Fairlawn, Bearsden, Dumbartonshire - Discusses the arrangements being made about her father [Baldwin Spencer's] papers and collections: photographs sent to Mr [L. C. G.] Clarke at Cambridge and the papers and letters with them to [G. J.?] Heath c/o Macmillan's; is not sure Sir James meant for her to keep her father's letters; [Henry] Balfour is giving them a chapter, and has picked out some things for the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the rest are going to Melbourne; L. Dudley Buxton has 'seldom or never examined specimens of so great an importance in my life'; she is pleased, and is pleased for Miss Hamilton, who went to such effort to get the collection back home; hopes Sir James will give some pages for the book [of selected letters]; Miss Hamilton has sailed to Australia but will return in June; her elder son [Alastair] has had measles; is going to France for the holidays, has been down to Gare Loch.
Woodside, Cove, Dumbartonshire - Has heard from Dr Marett that Frazer has sent a chapter from Lausanne [for 'Spencer's Scientific Correspondence with Sir J G Frazer and Others']; her father [Baldwin Spencer] would have been pleased; her husband bought the Baremman estate at Gare Loch a few months ago.
Written on the death of Edward Blore. Accompanied by a clipping of a poem written by Denman, "Our Father" written by the deathbed of his daughter.
Two letters.
Two letters.
Announces that he thinks he need not dine at the Savile Club on Wednesday, and that he has arranged with [Charles Kegan?] Paul to 'drop in there about 6.15, see O[ ], and ask him to one séance', after which they can decide if they will go on with him. Tells Myers to arrange for him as he finds fitting.
States that Myers' news was 'very cheering', but that he had hoped for some more that morning. Reports that the P[ettys: mediums at Newcastle] 'have not come up to the mark'. Remarks that the 'new complication about the girls makes the prospects of [their] visit in the winter more interesting.' Asks about a [fraudulent] séance, which was attended by Myers and Rankin and others. Announces that his attic will be ready 'on the 27th', and that he shall be in Cambridge that Sunday. States that they 'will entertain a select party of friends.' Adds that if Myers should dislike the attic, suggests that B[ ] might be willing to make some sort of arrangement with him about his rooms. Sends his regards to the [Bernard?] Hollands.
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.
Complains about the demand made by Mr and Mrs Petty [the latter being a medium] to [and Myers] to be paid 'P's expenses and compensation for loss of time plus the £50 for six months.' Sets out arguments for and against the payment. Asks for Myers' opinion on the matter. Suggests that he could still offer 'a fixed weekly payment rather higher...or ask them to name the sum'.
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.
Claims that he opened 'the enclosed [not included] after much hesitation', as he thought that it might contain something that he ought to know at once. Refers to Myers' brother's letter, which conveyed the news that [Myers] had been conferred with an 'H.M.[E.]S.' Claims that he would have congratulated Myers if it had been at any other time. Reports that everything goes on well. Thinks that Petty will accept the offer, limiting them to five nights a week. Reports that Mrs Petty was the medium the previous night, the [test] 'being a thread through his ear sealed close to the ear and sealed to the ground.' Reports that the ghosts of two women appeared - 'Emma', and 'Minnie', the latter being the sister of Frank Hare. States that the Hares said that the face of 'Minnie' was 'sufficiently like', but states that he 'could not affirm that it was not like the medium.' Reports that the seals were perfect, and no knot in the thread. Reports that before she went in 'there had been a [tentative] with William, through whom "Chico" wrote the enclosed [not included]', and that the writing 'was said to be direct', but that they believe him to have used the medium's hand. States that he is grateful to Myers' brother for his letter, and asks if he shall come as Myers' substitute in London.
Hopes to see Myers on Tuesday afternoon, when Sidgwick undertakes to return his letter to him. Referring to Myers' 'experience', declares that 'the coincidence of the name and the [ ] is certainly remarkable.' Does not agree with him, however, that the name is an unusual one for a refined person. Remarks that 'one would be glad of more evidence if it could in any way be obtained: [viz.] either a fuller communication or some indirect evidence of supernormal powers.' Announces that they have settled 'about the Council'; that Hartley is to be proposed for election at the meeting, and Sidgwick is to propose B[ ]worth for cooptation.
Thinks the stanzas 'very impressive and decidedly such as should be published.' Remarks, however, that he finds them 'a little too deliberate', and that in the last stanza 'the ingenuity seems...somewhat to refrigerate the pathos. Also refers to 'the accent of Promethean'. Reports that Myers' letter has come; states that he 'joy[s] in [Myers'] joy and in the wonderful fashioning of destiny to this harmonious result.' Expresses a desire to see Myers' 'betrothed'. Announces that he shall be in London on 13 January, 'and shall talk things over...with E[dmund] G[urney]' Asks when he shall be back. States that they shall pass through on 20 and 24 January.
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.
Expresses his reluctance to involve the Society for Psychical Research with the Theosophic Society [by giving them the use of their room], and draws a comparison to their 'mixture with the C.A.S.' Does not, however, see how they can 'refuse the offer without giving offence. States that if Stone does object, he should agree. Voices his objection to bringing forward stories of premonitions, 'before [they] have got the Phantasms of the living off [their] hands.' Believes that the [ ] or d'Assier, 'enlivened with stories, will be enough besides experiments of [their] own'. In relation to experiments, believes that they 'certainly ought to make an offer to Bishop' and that 'if nothing is done Labouchère and the sceptics have the best of it'. Remarks that, having read Bishop's letter in the Times that day, he gets the impression 'that the man is a charlatan'.
Regrets to report that the household [in Davos Platz, Switzerland] is rather sad; that 'J.A.S[ymonds] is not well and there is great anxiety about Janet, whose state is very critical'. Reports also that there are 'great searchings of heart as to the wisdom of having burnt ships and built [in] this strange and [ ] land'. Hopes that Myers feels 'in the "right way" as an F.T.S'.
Refers to the Maines, and the fact that he had not yet asked them. States that he prefers to observe his general rule of not obtruding the Society for Psychical Research on his friends. Asks Myers to tell Mrs Tennant [Gertrude Tennant, Myers' mother in law?] that he cannot accept her kind invitation, as he has an engagement on Thursday evening.
Announces that it is '[a]ll right about Graham', and that they can regard it as a delegation, but they must let [Oscar?] Browning have the names. Reports that he has been reading Myers' proof, which seems to him 'quite the right thing', but suggests some additions and emendations. Claims that 'the previous Report of the Literary Committee affirmed unhesitatingly the existence of telepathic impressions', whereas [Myers' report] apparently treats this question as open.' States the necessity of reconciling the position of the former report with that of the new one. Also suggests some alterations to certain phrases used within the report. Reports that the lecture was 'fairly successful: so far as [Sidgwick] and Gurney [could] judge.' States that he [sent] [Gurney] Podmore's proposal, which he approves.
Thanks him for his letter. Thinks that he must come back [to England from Switzerland]. Explains that he has agreed to put his name on the Unionist Liberal Committee, and would feel that he 'had not acted up to [his] principles' if he did not turn up to vote [in the General Election]' Requests him to send a telegram 'as soon as the day is known', and gives directions in relation to the address to which it should be sent. Reports that they are having a good time, and that J A. S[ymonds] and his three younger daughters are well. States however, that 'they have hardly any hope' in relation to Janet [Symonds' eldest daughter, very ill with tuberculosis].
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.
Refers to '[t]he enclosed' [not included], which, he claims, will show Myers 'that the Plot thickens'. Reports that, on receipt of Myers' letter, he wrote at once to Mrs Fay, proposing the following Sunday, but offering 2 August as an alternative. Intends to go and see her on Thursday afternoon. Suggests that Myers should go up early on Thursday to advise him. Declares that he is not surprised that Myers wants to go to Hallsteads [home of Annie and Walter Marshall] at once. Claims that he does not care for Livingstone.