Item 167 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Reports that their 'long-talked of Trip' has been cancelled. Explains that William was exhausted by his examination work at Oxford and was not fit for it. Reports that he came to Wellington College for a week, and left, intending to go to London, and then to join Arthur. It was agreed that she should join them in Wales with Lucy Brown, but states that neither of them have written. She goes home the following day. States that Mr Barford thought that William was suffering from 'a congested state of the Brain from over work', and advised that he rest. Hopes that William will see Dr [George?] Burrows in London. Claims that she has been very busy at Wellington College.

Thanks Henry for the French book he sent. Reports that Minnie and the baby are doing very well. Reports that the children would very much like to see Henry, as he will hear from Edward. Refers to 'the Elections', and states that she is glad that Trevelyan and J.S. Mill have been successful. Asks Henry if he can get him any autograph 'of great (not noble merely) men'. Claims that she has not heard of any of the books Henry mentions, [see 99/47] as they, at Wellington College, do not subscribe to any library now.

Hopes that they shall see Henry 'just when the school reopens', but suggests that he might be in Yorkshire at that time, and that, if so, he should come to them 'in the new house about the end of September'. Tells him to write to her Yorkshire friends when he is ready to go to them, and undertakes to prepare them for seeing him. Refers to the death of [Benson] Sidgwick's six-month old son [William] at Worthing the previous week, and to the imminent marriage of Annie Brown to 'a Mr Penny of Exeter'.