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Expresses his eagerness to write in honour of Darwin [on the occasion of the publication of Francis Darwin's Life and Letters of Charles Darwin], but envisages some difficulties, viz., the papers, including the Times, being so full of Darwin 'from every point of view' that it will be difficult 'to make one's voice heard.' Presumes that [J. T. ?] Knowles and others have already arranged for reviews. Refers to Darwin's own autobiography, and suggests that any review should merely say 'read it'. Remarks that F[rancis] Darwin 'may be quite sure that the book has intrinsic interest enough to dispense with any [puffing] or interpreting.' Undertakes to read the book at once, and consider what he can do. Complains of '[t]hat accursed dictionary [of National Biography]', which he describes as a treadmill, but claims that he is getting into a sort of routine, which will give him time to do other things. Claims that he is always trying to get to Cambridge to see his boy [his step-son George Duckworth] there, but doesn't often succeed; hopes to be there one day during the term, and promises to make an effort to see Sidgwick. Expresses his [and Mrs Stephen's) gladness that [Arthur?] Balfour is convalescing.

The Hollies, Clapham Common, S.W.—Is distressed to hear how ill Clifford is. All at the Metaphysical Society like him, and Cardinal Manning, on hearing the news, wrote out the enclosed cheque immediately. Encloses a cheque of his own.

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Transcript

The Hollies
Clapham Common
S.W
April 26th 1876

My dear Mr Pollock

I am indeed distressed to hear how ill poor Clifford is. You are quite right in supposing that I know him well—& I like him ever better than I know him—thinking of him as one of the finest intellects & bravest natures I ever met.

We all like him at our Metaphysical Club I think—extremely—& I had a pleasant little proof of it last night when I was telling Cardinal Manning how ill he was & talking over the discussion between Clifford & himself at the last Metaphysical evening. The Cardinal was greatly touched & sorry—& begged to be allowed to do whatever I was myself going to do—by way of aiding the Fund which you are so kindly collecting. I was quite sure that if Clifford did come to know of this eagerness & forwardness of Manning’s it would be a great pleasure to him & undertook to send to you the enclosed cheque for £10 from the Cardinal—which he wrote in my name rather than in Clifford’s out of a feeling of delicacy.

He went away with me from the midst of a great reception he was holding to give me this at once—& if our Metaphysical Society does nothing else but encourage the sort of kind & friendly feelings thus shown I think & hope it will not have existed in vain.

I enclose my own cheque for £10–10 & shall be greatly obliged to you if you will let me know whether any more would be desirable or necessary.
With thanks to yourself for writing to me

I am
[…] {1}
James Knowles

To / F. Pollock Esq

I have crossed the Cardinal’s cheque for greater security—& I think it ought to have a 1d stamp put on it—ought it not?

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Black-edged paper.

{1} There are two indistinct words here.

Combe Bank, Sevenoaks.—The Moultons and Spottiswoode have arrived. Is unsure when he will be home tomorrow. Has received £10 from Knowles for his contribution to the ‘Symposium’.

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Transcript

Combe Bank, Sevenoaks
Thursday

My own sweet pet—we started off to Sevenoaks, Hughie and I, to post my letter to you that it might arrive sooner; but when the rain began to fall we fled into a public house for shelter and so got late. Then we went to meet the Moultons and Mr Spottiswoode at the Station and they were all in great form including Bibs. {1} That thunderstorm was caused by the great induction coil which took advantage of Mr Spottiswoode’s absence to get loose and play general hell. Moulton & I have been playing billiards—I won one game he won by dint of perpetual flukes & misses on both sides. Now we are going out for a walk, and I will finish my letter when I come back; then I shall be able to say what train I shall come by tomorrow. M. goes up early to a consultation, so I shall come with Mrs M. and Bibbs, later on.

I find it isn’t quite settled about the train yet, but you had better not expect me much before dinner time unless you get a telegram. I have forgotten to tell you the great news—£10 from Knowles for the Symposium! Hooray! I wish you had been here with me both for the reasons I have previously mentioned and because I cannot shine and fascinate anybody without you to help. That is because you are such a darling. Cyril sends his love, and I send all mine only you have got it already. Your most loving old man

Willi.

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{1} The Moultons’ baby, Hugh.

Is 'out of reach of the bulk of [his] books, not to mention the Athenaeum and the London Library' but says there is 'a good deal about the Metaphysical Society up and down various recent memoirs': mentions Leslie Stephen's life of James Fitzjames Stephen and Wilfrid Ward's book about his father W.G. Ward. Sees no reason why Sir James Knowles, who has the minute book of the society, should not be willing to let Nora see it. States that Shadworth Hodgson is about the only living person who was an active member before he [Pollock] joined the society. Does not think that there is much relevant information on it in Huxley's biography, but suggests that it would be worthwhile to look. States that Dr Martineau was the last chairman of the society.

Remarks that it was surprising that its members stayed together for so long, and states that the Synthetic Society is 'a kind of modified revival of it.' Does not believe that Henry Sidgwick came to the society's meetings often during Pollock's time, but states that he had many better opportunities for discussion with him outside the society. Relates that at one time Knowles 'thought or preferred to think the [society] was going to define the fundamental terms of philosophy and prepare the way for a general agreement', and states that the members certainly were not up to such a task. Refers also to a plan that he and Henry had around 1897 to set up 'a smaller speculative club or brother-hood with enough common tendency to hold it together but no dogmas', but it came to nothing. Is glad that Nora liked his review [of Henry's The Development of European Polity]; states that he was especially impressed by 'the excellence of the medieval part.' Adds that 'the Society was intended to satisfy Tennyson concerning the immortality of the soul', and states that he believes that the latter attended one meeting.

Informs Sidgwick that Sir John [Lubbock's] paper 'on the "moral condition of the lower races of man"' is scheduled for Wednesday 12 January at 8.30pm. Asks him to let him know if he wishes to dine with the Metaphysical Society at 6.30. Approves of the subject proposed by Sidgwick for a paper, and asks him if it would be convenient for him to read it in March or April.