Showing 23 results

Intends to go to the [Bernese Oberland] on the 14th of the month; they will be at Grindelwald on the 18th, and will stay there for about a week. Expresses desire to see Sidgwick, and asks him to come and see them on his way to M[ ]. Refers to Thackeray.

Accompanied by a cutting of Cornish's obituary notice from The Times 30 Aug. 1916.

In relation to Easter, states that his plans are uncertain. Is glad that she is interested in [William] Lecky. Gives his thoughts on reading and thinking; believes that 'it is not so easy as people think to choose reading that really sets the mind to work and makes it grow'; however, since everyone is 'always... much "involved in matter' as Aristotle says', the world and our 'little petty interests are "too much with us", and anything that lifts us out of them is a gain'. The ability to be thus lifted is something he much values in people; it is not proportionate to talent - intellect viewed as an instrument'. Arthur Butler has it, and it is one of the things Henry likes in [E. A?]. Scott.

Remarks that his mother has not written to him lately, and that they have 'in a sort of way dropped out of correspondence'. Claims that it was not he who objects to gossip; asserts that he has always maintained that 'it was the only way most people [had] of exercising their minds really, originally, on moral and social questions'. Says he is certainly interested in the Ritchies [the family of William Ritchie]; wishes that his mother could see them 'and ascertain whether the interest is due to [his] very limited acquaintance with (feminine) human nature'; has met many families but 'never... with one that took [his] fancy like this'. Asks what she thinks of Mrs Gretton; thinks that she must be livelier than most Rugby people, but that 'she is to be taken "cum grano" '.

Reports that Macmillan won't say who wrote Ecce Homo [recently published anonymously by J. R. Seeley], but has promised sometime to ask twenty people to dinner including Henry and the author. Reports that Gladstone wrote to Macmillan 'a letter acknowledging a presented copy and calling it a "noble book".' Relates that some of the 'younger men', such as Myers, are 'tremendously stirred by it', but that Henry is 'not quite in the same way'; quotes Carlyle saying that 'man and his universe are eternally divine', and adds that the author of Ecce Homo 'means us to go further and credit what is now to us incredible. He may be right'.

Expresses surprise at Mrs Gretton preferring the eldest Miss Ritchie [Augusta], and declares that he does also, although he does not think most people would. Refers also to the second Miss Ritchie [Blanche], 'Cornish's betrothed', as 'more unworldly perhaps.' Declares that when he comes across girls who interest him he uses his opportunities with considerable eagerness, 'because they are necessarily so few.'

The Cloisters, Eton College, Windsor. - Very good of Trevelyan to send his poems ["The Bride of Dionysus"; will write again when he has read them; is particularly interested in the poem he has 'come to know as "Ariadne" & want to hear as well as read' [in Donald Tovey's operatic version]. Has been correcting a proof of his Catullus translation yesterday, and 'took the opportunity of helping myself to a word here and there'. Trevelyan's version is 'faultless in diction'; Warre Cornish only misses more of the 'scatter of short syllables at the end', as Tennyson used to say; Tennyson also damaged Warre Cornish's 'grateful dignity' by saying 'I daresay you [emphasised] think galliambics are a trochaic metre'.

Typewritten copy. Bryce will have heard that 'in the present state of the unhappy business' the dinner has had to be put off. Invites him to come to them on Saturday 29 May 'for the Sunday'. Adds that '[F. W.] Cornish of Eton' will be with them lecturing on education. They were glad Bryce made such a good speech: if he should become converted he will attribute it to Bryce's arguments. Remarks that part of it reminded him of 'Sydney Smith's analysis of charity'.

Regrets that he cannot come to visit Sidgwick in Cambridge that year. Explains that he could not leave home before 16 December, and that [Francis Warre?] Cornish is coming to stay on 20 December. Invites Sidgwick to visit him on his way to [John Jermyn?] Cowell, or after his visit. Informs him that if he comes soon after Christmas he will find [John Burnell?] Payne there, and probably Dr [David?] and Mrs Rowland. Mentions that [Oscar?] Browning might also pay a visit. Describes the search for water by 'young Okeden', and how it was discovered that an underground stream to a well in the village ran from north to south. Reports that the 'Tennyson boys' told him that the Times reported that their father had changed college 'in consequence of a quarrel with her bread and butter'. States that Tennyson was in no other college but Trinity.

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, expressing her sympathy with Nora on her loss. Refers to Nora's letter written from Cliftonville two months previously. States how Henry's 'brave facing of the great parting and change' touched them profoundly. Relates that [F.W.] Cornish was present at the Synthetic Society in June, and heard Henry's 'noble delivery of what had to be said on that occasion, and received his own account, now to be forgotten of what was to follow.' Refers also to her sister, Mrs Freshfield, having seen Henry in Bond Street. Expresses her deepest regret at not having replied to the letter from Cliftonville, and claims that she had 'so much hope that ample time for correspondence' would follow. Claims to have wished to tell Nora then how she had ventured to ask Henry and Nora 'to be with all the young men' and [the Cornishes] about that time, having had such happy memories of a visit Henry paid to them in the summer of 1897, when he 'turned the conversation to subjects thrillingly interesting' to her [soldier] son, Francis, who 'went back to India with the recollection of something exquisite enjoyed with the older generation...' Says that [the letter] is an answer to Nora's note about Henry from Margate.

Asks Sidgwick if he has mastered Hegelian philosophy. Reminds him that they are all looking to him or John Mozley or both to tell them what he [Hegel] means. Remarks that [Septimus?] Hansard once said that 'he conceived his 'mission' was to translate Maurice to the people. Refers to W.D. Rawlin's 'funny voyage to America with Tom Hughes; remarks that '[w]hatever else it does for him it will probably deliver him from the [ ] represented by The Kiss of Peace.' Asks Sidgwick if he knows who wrote G[ ] Balz. Suspects that it might be Trevelyan, 'if it is not too good for the writer of C[ ].' Hopes to see Sidgwick at Christmas. Reports that he took Louis back to Eton, mainly in order that he may see Cornish, who, he reports, is quite well, and has not yet learnt the Gospel according to Matthew. Claims that it is not easy to have too many Cornishes, 'if they all take after their father.' [incomplete]

Sends her a copy of a letter to him from Henry Sidgwick [not included], which he suggests might be of some use to her. Remarks that the latter part of it is an example of 'the accuracy and tact of [Henry's] judgment in matters of general culture'. Expresses his pleasure at the news that Nora and Arthur Sidgwick are to write a memoir of Henry. Refers to a paper by Frank Cornish in the Pilot of 22 December, which he describes as 'admirable', and offers to send it to her if she has not yet come across it. Adds that he has put, 'by way of a note, the passages in [Robert Bridges'] "[Pros]ody of [Milton]" referred to in [Henry's] letter at the end....' Expresses the hope that 'the change and holiday' will do Nora great good, and reassures her of their sincere and deep sympathy. Offers to send her the original letter if she wishes to have it.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Amused with the letters, and 'recognises the difference of Bengali Baboo English' which Robert 'so dexterously' suggests. Would like to have heard the music. The shooting has 'collapsed' as there are few grouse, andhardly any blackgame at all. Hopes Robert will have this lovely weather at Seaford. Much enjoyed a visit from Frank Cornish; sends his letter, which Robert need not return; he is 'very clever and exact', and you can see how he was head of a year at Eton 'where the fifth and sixth in order were a University scholar and a fellow of Trinity'.

Declares that he wishes Sidgwick's pamphlet were longer, and that, contrary to the latter's opinion, he does not seriously disagree with it. Refers to Sidgwick's discussion of the importance of belief, especially that of a minister in the doctrine, and the conflict between one's disbelief, and one's continuation in the recitation of the Creed. Puts forward the scenario whereby a minister 'does not avow his disbelief in the doctrine' and does not think that this is significant enough to cause him to quit the Church. Observes that in theology two people may say the same thing, but one can be accepted and the other criticised for it, as in, for example, the case of Stanley and William. The former said in his Jewish Lectures that Abraham 'was tempted to slay his son by the fact that human sacrifice was part of the false religions he found in Syria', and 'Williams said the same, and no statement was more fiercely assailed in the whole volume of Essays and Reviews.' Tells Sidgwick to expand his pamphlet if it reaches a second edition.

Refers to the dissolution of the Free Christian Union. Asks if Sidgwick will come to visit them in the summer. Tells him that he has permission to take him to see 'some most remarkable Spirit drawings', drawn by a child of eleven. Reports that Louis has gone to Eton, 'where he has made a fair start', and that he is with Marindin. Fears that Cornish is very unwell. Informs him that Margaret [Paul's wife] 'has a little tale in the press called *Three Weddings8, which is simple and good.'

Refers to Nora's letter of two days previously, which was of intense interest to her. Says she has been absorbed by Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir, and suggests that in addition to the biography and letters, people who knew Henry could each write down an account of a memorable conversation with him. States that she is 'rather anxious, also busy' at present, but undertakes to try 'to join some memories with [her] sisters' [memories.' Expresses the hope that she and Nora may meet; says that if her husband could stay with Nora she would 'make out a promised visit to a friend at Cambridge'. Says that questions about [the living's] connection with the dead, in their moral aspects as viewed by Henry, have pressed on her lately. Thinks that she and her husband will come to Nora in May, and hopes that it will not be any inconvenience to her to receive her husband; say she is to go to the Donaldsons at Magdalene. Thanks her for the gift of the book.

c/o Mrs Ainsworth, Ambleside, Harvest Road, Englefield Green. - Donald is at a nursing home in Buxton, and 'wonderfully comfortable & cheerful' all considered. Miss Weisse is not allowed to write to him, and she herself cannot write letters so as not to worry him; they are however allowed post-cards, and Donald has sent her a magnifying glass to enlarge her writing. He goes to treatment at the Baths and drinks the waters; she has just sent him a parcel of music and some books will also be sent. She feels it a comfort to be near 'a connecting link' in the local doctor, and to Donald's belongings; she is staying as a paying guest in the house of a young naval doctor's wife which happens to be the front part of the house of a lady Donald knows well. Very kind of Bessie to invite her to stay, but it is better to remain here answering Donald's correspondence and near Dr Floyer. Miss Weisse went to Wales with her brother; they both join Miss Mary Weisse near Edinburgh soon. Miss Weisse will be very sorry to learn of Mr [Francis Warre Warre] Cornish's death yesterday; Donald played to him every evening, which gave them both great happiness. Poor Mrs Cornish has been very kind to both Toveys.

Writes that she began a note to Sidgwick at Brock Hill, but didn't finish it, and now Blanche and Frank [Cornish] tell her that what she wants is an impossible thing. Writes to him anyway asking him to write her 'a very short little letter with just any little charming idea which might occur to [him] about [their] poor old Willy, who does not half believe in his own powers and who wants a [little] bit of brain every now and then as a tonic.' Invites Sidgwick to come and dine with them on Monday 16th in Freshwater. Announces that she is going to Paris on 17, and the dinner is a farewell to her native land and her 'dear Ritchiedom'.

Declares that she is 'feebly going about begging for a few ideas'. Refers to some old proofs from about fifteen years ago, and to a little volume of old essays, one of which is called Toilers and Spinsters. Her father gave the name to the latter, and she has decided to call the book after it. Reports that the previous day she went to call upon 'a few Spinsters and Toilers', and that 'a rather nice one in spectacles' told her that she thought 'the Camb'ge Exs had done a very great deal for their Schoolmistresses [ ] and ask for certificated spinsters to teach in their schools'. Intends to rewrite the essay, and recounts that the previous day [Blanchie] Cornish had unconsciously given her 'a little theme in [ ] about wanting emphatic life', and this made her 'travel off to Cambridge and wonder whether there wasn't something to say about the girls who have grown up since the little essay was first written'. States that they arrived there a fortnight previously and will be going home very soon. Hopes to see Sidgwick before long, and hopes that he had a pleasant holiday. Reports that she saw '[their] bride' the previous day for a minute, but hasn't yet seen the Cornishes.

Reports that he arrived an hour late [at Kegan Paul's house, Bailie, Wimborne], 'but in good time for dinner, after a most delightful journey.' Describes the weather and scenery, and declares that if he had gone on Friday, he should not have got beyond Temple-combe, 'as the Somerset and Dorset line is dreadfully demoralized'. Hopes that she is better for the change of weather. Reports that he missed [J.B?] Payne, [A. G. Vernon?] Harcourt and [J.?] Conington. Adds that Miss Ritchie, who is engaged to his friend [Francis Cornish], 'is not the one [he] mark[s] highest.'

Explains that he had intended to write to Sidgwick many times since [J.B.] Payne's death, but the latter event affected him so much that he did not have the heart to do so. Tells how he was looking forward to Payne's visit, when the latter's brother contacted him to tell him that he had died. Recounts that their last meeting was when he [Kegan Paul] was on his way to preach the Free Christian Union sermon, and that after the 'misrepresentation of it in the Pall Mall [Gazette], Payne tried to persuade the Editor 'to set the report right'. Expresses the wish that Sidgwick will come to visit in the autumn.

Reports that the Cornishes have been to visit, as well as several other friends, but that some pupils who had been coming to him were no longer being sent by their parents, because of the sermon he preached at the Free Christian Union. Refers to a paper he has just sent to Beard or Renan, and fears that Sidgwick will think that he is 'hedging on the orthodox side' in it. Reports that Cornish is reviewing [W.E.H. ?]Lecky in the same Theological Review. Remarks that Dakyns was very good to him, and sent him 'all sorts of information' about Brighton College. Announces that he is sending Louis back to Brighton, and that he gave Dakyns' information 'to a [ ] who is going to send his boys there.' Asks Sidgwick to give him 'a bed somewhere in Oct[obe]r' if he doesn't come to visit,

Letter of acceptance for the 1905 Apostles' dinner.

Letter of acceptance for the 1905 Apostles' dinner.

Returns letters [written about Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; not included], and states that they are all very gratifying. Reminds Nora that 'of the pleasure and the praise 601/633 (exactly)' is hers. Remarks that those by 'ACB[enson], GOT, [James?] Ward, [Sir George] Young, and Tennyson were all good to read, and of course Cornish.' Says that he knew about William Sidgwick of Skipton having given evidence before the Faculty Committee [see 103/94], but that it was outside his drama. Has some duplicates of hers and a few more, and undertakes to send them to her when they reach 'a batch'. Note added in red ink saying that for real criticism they must wait for 'the unbribed Reviewer', but that 'it is a great thing to please the old friends'.