Thanks her for her letter. Thinks that his illness was due to something he ate. Declares that he enjoyed his visit to [London], and sent an account of the visit to [ ]. Reports that Mr Wheatley [his godfather] was very kind to the. Declares that he would like to see Miss Green [his former governess] if his mother can induce her to stay until he [and his brother William] come home. Refers to his mother's advice about his chess playing and assures her that he has not played more that five games 'since the beginning of the quarter...' Asks her to buy something for [his friend] Harry James out of his money. Explains how they were 'got into the 2nd class in German', and in relation to the play declares that they do not have to translate it themselves. Sends his love to all at home, 'including Elizabeth [Cooper]'.
Explains that she has been 'a little out of sorts' since they arrived in Ambleside. Describes the position of Miss Clough's house, and the surrounding countryside. Reports that it is very wet that day, but that the previous day they were on the Lake for two hours. Thinks that Arthur looks 'comfortable well', and that William is better than she expected. Reports that Mr Wheatly Balme 'and his Bride' came to visit the previous day. Explains that the latter's brother is Vicar of Mirfield.
States that Arthur expected his friend Myers from P[ ] that morning, but that he had not appeared. Reports that they have newspapers and many books to keep them occupied. Describes a very hot day that she spent with Minnie and Bessie [Cooper?]. Refers to a conversation she had with Henry on D[ ]ham Down. Claims to have thought about his future life, and refers to the plan he mentioned at Brighton. Thinks of staying at Rugby for the present, where she 'could live comfortable whilst alone...' and states that his plans ought to take a more definite shape before she makes a move. Refers to a fire in London. Reports that Katie Lace is with her [in Ambleside], and sends her love to Henry.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickReports that he has written to Frank Horton, offering to take him in and pay his expenses of residence and education in Cambridge for three terms, and to continue the arrangement for a fourth if he gets a first class in his May Examination, 'only letting him pay for his dinners in the fourth term.' Claims that it will cost himself 'not much over £50', and foresees that Horton will occupy his spare room. Reports that he had a very nice letter from Mrs Horton, which convinced him that Cambridge 'was the best opening they could see, in spite of the expense and disadvantages of delay.' States that he has made his offer conditional on Horton satisfying him in June that he has sufficient abilities. Reminds her that the Hortons may not accept the offer after all. Thinks that Frank should be allowed Mr B[alme?]'s twenty pounds there in addition to his sizarship, and states that he has written to Mr B[alme] to propose this. Undertakes to tell her when he hears from them. Reports that he is 'all well again', and hopes to have a pleasant week or two before hay fever. States that he has written to offer his uncle a bed.
Expresses her appreciation for his letter, which she received after seeing Mr [William] Boyd and Charles to the station, and explains that the presence of friends prevented her from writing to him. Reports that his Aunt [ ] came to stay, as did [John?] William, Katie and Annie Lace. She went with the latter three to Oxford, where she saw Mr Boyd at Merton College and Mrs Boyd and Charles at University College. Reports that Charles has been unwell.
Reports that she had been to Rugby, and that when she entered the house - Mr T. Evans' old one' - the servant told her that her master [Mr Palmer] 'was not quite sure that he was going away!!' States that she has since had 'an uncertain letter from Ladkin'. Is anxious that her family should have some place to call home. Reports that Fergus Moultrie is ill. States that she received a letter from Miss Mackenzie that day, and that Mrs Moberly has called upon her twice.
Reports that Henry's Aunt Ellen intends to pay her a visit for her last ten days in Leamington, and that she hopes to have Lucy Brown to visit as well. Asks him to tell her when his Easter vacation is. Hears that Henry's Aunt Lace is 'decidedly better', and that John Henry is still at home, no tutor having yet been found for him. Reports on the schooling arrangements for Robert, Alfred, Tryphosa and Julia, and remarks on how troublesome it is 'when you have very dull children to deal with!'
Announces that she is very anxious to have some absorbing book; refers to Herbert Spencer's book which William mentioned to her, and asks Henry to send it to her. Is very pleased to hear about Bernard. States that she has good accounts from Wellington College; that Minnie and Edward are both well, and that the baby's vocabulary is increasing. Remarks on the fact that Lord Derby is elected President of the College. States the report of Mr U[mpleby]'s death at Bolton Abbey is false, and that Christ Church, Skipton has a new incumbent, Mr Clarke, and that there is much anxiety about the appointment of a vicar of Bingley.
Reports that Henry's Aunt Mary Jane [Sidgwick] has been visiting her brother at Bathford, and that during her absence his Uncle Robert has been paying Mr Balme a visit at Cole Wall. States that times for the mills are very bad and that there are many unemployed people. Claims that she knows no one in Leamington, and does not like to ask for an introduction to Mr Martin's brother and sister. Reports that Ada Benson is now with the Dales at Dresden, and that she is better. Complains about the sermons she has heard in Leamington. Is glad that Arthur is well, and hopes that Henry is too, and asks if it is true that Sh[ ] has come to Cambridge. Reports that Mr Boyd has given her a beautiful book for Carte de Visite photographs, and encourages Henry to get his done for her. States that she has not yet seen Mrs Dakyns, but hopes to do so soon.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickReports that she heard from Mr Balme that morning, and quotes from his letter the part which relates to Fred [or Frank?] Horton: that he will be glad to subscribe twenty pounds towards getting him to Cambridge, and to hear from Henry 'more details as to the proposed arrangement'. She is not sure whether this amount is 'just as a beginning...or whether it is all Mr. Balme intends to give'. Tells Henry to let her know when he has arranged anything for Horton.
Reports that she has heard from Arthur since the Trustees' Minute was published, and 'he says how amazed they are at the injustice and falsehood of such a document.' Adds that the only hope 'appears to be in the New Governing Body', and states that they have 'another Term of danger and difficulty before [them].' Asks him to let her know how he is, and if his arm is quite well. Announces that she is sending Mary to Wellington College 'to pay a visit to old Beth and see the country'. Thinks that the change will do her good, and sees it as a way to hear more of Minnie and her family.
Reports that she had a letter from Miss (Isabella?) Thompson that morning, telling her that she has heard from the Chairman of the Council of the London University who informs her that they are sending a representative to the New Governing Body of Rugby School. Adds that William 'looks better daily....'
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickReports that he left William the previous day, and that William went walking over Dale Head to Buttermere, and intends to stay in the Lakes for a while. Henry believes that he seems quite well, and that if he could be persuaded to undertake some regular work, 'and abstain from excitement, he would be as well as many hardworking men are during great parts of their lives'. Reports that Mrs F. Ward [wife of his aunt Mary Jane's brother Francis Ridout Ward?] and her daughter are there [at his uncle Robert's house, The Raikes]. Announces that he is going to Adel on Wednesday, and is now setting off to call on his [Sidgwick?] uncles. Remarks that Mr Bal[me? ] seemed really pleased to talk to William, and states that the island folk also were very friendly and hospitable. Announces that he shall come back on Saturday.