Announces that he is off to Wellington College the following day. Explains that he has been detained in Cambridge 'by trifling matters connected with the Ladies' lectures.' States that they have given exhibitions and 'have induced one or two young persons to come to Cambridge; but the Committee as such does not provide them any accommodations', and explains that this is so because some of them, 'though they do not object to girls coming up to Cambridge to attend lectures, yet do not wish formally to encourage them: still less to be responsible for them.' Therefore, it has fallen to him to make arrangements for these girls. Reports that he has had some communication from Mary, and is sorry to hear of 'the attack.' Relates that [Henry Weston?] Eve maintains that 'it has been really very trifling.' Asks her to tell William that he shall be in Cambridge from 25 January onwards, and shall be very glad to see him. States that the undergraduates are to return on Monday 30 January. Declares that the [B ] 'brought back news that sixth-form boys like Hayman's work [at Rugby School], and say that he "reaches them so much better than Temple". '
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 SidgwickClaims that her daily expectations of some arrival [a new baby for Minnie and Edward Benson] at Wellington College have been disappointed. Reports that Minnie is very well. Relates that Mrs Donne has borne her sorrow [at the death of her husband. a master at Wellington College] 'with wonderful calmness', and that Minnie will miss her.
Sends Henry a Tract, which his Uncle Chris [Sidgwick] has recently published at Skipton [not included], and wishes to have his comments on it. Reports on his Aunt M[ary] J[ane]'s opinions of it. Fears that Henry's Aunt Lace is to suffer a long and continued illness. Reports that 'Miss [Mary?] Cannan cannot get on at all with Mrs. C[ongreve] and goes at Xmas', and fears that 'they will not meet with any good governess who will bear such treatment and interference.' Adds that Dora C[ongreve] is 'dangerously ill in rheumatic fever', and Doctor Evans was sent for the previous day. Refers to an earthquake, and claims that it was felt in Rugby by Mr Waterfield and Edward Rhoades. Reports that she heard from Mr Scott that Mrs Scott is a little better.
Announces that his Uncle Robert [Sidgwick] and Alfred will meet William at the Sidgwick house at Rugby on the following Tuesday 'to be in readiness for the scholarship examination', which Mr Powles thinks will do Alfred good. Remarks that Edward seems busier than ever, and states that the house is not begun and will not be unless he can get a lower estimate of its cost.
Reports that Annie Brown has settled herself at Lamberhurst Rectory, Hurst Green for the winter to write, but that she has been ill. Adds that she referred to the review, with which Henry had tried to help her. Reports that the 'young nephew who was ill, is dead', and that Lucy Brown has taken 'the young boy of 12 to Lytham to live with her in Lodgings whilst he goes to school.'
Refers a lecture on the previous Wednesday at Wokingham, given to the Mechanical Institute by Mr [Kingsley], with Mr [Walton] in the chair, and announced that Edward is to give one on self-education after Christmas. Asks how he thinks Arthur is looking, and tells him to show the latter their Uncle Chris' tract. Reports that William believes that Edward Lace would 'pass respectably'. [Incomplete]
Sedgwick, Margaret Isabella (d 1911) daughter of John SedgwickPasses on a request from his Aunt Sidgwick [Sarah Hannah or Mary Jane?] to make the acquaintance of a young man called Brayshaw who goes to St. John's College. Explains that she [Mary Sidgwick] knew his father [now dead] in former days, and that his widow and three daughters live near Riddlesden. Refers to the fact that Arthur is to visit on the following Saturday, and asks Sidgwick to send her word when he is intending to go to Rugby and for how long. Asks where he intends to go in Yorkshire. Announces that Katie Lace and Mr Wawn are to be married on 27 April, and are to honeymoon in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cheltenham. Remarks that neither she nor Henry's Aunt are asked to the wedding. Reports that she has had Miss Brown (Lucy's eldest sister) staying at Rugby for three weeks. The latter's sister Annie has written another book, whose publisher, Longman, thinks will sell. Fears that the book, Wanted: a Home will not be a success.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickClaims that her days are busier as she has 'these two dear boys [Martin and Arthur Benson] still' with her, and they have 'small lessons daily.' Reports that Minnie is much better, and gives a description of her daily activities. Complains that William has not written to her since he was at Wellington College early in August. Reports that Arthur has written, and determines to go and see William if Arthur's letter brings no answer.
Is unsure as to whether she has written to Henry since returning from Leeds, and refers to 'that sorrow' [of her sister-in-law Ellen Croft's death]. States that Henry's Aunt Henrietta 'is with them now', and thinks that her present is a great comfort to his Uncle John and the children. Relates that a lady is being sought to take charge of his household, and that she has heard of 'an admirable Swiss Lady, with more than all the requisite qualifications....' Reports that William Crofts returns to Merton on the following Friday or Saturday, that Ernest will stay with his father until Christmas, and that Arthur is to live at home and 'go to business at once'.
Reports that Minnie has Miss Edwardes- 'a younger companion - staying with her. States that they have been expecting Dr Goulburn to preach for the Fox Memorial Sermon at Rugby the following day, but that he had a accident and is now confined to bed, and that Dr Temple has asked Edward instead. Reports that she has just had to send a very unfavourable report of Alfred Sidgwick's health to the Raikes, and his mother is to arrive that day. Relates that Mr Helm thinks he should go to some warm place for the winter. Expresses the wish that Henry might come to Rugby for a Sunday during term time. Adds that Trevelyan arrived at Rugby the day she came from Leeds and stayed nearly a week there. [Incomplete.]
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickThanks her for her letter. Is sorry that she takes 'so gloomy a view of [his sister] Mary's state.' Agrees that her mental state is unusual. Asks when the school reopens, and states that he would be very glad to come to Rugby for a night or two; suggests that he could come at the same time as William and Isabel. Asks her to tell Annie Sidgwick, or his aunt Mary Jane, 'that she could not possibly get more than a 3rd class according to [their] regulations'. Is glad to hear of [E.A.] Scott's reinstatement. Mentions that it has not taken place yet, but does not suppose that 'H. H[ayman]' can gain anything by interposing obstacles now.' Remarks that the latter appears to have got into very strained relations with the Board, and speculates as to Hayman's possible tactics in the matter. Concludes that 'if Rugby can once get rid of him, it does not matter much what he says'. Sends his love to [Mary's] children.
Reports 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.
Sympathises with Myers in relation to his anxieties, and confesses to feeling guilty about his own happiness, while those around him are unhappy. Reports that his mother is 'ill and depressed', partly due to loneliness; refers to his brother William's prospects; while he himself 'cannot but feel [himself] in the Garden of Eden every week from Wednesday to Saturday' [visiting his fiancée, staying with her sister Lady Rayleigh at nearby Terling Place]; begs Myers not to 'tell anyone' Sidgwick gets 'away [from Cambridge]] for so long'. States that he shall be glad to see Myers 'on 14th'. Hopes that A[rthur] will be able to come 'on the 1st.'