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Announces that he shall be in Cambridge on both 25 March and 1 April, but does not know whether the Ad Eundem will be on the one day or the other. Refers to Myers' 'munificent [ ]', and states that his mother did talk of giving him a watch, but that he has not been counting on it. Thinks that the week of his marriage [to Nora Balfour] has now been fixed as the week before Passion week. Hopes that there will be only a few of their friends, including Myers, 'bored by the ceremony'. Sends his kindest remembrances to all. Reports that he has just come back from Rugby 'where the Quartette has been very nice.' Adds that he is glad to hear f[ ] accounts of the K.

Confirms that they [he and Nora?] will be at 'U.C.G.' on Saturday by 8.15, 'and will be ready for any arrangements.' Refers to the regulation of ' "one only" ', which he holds to be 'in every way objectionable', and thinks it desirable that it be removed if possible.

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.'

Refers to 'the remodelled review', which, he claims, is all that he should desire or deserve. Claims that he is keeping it a few days to see if his wife can find time to read it, but explains that the latter is much distracted at present with Newnham affairs. Doubts that desirability of answering the review in the American Journal of Psychology, 'as the writer makes so much of the [Creevys], and claims that nothing that they could say 'would be particularly effective...' Suggests that if Myers has some time on his hands now, that he might write a review of The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin [published in 1887; edited by Francis Darwin]. Remarks that 'Frank D. does not want the reviewing to be entirely done from the scientific point of view', and think that the latter would be glad to hear that Myers were thinking of reviewing the work.

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 went to Leckhampton that afternoon to tell Myers his news in person, but since he was away he 'must write'. Explains that he has an organic disorder of the bowels, which an expert said 'more than a fortnight ago' requires an operation. On his Cambridge doctor's advice, he is going to see the specialist again tomorrow, who may advise an operation at once. The probabilities are that he will survive the operation, but it is uncertain as to how long he will live after it; adds that 'it will be only an invalid halflife.'

Had hoped until today to defer giving Myers the news until after his brother's visit [Ernest Myers was due to be visiting the Sidgwicks], since he has 'shrunk from grieving those who love [him]', but today he is telling 'brothers and sisters' [presumably his and Nora's], 'and one or two intimate friends.' Asks Myers to tell no one. States that he and Nora may have to 'put [their] visitors off', but that if everything goes ahead as arranged he envisages that he shall probably go to the Synthetic [Society], but not to the dinner. Declares that life is now 'very strange' and 'very terrible', but that he tries to 'meet it like a man, [his] beloved wife aiding [him].' Says he is holding, or trying to hold on 'to duty and love; and through love to touch the greater hope'. Acknowledges that the letter 'may be farewell', and declares that Myers' friendship has had 'a great place' in his life; as he 'walk[s] through the Valley of the Shadow of Death' he feels Myers' affection. Asks him to pray for him.

Reports on the burial of his brother-in-law Francis Maitland Balfour, who died in a climbing accident in the Alps. Writes that they 'have just laid the coffin in the earth...on high ground within a cluster of trees', where his wife took him six years ago to show him her mother's grave. Speaks of the privilege he feels in being associated with the Balfour family for the past six years; says that family life 'can never again be what it has been'. Regarding the possibility of eternal life, says that he has 'no faith like [Myers'], but is 'glad that at least the funeral service is not so alien' to him as it was.; today he felt it to be 'symbolic, interpreted by the words of the Apostle, who to-day seemed to have known more than the churches understood - or perhaps he was inspired by one who knew more'.

Announces that he and Nora intend to return to Cambridge the following night. Adds that Rayleigh is going back then, and that they shall stay at 5 Salisbury Villas. Asks Myers to write to him there the following night to let him know how things have gone since he last wrote. Expresses his desire to join in any experiment that Myers, if he has been successful, may make on Monday. Asks him also to indicate when they may conveniently meet on Monday. Expects to be in Trinity or Newnham 'a good deal of the day.' Adds that he will look for Miss Mason's MS when he gets to Cambridge.

Reports that he has found, and encloses, Myers' former letter to R[ ] [not included]. Remarks that his concern for the health of Myers' family is 'touching - and absurd', and that what he says about the difficulty of painting or papering is not surprising to him. Relates his and Nora's experience with their own house, in relation to papering. Declares what R[ ] says in relation to health to be 'ludicrous', as was his opinion with regard to the habitableness of a building like Myers' on 'the driest of dry March days'.

States that he likes the lines to Stanley much, but claims still to have doubts about 'the "[Sceptic] [ ]" '. Expresses their desire to see Myers and his wife, and asks when they will come to visit. Asks him if he would like their furniture 'sent to Q[ueen] A[nne's] Mansions', and asks him about his preference as regards the colour of seats of chairs.

Reports that they [he and Nora] have read Myers' letter 'with [thinking] interest', and remarks that '[t]he plot thickens into density quite unexpected.' Feels that he [HS] 'certainly must give S. some more trial.' Asks Myers to arrange for the following Wednesday. States that he shall be in town on Tuesday, but has proposed to go with [R.H.?] Hutton then. Adds 'unless [Myers] and H[ ] have found him out [that day]'.

Discusses the séance referred to in a previous letter [100/267], and refers to the weight in the hammock, and to Miss Wood having gone into the cabinet with a chair. Announces that he goes to Newcastle the following day. States that he and the Balfours [Arthur and Eleanor?] think that he [Sidgwick] ought to explain to Blake, Armstrong and the mediums that they must have the right of search 'à discretion, and break off if refused'. Wishes to know Myers' and Gurney's opinion on the matter. Announces that he goes on Thursday 5 August to stay with 'JEX [Blake?]' in Grasmere, and then on to Oldchurch, where he is to meet Myers. Refers to the cost of the media, which he declares was 'not dear.' Adds that the Hollands will come to Cambridge 'for about 4 days', and that St. George Mivart would like to come 'for a day or two'.

States that 'the watch spoken of by the prophet would be highly acceptable', but that his mother 'has other ideas' [for a wedding present]. Supposes that Myers is coming to Cambridge, and informs him of his movements over the next week or so. Reports that they have not yet got over the shock of Lord Salisbury's speech [introducing a Bill to set up a commission to reorganise the colleges and university of Oxford along lines favoured by Sidgwick and other Cambridge Liberals], and suggests that the latter does not know what academic conservatism is, or does not care; perhaps 'Oxford Conservatives are unlike Cambridge ones.' Has 'nothing to do but suppress [his] exultation and see what turns up'. Announces that Arthur Balfour 'is expected daily now'. Reports that Nora is staying that night with the Marquis [of Salisbury], but Sidgwick is afraid that 'he won't talk to her about University Reform'. Hopes that Myers' brother [Arthur?] 'is still convalescing'.

Refers to a matter that they had discussed previously, and expresses his regret 'at the bubble bursting.' In relation to Slade, suggests that if Myers still feels confidence in him he had better subscribe 'to the defence fund'; he and Nora cannot, as although they believe that the sentence was contrary to the principles of justice, their 'private conviction that [Slade] sometimes cheats is so strong' that they cannot bring themselves to abandon their attitude of neutrality. Invites Myers to dine with them on 16 November.

Source unknown.

Sends her the names of some of Turgenief's novels, which he has praised. Refers to Liza, Fathers and Sons, and Smoke, which have all been translated into English. Lists some that have been translated into French: Étranges Histoires, [ [ ] and Mémoires d'un Seigneur Russe. Adds that he forgot to ask her that morning before he left her, whether her brother Frank [Balfour] 'is now, or is likely to be soon, in London', and asks her for his address. Explains that he has been hoping to see him to compare notes about Finland.

Thanks her and Henry for their gift of a book stand, which Bryce's sister [Mary or Catherine?] informs him arrived at B[ ] Square since he left the previous Monday. Explains that he and his wife are in Cumberland for four or five days [on their honeymoon?], 'before going to the further parts of Tyrol.'

Has been thinking a great deal about Nora over the past few months, 'with love and admiration', and is glad to hear from Th[omas?] that she is 'going to have some change of scene and interest.' Advises her to take all the rest of mind and body she possible can. Refers to the fact that Nora is gathering materials such as letter and papers with the intention of writing a memoir of Henry. Says that she herself has kept many of Henry's letters, and offers to send them to Nora at once. States that they might not meet again, but that their intercourse 'has been a highly valued privilege'. Adds that she hopes to go to Oxford in February, and that Arthur has kindly been giving her accounts of Nora.

Refers to her 'nice long letter', which he received two weeks previously, and sends on the thanks of Maggie and Frances [his wife and daughter] for all Nora's good wishes and for the pleasure her letter gave them. Hopes that she is well, and remarks that from her description of her life it seems to him that she is comfortable. Remarks also on the 'solemn and momentous incidents' that have occurred since she wrote to him, including [the deaths of] Creighton, Frederick Myers and the Queen. Adds that they all agree that her brother [Arthur Balfour]'s words 'were the noblest of all' [in relation to the Queen's death.]

Says that he is going to get a new map of Egypt [where Nora is travelling?], so that they 'may sit on that high place and see those sunsets - and the line of the mighty river and the E[ ] plain and the distant mountains.' States that he is also going soon to Oxford when Arthur [Sidgwick] 'has settled down and is ready' for him; wishes that 'something [could] be done to release [Arthur] from some of his work'. Wishes he knew what Henry would have advised him to do. Refers to the explanatory note on the numbers of Henry's letters, which he sends on a separate page [included].

Acknowledges receipt of Nora's note and a book, which he must have lent to Henry forty-two years previously. Reports that he found far fewer letters by Henry in his files than he expected; has had those he found typed to send the copies to Arthur. Congratulates Nora 'on the New Prime Minister' - [her brother, Arthur Balfour], and adds that it is 'very right that that position should be held by a Trinity man.' Hopes that she 'and the girls flourish at Newnham', and states that he remembers his stay there with great pleasure.

Expresses his gratitude to her for letting him see 'these two letters', which he says are of great interest. States that the dated letter 'expresses views upon a subject upon which [he believes] there is no published view of Maitland's views', International Law. Has taken copies of the letters.

Thanks Nora for sending her her [Green's] husband' letters: he wrote so few letters that she values the ones that do exist all the more. Declares that she very much enjoyed reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, and that it seems to her 'a most vivid picture" of Henry. Remarks that one thing that struck her was 'his wonderful patience and gentleness with those who differed from him.' Has just heard that Miss Maitland has died: it is a great loss to Somerville. Is staying near the Vaughans for a fortnight; Madge has recovered well after the birth of her son David. Hopes that Nora will have a good rest.

Thanks her for sending him a copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which he is reading 'with the greatest interest'. Congratulates her and her 'collaborator' [Arthur Sidgwick] on 'the success with which a most striking and delightful personality is recalled'. He met Henry often when he [Hales] was in residence as a Fellow of Christ's College, and always looks back to the talks he then enjoyed with him and with Professor Seeley 'as amongst the dearest privileges of [his] life'. When he [Hales] was put on the Syndicate 'for considering whether girls should be admitted to the Local [Examinations]' Henry often called to see him to discuss the matter; his own view, in favour of admission, owed much to Henry's encouragement. Adds that Henry was 'the leading and moving spirit of the progressive movements of those days, as of many days after.'

Regrets to hear she has been unwell, and hopes that she will soon be able to get about again. Is glad to hear that the life of Henry Sidgwick is soon to be published, and predicts that it will 'meet with a wide and cordial welcome'. Offers to send a longer note about him. Relates that when he was in residence as a Fellow of Christ's 'in the years '64 and '65' he and Henry 'had many walks and talks, and frequently inter-dined.' Claims that amongst 'the "dons" of that time', with whom he was acquainted, 'there was no one in any way comparable with [Henry] in intellectual vigour and acuteness, in open-mindedness, in variety of interests....' Thanks Nora for her sympathetic reference to the cause that prevented him [Hales] from lecturing at Newnham the previous term; explains that it was insomnia.

One oval portrait, wearing a long jacket and trousers, bow tie and watch and chain, seated in an ornate chair, with one arm resting on a table, with his hand on a book. Two cartes de visite: one of Henry Sidgwick, wearing a long dark jacket and light-coloured trousers, seated on a chair in front of a wall ornamented with plaster-work, with his hand resting on two books, which lie on a covered table; the second is of the head and shoulders of Henry, with a long beard and wearing a dark jacket. According to Henry Jackson [103/59], one of the cartes de visite was taken by [Jules] Guggenheim in Oxford.

Also a blank card with 'Newnham College, Cambridge' printed on it, and an envelope addressed to Nora Sidgwick, postmarked 1907-07-10.

States that he is not in favour of including the British Association address [The Scope and Method of Economic Science] 'in the same volume as the Political Economy': the latter is a 'complete whole in itself, and to combine it with a single short paper would appear to be a lop-sided arrangement.' Thinks that the address should be republished, and suggests that they might have the opportunity of talking the matter over further.

Sends her 'a brief note' of Henry Sidgwick's reviews [not included], the first of which was 'a critique of Professor [Fraser]'s edition of Berkeley, which appeared in the numbers of the Athenæum for June 17 + 24 1871.' Refers also to his reviews of Dr Leifchild's, Lord [ ]waite's, and Mr Monck's works, and to a review of Dr [Joseph Georg?] Beer's 'onslaught on Darwinism', as well as an article entitled Ethics for Undenominational schools. Sidgwick's that his last article was 'a review of Dr. Tuke's volume on the Influence of the Mind on the Body in the number for July 12, 1873.'

Has just returned from the Canaries to find a copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir awaiting him, for which he is very grateful to Nora. Had already had a copy sent to him in his 'winter quarters'; he 'read it eagerly and re-read it and went on re-re-reading.' Praises the work, and expresses the wish that he could do for Leslie Stephen what Nora has done for Henry. Supposes that she is tired of praise. Declares that the book has brought back to him 'some old days', and that the more he thinks over them the more he adores the memory of Henry. Feels that he owes to him far more than he could put into words, and that he could never tell him what he had been to him.

Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she is grateful to Nora for sending, arrived the previous day, and she is reading it 'with the greatest interest'. Declares what a privilege for her it was to have known Henry, and says that the fact that he and her father [Roden Noel] were such dear friends gives the book 'a double interest' to her. Observes that there are a lot of letters to her father included in it. Praises the portraits of Henry in the book. Looks forward to seeing Nora the following Saturday, and adds the arrival time of the train that she proposes to travel by.

States that he has greatly enjoyed reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir. It is right that it should be published: while some eminent men who have written books 'disappoint in their biographies', Henry's books 'did very far from present him fully', and 'the biography gives the charm of his conversation and personality happily.' It makes him feels that he wishes he had known him better than he had. Refers to Henry's position in regard to matters of faith and his fairness of judgment.; would have liked to have known more of Henry's attitude to Christianity. Refers to the 'last months', and declares the letters of that time to be 'especially remarkable even from a literary point of view for sincerity and the perfect expression of true and vivid feeling.' Trusts that [Arthur] Balfour 'will get much good from this short rest.'

Lists some 'problems to be solved' in relation to the memoir of Henry Sidgwick: dates of letters, articles etc. Some emendations in red ink.

Reports that Ryland Adkins has been staying in Oxford for a political dinner, and mentioned that he had been reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir 'with the greatest possible interest', and that an aunt of his had also been reading it 'with the keenest interest within quite a few days of her death.'