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The papers concern psychical research, in particular the concept of cross-correspondence in the writings of automatic writers, and consist of automatic scripts by Margaret and Helen Verrall (later Helen Salter), with notes and correspondence relating to these and the writings of other automatists active during the early decades of the twentieth century, including those of Alice Fleming ("Mrs Holland") and Winifred Coombe Tennant ("Mrs Willett"). In addition, there are 32 privately printed volumes, including various scripts edited by the Verralls, J. G. Piddington, Alice Johnson, and G. W. Balfour; Piddington's nine-volume analysis 'Notes and Excursuses' and W. H. Salter's 'Introduction to the Study of Scripts'.

On Jackson's Order of Merit.

Written on letter from G. W. Balfour to A. N. Whitehead, 20 May 1887.

Relates that while she was with Betty [?Cashweek] she read nearly all of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she enjoyed very much. Remarks that 'his whole interesting personality comes out so well', and claims that it is like 'going over all [her] life again', and that reading the book is like 'a chat over it all with one who seems quite perfect in mind and opinion.' Remarks also on what a perfect letter writer he was. Announces that she is going to get the book from the library and finish it. Congratulates Nora on her achievement and remarks that, while it must have been 'a joy' to write the book, it must at the same time have been 'very sad work also'. Adds that it was 'nice and a great privilege to enjoy Gerald [Balfour?]'s good company once more at home', and states that she thought 'all the children at Girdlers Hill much improved.

Finds that he and Nora are unable to come to tea the following day, as it is the only time Nora can see her brother Gerald and his wife, as they are going to Paris on the following Thursday. Adds that they may have to go to Cambridge on Friday [12 Apr] for [Benjamin Hall] Kennedy's funeral. States that lunch-time on Thursday or any time on Saturday afternoon would suit them. Reports that they have just come from a Women's Suffrage meeting, at which Nora was speaking. Remarks that the question 'seems to be in a very thorny condition'.

Proofs of articles published in the Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Has sent Robert the "Times Literary Supplement"; he should read aloud the letter from the 'scientific man' [Sir Edward Brabrook] about Gerald Balfour and the Ear of Dionysus. Gerald and his sister, Mrs Henry Sidgwick, are keeping living together during the war; supposes they talk about 'this sort of stuff together [séances and spiritualism] from morning to night'; this accounts for the 'preposterous message' to Sir George from [Frederic] Myers conveyed to him by Mrs Verrall and Mrs Piper. Bruce Richmond is a 'wonderful good editor'; praises the "Supplement". Is reading "The Shadow Line", which he likes better than anything he has read by Conrad before, and beginning 'to catch his peculiar turn of method... that of a fine nature which turned to creation very late in a life of action'. Had a 'very good letter' from Julian recently.

Advises Patterson that if he should arrive early and find Sidgwick out, the porters will direct them to the two sets of rooms; those of G.W. Balfour and those of Sir W. Harcourt. Invites Patterson and [Gyula?] Lanczy to breakfast in Newnham.

[Sent from Whittingehame, A. Balfour's house in Lothian]:- He and Nora were very busy up to the end of the previous year, until they escaped to Prestonkirk on New Year's Eve. They arrived in Cambridge on 26 December, on Thursday morning they were completing their arrangements for the Conference of Schoolmistresses on the following day, and their friends arrived that evening 'and educational talk began lasting without intermission till Friday evening...' On Saturday he began to prepare his answers for the Cambridge University Commissioners, and finished them on Monday morning, before his journey to Scotland.

Reports on the conference itself, which 'made up a compact and business-like meeting at the Townhall.' States that he was impressed with the schoolmistresses, who 'said what they had to say in a clear, short, practical way'. They 'fixed a limit of ten minutes for the speeches, but the only speaker who showed the least desire to exceed it was a Man..' Mentions that among the speeches made was one by Professor John Mayor. A short paragraph about the conference was sent to the newspapers, and got into the Times. Among those who came were James Wilson from Rugby with his sister Annie, who is head of a school at Grantham; Annie Marshall from Leeds, Professor Green from Oxford 'with his professorial honours fresh upon him', and Eve 'who used to be at Wellington College. States that Arthur was not able to come because Charlotte was not well enough to be left.

Reports that they have 'delightful weather' there in Prestonkirk, and that his brothers-in-law are all assembled. Claims that he has got the burden of his article pretty much off his mind. Describes the 'lovely winter view' from his window. Sends on Nora's love. Adds that they did not hear any political secrets at Hatfield, but reports that Myers, whom they had seen in London 'had seen Dizzy at Windsor Castle and reports that he bore a remarkably swaggering and triumphant aspect', and they are afraid that 'that Hebrew has been brewing some ill for his step-native land!'

[Sent from A. Balfour's house, Strathconan, Ross-shire]:- Explains that his last letter to her was written on their journey from Edinburgh. Refers to the 'charm of the scenery', and to the nearby hills, one of which they climbed a day or two previously. Reports that his brothers-in-law began to stalk deer on the previous Monday, and that they have killed four stags. States that they are 'now living almost entirely on the produce of the chase of various kinds'; is glad she likes the grouse sent to her. Reports that he has gone with Nora to visit two or three people 'in the "Strath", one of them a woman living in almost the only remaining specimen of the stone hovels that a generation ago were the ordinary houses [there]'. Remarks on the resemblance of the Highland people to Irishmen 'as [they] ordinarily imagine them, and refers to a woman whom they visited, 'who said "at all at all" just like an Irishwoman in fiction' but he 'did not detect in her household arrangements any of the recognised defects of the Irish character'. States that they have promised to stay there until the following Wednesday, and he thinks that they will then return to Cambridge. Reports that Nora sends her love, and expresses their concern that she has had some pain in her hand.

The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Glad that Bob likes 'the little book' ["Trinity College: An Historical Sketch"?]. It was Gerald Balfour, not Frank [Francis], who was 'one of the group addressed by the famous epigram' [W.H. Thompson's 'We are none of us infallible, not even the youngest among us’ ?]; he told George about it himself, stressing that it was a 'jocose [inserted], friendly remark'; George can believe this more readily as Thompson was himself of the reforming party'.

Announces that he has written to Barrett 'in the sense that [Myers'] letter indicates', but stresses that he did so reluctantly as he deems it very improper to dictate from a distance what ought to be done in the matter.

Reports that he is still having some health problems. States that they expect his brother Arthur and the latter's wife to arrive there [in Florence] that evening. Anticipates that they [Henry and Nora] will go away, either with Arthur and his wife, or by themselves 'about the end of the week and get to Livorno a day or two after'. Asks Myers to send him a statement of the position of Corresponding Members, and states that he will ask Ferri to become a member himself. Refers to Myers' brother [Ernest]'s marriage.

Asks him to propose Gerald Balfour on his behalf as a member of the Society for Psychical Research, and to second him. Claims that he is the 'only "Hegelian" ' whom Sidgwick has found in sympathy with the Society. Discusses Balfour in relation to his 'system' and his philosophy, and adds that he sends Myers his 'kind remembrances' from Florence, where he lives. States that his book [Principles of Political Economy] is due out at Easter, and claims that he and Nora are very interested to hear of Myers' book, 'and wonder what the series is'. Sends on Nora's love to Myers' wife.

Reports that he has been laid up (in Florence; 'chez G.W. Balfour') 'with digestive derangements', which, he believes, are a result of 'the poisonous climate of the Eternal City.' Dares not face the voyage to Athens, but hopes to stay in Florence to recuperate, see the sights, and visit some neighbouring towns. Reports that they went to Signor Coen at Livorno. Relates that the latter refused to give them facts about the powers of instantaneous transmission possessed by his society, but invited them to Livorno, and offered to teach them and 'if possible show [them] some phenomena.' Explains that these plans had also to be postponed due to his illness, but hopes to go 'in a week or so.' Encloses a statement received from George Grove [not included], and suggests that there might be some legal evidence attainable. Hopes that everything is going well with him, 'and with the cause.' Undertakes to write again when he knows more about Coen. Reports that he found a professor in Rome called Ferri, who 'was in a tolerably reasonable frame of mind about [their] investigation and not disinclined to help [them].' Reports that he left him the circular asking him to circulate it if convenient, but Sidgwick has not heard from him since. Suggests that Myers propose that Ferri become a member, and also that he should encourage him to do something about the circular. States that Coen will be no good in this way, as he is 'too much of a prophet'.

Thanks Myers for writing with regard to the accidental death of Francis Maitland Balfour. Reports that they know nothing yet, except that he was killed with his guide on the Glacier of Fresnay near Courmayeur. Reports that Gerald and Eustace have gone there. Announces that he is going to Cambridge the following day, and shall try to see Myers on Thursday. Undertakes to write again. Reports that 'Nora has borne the shock well', but predicts that 'the life of the family will never be the same again.'

Worplesdon Rectory, Guildford. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending the photograph of Donald, as does Mrs [Mary] Tovey; does not think Lady Betty Balfour cared much for it; unlike her, thinks it very like Donald. They are 'deathly dull' and he is worried about his wife, fearing she 'grows much weaker'; would brighten life very much for her if Don would come to see her now and then, but they do not know where he is; calls him 'their Moses'. although they have 'not set up a golden calf instead of him'. Lady Betty Balfour 'astonished' him last Sunday 'by appearing at church', and came to see his wife afterwards; had thought she was in the north but G.B. [Gerald Balfour] is at Fishers Hill, busy with the Commission on Lighthouse Administration. Wants to know more about Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"]; asks whether Donald is 'industrious' about it.

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Donald [Tovey] hopes to come to the Trevelyans tomorrow afternoon from London; he is 'enviable' as he gets into all sorts of confusion, is 'handsomely penitent, and immediately forgiven', and will see Paul [Trevelyan] and his parents. Donald has been trying to see [Arthur] Nikisch, who asked him to play his Concerto to him with a view to performing it. After his stay with the Trevelyans, he goes on to the Gerald Balfours then to Brighton to play a Beethoven concerto: asks when she will have him at Northlands. A postscript notes that Donald is going to Broadwood's tomorrow.