[Sent from Clifton]:- Announces that he has just arrived in Bristol, having left the Pauls the previous day. Reports that Mrs Paul asked after his mother. States that he enjoyed his visit there and in London. Remarks that Paul has got very nice children. Reports that Mrs Symonds has just had a little girl [Madge], but that he has been assured that he is not in the way. Refers to his mother's last letter in which she had discussed views on religious subjects. Believes that 'English religious society is going through a great crisis...and it will probably become impossible soon to conceal from any body the extent to which rationalistic views are held, and the extent of their deviation from traditional opinion.' Refers to the fact that the Ritualists 'are determined to burn altar lights after all.' Would like the Church 'to include the ritualists'. Reports that Noel has brought out a volume of poems, which he undertakes to send to her. Asks her to tell Arthur that he has 'nearly evolved both the major and the minor premiss [sic] of [their] practical syllogism', and that 13 February is the 'Ad Eundem day', and that he is to write to Reynolds.
[Written in response to 101/174]:- States that he does not think Stuart so good a man as Hales, who is older and has had much more educational experience than the former. Declares that 'if they [Miss Clough and associates working to further female education] do not mind [Stuart's] age...his inexperience, and...want of any special qualification in the way of reading, - in every other respect the choice would be an admirable one.' Refers to his qualities; 'bright, eager, clever', etc.
Does not think he [Henry] shall be able to stand a speech-day and a dinner [at Rugby] on 20 June, 'much as [his] feelings are of course moved by the tercentenary', as he predicts his hay fever shall be bad. Announces his plan of spending a fortnight or so in London around that date, and plans to read at the British Museum in the day-time, and by night to 'prowl about the streets and observe human nature'. Remarks that none of Mrs Paul's novels are in the University Library. Asks her to tell Arthur that he will answer the letter he forwarded. Reports that there is a conspiracy [at Trinity College] now to call him 'A. Sidgwick', which, he remarks, 'is one of the inconveniences of having a brother better known in the world than oneself.'
Informs her that he has been trying to procure for her a novel by Mrs Paul, but has lost his copy and cannot find a copy in the University Library. Promises to get one for her 'some way or other.' Is glad that she is enjoying herself and is amused to hear of William's decorations. Fears that he will not be able to go to Oxford that term, but hopes to see William at the end of it. Claims not to have inclination to taking much trouble with his temporary accommodation. Remarks that 'a bachelor making himself comfortable seems...an incongruous thing.' Observes that fellows of colleges have a tendency to become lazy and luxurious, and states that he does not intend to be the latter. Remarks that William 'is not lazy or luxurious'. Apologises for boring her with a 'dull and egotistical discourse'.
Declares that he enjoyed his visit to London; 'every moment was filled up with something delightful.' Remarks that 'the happiness of life does depend on intellectual sympathy' to him, and that when he gets 'a good deal of it at once', such as during a London holiday, 'one seems to live a good deal in the time'; notes that if one lived among the same people one would get less of it.
States that he has been at Trinity College about a week, trying to write an article, but claims that he has been ill and shall probably be delayed. Does not think that solitary life agrees with his constitution, but clings to it because he believes that it helps him to concentrate his mind. Declares that he enjoyed his holiday very much, 'particularly the three weeks at the Lake [with G. O. Trevelyan and Edward Young].' Remarks that although he was happy in Dorsetshire, 'it was very melancholy being with poor Cowell', who is quite ill.
Reminds his mother of her invitation to [Charles Kegan] Paul to come to Rugby, and announces that he has asked him to come the following Easter. Does not know whether he will bring Mrs Paul or not. Asks her to send a volume of Fichte, and any books with library marks on them. Hopes to come to visit her on 3 October for a week. Explains that that is the day the Union Library opens and he wants to get some books 'before the country clergy have gone off with them all. Announces that it is thought that J. B. Mayor will be the new Professor of Moral Philosophy.
Reports that he had 'a most delightful visit to Dorsetshire'. Tells her that she may tell Arthur 'that the mesmerizing did not come to much', as '[Charles Kegan] Paul did not succeed in getting Cowell any further than [Henry] had done, i.e. into a partial trance.' Reports that he felt his patriotism revive 'among the chalk downs and rich autumnal parks.' Remarks that he was surprised to find that Mrs Paul, 'who has written two or three tolerably popular novels is a rather quiet shy silent person - though very thoughtful and sensible when she does speak.'
Encloses the stamps [not included] of which he spoke in previous letters, and agrees with her as to the best way of getting the others. Announces that he will study the [Robert?] Browning, and that he is setting to work, although he does not feel so much inclined for reading as he should after a holiday. Asks his mother to give his love to his aunt [Elizabeth Lace], and states that he is glad that she is going to see her. Asks when William is going to be at Rugby at Christmas, and asks if he may bring a friend or two some time in the holidays. Understands that Arthur will be 'Europeanizing.' Observes that Mr Martin seems much better, although he looks ten years older. Hopes to see William in the middle of term. States that he does not like the moral and intellectual atmosphere at Cambridge any better for having been at Göttingen, or at least its effects on him; says however that 'the great lesson' he has learned in Germany is 'the necessity and duty of steady work, and one can do that anywhere'.
Reports that he is reading all kinds of books. Asks if she gets books now from a club, and if so, recommends the article on Poland in Vacation Tourists [and Notes on Travel].
Informs Sidgwick that he and his family are to leave at Easter, and are going to live in or near London. He intends to resign his living, and then take 'the legal steps necessary for setting aside Orders.' Feels legally bound to stay on where he is for a few months, since he is on the school board, which he had established himself, and 'must preside over the [ ] of the Parish Schools, which are vested in the Vicar, and the Board Schools.' He intends to draw no further income from the living, and to resign as soon as possible. Announces that he is going to do the same sort of work for [H. S.] King that he had previously been doing, but now on a larger scale. In relation to his financial affairs, declares that they have 'enough to buy bread and cheese'. States that his wife is at one with him in his decision. Does not wish to 'go out with any flourish of trumpets', which is one of the reasons why he does not want to make his resignation 'quite simultaneous with his departure. Mentions that his children are unhappy about the situation, and are especially distressed about the planned selling of various animals. Reports that his last set of pupils are doing well at Oxford, and that he has 'a pleasant set now'. Hopes that Sidgwick will come to visit him for a day or two as soon as term is over.
Reports that he is spending 'some pleasant days' [in Wimborne] with the Pauls, and announces that he intends to go to Freshwater on Tuesday or Wednesday, where he expects to meet Symonds, and to stay there until Saturday, and then return to Cambridge. Regrets that she cannot come there, and undertakes to go down to Rugby 'for a Sunday.' Asks her to tell W[illiam] that he will send the twenty francs 'in any way that he likes.' Is certain that 'the introductions [see 99/194] will bore' William, but explains that he could not refuse them; suggests that William 'may like to see the archaeologist at Palermo [Antonino Salinas]'.
Declares that he wishes Sidgwick's pamphlet were longer, and that, contrary to the latter's opinion, he does not seriously disagree with it. Refers to Sidgwick's discussion of the importance of belief, especially that of a minister in the doctrine, and the conflict between one's disbelief, and one's continuation in the recitation of the Creed. Puts forward the scenario whereby a minister 'does not avow his disbelief in the doctrine' and does not think that this is significant enough to cause him to quit the Church. Observes that in theology two people may say the same thing, but one can be accepted and the other criticised for it, as in, for example, the case of Stanley and William. The former said in his Jewish Lectures that Abraham 'was tempted to slay his son by the fact that human sacrifice was part of the false religions he found in Syria', and 'Williams said the same, and no statement was more fiercely assailed in the whole volume of Essays and Reviews.' Tells Sidgwick to expand his pamphlet if it reaches a second edition.
Refers to the dissolution of the Free Christian Union. Asks if Sidgwick will come to visit them in the summer. Tells him that he has permission to take him to see 'some most remarkable Spirit drawings', drawn by a child of eleven. Reports that Louis has gone to Eton, 'where he has made a fair start', and that he is with Marindin. Fears that Cornish is very unwell. Informs him that Margaret [Paul's wife] 'has a little tale in the press called *Three Weddings8, which is simple and good.'
Reports that his paper was too long to find admission in the April issue of the Theological Review. Has made 'considerable alterations in it', and has explained his meaning; is unsure whether even now the paper would satisfy Sidgwick, or that the latter 'would accept its words as fully and adequately representing the mind of the [Free Christian] Union.' Intends to send the paper to Martineau as soon as Beard sends it back to him. Believes that, as it is materially altered, 'it is only right to try so far to fulfil [his] promise to F.C. Union.' Asks Sidgwick when they are to meet. Informs him that his wife is going to Torquay on Easter Eve, and that he shall have a week alone, and that he may have to lecture on behalf of the League at [Bownce] and Swanage. Would be most happy for Sidgwick to visit during that time. Announces that he is going to Bath on the 25th for his sister's wedding, and shall spend one day at Clifton. Then he will be back home again until 4th, when he is taking Louis to Eton. Promises to give Sidgwick meat and wine as always, even though he has been on a vegetarian diet for six weeks.
Asks Henry, on behalf of Miss Clough, for his opinion of 'a Mr. James Stuart as to his qualifications for a Lecturer on Historical, literary and scientific subjects', adding that he was mentioned to Miss Clough by Mrs George Butler. Reports on the weather, and to Henry's hay-fever. Says that Arthur is well, and that he enjoyed his Yorkshire visits, where he saw Uncle Robert and Uncle Christopher; he was in Bolton on a lovely day, and was 'charmed with it', and went to Leeds also. Arthur saw Wordsworth Donisthorpe at his father's house, and 'thought him pleasant and clever.'
Thanks Henry for his letter, and refers to his reflections on bachelor life therein. Claims that she would like to have one of Mrs Paul's books some day. Announces that is has just been settled 'at a Master's meeting that a Tercentenary meeting and dinner of Old Rugbeians is to be held at the Town Hall on the 20th June, and that the Speech day is to coincide with it....' Asks Henry if he will come. Reports that Mrs Jex Blake has a seventh daughter [Bertha], and that Mrs [ ] has a daughter also.
Reports that he has been very busy in relation to the vacant [Knightbridge] professorship; considers becoming a candidate himself, but does not think that he has much chance of being successful, and believes that if he puts himself forward he may harm the chances of another man [J. H. Stirling] who he believes has more claim to it. Was shocked at Maurice's death. Reports that he has been travelling about a lot since the end of the previous term; has been to Bournemouth, stayed with the Pauls at Bailie, and also at Freshwater, where he 'smoked a pipe with the Laureate'. Declares that Tennyson was 'exceedingly kind', and that he and Symonds 'had a most interesting conversation with him. Adds that Miss Thackeray was also there, 'most delightful of authoresses'. Hopes to go to Rugby on the Saturday of the following week. Reports that he has just seen Robertson, who is going to Harrow, 'but with eyes halfregretful fixed on Rugby'. Asks to be remembered to the Temples.
Announces that he intends spending Thursday night in London, and will come down to her in the afternoon of Good Friday. Discusses the suggestion made by William to invite his friend Robert Williams - a newly elected fellow of Merton - to Rugby. Opposes the idea on the grounds of its 'extreme oddness', without having made further acquaintance. Announces that Mr and Mrs Paul are to come on Easter Monday.
Reports that the portfolio has come and is beautiful. Hopes to come to visit her 'on Saturday week', or before that. Announces that the Pauls are to come on Easter Monday, and will stay for the week, and that he himself has to go back to Cambridge on the Monday afterwards. States that his friend Sedley Taylor is going to Rugby around Good Friday to stay with [Rev.?] C. J. Smith, and asks her to be hospitable to him if he turns up at the house. Thanks her for the portfolio. Hopes that she is well and has enjoyed her visits.
Reports that he is 'tolerably busy', and that he goes to see Roden Noel on the following Saturday - 'the day of the [boat] race'. Remarks that it is thought that Cambridge is to lose again. Reports that Tawney is coming to England that summer to be married. Reports that he has been in correspondence with his uncle Robert 'about a curious historical question connected with the founding of Shipton School', whose Master 'is bound to pray to the Virgin Mary every afternoon.' Mentions that he met a lady the previous day at [Rampride] who said that she knew his mother and Mrs Plunkett.
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.