Discusses the séance referred to in a previous letter [100/267], and refers to the weight in the hammock, and to Miss Wood having gone into the cabinet with a chair. Announces that he goes to Newcastle the following day. States that he and the Balfours [Arthur and Eleanor?] think that he [Sidgwick] ought to explain to Blake, Armstrong and the mediums that they must have the right of search 'à discretion, and break off if refused'. Wishes to know Myers' and Gurney's opinion on the matter. Announces that he goes on Thursday 5 August to stay with 'JEX [Blake?]' in Grasmere, and then on to Oldchurch, where he is to meet Myers. Refers to the cost of the media, which he declares was 'not dear.' Adds that the Hollands will come to Cambridge 'for about 4 days', and that St. George Mivart would like to come 'for a day or two'.
Reports that 'Dr S[lade?] came to C[arlton] G[ardens] wrote on a closed double slate, and on one that [Sidgwick] partly held: but did not in either case keep the slate in sight the whole time after [Sidgwick] had looked at it.' States that other people 'seem to have had much better things', and refers to Serjeant Cox, St. G[eorge] M[ivart] and Hutton. Relates that he and others persuaded Dr Slade 'half to promise to come to [Cambridge] in October', but doubts that he will come.
Announces that he means to stay [in Beauly] until the end of the month. Refers to his mother's illness, and says that they shall probably go to Oxford in September to take care of her. States that he does not intend to let Slade go 'without wringing evidence out of him.' Reports that Miss Fairlamb 'has been having something good in N[ewcastle]: materialization [of being] outside the cabinet', and announces that he would like to stay a night or two there if possible. Reports that they are 'having splendid days' [in Beauly]. Wishes Myers 'all success in Cambridge'. Reports also that Miss Anderson was impressed by Slade, 'and could not conceive how it was done.' States that the weak point of Slade is that he won't try two slates screwed together, which George Darwin invited him to do. Remarks that [Con], C.C. [Massey], [Moses] and Myers 'form a strong phalanx.' Reports that Carpenter has been and says he can't explain it, and wants Slade to come to a meeting of the British Association. Adds that John Holland saw him there.