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'W. K. Clifford' stamped in gold on front cover, with a small oval containing the words 'Trin. Coll. Camb.' at the foot. Stamped 'John P. Gray & Son Ltd', the binders, at the top of the inside front cover; bookplate giving provenance pasted below.

Letter, 8 Oct. 1923, from Lucy Clifford to J. J. Thomson tipped in at front, on headed notepaper for 7 Chilworth Street, W.2. Sir Frederick Pollock thinks Trinity 'would care to possess this MS'; she would be very proud if this were the case, and believes her husband would have been too. Believes it was written in 1877 and published in the Fortnightly Review [in fact, it appeared in the Oct. 1977 of the Nineteenth Century; it later appeared in the collected works edited by Pollock and Leslie Stephen. This is the 'first & only copy'. Describes her husband's usual habits when writing a paper, working through the night with a few breaks to exercise with 'the Indian clubs' and always finishing 'at the last possible moment for publication'. Wishes 'his other MSS. had been saved; but I have no knowledge of them, & even his autograph is very scare owing to the fact that he seldom signed it in full. Hopes Thomson remembers their meeting last year at a dinner given by Mrs Roy Batty [Thomson's sister in law] before a Royal Institution Lecture, and their discussion of Mrs Oliphant's novels.

'XIXth Century' written in blue crayon on first sheet of the essay, perhaps relating to Pollock & Stephen's edition of Clifford's papers, published in 1879; 'R. Young' written in pencil at the top right. 'One of W. K. Clifford's MSS' written in pencil on the back of f. 2. Clifford's name and address (26 Colville Road, Bayswater) on the back of the last sheet.

Explains that she has been very busy with domestic matters. Claims to be 'more than satisfied with what Arthur has done....' Remarks that there are 'some friends in out of the way places, who seem always to think that any Cambridge man of note ought to be a Wrangler...' and claims to set them right when she can. Was glad to hear from William that Arthur looked so well, and that they all had such a pleasant time at Oxford, and wishes that she could have listened to [their] 'eloquent Professor [Henry Smith? see 99/21] behind some curtain.'

Reports that she had just had a nice letter from Annie Brown, 'in which she complains sadly of Longman for making her last book - Problems in Human Nature, so dear', and of the fact that no one has reviewed it. Asks Henry to write one, and also to lend Brown a copy of Coventry Patmore's Angel in the House. Quotes her remarks on Henry's paper on De Tocqueville. Asks if he could get an introduction to Mr Kingsley for a young man who greatly admires him, for Brown also. Asks if he has read [Margaret Oliphant's] The Chronicles of Carlingford and asks his opinion on them. Reports that she has read Deerbrook [by Harriet Martineau], and gives her thoughts on its subject, i.e., the damaging effects of the interference of a third person in the loves of others. [Incomplete].

Gratefully acknowledges receipt of her long letter [101/157]. Regrets to hear that his uncle Christopher [Sidgwick?] is going to law. In relation to ' "Colenso" ', does not expect his uncle 'to be converted to more liberal views at his time of life.' Believes that a crisis is coming on again in the Church of England, 'much like that of the Tractarians.' Discusses Colenso's book [The Pentateuch and Book of Joshua Critically Examined] in relation to the impending crisis. Regrets that no one has reviewed Miss [Anne] Brown's book. Wishes to cut his connection with the press, as it interferes with his study and does not improve his style. Declares that 'the Problems [in Human Nature' is not the kind of book he would like to write about. Undertakes to send Miss Brown 'Coventry [Patmore]'.

Confirms that he has read the Chronicles of Carlingford by Margaret Oliphant, part of which he compares with George Eliot, 'and one cannot give it higher praise, but the melodramatic element a little spoils it'. Wishes to hear his mother's views 'about Hymen [god of marriage] and the facilities for serving them', and asks if she thinks women are annoyed by the social restraints as much as men, since 'it does not appear in their books.' Says that he would like the American freedom, but doesn't suppose that she would. Discusses relations between men and women in America, compared to those in England. Declares that he is much obliged for Miss Brown's 'good opinion of [his] humble efforts'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear things 'are comfortable at Pinewood'; they hope to go there for a day in November [to see the Knutsfords] as they will probably be in London for a while to give Sir George 'a little change'. Very amused by Elizabeth's account of the church, which must have been the Irvingite [Catholic Apostolic] Church at Albury, for the sect founded by Edward Irving; describes this; Elizabeth should read Carlyle's life of Irving in his '"Reminiscences " and "Miscellanies" if she is interested; Mrs Oliphant also wrote a 'very readable life' of him. The Duke of Northumberland of the day 'was a great Irvingite'; believes 'the present family also belong to the Church'. Asks if Elizabeth saw the 'Silent Pool' at Albury, which is very pretty. Tells her they should not be in a hurry to move. Thinks it a good idea to be revaccinated if there is smallpox about. Asks what she thinks of doing about Mrs Scharlieb; good that she is stronger, but this does not mean she should not 'have the weakness put right'; Mrs Scharlieb might advise her by letter what she should do. Will be in London for a few days around 4 November; asks her to remind Robert to reply to his father's letter if he has not 'as it seems rather indifferent'; a postscript says that a reply has just arrived.

Supposes that she has returned [to Wellington College], and hopes that she is much the better for her 'compulsory immorality.' Admits that he should have written before, but explains that he has been hoping to receive the information about Arthur's paper, and that he had not got [Edward Benson's sister?] Eleanor's address. Reports that he is getting on very slowly with his work and is feeling very lazy, so 'is not in a position to give advice on doing your duty when you do not feel inclined to do it'; however, makes a few suggestions on the matter.

Reports that at Eton he was introduced to Mrs Oliphant, who was very unlike what he expected, with a Scottish accent, quiet in manner, and 'rather caustic'. Of George Eliot, states that her conversation 'is full of eager sympathy, but there is comparatively little humour in it.' Regrets that their tour could not take place.

Asks her for some of her news, and whether it would be convenient for him to visit her 'about the 23rd of July.' Explains that he is in Margate because of his hay fever, but intends to return 'to the Bosom of Civilization about the middle of the month.' Presumes that 'the solemn and official part of [her] leave-taking [of Wellington College] is over', and claims that he missed her speeches in the Times. Reports that he has been in London conducting 'the Examination of Women, and indulging in other amusements.'

Says he is attempting to write a book, 'as far as Christy Minstrels and other barbaric phenomena allow'. Reports that he subsists chiefly on 'a kind of fish called Margate Dabs...and on Miss Braddon's novels.' Has decided that the latter 'really are more improving to the mind than Mrs Henry Wood's.' Recommends May by Mrs Oliphant, and states that he considers her 'in the very first rank of novelists.' Reports that a friend of his, Mrs Cornish, has just published a novel [Alcestis], which has been quite successful. Asks how she stands the fatigues of the term, and how she likes the new, incoming Party. Claims that he hears nothing from Rugby, 'except that Kitchener meditates a flight'. Asks after Edward, and whether he has yet managed 'to arrange existence at the Chancery.'

Thanks her for writing. Sends his love to Mary. Reports that he is living up [in Cambridge] 'in much peace and prosperity now the undergraduates are gone down and [his] hayfever is kept at arm's length by a careful regimen.' Asks her when she intends to go abroad, and hopes that she will enjoy the trip. Contemplates staying in England during the long vacation, and intends to 'go North' in August to see everyone who wants to see him.

Reports that a friend of his [Edwin Charles Clark] got married the previous week, and that he wishes to find out something about his wife - Miss Kitson of Leeds - as they are going to be living in Cambridge. Reports that a book of travels by Lady Duff-Gordon has been published, and a friend of his who has had it to review has recommended it. Refers to another 'interesting book': 'Palgrave's journey across Arabia' [W. G. Palgrave's Personal Narrative of a Year's Journey through Central and Eastern Arabia (1862-1863)], and also to Miss Yonge's last novel. Of the latter, he claims that he got bored with it towards the end. Declares that Miss Oliphant's present story in Blackwood['s Magazine] 'sends [him] into fits'.

Asks his mother to tell Edward [Benson] that he was sorry he could not come to examine, and that the man who is going is a friend of his.

Glad to hear such a good account of her, and hopes that she is not thrown back by the frost. Complains about the frost in Cambridge, but states that he has had no cold. Tells her not to believe any reports that he has had an attack of the gout; reports that he has 'slightly disordered [his] system by metaphysics and neglect of exercise', and was 'obliged to lie up with an inflamed ankle in consequence'. Intends to do his six miles 'devoutly' in future. Does not know 'any book of sound information' to recommend to her. Asks if she has tried 'Palgrave's Arabia'[Personal Narrative of a Year's Journey through Central and Eastern Arabia (1862-1863)]. Asks whether she cares for novels; says that Mrs Oliphant's Agnes is worth reading. Says that it would interest him much sometime to read his old letters [as his mother suggests, see 101/170] but at present would dread it as 'there would be too many "ghosts of buried plans and phantom hopes" assembled there.'

Maintains that Ecce homo [recently published, anonymously, by J. R. Seeley] is a great work, but does not find the author's method satisfactory, 'because he passes so lightly over critical questions'. Finds the second part 'surprisingly powerful and absorbing'. The book has 'made a great sensation here. The author keeps his secret'.