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Thanks her for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; explains that he wanted to read it before acknowledging its receipt. Says that he went to Lowestoft to work, and to read the book 'by the way', but that it has engrossed him all week, and has interested him intensely. Says that it gives 'everything that personal friends most wanted', but regrets to say he does not think it is at all 'the work the world wanted or expected.' Suggests that '[t]he general need would have been better met...by a topical arrangement' rather than the exclusively chronological one that she has adopted, and also that the letters 'might have been curtailed sufficiently to make room for some continuous presentation of Sidgwick as a philosopher, a political thinker, an educationalist, and a "man of letters" '. Remarks that it is odd to find in the life of a philosopher 'no account of his philosophy'.

Fears that the impression that is likely to be made is that Henry cared more for psychical research - a topic that is 'ever recurring' and which takes up a large part of the index entries. Believes that this latter interest was 'the real labor injustus of his life', and laments that it was Benson and Westcott 'of all men' who should have started him 'on this surely hopeless quest'. Refers to his '[ ] hasty acceptance of telepathy', and 'his later tacit retraction'. States that 'no one can fail to admire his moral courage in this whole Memoir however much one regrets the terrible waste of powers that would [ ] have been better employed.' Believes that had he lived longer he would have done very much more. Suggests that it might have been worthwhile to add the name of the Vice Chancellor who appointed Dr Cunningham as deputy for Professor Birks [in 1881], if, as he believes, it was Dr Perowne. Also suggests that Frank Balfour 'might have been mentioned on page 224 as a member of the Eundum. Refers also to Coutts [Trotter?], and to [Gerry] D[arwin]. Expresses his surprise at finding no letters to Professor [ ] Robertson in the Memoir.

Wonders why he should mention all these things when what wholly possesses him 'is renewed admiration and affection for about the most perfect man [he has] ever known'. States that he should place Henry and Arthur Balfour in this category. Relates that when he [Ward] 'was tired of waiting for a post in Cambridge [Henry] offered him £150 a year to stay'. Claims that he did not accept it, but soon afterwards Henry resigned his professorship and Ward was then assigned a place on the College staff.

Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, S.W. - Does not think he would be able to come to Wallington, as he has to go Scotland a few days earlier than he intended to at first. Yesterday was 'delightful': it poured with rain so he read 'all day without stopping': '"Vita Nuova", [Brooke Foss?] Westcott, Montaigne, "Sir Charles Grandison" and the life of F. W. Robertson'. Asks whether Bob has read the last: it is worth it for Robertson's letters; 'the life part, by Stopford Brooke' is 'quite well done'. Got an 1818 edition of Montaigne in five volumes at his mother's shop, 'not so nice in some was as Quaritchs', but still very nice' and is reading it with 'delight'; also got Leighton's Rabelais, which 'gave great satisfaction'. He and [Desmond] MacCarthy went to see the "Sign of the Cross" on Saturday; found it 'much more amusing than the Alhambra', which he thinks 'dealt the final blow to [his] curiosity about Music Halls'. Asks 'Am I not saucy?... (this is all exactly in the style of Harriet Byron [in "Sir Charles Grandison"]. His mother says 'she is as well as she ever was', and does seem to be, but she has also agreed 'to take care of herself' so he hopes 'all will be well'.

Asks her to send 'the Portfolio'; notes that he always leaves something behind. Sends Bishop Westcott's book [not included], which he hopes she will like. States that he had already decided not to go in for the Professorship of Moral Philosophy when he learnt that F. D. Maurice was a candidate. Believes that the latter has the best chance. Predicts that he will be 'a stimulating lecturer', and hopes that he will be a very good appointment, as Cambridge is currently 'in some need of stimulus'; is 'rather sorry' for his friend Venn, who is 'thoroughly of the new school' of which Dr Lightfoot is the most distinguished representation.

Reports that he transmitted his mother's books to Mrs Peile in person, and that the Peiles were in Göttingen 'during the excitement of the change of dynasty in September.' Also reports that they say that all the professional element of society 'rejoiced strongly in the transference', but that the householding element was not very happy about having to entertain a number of Prussian soldiers; the chief discontent being in Hanover. Declares that their hall [at Trinity College] is 'resplendent', and the 'undergraduates call it the "Alhambra"'; the college have introduced 'the disgraceful luxury of chairs' there. Regrets to hear about William, and hopes that he will come over [to Cambridge] soon.

Writes in relation to a statement, for which he claims he was individually responsible, relating to the question of the removal of the obligation to study Greek in order to enter Cambridge University. States that he had thought of sending round 'a quiet fly sheet after the vote, explaining that [the] statement about "no evidence" was not a contradiction of the expression of opinion which Jackson quoted', but he felt that Sidgwick's statement 'that it was a misrepresentation which Jackson had exploded, a complete stop to any public action.' Claims that the statement, which he and others signed 'has been for long a mere common-place on [their] side' and that Dr. Westcott made it in his speech in October 1880. Claims that neither Westcott nor he could find any evidence at able students were excluded because of the requirement of Greek. Assures that the large sheet of paper on which he writes the letter is not an indication of formality. Claims that he is not copying it, and sends it to Sidgwick 'in all friendliness.'