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Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, and expresses his, Lady Acton's and others' sympathies on her 'dreadful loss'. Declares that he has lost 'the best of friends and colleagues...' Refers to the sympathy and admiration he felt for Henry in relation the manner in which he bore his illness. Reports that [Andrew?] Forsyth spent an hour discussing things with Sidgwick at Jebb's, 'and had no idea till long after that anything was wrong.' States that they were not aware of the gravity of the situation until three weeks earlier, when he met Nora with Arthur J. Balfour.

Returns the obituary of Henry Sidgwick [included: 106/1B], which he describes as 'a very extraordinary production, and yet touching.' Supposes that 'her feeling pressed for utterance and she [Meta Benfey] thought it was so long ago that it did not matter'. Has translated the exordium and sent it to Minnie; thinks that he had said to Nora the previous night that he would send the translation of the Benfey article to her, but failed to send it, and so sent it to Minnie. With envelope addressed to Nora Sidgwick, postmarked 28 Nov 1906

Gratefully acknowledges Sidgwick having ordered the 'Health Statistics' for him, which arrived the previous day. Discusses the idea of encouraging 'honor girls' into early marriages, and to have large families. Contends that the offspring of such women would 'on the average be hereditarily gifted', and asserts his desire 'to swamp the produce of the ordinary proletariat by a better stock.' Expresses his wish that a 'dower-fund, as an equivalent to fellowships' be established. Proposes that a selection process be instituted, involving a board of women selecting successful candidates from among 'honor women not exceeding 23 years of age, who had achieved such and such college success'. Suggests that a sum of £50 be paid to such women on their marriage 'and £25 on the birth of each and every living child'. Maintains that 'the payment on the birth of each child would maintain the college tie and interest, and such other indirect and favorably effect might be anticipated.' Proposes that 'four such exhibitions ... annually and for perpetuity might be provided for, if their probable utility was vouched for by sensible men after due consideration.' Asks Sidgwick to give the matter some thought.

Claims that he is having difficulty in collecting 'the opinions and emendations of all interested in the welfare of the Univers[ity]. Mentions that he gave Mr Martineau a copy of Sidgwick's alterations, of which he approves and adds 'a suggestion of another'. Asks Sidgwick to look at it and return it to him with comments. Mentions that he has received Sidgwick's note and enclosure that morning, and assures him that he will introduce the corrections mentioned

She and her family 'always considered Mr Sidgwick, when [they] were all young together, as the most lively, interested talker' they knew. Remembers a visit he made to them as an undergraduate [in 1858], when he stayed some time, 'joined in everything the family did, and... made everything he joined in more amusing'. He suggested they 'should get up Tableau vivants'', proposing 'Sleeping Beauty' for her, and saying that Miss Tawney - her sister-in-law - 'would do excellently for the beauty.'

Relates another incident during the same visit in which she went to the drawing room to help her mother receive some callers 'and saw at the other end of the room Mr. Sidgwick asleep in an easy chair, dressed in an Afghan costume of white felt belonging to [her] father, and wearing the fur cap belonging to it', with a sleeping kitten asleep on top. Declares that he was such a charming visitor, 'always amusing and always making himself at home with [them].'

Explains that she heard from [James] Bryce that Nora would like to have part of Henry Sidgwick's correspondence with her father [Arthur John Patterson]. Reports that she has spoken to her mother, who will be happy for Nora to have the letter as soon as they get back to town, which will be in the early part of September.

Asks Sidgwick to put his name down [as one who supports the setting up of a Syndicate to inquire into the issue of allowing of alternatives for one of the classical languages in the Previous Examination], and as agreeing with the letter signed by Sidgwick and others [see 101/99;102].

Apologises for what he feels to be 'an apparent intrusion into matters too private and personal.' Explains that he has read Henry Sidgwick's works, such as The Methods of Ethics, Outlines of the History of Ethics for English Readers and Philosophy, Its Scope and Relations as a student of philosophy at Queen's College in Belfast. States that the first result of studying The Methods of Ethics was to fill him 'with a reverence towards the moral and intellectual nature of its author', and claims that there is no man to whose opinion on any question which he investigated he would attach so much importance and authority. Claims that the works also inspired another feeling in him 'one of a purely emotional nature, something, perhaps, akin to love, if that were possible towards one whom one has never met.' States that as the feeling has grown stronger he has wished to know more about Henry's life and character, but has only been able to secure two short biographical sketches - 'one in Bryce's Contemporary Studies, and a short obituary notice in Frederic Myers Fragments of Prose and Poetry'. Wonders whether a memoir might have been printed for private circulation and if so suggests that she might send it to him.

Only heard of Henry's serious illness the previous day, when she was in Cambridge for the afternoon; would like to send her sympathy to Nora now. Hopes that his operation has proved successful. Is sorry for the Cambridge students who will miss Henry's university lectures; believes that he was the most just critic she has ever heard, and remarks that in Moral Science 'people seem particularly apt to be impatient of the opinions of others.' Is sure that she is only one of many Cambridge students who remember with gratitude the time and trouble which Henry spent upon his classes and the help which he was always ready to give to individuals. Will be eager for news of Henry's progress, but hopes that some Newnham students will keep her up to date.

States that he has read Sidgwick's criticism of his book [The Science of Ethics], and expresses his satisfaction in having 'a candid and generous critic'. Observes that most of the points at issue between the two would require a treatise instead of a letter. Refers to pain and pleasure, and to how conduct is determined by one or the other. Admits that he 'could have obviated the criticism by a more careful articulation of the logical framework.' Refers to Sidgwick's contention that he exaggerates the novelty of the evolutionist theory 'and especially by overlooking Comte.' Clarifies that if he has done so, it was 'through carelessness of expression', and claims that he has learnt much from Comte, of whom he has a higher estimate than most people, especially scientific people, who object to his religion. States that he believes that [ ] happiness consists 'in the dramatic and friendly affections'. Hopes that they shall always remain friends.

1-93: letters to Nora Sidgwick about Henry Sidgwick's illness and death
94-133: miscellaneous correspondence and printed papers of Henry Sidgwick, many relating to the debate about compulsory Greek at Cambridge.
134-190: letters to Henry Sidgwick from his mother Mary
191-194: letters from Henry Sidgwick to Spencer Baynes regarding his article on ethics for the Encyclopædia Britannica

Acknowledges receipt of 'Vol II [of George Eliot's Life as related in her Letters and Journals]' and Sidgwick's 'kind note', which he received the previous night. Praises Sidgwick's comments on the letters, and refers to their usefulness to him in their editing and arrangement. Informs him that it will be 'some days' before he sends volume III.

Since her signature 'cannot reach England in time to be sent in with the others', hopes she may send a few lines separately to say how, like everyone else who knew Henry, she feels 'what a real loss to all his death has been.' Can never forget that it was owing to his generosity that she originally came to Newnham College, and wishes that during the time she was there she could have been more capable of appreciating him. His influence on her will never be forgotten. Hopes to be back in England the following March, and suggests that she might have a chance of seeing Nora.

The letter is 'addressed to the leading London newspapers' on behalf of various members of Cambridge University. Those to whom the fly-sheet is sent are requested to send their names at once to Henry Sidgwick if they concur the arguments set down in the letter. Explains that the Council of the Senate of Cambridge University, 'acting on the recommendation of the General Board of Studies, have proposed the appointment of a Syndicate to consider the expediency of allowing more widely than at present an alternative for either Greek or Latin in the Previous Examination' and that a number of residents 'have appealed to non-resident Members of the Senate to aid them in resisting all enquiry into this question.'

Sets out 'one or two reasons against this very unusual step'. Refers to the report of a Syndicate of eleven years previously, whose members included Dr Kennedy, the Professor of Greek, and which proposed the removal of the obligation on candidates for honours of studying both Latin and Greek on the grounds that the obligation of students to study both languages tends to exclude from the University a number of able students, educated in schools in which Greek is not taught.

States that since that time, with the development and extension of 'the "modern" system', about half the boys educated in the schools represented at the previous Headmaster's Conference 'are now taught only one classical language. Argues that with the obligation still in place, the University is prevented 'from receiving a number of boys thoroughly capable of profiting by academic study and training', while the time spent by other boys on both classical languages could better be spent on other subjects.

Asserts that the removal of the obligation, would not, as those who are attempting to block this move claim, result in an end to the study of Greek in all but the leading schools. Acknowledges the charms of Greek literature, 'its historic prestige, and its established position in the education of Europe', and claims that the teachers at Cambridge who desire this change 'certainly do not aim at the extinction' of the language. Refutes the argument that ignorance of Greek would injure all professions.

Adds that it is not proposed that the above considerations be taken as grounds for an immediate decision in favour of the proposed change, but merely as food for thought. Appeals to 'all open-minded Members of the Senate to assist...in defeating this attempt [to stop the proposed change].' Announces that voting will take place in the Senate-House on the following Thursday, 29 October at 2pm. The names of those on behalf of whom the letter is written are added at the end, added to which, in ink, appears the name of C.A.M. Fennell of Jesus College.

Explains that there is a question of her writing an article for the Pilot, 'which the Editor proposes to call - "Professor Sidgwick's theological position" '. Wishes to know if Nora would be agreeable to such an article being published. States that it would be 'an explanation of the last chapter of the Methods [of Ethics] by what Dr. Sidgwick said in class in answer to questions.' It has always been a great distress to her that the chapter has been so completely misunderstood, 'even by those whose mere knowledge of his meaning of words ought to have enabled them to understand it.' Adds that her own sense of personal loss 'seems only to go on increasing': she hardly ever saw him, 'but he was there', and adds that he was probably the only person in the world to whom she could at any time have talked with the most absolute freedom and confidence. Until she met him she never had the opportunity of talking with anyone whom she was not afraid of shocking if she said what she really thought. Says that 'it was like entering a new world when [she] first went to his lectures.' Hopes that she did not trouble or vex him when she used to ask him so many questions. States that he was her conscience in all religious difficulties at Newnham, and that it was a great help to her 'in those new conditions to consider what he would have said in any difficulty.' Reports that they were praying for him every day during his illness. Is glad to hear that Nora is going abroad. Tells her not to answer with more than a postcard, saying 'yes' or 'no' in relation to the article.

Sends Vol III [not included] of 'The Life' [George Eliot's Life as related in her Letters and Journals] which he asks Sidgwick to read. Refers to 'the old association' between the latter and Eliot. Intends to send the volume off to press as soon as possible. States that no one outside his own family, aside from Lord Acton, has yet seen it. Claims that he shall feel it 'greatly strengthened by [Sidgwick's] revision' and does not know anyone 'whose judgment [his] wife wd. have trusted more.'

Reports that the letters [from various correspondents to Henry Sidgwick] have all arrived, and that the Myers file are the best he has read. Declares that the latter 'evoked more and had more to give than any other correspondent' he has yet read, and were more valuable autobiographically 'than even the highly valuable Dakyns letters'. Includes a list of letters, with information such as the addressees and dates. Also includes a note 'To be added...' in Nora's hand.

Writes to inform Sidgwick that he has written a review of his book for the Pall Mall Gazette [Fortnightly Review?]. Is unsure as to whether [Morley] will print it or not, as he 'could not manage to get it into a small space'. Claims, on the other hand, that he did not have enough space for a satisfactory review. States that some of Sidgwick's arguments do not quite satisfy him, and that he has written down his reasons, but could not put them into the review. Promises to send them on to Sidgwick if, on re-reading them, they seem worth notice. Claims that he is 'too rusty' in his political economy 'to feel very confident about them', and expresses his admiration for the quantity of hard thinking Sidgwick manages to turn out.

Thanks Nora for her letter, and admits that she had felt that HS might be too busy for an introduction. Supposes that Nora must be very busy with all the work she has besides Newnham business. Has been watching for the announcement of a memoir of Henry, but presumes that it will take a long time to prepare. Of the notices of his life that she read, she liked best the one in the Pilot. Only attended four of Henry's' lectures, which were 'on some of the great names in French Literature for the Group B students in [her] first year at Newnham', but found his teaching inspirational, and has never forgotten the illuminating effect his lectures had on her.

Is not only at work at writing: she is 'Maths Mistress in the Brighton House High School', where she came five years previously to fill a gap, and stayed. Lives with one of her colleagues, who is a friend of hers. Has applied for most of the jobs that have become vacant in the 'Company's Schools', but has had no success so far. Undertakes to send Nora a copy of the [Story of] Arithmetic when it comes out. States that Mr [ ] 'is thinking of bringing out some County Readers', and, if so, she [Cunnington] may do Sussex; has asked George Allen to let her annotate Ruskin's Queen of the Air, 'in a way similar to the Emerson [Emerson's essay on beauty. A class study in English composition]', but has had no final decision yet.