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Written on the occasion of the death of [Mrs Sidgwick's brother, F.M. Balfour] in a climbing accident. States his intention of attempting to answer Sidgwick's question frankly and as clearly as possible. Announces that he is beginning to think 'all this mountaineering indefensible, but stresses that he should not blame either Balfour or himself for not having thought so 'before these terrible accidents.' Discusses the difficulty of laying down precise rules [in relation to mountaineering], and refers to papers he wrote for the Alpine Journal, in which he advised caution. Refers to Mather's and B[ ]'s letter. Discusses the relative merits of guides, and observes that they were more relied upon in the past. Explains that his wife does not wish to trouble Mrs Sidgwick with any expression of sympathy, but assures Sidgwick that she has been constantly thinking of her. States that his natural impulse would lead him to ask Mrs Sidgwick's forgiveness, but acknowledges 'the uselessness of saying anything of that kind.'

Proposals of Hobbs & Co. discussed under two headings: those referring 'to the protection of Cockerell's building' and those referring 'to the protection of the newer portion of the Library'. Cost of proposals given. Signatures of W. Aldis Wright, J. W. Clark, F. M. Balfour.

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.

Refers to Sidgwick's use of the phrase 'cosmic emotion' at breakfast in his rooms 'some time before /71', and to Ruskin's shortening of 'cosmopolitanism' with regard to a universal society or city of man. Remarks on [Francis?] Balfour's speculation on evolution, and his attitude thereto. Reports having 'a fine talk over Hutton the other day' and expresses the wish that Sidgwick had been there.

Points out two mistakes in Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir; one being on page 115, which states that Kegan Paul was Rector of Bailie, Wimborne. Explains that Bailie was the name of the town in which he lived, and that he was actually Rector of Sturminster Marshall. Also points out that Nora's brother Frank Balfour died on the Aiguille Blanche, and not on the slopes of Mont Blanc.

Reports that Frank Balfour 'has been for some days in severe fever', and typhoid has been suspected. Claims that some improvement has latterly taken place, and that the pain has somewhat subsided. Refers to the compilation of complaints at Crescent Villa, which they heard about just before Balfour's illness. Hopes that they are all well. Reports that he has seen Arthur [Benson?], and that the same afternoon he came Miss E[llie] Hopkins also called, and absorbed Henry's conversation. Asks her to ask Edward to vote for A.V. Dicey if he should be in the Athenaeum Club between 4 and 6 pm on 20 February. Reports that all is well in Newnham, and that Miss Gladstone is going to be the next Vice President. Explains that it is not yet formally settled, and asks her not to talk of it.

Writes on the occasion of the death of Sidgwick's brother-in-law, Francis Maitland Balfour. Assumes that Sidgwick will not send his MS that week and informs him that it will reach him in time if send by the middle of August to an address in Aberdeen. Also states that the review of 'Stephen' could also be sent to that address. Of Balfour, he says that he never met a man who charmed him more than he; that the loss to science is 'simply incalculable'. Sends his regrets to the family.

Reaction to the news that Henry Sidgwick is to be married; delighted for him and eager to hear more. Proclaims her recent conversion to 'real belief' in Jesus Christ. Sends on 'warmest love' from Edward Benson, who reports that 'Mr Balfour' [Arthur or Frank?], the brother of Sidgwick's fiancée, 'had the rooms he had.' Encloses an item for her [not included].

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, the news of which, he claims, was a great shock to him and a great source of sorrow. Refers to the death of Frank Balfour as 'a loss to the University which has never been repaired.' States that in Henry Cambridge University has lost 'one whose qualities were singularly valuable to her', and refers to his contribution to the study of philosophy. Suggests that the few obituary notices of Henry that he has read 'must have been written by persons who did not know [him] personally', lacking as they are in references to 'his personal charm [and] his delightful wit and humour'. Relates that in the Erasmus Society for the last seven or eight years he saw Henry 'intimately and conceived for him that affectionate regard which he won from all who were thus privileged to know him.' Sends also the sympathies of his wife.

He and Nora intend to go to Whittinghame on the following Friday, the funeral [of his brother-in-law, Francis Maitland Balfour] being on Saturday. Asks Myers to let him know whether he has had success, and whether 'both Miss Mason and the children stay over Monday.' Refers to C. Cunningham's letter in the Times in relation to Balfour's accident.

29 Beaufort Str[eet], Chelsea. - Hears that Marsh has done well [in his civil service exams] but not 'what particular function' - colonial, military, or financial, he will choose; hopes he is 'satisfied and happy'. Sorry that Marsh could not come to Wallington, and hopes he has good hunting and fishing in Scotland. Asks what he thinks of the Czar; would like to meet 'a live deer-stalking tyrant'. Has taken Copse Cottage, near Friday's Hill [home of the Pearsall Smiths]; Bertie and Alys [Russell] left for America today, and Logan is soon leaving for Italy, so Bob will be glad of occasional company. Intends to hire a piano for Marsh and [G.E.] Moore; has four bedrooms, three sitting rooms and four sculleries. Tells Marsh to return from Scotland 'not too religious, and... without loosing [sic] your artistic instinct' as he is 'required as a patron and lover of young art to guarantee a guinea of the... fund for Roger [Fry's] exhibition at Cambridge, which will include works by Conder, Ricket[t]s, Shannon, Steer, W[alter] Sickert, Rothenstein, Maccoll, Savage, Houseman and Tonks [emphasised]. Also wants Marsh to get [Desmond] MacCarthy and [? Francis] Balfour, for whom he himself does not have addeses, to contribute; promises to do so should be sent to A[rthur] E[verett] Shipley at Christs [College Cambridge]. Has been writing letters all morning, imagining what he will look like in the new frock-coat which he is having made for the wedding of Roger [Fry] and Helen [Coombe], at which he is to be best man.

Thanks Sidgwick for the notes about her husband's 'earlier days', which he sent to her. Remarks that her husband spoke little of those times, but that she has been reading his Rugby letters to his father and sisters. Claims that Sidgwick's reminiscences 'will be very valuable in preparing a biographical sketch.' On her return to Oxford the following week she intends to go over the manuscripts with R. L. Nettleship and W. A. Bradley, 'with a view to the publication of lectures, not actually prepared for publication.' Announces that The Prolegomena to Ethics will be going through the press 'at once', and should be out in the Autumn. Expresses her sympathy for Sidgwick and his wife in their 'great sorrow' [the death of Nora Sidgwick's brother F. M. Balfour in a climbing accident].

[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.

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.

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'.

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.'

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.

Refers to the letter she received from him as 'a precious light'. Claims that it assisted her with her plans for the institution of a scheme to benefit to poor students. Agrees the 'condition of the Laboratory' to be all-important, and that consideration of the Land in Society should be excluded. Asks Sidgwick for further advice, now that the 'right path' has been struck out. Reports that she is not yet seeing even intimate friends, but is prepared to meet those who can aid her with her project. Refers to the question of which university or college offers the best machinery for the purpose, and also what conditions should be fixed 'as checks on the idle abuse of the studentship'. Expresses the hope that Sidgwick, Professor Stuart, Dr Foster or Frank Balfour will give her some advice when they come to town, and gives details of her availability.