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Writes to express her sympathy, 'as an old Newnham student', with Nora on the death of Henry Sidgwick, and to let her know how she and others feel 'this great loss'. Claims that most of what has been the best in their lives has come from their having been at Newnham. Says that they owe so much to Henry, and that 'the memory of his personal character will always give a standard and makes human nature appear as so much higher and nobler [a] thing'.

His wife, who is at Torquay, has asked him to send to Nora an enclosed cheque for £30 [not included]; he explains that £25 is from him and his wife, and that £5 is from Mrs P[ ] 'for "Clough Hall" [at Newnham College]. Sends best wishes of the season to Nora and Henry.

He and Nora have been very busy; otherwise he would have written sooner. Refers to her direction to him in her last letter to write to William instead of her. Is glad that everything is going well. Reports that Nora wishes her to send the marmalade, in order to stop his grumbling 'at the stuff she buys'. Assures her that Nora will write soon, but explains that she is very busy with housekeeping, visitors, dinner parties, her own mathematics, and the mathematics of Newnham Hall.

Believes that the Ad Eundem is to be in Oxford on 10 [June], and asks if she could take them in then. They would like to come and see her and William, but he fears that it will very likely be an inconvenient time.

Refers to the enclosed [not included] as 'a very poor result of a tour among the leading Capitals of Europe!' Claims that he has not yet got back the habit of writing when ideas come to him, and that keeping a journal is an affair of habit. Reports that he and Nora are hard at work, and that the latter was formally made Principal [of Newnham College] the previous Saturday, and now goes there regularly after lunch, and is going to dine there about twice a week. Reports that the 'census of hallucinations is getting up to 16,000', and hopes that she won't overwork. States that the preparation for their International Congress of Experimental Psychology goes on until the end of July. Hopes that they are all well, 'and that Edward was pleased with the manner in which the House of Commons cl[ ] the malcontents on the Clergy Discipline Bill'.

Admits to being a very bad correspondent; asks whether Henry has written to Mary. Reports that he is very busy with lectures and with organising the women's lectures 'and seeing that everybody gets taught what they want to learn'; he is also writing an essay for Mind. She is working at mathematics again with Mr Ferrers, and enjoying it very much; she is to have one or two pupils from Newnham Hall for Algebra. Reports that Miss Clough and several students at Newnham and their servants have become ill, probably from eating some unwholesome fish, but the doctor says that they will recover. Ellen Crofts has come back to the college, and Charlotte's sister Edith is also there. Edward Benson is coming to Cambridge on the following Friday, as he has to preach the commemoration sermon on the Sunday. Discusses Dr Slade and his seances, and the suspicions surrounding him, and refers to Professor Lankaster's evidence, which 'remains very strong in support of the trickery thing.'

Note from Henry Sidgwick to his mother, saying that both he and Nora 'have both been a good deal fussed about different matters', but that everything is sorted out now. Could almost believe that he had lived years in his house, which is exactly the sort of home they wanted. It is unlike what he thought of whenever he thought of living domestically in Cambridge; that he had always imagined himself 'in a semi-detached villa on the road to the railway station, exactly like twelve other semi-detached villas', but that the great feature of his present home is 'its Individuality.' Undertakes to send his own letter the following day.

Explains that he did not answer her letter about Chris [Benson?] because he wanted to find out more than he then knew about the demand for modern language teaching. Reports that he has now ascertained that the two teachers whom they have appointed to teach the medieval languages (Romance and old Teutonic) 'will probably try to get pupils in modern languages.' Believes that if they do 'the supply of teaching will at least equal the demand, so that there will be no opening at all.' Thinks that in any case it would be a very risky thing for Chris to do. Does not believe that the number of men who will take up modern languages will be great. States that there is a German and a French teacher officially employed at Newnham, besides the two medieval teachers. Thinks that Chris would probably pick up a few pupils, but believes it to be a risky enterprise. Wishes to talk the matter over with her.

Mentions that Arthur [Benson?] says that she and her family may all be to coming [to Cambridge] for a Sunday in November. Asks if she could come for 22 November, when he expects that he and Nora should be 'quite alone'. Adds that Nora sends her love and begs her to come. Asks her to come on 29 if 22 November does not suit; Lord Justice Bowen and possibly Rayleigh will be with them then.

One oval portrait, wearing a long jacket and trousers, bow tie and watch and chain, seated in an ornate chair, with one arm resting on a table, with his hand on a book. Two cartes de visite: one of Henry Sidgwick, wearing a long dark jacket and light-coloured trousers, seated on a chair in front of a wall ornamented with plaster-work, with his hand resting on two books, which lie on a covered table; the second is of the head and shoulders of Henry, with a long beard and wearing a dark jacket. According to Henry Jackson [103/59], one of the cartes de visite was taken by [Jules] Guggenheim in Oxford.

Also a blank card with 'Newnham College, Cambridge' printed on it, and an envelope addressed to Nora Sidgwick, postmarked 1907-07-10.

Writes from London, where he is 'engaged in assisting in a collection of Ghost stories and similar matters...' Has been given Edward's name as the secondary authority for a story, which he encloses [not included]. Wishes her to find out whether that version is what was told to Edward, and also the name and address of Edward's informant. Asks after her family. Supposes that Edward is in London from time to time, and asks her to tell him that Henry shall be there 'off and on during July.'

States that Nora is to be at Newnham College for the Long Vacation, and that Miss Gladstone is to 'become responsible' [for the college] in October. Asks her where and when she intends to go on holiday. Announces that he and are going to have two or three weeks' holidays in September, which they intend to spend partly in Yorkshire, and partly, possibly, in Ireland, visiting the Chief Secretary [G. O. Trevelyan]. States that he has never been 'to that unhappy country, and [is] curious to see how it feels when one is there!'

Hopes that his book [Principles of Political Economy] will be out in October. Announces that he does not give up his Praelectorship until Christmas, and therefore shall be in Cambridge the following term, but not at his house. They hope to spend a spring in Italy, and come back to their home in April for the May term. Sends his and Nora's love to all the family.

Refers to 'a "Biograph" of December', which Nora sends to Minnie. Explains that it is an 'Organ of opinion', which 'contains the Lives of really eminent men - not the people whose names appear in the newspapers, but those who Mould the Age.' Emphasises that it should not be shown to anyone.

Reports that Miss M[oberly] 'has just come out practically first in the Moral Sciences Tripos', but that her name does not appear publicly, as she has only been examined informally. Recounts that '[t]he joke is that she and another Newnham student [Miss Finlay] are the only candidates whose work has come up to first-class standard!' They have paid off all the debt on Newnham, and that it is now a business paying its way, 'owning a capital of two houses which when they are full yield a fair endowment fund, for exhibitions, future buildings etc'; and thinks that 'for the first time in ten years... the institution can stand alone, altogether independent of my fostering care', although he does not want this to be noised about as they 'can still do with donations, etc'.

Claims to be '[chaffed] in Hall' because his nephew [Arthur Benson] is said to have brought forward, in the King's debating society, a motion to the effect that the higher education of women is undesirable. He has been informed that the motion was carried by eleven votes to ten. Sends Nora's love, and announces that they are going to Scotland 'in a week or so for most of the holidays.'

Asks whether Arthur [Benson] is coming up to Cambridge for the Trinity Scholarship Exam, and states that he and Nora shall be delighted to take him in at Newnham College. Announces that they shall be staying up until the end of Easter week 'and can offer him a selection among about 35 eligible apartments.'

Says that she should write and congratulate him 'on the distinctions which the Learned World is conferring' on him: the University of Glasgow is to make him an L.L.D. 'about April 29th', and that Trinity College has just decided to make him an Honorary Fellow. He and Nora are well; the North Hall [at Newnham] 'is apparently prosperous'; Nora 'is rather overworked but cheerful'; and he is 'putting through the press a book on the Theory of Political Economy.'

Refers to 'the triumph of the 24th of February', and claims that he 'shall never forget the astonishment with which [he] realised that the Senate House was full of about 400 M.A.s and that...they were all going to vote on the right side [in favour of the education of women at Cambridge]' with 'the Enemy' only about thirty in number States that he does not feel elated by the proceedings, as he claims 'a natural aversion to responsibility', and does 'not underestimate the difficulties and perils of the future'.

Reports that Arthur and Charlotte [Sidgwick] have both been over that term, but separately, the latter having come with Margaret Arnold, 'who has been performing at a concert with Joachim.' Mentions that 'her young man [Hugh Frank Newall] wants a post as scientific-mathematical master in some school', and tells Minnie to suggest him if she hears of such a post. States that all was well at Oxford when they last heard news from there; that William is fairly well, and that the alarm about Nevil is over. Asks for news from Minnie, including 'the last particular of Church work. Sends his love to all. Adds that [Thomas Edward] Brown's poems Fo'c's'le Yarns are out. Suggests that she buys them, or persuades her friends to buy them.

Reports that Frank Balfour 'has been for some days in severe fever', and typhoid has been suspected. Claims that some improvement has latterly taken place, and that the pain has somewhat subsided. Refers to the compilation of complaints at Crescent Villa, which they heard about just before Balfour's illness. Hopes that they are all well. Reports that he has seen Arthur [Benson?], and that the same afternoon he came Miss E[llie] Hopkins also called, and absorbed Henry's conversation. Asks her to ask Edward to vote for A.V. Dicey if he should be in the Athenaeum Club between 4 and 6 pm on 20 February. Reports that all is well in Newnham, and that Miss Gladstone is going to be the next Vice President. Explains that it is not yet formally settled, and asks her not to talk of it.

C/54 includes correspondence from Newnham College Cambridge inviting Thomson to deliver the Sidgwick Memorial Lecture.

Refers to their recent conversation, and clarifies his and Nora's plans in relation to holidays, and their possible visit to her. Explains that they intend to go to the Alps for the end of June and the beginning of July if Nora finds 'that she can miss the Higher Level Examination without neglect of duty'. Mentions that that destination 'is the only complete cure for hayfever', and adds that they would be the guests of the Symondses, 'who are in permanent exile at Davos.' States that if Nora cannot miss the examination, they will go to visit Minnie and Edward from 13 to 18 June, and that they shall be able to make up their minds early in May, after Miss Gladstone has returned. Also discusses the possibility of Nelly [Benson] being sent to Newnham College, and Henry's views in relation to such a move.

Acknowledges receipt of his paper on '"Home Rule" etc.', and notes that there is no covering letter. Asks Patterson whether he has any choice as to the magazine in which it is to appear. Suggests the Fortnightly or Macmillan. Asks if he minds Sidgwick altering a word or two, 'and occasionally adding a sentence or two'. Sends greetings to Mrs Patterson and their daughters 'and all Hungarian friends.' Refers to his own change of address; states that he is living there 'as an appendage to [his] wife who is principal of this institution [Newnham College]'.

Reports that he is recovering from a concussion of the brain, which he sustained about a month previously, and that the injury causes him to make mistakes in language and spelling. Explains that he was knocked down in London. Agrees that 'it will be well to continue the use of the money to Newnham', but thinks that they 'shall carry out Miss Bathurst's wishes'. Suggests making Mrs Sidgwick, 'and afterwards any future principal of Newnham', a personal trustee. States that if Sidgwick thought that one of the Darwins would be amenable to be appointed as trustee, that he [Paul] would retire, since he knows that Mrs Bathurst would not have appointed him had she known that he was likely to become Catholic. Tells Sidgwick to write to W.H. Gray, informing him that he had communicated with Paul, 'at the old address.' Declares that Sidgwick is 'most kind in offering to bring up the fund to a round sum.' Sends his regards to Mrs Sidgwick. Reports that his son-in-law [Rendel] 'has gone to [ ] on business for the winter', and therefore 'Ruth and her three children are almost next door for the [winter]'.

Typewritten. Refers to the letter Henry sent her at the time of her 'Holloway invitation', and explains that she has kept forgetting to send it to her, along with another which belongs with it. Sends them [105/21-22], stating that they seem to her characteristic of Henry in that they put forward many sides to a situation, and were helpful to her in arriving at a decision. Refers to two passages that 'if written by almost anyone else in the world, would have seemed to [her] most sarcastic', but being written by Henry, she does not feel them so at all. Has always felt grateful that Henry 'had no scorn in him for those who were not clever, nor even for those who were ignorant, provided they were not pretentious and conceited....' Will never cease to be thankful for being on somewhat intimate terms with Henry, and says this is one of the many things she owes to Newnham.

Typewritten. Explains that this letter 'is a kind of postscript' to Nora's. Discusses whether or not Gladstone should go to work at an educational establishment for women at Holloway. Has always thought it desirable that Holloway 'should succeed and become a really effective part of the organisation of academic education for women', and refers to it as a place where experiment is desirable. Adds, however, that he does not think that it is interest of the movement for the promotion of women's education that Holloway 'should take the first place and put down Newnham and Girton and the Oxford Colleges into subordinate positions.' Believes that in the future it will be a successful institution for the purposes of examination preparation, but that at Oxford and Cambridge they aim to give to the élite of the students 'the interest in knowledge for its own sake and the independent grasp of the methods by which it is being advanced in different departments'. Believes that this 'can only be given in an institution where an active prosecution of original research and thought is being kept up', and does not think that this can be attained at Holloway. Discusses whether Gladstone's going to Holloway would be a gain to that institution 'sufficient to counterbalance the loss that it would undoubtedly be to Newnham', and finds it difficult to say. From a personal point of view wishes her to stay at Newnham, but urges her not to be influence by any sense of obligation.

A handwritten emendation names the President as 'J Peile'

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Delighted with the picture of Julian. Enjoyed himself on a long day grouse-shooting at Ray; is 'always glad to be with those excellent neighbours' [Charles Parsons]. Mrs [Nora] Sidgwick had left when Elizabeth's letter arrived so he could not pass on her message; she seemed cheerful, and glad to be at Wallington; she likes the house she has bought near Newnham and 'regard[s] her future very cheerily'. Elizabeth must be interested in Mr [Donald] Tovey's visit; he 'brings more than most guests'. The 'public meeting in the yard was great fun' and a real success. Thanks Elizabeth for the Minimac [sic: Minimax] prospectus; Mrs Sidgwick says they used to put out a fire at Newnham 'which a foolish girl had occassioned'.

Refers to 'the remodelled review', which, he claims, is all that he should desire or deserve. Claims that he is keeping it a few days to see if his wife can find time to read it, but explains that the latter is much distracted at present with Newnham affairs. Doubts that desirability of answering the review in the American Journal of Psychology, 'as the writer makes so much of the [Creevys], and claims that nothing that they could say 'would be particularly effective...' Suggests that if Myers has some time on his hands now, that he might write a review of The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin [published in 1887; edited by Francis Darwin]. Remarks that 'Frank D. does not want the reviewing to be entirely done from the scientific point of view', and think that the latter would be glad to hear that Myers were thinking of reviewing the work.

The final pages of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir have just been read aloud to her; thanks Nora for 'this profoundly interesting and moving book.' Refers to the great debt owed to Henry by all of those 'who have had the happiness of wonderful years at Newnham', and states that now after reading the book, their gratefulness 'will be warmed and deepened into abiding attachment and affection'. Thanks Nora for having made her and others know Henry 'so nearly'. Recalls two occasions on which Henry and Nora showed kindness to her which she 'can never forget'.

Thanks her for thinking of her and writing to her 'in these times'. Confirms that 'the Durham business' is over, but declares that she cannot help feeling sorry for the Dean for 'the lost chances.' States that she suggested putting out as a feeler a small anonymous prize, 'just to test the possible desire for historical studies at Durham', and says that the Dean likes the idea, but is doubtful. The list of history students [at Newnham?] for the following year looks hopeful; thinks that 'it will be nice if the Alice Hopkinson scholar takes Political Economy.' Was away for the previous Sunday and intends to go to her brother Ernest for the following weekend; will come back [to Cambridge] on the following Monday.

Expresses her sympathy with Nora and Henry; wishes Nora had been able to bring him to Cambridge. Is glad that they both can feel a little comfort in the grateful affection of the many whose lives they have made happier and better. As she looks back over the past she realises more and more what she personally owes to Henry; even before she came up to Cambridge twenty-two years previously, she had heard so much about him from her mother, and had read some of his writings. He set her to work when she came up, 'and listened patiently to [her] crude notions as to how [her] education should be carried on', and helped her throughout her career. Cannot think of her life as it would have been had she never known Nora or Henry. However dear Nora has been to them before, she will be dearer still after Henry's illness. Reports that she see Miss F[reund] 'pretty often', who is of course always thinking about Nora. Adds that the new treatment is exhausting, but may do her good.

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.