staying with Fawcett and would like to breakfast with Myers on Sunday morning.

Typewritten copy. Sent Bryce's note to [Henry] Fawcett, being away from Cambridge; Fawcett had already sent his draught bill to [J. L.?] Hammond. Has always been in favour with 'Compromise with the Right Centre' in Cambridge, but Fawcett is opposed for several reasons, which Henry counters with the argument, amongst others, that Gladstone wants it. Lays out the concessions he would be willing to make to the Nonconformists, including the maintenance of Anglican service in chapels and of officers specially appointed to conduct it, restriction of official theological teaching in Colleges to clergy of the Church of England, and restrictions of headships. Intends to talk to [W. H.?] Bateson about the last concession. Asks Bryce what metropolitan liberals he represents, who are drawing up a bill, and what bill it is. Adds that the 'Right Centre' at present want tutorships, which they cannot grant.

Apologises for leaving his letter so long unanswered, and explains that during the previous year he has had more than his full share of 'trouble and annoyances'; his wife's illness, his moving house to Melbourne, 'fires on the farm, and very unpleasant relations with the governing body of the University who have tried to evade their contract with [him] in every possible particular'. Discusses life in Australia. Of Melbourne he says that 'it is not equal to London, Paris, or Rome or perhaps even to Sydney.' Refers to the Australian good nature, which he presumes stems from the general prosperity of the country. Claims that the libraries are 'not as good as they should be', but that he can get any books he wants put in. Complains of the 'unparalleled dispersion of people in the suburbs'; he has to live in town to be near his work and is in 'the unfashionable quarter, close to the university', while 'friends generally live in the country at any distance from 3 miles to 10, and are not often accessible by railway.' Refers to the university students, of whom there are about one hundred and eighty. Observes that some 'young ladies' pass the Matriculation examination, 'but they have not yet presented themselves at lectures', and are still excluded from degrees. Reports that he has started a Debating Society.

Discusses local politics. Describes the Australian constitution as 'a ludicrous parody of the English; [the] House of Lords being a council of men with a property qualification chosen by electors with a property qualification, and indissoluble for 10 years, but with no real power except of obstruction. Refers to a recent discussion on the reform of the constitution, involving the Conservatives, the Ultra-Radicals, and the Liberals, during which 'the Premier fell ill, a new Ministry has been formed; and the whole question is adjourned till next year.' Hopes that the Second House will be abolished altogether soon. Refers to the other two questions being discussed: Protection and Assisted Emigration. Of the former, believes that there is no chance of getting rid of it; and in relation to the latter, would be interested to hear what Sidgwick and Fawcett think of it. Asks Sidgwick if he believes that Macmillan's Magazine would insert an article on Australia as 'a [home] for persons of moderate fortunes.' Discusses the advantages for English families who would come to live in Australia. Declares that he shall have finished his book for [Rivington] in another two months 'if all goes well'.

Complains that he gets no Cambridge news in Australia. Reads papers such as the Times, the Spectator, the Pall Mall [Gazette], 'and occasional Guardians.' Expresses regret at the death of [Crotch]. Professes to be 'very glad to read such flourishing accounts of the Ladies Lectures at Girton Hall', and expresses the desire to organise something similar in Melbourne. Asks Sidgwick to remember him to Miss Clough, and to find out when Miss [Bulley]'s School History of England is likely to appear, as Miss Thompson's text book does not seem to supply the want adequately. Asks him to remember him also to Mrs Luard, Mrs Venn, Aldis Wright 'and other friends.' With carte de visite portrait of Pearson.

Complains that he has not heard from her, and that he saw that she had written to William in Oxford, and was envious. Reports that William looked well, and said that he stood his work pretty well; states that he didn't see much of William, since he was entertaining Professor Fawcett. Asks whether she thinks Lord Houghton worth autographing. Encloses a note of introduction [not included] that he got from him. Announces that he has set his examination papers [for the Moral Sciences Tripos], and is amusing himself with reading Hallam's Middle Ages, which he describes as 'inexpressibly dull'; this is strange, as Hallam is 'clever, enthusiastic, and has a good style'. Complains that it is very difficult to work at that time, as 'everybody is giving dinners at half past seven. Reports that Trevelyan promised to lecture to the Edinburgh people 'on "Impressions of a tour in Greece" and when he got to Corfu he found there was violent quarantine going on everywhere, so he turned tail and went to Austria instead.' Remarks that 'he will have to lecture out of his inner consciousness now.' Mentions that there is talk of a petition against him. Undertakes to bring Colonel Browne's book [the 'Persian MS' referred to in 99/42?] home with him. Doesn't know when he shall come home.

Returns to her with thanks her list of members of the Ad Eundem [included]; dates it 'not earlier than the spring of 1866, when W.H. Thompson became Master [of Trinity] and it is not later than the autumn of 1868' when he [Jackson] was elected. Thinks that the likely date is 1867. Gives a list of those he believes were the founders; includes the names of Henry Sidgwick, H. Fawcett, A. Sidgwick, W.C. Sidgwick, G.O. Trevelyan etc. Lists the names of some men who came later. States that from January 1872 he has a complete list. Refers to Arthur [Sidgwick's] resignation in December 1877, and his reelection in May 1879. He always regards the Ad Eundem 'as one of Henry's good works'; it has been very useful as a link between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Referring to the printed list, states that he believes that 'the written supplements are Munro's.'

Printed list entitled 'Ad Eundem Club/List of Members.' Lists members of the club, with their addresses. MS annotations.