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(The salutation has been altered from ‘My dearests all’.)

Refers to a letter from von Hügel some months previously on the subject of Sidgwick's' 'little book on the History of Ethics'. Explains that he did not reply because he miscalculated the time it would take him to finish his book on politics on which he was at that time working, and reports that he has only just sent it to the publisher. Explains that he is about to leave for a holiday in Switzerland, and assures von Hügel that his letter has not been discarded. States that the two points which von Hügel chiefly criticised in the book 'were both of much interest'; one of them being the contrast Sidgwick drew 'between Christian and pre-Christian civilisation in respect of religious persecution.' Assures him that he had no intention of making any charge against Christianity, and refers to Plato's advocacy of such persecution, as well as to the persecutions of the Roman Empire, and to Tacitus' thoughts on the subject. The other point to which von Hügel had referred was in relation to 'the vagaries of Luther and Calvin in sexual matters'. Admits that he ought to have said something about this, and explains that he did not mention it because he felt that he should 'maintain a severe reserve [on] the whole subject of sexual morality.' Claims that the relation of Christianity to this area of human life is a matter of extreme interest to him, and intends to add 'at least a few sentences' on the matter whenever another edition of his book is called for. Refers to another minor criticism, which von Hügel made in relation to the content of the book

Announces that he has undertaken to write a short life of his brother [J.F. Stephen], and is beginning to get together a few materials. Would like to know something about his career as an Apostle. Being unaware of the record-keeping practices of the society, and asks Sidgwick to inform him of the name of the person to whom he should apply in relation to this matter. Expresses his deep regret at the news of Robertson Smith's death.

Marshall writes that he had noticed how tired and ill Sidgwick was looking when he saw him a few days ago. Mentions a note from Maitland. Expresses his admiration and affection for Sidgwick which began during Marshall's early days at Cambridge.

Headed notepaper, 'Parliamentary Borough of Dewsbury. Bye Election 1908. Candidature of the Right. Hon. Walter Runciman'.

Volume of letters from a number of correspondents, who are represented by one or two letters each. Many of the correspondents are identified at the top of the page on which the letter is mounted, in the form of an autograph book.

5 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 . - Thanks Bob for the 'lovely poems' [in this year's "From the Shiffolds"], especially the memorial to [Goldsworthy] Lowes Dickinson. Hopes Bob will visit the Lynds soon. Sends new year's greetings to the Trevelyans from 'Sylvain of Fossewood [?] & his Gt Grandparents strictly Honorary & Infatuated'.

19 Lord North Street, Westminster, London. - Kind of Trevelyan to send his "[From the] Shiffolds" poems, which have 'all the nostalgia we must feel who have known that other world'; but as he notes 'Sorrow vanishes, the joy endures'; hopes that will be true for the grandson to whom that is addressed and for all the 'young born now'; also hopes 1945 will be 'better for all'. Hears that Mary [Berenson] is 'fading away': Ben Nicolson, Harold's son, who has been to stay at I Tatti for four days, writes that she is 'pale & still beautiful... her mind quite clear'.

The Mill House, Westcot [sic: Westcott], Dorking. - Apologises for not writing sooner; found [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson with the Frys and brought him back to sleep as there was not room at their house; he left before lunch then Bob spent the afternoon with the Frys. They went for a walk; the country looks 'delicious' and they saw lots of lambs 'who had just come into the world and seemed very pleased to be there'. Will send her a copy of the "Speaker" with one of his poems in it; it is almost the first he ever wrote so she must be lenient; Fry and Dickinson 'seem to like it'; it does not record 'any personal experiences. Does not know whether they will print the translations he sent them.

Finishes the next letter next day, before his breakfast of 'eggs and Van Hoōōten [sic: Van Houten] cocoa'. Expects to spend the morning organising his books, letters and papers. Dreamt they bought a 'cheap and good linen-cupboard at a sale'. Thinks he will write soon to Mrs Pepper at Borrowdale to ask if they are likely to have the house [Seatoller] to themselves in June, which would not commit them to going there. Thinks she would like that best of all the places he knows in England and Scotland.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Very sorry about Florence, who was 'a kind friend and relation'; sure Robert and Elizabeth will settle the business resulting from her death 'wisely'. Recommends that Robert bring the will up and open it with Mr Philipson, who is the 'responsible person'; he should of course write to Dr Cacciola.

Prisoners of War, Alexandra Palace [postmark]. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending him the Annual of [New] Poetry"; especially enjoyed Trevelyan's 'Indian play' ["The Pearl Tree"] which he thinks is 'greatly improved', with the new ending being 'much more effective'. Has read little of the other poetry yet as it is hard to find quiet to concentrate on 'anything more serious than a newspaper' in the camp; the 'constant company of dozens or hundred of other people is somewhat trying at times'. Otherwise he is keeping well, and keeping his mind occupied with plenty of work. Glad to learn of Donald [Tovey]'s "health and happiness"; had heard nothing from or about him for a long time so was wondering how he was; hopes Tovey will begin to compose again, though would 'quite understand if the present times are not favourable for artistic inspirations of a peaceful nature'. His own wife nad children are currently in the country; saw them last week and 'found them well & happy'. Has 'organised a camp orchestra of over 50 members, which is constantly improving' and has 'given very creditable performances of Beethoven' and other classical works.

Thinks the enclosed Epistle is self-explanatory; should 'deposit a sealed copy in the bank' to be 'delivered to Philip Erasmus [Julian and Ursula's son] when he reaches a philosophic age', but they should look at it now to be sure 'it contains no dangerous doctrine' or that 'the metrical license and irregularity is not likely to bewilder Philip's taste and corrupt his style'. Quotes an alternative reading which Bessie prefers, mentioning George Moore. Unsure whether the 'quasi-lyrical ending is in harmony with the rest', but does not want to add anything if he can help it; already afraid it is 'scarcely worthy of its theme'. Glad Julian's show has had such a deserved success.

Wixenford, Eversley. - Will follow Mr Trevelyan's suggestions: the only time Bobbie would out of sight of a master would be while butterflying, for which boys are allowed to 'roam about at will', though only inside the grounds. Will make sure, 'without exciting any notice if possible' that Bobbie is never 'without someone strong enough to protect him'. Had had the same thoughts himself [that Bobbie may need to protection due to his father being Secretary of State for Ireland], since 'no scheme of wickedness seems too far-fetched or diabolical for these men'. Bobbie seems well, and is getting on in his work; hopes he will soon be 'altogether fit for the upper division'. Sorry to hear that Mrs Trevelyan was worried about not hearing from Bobbie as usual; has told him that his mother was disappointed and does not think he will forget again.