Item 26 - Letter from J.W. Hales to Henry Sidgwick

Hales says that he will sign the document and thanks Sidgwick for writing about it, 'for the occasion really calls for something of the sort, [ ] sorry as he is that it should be so'. Says that four or five years ago he was so annoyed with Farm[ ]'s proceedings, [ ] to certain opponents, that he retired from the Committee of the N.S.Sr. - 'If I had not done so then, I should certainly have done it now'. States that anyone who says a word about [ ] now stands an excellent chance of being insulted by [ ]. Refers to the document being signed - 'or will sign the formal copy whenever he likes'. Thanks Sidgwick for leading the protest against insolence. Mentions sad note about Spedding [James Spedding's final illness?]. Sends regards to Mrs Sidgwick.