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Reports that the 'N.P.P.' was returned to him the previous night, and he sends her a copy of it [not included]. Declares that he enjoyed very much seeing her the previous day. Remarks that it is such a comfort, 'on this Greek question, to be able to see and to say, without reservation, how foolish and ignorant everyone is who does not agree with oneself.' States that he is glad that she is making progress with the book, [Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir] and looks forward to its publication. Desires that, through it, Henry 'should speak to a wider circle than his letters and talk could do.' Refers to Henry's humility, sympathy and intellectual power.

Invites Sidgwick 'to receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, in Edinburgh, on the 17th April 1884, at the Festival of the Tercentenary of the Foundation of the University.'

Notes: 'Letters about proof [of Henry Sidgwick, a memoir] submitted to senders of letters etc' and 'Various letters about proofs'.

Reference to: 'Dr Jackson's Notes and Dr Peiles etc', 'Notes on C[harity] O[rganisation] S[ociety]' and A.J. B[alfour]'s Note for Memoir [Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir]'.

With explanatory MS note [in Nora Sidgwick's hand]: 'Papers and Certificate concerning membership of academies - Hon. degrees etc'.

Discusses the proofs of chapters two, three and four of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she is reading a second time. States that she feels very strongly against cutting this part of the book down at all, as she believes that there is 'practically nothing...that one would not be very sorry to miss from it.' Refers to its 'interest and charm', and to Henry's sincerity and courage, as well as to 'his refusal to be satisfied either with a materialistic or merely abstract theory.' Estimates that the complete book would constitute 'two not very big volumes', and compares this to the size of other biographies, e.g., Tennyson's, J.A. Symond's, V[ ]'s letters, and Colvin's Letters of R[obert] L[ouis] S[tevenson]. Declares that the great variety of topics in the book will make it more interesting to more people. Adds that in reading the proofs she has marked things she thought to be misprints, and refers to some inconsistencies and inaccuracies. States that she is very anxious for a reference to Henry's letter 'about In Memoriam in Tennyson's Life' to be brought in somewhere in the work, and also that the account he wrote in Archbishop Benson's Life about his school days will also be included. Refers to Henry's interest in others, and in particular to a letter he wrote to her after her Tripos. Undertakes to try to send off the proofs of the second chapter the following morning.

States that since he will probably be away all Wednesday, he had better not promise to come [to see her]. Expresses the desire to see his uncle Arthur [Sidgwick] and Mr [Henry Graham] Dakyns. Referring to Henry Sidgwick's gestures, states that some were connected with his stammer, but that there were others, which added emphasis and conclusiveness. Describes one particular gesture, which involved 'a swing of the hand with the forefinger extended and the other fingers closed....'

Thanks her for sending back the letters from Henry Sidgwick. Undertakes to see if he can find any more from him, but doesn't think there are many, if any. Hopes that his uncle Arthur Sidgwick will cut back on some of his other work, of which he believes he does 'far too much', in order to devote himself to the writing of the memoir. Declares that '[t]he great desideration is that the writer should want to [write] more than anything else in the world - and everything is quickly and well done when that is behind.' Advises Nora to ask Maggie if she can find any letters, and states that there are a good many papers at [ ]. Undertakes to look there when he goes back there in August.

Sends her back the proofs of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir [not included], which, he claims, interested him greatly. States that he has 'scribbled a few scattered criticisms and corrections at the side', but assures her that they are very few. Remarks that he likes 'the semi-autobiographical plan' very much, but declares that the letters 'don't give a rich enough picture of his mind.' Adds that he thought that at some points the explanatory matter was a little too technical, especially in relation to the higher education of women. States that he appended to the last sheets 'a [tiny] scrap of reminiscence' of his own about Henry's talk, because he believes that the people she had quoted 'turned too much to the purely mental stuff of the thoughts, and did not bring out the manner, the personality, which lent so great a charm.' Tells her to use his piece in any way she pleases. Announces that he is not going to Windsor after all. Suggests that she might like to discuss some of the points he touched upon, and informs her that he would be available after the following Monday.

Refers to an enclosed letter to him from Henry Sidgwick of [18 Nov 1896, not included]; Claims that it demonstrates how Henry helped people by really putting himself 'inside their point of view.' Reports that they are having a bout of influenza at Eton, and that out of thirty-six boys thirty-two are sick. Adds that it is of a mild type however. States that 'Willie has to go home for a few days.'

[Dictated to W. Berwick] Sends her his 'contribution to the Biography', i.e., notes about Henry Sidgwick [included]. States that he is not quite satisfied with it, but does not intend to make any further alterations until he sees it in type. States that he is very glad she was 'able to stay so long, and had such good weather.' Urges her not to overwork herself if she can help it, and adds that they shall probably meet in the late autumn.

Prefaces the account by explaining that his sister Nora has asked him, as one of the earliest of Henry Sidgwick's pupils in philosophy, to supplement, from his personal recollection, 'what has been so excellently said by Professor Maitland and others who came somewhat later...', but claims that he has, in fact, little to add to their statements, and nothing to correct in them. States that he was, as an undergraduate, a fellow commoner, which gave him more privileges than many of his contemporaries. Relates that he [Balfour] came up from Eton to Cambridge in 1866, 'with no academic ambitions, but with the highest expectations as to the gratifications which academic life had to offer...', and claims that Sidgwick was very instrumental in insuring that these expectations were not disappointed.

Declares that Sidgwick offered, in addition to his ordinary lectures, 'a small class for those specially interested in the metaphysical side of the "Moral Science" Tripos...', which consisted, he believes, of only one other student besides himself. Describes these classes, which took place in Sidgwick's room and consisted mainly of conversation and discussion. Refers favourably to Sidgwick's method of teaching, and states that they were 'allowed to forget that [they] were preparing for an examination...', which added to the pleasure of learning. Adds that Sidgwick did not force upon his students the historic method of studying philosophy, and states that altough the study of the history of is important, its importance is 'secondary and derivative', and is not likely to be appreciated by the 'youthful student'. States that he never drove his pupils 'into the arid regions of speculation....' Regrets that he is unable to recall the precise details of his method of teaching.

Claims that the relation between Sidgwick and himself of tutor and pupil 'rapidly ripened into a warm personal friendship....' Relates how Sidgwick was adept at encouraging students. Claims that of all the men he has known Sidgwick was the readiest to consider every controversy and every controversialist on them; that he never claimed authority, never sought to impose his views, never argued for victory, and never evaded an issue. Remarks on the influence HS had over the intellectual development of any who had 'the good fortune to be associated with him, whether as pupil or as friend', and claims that he [Balfour] was 'doubly happy' in that he was both. With amendments and emendations.

Reports that he was down at Haslemere the previous Saturday to Monday, and that he [and H.G. Dakyns] worked on the rest of Dakyns letters. Refers to the need for discretion, which Nora had mentioned, and states that he regards all the letters as confidential. Relates that Dakyns was 'infinitely good over the letters', and claims that between them they have dated nearly all of them. Believes that they will be helpful 'at every point except what concerns [Henry Sidgwick's] administrative Cambridge work', and states that they show 'himself on many sides', and that his 'infinite unwearied thoughtfulness, and quiet wisdom, and great range of interest, and kindness, are apparent everywhere.'

Expresses his gladness that Henry has got a good mortgage, and reports that he hears from Mr P[ ] that it was 'perfectly sound'. States that he has looked over Bridges' pamphlet [Robert Bridge's Prosody of Milton?] again, and remarks, on reading it again, 'how very little [ ] prosody can carry you in explaining the secret of good verse...', and that he quite agrees with Henry about the end of lines. Goes on to discuss the content and form of the verse, and refers to the use and accentuation of foreign words, e.g., in French and Latin. Refers to Milton, Pope, and Shakespeare. Asks Henry if he knows P[atmore's]. 'Studies of the English Metrical Law', published as a preface to Amelia. Also refers to [a report] in the Globe of the previous Friday that 'German bands in Melbourne had been compelled to play "Rule Britannia" all the time'.

Sends her a copy of a letter to him from Henry Sidgwick [not included], which he suggests might be of some use to her. Remarks that the latter part of it is an example of 'the accuracy and tact of [Henry's] judgment in matters of general culture'. Expresses his pleasure at the news that Nora and Arthur Sidgwick are to write a memoir of Henry. Refers to a paper by Frank Cornish in the Pilot of 22 December, which he describes as 'admirable', and offers to send it to her if she has not yet come across it. Adds that he has put, 'by way of a note, the passages in [Robert Bridges'] "[Pros]ody of [Milton]" referred to in [Henry's] letter at the end....' Expresses the hope that 'the change and holiday' will do Nora great good, and reassures her of their sincere and deep sympathy. Offers to send her the original letter if she wishes to have it.

Explains that she heard from [James] Bryce that Nora would like to have part of Henry Sidgwick's correspondence with her father [Arthur John Patterson]. Reports that she has spoken to her mother, who will be happy for Nora to have the letter as soon as they get back to town, which will be in the early part of September.

Thanks her for her letter. Refers to the enclosed letter and copy of minute and tells her to keep them. Reminds her that [Henry Sidgwick's] article on 'The Philosophy of Common Sense' was published in Mind in 1895. Announces that she is having a children's party on the following Monday, but claims that 'it will seem very different from the times when [Nora has] been so kind as to come'.

Sends her the only letter [from Henry Sidgwick] that he can find [not included]. Remarks that the freedom and freshness of it still seems very vivid to him. Advises her in relation to her plan to write a memoir, that it would be best 'in the form either of an introduction to some posthumous publication, or else of a magazine or review article.'

Referring to an enclosed printed extract regarding an estimation of Henry Sidgwick's character, declares that he shall be very glad that the 'few lines should be quoted', and states that he has made some slight alterations in order to bring out the meaning more clearly. States that he shall look forward greatly to reading the book [Henry Sidgwick, a memoir]. Adds that he was reading a few days ago Masterman's appreciation of Henry Sidgwick in The Peril of Change.

Hesitates to intrude upon her sorrow, but assures her that no day has passed without his thinking of Henry Sidgwick, whom he loved and honoured. Explains that he learned from Frederick Pollock that she was collecting Henry's letters. Refers to the only one he has [not included], which was written to him the previous winter.

States that he has read her enclosure 'with renewed interest', and states that he would read it again and again if it were possible for him to retain it. States that he has no objection 'to the publication [the memoir of Henry Sidgwick?]' Explains that, having been absent from Oxford he did not receive her letter 'in time to attend to it sooner'.

Thanks her for her letter, and declares that he is deeply gratified by the insertion of the letter of 29 May, especially beause he believes it is 'unique in the highest sense.' States that they look forward to Nora's visit. Sends back to her the chapter [of Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir, not included], which, he claims, surpasses his expectations, and is 'a wonderful picture of [Henry's] thought and action.' Hopes that she will not finally insert the three lines of Bullock Hall's until he sees her, and states that his reasons for this wish are literary. Declares that he is very well satisfied by the references to himself. Refers to a passage 'about "the game of law and order being up" ', which, he claims, was used against him 'in ten thousand leaflets, without the context, and most unfairly.' Adds that Henry's own remark about it is quite proper and reasonable. Tells Nora to think over the references to Dilke and to Jebb's garden. Is sure she will 'keep in about the "Sidgwick Road." ' Adds that it is impossible to alter, or criticise in detail, the general construction of an admirable book, and states that this book - unlike any recent biographies 'presents the real person...one's own old friend'.

Declares that he very much looks forward to the privilege of reading more [of the proofs of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir], but states that he does not feel competent to advise about omissions and insertions. Declares that he is exceedingly pleased by all the allusions to himself, which, he claims, truly represent his relationship with Henry. Declares that he thinks Henry 'the Representative man of [their] generation....' Expresses the wish to see his own letters.

Returns the MS [of Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir, not included] to her, remarking that he has 'insensibly slipped into the passive role of a reader', which, he claims, is 'the greatest compliment that one can pay to a book in proof-sheets.' Declares that he is very pleased with the notices of himself. Points out a slight mistake and some corrections to be made, and reports that two pages did not arrive. Remarks that 'Miss [Mary Louisa] Cannan was a privileged woman', and wonders whether she is alive and still unmarried. Announces that they shall now be [residing] continuously at Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland.

Acknowledges receipt of the proofs of Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir. Claims that he began reading it at four o'clock that morning and read to the end of 1884. Declares that the account of Henry's work at Cambridge raised him greatly in his [Trevelyan's] esteem and admiration, and remarks on how little Henry said about his labours and self-sacrifices. Refers favourably to the 'Journal letters' also. Hopes that she will insert Henry's letter to Trevelyan of 29 May 1905 [sic], which, he claims, is 'one of the most touching and beautiful things in the world.' Gives her permission to show it to Arthur Sidgwick. Sends his wife's best love, and looks forward to Nora's visit.

Thanks her for her letter. States that he has read the proofs of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she sent to him, and has made marginal notes throughout. Declares that he likes the way Arthur Sidgwick has done the early chapter[s], and that he does not believe that 'anything in the [ ] of literature of this order' has moved him so much. Refers also to 'the faithful record of a man's last days on earth....' Declares that the book is one of the best biographies ever written. Adds, however, that he misses in the book the presentation of his marriage as a source of his contentedness and 'beatitude'. Predicts that Henry 'will continue to draw his future men into him not only by his published writings of all sorts - but now by his example....' Adds that he has a card for Arthur 'fixing Monday 18th [ ] at Cambridge. Not at Oxford [as he hoped]'. States that he will be there.

Announces that he intends to be in Cambridge all the following week, and that he would very much like to see the letters of which she speaks. States that he had intended to send with this letter the notices of the College meetings for 1865, 1867 and 1868, and two notices for a meeting for the alteration of statutes in 1869, but hopes to go to the College library the following day to fill up the missing year, 1866, and undertakes to send all the documents together. Refers also to his intention to verify that Henry Sidgwick began to lecture on Moral Sciences in October 1867. States that he had not fully realised the extent of Henry's activity with regard to the College meetings etc. between 1865 and 1869. Refers to the Classical Tripos Syndicate, which led to the reforms that took effect in the examination of 1872. States that she would be able to get the date of 'the pamphlet from Mr Clark at the Registry, where, he claims, she would also find 'a very amusing fly-sheet, in which Henry describes Dr Guest, the Master of Caius, as "that dashing innovator".' Wishes that he had revised his notes before she copied them, as some of them were 'both hasty and rough.'

Returns the 'fragment' [not included], and asks her to let him know that it has reached her. Remarks that it is deeply interesting, and expresses the wish that there had been more of it. Queries a date in it in relation to the publication of Ecce Homo [by Seeley, of which Henry Sidgwick wrote a critique] and points out that the terms ' "classical lectureship" ' and ' "lectureship in moral sciences" ' are 'technically inexact', and goes on to explain the system of appointments and titles.

Informs Sidgwick that at their meeting of 9 April 1897 the Royal Danish Academy elected him an ordinary member of their class of letters. States that Sidgwick will receive the Proceedings as they are published, and adds that any paper he might wish to submit would be welcomed. States that he will send him the diploma of the Academy in due course.