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Explains the delay in answering Cowell's letter, claiming that he had mislaid it, and had forgotten where Cowell would be; says that he could only remember that he would be at F[lorence] 'about the beginning of May.' Apologises for his carelessness, and claims that he was further delayed in writing by his having to research some lectures that he had to give on the Acts of the Apostles. Regrets that they could not have met up at Florence. Reports that [Henry Yates?] Thompson's failure in the Tripos took them all by surprise, and that the latter seems to have taken the result 'a good deal too coolly; and to have imitated [George Otto] Trevelyan's dangerous example of reading by himself and doing no composition, without having any of Trevelyan's classical intuition...' Reports that Thompson is now in Auvergne, having perfected his French at Paris, and that Trevelyan has returned from Paris. Expresses some doubts in relation to the latter's account of his and Thompson's sojourn in Paris.

Reports that he himself has been spending his vacation in England, trying to cure his stammering. States that he is an M.A. now, and is getting to see more of the authorities of the College, whom he describes as 'a kind of big children.' Remarks that W.H. Thompson 'improves on acquaintance', and is 'so much more genial than one would have thought.' States that he [Henry] is getting over his old objections against fellow-commoners. Admits that his is a very nice life, and that he actually gets through 'so very little work.' Wishes that he could shake off his laziness and begin to write. Claims that his views on religious and philosophical subjects are 'in a state of change', and wishes that he could talk to Cowell on these matters. Claims to have given up a good deal of his materialism and scepticism, 'and come round to Maurice and Broad Church again...' Claims to be 'deeply impressed by the impotence of modern unbelief in explaining the phenomena which Christians point to as evidences of the Holy Spirit's influence.' Discusses his interpretation of the words 'religious' and 'irreligious' as applied to men.

Hopes that Cowell is 'getting happily and delightfully convalescent' in 'the famous city of Dante' [Florence]. Wonders when he is to return to England, and if his 'distaste for the law and...devotion to philosophy' will continue when his health has improved. Remarks that he always thought that Cowell was made for the practical rather than the speculative life. Reports that the ' [Apostles] Society' flourishes, and that the only new member is [William] Everett, who has considerable interests in Metaphysics. Refers to his 'declamation in chapel', with which the old Dons, especially [William] Whewell, were 'enraptured. Asks for the name of Cowell's guide for [E.E?] Bowen, who plans, with [E.M?] Young, a Swiss tour.

Reports that [E. M?] Young has asked his advice about standing for Benson's 'place' [as head of Wellington College?], and that he has advised him to stand, but has told him that he did not think him the ideal man. Refers to him as a 'safe' man. Adds that Young has asked him for a testimonial, but before writing Henry would like to know if there is any candidate whom Benson would prefer to Young. Refers to the fact that when Henry and Benson were last together, the latter mentioned [E. A.?] Abbott. Asks him if he would mind him saying that he [Abbott] would have Benson's support. Asks him to tell Minnie that he is 'always writing to her.'

States that he has been at Trinity College about a week, trying to write an article, but claims that he has been ill and shall probably be delayed. Does not think that solitary life agrees with his constitution, but clings to it because he believes that it helps him to concentrate his mind. Declares that he enjoyed his holiday very much, 'particularly the three weeks at the Lake [with G. O. Trevelyan and Edward Young].' Remarks that although he was happy in Dorsetshire, 'it was very melancholy being with poor Cowell', who is quite ill.

Reminds his mother of her invitation to [Charles Kegan] Paul to come to Rugby, and announces that he has asked him to come the following Easter. Does not know whether he will bring Mrs Paul or not. Asks her to send a volume of Fichte, and any books with library marks on them. Hopes to come to visit her on 3 October for a week. Explains that that is the day the Union Library opens and he wants to get some books 'before the country clergy have gone off with them all. Announces that it is thought that J. B. Mayor will be the new Professor of Moral Philosophy.

[Sent from C. Kegan Paul's home]:- Reports that he is playing chess with Cowell , and is enjoying himself as much as he can in the rain, which has prevented him from seeing much of the scenery or places of general interest in the neighbourhood. Declares that he has been promised a visit to Corfe Castle. Announces that he returns to Cambridge on the following Saturday 'to read hard for a fortnight if possible'; criticises his own idleness and lack of 'resolution', saying this is the 'second Long Vacation [he has] frittered away pursuing study as a vain shadow".

Refers to his time spent at the Lakes, the enjoyment of which was overshadowed by the death of 'poor B. Young'. States that Edward Young was one of their party; he was 'in rather bad health', and 'got a few agonized lines from George.' Wonders as to the imprudence of the expedition, with regard to accidents; remarks that one only hears of Englishmen and Russians being killed, and not Germans and Frenchmen. Returns to the subject of the book Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus] which, he believes, is a caricature. Confirms that he will see her in the beginning of October. Asks her to send his greetings to the Ch[ ], and to give his love to Fanny Green if she sees her.

[Sent from Grange in Borrowdale]:- Reports that he has been there since Friday, and that the place is 'wonderfully well situated. Praises the view from the front of the house, referring to the Lake [Derwentwater and Skiddaw. Reports that he went up Latrigg on Saturday morning before Trevelyan came, 'and got splendid views'. Implies that he does not believe their 'third man' [Edward Young? see 99/70] to be ill, and suggests that he is detained 'by a more romantic reason.' Refers to the extreme cold, and complains about the food. States that he is 'going in for French belles letters in the evening and German philosophy in the morning', and reports that 'Trevelyan is relaxing from the cares of statesmanship.' Sends the latter's greetings to his mother. Claims to be very happy at seeing Derwentwater again, but thinks that perhaps some of the Grasmere scenery is superior. Remarks on the 'crowd of little hills between [Keswick] and Buttermere. Announces that he will go to Wastdale Head during his visit, though so far it has been raining ther. Asks whether she ever read a book called 'The Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus], and states that it would give her a good idea of German life such as he has seen it. Remarks that the accent of the people in the area in which he is staying reminds him 'more than anything of the Laces' [his uncle Francis and family].

Thanks Young for his cheque of £16, and sends him best wishes for the new year 'and the new work.' Invites him to come and stay, when he is 'looking out for Masters'.

Thanks Young for his letter and advice. States that Mrs Sidgwick 'would prefer the wagonette at Edlingham (2-11 on Monday) if it is a fine day', but tells him to exercise his judgment with regard to the weather.

Explains that he and Mrs Sidgwick are intending to travel northwards in two weeks' time and asks Young if they may stay with him from 14-17 December.

Refers to Young's interesting letter, which gave him much pleasure.. Explains that he has been confined to bed and is on a fluid diet, and is suffering from a digestive disturbance. Refers to 'the Chinese nightmare', and 'the collision and interpenetration of European [sciences] and [European] institutions'. Sends regards from himself and his wife to Young and Mrs Young. Explains that his wife is writing the letter.

States that he has for a long time owed Young a letter about his 'Apis [Matina]. Reports that some weeks ago he discovered that he had an incurable intestinal disease, 'of which the fatal termination might be postponed by serious surgical operation.' States that the operation is to be performed the following Thursday. Asks him for his prayers.

Congratulates Young on his impending marriage, and wishes him every happiness. Declares that he has 'always looked forward to invading [his] domain at Sherborne some day', and thanks him for renewing the prospect 'with this auspicious addition.' Reports that he and his wife have been 'absorbed in multifarious duties for the last two years; but hope to return to a less complicated existence before long', ans that they would gladly come to see Young in his new state.

Refers to the fellowships. Hopes that Young is enjoying himself quietly. Remarks that '[William?] Everett will be disappointed...but he is elastic.'

Reports that he only heard a week ago that Young 'had found it advisable (and also feasible) to degrade.' Claims that he was very glad to hear the news, since even if he had been able 'to go in by "making an effort" ', it would have been a very unsatisfactory [culmination] to three years work. Sympathises with him that he will have to work a year more at the old curriculum. Hopes that he is progressing. Reports that he met Cowell in London on Saturday, and he was wondering whether Young would go abroad with him.

Recounts that he found Arthur [Sidgwick] 'only just able to work' when he arrived in Cambridge on Saturday, as he had played fives, which brought on his irregular circulation. Believes that 'it is just about an even chance whether he gets the Craven or not'. Reports that they were quite surprised at having the senior after all in Trinity. Hopes that Barker will conform, and states that Jebb was in good spirits and reading hard. Recounts that [Richard Shilleto?] 'reports favourably of his freshness', but is not very strong in health.

Refers to the fact that Young was at Eton with [Smijth?] Windham, and asks if he thinks he is 'MAD, or only mad.' Declares that 'Wilson is convinced he was a lunatic', but every other Eton man Sidgwick has seen states the idea to be ludicrous.

Relates a conversation he had while dining at Merton College, Oxford. States that he thinks the speeches, especially Coleridge's 'disgraceful'. Wishes that he were at Oxford, because 'they are always having exciting controversies which keep them alive.' Relates that Jowett and his foes divide the [attention] of the common rooms with Mansel and Goldwin Smith. Reports that he has just read 'G. S.' "Rational Religion" ', which, he claims, 'seems smashing', but over-controversial. States that '[p]eople consider Mansel's chance of a bishopric as lessened.' Remarks that in his view the tutors at Oxford work harder and the men less than those at Cambridge. Asks Young whether he read W.S. Clarke's Latin Oration.

Reports that he went up to Cambridge 'to have a quiet study of Auguste Comte', with whose he has rather less sympathy than before. States that he 'tried to fancy being a Positivist and adoring Guttemberg [sic], the inventor of printing, but...found the conception impossible.' Intends to go up [to Cambridge] on Saturday. States that he thinks better of Horace than most men; discerns in his works 'a good deal of a peculiar fresh humour that [ ]', but sees that it is calculated to disgust many men, and wishes Trevelyan could know it.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes that Elizabeth and Robert have got through the heavy snow in Italy, and that Ravello is warm. She and Sir George leave on Wednesday for London and hope to start for the continent on 16 January, staying at Paris for a couple of nights then reaching Milan by 21 January before travelling on to Florence, Rome, and Naples. Would be glad if Elizabeth and Robert could spend a few days with them at Naples; they will then go to Sicily for three or four weeks and stop at Ravello and La Cava [de' Tirreni] on the way back. Has been very busy packing, and is going this afternoon 'to say goodbye to poor Mrs Young'; reports that Canon [Edward Mallet] Young has died suddenly. Had a 'pleasant visit' from the Sidgwicks and Mr Whitley and have been alone since Thursday; the servants enjoyed their dance on Friday very much. The Queen [of the Netherlands]'s marriage 'seems a very pretty and natural affair'; hopes it will be very happy.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Interested in Robert's account of the 'lesser Hunt'; the only test of a game is 'personal experience'; nobody would think that baseball could become the 'national sport of America' judging only from a written account. Would like to be with Robert at Seatoller, and take the sort of walks he did with Edward Young, Arthur Humphreys, and Henry Sidgwick; 'it is good to have such friends in one's own sons'. Has just been to London to be sworn in a Privy Councillor before the new King, who wears his naval uniform which is 'very effective for a King of England'. Glad Robert took Bessy to the Japanese Exhibition [the Japan–British Exhibition at White City]; looks forward to seeing the Oriental paintings at the British Museum.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - The hard weather has 'carried off quite a group of [Sir George's] old London friends', leaving the same sort of gap as was left in his college circle by the deaths of Bowen, [Henry] Sidgwick and Edward Young. Goschen, Davey, Godfrey Lushington, and Allendale ([Wentworth] Beaumont) have all died within about a fortnight. Caroline and Booa [Mary Prestwich] much enjoyed their visit to the Shiffolds and meeting Paul. Was very lucky not to break his hip; is still lame. The Lords have 'a reform bill of their own House'; the "Times" seems not to think this is the business of the Commons, which is 'all very well if the same theory is adopted reciprocally' but they threw out the Plural Voting bill last year.