Item 123 - Letter from Sir Howard Elphinstone to Henry Sidgwick

Reports that he went to Scotland with the intention of doing some fishing, but the weather has not been favourable for that activity, and he has gone to the Isle of Skye. Complains of the scarcity of meat. Describes the island as 'a wonderfully pretty place' but complains about the difficulty of traversing the mountains. Reports having climbed Sgùrr nan Guillean the previous day, and having found the cards of D[uncan?] Darroch, Trinity College, and --- Morgan, Jesus College, under a small [cairn], to which he added his own. Claims that Skye would be a good place for reading parties, and gives a description of its attractions. Uncertain as to whether he will be in town for [the Apostles'?] dinner, and expresses his displeasure with 'that Secretary [Charles?] Puller' for not having written to let him know when the dinner was to be. Writes patronisingly about 'these Highlanders' and their attempts to speak English, but claims there to be 'nothing like the jolly good Saxon civility', which, he maintains, recognises 'that true politeness does not ignore distinction of ranks.'